123 Madison Street

Oak Park, Illinois 60302

www.oak-park.us

Village of Oak Park

Meeting Minutes

President and Board of Trustees

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

7:00 PM

Village Hall

I. Call to Order

Village President Vicki Scaman called the Regular meeting to order at

7:01 P.M.

II. Roll Call

6 -

Present:

Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Enyia, Village Trustee Parakkat, Village

Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Straw, and Village Trustee Wesley

1 - Village Trustee Buchanan

Absent:

III. 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.

IV. Minutes

A Motion to Approve Minutes from the March 4, 2025, Regular Meeting of

the Village Board

MOT 25-154

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

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

V. Non-Agenda Public Comment

There was no public comment.

VI. Proclamation

MOT 25-143

A Motion to Approve a Proclamation Honoring Fire Chief Ronald

Kobyleski On The Occasion of His Retirement

Clerk Waters, Trustee Enyia, Trustee Straw, Trustee Robinson, Trustee

Wesley, Trustee Parakkat, Village Manager Kevin Jackson, and President

Scaman read the Proclamation into the record. Chief Kobyleski expressed

his appreciation.

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

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

MOT 25-137

A Motion to Approve a Proclamation for Arbor Day April 25, 2025

President Scaman read the Proclamation in a pre-recorded video

available on the Village website.

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

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

A Motion to Approve a Proclamation Designating April 21-25, 2025 As

National Community Development Week

President Scaman read the Proclamation in a pre-recorded video

available on the Village website.

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

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

A Motion to Approve a Proclamation Black Maternal Health Week April 11

- 17, 2025

Clerk Waters read the Proclamation in a pre-recorded video available on

the Village website.

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

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

A Motion to Approve a Proclamation Arab-American Heritage Month April

2025

Trustee Parakkat read the Proclamation into the record. President Scaman

requested a moment of silence for the devastation in Gaza and Israel.

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

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

A Motion to Approve a Proclamation of National Public Health Week April

7 - 13, 2025.

President Scaman read the Proclamation in a pre-recorded video

available on the Village website.

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

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

A Motion to Approve a Proclamation Dr. Percy L. Julian Day April 11, 2025

Clerk Waters, Trustee Enyia, and Trustee Wesley read the Proclamation

into the record.

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

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

A Motion to Approve a Proclamation Transgender Day of Visibility March

31, 2025

Clerk Waters and President Scaman read the Proclamation into the

record. Oak Park residents Aaron McManus, Mike Johnson, and Jane

expressed their appreciation.

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

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

A Motion to Approve a Proclamation National Volunteer Week April 20 -

26, 2025

MOT 25-152

President Scaman read the Proclamation in a pre-recorded video

available on the Village website.

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

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

MOT 25-153

A Motion to Approve a Proclamation for Earth Month April 2025

President Scaman read the Proclamation in a pre-recorded video

available on the Village website.

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

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

VII. Village Manager Reports

Manager Jackson said staff are working to find an alternative date in April

for the Village Board to hold a discussion on the municipal campus police

station project. Trustee Robinson asked if it will all be done in one meeting.

Manager Jackson said the hope is the Board will have complete

information and an adequate amount of time to provide the staff with

direction to move the project to the next stage of finishing the schematic

design process. May 6 will be the first Board meeting in May.

President Scaman said the Board fully expected to be discussing the

schematics before upcoming events in April. It is a very big decision and

staff and the architect are working diligently to be responsive to the Board

direction that has been heard. The police station has been said to be the

priority of the project. There has been great concern shared about cost.

There is a desire to understand what potentially phasing in a rehabilitation

of Village Hall with the ultimate goal of having a facility that meets the

needs of our staff and is accessible to our community and that it be a

long-term solution that does not have our community continuing to pay more

over time through a financial analysis. A majority of the cost is the police

department being around $80M. Potential rehabilitation and maintenance

is another $20M to $40M. While this extra time is not what we planned for,

it is the best and most responsible way to move forward so we have all the

information we need to make the decision for the community.

Manager Jackson introduced Itzel Martinez who is a senior at the

Cornerstone Academy and very involved in civics throughout the

community. She shared more about her background.

VIII. Village Board Committees & Trustee Liaison Commission Reports

There were no comments.

