123 Madison Street

Oak Park, Illinois 60302

www.oak-park.us

Village of Oak Park

Meeting Minutes

President and Board of Trustees

Monday, February 6, 2023

6:30 PM

Village Hall

I. Call to Order

Village President Vicki Scaman called the Regular Meeting to order at 6:34 P.M.

II. Roll Call

7 -

Present:

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

Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village

Trustee Wesley

Absent:

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

Litigation

It was moved by Trustee Enyia, seconded by Trustee Parakkat, to adjourn to

Executive Session. 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 Taglia, and Village

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

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

7 -

Present:

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

Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village

Trustee Wesley

Absent:

VII. Agenda Approval

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

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

VIII. Minutes

ID 23-107

Motion to Approve Minutes from Regular Meeting of November 7, 2022 of

the Village Board.

Chief DEI Officer Dr. Danielle Walker gave an opening statement that

addressed recent events and called to action to speak power to make

things happen.

Village Manager Kevin Jackson affirmed the Village's commitment to

promoting and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion here in the Village

and working collaboratively to do that.

President Scaman said she feels grateful for the support of Manager

Jackson, Dr. Walker, and her Village Board colleagues. She called for a

moment of silence for the senseless murder of Tyre Nichols.

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

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

X. Proclamation

MOT 23-16

A Motion to Approve a Proclamation for Proclaiming February 2023 as

Black History Month.

Trustee Enyia read the Proclamation aloud.

Kuumba Kids did a dance, song, and music performance.

Oak Park Public Library (OPPL) Multicultural Learning Coordinator Juanta

Griffin shared information about the Black History Month display and

programming at OPPL. Details can be found on OPPL's online calendar.

Harambee Producer Donna Callender announced that Harambee will be

on the evening of February 24 at Longfellow Elementary School.

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

Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

MOT 23-17

A Motion to Approve a Proclamation Proclaiming February 6, 2023 as

National Gun Violence Survivors Week.

Trustee Buchanan read the Proclamation aloud.

Lois Thiessen Love, First United Church of Oak Park and Gun

Responsibility Advocates of Oak Park: This proclamation shows the

Village is highlighting the importance and concerns of gun violence

survivors. Shared a proposal with the Village to host gun buy-backs so

residents can surrender their guns anonymously and make their homes

safer. Asks for support from the Village Board for the concept of a gun

buy-back.

Jenna Leving Jacobson, Oak Park Austin Moms Demand Action: Shared

handouts of survivors' stories. Asks the Village Board to fulfill this

commitment with action and urgency. Oak Park's commitment to equity,

anti-racism, racial justice intersects with our collective gun violence

prevention efforts. This resolution refers to the strategies in our IPLAN

which will require real investment of time and resources. We are better and

stronger together.

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.

IX. Non-Agenda Public Comment

Clerk Waters read the following comment aloud:

Jane Miller: Mandating battery-powered leaf blowers is privileged and

racist. Many lawn businesses in Oak Park are small and minority owned

and unable to afford all new battery-powered leaf blowers. Lost time means

lost money. They are being pushed out of jobs in Oak Park. Will there be a

reimbursement program for residents who cannot afford to replace gas

blowers? Banning gas leaf blowers is privileged and racist.

XI. Village Manager Reports

ID 23-106

Review of the Revised Village Board Meeting Calendars for February, March

and April 2023

Manager Jackson introduced Police Chief Shatonya Johnson to provide a

brief statement on police violence in the wake of the killing of Tyre Nichols

by Memphis Police.

Chief Johnson said the Village of Oak Park polices differently and has a

different police culture than Memphis. We police from a community policing

philosophy where we seek to serve first, then protect. We will treat people

fairly, with dignity, and respect. Retired Chief Reynolds adopted the Ten

Shared Principles authored by the NAACP.

OPPD has a response to resistance policy that specifically says you have

a duty to intervene and we hold officers accountable. OPPD should have

the Active Bystander for Law Enforcement (ABLE) training in place by this

summer. We will render aid immediately and not wait for the Fire

Department to arrive.

We make sure our officers have the tools, resources, and support they

need to successfully go out and serve and protect our community. Our

department is still learning and there are things that are embedded in the

police force. We will collectively work to police according to the

community's expectations.

Chief Johnson has lived in Oak Park for 23 years. She is visible in the

community and the police are there to listen, to be held accountable, and to

partner to help our community be one of the safest in the nation.

