123 Madison Street

Oak Park, Illinois 60302

www.oak-park.us

Village of Oak Park

Meeting Minutes

President and Board of Trustees

Monday, July 31, 2023

6:30 PM

Village Hall

I. Call to Order

Village President Vicki Scaman called the Regular Meeting to order at

6:32 P.M.

II. Roll Call

Trustee Straw joined the Meeting during Executive Session.

5 -

Present:

Absent:

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

Trustee Robinson, and Village Trustee Wesley

2 - Village Trustee Buchanan, and Village Trustee Straw

III. Consideration of Motion to Adjourn to Executive Session to Discuss Litigation

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

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

follows:

4 -

AYES:

Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, and

Village Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

3 - Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, and Village Trustee Straw

ABSENT:

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

The Regular Meeting reconvened at 7:04 P.M.

VI. Roll Call

6 -

Present:

Absent:

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

Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Straw, and Village Trustee Wesley

1 - Village Trustee Buchanan

VII. Agenda Approval

President Scaman requested that Item AB be moved from the Consent

Agenda to the Regular Agenda.

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

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

VIII. Minutes

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

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

ID 23-358

Motion to Approve Minutes from Regular Meeting of June 20, 2023, Special

Meeting of June 26, 2023 and Regular Meeting of July 5, 2023 of the Village

Board.

IX. Non-Agenda Public Comment

Daniel Roush: Resident and architect who likes Village Hall building.

Appreciated President Scaman for attending Preservation Advocacy

meeting and saying the process will be slowed down and a renovation

architect will be brought in. Requested Item AB be removed from the

Consent Agenda. Problematic that FGM is in control of the renovation

assessment. Option 4 wasn't ready for a vote and keeping this building

was never considered.

Marty Bernstein: Requests the Village move his alley on the 700 block of

Gunderson and South Elmwood to next on the list to be replaced. Chronic

flooding problems, has been on the replacement plan for years. Contacted

the Village who said his alley is no longer on the plan. Requests the plan be

continued without further delay. Agreed Village Hall should be renovated

and FGM should not be used for renovation studies.

Peggy Kell: Resident requests a referendum question on the Spring

primaries ballot on ranked choice voting (RCV) for Village President,

Trustees, and Clerk. League of Women Voters is happy to answer

questions at a board meeting or study session. September 19 panel

discussion on RCV at the Oak Park Public Library. Trustees will be invited.

Drinks and Dialogue discussion on RCV in October.

Don McKay: Resident and architect who advocates for the preservation of

Village Hall. Referenced a number of Oak Park buildings that were

influenced by the design of nearby buildings and architects Weiss and

Wright. Cautioned against considering the project simply from the

perspective of preservation and from thinking Village Hall can be adapted

to some other local cultural use.

X. Proclamation

MOT 23-76

A Motion to Approve a Proclamation Proclaiming Americans with Disabilities

Act Awareness Day Annually on the 26th of July.

Trustee Straw, liaison to the Disability Access Commission, read the

Proclamation into the record.

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

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

XI. Village Manager Reports

ID 23-351

Review of the Village Board Meeting Calendar for September, October,

November and December 2023

Village Manager Kevin Jackson presented updated Village Board

calendars for September through December. The ranked choice voting

item will be a study session on October 10. Village Attorney Paul

Stephanides said the referendum question would have to be adopted 79

days before the March 19 primary election so there is plenty of time.

Trustee Wesley expressed concerns about there being enough time to do

voter education and outreach, particularly to those who are often missed.

ID 23-359

Pedestrian Stop Report - Staff Update

Police Chief Shatonya Johnson presented the Item. Trustee Wesley

inquired about the individual wearing latex gloves. Chief Johnson said the

behavior was indicative of someone who would burglarize. Trustee Wesley

inquired about the suspicious person call in March. Chief Johnson said it

was a call for service about an individual with an extended pocket knife.

