123 Madison Street

Oak Park, Illinois 60302

www.oak-park.us

Village of Oak Park

Meeting Minutes

President and Board of Trustees

Monday, May 8, 2023

7:00 PM

Village Hall

I. Call to Order

Village President Vicki Scaman called the Special Meeting to order at

7:02 P.M.

II. Roll Call

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

President Scaman requested that Item H be moved to the top of the

Regular Agenda.

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

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

IV. Non-Agenda Public Comment

There was no Non-Agenda Public Comment.

V. Proclamation

MOT 23-45

A Motion to Approve a Proclamation for Proclaiming May 2023 as Asian

American, Pacific Islander, Desi Heritage Month.

Trustee Parakkat read the Proclamation into the record and noted the word

"Kalapriya" means "the love of art" in the Indian language.

Chief DEI Officer Dr. Danielle Walker introduced the Kalapriya Center for

Indian Performing Arts. Dr. President Mridu Sekhar and Treasurer Gail

Ludewig gave a presentation and shared information about the May 21

event at Oak Park Public Library.

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

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

MOT 23-44

A Motion to Approve a Proclamation for Proclaiming May 2023 as National

Jewish American Heritage Month.

Trustee Straw read the Proclamation into the record.

Dr. Walker read a statement by OPRF History Teacher Michael Soffer.

President Scaman referenced the February 7 Wednesday Journal article

regarding Oak Park resident Alan Hoffstadter.

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

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

MOT 23-43

A Motion to Approve a Proclamation for Proclaiming May 7-13, 2023 as

International Compost Awareness Week.

Trustee Buchanan read the Proclamation into the record.

Environmental Services Manager Erica Helms provided information on

composting in Oak Park.

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

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

VI. Village Manager Reports

ID 23-229

Update on COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Declaration

Health Director Dr. Theresa Chapple provided a status update on the

COVID-19 pandemic nationally and provided information and

recommendations for Oak Park residents.

Trustee Straw asked what plans the Oak Park Health Department (OPHD)

has to reach out to Medicaid patients regarding the change in continuous

enrollment eligibility. Dr. Chapple said she has been giving informational

talks throughout the community, including the Early Childhood Collaboration

and local federally-qualified health centers. OPHD can connect people with

services in the community to help them re-enroll.

Trustee Parakkat inquired about the timeframe for the transition from

pandemic to endemic. Dr. Chapple responded that WHO is the entity that

declares the start and end of pandemics and she will follow their guidance.

We are currently in the transition phase when the public health emergency

of international concern is removed, which does not put us in the endemic

phase.

Trustee Parakkat asked if the community's burden of case reporting has

also been removed. Dr. Chapple responded that there are still some

COVID-19 reporting requirements. The CDC will not report on cases

anymore, but certain organizations with a higher rate of transmission, like

schools, long-term care facilities, and congregate care homes, are still

required to report, which is based on the state of Illinois Infectious Disease

Code.

Trustee Parakkat asked if the Village is still required to continue providing

reports to the community. Dr. Chapple responded that the Village's weekly

COVID-19 reports will end with the end of the declaration.

Trustee Parakkat inquired about plans for the ARPA contingency funding

and whether the Health Department is caught up with the backlog. Dr.

Chapple responded that the plan for the Health Department is to be caught

up on the backlog by the end of 2023. To date, the Health Department is

caught up on five of its seven nursing programs.

Trustee Parakkat requested to receive a status report prior to budget

season. Village Manager Kevin Jackson confirmed the Village will be

ready to provide that. He noted that the Village Board will have a study

session this summer on the Health Department related to its vision and the

IPLAN and can also provide information about the ARPA contingency fund

at that time.

ID 23-230

Official Oath of Village Officer: Police Sergeant Michael J. Lambert

Police Chief Shatonya Johnson introduced Command Staff, other

members of OPPD, and senior chaplain Reggie Winston.

Chaplain Winston led the prayer.

Chief Johnson gave remarks.

Village Clerk Christina Waters administered the Official Oath.

Sergeant Michael Lambert gave his remarks.

VII. Citizen Commission Appointments, Reappointments and Chair Appointments

ID 23-226

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

Fire and Police Commission - Sara Spivy, Appoint as Member

Clerk Waters read the name into the record.

