123 Madison Street

Oak Park, Illinois 60302

www.oak-park.us

Village of Oak Park

Meeting Minutes

President and Board of Trustees

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

7:00 PM

Village Hall

I. Call to Order

Village President Scaman called the Meeting to order at 7:04 P.M.

Village Trustee Enyia arrived at 7:40 P.M.

II. Roll Call

7 -

Present:

Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Eder, Village Trustee Enyia, Village

Trustee Leving Jacobson, Village Trustee Straw, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village

Trustee Wesley

Absent:

III. Agenda Approval

It was moved by Village Trustee Taglia, seconded by Village Trustee Wesley to

approve the agenda. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved.

IV. Minutes

MOT 26-114

A Motion to Approve Minutes from the January 27, 2026 Regular Meeting,

Minutes from the February 2, 2026 Special Meeting, and Amended

Minutes from the June 3, 2025 Regular Meeting

It was moved by Village Trustee Wesley, seconded by Village Trustee Straw to

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

V. Non-Agenda Public Comment

There was no Non-Agenda Public Comment.

VI. Proclamation

MOT 26-113

A Motion to Approve a Proclamation for Black History Month February

2026

Village Trustee Wesley read the Proclamation aloud.

George B., member of AMENS Group Inc, emphasized the enduring role of

art as a powerful force against dehumanization in America, tracing its

significance back to the 1500s. Drawing on Robert Farris Thompson’s

Flash of the Spirit, he highlighted how African cosmology and cultural

traditions had sustained African Americans by affirming their humanity and

origins. George honored influential figures who embodied this spirit: civil

rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, known for her fight for voter registration;

poet Carolyn Rodgers, co-founder of the Organization of Black American

Culture and author, who championed empowerment through art; Angela

Jackson, Illinois Poet Laureate, who dedicated herself to bringing poetry

into schools and inspiring youth with the vision of “Where we must go”; and

scholar Eddie Glaude, who challenged audiences to “become the leaders

we want to follow.” He concluded that art had not only humanized and

empowered Black communities but also offered a path toward universal

humanity and cultural transformation.

Carl S., member of AMENS Group Inc, stated the group is composed of

senior men in Oak Park, all long-time residents (30+ years), most in their

80s, who identify as intellectuals and activists focused on equity for Black

and Brown children. They are active in District 97 and 200, CRC, and other

spaces where equity work is needed. AMENS Group Inc, historically

including the late Gerald Clay, is committed to continuing its advocacy for

equity in Oak Park and similar communities. He thanked the board for

acknowledging their presence and mission.

Donna C., founder of Harambee, thanked the Village of Oak Park for its

Black History Month proclamation and commitment to honoring Black

history, culture, and community. She reflected on Black history as a living

tradition of resilience, creativity, and contributions that shape culture,

education, and the arts. Through cultural arts, she emphasized the

importance of passing traditions across generations, which inspired the

creation of Harambee, a community celebration rooted in pride and unity.

What began in 2006 as “Night at the Museum” evolved into Harambee, now

marking its 20th anniversary in 2026. The event, held at Longfellow

Elementary School, features an African vendors market, fashion show, and

performances by Zawadi Performing Arts, whose mission is “Nurturing

gifts, inspiring lives where every child’s gift shines.” She invited the

community to attend this free program celebrating culture and creativity.

Lyn A., former Multicultural Center Director, thanked the Village Board for

its Black History Month proclamation and commitment to diversity. She

shared her background as the former Director of Oak Park’s Multicultural

Center and expressed disappointment when the cultural library and

hands-on museum were closed in 2016. She emphasized the importance

of cultural understanding and competency, and expressed hope for a future

Multicultural Center in Oak Park. She announced a free Black History

exhibit hosted by her company, Tri-Star Gymnastics, in Forest Park on

February 22. The event will feature African dance and drumming

workshops, cultural displays, interactive activities, and a book corner

celebrating African-American life and culture.