Trustee Straw requested the proportion of calls for service resulting in

criminal citations. Chief Johnson said at least one resulted in an arrest for

criminal trespass for being disruptive at a laundromat and who had been

warned previously and two juvenile Chicago residents were issued

citations for being out at 1:00 AM. Trustee Straw requested a distinction

between suspicious person and suspicious incident. Chief Johnson said

they are logged based on the initial call. Trustee Straw noted the field

contacts are disproportionately black individuals. Chief Johnson

responded that OPPD responds to 100% of calls for service.

Public Works Director Rob Sproule presented an update on the Village

Hall facilities needs assessment. President Scaman inquired if the work of

FGM and the historic preservation firm to be hired will be completely

separate and have autonomy to present their recommendations to the

Village Board. Director Sproule responded that FGM will outline the basic

needs and the historic preservationists will evaluate against those needs to

ensure the facility meets them and they will make their own

recommendations. Trustee Straw wondered what efficiencies the Village

would gain by having both firms do a needs assessment. Director Sproule

said the value of having FGM do the initial evaluation is to ensure all issues

are identified and addressed so the historic preservationists understand

what they are evaluating and can ensure the Village's needs are being met.

Manager Jackson added that FGM is evaluating code and ADA

requirements. The historic preservation firm will take those issues to

determine whether there is an opportunity to renovate the facility and

identify related costs.

Trustee Robinson inquired if FGM is coordinating the communication to the

Village Board. Director Sproule confirmed it was written that way in the

initial proposal but after hearing concerns, the Village will revise the

proposal to clearly illustrate that FGM will be available to present on their

assessment. Trustee Robinson said she wants to ensure the historic

preservation firm will be available to field questions from the Village Board.

Director Sproule confirmed that will happen. Trustee Robinson inquired if

there are cost efficiencies in doing it this way. Director Sproule responded

that FGM's experience with the facility will potentially lead to cost savings.

Trustee Robinson asked if the police station will be on hold, which Director

Sproule confirmed. Trustee Robinson said she supports this.

Trustee Parakkat said he is glad we are backtracking and introducing a

needs assessment though he thinks there is a conflict of interest in doing it

with FGM which is wedded to the demolish and build option. He suggested

an independent study of the requirements and renovation which will give

time to do the community engagement needed for a process like this.

Director Sproule responded that neither staff nor FGM gave a

recommendation of any of the options presented on July 5. Manager

Jackson added that FGM was hired to do an assessment back in 2019

and the Village Board was consulted on whether to move forward. FGM

was tasked with making an analysis on the code requirements and not

making any recommendations. It has been an objective analysis and there

have not been any recommendations advanced.

Trustee Parakkat said something was broken in the process and now we

are backtracking so it makes sense to do the needs assessment

independently. President Scaman said that is not correct and there has

been a needs assessment for the police department for a long time. What

is happening now is further assessment of the condition of Village Hall to

meet our needs based upon receiving information on what direction we

would like to take. Making the decision to consider the building and rebuild

on this property is the only vote that forced a full assessment of the

challenges to Village Hall, which is grossly overdue and has caused a lot of

additional and unsuccessful spending. Within the vote was robust

community engagement because we trust our residents to work with us as

partners as we navigate what is next because we want to do the right thing.

If we can preserve this building, then we are having a brave conversation

that previous Trustees chose not to make. Director Sproule noted that if the

Village Board had chosen renovation on July 5, this would have been the

next step in the process anyway.

Trustee Straw said the Village is asking FGM to identify the issues with

Village Hall to bring it to code. Director Sproule said FGM will outline the

minimum standards for a modern facility. Trustee Straw said the historic

preservation firm would then take those issues and determine what it would

take and cost to correct those issues. He said that path forward makes

sense to him. Trustee Wesley asked if the RFQ will give the firm

independent and unlimited access to Village Hall in addition to the data

provided by FGM, which Director Sproule confirmed. Manager Jackson

added that FGM did the needs assessment for the police station which we

are using as a baseline.

XII. Village Board Committees & Trustee Liaison Commission Reports

Trustee Wesley confirmed there is an IGOV meeting coming up, which

consists of two members of each of our six governing bodies that meet

monthly. Trustees Straw and Wesley are the representatives for the Village.

