123 Madison Street

Oak Park, Illinois 60302

www.oak-park.us

Village of Oak Park

Meeting Minutes

President and Board of Trustees

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

7:00 PM

Village Hall

I. Call to Order

Village President Vicki Scaman called the Regular Meeting to order at

7:04 P.M.

II. Roll Call

Trustee Straw joined the Meeting at 7:07 P.M.

7 -

Present:

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

Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Straw, and Village

Trustee Wesley

Absent:

III. Agenda Approval

President Scaman requested to move Items L and T from Consent to

Regular Agenda.

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

Agenda as amended. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as

follows:

IV. Minutes

MOT 24-213

A Motion to Approve Minutes from the July 23, 2024 Regular Meeting of

the Village Board

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

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

V. Non-Agenda Public Comment

Dan Sullivan: 700 block of Linden is getting a new sewer line. Does not

want new cement that doesn't match the old cement. Requested to add

gravel and dye, offered to pay the difference, was told it cannot be done.

Nick Agliata: Uses Avenue Garage for primary parking. Concerned about

blanked 25-cent fee for public EV charging stations. Proposes a separate

rate for residents without a garage, an idle fee for extended use, and

discussing at a future Board meeting.

VI. Proclamation

MOT 24-214

A Motion to Approve a Proclamation Recognizing September 2024 as Addiction

Recovery Month

President Scaman read the Proclamation into the Record and

acknowledged Susan Parks and Elizabeth Riley in attendance.

Way Back Inn Executive Director Anita Pindiur accepted the Proclamation

and provided additional information regarding addiction recovery.

It was moved by Trustee Wesley, seconded by Trustee Straw, that this Motion be

approved. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows:

MOT 24-215

A Motion to Approve a Proclamation Recognizing SMART Week

Trustee Enyia read the Proclamation into the Record.

Moms Demand Action representative Jenna Leving Jacobson accepted

the Proclamation and provided additional information regarding SMART

Week. Other members of Moms Demand Action were in attendance.

It was moved by Trustee Wesley, seconded by Trustee Straw, that this Motion be

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

MOT 24-216

A Motion to Approve a Proclamation Recognizing Women’s Equality Day

Annually on the 26th of August

Trustee Buchanan read the Proclamation into the Record.

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

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

VIII. Village Board Committees & Trustee Liaison Commission Reports

President Scaman reported the Early Childhood Collaboration hosted Dr.

Heckman in August who provided an update on the information of early

stages development. She acknowledged Board Chair Bob Tucker and

Executive Director Mary Reynolds.

IX. Citizen Commission Vacancies

ID 24-416

Board & Commission Vacancy Report for August 27, 2024

There were no comments.

X. Citizen Commission Appointments, Reappointments and Chair Appointments

MOT 24-218

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

Citizens Police Oversight Committee - Justin Johnson, Appoint as

Commissioner

Community Relations Commission - Yoko Terretta, Appoint as Chair

Environment & Energy Commission - Cassandra West, Appoint as

Commissioner

Historic Preservation Commission - Asha Andriana, Appoint as Commissioner

It was moved by Trustee Wesley, seconded by Trustee Enyia, that this Motion be

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

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

Citizens Police Oversight Committee - Justin Johnson, Appoint as Commissioner

Trustee Parakkat requested this Item be a separate vote because he

wants to vote no. He expressed concern that the accountability function has

slipped into one of disrespect for our Police and Police Chief and he does

not want that behavior to adversely impact the morale of our staff and

recruitment.

Trustee Robinson said she is also concerned about the tenor of discourse

in the commission meetings. There should be a standard and expectation

for respectful, focused conversations. She said she will approve the

re-appointment because we have supports coming to uphold a better

process for this commission including an external professional

assessment. There is room for and a need for improvement here.

Trustee Enyia said he will vote yes. We have commissions to get diverse

options and create positive change for residents and staff. He said he

thinks Commissioner Johnson always means well and has respect for

Chief Johnson and the rest of the police.

President Scaman thanked everyone for their comments and the

commissioners for their service.

