Submitted By
Paul L. Stephanides, Village Attorney
Reviewed By
Ahmad M. Zayyad, Deputy Village Manager / Interim Director of Development Customer Services
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Resolution Declaring an Emergency Disaster Affecting the Public Health, Safety and Welfare in Order to Provide Aid and Support to Asylum Seekers Residing in the Village of Oak Park Through March 19, 2024
End
Overview
Overview
The Village Board is asked to declare an emergency disaster affecting the public health, safety and welfare as a procedural step under state law and the Village Code in order to provide aid and support to asylum seekers residing in the Village of Oak Park through March 19, 2024.
Body
Staff Recommendation
Police Chief Shatonya Johnson, as the Coordinator of the Oak Park Emergency Service Disaster Agency (ESDA), has recommended this action in accordance with Section 2-27-9 of the Village Code.
Fiscal Impact
Adoption of the Resolution authorizes any purchase or contracts necessary to place the Village in a position to provide aid and support to asylum seekers residing in the Village in order to protect the public health, safety and welfare of asylum seekers and the Village through March 19, 2024. Section 2-6-10 of the Oak Park Village Code further provides that urgently needed materials or urgent repairs involving labor and materials may be obtained through negotiated contracts without formal advertising with the approval of the Village Manager when it is in the best interest of the Village and when it is impractical to convene a meeting of the Board of Trustees.
Background
The Village Board is being asked to enact the procedural step under state law and the Village Code of adopting an emergency disaster declaration in order to provide aid and support to asylum seekers residing in the Village in order to protect the public health, safety and welfare of asylum seekers and the Village.
The Village Board previously adopted an emergency disaster declaration on November 2, 2023 to aid and support asylum seekers through December 4, 2023. The asylum seekers began arriving in the Village on October 31, 2023 and there are approximately over 160 asylum seekers currently residing in the Village. The intent of seeking an emergency declaration through March 19, 2024 is to provide for the shelter and support services for the asylum seekers through the winter months.
The emergency declaration will temporarily suspend purchasing requirements such as formal bidding procedures and Board contract approvals when quick action is deemed necessary and when it is impractical to convene a Board meeting. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker executed a “Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation” on a statewide basis due to the arrival of asylum seekers in the State on November 9, 2023 on a 30-day basis. This is a renewal of a previous proclamation issued by the Governor. Governor Pritzker’s November 9th Proclamation is attached as part of the agenda item.
DEI Impact
The Resolution authorizes aid and support to asylum seekers on an emergency basis through March 19, 2024.
Alternatives
The Village Board could delay action or seek additional information.
Previous Board Action
The Village Board previously declared an emergency to aid and support asylum seekers through December 4, 2023 pursuant to Resolution No. 23-326 on November 2, 2023.
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
N/A
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
The declaration will expire on March 19, 2024.
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
The Village is working closely with community partners and governmental agencies with regard to aid and support for asylum seekers residing in the Village.