XIII. Citizen Commission Vacancies

ID 23-360

Board & Commission Vacancy Report for July 31, 2023.

There were no comments.

XIV. Citizen Commission Appointments, Reappointments and Chair Appointments

ID 23-361

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

Civic Information Systems Commission - Kurt Roskopf, Appoint as Member

Community Relations Commission - Turquoise Peart, Appoint as Member

Transportation Commission - Jason Nudelman, Appoint as Member

Village Clerk Christina Waters read the names into the record.

Jason Nudelman: Resident who is honored to be chosen as a new member

of the Transportation Commission. Car-free and transit dependent for

many years. Looks forward to serving the Village and encouraged

residents to attend their monthly meetings.

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

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

approved.

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:

XV. Consent Agenda

Approval of the Consent Agenda

It was moved by Trustee Enyia, seconded by 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:

MOT 23-62

A Motion to Approve the Bills in the Amount of $6,707,637.81 from May

26, 2023 through July 6, 2023.

This Motion was approved.

MOT 23-63

RES 23-245

A Motion to Approve the June 2023 Monthly Treasurer’s Report for All

Funds

This Motion was approved.

A Resolution Authorizing the Submission of a Grant Application for the

Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund Home Repair Program (HAFHR)

Administered by the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) With

an Anticipated Funding Amount of $5,000,000

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 23-221

RES 23-222

RES 23-224

A Resolution Awarding a Small Rental Property Rehabilitation Loan and

Authorizing the Execution of a Loan Commitment and Agreement for the

Property Located at 163 N. Lombard Avenue (SRP-046)

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Awarding a Multi-Family Housing Incentives Grant in the

Amount of $10,000 and Authorizing the Execution of a Marketing Services

Agreement (MSA 2311-G)

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Authorizing the Submission of Annual Grant Applications

with the Village of Oak Park’s Community Development Block Grant

Program, Cook County Department of Public Health, the Illinois

Department of Public Health, and the Public Health Institute of

Metropolitan Chicago with an Anticipated Total Funding Amount of

$495,183.00 and Approval of Subsequent Agreements and Authorizing

their Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 23-226

RES 23-162

RES 23-166

A Resolution Approving an Independent Contractor Agreement with

Superior Road Striping Incorporated for Thermoplastic Pavement Marking

Services through Pricing Secured by the Suburban Purchasing Cooperative

in an Amount Not to Exceed $130,000.00 and Waiving the Village’s Formal

Bid Process

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement for Police and

Firefighters’ Pension Plan Actuarial Services with Lauterbach & Amen, LLP

for Fiscal Years Ending December 31, 2023, 2024, and 2025 for a Total

Amount Not to Exceed $37,020, Authorizing its Execution and Waiving the

Bid Process for the Agreement

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement for Other Post

Employment Benefit (OPEB) Valuation Services with Lauterbach & Amen,

LLP for Fiscal Years Ending December 31, 2023, 2024, and 2025 for a Total

Amount Not to Exceed $6,780, Authorizing its Execution and Waiving the

Village’s Bid Process for the Agreement

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 23-180

A Resolution Approving the Village Manager and Deputy Village Manager

as the Village’s Certifying Officers for the United States Department of

Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Electronic Reporting System for

Environmental Reviews Required for Community Development Block Grant

(CDBG) Projects

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement for Auditing Services

with Sikich LLP for Fiscal Years Ending December 31, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026, and 2027

for an Aggregate Total Amount Not to Exceed $404,800, Authorizing its Execution

and Waiving the Village’s Bid Process for the Agreement

RES 23-207

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 23-217

RES 23-220

RES 23-225

A Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement with Metro

Strategies Group, LLC to Provide Grant Services in an Amount Not to

Exceed $100,000 for a One (1) Year Term and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving the Final Program Year 2023 Action Plan for

Federal Community Development Block Grant Funds and Submittal of the

Plan to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement with the Eggen

Consulting Group, Inc. for Water & Sewer Division Technical and

Administrative Support Services for a Fifteen Month Term in an Amount

Not to Exceed $166,500.00 and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 23-228

