123 Madison Street

Oak Park, Illinois 60302

www.oak-park.us

Village of Oak Park

Meeting Minutes

President and Board of Trustees

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

6:30 PM

Village Hall

I. Call to Order

Village President Vicki Scaman called the Regular Meeting to order at

6:33 P.M.

II. Roll Call

5 -

Present:

Absent:

Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Robinson,

Village Trustee Straw, and Village Trustee Wesley

2 - Village Trustee Enyia, and Village Trustee Parakkat

Consideration of Motion to Adjourn to Executive Session to Discuss Litigation

It was moved by Trustee Straw, seconded by Trustee Wesley, to adjourn into

Executive Session. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as

follows:

5 -

AYES:

Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Robinson,

Village Trustee Straw, and Village Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

2 - Village Trustee Enyia, and Village Trustee Parakkat

ABSENT:

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

The Regular Meeting reconvened at 7:01 P.M.

VI. Roll Call

Trustee Enyia joined the Meeting at 6:41 P.M.

6 -

Present:

Absent:

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

Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Straw, and Village Trustee Wesley

1 - Village Trustee Parakkat

VII. Agenda Approval

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

Agenda. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved.

VIII. Minutes

MOT 24-200

A Motion to Approve Minutes from the July 9, 2024 Regular Meeting of the

Village Board

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

Minutes. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved.

IX. Non-Agenda Public Comment

Stuart Barnes Jamieson: 25+ year resident and SEOPCO board member.

Concerned about the relationship between the Village and Oak Park

Regional Housing Center (OPRHC). Recommends establishing a

community task force to work on this issue.

President Scaman expressed her gratitude for Village Attorney Paul

Stephanides and his service to the Village of Oak Park. Village Clerk

Christina Waters, the Trustees, Village Manager Kevin Jackson, and

President Scaman read a statement. President Scaman and Liquor

Control Review Board Chair Sarah Corbin presented Attorney

Stephanides with a painting by local artist Tony Abboreno. Attorney

Stephanides made remarks and expressed his gratitude. Deputy Village

Manager Lisa Shelley read a statement on behalf of former Mayor Anan

Abu-Taleb.

XI. Village Manager Reports

ID 24-372

Review of the Updated Village Board Meeting Calendar for July and August

2024

Public Works Director Rob Sproule provided an update on the major storm

event last night.

Manager Jackson presented updated calendars for July and August.

Trustee Robinson inquired about the next Finance Committee meeting to

look at the revenue policy. Manager Jackson said staff can work to

schedule it.

ID 24-351

Presentation from the Community-Led Oak Park Reparations Task Force

Chief DEI Officer Dr. Danielle Walker introduced the Item.

Betty Smitherman: Resident of 30+ years and retired D97 teacher.

Representing Euclid United Methodist Church. Urged the Village Board to

adopt the recommendations of the Walk the Walk Oak Park Reparations

Task Force.

Dot Lambshead Roche: Resident since age 10. Expressed gratitude

toward the task force, Michelle Stigger, Bill Washington, Doug Dixon,

Lynette Snorden, Sharon Holmes, Pat Brantley, Courtney White, and Betty

Smitherman.

Jameel Rafia: We've come a long way but we have so far to go.

Reparations are not new. Japanese and families of 9/11 were given

reparations.

Lisa Shelton: Resident of 9 years. Hopes this will lead to more change and

better outcomes in the village for people of color and especially those

experiencing homelessness.

Sheila Wesonga: Resident of 10 years and one of 500 first cousins. Very

few family members live in Oak Park because of past negative

experiences.

Task force members Nancy Alexander and Christian Harris presented the

Item. Dr. Walker provided additional information.

Trustee Buchanan inquired what the Village is doing to look at reparations.

Dr. Walker said some of the Village is looking through our records.

Attorney Stephanides said there is a dearth of information that does not

lend itself to the kind of reparations program Evanston has so further study

has to be done. Manager Jackson added that the Village is providing the

space and opportunity for the task force to report out on their findings.

