123 Madison Street  
Oak Park, Illinois 60302  
www.oak-park.us  
Village of Oak Park  
Meeting Minutes  
President and Board of Trustees  
Tuesday, May 5, 2026  
7:00 PM  
Village Hall  
I. Call to Order  
Village President Scaman called the Meeting to order at 7:04 P.M.  
II. Roll Call  
6 -  
Present:  
Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Eder, Village Trustee Enyia, Village  
Trustee Leving Jacobson, Village Trustee Straw, and Village Trustee Taglia  
1 - Village Trustee Wesley  
Absent:  
III. Agenda Approval  
Amended to move Item L from Regular Agenda to Consent Agenda.  
It was moved by Village Trustee Leving Jacobson, seconded by Village Trustee  
Eder to approve the amended agenda. A voice vote was taken and the motion  
was approved as amended.  
IV. Minutes  
MOT 26-155  
A.  
A Motion to Approve Minutes from the April 21, 2026 Regular Meeting of  
the Village Board.  
It was moved by Village Trustee Eder, seconded by Village Trustee Leving  
Jacobson to approve the Minutes. A voice vote was taken and the motion was  
approved.  
V. Non-Agenda Public Comment  
Resident Jennifer B. expressed ongoing frustration with Pete’s Market for  
years of poor communication, missed deadlines, and lack of accountability  
related to their construction project. She urged the Village Board to  
address serious safety issues on their block and alley-such as speeding  
traffic, missing signage, and obstructive construction vehicles-and to  
ensure Pete’s was held responsible for its commitments.  
Chris B. explained that the Village’s recently hired outside permitting  
review firm has created significant delays and excessive scrutiny, making it  
increasingly difficult and costly to work in the community. He urged the  
Board to be aware of these impacts, noting that they plan to meet with staff  
to discuss solutions but felt it was important to bring the issue to the Board  
since the firm’s hiring was part of the approved budget.  
Resident Trenace F. described recurring safety hazards caused by foul  
balls from the nearby high school baseball field, noting close calls, property  
impacts, and a recent incident where a neighbor’s child was hit. After  
receiving no meaningful response from the high school, they asked the  
Village to intervene and support a reasonable safety measure such as  
raising the height of the netting.  
Resident Tory R. explained that despite at least 17 reported foul ball  
incidents and ongoing correspondence with the high school, meaningful  
safety measures have not been implemented, and a 9 year old was  
recently hit and taken to the ER. She urged the Village to recognize the  
seriousness of the issue and agreed that extending the netting is a  
necessary and effective solution.  
Resident Drew M. raised concerns about outdated and error filled hiring  
forms, poor applicant communication practices, and the Village’s lack of  
clear guidelines for employment processes, noting these issues undermine  
the Village’s commitment to professionalism and communication. They  
also urged the Board to consider giving hiring preference to current or soon  
to be residents, arguing it would strengthen community investment and is  
legally permissible based on models used in nearby municipalities.  
VI. Proclamation  
MOT 26-156  
B.  
A Motion to Approve a Proclamation Recognizing the First Full Week of  
May 2026 as Public Service Recognition Week and the Month of May  
2026 as Building Safety Month  
Village President Scaman provided a summary of the proclamation.  
It was moved by Village Trustee Leving Jacobson, seconded by Village Trustee  
Eder, that this Motion be approved. A voice vote was taken and the motion was  
approved.  
MOT 26-157  
C.  
A Motion to Approve a Proclamation Recognizing Mental Health  
Awareness Month May 2026  
Village President Scaman asked Village Trustee Leving Jacobson to read  
the Proclamation aloud.  
NAMI Program Manager Sean O'Connor described the long-standing  
support NAMI has provided in Oak Park through its daily drop in center.  
They also highlighted the opening of the new Oak Park Living Room, a free  
crisis support space for adults, and emphasized NAMI’s commitment to  
connecting residents with ongoing mental health resources and community  
support.  