RES 23-234

A Resolution Approving an Amendment to the Independent Contractor

Agreement with H&H Electric Co. for 2023 Emergency Street Lighting and

Traffic Control Repairs to Change the Not to Exceed Amount from

$45,000.00 to $59,500.00 and Authorizing Its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

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

Project 23-6, Pavement Preservation, in an Amount Not to Exceed $450,000

and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 23-236

RES 23-244

RES 23-231

A Resolution Approving a Task Order for Professional Engineering Services

with TranSystems Corporation for Design and Construction Engineering

Services for the 2024 Bridge Repair Project, in an Amount Not to Exceed

$69,940 and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Authorizing the Submission of a United States Department of

Justice Office of Justice Programs Grant Application to Prevent or Reduce

Crime and Violence and to Improve the Administration of the Criminal

Justice System

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving an Amendment to the Renewal of the

Independent Contractor Agreement with Cerniglia Co. for 2023 Village

Wide Emergency Water and Sewer Repair Services to Change the Not to

Exceed Amount from $40,000.00 to $70,000.00 and Authorizing Its

Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 23-232

A Resolution Approving the Renewal of a Professional Services Agreement

with PMA Management Corp. to Provide Third Party Administrator (TPA)

Services for the Village’s Workers Compensation Program for a Three Year

Period in an Amount Not to Exceed $34,262.00 Annually, Authorizing its

Execution and Waiving the Village’s Bid Process for the Renewal

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 23-238

AA.

A Resolution Approving an Independent Contractor Agreement with

Midwest Services and Development Corp. for the Public Works Center

Locker Room Upgrades Project in an Amount Not to Exceed $131,250.00

and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 23-246

RES 23-247

RES 23-249

AC.

AD.

AE.

A Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement with Stuart

Alpern to Act as an Administrative Law Judge for the Village of Oak Park

for a Six-Month Period and Authorizing Its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement with Laurie L.

Samuels to Act as an Administrative Law Judge for the Village of Oak Park

for a Six-Month Period and Authorizing Its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving a Second Amendment to the Village Manager

Employment Agreement with Kevin J. Jackson and Authorizing Its

Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

ORD 23-31

ORD 23-72

AF.

An Ordinance Amending the Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Budget

This Ordinance was adopted.

AG.

An Ordinance Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement Between the

Village of Oak Park and the Oak Park Public Library to Provide Parking

Spaces for Use by Oak Park Public Library Employees and Authorizing Its

Execution

This Ordinance was adopted.

ORD 23-76

AH.

Concur with the Farmers’ Market Commission and Adopt an Ordinance

Amending Chapter 18 (“Peddlers and Solicitors”), Article 2 (“Farmers’

Market”), Section 18-2-2 (“Definitions”) and Section 18-2-8 (“General

Regulations; Certificate of Production”) of the Oak Park Village Code to

Allow the Sale of Fish at the Farmers’ Market

This Ordinance was adopted.

ORD 23-78

ORD 23-79

AI.

An Ordinance Waiving and Suspending the Right of Way Obstruction

Permit Fee and Parking Obstruction Fee for the Planned Development

Located at 839 Madison Street

This Ordinance was adopted.

AJ.

An Ordinance Authorizing the Sale of Surplus Vehicles and Equipment

Owned by the Village of Oak Park

This Ordinance was adopted.

ORD 23-83

ORD 23-84

AK.

AL.

An Ordinance Terminating Special Service Area Number 8

This Ordinance was adopted.

An Ordinance Terminating Special Service Area Number 7

This Ordinance was adopted.

XVI. Regular Agenda

RES 23-239

AB.

A Resolution Approving a Second 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 $36,000 to $50,000 and Authorizing its Execution

Holly Bruce: She appreciates the additional information this evening and

was disappointed at the last meeting to hear about the possibility of tearing

down Village Hall. She appreciates the community being included. Let's

look at it and study it and make an informed decision.