VII. Village Manager Reports

ID 26-173

Review of the Tentative Village Board Meeting Calendars for February,

March and April

The manager’s report focused on reviewing the calendar for the next three

months. Key updates included scheduling an additional meeting on

Tuesday, March 24, and noting that the meeting originally planned for

Tuesday, March 17 will instead be held on Wednesday, March 18.

VIII. Village Board Committees

IX. Citizen Commission Vacancies

ID 26-172

Board and Commission Vacancy Report for February 10, 2026

X. Citizen Commission Appointments, Reappointments and Chair Appointments

MOT 26-116

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

Citizen Involvement Commission - Chris Saam, Appoint as Commissioner

Civic Information Systems Commission - Cathy A. Kiriakos, Appoint as

Commissioner

Disability Access Commission - Bernhard Walke, Appoint as

Commissioner

Historic Preservation Commission - Dave Bates,

Reappoint as Commissioner

Village Clerk Waters read the names aloud.

It was moved by Village Trustee Wesley, seconded by Village Trustee Leving

Jacobson, that this Motion be approved. A voice vote was taken and the motion

was approved.

XI. Public Hearing

XII. First Reading

XIII. Second Reading

XIV. Consent Agenda

Approval of the Consent Agenda

Village President Scaman announced that Item J and Item N be moved

from the Consent Agenda to the Regular Agenda.

It was moved by Village Trustee Eder and seconded by Village Trustee Wesley to

approve the items under the Consent Agenda. The motion was approved. The

roll call on the vote was as follows:

7 -

AYES:

Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Eder, Village Trustee Enyia, Village

Trustee Leving Jacobson, Village Trustee Straw, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

ORD 26-111

RES 26-123

An Ordinance Authorizing the Sale of Surplus Vehicles and Equipment

Owned by the Village of Oak Park

This Ordinance was adopted.

A Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement with Oak Park

Township to Administer the Flexible Rental Assistance Program and

Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 26-125

A Resolution Approving the Purchase of a Mohawk Six Mobile Column Lift

System and Safety Stands from Mohawk Lifts LLC of Amsterdam, New

York, through Contracts secured by the Sourcewell Joint Purchasing

Program in an Amount not to Exceed $127,512.32

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 26-127

RES 26-131

Authorize Submission of a Grant Application for the Illinois NEVI Formula

Program for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement with RJN

Group, Inc. for Sewer Manhole Inspections and Condition Assessments

and Sewer Inspection Database Support in an Amount not to exceed

$150,000, Authorizing its Execution, and Waiving the Village’s Bid

Process for the Agreement

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 26-132

RES 26-133

RES 26-135

A Resolution Approving a Grant Agreement between the State of Illinois,

Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Village of

Oak Park for the Madison Street Streetscape Projects in an Amount not to

Exceed $500,000 and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving the Purchase of One 2025 Sewer Company of

America Model 900-ECO-12 from Brown Equipment Company of

Evansville, Indiana, through Contracts secured by the Sourcewell Joint

Purchasing Program in an Amount Not to Exceed $549,551.49

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving a Collective Bargaining Agreement and Side

Letter of Agreement Between the Village of Oak Park and the Illinois

Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council Representing the Oak Park Police

Lieutenants and Sergeants Association for the Period of January 1, 2026

to December 31, 2028, and Authorizing Its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 26-137

A Resolution Approving a One-Year Professional Services Agreement with

Industrial/Organizational Solutions, Inc. for Sworn Fire and Police

Department Testing Services in an Amount Not to Exceed $153,460.00

and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 26-138

RES 26-140

A Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement with Public

Safety Testing, Inc., for Entry-Level Sworn Fire and Police Department

Testing Services in an Amount Not to Exceed $38,150.00 and Waiving the

Village’s Bid Process for the Agreement

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving the Village Board Protocols for 2026-2028 as

Reviewed at the September 3, 2025 and the January 20, 2026 Village

Board Meeting

This Resolution was adopted.

