123 Madison Street

Oak Park, Illinois 60302

www.oak-park.us

Village of Oak Park

Meeting Minutes

President and Board of Trustees

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

6:00 PM

Village Hall

I. Call to Order

Village President Vicki Scaman called the Special Meeting to order at

6:04 P.M.

II. Roll Call

Trustee Enyia joined the Meeting at 6:13 P.M.

Trustee Wesley joined the Meeting at 6:14 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

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

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

IV. Non-Agenda Public Comment

Daniel Lakemacher: Resident and Navy veteran. Urged the Village Board

to pass a ceasefire resolution which speaks to our values. War is not the

answer.

Jim Poznak: Jewish resident supports the Board voting in favor of a

ceasefire resolution. Referenced excerpts from A Trauma Surgeon on

Why Gaza is the Worst of War Zones in the Economist Magazine.

Susan Messer: Jewish resident supports the ceasefire resolution. Every

voice can help in getting the violence to stop, even the voices of the

Trustees in this municipality.

Jim Madigan: Resident asked the Village Board to use your voice as

community leaders to amplify the voices of those calling for humanitarian

aid, the release of hostages, and for a ceasefire now.

Faisal Alabsy: Palestinian American resident. Requested the DEI office to

facilitate dialogue with Trustees and stakeholders and a timeline be

created to vote on this resolution.

Jenna Leving Jacobson (virtual): Jewish resident says many of us support

a ceasefire. Do not equate supporting Israel with supporting Jews.

President Scaman thanked the public commenters and said she will

continue to have conversations with anyone willing to reach out to her.

Ann Joachim (virtual): Resident is opposed to the change in leaf removal.

This should be put to referendum and not be a Board decision.

V. Proclamation

MOT 24-158

A Motion to Approve a Proclamation Honoring Arab American Heritage

Month in April 2024

Trustee Robinson read the Proclamation into the Record.

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

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

MOT 24-159

A Motion to Approve a Proclamation Recognizing May 2024 as Building

Safety Month

President Scaman read the Proclamation into the Record.

President Scaman noted April is also Stress Awareness Month and

National Donor Life Month and she provided additional information on both

topics.

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

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

VI. Village Manager Reports

Village Manager Kevin Jackson said staff provided the Board with a

memorandum status update on transition activities and funding related to

the migrant situation. Assistant Village Manager/HR Director Kira Tchang

provided additional information.

Trustee Robinson inquired about the spent reimbursement amount.

Director Tchang said all expenses from November through March are

captured along with the reimbursements the Village has received thus far

and has submitted. Trustee Robinson asked if the Village will address the

reimbursement for resettlement funds. Director Tchang said $102K has

been identified as ineligible for reimbursement. The Village Board

allocated $450K to Community of Congregations for the purpose of

resettlement above and beyond the SMASS 2 relocation dollars. The

Village has a commitment from the state for $200K provided it finalizes its

FY25 budget.

Trustee Robinson clarified there is no way we can know if every penny will

be reimbursed because it is still evolving. Director Tchang said there is

$102K in expenses incurred through the shelter program that the Village

has not identified a reimbursement source. The Village will continue to

seek reimbursement from any future SMASS opportunity. Trustee

Robinson said she still wants to see any dollars we can capture from that

ARPA conversion to help offset an expense in our budget that falls under

the original list of federally-approved programming.

Trustee Parakkat said sending a memo this afternoon does not give

Trustees enough time to review. Manager Jackson said staff are happy to

answer questions at next week's meeting or anytime during the week.

Trustee Straw inquired about $40K granted for administrative fees.

Director Tchang said the Village will be reimbursed for the full $40K and it

will be submitted for May. Trustee Straw noted $352K in local money has

enabled us to provide temporary shelter for five months and resettle a

significant population of migrants for one year and that is an incredible

achievement of staff, volunteers, and the Community of Congregations.