IX. Citizen Commission Vacancies

ID 25-291

Board and Commission Vacancy Report for March 18, 2025

There were no comments.

X. Citizen Commission Appointments, Reappointments and Chair Appointments

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

Community Relations Commission - Cheryl A. Wisniewski, Appoint as

Commissioner Community Relations Commission - Rachel L. Gresk,

Appoint as Commissioner Environment & Energy Commission - Steve

Nations, Appoint as Commissioner Environment & Energy Commission -

William Obuchowski, Appoint as Commissioner Plan Commission - Frank

Sullivan, Reappoint as Commissioner

MOT 25-155

Clerk Waters read the names into the record.

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

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

XI. Consent Agenda

Approval of the Consent Agenda

It was moved by Village Trustee Robinsonand seconded by Village Trustee Straw

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 Enyia, Village Trustee Parakkat, Village

Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Straw, and Village Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

1 - Village Trustee Buchanan

ABSENT:

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

All Funds

MOT 25-117

This Motion was approved.

ORD 25-125

ORD 25-134

An Ordinance Amending the Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Budget

This Ordinance was adopted.

An Ordinance Amending Section 15-3-18 of the Oak Park Village Code to

Extend the Free Parking Time at the Village’s Avenue Garage from Sixty

(60) Minutes to Ninety (90) Minutes to Provide Business Support During

the “Renew the Avenue” Streetscape Project

This Ordinance was adopted.

An Ordinance Updating the Village’s International Property Maintenance

Code (IPMC) from the 2009 Edition to the 2024 Edition

ORD 25-135

This Ordinance was adopted.

A Second Reading of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 8 (“Business

Licensing”) of the Oak Park Village Code Prohibiting the Sale of

Intoxicating Hemp and Kratom Products to Underage Persons

This Ordinance was adopted.

An Ordinance amending Chapter 22 (“Streets and Sidewalks”) of the Oak

Park Municipal Code by Adopting Regulations for Maintenance of

Parkways Fronting or Abutting Parcels or Lots

This Ordinance was adopted.

A Resolution Approving a Contract with Triggi Construction, Inc. for the

25-4 Alley Improvements Project, in an Amount not to Exceed $2,534,405,

and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving a Contract with R.W. Dunteman Company for

Project No. 25-6 Pavement Preservation, in an Amount not to Exceed

$797,994 and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving the Renewal of the Annual Software License and

Support Maintenance Agreement dated December 15, 2014, with

CityView, a Division of N. Harris Computer Corporation, for the Village’s

Permitting, Licensing, and Inspection Services in an Amount Not to

Exceed $224,452.16 and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Amending the Village of Oak Park’s Commercial Façade

Improvement Program (C-FIP) Guidelines

RES 25-182

RES 25-183

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution to Amend the Housing Forward Funding Grant Agreement

for the Flexible Rental Assistance Program to Extend the Term of the

Agreement from March 20, 2025, to December 31, 2025, and Authorize its

Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution to Approve the Board of Fire and Police Commission Work

Plan and the Liquor Control Review Board Work Plans for 2025

RES 25-184

RES 25-185

RES 25-187

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving the Franchise Agreement Between the Comcast

and the Village of Oak Park, IL

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving Temporary License Agreements with 4 Oak Park

AA.

Businesses to Allow Use of On-Street Parking Spaces for Outdoor

Dining through October 31, 2025, and Authorizing their Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Authorizing Amendments of the Village of Oak Park’s

Renew the Avenue Commercial Interior Improvement (C-IIP) Grant

Program and the Commercial Social Media Grant (C-SMG) Program

Guidelines

RES 25-189

AB.

This Resolution was adopted.

XII. Regular Agenda

A Motion by Trustees Parakkat and Robinson to Discuss Current Village

Regulations on Mobile Food Vendors and Potential Amendments to

Regulations for the Village Board to Consider

MOT 25-138

AC.

Trustee Parakkat presented the Item.

Karla Linarez: Resident of 20+ years and Latina woman and business

owner. Fully supports the recommendations of the Business Office for food

trucks to maintain a distance of 250 feet from existing food establishments

and designating specific areas for food trucks to operate.

