123 Madison Street

Oak Park, Illinois 60302

www.oak-park.us

Village of Oak Park

Meeting Minutes

President and Board of Trustees

Monday, April 24, 2023

7:00 PM

Village Hall

I. Call to Order

Village President Vicki Scaman called the Special Meeting to order at

7:03 P.M.

II. Roll Call

6 -

Present:

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

Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, and Village Trustee Wesley

1 - Village Trustee Taglia

Absent:

III. Agenda Approval

Trustee Wesley requested that Item R be moved from the Consent Agenda

to the Regular Agenda.

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

Agenda as amended). A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved.

IV. Non-Agenda Public Comment

Kurt Roskopf: Now is the wrong time to block the public from monitoring

police and fire radio communications. Preserving access for citizens

creates trust and transparency. Urged the Board to use its influence to ask

WestComm to provide a public feed of police and fire transmissions that is

delayed by 5-10 minutes.

V. Proclamation

MOT 23-26

A Motion to Approve a Proclamation to Declare April 28, 2023, as Arbor

Day.

Trustee Parakkat read the Proclamation into the record.

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

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

MOT 23-39

A Motion to Approve a Proclamation to Declare April 2023 as Alcohol

Awareness Month

President Scaman read the Proclamation into the record.

Oak Park Township Prevention Services Manager Kelly O’Connor

presented information about the Positive Youth Development program.

President Scaman shared her background with Oak Park Township.

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

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

MOT 23-40

A Motion to Approve a Proclamation to Declare April as Earth Month

Trustee Buchanan read the Proclamation into the record.

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

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

VI. Village Manager Reports

ID 23-172

Review of the Village Board Meeting Calendar for May and June 2023

Village Manager Kevin Jackson provided the updated Board meeting

calendars for May and June. Staff is discussing reparations and will

provide a progress update to the Village Board. Ranked choice voting will

be scheduled. Goal setting discussions will be scheduled in July and the

budget kick-off happens at the end of July.

Cultural heritage highlights will now be included in the Village Manager

Reports. Chief DEI Officer Dr. Walker acknowledged that April is Arab

American Heritage Month and to stay tuned for programming and events in

the community.

Manager Jackson provided an update on the upgrade to the WestComm

public safety communications system. The encryption of 911 calls is

happening throughout the state and the project will be completed this

summer.

Police Chief Shatonya Johnson said Oak Park is moving from an analog to

a digital system and is part of a consortium with River Forest and Forest

Park in which all three municipalities must agree. Encryption is the ability to

decode communication to prevent eavesdroppers and hackers from

listening in on police communication. All three municipalities support

encryption for officer safety reasons, as does Chief Johnson. She noted

there are alternative ways to communicate with the community about

weather and safety issues.

The option to transfer all emergency calls to a side band would create a

delay in police services. The current recorder does not support the option

to provide any delay nor to encrypt only emergency calls. A replacement

recorder would cost $250K and would largely be paid for by Oak Park.

Forest Park has indicated they do not have the resources. There is a

possibility to obtain a new recorder in 2027 as the Village transitions to its

new RMS and CAD system. Manager Jackson added that the Village will

look at prioritizing the option of the delay with the RMS/CAD system

upgrade.

Trustee Wesley asked if there is the opportunity to recoup some funds by

selling the current recorder. Chief Johnson said she would have to speak

with the WestComm director.

Trustee Robinson asked if there is an alternative to listening in real-time.

Chief Johnson responded that residents can submit a FOIA request for

police radio communication, which are provided within five business days

of receiving the request.

Trustee Buchanan requested examples of officers' safety being

jeopardized due to access to radio transmissions. Chief Johnson

referenced a mental health incident on Harlem Avenue where information

was shared on social media which created panic. She also referenced a

homicide where individuals were coming to the scene at the same time as

officers which posed a threat and interfered with their ability to secure the

scene and conduct the investigation.

Trustee Wesley asked if Oak Park could pay for the new recorder now and

get reimbursed by the other municipalities later. Manager Jackson said the

other municipalities are invested in the current recorder because of their

financial position. He would have to talk to the community leaders to

determine if they would be willing to offset the cost of a new recorder.