VII. Consent Agenda

Approval of the Consent Agenda

It was moved by Trustee Robinson, 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:

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 24-163

RES 24-178

RES 24-179

A Resolution Approving the Renewal of the Towing Services Agreement

Between the Village of Oak Park and O’Hare Truck Service, Inc., D/B/A

O’Hare Towing Services for a One Year Period, Authorizing its Execution

and Waiving the Village’s Bid Process for the Renewal

This Resolution was approved.

A Resolution Approving the Purchase of Three 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EVs

with Police Package from Currie Motors of Frankfort, Illinois in an Amount

Not to Exceed $188,811.00 and Waiving the Village’s Bid Process for the

Purchase

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving the Rebuilding of One Single Axle Dump Truck

Through the Purchase and Installation of Equipment from Lindco

Equipment Sales, a Division of Viking-Cives, Through the Sourcewell Joint

Purchasing Program in an Amount Not to Exceed $148,936.00 and Waiving

the Village’s Bid Process for the Purchase

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 24-181

A Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of One 2024 Ford F550 Super Duty

Service Truck from Lindco Equipment Sales, a division of Viking-Cives,

through the Sourcewell Joint Purchasing Program in an Amount Not to

Exceed $96,497.00 and Waiving the Village’s Bid Process for the Purchase

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 24-182

RES 24-193

A Resolution Approving a Contract with Strada Construction Company for

Project 24-16, Sidewalk Improvements, in an Amount Not to Exceed

$504,262 and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

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 $100,000 to

$150,000 and to Extend the Term from April 30, 2024, to August 2, 2024

and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

MOT 24-115

MOT 24-133

MOT 24-134

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

All Funds

This Motion was approved.

A Motion to Approve the Unaudited Year-to-Date Quarterly Financial

Report as of June 30, 2023

This Motion was approved.

A Motion to Approve the Unaudited Year-to-Date Quarterly Financial

Report as of September 30, 2023

..End

Overview

This Motion was approved.

ORD 24-113

An Ordinance Authorizing the Donation of Surplus Property Owned by the

Village of Oak Park

This Ordinance was adopted.

VIII. Regular Agenda for Items Pursuant to Village Code Chapter 3 Alcohol Liquor

ORD 24-120

An Ordinance Amending Chapter 3 (“Alcoholic Liquor Dealers”), Article 1

(“General Provisions”), Section 3-1-1 (“Definitions”), Article 4 (“Term and

Classification”), Section 3-4-2 (“Classification and Number of Liquor Licenses

and Fees”) and Article 8 (“List of Licenses for Each License Class”), Section

3-8-1 (“Number of Licenses Permitted to be Issued Per License Class”) and

Section 3-8-2 (“Licenses by Name and Address Per License”) of the Oak Park

Village Code for the Issuance of a Coffee House and Teashop Class D-10-2

Liquor License to Atticus Edison, LLC, DBA Val’s Halla Records

Village Attorney Paul Stephanides presented the Item.

Trustee Straw acknowledged that he was supported in his election by the

owner of Val's Halla.

Trustee Wesley requested clarification on D1 and D2. Attorney

Stephanides said D2 requires a minimum of 1,000 square feet. Economic

Vitality Administrator Cam Davis said it is in line with the current ordinance

and other categories.

It was moved by Trustee Wesley, seconded by Trustee Robinson, 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 Robinson, Village Trustee Straw, and Village Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

1 - Village Trustee Parakkat

RECUSED:

ORD 24-121

An Ordinance Amending Chapter 3 (“Alcoholic Liquor Dealers”), Article 4

(“Term and Classification”), Section 3-4-2 (“Classification and Number of

Liquor Licenses and Fees”), and Article 8 (“List of Licenses for Each License

Class”), Section 3-8-1 (“Number of Licenses Permitted to be Issued Per

License Class”) and 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-6 Liquor License to VFJ Enterprises II Inc., DBA Chicago’s Home of Chicken

& Waffles

Attorney Stephanides introduced the Item.