Manager Jackson said staff are looking for feedback from the Board about

the proposed options so staff can bring back an ordinance at a later date.

Development Services Director Craig Failor and Administrative Officer

Noemy Diaz provided additional information.

Trustee Parakkat asked if this is also applicable in instances where there

are special events. Officer Diaz said this is non-event related. If a food

vendor wants to participate in a special event, they have to go through a

different special event permitting process.

Trustee Robinson noted that the public commenter sent the Board a

detailed email that did a great job of explaining the difficulty and unfair

competition that doesn't current exist for other businesses. She said she

thinks this type of regulation can help further preserve the integrity of those

districts.

She noted the Oak Lawn regulation required food trucks to have a plan for

waste disposal. Officer Diaz said we haven't had any issues in terms of

waste disposal for the current licensed mobile food vendors but staff would

explore incorporating that into the regulations if desired by the Board. Staff

would also come back with a map to highlight the areas that would be

appropriate for mobile food truck vendors.

Trustee Straw inquired about the recommendation that mobile food

vendors are not able to operate in any business district which would mean

they could only operate in residential areas. He noted most of the other

communities had regulations limiting mobile food trucks from parking in

residential areas. Officer Diaz said staff's intent was to encourage mobile

food vendors to go to schools and parks where brick and mortar

businesses are unable to capture those areas.

He said he is concerned with setting up secondary business districts. He

said he is not in favor of the third recommendation right now. He said it

would be helpful to see what a map would look like with the 250 foot

distance around all food establishments. He noted it might not be a

problem to have a food truck selling a different type of food close to a

restaurant. He said he wants to make sure we find a balance with the

lightest touch possible on regulation that also protects our vital small

business community. Officer Diaz confirmed that ice cream trucks are

considered food trucks.

President Scaman said she agreed that a food truck serving the same

food should not be permitted. She inquired about a business like the Beer

Shop in a business district which has been encouraged to seek out

relationships because they do not serve food. She asked if food trucks

could be permitted in Lot 10 which often has special events. Officer Diaz

said that can be explored. President Scaman noted some of the food

trucks are also brick and mortar restaurants.

Trustee Wesley wondered if we could sell food truck spots in Lot 10. He

said he thinks this is a worthwhile ordinance to consider. He noted that

before exclusive single family home zoning, business districts and

residents intermingled and economic activity was a part of life and not

something that was separate. He said he would be more in support of

intermingling people and businesses any chance we can get, including

food trucks.

Trustee Enyia said he understands there are missed opportunities from

brick and mortar but food trucks also provide a level of convenience for

certain special events. He said he thinks there should be some type of

designated spot and can something be set up in other areas that would

never otherwise see an opportunity to see food. He said he agrees that we

do not want to see food trucks undercutting our businesses.

Trustee Straw clarified he did not propose preventing food trucks from

operating in residential areas. We just need to be thoughtful as we move

forward with regulation. He said he doesn't want to prevent business

activity where we are not seeing a problem. He would want to make sure

we are identifying and targeting what the problematic behaviors are.

Trustee Robinson said she does not want to regulate it by food type

because that gets too granular. She said there used to be a hot chocolate

and coffee food truck at baseball games.

Trustee Parakkat agreed that the specificity can become an enforcement

challenge very quickly which is counterproductive to what we are trying to

do. He said our ability to attract future businesses into a business district

has certain ramifications.

Trustee Wesley noted there is always a food truck parked outside of

Kinslahger. President Scaman wondered if the ordinance would prevent

that since there is a Dunkin Donuts right on that corner. Director Failor said

staff could look at limiting the duration food trucks are in one spot so they

are not there all day.

XIII. Call to Board and Clerk

Aidan Sullivan: Born and raised in Oak Park. He asked President Scaman

what flopped her original stance as to the fate of this building and what

impetus she has personally found towards its preservation that will prevent

her stance from flipping again once the scrutiny of an upcoming election is

no longer a factor in the decision.

President Scaman responded that the process of the facilities committee

had her appreciating the beauty of this building and she said if we can

demonstrate how to renovate it to respond to the community's needs for the

next 50 years, that we are setting an example of how to do it, recognizing

that it is challenging and expensive.