President Scaman said Oak Park is 60% of WestComm and should

consider absorbing the cost and she supports protecting those who need

services and those providing the services.

VII. Citizen Commission Appointments, Reappointments and Chair Appointments

ID 23-212

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

Housing Programs Advisory Committee - Adebayo Owolewa, Appoint as

Member

Housing Programs Advisory Committee - Michael Blaise Denton, Appoint as

Membe

Citizen Police Oversight Committee - Curtis Lott, Reappoint as Member

Citizen Police Oversight Committee - Jack Powers, Reappoint as Member

Transportation Commission - Jason Jenkins, Appoint as Member

Village Clerk Christina Waters read the names into the record.

It was moved by Trustee Wesley, seconded by Trustee Enyia, that these

Appointments be approved. 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 Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, and Village Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

1 - Village Trustee Taglia

ABSENT:

VIII. Consent Agenda

Approval of the Consent Agenda

It was moved by Trustee Robinson, seconded by Trustee Enyia 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 Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, and Village Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

1 - Village Trustee Taglia

ABSENT:

RES 23-46

A Resolution Approving the Renewal of the Professional Services

Agreement with On-Time Embroidery Incorporated, d/b/a Unique Apparel

Solutions for Firefighter/Paramedic Uniforms and Clothing in an Amount

Not to Exceed $45,000 Through May 2, 2024, and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 23-123

RES 23-127

A Resolution Approving an Amendment to the Subrecipient Grant

Agreement Between the Village of Oak Park and Our Future Reads and

Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving the Renewal of the Independent Contractor

Agreement between the Village of Oak Park and O’Hare Truck Service, Inc.,

d/b/a O’Hare Towing Services for a One Year Term and Authorizing its

Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 23-132

A Resolution Approving a Task Order for Professional Engineering Services

with Cordogan Clark & Associates, Inc. to Conduct Property Condition

Assessments for the Public Works Center and Village Hall and to Complete

Energy Audits for the Public Works Center, Village Hall, Main and South

Fire Stations and Three Pump Stations in an Amount Not to Exceed

$106,450.00 and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 23-133

RES 23-135

A Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of One 2023 Ford EV Transit Van

from Rizza Ford of Orland Park, Illinois in an Amount Not to exceed

$61,210.26 and Waiving the Village’s Bid Process for the Purchase

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement with Walker

Consultants, Inc. to Provide Construction Documents, Bidding, and

Engineering Services for the Repairs to the Village’s Holley Court, The

Avenue, and Oak Park River Forest High School Parking Structures in an

Amount Not to Exceed $163,700.00, Authorizing its Execution and Waiving

the Village’s Bid Process for the Agreement

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 23-136

RES 23-137

A Resolution Approving a Contract with Cerniglia Co. for Project 23-1,

Sewer and Water Main Improvements, in an Amount not to Exceed

$3,119,566 and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving a Task Order for Professional Engineering Services

with Baxter & Woodman, Inc. for Construction Engineering Services for

Project 23-1, Sewer and Water Improvement, in an Amount Not to Exceed

$298,400 and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 23-138

RES 23-139

RES 23-144

A Resolution Approving an Amendment to the Professional Services

Agreement with FGM Architects Inc. for Professional Architectural Services

for Additional Conceptual Solutions for Village Facilities to Change the Not

to Exceed Amount from $25,000 to $36,000 and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of one 2023 MT7 Trackless Sidewalk

Tractor and Attachments from E.J. Equipment, Inc. of Addison, Illinois

through the H-GAC Joint Purchasing Program in an Amount Not to Exceed

$196,641.25 and Waiving the Village’s Bid Process for the Purchase

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Authorizing the Submission of an Energy Efficiency and

Conservation Block Grant Program Application with the United States

Department of Energy for an Anticipated Funding Amount of $114,770

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 23-148

RES 23-155

A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Settlement Agreement in

Workers’ Compensation Claim Number W002985834

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Authorizing the Submission of an Illinois Department of

Human Services Grant Application to Provide Funding for the Police

Department’s Tobacco Enforcement Program

This Resolution was adopted.