Trustee Buchanan said she finds the Village feedback wholly inadequate. It

was on our Village Goals two years ago. She requested a proposal from

staff on how this village can take the first steps in addressing reparations

and would like to see a formal apology come to the Board for a vote as

soon as possible. She said she would like to revisit that all taxes from

cannabis sales go toward reparations and would like to hear more about a

restorative housing program.

Manager Jackson clarified that the legal advice has been given and the

Village is committed to helping the Board and community reach its goals.

Attorney Stephanides referenced the slide deck in the July 2022 Agenda

Item.

Trustee Robinson said she is less interested in Evanston's program and

does not want to engage in any program that does not pass legal muster.

She said she thinks a reparations analysis is the next step and would like

to understand from our DEI office what framework we should be using as a

local suburban municipality to recognize, acknowledge, and assess those

historical harms. She noted that none of the municipalities listed in the

memo were suburban and wondered if more similar municipalities have

engaged in this process. She said she bristles at the comparison with

Native American reparations. She said any program has to start with a

conversation with Faith Julian.

Trustee Buchanan requested clarification on the task force's proposed

definition of reparations versus Evanston giving cash. Attorney

Stephanides said there is a difference between the asks of the task force

and Evanston's program. She said she doesn't need proof of harm in

writing to provide an apology. Trustee Robinson clarified she wasn't saying

any harm should be proved up; we cannot have an apology that says the

task force says we did bad things so we're sorry. We have to take

ownership and do our own work.

President Scaman asked if issuing an apology before implementing

reparations programs would put the Village in any kind of legal vulnerability.

Attorney Stephanides said he did not think so.

Trustee Straw said we should start doing the work with haste and

specificity to bring forward a resolution acknowledging and apologizing for

the actions of the Village and the generational harm caused. He said he

would like a down payment assistance program to address the

generational wealth gap as a result of racist housing policies. Preserving

the Julian home and family legacy is vital and should be done with the input

of Faith Julian. He requested the status of the ongoing racial equity

assessment. Dr. Walker said the assessment has provided great insight

and opportunities to collaborate with community task forces like this one to

provide additional input and cultivate a plan.

Trustee Wesley inquired about the Evanston program's legal challenges.

Attorney Stephanides noted it is the only program of its kind in the U.S.

Trustee Wesley said Oak Park pioneered exclusionary zoning which still

exists today and contributes to segregation. He shared more history

related to zoning and Percy Julian and emphasized that Oak Park hired

Harland Bartholomew who invented racist zoning to come and rezone our

village. There is more we can do to uncover specific instances of action

this Village has taken that would justify reparations. He said he would like

to see specifics because a general apology is insufficient. He said he

supports the continuing investigation and moving forward.

Trustee Enyia thanked the task force and noted Asheville, North Carolina is

also going through this process. If we don't do it legally, it will not withstand.

People live through trauma forever because of what has happened

throughout history and people are still being denied housing to this day. He

said he wants to continue to listen to the recommendations and keep our

foot on the pedal. We can get these things done if we start to set timelines

and take the time to get this right.

Trustee Straw suggested putting a grant out for a historian to study our

primary source records and put together a comprehensive history.

President Scaman noted that Evanston took two years to compile their

research. She said she does wish for the apology to be genuine and she

would want to work with staff and the task force. She said she is committed

to working with Faith Julian and honoring her wishes.

Trustee Wesley shared more information about the Unity Fellowship

Missionary Baptist Church of Chicago and the actions of the Village Board

at that time. When we think about race here in Oak Park, there is a lot of

bad that comes with some of the good that we do.

President Scaman thanked the Trustees and public commenters for

sharing their stories and said staff are dedicated to fostering healing,

reconciling, and positive change, which has been driving our racial equity

work.

XII. Village Board Committees & Trustee Liaison Commission Reports

There were no comments.

XIII. Citizen Commission Vacancies

ID 24-371

Board & Commission Vacancy Report for July 16, 2024

There were no comments.