On February 1, OPPD met with Southwest Oak Park residents, the Village

Board, and other directors to hear their concerns with Mike's Place in

Berwyn and we are working to find the best possible solution.

Manager Jackson provided a status update on the request made by

Trustees Wesley and Robinson to for a monthly report on field stop data by

race and ethnicity, including Latinx individuals. The data is available around

the 10th of each month and he said he anticipates reporting out at the

February 21 meeting.

The Village Board has received updated calendars for February, March,

and April. A discussion on Mike's Place may be added in March. We will

also schedule an overview of OPPD operations.

Trustee Parakkat asked if it is possible to move the April 3 meeting up to

March 20. Manager Jackson said the staff can look into it and follow up

quickly on whether it would be possible. Trustee Wesley agreed with

moving the April 3 meeting to March 20 if possible because April 3 is the

day before Election Day. No Trustees indicated having an issue with the

schedule change.

XII. Village Board Committees & Trustee Liaison Commission Reports

There were no comments.

XIII. Citizen Commission Vacancies

ID 23-111

Board & Commission Vacancy Report for February 6, 2023.

There were no comments.

XIV. Citizen Commission Appointments, Reappointments and Chair Appointments

There were no appointments.

XV. Consent Agenda

Approval of the Consent Agenda

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

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

RES 23-44

A Resolution Approving a Parking Lot License Agreement with 840 Oak

Park, LLC for a One-Year Term with Two Optional One-Year Renewal Terms

and Authorizing Its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 23-47

RES 23-48

RES 23-49

A Resolution Approving a Lease Agreement with Zoll Medical Corporation

for Eight (8) Cardiac Monitors for Ten (10) years in an Amount Not to

Exceed $661,516.40, Authorizing Its Execution and Waiving the Village’s Bid

Process for the Agreement

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving the Renewal of the Independent Contractor

Agreement with CityEscape Garden & Design LLC for Village Wide Container

Seasonal Display and Maintenances Services in an Amount Not to Exceed

$111,000.00 and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving an Independent Contractor Agreement with

CityEscape Garden & Design LLC for Village Wide Landscape Maintenance

Services in an Amount Not to Exceed $208,000.00 for a One-Year Term with

an Option to Renew for Two Additional One-Year Terms and Authorizing

its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement with Health

Inspection Professionals, Inc. for a Six-Month Term in an Amount Not to

Exceed $48,000 and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving a Reimbursement Agreement with Harlem Lake

Marion Corporation d/b/a Downtown Oak Park for Landscape

Maintenance Services in the Downtown Oak Park Business District in 2023

in an Amount Not to Exceed $35,626.00 and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving an Independent Contractor Agreement with D

Kersey Construction Co. for the Public Works Center Wash Bay Drainage

Improvements Project in an Amount Not to Exceed $141,120.00 and

Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving a GIS Consortium Service Provider Contract with

Municipal GIS Partners, Incorporated in an Amount Not to Exceed

$133,515.00 and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving a Three-Year Master Professional Engineering

Services Agreement with Cordogan Clark & Associates, Inc. with an Option

to Renew the Agreement for up to Two Additional One-Year Periods and

Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving a Three-Year Master Agreement with Kluber, Inc.

for Professional Architectural and Engineering Services with an Option to

Renew the Agreement for up to Two Additional One Year Periods and

Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving a Three-Year Master Agreement with Studio GC,

Inc. for Professional Architectural and Engineering Services with an Option

to Renew the Agreement for up to Two Additional One Year Periods and

Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving a Purchase Price Agreement with PJD Electric

Sales, Inc. for Street Light and Traffic Control Materials in Fiscal Year 2023

in an Amount Not to Exceed $40,000.00 and Authorizing its Execution

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 23-65

RES 23-67

A Resolution Approving and Adopting the 2023 Special Event Fees

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving Amendments to Section VII (“Leaves of Absences”),

Appendix I (“Job Class and FLSA Status”) and Appendix VII (“Appointee Pay

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

This Resolution was adopted.

RES 23-68

RES 23-85

A Resolution Approving a Purchase Price Agreement with Equipment

Management, Co. to Purchase Genesis Electric Extrication Tools in an

Amount Not to Exceed $38,000, Authorizing its Execution and Waiving the

Village’s Bid Process for the Agreement.

This Resolution was adopted.

A Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement with Technical

Design Services, Inc. to Design the Village’s Audiovisual Technology Systems

within Existing Public Meeting Spaces in an Amount Not To Exceed

$48,505, Authorizing its Execution and Waiving the Village’s Bid Process for

the Agreement

This Resolution was adopted.

ORD 23-16

An Ordinance Approving the Renewal of the Lease with Greenplan

Management, Inc. for the Property Located at 618 South Austin Boulevard

for a Two-Year Term and Authorizing its Execution

This Ordinance was adopted.

XVI. Regular Agenda

ID 23-101

Presentation by the Oak Park Climate Action Network (OPCAN) Regarding

the Village’s Adopted Climate Ready Oak Park (CROP) Plan

Manager Jackson introduced the presentation from the Oak Park Climate

Action Network (OPCAN) requested by Trustees Taglia and Robinson on

OPCAN's interest in allocating additional funding to accelerate

implementation of specific priorities in the Climate Ready Oak Park Plan.

OPCAN Representative Amy Rosenthal presented on the proposed 2023

budget amendment.

Trustee Robinson inquired about the Q1 grant deadlines and how much

urgency should be applied to them. Representative Rosenthal responded

that some of the infrastructure act deadlines are coming up and will be

complete in 2023 for the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Some have passed

from the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). Now is when

grant-writing capacity is most needed this year and into 2024. There are

two in Q1 that we stand the chance of missing. The largest come in the IRA

in the latter half of the year and then in 2024.

Trustee Parakkat asked if this is in addition to the $5M in ARPA funds that

were approved for sustainability in the 2023 budget. Manager Jackson

confirmed that this is a new request in addition to what is already

budgeted. Trustee Parakkat said he didn't realize there was ARPA funding

left to allocate to anything.

Trustee Buchanan said her impression is that this was part of the $5.5M for

sustainability to go to the CIP. CFO Steve Drazner said the $5.5M

budgeted this year to CIP is primarily going toward public safety equipment

purchases and is not related to these expenditures, with the exception of

$200K for fleet. Trustee Buchanan said it was always labeled in budget

discussions as sustainability. CFO Drazner said there was a conversation

prior to the adoption of the budget where he clarified that $5.5M was going

toward ARPA-eligible public safety projects.

Manager Jackson said there is a number in the 2023 budget that relates to

the CIP/Sustainability and also the Parking Fund that totals around that

amount, but it is not direct ARPA. It is an estimate of lost revenue. It is not

yet final but it is included in the budget and staff identified a portion of it to

be considered as part of the CIP process as well as integrating

sustainability into the CIP process like we did this year.

CFO Drazner said there are placeholders in the ARPA funding withdrawals

for a little under $6M for 2022 and 2023 so you can have two more years of

lost revenue. 2022 will not be finalized for another one to two months and

2023 would be the final year to take lost revenue. He said he can get a

better estimate of what it's going to be for the prior year and it looks like we

may not have any lost revenue for last year but there would be a significant

amount for the Parking Fund.

Trustee Parakkat asked if there is ARPA funding for this request. CFO

Drazner responded that we don't. The end result would be taking from the

Parking Fund. Trustee Parakkat said he thought the Village already had a

lot of the electric vehicles in the CIP Plan. CFO Drazner said he believed

so and that's why there was an overlap of $200K because some of the

vehicles that were budgeted in the Fleet Replacement Fund were electric.

Trustee Parakkat asked why the recommendation for some of these

expenses is from the general fund and not the sustainability fund. Deputy

Village Manager Ahmad Zayyad said the Village staff can evaluate

OPCAN's recommendations and provide the Village Board with a memo

or report or future meeting and present options.

Trustee Taglia said he wanted to focus on the grant writing request

because there appears to be outstanding grants we would like to grab if

possible. He said his biggest concern with the Climate Action Plan is

funding it in the long term. The intersection between climate action and

capital investment plays a key role in meeting our goals. An upfront

investment in a grant writer could capture grant money to fund projects with

high emissions reduction potential. The Village should move to prevent any

missed opportunities.

Trustee Robinson said she agrees with Trustee Taglia about the grant

writer and the looming grant deadlines. She requested confirmation that

grant deadlines are on staff's radar and someone is working on them.

Deputy Manager Zayyad responded that staff actively prospects for grants

which takes great time and effort. For the geothermal grant, the Village

partnered with multiple agencies including Argonne Labs. It is a matter of

whether the Village has the resources and staff time.