XV. Regular Agenda

RES 26-124

A Resolution to Authorize the Execution of a Purchase and Sales

Agreement with the Fellowship Christian Church to Acquire the Property at

1106 Madison Street

Maggie S., member of the Housing Program Advisory Commission, urged

voting against purchasing a church for affordable housing. She supports

the concept but cited concerns about lack of secured funding, tying up

village funds, and setting a precedent for property purchases without a

clear process.

Andrea, member of the Housing Program Advisory Commission,

supported affordable housing but opposed the village buying the church

property, citing financial risk, uncertain grant funding, lack of an open RFP

process, and potential depletion of the Housing Trust Fund. HPAC does

not support the project until the developer secures funding and finalizes

plans.

Director/ Asst. Village Manager Jonathan Burch presented two items: a

purchase and sale agreement for Fellowship Christian Church for $1

million and a development agreement with Interfaith Housing for the

Keystone Apartments project, which would create 36 units of permanent

supportive housing at 1106 Madison Street. He reviewed the project’s

history, noting prior approvals, Interfaith’s failed funding attempt in 2025,

and the revised plan to apply for 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits in

November 2025. He explained that site control is required for the

application and that the purchase would use general reserve funds instead

of the Housing Trust Fund to preserve its balance. He outlined risk

mitigation measures, including a clawback provision if funding fails, and

emphasized Interfaith’s strong track record and the benefits of additional

tax credits and affordable housing units.

Trustee Straw asked about the flow of funds and confirmed that Housing

Trust Fund dollars would be encumbered but remain available after June

2026 if the project fails. He clarified the timeline, noting that funds would be

tied up for about four months, and confirmed the property appraisal

matches the $1 million purchase price. He expressed comfort with the

short-term encumbrance given the project’s value but stressed redirecting

funds to other projects if this one fails.

Trustee Leving Jacobsen raised concerns about precedent-setting for

village property purchases. Jonathan Burch responded that this case

differs because Interfaith had prior approvals and engagement, not a

situation where staff independently sought property.

President Scaman emphasized the location’s strategic importance and

alignment with housing goals from the 2024 plan. She supported the

purchase, citing Interfaith’s strong track record and the project’s

importance for affordable housing.

Trustee Wesley asked if other projects could use funds now, and staff

confirmed none are pending. He questioned demand for church

redevelopment, and staff noted most sold churches remain churches. He

supported the proposal, acknowledging risks but prioritizing strengthening

Interfaith’s application to secure funding and deliver 36 units.

Trustee Eder expressed concern about disagreement with HPAC and a

desire for better alignment in the future. He asked about the chances of

funding, and staff shared IHDA statistics showing about a 55% success

rate in the metro Chicago bucket. He ultimately supported moving forward

despite risks.

HPAC Chair Spencer supported the project but warned against repeatedly

tying up Housing Trust Fund dollars for failed attempts. He urged clearer

procedures, better alignment with the board, and returning funds promptly if

the project does not proceed. He also advocated for increasing the trust

fund to support future opportunities.

This Resolution was adopted.

7 -

AYES:

Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Eder, Village Trustee Enyia, Village

Trustee Leving Jacobson, Village Trustee Straw, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

ORD 26-109

An Ordinance Authorizing the Execution of a Development Agreement

between the Village of Oak Park and Interfaith Housing Development

Corporation

It was moved by Village Trustee Straw, seconded by Village Trustee Wesley, 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 Eder, Village Trustee Enyia, Village

Trustee Leving Jacobson, Village Trustee Straw, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

ORD 26-104

*Concur with the Plan Commission’s Recommendation and Adopt the

Ordinance by Adding a “Body Modification Establishment” as a Special

Use in the NA - North Avenue Zoning District.