XIV. Citizen Commission Appointments, Reappointments and Chair Appointments

MOT 24-202

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

Board of Health - Janet Cosbey, Appoint as Member

Zoning Board of Appeals - Matthew Shoener, Appoint as Member

President Scaman read the names into the Record and noted this is the

first time she has made appointments outside of the Citizen Involvement

Commission (CIC) process with the Village Clerk. She thanked the CIC for

the work they do.

It was moved by Trustee Robinson, seconded by Trustee Wesley, that this Motion

be approved. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved.

XV. Consent Agenda

Approval of the Consent Agenda

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

items under the Consent Agenda. The motion was approved. The roll call on the

vote was as follows:

6 -

AYES:

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

Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Straw, and Village Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

1 - Village Trustee Parakkat

ABSENT:

RES 24-224

A Resolution Approving the Village Manager and Neighborhood Services

Director/Assistant Village Manager as the Village’s Certifying Officers for

the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Electronic Reporting System for Environmental Reviews Required for

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Projects

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 24-245

A Resolution Awarding a Small Rental Property Rehabilitation Loan and

Authorizing the Execution of a Loan Commitment and Agreement for the

Property Located at 1017 North Harlem Avenue (SRP-049)

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 24-246

RES 24-249

A Resolution Awarding a Small Rental Property Rehabilitation Loan and

Authorizing the Execution of a Loan Commitment and Agreement for the

Property Located at 1122 South Lombard Avenue (SRP-045)

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Authorizing the Submission of a Grant Application with the

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for

Community Development Block Grant - Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) Funds with

a Requested Funding Amount of $637,166

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 24-259

A Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement with Baker Tilly

Advisory Group, LP, to Provide a Strategic Financial Management Planning

Program in an Amount Not to Exceed $75,000 and Authorizing its

Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

MOT 24-190

RES 24-247

A Motion to Approve the February 2024 Monthly Treasurer’s Report for All

Funds

This Motion was approved.

A Resolution Approving a Three-Year Master Agreement with an Option to

Renew the Agreement for up to Two Additional One Year Periods with

Civiltech Engineering, Inc. for Professional Transportation Engineering

Services and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 24-248

A Resolution Approving a Task Order with Civiltech Engineering, Inc. for

Professional Transportation Engineering Staffing and Services for 2024 in

an Amount Not to Exceed $250,000, Authorizing its Execution, and

Directing Staff to Prepare the Necessary Budget Amendment

This Resolution was adopted.

XVI. Regular Agenda

ID 24-306

A Presentation on Emergency Overnight Shelter in Oak Park

Manager Jackson introduced the Item and Neighborhood Services Grants

Manager Vanessa Matheny presented the Item.

Trustee Wesley inquired about the 112 folks with unsheltered homeless

status. Manager Matheny said demographics include disability and area

median income. He noted that drug use accounts for only 20% so the

narrative that a significant majority experiencing homelessness are drug

users needs to stop and we need to approach the situation with empathy.

He inquired about the area median income (AMI) of 30% or less. Housing

Forward CEO Lynda Schueler said that means someone has $0 to about

$26K. He asked how many have $0 income and she said she can supply

that number.

Trustee Straw asked what the pipeline looks like from unsheltered to

permanent housing and where can we best deploy resources. CEO

Schueler said the Oak Park Homelessness Coalition hired an outside

consultant during COVID to determine capacity. Housing Forward is the

largest operator of permanent supportive housing in suburban Cook

County. In order to maintain a steady state of 65 rooms at the Wright Inn

and 40 beds at the emergency shelter, we need exponentially more

housing. 77% have stayed less than 30 days. Trustee Straw said he is

absolutely supportive.

Trustee Robinson said there are community benefits to addressing

homelessness. She asked if the CDBG CV application for $637K is the

23% number. Manager Matheny said the 23% was supposed to represent

$200K but the cost estimate has come back to $795K. Trustee Robinson

said she would consider SMASS 3 for this very limited scope should the

CDBG CV application not be successful. She asked where staff

recommended the $200K come from. Manager Matheny said it can be

unallocated ARPA funds or reallocating unused alternative calls for service

funds. President Scaman added the Village will pursue the $200K

previously approved for the final migrant expenses.

