123 Madison Street

Oak Park, Illinois 60302

www.oak-park.us

Village of Oak Park

Meeting Minutes

President and Board of Trustees

Monday, December 5, 2022

6:30 PM

Village Hall

I. Call to Order

Village President Vicki Scaman called the Meeting to order at 6:32 P.M.

II. Roll Call

7 -

Present:

Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, Village

Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village

Trustee Wesley

Absent:

III. Consideration of Motion to Adjourn to Executive Session to Discuss Litigation

It was moved by Trustee Parakkat, seconded by Trustee Buchanan, to enter into

Executive Session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2/(c)(11) to discuss pending litigation.

The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows:

7 -

AYES:

Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, Village

Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

V. Reconvene to Regular Meeting in Council Chambers and Call to Order

The Regular Meeting reconvened at 7:00 P.M.

VI. Roll Call

7 -

Present:

Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, Village

Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village

Trustee Wesley

Absent:

VII. Agenda Approval

Trustee Buchanan asked for Item AO to be moved from the Consent

Agenda to the Regular Agenda.

It was moved by Trustee Wesley, seconded by Trustee Parakkat, to approve the

Agenda as amended. The motion was approved. A voice vote was taken and the

motion was approved.

VIII. Non-Agenda Public Comment

Clifford Osborn. Lives on Gunderson. On November 28 at 6:30 pm, his

neighbor was accosted by two young men with a gun while parking in a

municipal lot. The assailants took his car and belongings and left the

community. He said the Village Board has oversight of the 2023 budget

and should work with department heads, not just the Village Manager's

Office. He asked for the Manager to respond to his letter.

Kevin Kell. Lives on South Humphrey near 7 Van Buren construction. He

said residents were told they would always have access to the alley

between Austin and Humphrey. The alley is now closed due to construction

and two residents have no garage access and must park on the street and

deal with tickets and snow. One house lost three tenants due to the alley

closure. He said workers are using vibratory procedures which were not

presented to residents. He asked for the Village Board to ask the correct

questions in the future.

Village Clerk Waters read the following Non-Agenda Public Comment

aloud:

Anonymous. Said their property rights have been violated by the Oak Park

Residence Corps and Village of Oak Park. Because of the 7 Van Buren

construction, their neighbors, renters, and partner have had no garage or

alley access for two months, which was promised to them during Village

deliberations. They said they were given one day’s notice and no

opportunity to dispute. As senior citizens, they depend on their garages to

keep their cars safe and protected from snow. They said their

communication with Village Trustees and OPRC has been ignored.

IX. Village Manager Reports

Village Manager Jackson introduced Public Works Director Rob Sproule

to provide an update on the Village's fleet purchases as it pertains to the

resolution passed October 10, 2022 authorizing the Manager to negotiate

and execute contracts for the purchase of fleet vehicles.

Director Sproule stated two recent Ford Escape Hybrid orders intended for

police enforcement officers and engineering staff were cancelled by

manufacturers. Public Works acted quickly to procure three additional

vehicles--an all-electric animal control van, a hybrid Ford Maverick for water

pumping staff, and a 2022 Ford F-250 that was part of the 2023 capital

improvement plan and will appear on the January 17, 2023 agenda. The

Village plans to continue purchasing vehicles under the spending authority

in Section 2-6-10 of the Village Code and will bring items to the Village

Board for approval prior to purchase when possible.

President Scaman stated that she understands the need to move quickly in

this market. Trustee Buchanan inquired about the vehicle type of the Ford

F-250. Director Sproule responded that it is a gas vehicle that can push

snow, which electric vehicles do not yet have the capacity to do.

Trustee Taglia said he appreciated the update and requested calendars

for January and February. Manager Jackson affirmed they will be provided.

X. Village Board Committees & Trustee Liaison Commission Report

Trustee Parakkat provided an update for the Civic Information Systems

Commission. He said the Commission is applying for a capstone project

for Smart Cities with the University of Illinois at Chicago. The application

will go out shortly for students to come help the Commission research

specific use cases in other Smart Cities that will be applicable and

consistent with Village Board goals. President Scaman thanked Chair

David Baker for creating the application again.

XI. Citizen Commission Vacancies

ID 22-427

Board & Commission Vacancy Report for December 5, 2022.

There were no comments.

