123 Madison Street

Oak Park, Illinois 60302

www.oak-park.us

Village of Oak Park

Meeting Minutes

President and Board of Trustees

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

6:30 PM

Village Hall

I. Call to Order

Village President Scaman called the Meeting to order at 6:33 P.M.

II. Roll Call

5 -

Present:

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

Trustee Leving Jacobson, and Village Trustee Taglia

2 - Village Trustee Straw, and Village Trustee Wesley

Absent:

III. Consideration of Motion to Adjourn to Closed Session to Discuss Purchase or

Lease of Real Property for the Use of the Village and Setting of a Price for Sale or

Lease of Property Owned by the Village

Village Trustee Wesley arrived at 6:38 P.M.

Village Trustee Straw arrived at 6:40 P.M.

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

adjourn to Executive Session. The motion was approved. The roll call on the

vote was as follows:

5 -

AYES:

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

Trustee Leving Jacobson, and Village Trustee Taglia

NAYS:

2 - Village Trustee Straw, and Village Trustee Wesley

ABSENT:

IV. Adjourn to Closed Session

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

The Regular Meeting reconvened at 7:48 P.M.

VI. Roll Call

Village Trustee Leving Jacobson stepped away. Returned at 7:50 P.M.

7 -

Present:

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

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

Trustee Wesley

Absent:

VII. Agenda Approval

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

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

VIII. Minutes

MOT 26-111

A Motion to Approve Minutes from the January 20, 2026 Regular Meeting

of the Village Board

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

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

IX. Non-Agenda Public Comment

Resident and member of Central West Oak Park Neighborhood

Association, David O. addressed the board for a zoning amendment

requiring any hospital construction exceeding 60 feet near residential

neighborhoods to undergo a public approval process. He emphasize the

need for transparency and action on a June 2023 board directive, noting

that no recommendations have been provided in the 31 months since.

Resident and member of Central West Oak Park Neighborhood

Association, Michael W. emphasized that building height considerations

for Rush Oak Park Hospital are overdue and should have been addressed

during past zoning changes. He urged the board to act on its 2023

unanimous directive to staff to recommend reducing hospital district

building heights to 60 feet, citing concerns about proximity to residential

homes and lack of prior conditions on zoning changes.

X. Proclamation

MOT 26-109

A Motion to Approve a Proclamation Honoring the Life and Legacy of Mrs.

Wyanetta Johnson

Village President Scaman read the Proclamation aloud.

It was moved that this Motion be approved. A voice vote was taken and the

motion was approved.

XI. Village Manager Reports

None; no action was taken regarding this item.

XII. Village Board Committees

None; no action was taken regarding this item.

XIII. Citizen Commission Vacancies

ID 26-160

Board and Commission Vacancy Report for January 27, 2026

This report lists the expected number of members, current number of

members seated and number of active vacancies for the Village’s 18

citizen boards and commissions. There are currently 25 vacancies.

XIV. Citizen Commission Appointments, Reappointments and Chair Appointments

MOT 26-110

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

Civic Information Systems Commission - Joshua N. Vanderberg, Appoint

as Chair

Farmers’ Market Commission - Anthony P. Munoz, Appoint as Member

Village Clerk Waters read the names aloud.

This Motion was approved.

XV. First Reading

ORD 26-102

A First Reading and Potential Approval of an Ordinance Amending

Chapter 22 (“Streets and Sidewalks”), Article 14 (“Small Wireless

Facilities”) of the Oak Park Village Code for the Regulation of Small Cell

Wireless Facilities

Deputy Village Manager Ahmad Zayyad explained that state law recently

expanded village authority over small cell installations. Proposed three

ordinance changes. Clarified that the fee amount is set by state law and

agreements with providers triggered the timing of this update.

Village President Scaman supported the ordinance and asked about the

number of existing installations and expected revenue increase.

Village Trustee Straw expressed support for charging providers rather than

residents.

Village Trustee Enyia asked about provider arrangements and whether

service quality would improve.

Board of Trustees agreed to waive Second Reading.

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

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

was as follows:

7 -

AYES:

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

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

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

XVI. Consent Agenda

Approval of the Consent Agenda

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

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

roll call on the vote was as follows:

7 -

AYES:

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

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

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

RES 26-105

RES 26-108

A Resolution Approving and Adopting the Village of Oak Park Climate

Ready Energy Loan Program Guidelines

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving the Purchase of Six 2026 Ford Utility Hybrid Police

Interceptor Vehicles with Police Package from Currie Motors of Frankfort,

Illinois, through contracts secured by the Suburban Purchasing Cooperative

Joint Purchasing Program in an Amount Not to Exceed $312,012.00

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 26-112

RES 26-117

A Resolution Approving Amendments to Appendix I (“Job Classification &

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Status”) and Appendix VII (“Appointee