Amy Srodon: Resident since 2000. In 2013 there were plans to build the

D97 headquarters on the green space and our block was passionate about

fighting that. Unfortunate that it is up for conversation again. It is used by the

community and is a buffer to Village Hall. South Oak Park streets are very

narrow and building a police station on a residential street is ridiculous. Our

block is ready to mobilize and fight this again.

Ann Freel: 14-year resident. Supports preserving the green space south of

Village Hall. Has not heard considerations about the environmental and

neighborhood impacts. Wishes it could be officially recognized as a park.

Urges Village Board to remove any consideration of building on the green;

prioritize the current Village Hall building a recognized landmark; consider

nearby available built structures; and continue to be transparent.

Richard Willis: The plans for the current Village Hall were to control

development in the Village aiming to enhance the tax base and preserve

community viability. The green space is a cherished public park and

gathering place. Any construction will contribute to climate change. Urged

the Village to disclose the feasibility study findings by FGM and make the

future of Village Hall and police station an architectural competition.

President Scaman said the Village Board voted at the July 5 meeting to

build a new civic center Village Hall and police facility. At the meeting she

stated it was the first time the community was hearing the challenges and

that we expected robust community engagement and if that process took

us in a different direction, staff should be ready to pivot with us. She is

committed to upholding this process with integrity and centering the voices

and needs of this community.

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

Trustee Straw, and Village Trustee Wesley

1 - Village Trustee Parakkat

NAYS:

1 - Village Trustee Buchanan

ABSENT:

ID 23-326

AM.

Initial Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Presentation

CFO Steve Drazner presented the official kick-off presentation for budget

season for FY24.

Trustee Parakkat inquired about the significance of the municipal tax rate.

CFO Drazner responded that the tax rate is what you would see on your

property tax bill. The first installment is an estimate of 55% of the prior

year's bill. The second installment is the actual taxes based on the tax rate

the county calculates. Trustee Parakkat noted the burden of tax on an Oak

Park resident is much higher than others. CFO Drazner agreed it is at the

higher end of the range.

Trustee Robinson said this does not show the compounding effect of the

increase. CFO Drazner confirmed it is just for one year. Trustee Robinson

said it would help to understand that longer term effect of a levy increase for

families. CFO Drazner said he could provide that calculation. Trustee

Parakkat said for a 3% tax levy increase, the tax burden doubles in 20

years. CFO Drazner clarified the 3% is after payment to the pension funds

and the debt service.

Trustee Straw requested an update on the partial 2023 sales tax data.

CFO Drazner responded that it looks like it is on target with where we were

at this time last year. He said he thinks it is safe to expect to bring in $10M

in sales tax this year.

Trustee Parakkat asked how much short-term rentals are up. CFO Drazner

said it has been coming in really strong lately. Trustee Parakkat noted the

sales tax revenue increased 3% post-COVID and has stabilized. Assistant

Development Customer Services Director Cam Davis said an update on

the short-term rentals will be included in the next Manager's Report. Trustee

Parakkat inquired about the increased cash balance interest. CFO Drazner

confirmed interest rates have increased to 4.75%. Trustee Parakkat noted

the increase in the pension contribution is $1.3M. CFO Drazner confirmed

it decreased $1.3M and now it added the $1.3M back so we are back

where we started from a couple years ago.

Trustee Parakkat said he feels the Village has significant upside on the

revenue side and some valid costs. He asked CFO Drazner if he thinks the

Village can do a 2% levy this time. CFO Drazner responded that it is too

early to speculate. Trustee Parakkat asked what the initial budget will be

based on. CFO Drazner responded that it will include the health insurance

number and collective bargaining unit estimates.

Trustee Robinson requested clarification on the number of Finance

Committee meetings. Manager Jackson responded there will be two for

the CIP budget in September, three in October, and one for the partner

agency reviews. Trustee Robinson recommended adding one to two more

meetings to work out the policy framework piece that was discussed. She

inquired how much ARPA funding is available. CFO Drazner responded

that it must be obligated by the end of 2024 and spent by the end of 2026.