Coordinator Keenan added that she tracks and maintains a calendar of

grants. Some go through other departments. She said the Village is down

to one FTE in the Sustainability Department so she is not on top of all of

them. Trustee Robinson said she would like to understand staff's

perspective on the grant writer position and on the matching fund piece to

OPCAN's proposal. Deputy Manager Zayyad responded that he can

consult with Manager Jackson and come back to the Village Board with an

evaluation of the recommendations made.

Trustee Parakkat asked if it should be included in the budget itself because

of the deadlines. Manager Jackson said in the follow-up, staff will be able

to show the substantial commitments and millions of dollars being made to

Climate Ready Oak Park. What is being considered is adding to that and

accelerating it. In the budget process, the staff works to balance all of the

Village Board's priorities. Grant support could be used for sustainability as

well as other priorities. The Village made a solid commitment through the

budget process to sustainability, equity, affordability, vibrant

neighborhoods.

Trustee Parakkat asked about the current picture of the Sustainability

Fund. Coordinator Keenan responded that the Sustainability Fund has

three revenue sources--Community Choice Aggregation, Single Use Bag

Fee ($150K annually), and a transfer from the Environmental Services

Fund. Supporting new staff from one of those is challenging so other

sources would make more sense. Trustee Parakkat said he sees the grant

writing for a specific outcome and not in perpetuity. If the grant writer cannot

bring in the funds in a reasonable timeframe, then the model has failed and

we cannot hold onto the grant writer.

President Scaman said grant writing can be contracted out. It is a

community climate plan and the Village has other partners who can assist

with the grant application process.

Trustee Buchanan asked what it would take to scale up the

recommendation to increase the amount in the energy efficiency rehab

program to $1M. Director Grossman responded that the position that

currently does that work is also a property maintenance inspector so a

dedicated staff person would be needed to just do those rehab projects.

Trustee Buchanan said energy efficiency retrofits are incredibly important,

especially in a community with old homes. She said she is in favor of all of

the recommendations. She noted that the Climate Action Plan was passed

in August and this presentation grew out of a strong desire to do everything

possible to lower greenhouse gases. She said she wants the Village to use

some ARPA funds for sustainability. Deputy Manager Zayyad responded

that ARPA funds are being allocated to capital projects that integrate

sustainability initiatives. The Village has almost doubled the capital

improvement projects and will provide an update to the Village Board on

sustainability components.

Manager Jackson added that it was a strong effort to find out what CIP

activities could comply with ARPA and where we could achieve

sustainability goals in our CIP process and still add to our capital

improvements. The staff will provide a response to the Village Board about

the amount of money added to the CIP process and how much of it went to

sustainability-related projects and aligned with the Climate Ready Oak

Park Plan. If we back that funding out and apply it to this proposal, it would

reduce the outlay toward capital improvements. We asked the Village

Board to change the timeline and our approach to the budgeting process to

achieve that.

Trustee Buchanan said she is envisioning the CIP items to be replacing

sewer pipes to help with flooding and planting trees. She said she is much

more interested in lowering greenhouse gases as quickly as possible and

wants to know what part of the CIP is going to contribute to that. She said

an important part of the Climate Action Plan is getting this funding out to the

homeowners so they can do the electrification and retrofits.

Deputy Manager Zayyad confirmed that replacing water pipes and planting

trees are goals. He gave the example of the furnace in the fire station which

cost $350K to make it geothermal instead of $40K. He said we have to

anticipate a substantial increase in cost to do things in a sustainable

manner. It is great to get more allocation but staff should constantly

evaluate existing programs to ensure they're running successfully.

Trustee Buchanan asked if the energy retrofit program was thought to be a

problem. Deputy Manager Zayyad replied that it is not and any new

program should be evaluated for opportunities for improvements. Manager

Jackson added that part of putting the budget together is to ensure the staff

has the capacity to implement whatever it proposes to the Village Board.

The Village wants to analyze this request and make sure it can be done,

which may require staffing or contractual support in addition to the program

funding.

Trustee Wesley said he considers spending in terms of investment or

expense. To him, grant writing is an investment and something the Village

should pursue across all of our Board goals. Manager Jackson agreed that

he sees it the same way as a business practice and he supports any

request for additional resources to the staff to help us go after funds for

sustainability in all of our goals.

Trustee Parakkat recommended that the EV charging stations can be

delayed because of the complexities associated with it and it being a lower

priority than some of the other items. He said the investment is great but if

the return on investment does not play out, then we need the ability to curtail

that investment; it cannot be a perpetual expense.