Trustee Wesley said he supports SMASS for helping the homeless

population and would like to motion to bring it back to the Board to waive

all fees. He suggested Housing Forward apply for an exclusion for the

windows on the Wright Inn. He asked if more outreach leads to more folks

entering the system. CEO Schueler said two of the five full-time outreach

staff are dedicated exclusively to Oak Park. The Village supports Housing

Forward through the Affordable Housing Fund. The Flexible Rental

Assistance Program (FRAP) is relied on heavily when state prevention

resources are not available. There is another bucket of funds specifically

for families and 18-24 year-olds.

It was moved by Trustee Wesley, seconded by Trustee Straw, to extend the

meeting past 10:00 P.M. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved.

CEO Schueler recommended an ordinance requiring landlords to staple

resources from Housing Forward when issuing eviction notices. Trustee

Wesley made a motion to ensure that when someone is getting evicted that

they are provided with the resources necessary to reach out for help.

Trustee Robinson said she would like to first discuss the process for

getting the materials to landlords. Attorney Stephanides noted the

state-mandated process would have to be examined. CEO Schueler said it

would also help if renters were not required to have a credit score of 640.

President Scaman said that fits into the racial equity discussion as part of

the Board goals.

Trustee Buchanan inquired about the chances of getting the $600K grant.

Manager Matheny said the Village worked with Metro Strategies to put

together a strong application and is hopeful we will be awarded those

funds. Trustee Buchanan asked if Housing Forward has asked for funding

help from the 26 other participating communities, which CEO Schueler

said they have not, though Housing Forward does receive support from

Berwyn and Cicero. Trustee Buchanan recommended seeking the most

sustainable choices in rehabbing decisions.

Trustee Wesley asked if the special use permit/text amendment could

come straight to the Board for use cases like this. Manager Jackson noted

it is scheduled for August 1. President Scaman said the special use

permitting processes and work of the staff and commissioners is there to

protect the Village. When it comes to the Board, it will hopefully be on the

Consent Agenda.

Trustee Straw agreed we should fast-track projects like this, though it is

important they go through the commissions for legal and procedural

reasons. Manager Jackson noted that staff worked to expedite this one.

President Scaman said the Community Development Citizen Advisory

Commission (CDCAC) does an amazing job and their reports can be

extremely informative to the community.

Neighborhood Bridge Executive Director Prentiss Butler introduced

himself.

XVII. Call to Board and Clerk

Clerk Waters said people can register to vote at Village Hall and reach the

Clerk's Office at 708-358-5670. She thanked the Public Works Department

and ComEd for their work after the storm. She thanked Attorney

Stephanides.

Trustee Enyia thanked the task force, Public Works, and Attorney

Stephanides.

Trustee Buchanan thanked Attorney Stephanides.

Trustee Wesley thanked Public Works. He made a motion for a study

session on information sharing in the eviction process in Oak Park, which

Trustee Straw seconded. He thanked Attorney Stephanides.

Trustee Straw thanked Attorney Stephanides. He said there is uncertainty

around our fall elections and what next year will hold on a federal level. It is

important that we in Oak Park continue to work toward being accountable

and honest about who we are as a community and who we strive to be.

Trustee Robinson thanked Attorney Stephanides.

President Scaman thanked Attorney Stephanides. She agreed with

Trustee Straw and said Oak Park can set an example of how to engage in

respectful dialogue on difficult topics. She said she is saddened about the

attempt on a former president's life and resorting to violence is never

acceptable. She called on all residents to be good listeners and respectful

in our dialogue with our neighbors.

XVIII. Adjourn

It was moved by Trustee Straw, seconded by Trustee Wesley, to Adjourn. A voice

vote was taken and the motion was approved. Meeting adjourned at 10:37 P.M.,

Tuesday, July 16, 2024.

Respectfully submitted,

Deputy Clerk Hansen