Manager Jackson added that staff plan to provide an update prior to

submitting the recommended budget to the Finance Committee before it

reviews the CIP proposal.

Trustee Robinson requested a status update for the new staffing positions

to avoid a situation where the money is set aside yet the process has not

yet begun to fill the positions, which Manager Jackson confirmed will be

provided. Trustee Robinson noted the current Board goals state a 3% levy

increase which she supports.

Trustee Parakkat asked if the full $15M in ARPA funds was allocated. CFO

Drazner responded that the Village has one more year of lost revenue for

the current year so he has an estimate built in for that. He said he thinks it is

right around $3M, or $2M depending on what happens with the Park

District. Trustee Parakkat noted that last time we had a 0% levy increase

but we had a $3.7M expense hike. He asked when is the right time to

discuss levy versus expenses. Manager Jackson responded that staff will

always recommend a balanced budget.

RES 23-212

AN.

A Resolution Approving and Adopting a Village of Oak Park Investment

Policy

CFO Drazner presented the Item.

Trustee Parakkat requested the amount of current investments. CFO

Drazner responded it is over $100M and generates 3% to 5% interest

which is added to the balance each month. Trustee Parakkat said he did

not see an annual review provision in the new policy. CFO Drazner said he

would have to look into that. If there is a conflict, the state statute will prevail

over our policy. He said all of the Village's investments are protected and

within the policy and we do not need to make any changes and he is

always shopping for the best interest rates.

On behalf of Trustee Buchanan who could not attend, Trustee Wesley

requested a restriction be added that the Village will not be invested in

fossil fuels. CFO Drazner said he feels that would be too restrictive and the

spirit of it is incorporated in the new section.

Trustee Straw suggested reporting out annually on how the sustainability

factors are reflected in our investments. He noted the Village has internal

controls that are established and this policy would formalize them.

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

Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Straw, and Village Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

1 - Village Trustee Buchanan

ABSENT:

An Ordinance Amending Chapter 20 (“Public Health”), Article 14 (“Retail Single-Use

Bag”) of the Oak Park Village Code to Add a New Section 20-14-10 (“Exemption”) to

Provide for an Exemption from the Payment of the Village’s Single-Use Plastic Bag

Fee for Persons Participating in a Governmental Food Assistance Program

ORD 23-39

AO.

Chief Sustainability Officer Marcella Bondie Keenan presented the Item.

Trustee Enyia said he appreciates it, and as a former person who used

WIC, he understands what it is able to do for people who are in a position

of financial burden.

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:

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:

Concur with the Plan Commission and Adopt an Ordinance Amending Article 2

(“Definitions & Rules of Measurement”), Article 8 (“Uses”) and Article 14 (“Zoning

Approvals”) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance Regarding Adaptive Reuse Permit

Regulations

ORD 23-44

AP.

Village Planner Craig Failor presented the Item.

Trustee Parakkat said he supports the amendment. He inquired if there are

any historical preservation implications. Planner Failor responded that if a

property is in a historic preservation district and they want to do any

modifications, they will need approval from the Historic Preservation

Commission through a Certificate of Appropriateness process. If a

property is outside of a historic district, then it would go through the current

review process with the Village's architectural consultant.

Trustee Wesley inquired if this is a special use process, which Planner

Failor confirmed. Trustee Wesley inquired why the Village did not make

this change as a by-right. Planner Failor responded that these uses are

new introductions into a residential district and may have some impact on

neighbors so the Village wanted residents to be able to voice their

concerns at a public hearing. Trustee Wesley said making it special use is

a lot more time consuming and expensive and could result in nothing. He

said he feels the place for the public to have a say is when the Village is

changing the zoning rather than on an individualized basis. Planner Failor

responded that the zoning is being changed a little because what the

Village is proposing to allow through special use is different than what is

allowed currently.

Plan Commission Chair Iris Sims added that she is a lot more concerned

about the residential areas. There are churches throughout Oak Park so it

needs to be on a case-by-case basis. Changing all zoning for all churches

puts the rights of people buying empty churches over the rights of residents.