Trustee Wesley agreed that the Village Board would want metrics on any

investments we create. He recommended monetizing EVs. It is not

something the Village has to install ourselves. Companies can install

charging stations and the Village can probably get revenue sharing.

President Scaman said the Village Board looks forward to an update and

a response to the entire list from OPCAN and some clarification on the

allocations we have currently committed to sustainability in the budget.

ORD 23-18

An Ordinance Amending Chapter 7 (“Buildings”) of the Oak Park Village

Code By Adding a New Article 15 (“Energy and Water Benchmarking”)

Manager Jackson said this Item was previously discussed in the January

23 Study Session. He introduced Coordinator Keenan to provide a brief

summary of the key provisions that are proposed in the ordinance.

Coordinator Keenan presented on the building benchmarking process and

the proposed ordinance.

Trustee Wesley restated that the Village Board should focus on expanding

this to residential buildings as well because homeowners are less aware of

their energy usage. Coordinator Keenan asked if he is suggesting

including them in the ordinance. Trustee Wesley replied that he is not

necessarily suggesting that because he doesn't think the Village has

validated that and he would want the Village to do some understanding on

the impact but he thinks the Village should consider it.

President Scaman asked what that evaluation would look like in a timeline.

Coordinator Keenan said she would want to do focus groups with some of

the smaller homes. Trustee Wesley asked if it would be possible to opt in

to get aggregate information from the utilities themselves. Coordinator

Keenan said ComEd sends a weekly benchmark report in relation to your

neighbors so the Village could promote that program. Trustee Wesley

asked if it would be possible for homeowners to consent to sharing that

data with the Village. Coordinator Keenan responded that there are state

limitations so she can't get data for tenants for data privacy reasons

Trustee Parakkat said the Green Button program makes data available

and usage can be analyzed off that so the benchmarking can be done

centrally and not by the resident. Coordinator Keenan said she can look

into it.

Trustee Buchanan asked why a building would be exempt with less than

50% occupancy because they still have to be heated. Coordinator Keenan

said that can be taken out but it was the idea that during the pandemic a lot

of commercial buildings were effectively mothballed.

Trustee Taglia said it is his understanding that the Village will be getting the

smart meter technology enabling homeowners to be notified of excessive

usage.

President Scaman suggested the staff provide a memo to the Village

Board in response to some of the additional requests.

Trustee Wesley said the Civic Information Systems Commission did a lot

of work on smart homes and smart cities and he wondered if there could

be a connection to utilize. Coordinator Keenan said she would be happy to

talk to them about it.

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

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

as follows:

7 -

AYES:

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

Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

RES 23-1

A Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement with the

Metropolitan Mayors Caucus to Provide a Comprehensive Housing Study

and an Update to the Homes for a Changing Region Report Adopted by the

Village Board on April 2, 2012 as Part of the Study in an Amount Not to

Exceed $75,000 and Authorizing its Execution

Manager Jackson said this Item is for the scope of work for a housing study

in Oak Park for which funding was approved in the 2023 budget. He

introduced Village Planner Craig Failor, who summarized the request to

approve a professional services agreement with the Metropolitan Mayors

Caucus (MMC).

Trustee Parakkat said one statistic from the previous study was the

population of Oak Park was supposed to decline, which is not the case. He

said the 2030 projections seem to be off and asked if that reflects on the

accuracy of the study and how will it be projected going forward. Planner

Failor responded that the projections came from CMAP who has a

methodology for population projection.

The Village did a plan in 2002 for the downtown business district. CMAP

took that plan into consideration along with other developments in the

community and looked at a forecast. The Village used that as a guide for

the comprehensive plan and will be looking at those calculations again to

make sure we are projecting the right amount for the next 5-10 years.

Trustee Parakkat asked if it's possible to move up the timeline because

Oak Park Regional Housing Center (OPRHC) was just approved for the full

year. Planner Failor said the staff looked at that possibility but based on

MMC's schedule, the earliest we can work with them is June.

Trustee Wesley asked if the outreach will be coordinated with the Village's

DEI office, which Planner Failor confirmed is correct. Trustee Wesley said

HUD has a motion to require municipalities submit an equity plan to reduce

housing and neighborhood segregation. He asked if this will be compatible

with that. Manager Jackson responded that is intended to be included in

the scope of work. OPRHC has attempted to get at that issue and we are

trying to create a new vision for housing and where it intersects with DEI.