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

Report 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 Straw, and Village

Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

VIII. Regular Agenda

A Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement with the Board of

Trustees of the University of Illinois, on behalf of the University of Illinois Chicago

to Provide a Racial Equity Assessment and Report in an Amount Not to Exceed

$150,000 and Authorizing its Execution

RES 23-146

Dr. Walker presented the Item.

Trustee Parakkat said he has witnessed and experienced discrimination

and inequities and inquired how the Village will identify the voices that are

not typically included in these assessments. Dr. Walker responded that the

Village will post on its website, engage with community partners, track

feedback, and develop strategies to reach specific populations. Trustee

Parakkat recommended taking a more balanced view rather than relying

on a few self-proclaimed leaders. Dr. Walker confirmed the Village will

work through many channels and networks.

Trustee Parakkat inquired about fringe benefits and indirect costs. Village

Attorney Paul Stephanides responded that the professional services

agreement governs the relationship between the parties. The amount is a

flat $150K.

Trustee Wesley referenced the phrase "nothing about us without us" and

inquired how black voices in particular that are missed by our system can

be included. Dr. Walker responded that a best practice is meeting people

where they're at, including schools and churches. Word of mouth will be a

powerful tool. Residents will have an opportunity to ask questions to

increase their comfort level before engaging in the assessment.

Trustee Wesley asked what Trustees can do to help make this assessment

successful. Dr. Walker recommended that Trustees talk to their

constituents and share their questions with her.

Trustee Robinson inquired about the timeline. Dr. Walker responded that

the Village is in a strong position to have robust community engagement

over the summer, analyze the data, and generate a report and presentation

this fall. The implementation of the racial equity action plan will continue into

next year.

Trustee Robinson asked if the budgeted amount set for next year will cover

follow-up based on the report results. Dr. Walker responded that the

additional funding can be used for plan implementation and aspects the

Village wants to dive deeper on, such as language access and

accessibility.

Trustee Robinson inquired about the separate contracts in the RFP and

proposal. Attorney Stephanides confirmed that the Village's professional

services agreement prevails.

Trustee Robinson requested clarification on defining marginalized groups.

Dr. Walker responded that this is an opportunity to define what the

assessment means in terms of racial equity and understanding how

different communities experience marginalization. Trustee Robinson noted

that how people self-identify their culture and heritage is not monolithic and

space needs to be created to explore individual experiences.

Trustee Robinson noted the two pilot programs in the proposal and

wondered if the consultant has experience in an area similar to Oak Park.

The UIC consultant acknowledged that race should not be the only factor

but is being centered because it is the root cause of many institutional

problems. The pilot projects are testing where we are getting some traction

and so we can learn from each other.

Trustee Straw noted that 40% of residents are renters and said he wants to

ensure all economic and living situations are considered in the data

collection. Dr. Walker said the Village will be proactive and intentional in

ensuring representation and will have check-in points with stakeholder

groups to determine who is missing from the data.

Trustee Parakkat noted the 8-9% immigrant population in Oak Park and

said he believes interracial families are a strength in the community.

Trustee Enyia noted there are a lot of these assessments that do not reach

their full potential because they do not have full participation. People can

experience survey fatigue. He recommended that residents talk to their

neighbors and friends who have expressed a desire to see change in the

community.

President Scaman said she looks forward to working with UIC and the

Village will do everything it can to provide support.

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

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

as follows:

6 -

AYES:

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

Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Straw, and Village Trustee Wesley

NAYS:

ABSENT:

1 - Village Trustee Buchanan

RECUSED:

ID 23-211

Presentation on Proposed Tow Zones for the 1150 to 1200 Blocks of South

Cuyler, Highland, and Harvey Avenues

Chief Johnson presented the proposed recommendation.

Stacey Hendricks: Lives on 1150 S. Cuyler block. She thanked OPPD and

the Village Board and said she and her family are relieved to have peace

and quiet and they feel protected now. She supports the tow zone

ordinance.

Adam Mikos: Said there is a big difference between now and last

December and has been good communication between residents and the

Village Board and OPPD and there was an amazing neighborhood

meeting. He supports the tow zone and parking ban.

Trustee Parakkat said this is how things are supposed to work where a

serious issue concerning safety was brought to the Village Board for

discussion and looking at a permanent solution. He said he supports the

ordinance.

Trustee Robinson noted that the increased traffic on residential streets is

determined by the business hosting events rather than being a seasonal

issue. She said she supports the ordinance.