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 Robinson, Village Trustee Straw, and Village Trustee Wesley

1 - Village Trustee Parakkat

NAYS:

ABSENT:

XI. 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:

7 -

AYES:

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

Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Straw, and Village

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

MOT 24-203

A Motion to Concur with the Transportation Commission’s

Recommendations for Traffic Calming at the 900 Block of Home Avenue

Including the Installation of Paint and Post Bump-Outs Mid-Block and the

Home Avenue and Lexington Intersection and the Installation of Flashing

Stop Signs at the Home and Garfield Intersection

This Motion was approved.

MOT 24-207

MOT 24-210

ORD 24-146

A Motion to Approve the Bills in the Amount of $7,270,493.63 from June

29, 2024, through August 3, 2024

This Motion was approved.

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

Funds

This Motion was approved.

Concur with the Zoning Board of Appeals’ Recommendation and Adopt an

Ordinance Granting a Special Use Permit for a Medical Clinic to be located

at 6632-6634 Roosevelt Road

This Ordinance was adopted.

RES 24-124

Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Five-year Contract with Total

Communication Solutions (TCS) for a New Voice over Internet Protocol

(VoIP) Telephone System by Zoom in an Amount Not to Exceed $362,331.66

over 5 years

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 24-273

RES 24-276

A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Settlement Agreement in

Workers’ Compensation Case Number 2023 WC 02598

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving an Amendment to the Renewal of the

Independent Contractor Agreement with Allied Garage Door, Inc. to

Provide Emergency Overhead Door Repairs and Maintenance Services at

Village-Owned Facilities to Increase the Not-to-Exceed Amount for FY 2024

from $50,000.00 to $60,000.00 and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 24-277

RES 24-278

A Resolution Approving the Purchase of One 2025 Ford Utility Hybrid

Police Interceptor Vehicle with Police Package from Currie Motors of

Frankfort, Illinois, in an Amount Not to Exceed $50,819.00 and Waiving the

Village's Bid Process for the Purchase

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving an Independent Contractor Agreement with MG

Mechanical Contracting, Incorporated to Install New Mechanical

Equipment and Complete Repairs to Various Existing Mechanical System

Equipment at the Public Works Center in an Amount Not to Exceed

$235,250.00 and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 24-279

A Resolution Approving an Independent Contractor Agreement with BP

Construction and Remodelers Inc. to Complete Various Repairs to the

Exterior Facade at the Public Works Center in an Amount Not to Exceed

$116,600.00 and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 24-280

RES 24-281

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

Project No. 24-6 Pavement Preservation, in an Amount not to Exceed

$572,340 and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement between the

Village of Oak Park and the County of Cook for the Invest in Cook Grant for

the 2025 Neighborhood Greenway Project in an Amount of $125,000 and

Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 24-282

A Resolution Approving a Collective Bargaining Agreement Between the

Village of Oak Park and Local 95 International Association of Fire Fighters,

AFL-CIO, for the Period of January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2027 and

Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

XII. Regular Agenda

RES 24-268

A Resolution Approving an Independent Contractor Agreement with J.

Graham, LLC. for the Viaduct Art Installation, in an Amount Not to Exceed

$235,000 and Authorizing its Execution

Village Engineer/Assistant Public Works Director Bill McKenna presented

the Item.

Trustee Robinson inquired about the north side with the brown sculpture.

Engineer McKenna said they discussed it with the artist and it will be viable

on all four entryways. The Village is coordinating with Union Pacific on

repairing the viaduct system.

Trustee Wesley asked if the aluminum panels can be swapped out.

Engineer McKenna said they can be removed for maintenance but the

intent is a static mural system. Trustee Wesley asked if we are still within

the initial $14.7M streetscape budget. Engineer McKenna confirmed that is

still the goal. Current estimates are $16.5M but we will review those plans

to get closer to that budget amount. Trustee Wesley said he would like to

stay within the $14.7M.