It was moved by Trustee Wesley, seconded by Trustee Straw, 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 Robinson, Village Trustee Straw, and Village Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

1 - Village Trustee Parakkat

RECUSED:

IX. Regular Agenda

RES 24-192

Resolutions Approving Temporary License Agreements with Six (6) Oak

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

Dining Through October 31, 2024 and Authorizing Their Execution

Trustee Robinson inquired about access for emergency vehicles.

Development Services (DS) Director Emily Egan said each site is

reviewed by DS, Public Works, and Engineering staff.

Trustee Wesley asked if the Village knows why people opt in versus opt

out. Director Egan said the Village tracks who has taken advantage of this

and has close communication with them. Administrator Davis said they are

almost the same restaurants from the past four years. The amount of

money is worth it to these businesses and the Village has not received any

negative feedback about the cost.

Trustee Straw inquired about the impact on sales tax. Administrator Davis

said the village has not kept that specific data. Trustee Straw said he thinks

the Village's pricing may be too high because we are already recovering

additional revenue from additional sales. He said if lowering the price

would lead to wider adoption, he would be in support of it.

Trustee Robinson said she doesn't think we need to choose between the

two types of money recouped. This is not a community purpose; it is one

business commandeering the space to the exclusion of other businesses.

She said she thinks charging is 100% appropriate, as are the rates, and

she doesn't think we should be undercutting a revenue service for any of

those reasons.

Trustee Wesley said he does think this is a community purpose and

outdoor dining creates a vibrancy. He said it would be interesting to

compare sales tax for areas with more outdoor dining. Administrator Davis

said the Hemingway District will provide a case study next year due to the

construction project.

Trustee Robinson noted the Beer Shop's chalet was a case study. Trustee

Wesley said he agrees when it is in a municipal lot where parking is more

scarce but parking in the Arts District is plentiful.

President Scaman said she trusts staff will bring relevant conversation

forward in an economic vitality plan. Manager Jackson referenced the

upcoming economic vitality study and financial planning.

Trustee Robinson requested the same number of comments be given to

both sides.

It was moved by Trustee Enyia, seconded by Trustee Straw, 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 24-114

Concur with the Plan Commission and Adopt an Ordinance Amending

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

(“Definitions”), Article 8 (“Uses”), Section 8.3 (“Use Restrictions”) and Table

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

Parking Lots as a Special Use in the DT Zoning District

Director Egan presented the Item.

Trustee Wesley asked if the Village did a financial impact assessment on

the revenues to Village parking if this is implemented. Director Egan said

staff discussed the impact for revenue at the Holley Court garage. The

private Emerson garage does not produce revenue for the Village. Attorney

Stephanides added there is a public parking easement on that garage so

they have to make it available to the public for parking.

Trustee Wesley inquired about the license plate photos and what happens

if someone is just passing through the lot. Taft Law Firm Partner Karl

Camillucci responded the data would still be kept and purged within three

months. Trustee Wesley asked if there is any way to mitigate that. Partner

Camillucci said he can discuss that with the developers to see if it is

possible to purge those plates sooner. Trustee Wesley said his approval

would be conditional on that.

Partner Camilluci confirmed the only data captured is license plate data,

not owner data. Trustee Wesley asked how many customers store their

personal identifying information (PII). Partner Camillucci said he does not

have that data. Director Egan said she can follow up about how many

customers save their PII in the Passport app.

Trustee Wesley noted that surface parking is more desirable than garage

parking, even if it is more expensive. He said this may actually lead to a

more full lot if people can pay a fee to park there. He requested an

estimate of the anticipated revenue. Partner Camillucci said the objective

is not to generate revenue; it is a response to a problem identified by the

applicant and the Village.

Trustee Wesley asked if the Village could have a parking tax like Chicago.

