Submitted By
Shatonya Johnson, Chief of Police
Reviewed By
A.M. Zayyad, Deputy Village Manager
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement with Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker, LLC for Independent Facilitator Services Related to the Village Board's Community Safety Goals in an Amount Not to Exceed $63,500, Authorizing Its Execution and Waiving the Village's Bid Process for the Agreement
End
Overview
Overview
It is requested that the Village Board authorize and approve the execution of the Professional Services Agreement with Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker, LLC (BerryDunn) for independent facilitator services related to the Village Board’s Community Safety Goals.
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Recommendation
Recommendation
Approve the Resolution
Background
In November 2021, the Village of Oak Park, contracted with BerryDunn to conduct an operational assessment of the Oak Park Police Department (OPPD). The overall project included four specific areas in relation to the OPPD: 1. Full management and operational assessment study; 2. Audit of race equity issues (internal and external); 3. Recommendations and research for alternative responses to traditional police services; 4. Presentation of successful measures to contribute to Fair and Impartial Policing (FIP), which have been accomplished in similar cities.
On November 14, 2022, Michele Winzetl from Berry Dunn Consulting presented to the Village Board an overview of its findings and recommendations for the operational assessment of the Oak Park Police Department.
The report included 42 recommendations grouped into five major themes for the Police Department:
• Staffing (including recruiting, hiring, and retention)
• Personnel development
• Policies and procedures
• Impartial policing and transparency
• Technology utilization
• Training
The Police Department has been actively working towards implementing the recommendations and has successfully completed 14 of them. However, further assistance from BerryDunn is needed to execute the remaining recommendations successfully. BerryDunn has submitted a proposal that includes helping the Police Department prioritize the remaining recommendations. Once an action plan is developed for the implementation, BerryDunn will leverage this work to provide strategic direction, resulting in a comprehensive Strategic Plan for the Police Department as the final deliverable.
The proposal has three project areas:
Project Area 1: Recommendation Prioritization and Strategic Action Planning
Project Area 2: Recommendation Implementation and Change Management
Project Area 3: Strategic Plan Development
As a value-add, Project Area 2 also includes training on Change and Resistance, Critical Thinking, and Problem-Solving for Police Department, as well as, Village Leadership throughout the organization.
Thanks to BerryDunn's previous work, they have gained a thorough understanding of the Police Department's operations, challenges, and conditions. This understanding puts BerryDunn in a favorable position to perform these processes more efficiently and effectively, as much of the foundational work has already been accomplished and will not need to be repeated. Therefore, waiving the bid process is advantageous for the Village.
Fiscal Impact
The cost of this project is $63,500 and funding has been identified in ‘External Support’ Account Number: 1001.41020.101.530667.0000 to cover the project.
DEI Impact
One of the recommendations in the operational assessment of the Oak Park Police Department completed by BerryDunn was for the Police Department to establish a DEI committee and charge that group with the responsibility to monitor DEI elements that impact operations and personnel, including hiring and promotional processes. The recommendation will be reviewed and operationalized during this project.
Alternatives
The Village Board could delay action and seek additional information.
Previous Board Action
At the June 22, 2020, Special Board Meeting, the Village Board approved a resolution in support of the Obama Foundation’s Pledge which was taken by Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb as part of a national effort to address police violence and systemic racism.
On August 30, 2021, Berry Dunn was chosen by the Village Board to provide independent facilitator services related to the Board’s community safety goals.
On November 11, 2021, the Village Board approved the Professional Services Agreement with Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker, LLC.
On November 14, 2022, Michele Winzetl, Berry Dunn Consulting, provided the full report and presented an overview of its findings and recommendations for the operational assessment of the Oak Park Police Department.
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
N/A
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
N/A
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
N/A