MOT 23-36

A Motion to Participate in the National Wildlife Federation’s Mayors’

Monarch Pledge Program

This Motion was approved.

IX. Regular Agenda

RES 23-153

A Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement with GovHR

USA, LLC for a Classification and Compensation Study for Non-Union

Positions in an Amount Not to Exceed $36,600.00 and Authorizing its

Execution

Assistant Village Manager/HR Director Kira Tchang introduced the Item.

Trustee Robinson inquired if this is a regular review that is not prompted by

any specific concerns. Director Tchang responded that it is standard

practice to review non-union compensation every 4-5 years. Recruitment

and retention challenges are always drivers to review compensation.

GovHR's 16-week assessment process will review and analyze

classifications, internal equity, and external market conditions. Once

complete, Staff may recommend reclassifications and/or changes to the

pay schedule to the Village Board.

Trustee Robinson expressed concern about the potential costs of

additional steps and salary increases. She suggested Staff ask GovHR for

some long-term usage from their assessment in case the Village decides it

does not want to act now but may need to later. Director Tchang confirmed

Staff can renegotiate the duration of GovHR's services. The Village Board

sets the philosophy around pay and any proposed changes would be part

of a budgeting process. The Village does not anticipate needing GovHR's

add-ons.

Trustee Robinson said GovHR's services are costly and wondered if the

Village can afford it. She acknowledged it is included in the budget.

Director Tchang noted that of the eight proposals the Village received, two

were slightly less expensive than GovHR. In 2019 the analysis was $25K, of

which the Village spent $10K because the work was truncated.

Trustee Parakkat wondered if waiting a couple quarters would give the

Village a more stable result to base its decisions. Director Tchang

responded that current staff are also feeling inflation. Our comparables are

other municipalities as opposed to private companies. Market conditions

will always be a moving target and delaying a few months will not benefit

the Village. The analysis could be completed prior to the 2024 budget

discussions.

Trustee Wesley said he doesn't want the Village to have an unfunded

mandate once this report comes back. He said he would like to see a

formalized virtual contract similar to our unions so it can be planned for.

Manager Jackson responded that this is standard practice and happens on

a routine basis. The last attempt was pre-pandemic and the Village is

addressing it now.

Trustee Parakkat inquired if the recruitment and retention challenges are

widespread. Director Tchang responded that engineering talent was a

significant challenge. The Village received a low number of applications in

2022, especially for non-union positions.

Trustee Enyia said it is part of our Board goals to look at staff equity and

pay and it is important to do it every couple years.

President Scaman agreed it is necessary information and typical for any

municipality.

It was moved by Trustee Wesley, seconded by 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 Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, Village

Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, and Village Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

1 - Village Trustee Taglia

ABSENT:

RES 23-156

A Resolution Approving a Funding Grant Agreement Between the Village of

Oak Park and the West Cook Young Men’s Christian Association’s

Incorporated in an Amount Not to Exceed $1,275,147 and Authorizing its

Execution

Grants Supervisor Vanessa Matheny introduced the Item.

West Cook YMCA President/CEO Phillip Jimenez presented YMCA's

vision on the program.

Trustee Robinson asked how the YMCA will ensure the program will only

be used by Oak Park residents. President Jimenez responded that will be

ensured via the digital platform's authentication process. If someone is not

from Oak Park, they can receive services through the West Cook coalition

which is a different budget.

Trustee Robinson noted that Rush University said they will participate in a

referral process but Dominican and Loyola did not. President Jimenez

clarified that Dominican is not meant to be a referral but rather a pipeline of

students from their social work and health departments and integrating

YMCA's program into their certificate program.

Trustee Robinson asked why someone would participate in this program

as opposed to receiving the services from their primary care provider.

President Jimenez responded that primary care providers do not have the

capacity. Those programs do not do the hypertension or weight

management. Rush is referring to YMCA and sent YMCA's program to all

45 of their providers last week. YMCA is Medicare Part B certified and

expects to become Medicaid certified soon.

