Submitted By
Paul L. Stephanides, Village Attorney
Reviewed By
Erin E. Baynes, Assistant to the Village Manager
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Resolution Approving a Lease Agreement between the Catholic Bishop of Chicago and the Village of Oak Park to Provide Shelter Space for Asylum Seekers Residing in the Village and Authorizing its Execution Subject to the Village Entering into an Operating Agreement for the Shelter Space
End
Overview
Overview
The Lease Agreement between the Catholic Bishop of Chicago (“CBC”) and the Village would provide shelter space at the former St. Edmund’s Parish School located at 200 S. Oak Park Avenue for the asylum seekers currently residing in the Village after the Village’s temporary shelter program ends on February 29, 2024.
Body
Staff Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution.
Fiscal Impact
The Village has received $1,244,000 in grant funds through the Supporting Municipalities for Asylum Seeker Services grant to operate a temporary shelter. Shelter operations including payment for the CBC’s self-insured property insurance premium and utilities are covered under the grant.
Background
The Village’s temporary shelter program for asylum seekers currently residing in the Village at the Carleton Hotel and the West Cook YMCA ends on February 29, 2024. A Lease Agreement has been negotiated with the Catholic Bishop of Chicago to provide shelter space at the former St. Edmunds Parish School located at 200 S. Oak Park Avenue for asylum seeker families. The Lease would run through June 30, 2024, and the Village would use funds awarded through the Supporting Municipalities for Asylum Seeker Services (“SMASS”) grant program from the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus to fund the operation of the shelter. The Village would enter into an operating agreement with a third party to manage the shelter. That operating agreement has not been finalized and therefore, the approval of the Lease is subject to the Village entering into the finalized operating agreement.
The CBC is offering the shelter space at no cost to the Village other than a monthly cost for the CBC’s self-insured property insurance premium. The Village would also be responsible for utilities. The Village Manager will not execute the Lease Agreement until such time as the Village Board has approved an operating agreement for the shelter space and authorized the execution of the operating agreement.
DEI Impact
Asylum seekers in the community are a vulnerable population. Short-term rental assistance grants asylum seekers more time to apply for temporary protected status, asylum and the employment authorization document, which is a viable pathway to economic independence.
Alternatives
Not adopt the resolution or request additional information.
Previous Board Action
N/A
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
N/A
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
N/A
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
N/A