Some of the housing rehab concepts should dovetail into this as well.

Director Grossman added that the Village is working with Cook County

Home Consortium to put together a regional assessment of fair housing

which the staff will present to the Village Board in the summer.

It was moved by Trustee Wesley, seconded by Trustee Taglia, 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 Taglia, and Village

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

ORD 23-13

Concur with the Plan Commission’s Recommendation and Adopt an

Ordinance Granting Major Modifications to the Planned Development

Approved Pursuant to Ordinance Number 18-386 for the Properties

Located at 6500-6538 Roosevelt Road (*)

Manager Jackson introduced Planner Failor, who provided an update on

Turano Bakery's request to make a major amendment to a planned

development that was previously approved to expand their parking lot and

landscaping. The Plan Commission is in support of the application. Plan

Commission Chair Iris Sims and Applicant Anthony Turano were in

attendance. There are two ordinances--one ordinance supports the trucks

being parked in the location and the other does not.

President Scaman read the following public comment aloud:

Julie: Turano adds a lot to South Oak Park. The Turano operations are well

maintained and the employees are respectful and friendly. Let's be

reasonable and support a business who has done an amazing job

revitalizing Roosevelt Road. Let them park their eight trucks on their new

Oak Park parking area.

Trustee Wesley asked why staff are not in support of this allowance.

Planner Failor responded that this specific regulation in the zoning code

states that vehicles from a building or a use outside the Village should not

be parked in the Village. Its purpose was to not allow a business outside

the community creating a parking lot in the Village of Oak Park and the

Village not receiving any contribution from the business. To main that

integrity, staff did not support this allowance. The eight spaces are limited

to that planned development.

Trustee Wesley asked where the eight spaces are located. Planner Failor

responded that they are on the west end of the property near the AC Delco

auto repair shop with landscaping to the north and south of the parking

rows. Applicant Turano added that directional signage will be added and

improve street traffic.

President Scaman said she respects why the provision is in the zoning

code, though she sees Turano as a good partner to the Village.

Trustee Taglia said he agrees with the Plan Commission's

recommendation as presented. He noted that the manufacturing facility is

just across the street and it is reasonable to allow Turano to park their

vehicles on the Oak Park side of the street.

President Scaman noted there will be a solar roof over the parking area.

Applicant Turano confirmed the plan will have solar car ports over that

parking area.

Trustee Enyia said he is glad to hear trucks will not be going through that

alley. He requested an agreement with Turano to maintain the crosswalk

light. Applicant Turano responded that the crosswalk right in front of the

bakery is the responsibility of Berwyn. Every time it goes down, Turano

reports it to Berwyn. Typically they occur after the first snow don't get

resolved until summer. Turano is very open to finding another solution to the

crosswalk. Trustee Enyia suggested Village staff talk about it with Berwyn.

Manager Jackson said staff can reach out to Berwyn and attempt to work

with them on this. Applicant Turano added that he will continue to as well.

Trustee Parakkat said he supports it as presented by the Plan

Commission.

Trustee Buchanan said she is supportive.

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

Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

RES 23-60

AA.

A Resolution Approving a Funding Grant Agreement Between the Village of

Oak Park and the Park District of Oak Park in an Amount Not to Exceed

$1,000,000 and Authorizing its Execution

Manager Jackson introduced the Item based on the direction from the

Village Board on November 29, 2022 in consideration of allocating ARPA

funding to the Park District of Oak Park (PDOP) for renovations at

Andersen Park.

Amy Butler: Shared questions from Black residents. 1. Can the Village

require that programming tied to this funding go through the Village's DEI

officer? 2. Can the Village wait to release new funds once PDOP hires a

DEI professional? 3. Is the Village confident that previous ARPA funds are

not responsible for this class? 4. How can the two taxing bodies support

Black residents? Asked the Village Board to commit to the R4P

framework: Remove the harm; Repair the damage, Remediate so further

harm cannot happen; Restructure to eliminate systemic structures that

allowed the initial harm.

Jodi Walker: Expressed concern with the thoughtless and harmful timing of

the allocation of funds to PDOP in light of the atrocious offering that was

recently put forth for summer classes. PDOP needs a floor to ceiling

overhaul to restructure so that this type of mistake could never happen

again. That this is happening in Oak Park during Black History Month is

another example of the Village’s disregard for the harm caused to all of us

by these oversights.