XII. Citizen Commission Appointments, Reappointments and Chair Appointments

ID 22-430

Motion to Consent to the Village President’s Appointment of:

Historic Preservation Commission - Monique Chase, Appoint as Member

Clerk Waters read the names aloud.

It was moved by Trustee Wesley, seconded by Trustee Robinson to approve the

Appointment. The motion was approved. A voice vote was taken and the motion

was approved.

XIII. Consent Agenda

Approval of the Consent Agenda

Trustee Wesley moved and Trustee Robinson seconded to approve the items

under the Consent Agenda. The roll call on the vote was as follows:

7 -

AYES:

Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, Village

Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

ORD 22-88

An Ordinance Authorizing the Disposal of Surplus Property Owned by the

Village of Oak Park

This Ordinance was adopted.

RES 22-174

A Resolution Approving a Collective Bargaining Agreement and

Memorandum of Understanding Between the Village of Oak Park and the

Service Employees International Union Local 73 for the Period of January 1,

2022 through December 31, 2024 and Authorizing Their Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving the Renewal of the Independent Contractor

Agreement with Cerniglia Co. for Village Wide Emergency Water and Sewer

Repair Services in an Amount Not to Exceed $40,000.00 and Authorizing its

Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving the Renewal of the Independent Contractor

Agreement with Gino’s Heating & Plumbing Inc. for Village Wide

Emergency Water and Sewer Repair Services in an Amount Not to Exceed

$40,000.00 and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving the Renewal of the Independent Contractor

Agreement with IHC Construction Companies, L.L.C. for Village Wide

Emergency Water and Sewer Repair Services in an Amount Not to Exceed

$40,000.00 and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement with Illinois

Alarm Service, Inc. for Burglar and Fire Alarm System Monitoring,

Maintenance and Repair Services for Village-Owned Buildings in an

Amount Not to Exceed $47,285.00 with Two Additional One-Year Option

Terms and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 22-283

RES 22-284

RES 22-285

A Resolution Approving the Renewal of the Independent Contractor

Agreement with Davis Tree Care and Landscape, Incorporated for Village

Wide Parkway Tree Pruning and Removal Services in an Amount Not to

Exceed $350,000.00 and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving the Renewal of the Independent Contractor

Agreement with A & B Landscaping and Tree Service, Inc. for Village Wide

Parkway Tree Removal and Stumping Services in an Amount Not to exceed

$255,000.00 and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving the Renewal to a Professional Service Agreement

with S.W. Schmitz, LLC, d/b/a Automatic Control Services for Scada

Integration Services in an Amount Not to Exceed $75,000.00 and

Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 22-287

A Resolution Approving a Three-Year Independent Contractor Agreement

with ECO-Clean Maintenance, Inc. for Custodial Services for Village-Owned

Buildings in an Amount Not to Exceed $126,000.00 in 2023 and Authorizing

its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 22-289

RES 22-290

A Resolution Approving a Dumping of Excavated Materials Price

Agreement with Waste Management of Illinois, Inc. in an Amount Not to

Exceed $150,000.00 and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving the Purchase of 2,500 Tons of Rock Salt from

Cargill Inc., at $72.55 Per Ton for the 2022/2023 Snow Season in an Amount

Not to Exceed $218,000.00 Through the State of Illinois Joint Purchasing

Program and Waiving the Village’s Bidding Process for the Purchase

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 22-291

RES 22-293

RES 22-295

A Resolution Approving a Purchase Price Agreement with Vulcan

Construction Materials, LLC for Stone and Sand Materials in an Amount

Not to Exceed $30,000.00 and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving a Contract with Cerniglia Co. for Project 23-5,

Division St. Sewer & Water Improvements, in an Amount Not to Exceed

$1,423,027 and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving a Purchase Price Agreement with Ziebell Water

Service Products, Inc. for Materials for Repair of Water Mains and Sewers,

Fire Hydrants, Water Services and Sewer Services in an Amount Not to

Exceed $70,000.00 and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 22-296

RES 22-297

A Resolution Approving a Purchase Price Agreement with Core & Main LP

for Materials for Repair of Water Mains and Sewers, Fire Hydrants, Water

Services and Sewer Services in an Amount Not to Exceed $50,000.00 and

Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving the Engagement of Attorneys/Law Firms for Legal

Services to be Performed on Behalf of the Village of Oak Park for the 2023

Fiscal Year

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 22-299

RES 22-300

A Resolution Approving the Renewal of a Professional Services Agreement

with Wight & Company for Architectural Design Review Services for Fiscal

Year 2023 in an Amount Not to Exceed $35,000 and Authorizing its

Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving the Renewal of an Independent Contractor

Agreement with A & B Landscaping & Tree Service, Inc. for Snow Plowing

and Salting of Village Leased/Owned Parking Lots, Back-up Snow Removal

for Public Streets and Sidewalk Snow Shoveling for Fiscal Year 2023 in an

Amount Not to Exceed $175,000 and Authorizing its Execution.