Attorney Stephanides said he would have to look into it. Manager Jackson

confirmed this is a unique private lot.

Trustee Wesley said he would like to move to have a study session on a

parking tax for our garages that are not Village-owned. Trustee Parakkat

seconded. Trustee Parakkat said he likes the public-private partnership

and the fact it creates a consistent experience for customers. He inquired if

the applicant would be okay if all of the revenue went to the Village. Partner

Camillucci said he would suspect not and there is an investment in

installing the system. Trustee Parakkat said a revenue share might be an

easier option than a parking tax and he said he would like to combine the

motion to have all options for the Village to monetize this in an equitable

fashion with the operator.

Attorney Stephanides said the Village would have to enter into a separate

agreement with the operator for that. Trustee Parakkat requested a second

motion to explore the opportunity to create a revenue stream by sharing the

proceeds from the parking lot more equitable between the Village and the

operator. Trustee Wesley seconded. Attorney Stephanides noted the

operator would have to voluntarily enter into an agreement like that.

President Scaman asked if it is possible to delay the time the charging

starts. Partner Camillucci said there is a 30-minute period where there

would be no charge even if you do not get your parking validated. President

Scaman asked if there are particular businesses complaining about

parking. Partner Camillucci said the fast casual restaurants expressed

concerns. President Scaman said she is generally in favor though she sees

equity concerns with phone requirements and she does not think this will

change behavior or solve the problem.

Trustee Buchanan requested an understanding of the new process. Partner

Camillucci said a picture of the license plate gets timestamped upon entry.

The customer will be able to validate their parking session at each retailer

by scanning a QR code or texting your license plate number. If you are not a

customer and do not get validation, when you exit the lot, you will have to

pay the amount due via website or app or phone. If you do not pay, an

invoice will be mailed.

Trustee Robinson said she is supportive and it is important that the

signage be clear and visible. She questioned why the zoning code is being

amended for principal usage when this is an accessory usage. Village

Planner Craig Failor explained it is accessory today because it is only

there for the operation of the businesses.

Trustee Straw asked what the impact will be down the line if someone else

wants to develop a surface lot purely for profit. Planner Failor said it is a

special use so they would have to go through a public hearing process.

Trustee Straw asked if it changes the standard by which the Village

reviews an application if it requires a text amendment. Attorney

Stephanides said it does not. Trustee Straw said he is not excited about

surface lot as a primary use and thinks it is a poor precedent to set. He

said he is probably a no vote. He recommended additional signage

between the lot and Maple Avenue.

Trustee Straw inquired what the citation fee amount would be. Partner

Camillucci said the invoice is the amount of the parking fee. SP+

Corporation Regional Manager Ivan Matic said they recommend the

industry standard of $50, which would go to the operator and the owner. If

they were not aware they were in violation, they would be able to send an

email and request to waive the fee, especially if it is their first violation.

Trustee Straw said he is a strong no and this structure seems almost as

predatory as towing. He asked if the mailing envelopes would look like

parking tickets, which Manager Matic said they would not.

Partner Camillucci said signage can be placed where the Village deems

appropriate. The applicant is responding to past criticisms and attempting

to reserve their lot for customers and make it less attractive for

unauthorized purposes. Trustee Straw clarified that he was referring to the

collections industry with his predatory comment and not the owner. Partner

Camillucci said there is no automatic issuance of citations or invoices. The

owner is provided with the data and has the opportunity to determine

whether additional action should be taken.

Trustee Straw wondered if it might make sense to table this Item so the

applicant could come back with a policy that lays out when citations would

be issued. Partner Camillucci said he thinks the applicant would be

receptive to forming a policy. Trustee Straw asked if the third-party

collections agency refer to credit reporting agencies. Manager Matic said

they do not. President Scaman noted the Village Park also does not use

credit agencies for past due tickets.

Trustee Buchanan said she is a strong yess. Driving is a privilege and no

one has a right to free parking downtown. It is a private lot. Pay to park.