Trustee Robinson asked if the DEI fellow is a temp position that will exist

within the Health Department, which Manager Jackson confirmed is correct

and will be specifically for this program.

Trustee Buchanan asked if there is evidence that the programs are having

an impact. President Jimenez said the YMCA is the reason why diabetes

prevention is certified by Medicare. All YMCA programs that are

evidence-based go through an efficacy program that lasts 2-3 years before

being scaled nationally. They are also required to submit their data and

meet benchmarks and performance outcomes to retain their CDC

certification.

Trustee Enyia referenced the health fair yesterday and the importance of

utilizing programs and data.

Trustee Parakkat said focusing on health as opposed to health care is a

significant cost savings potential. He noted the top 10 fastest growing job

opportunities in the U.S. are all in health care. President Jimenez said the

800 people the YMCA is hoping to capture in the first three years divided

by $2.75M is $1,593, compared to the average health care cost for a

diabetic person is $16,752.

Trustee Wesley asked how the YMCA intends to reach those who cannot

be reached through referrals. President Jimenez said the YMCA is having

conversations with Dr. Walker and Dr. Chapple about providing

wraparound services for and multiple communications to individuals who

are most at risk. He said participants who become lifestyle coaches will

also be able to reach people.

Trustee Wesley inquired about the metrics to determine success and

impact. President Jimenez said the programs already have specific

measurements, such as 5-7% body weight loss and 150 minutes of

physical activity. Another other set of data is how the YMCA is attracting

and getting referrals. A final data set is how the YMCA is proving its focus

on DEI. Trustee Wesley inquired about the reporting back to the Village

Board. President Jimenez said he envisions that Village Trustees will be

able to log in to the data platform and view the data.

Trustee Enyia asked if the YMCA has a mechanism in its questionnaires

that will help identify someone who has not yet gone to their doctor.

President Jimenez said the YMCA has social determinants of health

screener models that will be further developed.

President Scaman said this program has huge potential to do great good

with ARPA funds.

It was moved by Trustee Robinson, seconded by Trustee Buchanan, 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 Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, Village

Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, and Village Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

1 - Village Trustee Taglia

ABSENT:

RES 23-140

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

Deputy Village Manager Ahmad Zayyad introduced the Item.

Police Chief Shatonya Johnson outlined OPPD's progress to date and next

steps.

BerryDunn Manager Michele Weinzetl of BerryDunn provided a high-level

overview of the proposal.

Trustee Wesley said he is a huge fan of change management. He inquired

how much is the Village engaging BerryDunn for facilitation versus

direction. Chief Johnson responded that it will be a collaboration. Manager

Jackson acknowledged the expertise on the staff and said the facilitation

by BerryDunn will be critical.

Trustee Robinson inquired how this scope differs from what was included

in the executive summary. Manager Weinzetl responded that Phase 1 will

refresh the 42 recommendations and prioritize and develop action steps.

The strategic plan will leverage all prior recommendations and public safety

goals to develop a robust long-range plan for OPPD.

Trustee Robinson requested an explanation of what Items 2 and 3 would

look like for a specific goal. Manager Weinzetl provided an example for the

policing data collection and monitoring process.

Trustee Parakkat asked if an external consultant would still be needed if

OPPD were fully staffed. Chief Johnson responded that OPPD could still

utilize it so it could direct more of its attention on the street.

Trustee Buchanan applauded Chief Johnson and OPPD for embracing the

consultant and their recommendations and creating a strategic plan.

President Scaman acknowledged that the Village is a lean organization

and emphasized the value of consultants.

It was moved by Trustee Robinson, seconded by Trustee Buchanan, that this

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

as follows:

6 -

AYES:

NAYS:

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

Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, and Village Trustee Wesley

1 - Village Trustee Taglia

ABSENT:

MOT 23-30

A Motion to Concur with the Transportation Commission’s

Recommendations for Traffic Calming on the 1150 Blocks of South Euclid

and Wesley, Upgrading from Two-Way to Four-Way Stops at the

Intersections of Fillmore with Euclid and Wesley, and Establishing a 20 Mile

Per Hour Park Speed Zone Adjacent to Euclid Square Park, and Direct Staff

to Prepare the Necessary Ordinances

Nancy Schroeder: Resident of 1100 block of South Euclid. First contact

with traffic engineer was four years ago. Neighbor child Gus was hit by a

car at that intersection. Urged the Village Board to adopt the Motion.