Ana Garcia Doyle: The disbursement of $1M funding to PDOP is not an

appropriate measure at this time, given the racial harm perpetuated around

their "Transatlantic Slave Trade" cooking class. It would add insult to injury

to grant this funding during Black History Month and without knowing what

real steps are being taken within PDOP to create healing and repair and

formalize staff training around anti-racism. We would do well to put our

money where our mouths are and stand actively behind the

awareness-raising, educational resources, and conversations we all bear

responsibility for engaging in.

Meghan Paulas: We cannot allow our publicly-funded entities to escape

accountability. The offensive and harmful summer camp course should not

have been offered; the "revised" course should not have been substituted.

PDOP leadership has not done enough to demonstrate they fully

understand the harm of the error. Urged the Village Board to act towards

repairing the harm and ensuring that this never happens again. Believes

our community can achieve both a well-supported park district and a path

towards repair and prevention.

Michelle Major: Very concerned about funds being awarded to PDOP

without any expectation of their repair of harm done to our community or

plan for prevention of future harm. Emailed PDOP who said they

recognized the topic would lead to difficult conversations with participants.

Feels a topic with this level of sensitivity should not be taught by a white

person. Recommends the Village Board award the ARPA funds with

stipulations that the funds be partially used for all PDOP staff to participate

in anti-racist training and that PDOP leadership present a plan to the

Village Board on how they will ensure ongoing training and accountability.

Trustee Wesley read a prepared statement. The harm was done by a

different governing body and one does not typically respond to another. He

had requested this Item be removed from the Consent Agenda as racial

equity has no jurisdiction. He said he perceives the values of the Village

Board are to walk a path of racial equity which are being done through

action--hiring a Chief DEI Officer; funding a community-wide racial equity

assessment; implementing a racial equity analysis on future Board

policies; and committing time from staff, consultants, Trustees, and funding

to build a more racially equitable Oak Park.

Diversity, inclusion, racial equity, and racial justice are core values of this

Board and this Village. He said it would be inconsistent with our Board

goals and actions and his personal values to grant $1M to an organization

that has created harm and is out of line with this Board's values.

Representation recognizes harm and uses its voice, platform, and power to

remedy it. Representation is not afraid to do the right thing, stand in

authenticity of the impact, and demand better. He said he is keenly aware

that he represents folks who feel marginalized, unwelcome, and have

experienced harm in this Village and they depend on his voice to express

their pain and outrage and create change to improve their experiences.

He said he is justifiably outraged by the actions that make his statement

necessary and he still seeks a restorative path forward. Until that happens,

he will not vote yes for this Item.

Trustee Robinson said she thinks there are parallel issues of addressing

the course offering and the appropriate response to the impact it's had on

the community, which is within the purview of PDOP; and this ARPA

request, which is within the purview of this Village Board. She read from the

ARPA report on the White House's website on the purpose of the ARPA

funds. She said she thinks it's critical to acknowledge that while we are all

facing the same storm, we are not in the same boat. She said she thinks

the Village Board needs to take some time with this decision and be really

thoughtful in light of the events over the past week, particularly with this

ARPA request that was steeped in racial equity language.

She said she thinks it makes sense to pause this decision and give space

to the community impact and harm; give PDOP some time for further

responsiveness if they choose; and spend time as a Village Board

assessing what our role may be with our DEI resources in support of

PDOP and be collaborative in moving forward with DEI goals which is part

of our own work.

Trustee Enyia agreed with Trustee Wesley's points based on what he has

heard from community members and his own feelings in trying to

understand where that statement came from and the double down on it. He

said it puts the Village Board in a peculiar situation because it shows

organizational missteps and how do you rebound from harming an entire

community. In creating its goals, the Village Board put the needs of our

community first and agreed that there are equity issues. We are trying to

bring everyone together and these incidents make it hard for people to see

that the Village is on the same page of equity. Whether or not we are the

same organization, we had the same body of voters who expected us to do

better.

He said he is frustrated by having to explain to his kids why people are

continuously messing up. You should be able to admit you messed up but

are going to do better. That is what we expect the next time we hear from

you. He noted that PDOP is not at this meeting to be able to address them.

One of the biggest battles is showing up and facing the scrutiny from the

mistake you made.

He said this really hurts, it is not the first time, and we need to make sure

this doesn't continuously happen. It is mistrust and misleading and makes

us feel a certain way when we are being asked for $1M. It makes him have

to rethink how well PDOP will manage that $1M and will it be put toward

hurting more of our community. He said he is hoping to hear from PDOP

the next time they are brought here the thought process and plan for moving

forward and how they are going to mitigate harm and be fully committed to

our Village goals.