Thrive Counseling Center Clinical Director Sarah Wiemeyer described  
Thrive’s role as the community mental health center providing crisis  
response, therapy, education, and a wide range of support services in  
close partnership with NAMI and others. She emphasized that mental  
health needs fluctuate for everyone, encouraged compassion and reaching  
out for support when needed, and invited the community to Thrive’s open  
house on June 28.  
Mosaic Counseling and Wellness Clinical Director Kyla Gilmore  
announced that the practice is expanding to a third location to meet the  
growing demand for high quality, holistic mental health care in Oak Park.  
She emphasized Mosaic’s commitment to dignity, integrative services  
across the lifespan, and strong collaboration with partners.  
It was moved by Village Trustee Eder, seconded by Village Trustee Leving  
Jacobson, that this Motion be approved. A voice vote was taken and the motion  
was approved.  
MOT 26-158  
D.  
A Motion to Approve a Proclamation Recognizing May 3-9, 2026 as  
National Small Business Week  
Village President Scaman read the Proclamation aloud.  
Byline Bank Senior Vice President Susie Goldschmidt expressed pride in  
supporting local businesses and being part of the community for over 40  
years. She emphasized that Byline Bank is committed to helping small  
businesses, building strong relationships, and serving the community  
through tools like SBA support.  
Economic Vitality Administrator Nicole Nodi highlighted that the U.S. Small  
Business Administration has celebrated National Small Business Week for  
over 60 years and noted Oak Park’s commitment to supporting small  
businesses year round. They explained that partnering with the Chamber of  
Commerce and Dominican University brought valuable resources and  
expert programming to local business owners, resulting in strong  
community participation and plans to continue the initiative next year.  
It was moved by Village Trustee Leving Jacobson, seconded by Village Trustee  
Enyia, that this Motion be approved. A voice vote was taken and the motion was  
approved.  
MOT 26-159  
E.  
A Motion to Approve a Proclamation Recognizing May 2026 as National  
Foster Care Awareness Month and May 8, 2026 as Provider Appreciation  
Day  
Village President Scaman read the Proclamation aloud.  
Hephzibah CEO Jason Patenaude emphasized the organization’s long  
history and generational impact supporting children and families in Oak  
Park. He highlighted the strong collaboration among local service  
organizations and encouraged residents to support the community  
nonprofits that make this work possible.  
Infant Welfare Society Executive Director John McIlwain described recent  
collaborative efforts to better meet children’s health needs, including  
exploring a pilot project to provide sports physicals to high school students  
using their mobile van. They emphasized the community’s deep culture of  
philanthropy and noted that such initiatives are possible only because of  
the Village’s ongoing support.  
Collaboration for Early Childhood Associate Director Laura Crawford  
emphasized the critical roles of child development and family stability. She  
highlighted how strong early childhood support helps prevent abuse and  
neglect, thanked community partners for their dedication, and invited  
families of rising kindergartners to the upcoming “Blast Off to Kindergarten”  
event at Rehm Park.  
It was moved by Village Trustee Enyia, seconded by Village Trustee Eder, that  
this Motion be approved. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved.  
VII. Village Manager Reports  
ID 26-329  
Review of the Board Meeting Calendars for May, June, and July 2026  
F.  
Village Manager Kevin Jackson presented updated Calendars for May,  
June, and July to the Village Board.  
VIII. Village Board Committees  
IX. Citizen Commission Vacancies  
ID 26-325  
Board and Commission Vacancy Report for May 5, 2026  
G.  
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 23 vacancies.  
X. Citizen Commission Appointments, Reappointments and Chair Appointments  
MOT 26-160  
H.  
A Motion to Consent to the Village President’s Appointment of:  
Board of Health - Mark D Johnson, Appoint as Member  
Citizens Police Oversight Committee - Stephen F Smith, Appoint as  
Commissioner  
It was moved by Village Trustee Eder, seconded by Village Trustee Straw, that  
this Motion be approved. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved.  
XI. Public Hearing  
XII. First Reading  
XIII. Second Reading  
XIV. Consent Agenda  
Approval of the Consent Agenda  
Item L was moved from Regular Agenda to Consent Agenda.  