Meghan Condon: Lives at the Wesley and Fillmore intersection and sees

and hears near misses and fender benders often. Witnessed Gus being hit

by a car. Urged the Village Board to adopt the Motion and consider making

the Euclid plan standard across all parks.

Holly Bruce: Lives at 1125 Wesley. Supports her neighbors and urged the

Village Board to adopt the Motion.

Erin Mott: Mother of Gus who was hit by a car in 2018 at that intersection.

Started kindergarten in a wheelchair and required many years of therapy

and still struggles with long-term issues due to the accident. Urged the

Village Board to adopt the Motion.

Clerk Waters read the following public comment into the record:

Ryan Abbott: Urged the Village Board to adopt the Motion. The parking

and driving near the park is dangerous. The Commission's hearing was

thorough and thoughtful.

Village Manager Bill McKenna outlined the Staff's recommendations.

Trustee Wesley said he will vote in favor and requested it happen faster

next time. The audience applauded.

Trustee Enyia said his daughter was in kindergarten with Gus and he's a

great kid. His brother had a similar accident as a child. He said he will vote

in favor.

It was moved by Trustee Enyia, seconded by Trustee Buchanan, that this Motion

be approved. 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 Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, and Village Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

1 - Village Trustee Taglia

ABSENT:

ORD 23-26

An Ordinance Establishing All-Way Stops at the Intersections of Fillmore

Street and Euclid Avenue and Fillmore Street and Wesley Avenue

It was moved by Trustee Enyia, seconded by Trustee Wesley, that this Ordinance

be adopted. 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 Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, and Village Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

1 - Village Trustee Taglia

ABSENT:

ORD 23-27

An Ordinance and Amending Chapter 15 (“Motor Vehicles and Traffic”),

Article 1 (“In General”), Section 15-1-10 (“Speed Limits”) of the Oak Park

Village Code to Establish Park Speed Zones Adjacent to Euclid Square Park

It was moved by Trustee Wesley, seconded by Trustee Enyia, that this Ordinance

be adopted. 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 Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, and Village Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

1 - Village Trustee Taglia

ABSENT:

RES 23-134

A Resolution Approving and Adopting Amendments to the Village of Oak

Park’s Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program Guidelines

Development Customer Services Assistant Director Cameron Davis

introduced the Item.

Trustee Enyia inquired about the cost breakdown for the Lake Theatre and

Oak Park Diamonds. Asst. Director Davis responded that Oak Park

Diamonds qualifies for more funding because they are on a corner and

have awnings on both sides. The Lake Theatre sign was a huge investment

and they did not want to ask for any more than $5K.

Trustee Wesley inquired about the difference between the status quo of five

years and the proposed change of two years. Asst. Director Davis said

sometimes some properties need more than what the business can do in

one year. The proposed change would allow businesses to make

improvements in a shorter timeframe. Trustee Wesley wondered if the

Village should have a separate program for windows and doors.

Trustee Parakkat said he agrees with the recommendations. He inquired

what outreach is being done for prospective business owners in the

community. Asst. Director Davis said the Village is doing a multitude of

things, including the business site visit program. He provided examples of

the benefits of the program for the upcoming Ciro restaurant and recently

opened Crepas Culichi. The Village and its partners talk about it often and

do mailings.

Trustee Parakkat recommended emphasizing the North Avenue and

Roosevelt Road corridors. Asst. Director Davis said he met with a

business owner today who owns five storefronts on Roosevelt Road and

this program could dramatically improve an entire block.

It was moved by Trustee Buchanan, seconded by Trustee Wesley, 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 Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, Village

Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, and Village Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

1 - Village Trustee Taglia

ABSENT:

X. Adjourn

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

voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. Meeting adjourned at 9:51

P.M., Monday, April 24, 2023.

Respectfully Submitted,

Deputy Clerk Hansen