It was moved by Village Trustee Straw, seconded by Village Trustee Wesley, 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 Eder, Village Trustee Enyia, Village

Trustee Leving Jacobson, Village Trustee Straw, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

ORD 26-105

*Concur with the Plan Commission’s Recommendation and Adopt the

Ordinance Approving a Special Use Permit to Operate a Body

Modification Establishment in the NA - North Avenue Zoning District at

6549 North Avenue

Village Planner / Planning & Urban Design Manager Michael Bruce

explained the text amendment would add body modification establishments

as a special use in North Avenue, aligning with other districts where they

are permitted by right. The Planning Commission voted 5-0 in favor of the

amendment.

Plan Commission Chair Hale summarized the public hearing: some

neighbors opposed due to concerns about noise and late-night events. The

commission addressed this by limiting events to before 10 PM and

restricting services to tattooing and piercing only.

Village Trustee Straw strongly supported both motions, praising the

business as a positive addition to the community and local arts. Highlighted

economic benefits from high-end tattoo clients spending in Oak Park.

Village Trustee Wesley questioned why North Avenue requires special use

while other districts allow it by right. Suggested eliminating the special use

requirement for consistency and criticized outdated zoning rules.

Supported the application and advocated for broader zoning reform and

increased density to revitalize North Avenue.

Village Trustee Taglia acknowledged consistency concerns but expressed

reservations about North Avenue’s business mix, citing pawnshops and

vape shops. Urged a long-term vision for attracting businesses that boost

economic vitality and tax revenue.

It was moved by Village Trustee Straw, seconded by Village Trustee Enyia, 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 Eder, Village Trustee Enyia, Village

Trustee Leving Jacobson, Village Trustee Straw, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

RES 26-129

A Resolution Approving a Purchase and Subscription Agreement with

Granicus, LLC for Government Experience Service Cloud, Granicus

Operations Cloud, Communications Cloud Advanced Package,

Government Experience Agent, Boards and Commissions and AzureAD

Connector License Through a Master Agreement Secured By OMNIA

Partners For a Term of One Year With Four Option Years in An Amount Not

to Exceed $179,489.65 Annually, Authorizing its Execution

Village Trustee Eder opposed the AI chatbot in the Granicus contract,

citing three concerns: lack of clear metrics showing value for residents,

environmental impact from data centers conflicting with Oak Park’s Climate

Ready Plan, and reduced human interaction that undermines village values

of inclusion. He argued funds should prioritize direct engagement and

warned about rising software costs, urging a strategic technology plan.

Village Trustee Wesley asked for cost details ($30K plus $15K

implementation) and questioned whether all AI conflicts with climate goals

or if some models could be more sustainable. He emphasized the need for

clear policy before broadly rejecting AI.

Village Trustee Leving Jacobsen agreed with Eder and will vote no, saying

the chatbot’s value was never clearly demonstrated and the expense feels

like a “want” rather than a “need.” She preferred investing in community

priorities.

Village Trustee Taglia supported moving forward but stressed the need for

a broader discussion on technology’s role in village operations and

resident interactions. He noted skepticism about tech but highlighted the

contract’s opt-out option after one year.

Village Trustee Straw supported the chatbot and requested metrics on

usage, satisfaction, and environmental impact to evaluate its effectiveness.

He noted the chatbot could help residents navigate dense website content

and reduce staff workload.

Village Trustee Enyia supported trying the chatbot with clear success

metrics and feedback mechanisms. He shared past experience with

technology reducing jobs and emphasized balancing innovation with

community impact.

Village President Scaman acknowledged environmental concerns and the

growing role of AI but supported a trial to assess benefits versus risks. She

emphasized ongoing evaluation and policy development around technology

use.