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 22-302

A Resolution Approving an Amendment to an Independent Contractor to

Change the Not to Exceed Amount from $86,300 to $96,800.00 for Fiscal

Year 2022 and Approving an Independent Contractor Agreement for Fiscal

Year 2023 in an Amount Not to Exceed $91,700.00 both with Revcon

Technology, Inc. for the Service and Maintenance of Parking Access and

Revenue Control Systems at the Village’s Holley Court and Avenue Parking

Garages and Authorizing their Execution.

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving a Funding Grant Agreement between the Village of

Oak Park and the Oak Park Housing Authority in the Amount of $35,000

for 2023 and Authorizing Its Execution.

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving a Funding Grant Agreement between the Village of

Oak Park and the Oak Park Area Arts Council in the Amount of $257,000

for 2023 and Authorizing Its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving a Funding Grant Agreement between the Village of

Oak Park and the Oak Park Residence Corporation in the Amount of

$42,500 for 2023 and Authorizing Its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement with Thompson

Elevator Inspection Service, Incorporated to Provide Elevator Inspection

Services for a One Year Term with Two Additional One Year Option Terms

in an Amount Not to Exceed $65,000 on an Annual Basis and Authorizing

its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 22-308

AA.

A Resolution Approving an Independent Contractor Agreement with Total

Parking Solutions, Inc. for the Service, Maintenance and Cellular

Connectivity of One Hundred and Twenty-Eight (128) Cale Pay Stations

During Fiscal Year 2023 in an Amount Not to Exceed $145,875.00 and

Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 22-309

AB.

A Resolution Approving the Renewal of the Professional Services

Agreement with HR Green, Inc. to Provide Plan Review and Inspection

Services in an Amount Not to Exceed $1,085,000.00 in 2023 and Authorizing

its Execution.

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 22-311

RES 22-312

AC.

AD.

Resolutions Authorizing the Annual Renewal of Pawnbrokers Business

Licenses

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving an Amendment to an Independent Contractor

Agreement with Misfits Construction Company for the Fabrication and

Installation of Signs for Various Pay-By-Plate Parking Areas Within the

Village of Oak Park to Revise the Project Scope and Reduce the Not to

Exceed Amount From $45,000.00 to $39,859.00 and Authorizing Its

Execution.

This Resolution was adopted.

AE.

AF.

AG.

AH.

A Resolution Approving a Memorandum of Understanding with the Illinois

Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council for the Purposes of Establishing an

Alternate Work Schedule for Police Department Patrol Officers in 2023 and

Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving A Memorandum of Understanding with the Illinois

Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council for the Purpose of Establishing an

Alternate Work Schedule for Police Department Sergeants and Lieutenants

in 2023 and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving a Collective Bargaining Agreement Between the

Village of Oak Park and the Illinois FOP Labor Council LODGE #8 for Patrol

Officers for the Period of January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2023 and

Authorizing Its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement with Pest

Management Services, Inc. in an Amount Not to Exceed to $35,000 and

Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 22-321

AI.

A Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Excess Public Entity Liability

Insurance, Excess Workers’ Compensation Insurance, Property Insurance,

Crime Coverage, and Cyber Liability for the Village of Oak Park for Fiscal

Year 2023 in an Amount Not to Exceed $707,139

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 22-322

RES 22-328

AJ.

A Resolution Approving a Funding Grant Agreement Between the Village of

Oak Park and Housing Forward in an Amount Not to Exceed $300,000 and

Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

AK.

A Resolution Approving a Nursing Services Agreement with Patrice

Steurer, R.N., in an Amount Not to Exceed $55,000 and Authorizing its

Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

MOT 22-93

MOT 22-96

MOT 22-98

AL.