Trustee Taglia said the title and description of PDOP's camp sickened him

and wondered why PDOP didn't immediately see the harm and

insensitivity. He said he felt PDOP's apology fell far short. He said the

Village Board needs to take action while listening to community members

and hearing from PDOP on their plans to rebuild trust.

He said holding up the disbursement of ARPA funds doesn't penalize

PDOP; it penalizes current and future residents who count on these

services and facilities. He said he agrees with Trustee Robinson in

pausing the approval of funds to allow us time to hear from PDOP and their

plans to mitigate this insensitive action.

Trustee Parakkat said he is here to try to learn from this as an opportunity

to understand the harm caused and come together to try and do something

about it and learn from each other because we are all vulnerable to making

mistakes. He said using our collective strengths and resources to put our

best foot forward for the community is the right focus.

He said he agrees that taking the time to really think through this and

understand where the conversation is headed before making the decision

makes sense to him. He said he is conflicted because not giving the

funding would penalize community members.

Trustee Buchanan said she is heartened by the words of her fellow

Trustees. She said she agrees with pausing the decision, which should be

seen by PDOP as a measure of how heinous this camp offering was. This

is a pause that demands PDOP to do the work we all need to do to

proceed on our trajectory toward an anti-racist society and we have a long

way to go.

President Scaman said she agrees with the pause. She said when the

Village Board first reviewed the ARPA funding, she was proud to support

the $1M and felt a renewed sense of partnership with PDOP. She said

IGOV now uses the term "governmental partners" instead of "governmental

bodies." She said that request is separate from the Village's statement in

response to the class offered by PDOP.

She said it is not customary for one governmental body to respond directly

to the work of another, though she sees this as very different. The Village

responded in being true to our commitment and investment to DEI and

listening and responding to residents who elect us.Once the Village

released its statement, the conversation with PDOP stopped. There was

time between then and today to be working with PDOP to understand how

they say they are aligned with our equity and DEI goals. She said she is

hearing from all Trustees that we want to be working in partnership with

PDOP and her hope with this pause is to see some commitment to that.

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

Resolution be tabled. 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 Taglia, and Village

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

XVII. Call to Board and Clerk

Trustee Enyia thanked the Kuumba Kids for their dance presentation and

Dr. Walker for her continued efforts. Black History Month is important to him

and his family. He said it is empowering to look to see faces like you and

ancestors who were able to push through adversity. He said he is thankful

to our community for recognizing Black History Month so strongly and

having such great teachers and leaders to make sure kids are feeling

empowered and strengthened and stand up to have their voices heard. He

congratulated the Julian Jayhawk basketball team who were Village Cup

Tournament Champions. He thanked his fellow Trustees for standing up to

injustices.

Trustee Taglia thanked Trustees and staff for attending the community

meeting last Wednesday at Washington Irving School about the violence on

Roosevelt Road. The entire Village Board was in attendance along with

Chief Johnson, Manager Jackson, Public Works Director Sproule, Village

Engineer McKenna, and most of our senior command staff from the Police

Department. Many residents from Oak Park and Berwyn attended and

there was good discussion about root causes and what can and cannot be

done to mitigate the violence resulting from activities at Mike's Place in

Berwyn. The adjacent residents are deeply impacted, tired of the violence,

and scared for their safety. He said he made a motion earlier today to bring

this discussion back to the Village Board to hear additional staff and

community feedback and take action, which residents are counting on us to

do.

Trustee Robinson announced the Latinx Author Book Cafe hosted by

OPPL has resumed and details are on OPPL's website. She encouraged

the community to attend.

Trustee Wesley said hi to his son who watches the Village Board meetings.

President Scaman acknowledged her sincere condolences to the family of

Lawrence Msall, President of the Civic Federation, longtime Oak Park

resident, and a lifelong commitment to good governance and fiscal

responsibility. She thanked Trustees for attending the community meeting

last Wednesday and Trustees Taglia and Robinson for working with

residents to organize it. She thanked Donna Callender and Melanie

McQueen with Kuumba Kids who were a recipient of one of the grants from

the Community Relations Commission.

XVIII. Adjourn

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

voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. Meeting adjourned at 10:08

P.M., Monday, February 6, 2023.

Respectfully Submitted,

Deputy Clerk Hansen