It was moved by Village Trustee Eder, seconded by Village Trustee Wesley, that

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

was as follows:

5 -

AYES:

Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Enyia, Village Trustee Straw, Village

Trustee Taglia, and Village Trustee Wesley

2 - Village Trustee Eder, and Village Trustee Leving Jacobson

NAYS:

ABSENT:

RES 26-134

A Resolution Entering Into A Professional Services Agreement With BS&A

To Upgrade The Village’s Financial Software In An Amount Not To Exceed

$234,335.00 And Authorizing Its Execution

It was moved by Village Trustee Eder, seconded by Village Trustee Wesley, that

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

was as follows:

7 -

AYES:

Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Eder, Village Trustee Enyia, Village

Trustee Leving Jacobson, Village Trustee Straw, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

MOT 26-104

A Motion to Finalize the Preferred Concept for the Oak Park Municipal

Campus and Direct Staff to Advance the Preferred Concept to Schematic

Design

Village Manager Jackson introduced the Oak Park Municipal Campus

project update and explained that the board needs to provide direction on

design options and approve a schematic design contract to move forward.

Resident Chris S. expressed strong support for advancing the project,

citing the Barry Dunn report’s recommendation for a new police facility to

meet staffing and service goals. Encouraged prioritizing the police facility if

necessary but hopes both projects move forward.

Public Works Director Rob Sproule reviewed project history, noting the

board previously favored the multi-site concept for cost savings and

sustainability benefits. Outlined tonight’s goals: select a design approach

for Village Hall and approve a contract for schematic design. Highlighted

updates to the police station plan and Village Hall options.

Village Trustee Straw

Favored the Council Chambers Addition for its symbolism of transparent

government and improved public space. Raised concerns about high

police station costs and urged value engineering, phasing, and cost

reductions, especially for the parking garage.

Village Trustee Taglia voiced concerns about affordability for the village

and residents, citing potential costs exceeding $100 million with

contingencies. Questioned why abandoning the current council chambers

is necessary and requested clarity on accessibility and security challenges.

Village President Scaman explained that the existing council chambers

cannot meet modern accessibility and safety standards without costly

structural changes that would compromise its historic character. Past

attempts to retrofit the space proved impractical and expensive. Advocated

for planning for the next 30-50 years rather than short-term fixes.

Village Trustee Wesley expressed disappointment that no viable plan was

presented to preserve and upgrade the current council chambers, though

acknowledged accessibility and security issues.

It was moved by Village Trustee Straw, seconded by Village Trustee Enyia, that

this Motion be approved. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote

was as follows:

5 -

AYES:

Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Eder, Village Trustee Enyia, Village

Trustee Leving Jacobson, and Village Trustee Straw

2 - Village Trustee Taglia, and Village Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

RES 26-113

A Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement with Johnson

Lasky Kindelin Architects, Inc. for Schematic Design of the Police

Department at 11 Madison and Village Hall at 123 Madison, in an Amount

Not to Exceed $1,685,000 and Directing Staff to Prepare the Necessary

Budget Amendment

It was moved by Village Trustee Straw, seconded by Village Trustee Enyia, that

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

was as follows:

6 -

AYES:

Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Eder, Village Trustee Enyia, Village

Trustee Leving Jacobson, Village Trustee Straw, and Village Trustee Taglia

1 - Village Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

XVI. Call to Board and Clerk

Village Trustee Straw expressed appreciation for the Black History Month

celebration and contrasted it with efforts at the federal level to erase Black

history and remove diversity, equity, and inclusion principles. Emphasized

that Black history is U.S. history and warned that forgetting it risks

repeating past mistakes. Praised Oak Park’s commitment to diversity and

inclusion and called for continued efforts to make the community more

equitable.

Village Trustee Wesley echoed Straw’s sentiments and expressed

gratitude for the celebration, highlighting the Zawadi kids’ performance as

a highlight. Thanked community members and President Scaman for

making the event possible.

XVII. Adjourn

It was moved by Village Trustee Straw, seconded by Village Trustee Eder

to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 11:13 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Deputy Clerk Carswell