Pay Plan Schedule”) of the Village of Oak Park Personnel Manual

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving the Purchase of One Electric Semi-Truck from

Peterbilt Illinois Joliet, Inc dba JX Truck Center through Contracts Secured

by the Sourcewell Cooperative Joint Purchasing Program in an Amount not

to exceed $397,591.06 and Directing Staff to Prepare the Necessary

Budget Amendment for the Purchase

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 26-119

RES 26-120

A Resolution Approving and Adopting the Village of Oak Park Climate

Ready Sustainability Credit Program Guidelines

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving the Independent Contractor Agreement with

McAdam Landscaping, Incorporated for Business District Landscape

Maintenance Services in 2026 in an Amount Not to Exceed $77,000.00

and Authorizing Its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 26-121

RES 26-130

A Resolution Approving the Independent Contractor Agreement with

CityEscape Garden & Design LLC for Regular Landscape Maintenance

Services in 2026 in an Amount Not to Exceed $137,000.00 and

Authorizing Its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving and Adopting the Village of Oak Park Climate

Ready Energy Grant Program Guidelines

This Resolution was adopted.

ORD 26-101

ORD 26-108

An Ordinance Authorizing the Sale of Surplus Equipment Owned by the

Village of Oak Park

This Ordinance was adopted.

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

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

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

the “Renew the Avenue” Streetscape Project

This Ordinance was adopted.

XVII. Regular Agenda

MOT 26-106

A Motion to Accept the Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Comprehensive Annual

Financial Report (ACF) and Supporting Documents

Chief Financial Officer Kevin Bueso shared the 2024 audit was finalized

ahead of schedule and received a clean, unmodified opinion, confirming

that the village’s financial statements are accurate and comply with all

required standards. The audit included several key reports, such as the

Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, Single Audit Report for federal

grants, and management letters addressing two noted deficiencies with

corrective action plans. Financial highlights show a strong general fund

balance of $49.7 million-about 67% of annual operating expenditures-along

with positive operating income across all enterprise funds, indicating

healthy cost recovery for services. Overall, the audit reflects sound financial

management and continued progress toward long-term fiscal stability.

Village Trustee Taglia asked why the audit for fiscal year ending December

31, 2024, was only finalized in January 2026. Inquired whether the audit

was filed late with the state and if any penalties were assessed.

Sikich Director Tom Siwicki Explained delays occur when required

information isn’t available during scheduled fieldwork, as auditors move on

to other engagements afterward. Stated no fines were assessed for the

2024 audit but emphasized the state is becoming stricter about timeliness.

Chief Financial Officer Kevin Bueso cited staffing shortages and on

boarding challenges as the main cause of delay. Assured the board that

the 2025 audit is already ahead of schedule and future delays are not

expected. Noted a detailed discussion on internal controls and technology

upgrades will occur in early February.

Village President Scaman expressed the expectation that future audit

reports should go through the Finance Committee before being presented

to the full Village Board.

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

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

was as follows:

7 -

AYES:

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

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

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

ID 26-116

A Presentation by Ralph T. Muehleisen, Chief Building Scientist at Argonne

National Laboratory of the results of the Energy to Communities Expert

Match project titled “Multifamily Housing Incentive Program Development.”

Chief Building Scientist at Argonne National Laboratory Ralph T.

Muehleisen presented the results of a study conducted for the Village of

Oak Park investigating effective energy efficiency incentive programs for

the Village of Oak Park multifamily properties. He recommended a deep

energy retrofit combining heat pumps, wall insulation, and window

upgrades could reduce a building’s Energy Use Intensity (EUI) by 68%, but

at a high upfront cost of about $1.1 million. Current annual energy costs are

roughly $85,000, and while individual measures like insulation and boiler

replacement offer moderate savings, heat pumps-though most effective for

reducing EUI-do not lower costs under standard rates. However, using a

discounted electric heating rate could make heat pumps cost-neutral and,

when combined with other upgrades, achieve up to $25,000 in annual

savings, highlighting a trade-off between significant energy efficiency gains

and substantial initial investment.

Chief Sustainability Officer Lindsey Roland Nieratka clarified that data

issues are not systemic but due to how building owners submit information;

efforts are underway to clean and monitor the database. Reported current

compliance rate at 28%, noting active outreach and technical assistance to

improve it. Explained that smaller building owners often lack resources

compared to large property managers, making compliance harder.

Outlined strategies to boost compliance, including landlord training

sessions, technical assistance, and data jam events. Confirmed approval

of a full-time sustainability analyst position to strengthen program efforts.