It was moved by Village Trustee Leving Jacobson 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:  
6 -  
AYES:  
Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Eder, Village Trustee Enyia, Village  
Trustee Leving Jacobson, Village Trustee Straw, and Village Trustee Taglia  
0
NAYS:  
1 - Village Trustee Wesley  
ABSENT:  
RES 26-196  
RES 26-199  
RES 26-203  
I.  
A Resolution Authorizing the Funding of a Medicare Set-Aside Annuity in  
an Amount Not to Exceed $127,851.71 in Connection with a Workers’  
Compensation Settlement  
This Resolution was adopted.  
J.  
K.  
A Resolution Approving an Agreement for Public Health Nurse Services  
with Patrice Steurer, R.N., not to exceed $94,760 thru December 31, 2026,  
and Authorizing its Execution  
This Resolution was adopted.  
A Resolution Approving an Amendment to the Task Order for Professional  
Engineering Services with Baxter & Woodman, Inc., for Design and  
Construction Engineering for the North and South Pump Stations Pump  
Repair Project 23-12 to Change the not to Exceed Amount from $69,400 to  
$80,000  
This Resolution was adopted.  
ORD 26-136  
L.  
An Ordinance Adopting and Consenting to Approval of a Cook County  
Class 7c Designation for the Rehabilitation of a Building at 222 Lake  
Street, Oak Park, Illinois  
Bayan Studio Owner Fatima Beach described how rediscovering pottery  
transformed from a hobby into a meaningful source of connection and  
well-being, complementing her demanding career and long time ties to the  
Oak Park community. She shared their excitement about opening a new  
pottery studio at 222 Lake Street, with a planned soft opening in  
September, and welcomed the community to experience the creative,  
calming space.  
Assistant Village Manager of Economic Vitality John Melaniphy expressed  
appreciation for the Board’s support and emphasized that the ordinance  
aligns with Village goals and economic strategies to grow and retain small  
and women-owned businesses. He noted that the Cook County Class 7C  
program will enable a $610,000 rehabilitation of the building, bringing it  
back into productive use and benefiting the community.  
This Ordinance was adopted.  
XV. Regular Agenda  
ID 26-316  
M.  
A Presentation on Water & Sewer Rate Design Alternatives and Their  
Potential Impacts on Residential and Commercial Water Bills  
Resident Michelle S. described receiving notice that residents would be  
required to pay $7,500-$12,000 to replace lead service lines on their  
block, expressing concern that such a large, unexpected cost is unrealistic  
amid rising living expenses and property taxes. Citing numerous cities that  
fully cover lead line replacement through public funding, she urged the  
Village to find alternatives so the financial burden does not fall solely on  
current homeowners for an essential public health necessity.  
Resident Kristin M. reiterated concerns about the high and immediate cost  
of lead service line replacement, emphasizing that the burden is  
inequitable and out of step with how other communities handle such  
projects. She urged the Village to improve communication, ensure fairness  
across neighborhoods, prioritize support for low and fixed income  
residents, and explore reimbursement or grant options so the financial  
impact does not fall solely on affected homeowners this summer.  
Public Works Director Robert Sproule outlined three items requiring Board  
feedback that could affect the upcoming five year water and sewer rate  
plan: potential changes to rate structure methodology, updated state and  
federal lead line regulations and cost responsibilities, and a proposed pilot  
program to support private side lead service line replacement tied to the  
2026 project. He emphasized that the Board’s direction is needed to  
determine how costs should be allocated and incorporated into future rate  
planning. He explained that the discussion is solely about rate design, not  
total revenue-future capital needs (including lead service line replacement)  
will determine the revenue target, and the rate structure will simply  
determine how that cost is shared across users. He explained that the  
Board must first signal whether it wants an inclining block structure and  
whether to differentiate by user class so staff can prepare accurate models  
for the Finance Committee.  