AM.

AN.

A Motion to Approve the Bills in the Amount of $17,948,084.88 from

September 23, 2022, through November 17, 2022.

This Motion was approved.

A Motion to Approve the November 2022 Monthly Treasurer’s Report for

All Funds

This Motion was approved.

A Motion to Approve the 2023 Village Board Regular Meeting Calendar

This Motion was approved.

XIV. Regular Agenda

ORD 22-39

AP.

An Ordinance Adopting the Budget for All Corporate Purposes of the

Village of Oak Park, Cook County, Illinois in Lieu of the Appropriation

Ordinance for the Fiscal Year Commencing on the First Day of January, 2023

and Ending on the Thirty-First Day of December, 2023

Trustee Taglia stated his support of investments in DEI, sustainability, and

the flat levy. He expressed reservations about the increase in general fund

spending and the lack of appetite for discussion among Trustees.

Trustee Parakkat appreciated the flat levy and has concerns about the

significant increase in expenses. He said he is cautiously optimistic with

the new administration for this year and he encouraged community, Village

staff, and Trustees to pay close attention to this budget.

Trustee Wesley stated he is happy to vote on this budget and the 0% levy,

particularly in an era of such inflation, with a projected $366k surplus and

no projected 2024 deficit. He said this is transformative government that is

responsible and sustainable. He thanked Village staff and his fellow

Trustees.

Trustee Enyia thanked Village staff for completing the budget and starting a

new chapter in Oak Park with DEI efforts and Village Board goals of

looking at how the Village can police better and be more transparent and

communicate with residents.

Trustee Buchanan stated her support of this budget and her concern about

the $5.5 million ARPA funds earmarked for Capital Improvement Plan

(CIP) and sustainability. She said the Village needs to make specific

expenditures and plans to reach the goal of the 60% reduction in

greenhouse gases by 2030.

Manager Jackson responded that he looks forward to working with

Trustees in the next cycle on the ARPA funding slotted for CIP and

sustainability. He said there is $14M in specific investments going into

sustainability in this budget, which is made possible through additional

investments in CIP.

Trustee Robinson said she is proud of this budget for making good on the

commitment to affordability. She said the plan for the second half of ARPA

fund spending is responsive to the community. She asked the Manager to

call out efficiencies as a result of increased spending.

President Scaman thanked Village staff and Trustees for creating a budget

that is responsive to Village Board goals and an investment in services.

She said she supports the affordability and 0% levy. She said she did not

push for more cuts because staff only asked for what was needed to attain

the goals. She said the Trustees set the budget expectations and the

Village staff listened.

It was moved by Trustee Wesley, seconded by Trustee Buchanan, that this

Ordinance be adopted. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was

as follows:

7 -

AYES:

Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, Village

Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

MOT 22-99

AO.

A Motion to Approve Staff’s Recommendation to Overhire Police Officer,

Community Service Officer and Firefighter/Paramedic Positions in Fiscal

Year 2023

Manager Jackson introduced Assistant Village Manager/HR Director Kira

Tchang.

Assistant Manager Tchang stated this recurring item has come to the

Village Board since 2017. The primary intent of this public safety program

is to ensure that in the event of a planned retirement, planned resignation,

or long-term injury, the Village has the ability to staff a position that may

exceed the authorized FTEs, knowing there is a vacancy. It would be done

only when funding is available due to savings via turnover in salary or

overtime.

Assistant Manager Tchang said the secondary intent of this program

relates to the alternate calls for service response. As the Village evaluates

models of responding to calls for service, it is possible that Community

Service Officers (CSOs) may be tapped to take some of the calls to the

Police Department. The Manager would bring these discussions to the

Village Board. If the Village Board is in favor, the Village could move

forward with recruiting CSOs in advance of the budget being amended. It is

not designed to be a programmatic change, but rather another option that

can be used to fill anticipated vacancies.

Trustee Buchanan asked for the difference between a CSO and patrol

officer. Assistant Manager Tchang responded that a CSO is a non-sworn

employee within the Police Department. They staff the 24/7 police desk,

take calls, and assist with traffic enforcement and animal control. Trustee

Buchanan said the Black Lives Matter movement seeks to shrink police

departments and she cannot support this program because it would be

adding officers. Assistant Manager Tchang responded that CSOs are

non-sworn, not considered to be police officers, and unarmed.