There will be signage. They will be forgiving. People need to change their

parking behavior.

Trustee Enyia said he used to work at the Gap and he warned people they

would get towed from that lot if they were not shopping. He said this is very

lenient in how this is set up. He said he does not like the data being saved

if you are only passing through.

Trustee Straw said he agrees cars should have to pay to use space. He

said this incentivizes surface lots which he doesn't think we want those in

transit-oriented areas. He said he would prefer to see a principal use of

that acreage that is not a strip of asphalt.

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

Trustee Parakkat, and Village Trustee Robinson

2 - Village Trustee Straw, and Village Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

ORD 24-115

Concur with the Plan Commission and Adopt an Ordinance Granting a

Special Use Permit for a Principal Parking Lot in the DT-1 Downtown

Central Sub-District of the DT Downtown Zoning District Located at

401-435 North Harlem Avenue, 1128-1165 Westgate Street and 1137-1147

Lake Street

President Scaman requested to make a friendly amendment to add the

conditions of additional signage on Maple Avenue, purging of data for

vehicles just passing through, and a policy on how citations will be issued

for unpaid parking.

Trustee Robinson said she is not sure we have consensus on all of those

conditions and unless she hears that, she strenuously objects to any

modification of this Item. President Scaman verified there were enough

votes in favor of adding the conditions. Partner Camillucci agreed to add

the additional signage and create a policy and said he would have to

confer with his client regarding their ability to purge the data.

President Scaman modified the friendly amendment to include additional

signage on Maple Avenue and a policy consistent with our Village third

party credit agency relationships and fees to be reviewed and approved by

Village staff.

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

1 - Village Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

ORD 24-118

An Ordinance Amending Chapter 20 (“Public Health”), Article 7 (“Garbage,

Weeds and Littering”) Section 20-7-1 (“Definitions”) and Section 20-7-2

(“Storage and Collection of Garbage, Refuse, Yard Waste and Recyclable

Materials for Residential Buildings Containing Five Units or Less; Storage

and Collection of Yard Waste for All Buildings”) of the Oak Park Village

Code Regarding the Village of Oak Park’s Annual Fall Leaf Collection

Public Works Director Rob Sproule and Environmental Services Manager

Erica Helms presented the Item.

David Doherty: Spends several weekends every fall raking massive

amounts of leaves into his street. This feels like a great deal of work being

shifted to residents.

Robert Larson: Raking leaves into the street has worked well and he sees

no need for change. The bagging system would be costly and make the

effort harder. Recommended putting it to a referendum.

President Scaman asked what problem we are trying to solve. Director

Sproule said this process was a request from the Village Board out of

concerns around the existing leaf program model and the coordination of

facilitating the removal of the loose leaves, which creates safety concerns

for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. It can also create conflicts with our

catch basin system designed to address storm water. Vehicle fires happen

almost every year. Our hauler experienced five fires and had a total loss on

one of their trucks. The Village is trying to promote more sustainable

activities and minimize the impact with greenhouse gases.

Manager Helms added that leaving your leaves provides a habitat, food,

and safety for important insects and has a positive impact on our

ecosystem in Oak Park. It will improve biodiversity, sustainability, and

resiliency in the region.

President Scaman noted the Board directed staff to work with LRS on this

contract. Our residents have the right to advocate to us at any point and

tonight is the first vote; it is not a done deal. She said she thinks we can

gain more buy-in if we bring our residents along on the journey with us and

they can learn why we are going this way. The engagement plan and

education is very important. Director Sproule said staff are able to

implement this fall and he does not think delaying another year would make

a significant difference in terms of compliance.

President Scaman noted there was no support for this at the commission

chair meeting. Director Sproule said staff offered three options at the

March 12 Board meeting - to maintain the status quo, move forward with

the transition plan, or pause to gain additional community engagement -

and the Board directed staff to move forward.