NewGen Partner Eric Callocchia presented an overview of the water and  
sewer rate study, explaining the project’s goals, scope, and the need for  
Board feedback on potential rate structure alternatives. He reviewed the  
previous recommendations adopted for 2026 and outlined the Phase 2  
focus on creating a five year rate plan and evaluating new rate  
methodologies with an emphasis on affordability. He highlighted key  
considerations in rate design, including equity, implementation,  
conservation, customer impacts, and financial sufficiency. He emphasized  
that current industry tools for equity are limited to usage and system  
demand characteristics, noting that true DEI based equity extends beyond  
water system engineering. He also confirmed that a hybrid inclining model  
is possible once the Board provides direction.  
Village Trustee Straw asked whether multifamily residential buildings fall  
under the commercial rate class and later expressed interest in an inclining  
block rate structure, noting the need to understand who the highest use  
customers are before making decisions. He also raised concerns about  
how large multifamily buildings should be categorized and questioned the  
equity of high fixed service charges, preferring more reliance on volumetric  
rates. He asked for a true DEI oriented equity analysis-beyond engineering  
based cost allocation-to understand how different models affect lower  
income households. He suggested that, at first glance, inclining block rates  
might benefit many residential users but wants formal analysis from the  
Village’s DEI office.  
Village Trustee Taglia confirmed that the sample revenue figures did not  
account for changes in customer behavior and expressed concern that  
inclining block rates could disproportionately impact Black, Brown, and  
larger families. He argued that Oak Park residents already conserve water,  
pointed to significant system leakage as a more impactful conservation  
target, and opposed changing the uniform rate structure due to equity,  
stability, and unintended consequences. He reiterated concerns about blunt  
rate changes and noted that residents are sensitive to new cost burdens.  
Village Trustee Eder sought details on the distribution of high use  
customers and how municipal facilities like schools and parks fit into  
commercial classifications. He supported inclining block rates for their  
conservation benefits but stressed the importance of modeling behavioral  
changes, avoiding frequent future rate adjustments, and minimizing  
disruption. He also asked how common different rate structures are  
nationally and emphasized balancing affordability with long-term system  
reliability.  
Village Trustee Leving Jacobson thanked staff for the clarity provided and  
asked how commercial classifications are determined and whether usage  
alone is the most equitable basis for rate setting. She expressed interest in  
shifting some burden away from residents if appropriate and raised  
questions about whether Oak Park should increase its overall revenue  
target to support long-term lead service line replacement needs. She  
confirmed that any new structure could still result in higher overall rates due  
to long term infrastructure obligations. She also reiterated interest in seeing  
a hybrid or modest inclining model, but wants data on who the largest water  
users are before supporting any shift.  
Village Trustee Enyia shared resident concerns about rising water bills and  
expressed interest in an inclining model, emphasizing the need to  
understand “super users,” how household type affects use, and whether  
equity adjustments can be incorporated. He wants more detailed data  
before committing but is open to an inclining approach.  
Village Manager Jackson agreed that staff will analyze distributional  
impacts and equity considerations as part of the next phase.  
Village President Scaman noted that identifying the Village’s highest use  
customers is important because major increases for large users could  
ultimately be passed back to residents. She acknowledged that more  
information could shift her own view between inclining or uniform models.  
ID 26-317  
N.  
A Presentation on the Updates to the State and Federal Lead Service Line  
Regulations and Their Impacts on the Village’s Draft Lead Service Line  
Replacement Plan  
Deputy Public Works Director Erin Duffy summarized state and federal  
regulations: the Village must prohibit partial replacements, complete a  
materials inventory, submit a final plan by 2027, and then replace all lead  
lines within about 18 years under federal rules. She explained current  
inventory estimates, noted that verification could raise the number of  
identified lead lines, and outlined estimated costs: about $107-135M for full  
replacements, up to $318M when required water main and road  
reconstruction is included, and closer to $400M if Oak Park funds private  
side work. She also described potential assistance models-minimum  
compliance, income based hybrids, capped cost models, and fully Village  
funded options.  
