West Cook News

Village of Forest Park Village Council met Oct. 28

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Hoskins led all assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:04 p.m.

ROLL CALL

Commissioners Maxham, Nero, Melin-Rogovin, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins answered the Roll Call.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

It was moved by Commissioner Maxham and seconded by Commissioner Nero that the minutes from the October 15, 2024, Regular meeting of the Council be approved.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Nero, Melin-Rogovin, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: None

The motion carried unanimously.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Ms. Bernadette McLain warned about a landlord/tenant scam where an individual with a fake identity and impeccable credit rents an apartment and then gives access and keys to unknown individuals who move in. The scam is run through a Facebook page and is dangerous for landlords because it can take up to a year to evict in residential properties. Ms. McLain expressed her gratitude to Forest Park staff, the Police Department and especially to Officer Michael O’Connor for all of his efforts in assisting her.

Mr. Thomas Kovac spoke in opposition to the proposed amendment to the zoning code.

Ms. Michelle Fitz-Henry expressed her dissatisfaction with the documents provided by the village in response to her FOIA for documents related to the zoning code amendment meetings.

Mr. Dan Marcus submitted written comments encouraging the village to record and stream PZC meetings and to host a Townhall meeting to inform all residents of pending changes which may impact them.

COMMUNICATIONS:

None

DEPARTMENT REPORTS:

The Police Department submitted its July - August, 2024, report.

APPROVAL OF BILLS:

R-95-24

RESOLUTION FOR PAYMENT OF BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $453,860.66

APPROVED

It was moved by Commissioner Maxham and seconded by Commissioner Nero that the Resolution for the payment of bills be adopted. The bills totaled $453,860.66.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Nero, Melin-Rogovin, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: None

The motion carried unanimously.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

The Ordinance amending Title 9, Chapter 3 of the Village of Forest Park Zoning Code remained on the table.

NEW BUSINESS:

O-33-24

ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF 2015 CHEVROLET SILVERADO

APPROVED

It was moved by Commissioner Voogd and seconded by Commissioner Melin-Rogovin that the Ordinance authorizing the sale or disposition of surplus property (2015 Chevrolet Silverado) be adopted.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Nero, Melin-Rogovin, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: None

The motion carried unanimously.

O-34-24

ORDINANCE AMENDING NUMBER OF LIQUOR LICENSES REGARDING ALDI SUPERMARKET

APPROVED

It was moved by Commissioner Maxham and seconded by Commissioner Nero that the Ordinance amending Section 3-3-6, entitled “License Fee and Number;” of Chapter 3, entitled “Liquor Control,” of Title 3, entitled “Business and License Regulations” of the village code of ordinances of the Village of Forest Park, Cook County, Illinois be adopted.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Nero, Melin-Rogovin, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: None

The motion carried unanimously.

R-96-24

RESOLUTION WAIVING IMRF HIRING FREEZE

APPROVED

It was moved by Commissioner Maxham and seconded by Commissioner Melin-Rogovin that the Resolution authorizing the waiver of the hiring freeze for IMRF employees regarding the hiring of a full-time Public Works Chauffer be adopted.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Nero, Melin-Rogovin, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: None

The motion carried unanimously.

R-97-24

RESOLUTION APPROVING FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE SUCCESSOR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT

APPROVED

It was moved by Commissioner Maxham and seconded by Commissioner Melin-Rogovin that the Resolution approving a collective bargaining agreement between the Village of Forest Park and the Forest Park Patrol Officers and Sergeants represented by the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council be adopted.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Nero, Melin-Rogovin, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: None

The motion carried unanimously.

VILLAGE’S MEMBERSHIP IN STRONG CITIES NETWORK

APPROVED BY MOTION

It was moved by Commissioner Melin-Rogovin and seconded by Commissioner Voogd to approve the village’s membership in the Strong Cities Network.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Nero, Melin-Rogovin, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: None

The motion carried unanimously.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:

Administrator Entler thanked the League of Women Voters and attended their 100th Anniversary Celebration last week. The Administrator announced that today is National First Responders Day and expressed her appreciation for all the First Responders who serve the Village of Forest Park. Leaf pick up has begun in the village. The administrator encouraged property owners to bag, mulch or compost their leaves if they possibly can. Last, with the colder weather coming, Administrator Entler reminded residents to check their outside waterspouts to prevent freezing.

COMMISSIONER’S REPORTS:

Commissioner Nero thanked all those who attended tonight’s meeting and those who offered public comment. The commissioner assured residents that the Village Council will do their best to work together to make the best decisions for the village.

Commissioner Melin-Rogovin thanked Administrator Entler for her leadership, feedback and assistance with communications at the council level, adding that Rachell is shaping what the Council does as a whole. The commissioner further reported her participation in the Park District’s Trunk or Treat event.

The Safety and Traffic Commission members provided safe Trick-or-Treating information. Last, the commissioner expressed her gratitude to the Public Works Director and staff for the resolution of a big water main break recently.

Commissioner Voogd thanked all those who attended tonight’s meeting, adding that she appreciates the feedback and values the input from the residents. The commissioner called out Megan Hunt for leading the dog costume contest at the recent Casket Races. Last Commissioner Voogd reminded residents that the Pumpkin Smash event is being held on Saturday, November 9th.

Mayor Hoskins reported that he recently attended many local events, including the Triton College Foundation annual dinner honoring Illinois Senate President, Don Harman and Illinois Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chris Welch. The mayor was able to speak to many legislators about Forest Park Projects and State money allocated to Forest Park. Another event the mayor attended was the Metropolitan Planning Council’s 90-year anniversary celebration where there was much discussion about the Metropolitan Mobility Act, which will consolidate CTA, Metra, PACE and RTA into a new transit authority. Mayor Hoskins was able to provide input relevant to Forest Park to the legislators.

ADDITIONAL NEW BUSINESS:

RECESS INTO CLOSED SESSION 7:39 P.M.

It was moved by Commissioner Nero and seconded by Commissioner Maxham to recess into closed session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11) to consider litigation.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Nero, Melin-Rogovin, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: None

The motion carried unanimously.

RECONVENE OPEN SESSION MEETING 7:56 P.M

It was moved by Commissioner Melin-Rogovin and seconded by Commissioner Maxham to reconvene into open session.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Nero, Melin-Rogovin, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: None

The motion carried unanimously.

R-98-24

RESOLUTION APPROVING SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

APPROVED

It was moved by Commissioner Maxham and seconded by Commissioner Melin-Rogovin that the Resolution approving the execution of a Settlement Agreement, General Release and Covenant Not to Sue be adopted.

ROLL CALL:

AYES: Commissioners Maxham, Nero, Melin-Rogovin, Voogd and Mayor Hoskins

NAYES: None

ABSENT: None

The motion carried unanimously.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to be addressed, Commissioner Nero moved, and Commissioner Maxham seconded to adjourn. The motion carried unanimously.

Mayor Hoskins declared the meeting adjourned at 7:57 P.M

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