Manager Jackson added it is common practice among police departments

to account for vacancies ensure full strength of existing positions; not hiring

additional officers.

Trustee Buchanan pointed to the secondary intent of overhiring CSOs

pending results of the Village's alternative calls for service analysis.

Assistant Manager Tchang responded that if the Village Board wants to

expand the role and number of CSOs, the overhiring program would speed

up the process.

President Scaman asked about the task force. Manager Jackson

responded that a recommended model for alternative calls for service

would be presented to the Village Board before any additional CSO hires

would be made. The task force anticipates bringing a recommendation to

the Village Board in Q1 of 2023.

Trustee Wesley said he will reluctantly vote yes because he supports CSOs

and recognizes the Village wants a fully-staffed force. He called for action

on the validated data from the Freedom to Thrive task force showing over a

five-year period that 96 black boys under the age of 18 were stopped by

police compared to one white boy. He said this is obvious bias in action in

Oak Park and not doing anything with this data feels like a

mischaracterization of priorities.

Trustee Enyia agreed with Trustees Buchanan and Wesley and said he will

vote yes. He said he has personally been in excessive situations in Oak

Park with police officers who were not CSOs. He said he wants to see an

effort to solve Oak Park's community policing programs and he believes

this is a step in that direction, as are CSOs. He said there needs to be

actual intention that will take actual data and will be an ongoing process.

Trustee Parakkat asked for clarification on whether this item gives the

ability to work within the boundaries of the budget to offset vacancies.

Assistant Manager Tchang affirmed that the cost for hiring a new public

safety position--including patrol officers, CSOs, firefighter/paramedics-

-would not exceed the savings that already exist within the budget. The

overhire program could allow the Village to move more quickly if the

alternate calls for service analysis results in a policy decision of the Village

Board to add additional responsibilities or CSOs to the force. Trustee

Parakkat said he sees this as a step towards reducing bias.

Trustee Buchanan responded that some critics say that the mere presence

of CSOs who go through the same police force training is part of that

culture and systemic racism and bias. Trustee Wesley added that being

stopped by a CSO versus a police officer is still bias if the ratios are 96:1.

President Scaman said she appreciated the perspectives shared today

and she trusts Village staff to listen and bring back to the Village Board the

advice that comes from the task force. She said she will vote in favor and

noted that it will also allow to overhire for firefighter/paramedics.

This Motion was approved.

6 -

AYES:

Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Enyia, Village Trustee Parakkat, Village

Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village Trustee Wesley

1 - Village Trustee Buchanan

NAYS:

ABSENT:

ORD 22-26

AQ.

An Ordinance Amending the Fiscal Year 2022 Annual Budget

Manager Jackson introduced Chief Financial Officer Steve Drazner.

CFO Drazner presented the Q4 budget amendment ordinance with a total

requested change of $910,000. He said it includes several reclasses that

net out to zero, a new funding request of $404,000 in the Madison TIF fund

to draw down on the remaining balance, and $300,000 for firefighter

overtime based on department needs to bring the total to $1.1 million for

overtime.

It was moved by Trustee Wesley, seconded by Trustee Buchanan, that this

Ordinance be adopted. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was

as follows:

7 -

AYES:

Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, Village

Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

ORD 22-27

AR.

AS.

AT.

AU.

An Ordinance Providing for the Abatement of $348,400 Against the 2022

Tax Levy (2010C General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds)

It was moved by Trustee Wesley, seconded by Trustee Buchanan, that this

Ordinance be adopted. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was

as follows:

7 -

AYES:

Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, Village

Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

ORD 22-28

An Ordinance Providing for the Abatement of $163,253.00 Against the 2022

Tax Levy (2012A General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds)

It was moved by Trustee Wesley, seconded by Trustee Buchanan, that this

Ordinance be adopted. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was

as follows:

7 -

AYES:

Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, Village

Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

ORD 22-29

An Ordinance Providing for the Abatement of $769,031.26 Against the 2022

Tax Levy (2016E General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds)

It was moved by Trustee Wesley, seconded by Trustee Buchanan, that this

Ordinance be adopted. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was

as follows:

7 -

AYES:

Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, Village

Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

ORD 22-30

An Ordinance Providing for the Abatement of $423,807.00 Against the 2022

Tax Levy (2015B General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds)

It was moved by Trustee Wesley, seconded by Trustee Buchanan, that this

Ordinance be adopted. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was

as follows:

7 -

AYES:

Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, Village

Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

ORD 22-31

AV.