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

Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Straw, and Village

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

RES 24-283

A Resolution Approving an Amendment to an Employee Leasing

Agreement with MGT of America Consulting, LLC for an Interim Chief

Financial Officer to Change the Not-to-Exceed Amount from $150,000 to

$225,000 and to Extend the Term from August 2, 2024 to February 28, 2025

and Authorizing its Execution

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

Trustee Parakkat pulled this Item from Consent to get an update on the

CFO search. He said his concern is its linkage to the financial efforts. We

are entering our second budget cycle with an interim CFO. Manager

Jackson said we have full confidence in our interim CFO and we view this

as strengthening the process. Trustee Parakkat asked if anything can be

done to accelerate this process. Manager Jackson said we are moving as

fast as we can.

President Scaman expressed her gratitude to Deputy CFO John Kramer.

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

Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Straw, and Village

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

ORD 24-144

Concur with the Plan Commission and Adopt an Ordinance Amending

Article 2 (“Definitions & Rules of Measurement”), Section 2.3

(“Definitions”), Article 8 (“Uses”), Section 8.4 (“Principal Use Standards”)

and Table 8.1 (“Use Matrix”) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance to Establish

a Community Service Center as a Special Use in the I-Institutional Zoning

District

Development Services Director Emily Egan presented this Item and Item

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

be adopted. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows:

7 -

AYES:

NAYS:

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

Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Straw, and Village

Trustee Wesley

ABSENT:

ORD 24-145

Concur with the Plan Commission and Adopt an Ordinance Granting a

Special Use Permit to Allow a Community Service Center in the

I-Institutional Zoning District Located at 38 North Austin Boulevard

There were no additional comments.

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

Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Straw, and Village

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

RES 24-274

A Resolution Approving a Second Amendment to the Professional Services

Agreement with Walker Consultants, Inc. to Increase the Not-To-Exceed

Amount from $171,700.00 to $231,700.00 and Authorizing its Execution

Director Egan presented this Item and Item Y.

Trustee Robinson inquired about the cost to do the work. Director Egan

said it is within the third amendment. Trustee Robinson wondered why we

are doing a second amendment for Walker Consultants and not just moving

to the repair phase. Director Egan responded that we work with Walker to

review the pricing for specific repair items, monitor the work performed,

and guide staff to complete the design work necessary to bid out. Trustee

Robinson requested a cost breakdown per garage. Director Egan said

staff can provide that. Parking and Mobility Services Manager Sean Keane

added that the OPRF garage accounts for the lowest amount. This

additional $60K is for the work required for the Avenue Garage.

Trustee Parakkat asked if the structural issues are to be expected. Director

Egan said part of the repair work includes further study to ensure it is not

through any other garages. The consultants said this is a relatively common

item to find in a garage this age and will begin repair and regular

inspections starting in September. Staff are working to explore all cost

recovery options. Trustee Parakkat said he supports moving forward.

Trustee Straw requested an explanation of a post-tension tendon. Walker

Consultants Principal Dan Moser said it is a steel cable poured into the

concrete slab and provides the structural support to help hold it up. They

make for very efficient structures and save a lot of money in beams and

columns and foundations. They will not affect height clearance or any

usability of the garage.

Trustee Straw noted the additional cost of doing the steel I-beams is 10%

but the life expectancy is double. He said the approach of going with the

steel I-beams makes the most sense. He wondered if no action was taken,

how long it would be until there would be a safety concern. Principal Moser

estimated we would have to do something in six months and then it would

be an emergency situation. They will check the other floors in the garage.

Trustee Straw said he will vote yes on both items.

Trustee Wesley inquired about the remaining lifespan of the garages.

Principal Moser said the design life of a parking structure is 40-50 years.

With good maintenance as we've seen here, garages can go another 20+

years. Trustee Wesley asked if the Village has any outstanding debt on any

of the garages referenced here. Director Egan said staff can provide an

answer to that.

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

Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Straw, and Village

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

RES 24-275

A Resolution Approving a Third Amendment to the Independent

Contractor Agreement with J. Gill & Co. for Maintenance Repairs of the

Village’s Holley Court, The Avenue, and Oak Park River Forest High School

Parking Structures to Increase the Not-To-Exceed Amount from

$1,671,175.00 to $2,416,175.00, Waiving the Village’s Bid Process, and

Authorizing Its Execution

Trustee Straw requested a friendly amendment to reduce the not-to-exceed

amount from $2,416,175.00 to $2,336,175.00, which was seconded by

Trustee Wesley.