Trustee Parakkat said he has heard three issues from the community. The

first is from an equity perspective and whether it puts an undue burden on

seniors and disabled individuals and if there are socioeconomic

implications. The second is around the costs associated with bags and

handling costs. The third is that the culture of viewing trees as a good thing

may be impacted as more people start seeing trees as just work and

disincentivize people to create a greener environment. He said he would

like to see the Village look at other options that are better for residents and

he will be voting no.

Trustee Buchanan said she misunderstood and thought this was a done

deal. She thinks the reasons Director Sproule gave are important and have

not been heard by the community. Director Sproule confirmed everything is

still in the planning stage. The Village currently budgets $50K for a

physically and financially disabled sidewalk shoveling program for about 50

individuals. This past winter was very light so there is funding in that

program that could be utilized to help pilot a program that would be

modeled in the same way. The contractor has that capability and is putting

together a proposal. Trustee Buchanan said she would be very favorable

toward that. She said bag coupons and free bags at community buildings

would help address some of the equity issues. She said she is very

supportive of going forward.She noted Evanston bags their leaves and

bags cost $1.75 each.

Trustee Robinson said the overriding issue for her is safety. Car fires have

been a recurring problem. Decreased visibility is an issue, which includes

children playing in leaf piles and walkways being blocked. The current

model has non-compliance and is not working. This is in line with our

overall sustainability goals. She inquired what the engagement piece will

look like. Director Sproule said they are working with the Communications

Department to determine if they have the capacity in-house. Education

needs to be directed to residents in many different ways. Direct multilingual

communication with the landscapers will need to be made. The Village

would like to work with the Township on messaging and look at doing

videos and advertisements.

Trustee Robinson asked what a bulk bag purchase would look like.

Director Sproule said they have reached out to some suppliers to get bulk

pricing and they want to engage further with local hardware stores. Bags

will be available at locations such as the Library, Park District, Township,

and Public Works. Village employees will also provide bags when

explaining compliance. Trustee Robinson suggested engaging

service-oriented high school clubs. Manager Helms confirmed the Village

is looking into that and is using the Engage Oak park platform to connect

volunteers with residents who need assistance. Trustee Robinson said she

is in support.

President Scaman said the intent to work with local hardware stores

demonstrates a level of real thoughtfulness. She wonders if landscapers

may have additional staffing needs. She said she is fully in on this with a

longer runway.

Trustee Straw asked if there is data as to how much of the compost from

the leaf piles ends up in landfills as a result of contamination. Manager

Helms said they do not report that. They report the total tonnage collected.

They report when piles are contaminated so she can look through last

year's reports. A high percentage makes it to the composting facility. He

said he has seen many discussions on social media about the safety

concerns, which was an issue before the Village switched to LRS. Tall leaf

piles make it less safe to walk and bike in Oak Park. He said he continues

to support the switch and increasing funding and communication around

the services provided to folks who cannot afford or are unable to rake their

own leaves. He recommended getting group rates from landscapers. He

said he thinks the benefits to the community in the long term are worth

following through so he will vote yes.

Trustee Enyia agreed there is a huge environmental benefit and he

understands the safety issues. He said he is in support and wants to

ensure we are continuing in the education process and offering solutions to

seniors and disabled individuals.

President Scaman noted we are one of 11 communities that does this and

we will offer more programs. She said she thinks the decrease from eight

to six pick-ups contributed to the higher leaf piles.

Trustee Wesley said he is largely supportive and consistency of policy is

important. Director Sproule said this will eliminate the need for Village staff

to run trucks every night and it transitions LRS from the front-end loaders

and heavy equipment to garbage trucks. It isn't possible to pick them up

along with the garbage because they will be in different locations and

landfill with compost cannot be mixed. Residents in the composting

program can put their leaves in a compost bin. The Village can look into

providing that option to all residents in the next LRS contract. Trustee

Wesley said he is in favor.