AW.

AX.

AY.

An Ordinance Providing for the Abatement of $600,940.00 Against the 2022

Tax Levy (2016D General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds)

It was moved by Trustee Wesley, seconded by Trustee Buchanan, that this

Ordinance be adopted. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was

as follows:

7 -

AYES:

Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, Village

Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

ORD 22-32

An Ordinance Providing for the Abatement of $1,116,485.00 Against the

2022 Tax Levy (2018A General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds)

It was moved by Trustee Wesley, seconded by Trustee Buchanan, that this

Ordinance be adopted. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was

as follows:

7 -

AYES:

Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, Village

Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

ORD 22-33

An Ordinance Providing for the Abatement of $11,940.00 Against the 2022

Tax Levy (2020A General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds)

It was moved by Trustee Wesley, seconded by Trustee Buchanan, that this

Ordinance be adopted. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was

as follows:

7 -

AYES:

Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, Village

Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

ORD 22-34

An Ordinance Providing for the Abatement of $494,794.00 Against the 2022

Tax Levy (2020B General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds)

It was moved by Trustee Wesley, seconded by Trustee Buchanan, that this

Ordinance be adopted. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was

as follows:

7 -

AYES:

Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, Village

Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

ORD 22-35

AZ.

An Ordinance Providing for the Abatement of $297,470.00 Against the 2022

Tax Levy (2021 General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds)

It was moved by Trustee Wesley, seconded by Trustee Buchanan, that this

Ordinance be adopted. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was

as follows:

7 -

AYES:

Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, Village

Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

ORD 22-36

BA.

The Village of Oak Park’s Tax Year 2022 Property Tax Levy Ordinance

It was moved by Trustee Wesley, seconded by Trustee Parakkat, that this

Ordinance be adopted. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was

as follows:

7 -

AYES:

Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, Village

Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

ORD 22-37

BB.

An Ordinance for the Levy and Assessment of Taxes in the Amount of

$725,000 for the 2022 Property Tax Year for Village of Oak Park Special

Service Area Number One

It was moved by Trustee Wesley, seconded by Trustee Parakkat, that this

Ordinance be adopted. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was

as follows:

7 -

AYES:

Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, Village

Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

ORD 22-38

BC.

An Ordinance for the Levy and Assessment of Taxes in the Amount of

$3,738 for the 2022 Property Tax Year for Village of Oak Park Special

Service Area Number Eight

Trustee Taglia asked if this ordinance is for the SSA for the speed bumps.

CFO Drazner confirmed it is for the speed tables on the 1200 blocks of

East Columbia, Linden, and Euclid Avenues.

Trustee Taglia asked for an explanation on how the policy changed this

year in terms of how they are being paid for moving forward. Director

Sproule responded that the Transportation Commission approved traffic

mitigation activities on the 1150 South blocks and 1200 North blocks. The

Village Board approved Village staff to apply those moving forward for

blocks without mitigations in place and decided that the installation costs

could be covered by the Village because the costs to administer these tax

levies was counterproductive to the relatively small installation costs.

Trustee Taglia said he felt they were good reasons and said it is a matter

of fairness to residents to not have to go through the process of creating an

SSA. CFO Drazner agreed that the amount is minimal and can be

budgeted and paid for from the capital fund.

Trustee Taglia asked if there was an appetite on the Village Board to vote

no and have this reconfigured and presented at a later date.

Trustee Parakkat believed the decision was the right one to reduce the

administrative burden on the Village by removing it, but from a fairness

perspective he believes it has to be done retroactively and he favors

whatever process needs to be done to alter that.

Trustee Wesley supported Trustee Taglia's statements. He said he

believes the Village Board should look at holistic traffic and safety

remediation as these implementations are patches and not a fix.

President Scaman stated that Vision Zero is coming forward in 2023.

CFO Drazner said a budget amendment may not be needed because the

expense was always going to be budgeted and paid for from the capital

fund. If the vote is no, the Village would stop collecting. Half has been

collected so far so the capital fund would cover the other half.

It was moved by Trustee Taglia seconded by Trustee Wesley that this Ordinance

be denied. The motion failed. The roll call on the vote was as follows:

7 -

NAYS:

Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, Village

Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village

Trustee Wesley

ABSENT:

MOT 22-101

BD.