Clerk Waters encouraged residents to vote early at Village Hall from 9 am

to 5 pm Monday through Saturday and Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm. We

are not a polling place on election day. She encouraged residents to vote

for their Village President, Trustees, Clerk, D97 and D200 school boards,

the Township, the Park District, and the Library. In celebration of Volunteer

Week, the Village will host its second annual Neighborhood Clean-Up on

Saturday, April 12 from 9 am to 12 noon. She thanked the Village for

allowing the Clerk's Office to bring forward the proclamation for the first

Black Maternal Health Week. She noted she is a mother of four and read a

portion of the proclamation aloud.

Trustee Enyia expressed his appreciation for the Dr. Percy Julian

proclamation. He recommended looking at the re-sale volunteer

opportunities on the Hephzibah website. He said he lost his friend Colin

Thorpe last week who was very special to this community and he wants his

family to know that we are all here for them.

Trustee Straw expressed his appreciation for the Trans Day of Visibility

proclamation. Oak Park is seen as a community where they can feel safe

and included which is an example of our values. He said he feels there has

been confusion recently around the Village Hall process. We have to move

forward with a new police station which is the highest priority and largest

portion of any facilities plan. We have to take care of deferred maintenance

and upkeep on Village Hall. The discussion comes down to how much

renovations will go beyond just deferred maintenance and upkeep and

what the timeframe will be. We have a while to go on that discussion and it

will not be this exact Board making the final decision.

Trustee Wesley said it is amazing to see the support in these chambers

this evening and it is a welcome beacon of hope and support in this year.

Trustee Parakkat said the fact that the Board was not able to discuss the

Village Hall situation deserves some comment. He said he thinks the issue

is that July 2023 the Board made a cost estimate based decision where

the cost of demolition to rebuild (Option 4) that got selected was up to

$138M and the cost of a police station is $65M at that point in time. The

fact that we decided to go with Option 4 is the time we indicated to

everyone that we are willing to spend that kind of money on this Village

Hall. It put a target on our backs. Architects started seeing dollar signs on

Oak Park. Our much needed established need for a police facility has now

been delayed by two years and we have not made any decisions yet. We

should have had a limit or a constraint placed on top of that to make sure

we are setting the right constraints for what is affordable to this community.

Saying in the last two years we've had a facilities commission and other

discussions in pointless because we already made the poor decision to

set the stage for an $140M expenditure which is not fair on the community

and is definitely against our values of affordability and inclusivity. The last

two years we have spent $2M and two architects and not gotten anywhere.

He acknowledged this is the last Board meeting before the election and

where he will be a Trustee. He said he appreciates the opportunity to bring

the topic around food small businesses to the Board which is near and

dear to his heart.

President Scaman said it is unfortunate we are not able to talk about

Village Hall this evening. There was an appropriate time during the Board

agenda to have a discussion where it wasn't just a statement. All of Trustee

Parakkat's colleagues have said for a year and a half that they are not

comfortable with $138M. All we were voting on was building a new police

station which is the lion's share of any cost and then have necessary

maintenance and renovation on this building. We all weighed in on values

in a session and our entire process has been to bring us as much

information as possible so that we as responsible elected individuals can

make our decision. This Board has been very careful on all of our decisions

to center affordability and make sure we have a high level of information in

making our decisions. It has been a joint process of which we have all been

able to weigh in on. The majority consensus of the Board was a new police

station is the priority and address maintenance and rehab. How much

rehab or the ability to phase in has been said many times. It was just

deciding the direction and then working with an architect with our staff to

then find where our comfort zone was. President Scaman said she did not

say under $100M. The police station itself will most definitely need to be

under that in order for us to have any kind of reasonable budget.

She said to Trustee Parakkat that your colleagues have been together in

saying they're not comfortable with $138M yet that number keeps going out

there disrespecting your colleagues and the staff. She said she would

rather concentrate on all of the transgender community who came out and

their allies in such a beautiful way and she thanked her colleagues and the

staff and Village Clerk for supporting this proclamation and embracing

being a safe place for all.

XIV. Adjourn

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

voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. Meeting adjourned 8:49

P.M., Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

Respectfully submitted,

Deputy Clerk Hansen