It was moved by Trustee Straw, seconded by Trustee Wesley, that this Resolution

be adopted as amended. 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

1 - Village Trustee Buchanan

NAYS:

ABSENT:

ID 24-296

A Presentation and Discussion on Changes to the Inclusionary Housing

Ordinance

Assistant Village Manager/Neighborhood Services Director Jonathan

Burch presented the Item.

Trustee Robinson inquired about staff's decision to not include a parking

requirement. Director Burch said staff considered the portions of the

Village that have existing parking capacity and requirements that might

make this permission possible. She asked if staff's analysis assumed

expansion of the maps. Director Burch said staff were focused on the

downtown and Hemingway areas.

Trustee Buchanan asked if the current IHO would continue, which does not

apply if the entity is not seeking zoning relief. Director Burch said the

Village is not choosing to pursue anything related to that.

Trustee Straw noted this could be applicable to by-right development.

Village Planner Craig Failor said the current IHO is not a part of the zoning

code. Trustee Straw said density is something we want to be encouraging.

Manager Jackson said the Board could change the land use standards in

areas where you want to see more density and it could be a by-right

consideration in those areas where the ordinance is changed. Trustee

Straw said he believes it is important to tie these conversations together.

Trustee Parakkat asked if the Village will get any additional insight from

back testing for the past 12 years. Director Burch said they received

feedback from developers recognizing our position in the market and the

challenges in terms of land values, construction costs, property taxes, and

electrification costs.

President Scaman said she likes that this will be reviewed annually as part

of the CIP. She cautioned against bringing back data from the past

because the market and building costs were different. Manager Jackson

noted this conversation is about strengthening our current IHO.

Trustee Wesley asked why the Village would want to strengthen the IHO.

Manager Jackson said the Village would want to encourage additional

affordability. Trustee Wesley said his issue is having this conversation

outside of the comprehensive zoning conversation when the two are

intrinsically linked. He said he doesn't think our current IHO incentivizes

density. We are the leader in providing affordable housing in our property

values. Our property values are a median of about $400K. Our affordable

housing percentage is 23.5%. That is the best in the state. We want more

units and yet we're adding a tax to build more units here.

Manager Jackson noted the current IHO does not have a density bonus of

two for one. Trustee Wesley said let's do the density bonus and not do any

demerits. Manager Jackson said the presentation is about an engagement

with the development community and trying to strike a balance between

incentives and trying to make the fee market sensitive to where it's

tolerable so you can achieve the affordable goals while providing an

incentive for development by adding to the density bonus. Trustee Wesley

said he is for codifying a bonus in the IHO. His source of frustration is we

are breaking something that is working. He said he thinks the current IHO is

working and he would add the two-for-one density bonus for onsite

affordable units.

Trustee Buchanan said she disagrees with Trustee Wesley. She said this

country has a desperate housing crisis and one of the reasons is we've left

the housing to the market. The capitalists have failed and the only way they

will build affordable housing is if we make them. She said she is in favor of

using whatever tools we can to force developers to provide more

affordable housing. She said she favors Option 2.

Trustee Buchanan said the Board has said it wants a race equity

assessment of all of our agenda items and a decision this big should have

the race equity assessment performed. Director Burch said they have

talked with Dr. Walker and DEI staff about the options. A formal racial

equity analysis can be brought with the next item. Manager Jackson added

that our equity administrator is a part of all of these conversations which are

not mutually exclusive.

Trustee Robinson said she agrees with Trustee Buchanan's comments

about not just leaving this up to the market. The Metropolitan Mayors

Caucus made it clear there are individuals at higher price points who are

renting at lower price points. Option 2 lets us shore up the Housing Trust

Fund (HTF) and it is most important that we direct those efforts. Expanding

the map makes sense as we have development with affordable units

outside of these zones. It is far more efficient to affect affordable housing

outside of the maps, which already happens on a very limited basis. She

said she is in favor of Option 2.