Public Health Director Greg Olson provided important public health context,  
explaining that while waterborne lead exposure is a legitimate concern-and  
can be catastrophic in cases like Flint-the vast majority of childhood lead  
poisoning cases stem from dust and paint in older housing. He outlined the  
Health Department’s role in investigating childhood lead cases under the  
state Poison Prevention Act, including environmental inspections and  
testing of dust, paint, soil, and water. He reiterated that no amount of lead  
exposure is safe and that removing any exposure pathway-including  
water-is beneficial, but emphasized that the public should understand  
where the highest risks typically originate.  
Village Trustee Straw said the mandate is financially daunting and leaned  
toward an income based hybrid model that provides full support to low  
income households and allows others to repay their share over time. He  
stressed the need to avoid shifting costs unfairly to renters or multifamily  
residents and wanted further analysis at the Finance Committee, including  
income limit thresholds.  
Village Trustee Taglia emphasized the long term financial burden,  
suggesting the project could approach $1B over decades, and noted that  
frequent road and water main penetrations require full block level  
reconstruction. He confirmed that rising construction costs will make the  
total price tag even higher.  
Village Trustee Eder supported an income based model, emphasized  
improving communication so residents are not surprised by large bills, and  
recommended notifying residents earlier. He asked about public health  
risks, timeline flexibility, and the possibility of leveraging future federal or  
state support given the mandate’s scale.  
Village Trustee Leving Jacobson asked about grant eligibility, penalties for  
non-compliance, and the mechanics of state “compliance agreements.”  
She stressed the challenge of planning amid uncertain future funding and  
wanted more clarity on how grant timelines and eligibility would impact  
policy choices.  
Village President Scaman called to move past 10P.M. Village Trustee  
Leving Jacobson motioned. Village Trustee Eder seconded.  
RES 26-202  
O.  
A Resolution Approving a Lead Service Line Replacement Pilot Program  
in 2026 and Directing Staff to Prepare the Necessary Budget Amendment  
in an Amount Not to Exceed $607,500 and Authorizing Its Execution  
Deputy Public Works Director Erin Duffy introduced the proposed low  
interest installment loan program designed to give homeowners an  
affordable way to pay for private side lead service line replacement,  
especially those affected by the 2026 Water & Sewer Improvement Project.  
She explained that homeowners who use the Village’s contractor would  
have their private side cost fully covered by the loan, while the public side  
would continue to be replaced at no cost under the existing abatement  
program. The loan carries a 2.1% interest rate over 72 months and would  
be billed through the water bill. She confirmed that as long as residents use  
the Village contractor, the loan would cover the entire private side cost, and  
is intended to reduce financial strain on households affected by the 2026  
project.  
Neighborhood Services Director/ Asst. Village Manager Jonathan Burch  
explained that the Village previously operated a CDBG funded assistance  
program to help low income households with private side lead service line  
costs, but the program was paused this year pending Board discussion.  
He said the program could be restarted immediately to provide up to  
$5,000 in grant support for households under 80% AMI, reducing or  
eliminating the amount they would need to finance. For eligible households,  
the grant would cover the first $5,000 of costs, with only the remaining  
portion-if any-rolled into the long-term repayment plan. He noted that the  
Village has about $40,000 in unspent CDBG funds, enough to assist  
approximately eight to ten households this year.  
Chief Financial Officer Kevin Bueso explained that the 2.1% interest rate  
for the installment loan is set by state law and is tied to an index based on  
general obligation bond rates. Under the law, municipalities are allowed to  
charge only 50% of that index rate for these types of revolving loans, which  
is why the current rate is about 2.16% instead of the market rate 4.25%.  
The rate is recalculated every year on July 1 to align with the state fiscal  
year, so it may fluctuate annually depending on economic conditions.  
Village Trustee Eder asked whether residents might face out of pocket  
costs but was assured the loan covers the full amount when using the  
Village’s contractor. He expressed support for the program as a practical  
way to soften the financial shock and allow homeowners to spread costs  
over time.  