A Motion to Direct Staff on Whether to Present for the Village Board’s

Future Consideration an Ordinance Placing a Referendum Proposition on

the April 4, 2023 Consolidated Election Ballot Regarding the Adoption of

Ranked Choice Voting for the Election of Village of Oak Park Officers

Manager Jackson stated that a legal analysis of ranked choice voting

(RCV) was given to the Village Board in November which presented new

information and explained the desire to seek direction from the Village

Board on whether to place RCV on the 2023 ballot. He asked Village

Attorney Paul Stephanides to provide a summary.

Attorney Stephanides said he seeks direction on the form the referendum

proposition would take if the Village Board were to adopt such an

ordinance. The referendum adopted by voters in the city of Evanston in

November was for electing alderpersons from nine wards, whereas Oak

Park elects Trustees at large three at a time. Under Illlinois Supreme Court

precedence, a referendum proposition must be specific on what form it will

take as it will be binding for future elections. A 2005 memorandum from

then Attorney General Lisa Madigan states "any referendum changing the

manner of the selection of municipal officers must create a complete,

self-executing system for selection of officers and not merely embody a

concept to be implemented by an ordinance adopted at some later time."

Clerk Waters read the following Agenda Public Comment aloud:

Marge Greenwald. Please put this item as a referendum on the April

election. Thank you.

President Scaman said if RCV is to happen for April 2023, the Village

Board would hold a Special Meeting on January 9, 2023 where Village

staff would present a sample referendum question. She said she supports

RCV on a national level. Oak Park can support a primary but has not done

so.

Trustee Buchanan asked for clarification on whether an additional election

would be held. Attorney Stephanides responded that RCV can be on any

primary or general election ballot.

Trustee Robinson requested two versions of the referendum language,

given its importance and the potential for a legal challenge if it is not

completely clear.

Trustee Buchanan stated her desire to push it beyond 2023 because it is

unclear when the County can do it and the Village has not done mass

education. She said she is in favor of a referendum in response to the clear

message the Village Board is hearing from the electorate. She asked

Attorney Stephanides how he would determine which options to present.

Attorney Stephanides responded that not all options apply to Oak Park and

he seeks direction from the Village Board. Trustee Buchanan

recommended the Village Board take a vote first see if there is enough

support before discussing options.

Trustee Wesley said he feels the weight of changing how democracy works

in Oak Park when the Village Board has not yet discussed this at length

and the education has not yet been done. He said he supports the January

9 Special Meeting.

Trustee Taglia said he believes the Village Board can review the options

and come to an agreement. He said he would like to give it a good faith

effort to get RCV on the April 2023 ballot. He said he is encouraged by the

number of residents contacting the Village Board, which is very positive

and does not happen often.

Trustee Parakkat stated his support of RCV mathematically to collect more

information to make a more informed decision. He echoed Trustee Taglia's

desire to make an effort to put RCV on the 2023 ballot and hold the

January 9 Special Meeting.

Trustee Enyia said he wants to ensure voters are properly educated and

understand how to vote for their specific outcome. He said he supports all

forms of understanding our democracy better and giving more people

options. He said he is in favor of taking the time to understand and move

forward.

President Scaman endorsed the January 9 Special Meeting. She said she

sees the current method of electing Trustees as similar to RCV. She

expressed concerns with redistributing votes because voters may not know

where their vote landed and may be less committed to voting. She said if

Oak Park were to do RCV in primaries, it will be a lot more work for the

County.

Attorney Stephanides said Evanston did a two-step process by first going

to non-partisan primaries in 2019 and then adopting the RCV referendum

in 2022. He said the ordinance would have to be adopted by January 17,

2023 to be on the April 4, 2023 ballot.

Trustee Buchanan said it is a big deal and she is feeling rushed.

Trustee Wesley agreed and said the education piece would need funding.

President Scaman suggested the League of Women Voters could help.

She asked Attorney Stephanides to share the legality behind government

money in education versus lobbying. Attorney Stephanides responded that

according to state statute, an educational effort can only be fact-based and

not advocate for or against a referendum question.

Trustee Robinson asked for clarification of the January 17 deadline.

Attorney Stephanides said the ordinance must be adopted 79 days before

the election and filed with the County Clerk 68 days before the election.