Trustee Straw wondered what is being done to keep a bad situation from

getting worse when a patron realizes their car has been towed. Chief

Johnson said officers will still be in the area with high visibility and will be

able to respond rapidly. She said Berwyn Police are also spending more

time on Roosevelt Road.

Trustee Straw noted the earlier start time of the tow zone ban from the

overnight parking ban and said guest passes will need to be reserved

earlier than usual. Chief Johnson said there will be extensive engagement

with the community and with Mike's Place.

Trustee Straw wondered what standards could be put in place to assess

similar requests from other blocks. Manager Jackson said that thinking has

been included in the development of this proposal and the Village would

have to see a unique circumstance like this one in order to apply this

elsewhere. Attorney Stephanides added that nuisance activities would

have to be heightened up to criminal activities before a similar ordinance

would be adopted for other blocks.

Trustee Wesley asked if future zones would come back to the Village

Board. Attorney Stephanides said this will always come back to the Board

and would have to be an amendment to the code provision the Village is

creating for these particular blocks.

Trustee Wesley asked what will happen if residents and/or their guests

inadvertently get towed. Chief Johnson responded that there is an

adjudication period where an individual can appeal their vehicle being

towed.

Trustee Enyia said he experiences parking and noise issues on Ridgeland

Avenue as a result of people not being able to park on the residential

streets and he foresees it being a bigger issue moving forward. Chief

Johnson said OPPD has considered that and will be patrolling the area to

ensure we are not just pushing the problem down the street. She

encouraged residents to notify OPPD of suspicious activity.

Trustee Wesley noted he is hearing from residents as far north as 1000

South Cuyler. Chief Johnson responded that the owner of Mike's Place

said his patrons do not want to park more than a block so if something else

is happening on those blocks, it should be reported to OPPD.

Manager Jackson confirmed this ordinance will be on the next Consent

Agenda for approval.

MOT 23-32

A Motion to Approve an Updated Organizational Chart for the Village

Manager’s Office and Development Customer Services Department,

Including the Creation of a Neighborhood Services Department

President Scaman said Manager Jackson has requested to table the vote

on this Motion and the next.

Manager Jackson introduced the Item and Assistant Village Manager/HR

Director Kira Tchang presented the Item.

Trustee Enyia said this is a good and detailed roadmap to provide

direction for the Village.

Trustee Robinson asked where the administration of the Housing Trust

Fund would fall in the new structure. Assistant Manager Tchang responded

that it would go in Neighborhood Services. Manager Jackson added that it

would be a combination of the Neighborhood Programs Manager and

Director.

Trustee Robinson asked if the Grants Manager would administer the

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and if there is any

cross-functionality. Assistant Manager Tchang confirmed that is correct and

the Village anticipates additional grant opportunities related to housing

could receive support from that position which is funded by CDBG. Trustee

Robinson said she supports this structure and this is why the Village Board

hired Manager Jackson to assess the organization and make

recommendations.

Trustee Buchanan said she supports tabling this Item because she has

concerns about the discontinuation of the Oak Park Economic

Development Corporation (OPEDC) among some other questions she

read aloud and said she will also email to Manager Jackson.

Trustee Straw said he supports proposed changes to the org chart which

go to the visions the Village Board has been talking about in terms of

community engagement and sustainability. He recommended bifurcating

the discussion on pausing OPEDC funding and the org chart changes.

Trustee Parakkat said he believes the OPEDC funding and the org chart

are linked and he noted the budget neutrality, which Assistant Manager

Tchang confirmed. He inquired if the results of the assessment would be

new spending that would impact the budget. Manager Jackson confirmed

that it could if that is what the needs suggest.

Trustee Parakkat said he likes this new org structure and said it would be

desirable to clarify the economic outcomes in connection with the Village

Board's goals. He questioned the need to add more executive secretary

positions which is not the wave of the future. Manager Jackson responded

that the Village will continually evaluate need and monitor technology and

efficiencies. Assistant Manager Tchang added that administrative support

is currently required for each department to operate.

Trustee Wesley said he agreed with Trustee Straw in thinking the pausing

of the OPEDC is separate from the org changes. He inquired where the

Chamber of Commerce fits into the new structure. Assistant Manager

Tchang said the Chamber is not currently a partner agency. The business

advisory work would remain in Development Customer Services (DCS).