Village Trustee Eder agreed heat pumps are beneficial and noted building

owners often prefer them because costs shift to tenants when individual

units have heat pumps instead of a central boiler. Asked about roof

insulation as an alternative to expensive exterior wall insulation. Raised

concerns about difficulty in obtaining discounted electric heating rates and

criticized ComEd for lack of support. Praised the benchmarking program

as a valuable resource and asked about data reliability and compliance

rates. Highlighted the importance of improving compliance to enable future

performance standards and offered support to help increase participation.

Village Trustee Straw Trustee Straw asked about the visual impact of

mini-split technology on building exteriors and expressed concern about

aesthetics in Oak Park’s historic housing stock. Emphasized the need to

balance climate action with community resistance to visible exterior units,

suggesting rooftop placement as a solution.

Requested data on energy efficiency gains from roof improvements and

highlighted the importance of proactive planning with the Historic

Preservation Commission to avoid backlash. Stressed that addressing

climate change is an existential issue and urged quick, effective

implementation of energy efficiency measures.

Village Trustee Wesley shared housing data: Oak Park has about 700

multifamily buildings, with 6,000 units in buildings of 20+ units (25% of

housing), compared to 9,870 single-family homes (40%). Noted multifamily

housing occupies only 296 acres (9.9%) of Oak Park’s land area, making it

highly space-efficient. Emphasized that increasing multifamily housing is

critical for sustainability and climate action, linking this to future discussions

on “missing middle” housing. Advocated for efficient land and energy use

as key strategies for the community’s climate goals.

ID 26-131

A Presentation and Discussion on E.C.H.O. (Engaging Community for

Healthy Outcomes) Phase 1

Community Services Administrator Vanessa Matheny reported the

E.C.H.O. program completed its first year with 702 calls for service,

focusing on reducing repeat emergency calls and connecting residents to

resources through collaboration with police, fire, and community partners.

Key efforts included mailers, videos, referral guides, improved tracking

systems, and proactive outreach to unhoused residents, seniors, and

high-rise communities. For Year Two, goals include expanding awareness

through surveys and informational sessions, strengthening partnerships,

improving 911 call tracking, and increasing referrals to 1,299 while

maintaining quality care and efficiency.

At 9:54 P.M., Village President Scaman made a motion to extend Board

Meeting beyond 10:00 P.M. It was moved by Village Trustee Wesley and

seconded by Village Trustee Eder to extend Board Meeting beyond 10:00

P.M.

Village Trustee Enyia praised the growth and impact of the E.C.H.O.

program, expressing pride in its ability to serve residents and support

community needs. He encouraged continued collaboration with partners

like the township, library, and park district, emphasized educating residents

on proper emergency and non-emergency contacts, and highlighted the

importance of managing expectations for high-risk situations while

promoting awareness of E.C.H.O. as a key resource.

Village Trustee Wesley praised E.C.H.O.’s success and growth, and

highlighted the importance of referral source data for strengthening

partnerships and expressed concern about the high volume of

housing-related calls-nearly half of all service requests-urging a proactive

plan to address housing needs beyond E.C.H.O.’s current scope.

Village Trustee Straw asked whether E.C.H.O. has reduced repeat

emergency calls by diverting cases. He emphasized the importance of

tracking data on reduced repeat emergency calls and urged moving toward

Phase 2 of E.C.H.O. to expand its impact.

Fire Chief Joseph Terry emphasized that E.C.H.O. acts as a critical safety

net, preventing residents from reaching crisis points by addressing

underlying social needs before they escalate into emergency calls. While

exact metrics are still being developed, he noted the program builds trust

within the community and helps resolve issues unrelated to medical or law

enforcement-such as insurance or access to social services-that traditional

emergency responders are not equipped to handle.

Village Trustee Leving Jacobsen praised the E.C.H.O. program’s success

and shared a positive personal experience using its services, attributing its

impact to the team’s strong community connections and resource

knowledge.

XVIII. Call to Board and Clerk

Village Trustee Enyia expressed condolences for Alex Pretti and others

impacted by violence, emphasizing the importance of protecting

democracy and condemning actions that undermine it.

Village Trustee Wesley highlighted the link between housing, affordability,

and infrastructure efficiency, advocating for more multifamily housing as

part of addressing systemic inequities and sustainability.

Village Trustee Straw shared participation in a community march honoring

Alex Pretti and warned of the likely resurgence of federal enforcement

actions in spring, urging preparation to protect residents.

Village Trustee Taglia called the Minnesota tragedy heartbreaking and

acknowledged International Holocaust Remembrance Day, honoring

victims and reflecting on its historical significance.

Village Trustee Leving Jacobsen also recognized Holocaust

Remembrance Day, drawing parallels between past genocides and current

threats to vulnerable communities, and urged proactive measures to

prevent harm locally.

Village Trustee Eder announced passage of a Climate Action Program

making electrification projects nearly free through grants and loans, and

recapped a successful OPCAN event focused on sustainability and

community resilience.