Trustee Parakkat said the Village Board is always against a deadline

which does not stop them from moving forward. He said he favors holding

the Special Meeting instead of giving up on RCV without a discussion.

President Scaman asked if Village staff have time over the holiday to put

the language together for the Special Meeting. Attorney Stephanides

responded that in addition to presenting the referendum language, he

would also like to present an analysis of how RCV has worked in other

jurisdictions and affected voter turnout. President Scaman said she would

like to see that analysis and then have a full discussion. The language must

be clear and not cause harm, as was the case in a Portland community

where a candidate lost who would have been elected. Attorney

Stephanides confirmed he can have an analysis ready by January 9.

Trustee Parakkat asked if Attorney Stephanides could share resources for

the Village Board to study ahead of January 9. Manager Jackson

responded that the preferred approach is for Village staff to do the analysis

and present the options to the Village Board.

Trustee Buchanan thanked Voice and League of Women Voters for their

advocacy of RCV. She said she is not comfortable with this happening so

fast and wants to wait.

Trustee Wesley said he would like to see a robust education effort that

reaches out to every eligible voter in the Village.

Trustee Enyia agreed that the education piece will take longer than will be

possible for the April 23 ballot.

Trustee Taglia said that change is difficult but good decisions are often

made on tight timelines and he believes The Village Board should try.

Trustee Buchanan asked Trustee Taglia what is the need to rush. Trustee

Taglia responded that he has received more energy and more emails on

this matter. Trustee Buchanan said the Village Board has received

hundreds of emails on other issues that have not swayed them.

Trustee Wesley said he is willing to have the Special Meeting, though he

feels too rushed to fundamentally alter democracy and people's trust with

the system, when there are residents who already feel marginalized when

interacting with the system.

Trustee Robinson said there is an advantage to waiting for the 2024

election which will have greater voter turnout. President Scaman agreed

and said residents can focus on learning just about RCV and not also

learning about the Trustee candidates.

Trustee Wesley asked Attorney Stephanides asked if he would need to

cancel his holiday plans to prepare because it would affect how he votes.

Attorney Stephanides responded that he is always working.

Trustee Parakkat suggested the Village Board hold the Special Meeting to

review the analysis and decide meeting whether to submit referendum

language for January 17. If a Special Meeting is not held January 9, one

could still be held in Q1. Manager Jackson confirmed a better option would

be to hold a meeting in Q1 to be able to include a full analysis and a

framework for an educational campaign.

President Scaman clarified that for the existing motion, a yes vote is in

favor of holding a Special Meeting on January 9 and a no vote is in favor of

holding a Special Meeting sometime in Q1.

It was moved by Trustee Buchanan, seconded by Trustee Robinson, that this

Motion be adopted. The motion failed. The roll call on the vote was as follows:

2 - Village Trustee Parakkat, and Village Trustee Taglia

AYES:

NAYS:

5 -

Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, Village

Trustee Robinson, and Village Trustee Wesley

ABSENT:

XV. Call to Board and Clerk

Clerk Waters thanked former Deputy Village Clerk Linda DeViller who is

now with the Public Works Department. DeViller filled in as Village Clerk

for several months during Clerk Waters' maternity leave and Clerk Waters

is forever grateful to her. Clerk Waters welcomed new Deputy Village Clerk

Cindy Hansen.

Trustee Buchanan announced an Anti-Hate Rally in Scoville Park on

December 21 at 3:30 pm.

Trustee Taglia thanked Village staff for their hard work during this rushed

year.

Trustee Robinson acknowledged the change in the composition of the

Village Board and Trustee Wesley for jumping in seamlessly during a such

a challenging time.

Trustee Wesley thanked Trustee Robinson. He thanked his fellow Trustees

and the staff for making him feel welcome. He gave a shout out to his son

at home who watches every meeting.

Trustee Parakkat congratulated Deputy Village Manager Lisa Shelley and

staff for organizing the Scoville Park drone show. He thanked his fellow

Trustees and acknowledged their differences in opinion are in the interest

of making this community better. He encouraged everyone in the

community to patronize local businesses.

Trustee Enyia thanked the Village staff for their many hours of hard work.

He thanked his fellow Trustees and feels they are in the opportunity to do

things in the moment and take risks that will make for great rewards for

generations to come.