Trustee Wesley said he does think anyone can buy a house and then lay

claim to a neighborhood. If things are changing, we should change all of

them instead of half of them and then requiring people who aren't

commercial developers to go through an expensive special use process.

This is setting up an adversarial relationship with potential new property

owners. Planner Failor explained that the zoning code has a list of

permitted uses and special uses by district. If the Village were to add this

use list into the residential districts as all permitted uses, you could put that

use anywhere in the residential district, not just in churches. This restricts

those to only those religious institutions.

Trustee Enyia asked why the burden should be put on the new owner to

figure out the parking situation if parking doesn't already exist. Planner

Failor responded that the owner can always ask for relief from the parking

requirements. The owner would have to show a hardship for the variance.

This is another reason you want the public involved to discuss how parking

would impact the neighborhood. Trustee Enyia asked if the owner would be

required to have an official traffic study. Planner Failor responded that it

would depend on the situation. The owner would be asked to show where

they would be parking.

Trustee Straw inquired about the live performance venue limited. Planner

Failor responded that there is nothing included about food or drink, it is

really just the venue for music. Trustee Straw said he hopes we continue to

look at the proposals because he is not sure they will be viable uses. He

said he is concerned about the off-street parking requirement because the

Village was okay with the churches not having parking and now we are

asking owners to go through a months-long permitting process and adding

the burden of creating off-street parking in oftentimes landlocked

properties. He recommended striking that requirement from the ordinance.

Planner Failor responded that he understands that for the more

commercial-type uses but the residential uses are going to be more difficult

because they need permanent parking which will be difficult to find off-site.

Trustee Straw said he would be comfortable with this coming back with the

off-site parking requirement just tied into that residential multi-family use.

Trustee Robinson said she does not think a Sunday service is the same as

some of the uses being added here. She said a lot of families choose to

live within walking distance of a particular church and she likes the parking

piece. She wants that to be a primary consideration for these uses and

does not want to see it removed or limited. Chair Sims agreed and noted

there is still an overlay of other existing parking rules.

Trustee Wesley said he concurs with Trustee Straw's recommendation to

strike the off-street parking requirement. Trustee Enyia agreed he does not

want to add the burden of parking on an owner and said he would like to

see an analysis of how many churches currently meet the parking need.

Planner Failor said staff can perform that analysis. Trustee Parakkat said

he would prefer to keep the parking requirement in the ordinance and do a

case-by-case analysis to see if it is warranted for a specific property.

President Scaman suggested tabling this ordinance. She said she sees

some permitting as helping the people seeking the use, though she would

like to see more information on whether that would be a cost barrier to

some owners.

Chair Sims said the Commission and staff can provide data on existing

parking at churches and clarity on the special use process and an

understanding the burden to fulfilling that process. Trustee Straw supported

tabling the item and said providing an overview of current church parking

and some options would be sufficient. Trustee Parakkat suggested it would

be better to make the exception to the rule on a case-by-case basis.

Trustee Straw responded that there is a standard currently that does not

require parking so we would be imposing an additional burden on a buyer

which will prevent those uses from happening. Planner Failor said staff can

do the analysis and the proposed uses are going to be less than what a

church demands. Trustee Wesley said he is against the off-street parking

requirements and thinks it should be removed as it is an overly onerous

process for someone who is not a developer. The goal is to have these

churches put back into productive use.

Trustee Robinson read the off-street parking requirement aloud from

paragraph 3, page 4. She said she does not see it as a burdensome

requirement as it already exists. She sees it as the Village applying some

consistency to this new adaptive use amendment, which is exceedingly

important to avoid confusion. Trustee Straw noted it is applying an

off-street parking standard for the new use so eliminating it would

grandfather in the same off-street parking rules that were applicable to the

prior church use. Planner Failor responded that there is a grandfathering

clause in the current ordinance for uses within our commercial districts and

we could apply that grandfathering here, though he noted the difference is

this is in residential neighborhoods.

This Ordinance was tabled.