Trustee Robinson said she is still interested in the idea of a fee in lieu for

things like an art installation for residential development projects. Director

Burch said Development Services and Neighborhood Services will bring

an agenda item that will focus on the HTF. Trustee Robinson said it makes

sense to broaden the sources of incoming revenue for that fund.

Trustee Robinson noted the developers being dissuaded by the

electrification ordinance. Director Burch said the perception exists and it is

an opportunity for staff to do education with the developers. President

Scaman said redevelopment is waiting for the stretch code. Trustee

Robinson recommended carving out some exemptions for the IHO,

particularly if there is consensus to develop it Village-wide. She asked why

it does not include single-family homes. Director Burch said the Village

could go back and explore it. The applicable development is 10 units or

more and single-family homes would fall underneath that threshold.

Trustee Robinson asked if staff would recommend aligning the IHO's 60%

AMI threshold and the HTF's 80% AMI threshold. Director Burch said we

also have the higher standard inside of this for the 120% for ownership

properties. HPAC has flagged this topic for staff already. Trustee Robinson

highlighted the new HTF application and rolling submission process.

Director Burch said we are accepting applications now.

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

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

The roll call vote was as follows:

AYE: Trustees Buchanan, Enyia, Parakkat, Robinson, Straw and President

Scaman

NAY: Trustee Wesley

Trustee Parakkat said the underlying goal is to create socioeconomic

diversity in this community though he is not certain of the path to get there.

He said he is leaning towards what Trustee Wesley stated.

Trustee Straw said he likes increasing across all options of the bonus for

onsite units. The bonuses through the IHO is a strong argument in favor of

expanding the IHO Village-wide. He requested this conversation be tied

with those zoning changes. He said he thinks both Options 1 and 2 have

arguments in their favor. He said he would like to continue to be creative

around pushing on the bonuses and incentives and he would consider

reducing the mandatory parking minimums across the development. He

said he agrees with broadening the map to offer these incentives to include

onsite affordable housing to cover the entire market.

Trustee Enyia said he concurs with Option 2 as this gives up a good

opportunity to build up the fund and holding developers more accountable.

President Scaman said she isn't against anything in Option 2 but she is

looking for the information that would come out of the missing middle and

racial equity assessment. She said she sees a need for expanding the

map and parking still needs to be studied. She said is comfortable with the

way the fee in lieu is being presented and looking at it on an annual basis.

XIII. Call to Board and Clerk

Clerk Waters said the Village Clerk's Office is hosting voter registration

events, including the OPRF Civics Fair, Sept. 7 Barrie Fest, tenant

workshop, Sept. 14 Farmers' Market, Sept. 17 National Voter Registration

Day, Sept. 21 Viva on the South Lawn, and Sept. 22 Fall Fest at Rehm

Park. Residents can also come to Village Hall.

Trustee Wesley encouraged residents to attend Barrie Fest, Oak Park's

longest running private festival. He said it is frustrating that we have the

best naturally occurring affordable housing in the state and we want to

tinker with it or dismantle it because the way we create it doesn't feel good

enough to us. We have been creating affordable housing better than

anyone else and we should just keep doing that. The one way to drive

housing costs down is to build more units.

Trustee Straw highlighted the SMART Week proclamation and the

importance of having conversations with children. He acknowledged the

work of D97 and D200 and the safe storage ordinance this Board passed

last summer. He encouraged the public to read the consent agenda

because there are exciting things happening that we do not discuss,

including the bike boulevards.

Trustee Robinson said the Village Board had a retreat with Steve Ludwig

where we talked about how our personal experiences inform our values.

She shared her own experience of her family moving out of Little Village for

safety reasons and moving to Oak Park. Someone set fire to that house

and her parents bought another house in Oak Park with enormous

sacrifice, which has been impactful to her.

Trustee Parakkat said housing is a fundamental need and how we think

about it and how we act to get more people into houses is something that

is very personal based on our experiences.

President Scaman thanked the Trustees for the thoughtful information that

was brought forward.

XIV. Adjourn

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

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

Tuesday, August, 27, 2024 at 10:34 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Deputy Clerk Hansen