Trustee Wesley maintained thinking it's an oversight not to include the

Chamber because they are a key partner with a lot of overlap. DCS

Director Tammie Grossman clarified that the Village is a member of the

Chamber whereas a partner agency is funded by and has reporting

requirements to the Village. The Village helps new businesses get licensed

and started whereas Chamber provides membership and education

activities. Trustee Wesley and Director Grossman disagreed about the

amount of work OPEDC has done over the years. Manager Jackson said

the Village is trying to create a holistic ecosystem for economic vitality in

the Village.

Trustee Wesley inquired about the reclassification of salaries and benefits

in the current recruitment environment. Assistant Manager Tchang said

more analysis would need to be done on these positions to recommend the

salaries. The Village generally only hires people in the mid range.

Trustee Wesley noted John Lynch's departure from OPEDC and that his

salary accounts for half their budget. Assistant Manager Tchang responded

that the Village does not administer OPEDC's salaries. The Village can

only look at its current contract with OPEDC.

Trustee Parakkat said to him, budget neutrality is just cutting the contract.

Trustee Wesley said the Village would only recoup any money OPEDC has

not spent.

Trustee Wesley asked how long the economic vitality study would take.

Manager Jackson estimated it could take 6-9 months. Trustee Wesley said

the perception is that only sentence was used from the Envision Oak Park

plan from 10 years ago. Director Grossman disagreed and said the staff

did extensive work on that plan which was funded by HUD. Manager

Jackson added that the Village should be taking the Board goals and

policies and planning documents very seriously. Trustee Wesley clarified

that he was not criticizing the work of staff but rather acknowledging the will

of the Board to follow that plan and deviate from it over the years.

President Scaman said she thinks this is a very thoughtful and talented

proposal. She acknowledged John Lipic in the audience. She wondered

how to maintain input from the OPEDC with the new model. Manager

Jackson confirmed that the Village desires to maintain their input and

continue to work together.

This Motion was tabled.

MOT 23-24

MOT 23-46

A Motion to Approve an Updated Organizational Chart for the Public

Works Department

This Item was discussed during Item I.

This Motion was tabled.

A Motion to add Police Radio Encryption to the Citizens Police Oversight

Committee Work Plan

Manager Jackson introduced the Item.

Trustee Enyia said he is the liaison for the Citizen Police Oversight

Commission (CPOC) and some commissioners would like to be brought in

for consulting and their expertise.

Trustee Buchanan said her reasoning came from a lack of knowledge

about how the radio encryption changes would affect the actual oversight of

police.

Trustee Wesley referenced the email the Village Board received and said

he would like to see it considered without it costing $250K.

Trustee Robinson asked for clarification on the motion. Trustee Wesley

said he motioned on this particular solution. Trustee Buchanan said she

does not agree with Trustee Wesley.

Chief Johnson said OPPD has conducted extensive research. Interim

Deputy Chief Dave Jacobson provided information on Broadcastify and

Fountainware software options. Chief Johnson clarified that Broadcastify

does not have delay capability. OPPD would have to purchase

Fountainware delay software which poses security concerns. She provided

a couple recent examples of implications of having information real-time.

She said the director of WESCOM estimated it would take 8-12 months to

secure a new recorder. OPPD is getting new radios before July. She

recommends having the public review OPPD's radio communications via

FOIA request.

Trustee Wesley said a lot of software gets re-purposed though he shares

the concern that it has not been updated since 2011. He said he does not

advocate for a new $250K recorder. He said when a new recorder is

needed, he would support purchasing one with a delay. He said he would

like to remand this back to the Civic Information Systems Commission

(CISC) to see if there are other software options for this Board to consider.

Trustee Enyia confirmed that CPOC is interested in discussing encryption

in general.

Trustee Robinson said she would prefer to get the input closer to 2027

when the Village is able to act on it. Trustee Parakkat agreed.

Trustee Straw agreed with asking CISC now to see if there are other

options. Trustee Parakkat wondered if the Village's IT department might be

able to research it. President Scaman clarified that it would need to be

added to CISC's work plan for 2024.

Trustee Buchanan said she would be willing to talk to CPOC members to

become more informed.

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

approved. 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 Straw, and Village Trustee Wesley

2 - Village Trustee Parakkat, and Village Trustee Robinson

NAYS:

ABSENT:

IX. Adjourn

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

voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. Meeting adjourned on

Monday, May 8, 2023 at 12:11 AM.

Respectfully Submitted,

Deputy Clerk Hansen