Village Trustee Straw asked how the remaining loan balance would be  
handled if a homeowner sells the property before finishing repayment. He  
sought clarity on how the 2.1% interest rate was determined. He said he  
supports the installment loan program but urged the Village to build in an  
additional income based component. He asked staff to explore options  
such as extending repayment terms, lowering interest rates, or integrating  
other grant programs and asked for analysis on how many of the affected  
2026 homeowners fall within income qualified thresholds.  
Village President Scaman asked whether any Board members opposed  
the basic loan proposal, and none did. She highlighted interest in adding  
income based assistance and requested staff return with options informed  
by the income distribution of the 2026 project area. She also  
acknowledged that targeted communication may help increase  
participation and better inform affected households. She also supported  
bringing back additional program options once staff has data on how many  
residents might qualify for CDBG or expanded local assistance and  
encouraged continued refinement of the affordability approach.  
It was moved by Village Trustee Eder, seconded by Village Trustee Straw, that  
this Resolution be adopted. A voice vote was taken and the motion was  
approved.  
6 -  
AYES:  
Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Eder, Village Trustee Enyia, Village  
Trustee Leving Jacobson, Village Trustee Straw, and Village Trustee Taglia  
0
NAYS:  
1 - Village Trustee Wesley  
ABSENT:  
ID 26-185  
A Study Session on Oak Park Special Events Process  
P.  
Neighborhood Services Director/ Asst. Village Manager Jonathan Burch  
explained that the recommendations presented were based on extensive  
conversations with stakeholders and staff about improving the special  
events process. He described feedback about unpredictable post event  
billing and recommended switching to estimating fees upfront, reducing  
deposits from 50% to 20%, building SPARK grant discounts in before  
events, setting a $10,000 fee cap, and applying a 25% fee reduction  
across all events. He noted this would mainly affect the largest events and  
would result in roughly an $11,000 annual revenue decrease.  
Village President Scaman asked for board feedback and questioned why  
Microbrew Review’s costs had decreased so much in 2025. She  
emphasized that late invoicing made budgeting difficult for nonprofits and  
expressed concern that large anchor events were becoming too expensive  
to sustain, putting them at risk of leaving. She supported both the proposed  
fee cap and the 25% reduction, stating these would help keep ticket prices  
manageable and ensure major community events remained viable. She  
also noted that the Village was at capacity for large runs and bike rides but  
still had room for smaller community building events.  
Village Trustee Straw asked about invoice collection rates and said he  
supported a reduced deposit only for revenue generating events,  
suggesting a bifurcated structure for nonprofits and non revenue events. He  
supported using estimated costs, offering discounted fees for new events,  
and reducing fees across the board due to the economic benefits events  
bring. However, he opposed a fee cap, arguing it disproportionately  
benefited the largest events and could incentivize organizers to design  
more expensive events whose costs might shift to the Village.  
Village Trustee Taglia said he was open to supporting both the cap and the  
25% reduction as long as staff confirmed it would not overwhelm their  
capacity. After hearing staff’s explanation about timelines and resource  
constraints, he said he could support both measures, especially given  
limits on how many large scale bike rides and runs the Village could  
manage.  
Village Trustee Eder said the recommendations seemed reasonable  
overall. He questioned how hiring security consultants would save money  
and was told it would reduce strain on police staffing and mandatory  
overtime. He asked how police staffing levels for events were determined  
and heard that factors such as alcohol, attendance, street closures, and  
location influenced the calculation. After learning that some cost fluctuations  
were due to reporting errors, he stated he had no strong objections and  
was comfortable with the small revenue impact.  
Deputy Chief Rod Robinson explained that police staffing needs were  
based on several variables, including alcohol service, expected  
attendance, street closures, and the size and nature of the event footprint.  
He clarified that some past cost inconsistencies were caused by reporting  
issues rather than operational changes.  
XVI. Call to Board and Clerk  
XVII. Adjourn  
It was moved by Village Trustee Straw, seconded by Village Trustee  
Leving Jacobson to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 11:03 P.M.  
Respectfully submitted,  
Deputy Clerk Carswell