President Scaman said she is looking to be consistent in the amount of

community engagement before we vote which is why she votes no.

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

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

as follows:

5 -

AYES:

Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, Village Trustee Robinson, Village

Trustee Straw, and Village Trustee Wesley

2 - Village President Scaman, and Village Trustee Parakkat

NAYS:

ABSENT:

RES 24-180

A Resolution Approving an Amendment to the Independent Contractor

Agreement with Lakeshore Recycling Systems, LLC to Change the Fall Leaf

Collection Program Option and Authorizing its Execution

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:

4 -

AYES:

Village Trustee Enyia, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Straw, and Village

Trustee Wesley

2 - Village President Scaman, and Village Trustee Parakkat

NAYS:

1 - Village Trustee Buchanan

ABSENT:

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

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

ID 24-246

A Presentation and Discussion of Alternative Response to Calls for Service

Mark Segal: Served on Thrive Counseling Center Board. Supports the

Village's use of trained crisis workers though the draft plan is inconsistent

with key recommendations from the reports.

Bill Hendey: Worked in mental health. Applauds the attempt to provide

citizens with crisis management services to though he doesn't see how the

plan would provide better interventions to someone in crisis.

Anne LeFevre: Retired LCSW. Impressed with commitment to involving

mental health professionals in police response. However, the program

doesn't build or expand the Village's partnership with Thrive.

Gabrielle Brady Pendley: LCSW. Higher quality care is provided by

therapists in settings like Thrive. Concerned mental health clinicians

employed by the Village might struggle to advocate for patients' needs.

Dr. Marian Sassetti: Family physician. This is a time to lean into Thrive, a

well-oiled machine that's working with institutional knowledge, and not use

a pilot or experimental program for crises.

Manager Jackson introduced the Item. Director Tchang and Grants

Manager Vanessa Matheny presented the Item.

Trustee Buchanan said this is significant and exciting. She asked if the

program would relieve some of the burden from officers. Oak Park Police

Department (OPPD) Chief Shatonya Johnson said initially officers will

respond on high level situations and disengage as soon as possible.

Trustee Buchanan said she was not aware there was an issue with Thrive.

Manager Jackson said these are new and expanded services and some

revolves around labor contracts and who can legally respond to 911 calls.

We are trying to get started and deal with constraints. Director Tchang said

the Village will continue to view Thrive as an important partner. The pilot

program is about rapid response where the Village can be directly

dispatched. The Village would look to Thrive to continue to support the after

hours response and be a partner in receiving that connection of services.

There are grant and training opportunities where the Village would continue

to view Thrive as a partner. The BerryDunn study showed night hours are

slowest for calls for service.

Trustee Straw inquired how West Suburban Consolidated Dispatch Center

(WSCDC) sorts through 911 calls to determine who gets activated.

WSCDC Executive Director Brian Staunton said they would work with the

Police Chief and Fire Chief to set parameters. Dispatchers go through

many levels of call-taking training. WSCDC is a partner of the Village and

is only authorized to dispatch to the agencies they represent. Manager

Jackson confirmed WSCDC would dispatch to OPPD and OPPD could

connect to Thrive. Director Tchang said the intent is to understood how

implementing these positions would impact the response to those service

calls and then identify if the Village has the right resources in place.

Trustee Straw said he is comfortable with the direction and asked if some

of this budget might be more cost effective in expanding the Thrive

partnership. He said he wants to make sure the Village is evaluating

whether it might be most effective for some social worker services to be

set outside the Village. Manager Jackson said trying to strengthen current

partnerships while filling service gaps is always in the forefront. The Village

has experience collecting medical information.

Trustee Robinson inquired which budget this pulls from. Director Tchang

said the pilot is funded in the Village Manager's Office. The budget

contemplates purchasing two vehicles for the program for a total of$80K.