4 -

AYES:

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

Village Trustee Straw

2 - Village Trustee Robinson, and Village Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

1 - Village Trustee Buchanan

ABSENT:

XVII. Regular Agenda for Items Pursuant to Village Code Chapter 3 Alcoholic Liquor

Dealers or Related

An Ordinance Amending Chapter 3 (“Alcoholic Liquor Dealers”), Article 8 (“List of

Licenses For Each License Class”), Section 3-8-2 (“Licenses by Name and Address Per

License”) of the Oak Park Village Code for the Issuance of a Restaurant Class B-2

Liquor License to Eleven - Thirty Chicago, Inc., DBA Penny’s Oak Park

ORD 23-85

AT.

New owner of Penny's Oak Park Jonathan Donnelley presented the Item.

President Scaman asked if it will be limited to canned liquor. Owner

Donnelley said he would like to consider selling pre-made canned alcoholic

drinks down the road; it will not be a full bar.

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

Ordinance 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 Robinson, Village

Trustee Straw, and Village Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

1 - Village Trustee Buchanan

1 - Village Trustee Parakkat

RECUSED:

Regular Agenda

RES 23-235

A Resolution Approving a Task Order for Professional Engineering Services with

Baxter & Woodman, Inc. for Design and Construction Engineering for Project 24-12,

North Pump Station Emergency Generator, in an Amount Not to Exceed $105,000

and Authorizing its Execution

AQ.

Village Engineer Bill McKenna presented the Item.

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:

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 Resolution Authorizing the Submission of an Application with Experimental

Station for a Link Up Illinois Grant with an Anticipated Funding Amount of $18,000

and Approval of Subsequent Agreements and Authorizing their Execution

RES 23-241

AR.

Health Director Dr. Theresa Chapple presented the Item.

Trustee Parakkat asked if the $7K was sufficient last year in meeting the

need. Dr. Chapple responded that we use two funding sources to meet the

need--a $15K CDBG block grant and this additional $7K. The need last

year was $22K. This grant is for $18K and we have regressive funding

from the block grant again for $12K this year. We anticipate getting $30K

for this year which we are hopeful will take us through the year. The Link Up

Illinois grant has said that if we run out of funds before the end of the

season, we can request more dollars.

Trustee Robinson asked if this will allow us to maintain the $25 matching,

which Dr. Chapple confirmed. Trustee Robinson said this is one of her

favorite programs the Village does. She shared feedback she received

from users who said they attended the Farmers' Market several times

before they became aware of it so she encouraged enhancing marketing

and awareness of the program. Dr. Chapple responded that the grant

funding does not allow for marketing but we hope a fix to that is having the

Market Manager year-round. Trustee Robinson said she would support

adding a line item in the work plan for the commission to increasing

marketing efforts for this next year. She shared feedback she received

about the process where an individual goes to a stand, gets a receipt,

goes to the match table, gets a voucher, then goes back to the stand. She

wondered if anything could be done to make the process easier or more

streamlined.

Trustee Enyia suggested going to the IGA meeting and talking to D97 and

D200 about the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). Trustee Straw

added that if you qualify for free and reduced lunch through D97, you

automatically get contacted by the Park District with regard to scholarships

that are available for Park District funds. He said he would love to have

conversations through Council of Governments (COGs) about whether

there is a way for us to link up with that.

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

Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Straw, and Village Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

1 - Village Trustee Buchanan

ABSENT:

A Resolution Authorizing the Submission of an Application with the Illinois

Department of Public Health for a Strengthening Illinois Public Health

RES 23-243

AS.

Administration Grant for a Four-Year Term with an Anticipated Funding Amount of

$350,000 and Approval of Subsequent Agreements and Authorizing their Execution

Dr. Chapple presented the Item.

Trustee Robinson acknowledged and appreciated that the Health

Department has really heard and acted upon the Village Board's desire for

the department to seek grant opportunities.

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

Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Straw, and Village Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

1 - Village Trustee Buchanan

ABSENT:

XVIII. Adjourn

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

vote was taken and the motion was approved. Meeting adjourned at 11:01 P.M.,

Monday, July 31, 2023.

Respectfully submitted,

Deputy Clerk Hansen