The Village has an almost entirely represented organization who work

under collective bargaining agreements. That protected work that is a

consideration when implementing a new program and potentially removing

some of the work of Police and Fire. Half of the calls coming into 911 are

calls for service that are not reporting a crime or traffic. Some would have

the ability to have an alternative response. The positions in the pilot

program would be budgeted for a certain period of time.

Trustee Robinson inquired about the issue of being supervised by

non-mental health professionals, the lack of integrated services being part

of the overall offering, and the importance of objective and independent

assessments of the need for police on these mental health calls. Director

Tchang said the Village would hire a program director to and it would be a

priority to hire someone with mental health expertise. There would be

LCSWs and MSWs in the department. The Village wants to be a connector

to existing services in the community. Manager Jackson added that this

program will advance integration and provide care coordination. Director

Tchang said this would be an independent group that would not operate

through OPPD.

Community Mental Health Board (CMHB) Executive Director and

Alternative Calls Task Force Co-Chair Cheryl Potts made remarks on

behalf of herself and Riveredge Hospital CEO Allison Davenport.

Trustee Robinson said she would love to see some of the detail addressed

by Director Potts flushed out a lot more, particular the two-track system

idea. Manager Jackson said the Village does not believe it is a two-track

system. Director Tchang noted calls are coming in through 911 and 988

and the Village is working to bolster the services on the 911 side and make

connections that do not previously exist. There will be an opportunity to

phase in something that will respond to the needs of the community in a

way that meets budget requirements and can grow or shrink depending on

what is identified through the process. Trustee Robinson said she would be

curious how the Village would propose coordination for calls that come in

during a Village versus Thrive time period and for repeat calls. Manager

Jackson noted the Village has an existing contract with Thrive. The

communication is coordinated through OPPD and that would continue.

Trustee Parakkat listed his four priorities. Safety cannot be compromised

for all parties involved. It has to be focused on the person receiving the

care. What is the most efficient and cost-effective way to provide this

service. How are we making the best use of capability sets.

Trustee Wesley said he is pleasantly surprised to see this model

encompasses more than just mental health. He inquired what staff are

being provided by Thrive in the current model. Director Tchang said Thrive

provides LCSWs and peer support.Thrive Counseling Center Executive

Director Jennifer Rook said they staff a team of 12 24 hours a day, seven

days a week. Director Rook made additional remarks.

Chief Johnson said OPPD has a collaborative relationship with Thrive. She

estimated Thrive is called out to 12 calls per month. Thrive is a valuable

resources and we are looking to layer services, not take them away,

especially overnight. There is a history of call logs to be able to determine if

it is a repeat call.

Trustee Wesley asked if Thrive's response times can be shortened.

Manager Jackson said there is a limitation in the dispatch having to come

from OPPD and not WSCDC. Trustee Wesley wondered how collective

bargaining would be impacted. Director Tchang explained that bargaining

unit work belongs to bargaining unit members. It is legally protected work

so it is an important consideration.

Trustee Enyia said he would like to know what calls are coming in to

analyze the data and work with our mental health experts. He wondered if

Thrive will be called during the 10-hour period and if there will be a shared

database. He said he wants to see continuous training with police officers

and there should be more meetings to do more fact-finding and hear more

from our partners. Manager Jackson said he thinks we are designing a

model that gets at the problem and we are doing it in a spirit of

collaboration. The Village can have more conversations with community

partners before getting to a policy recommendation.

President Scaman said she can see true benefit of having staff at Village

Hall who can respond immediately and agreed we need to have more

conversations with our partner agencies. Manager Jackson said staff will

take the feedback and determine what schedule is appropriate to bring it

back. President Scaman noted that we have had an alternative response

for 50 years and we want to raise the bar together.

X. Call to Board and Clerk

There were no comments.

XI. Adjourn

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

vote was taken and the motion was approved. Meeting adjourned at 12:17 A.M.,

Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

Respectfully submitted,

Deputy Clerk Hansen