123 Madison Street  
Oak Park, Illinois 60302  
www.oak-park.us  
Village of Oak Park  
Meeting Minutes  
President and Board of Trustees  
Tuesday, September 5, 2023  
7:00 PM  
Village Hall  
I. Call to Order  
Village President Vicki Scaman called the Regular Meeting to order at  
7:03 P.M.  
II. Roll Call  
Trustee Enyia joined the meeting at 8:27 P.M. via videoconference per  
Village police for remote participation.  
7 -  
Present:  
Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, Village  
Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Straw, and Village  
Trustee Wesley  
0
Absent:  
III. Agenda Approval  
It was moved by Trustee Straw, seconded by Trustee Wesley to approve the  
Agenda. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved.  
IV. Minutes  
ID 23-403  
A.  
Motion to Approve Minutes from Special Meeting of July 10, 2023, Special  
Meeting of July 11, 2023, Special Meeting of July 17, 2023 and Special  
Meeting of July 31, 2023 of the Village Board.  
It was moved by Trustee Straw, seconded by Trustee Robinson, to approve the  
Minutes. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved.  
V. Non-Agenda Public Comment  
Tasha Moss Hudson: Resident shared personal issues she is  
experiencing. Chief DEI Officer Dr. Danielle Walker followed up with her to  
provide assistance.  
Paul Rubio: Gave a tribute to the passing of George the parrot at the Oak  
Park Conservatory and encouraged residents to patronize Gina's Italian Ice  
before it closes.  
Nicole Chavas: Bike Walk Oak Park requests the Village Board to  
reconsider bringing Divvy back to Oak Park and has collected 119  
signatures from residents.  
Pamela Tate: Urges the Village to adopt a policy of mandatory composting  
for every business and resident in order to keep the commitments in the  
Climate Ready Oak Park Plan.  
VII. Village Manager Reports  
ID 23-402  
B.  
Review of the Village Board Meeting Calendar for September, October,  
November and December 2023  
Village Manager Kevin Jackson shared updated Village Board calendars  
for September through December.  
Trustee Parakkat inquired about the budget process on the calendar.  
Manager Jackson said the plan is to continue with customary standards  
regarding the tax levy. The two proposed Finance Committee meetings in  
November are scheduled to allow for the Village Board to follow up on the  
goal setting conversations about reviewing financial policies related to the  
tax levy. Trustee Parakkat asked if the Village Board will have an  
opportunity to discuss the levy beforehand. Manager Jackson confirmed it  
will be part of the FY2024 budget process. President Scaman asked the  
budget is being pulled together with the assumption of nothing higher than  
a 3% levy at this time, which Manager Jackson confirmed is correct.  
Update Regarding Traffic Safety Improvements at the Intersection of Chicago  
Avenue and Scoville Avenue  
ID 23-415  
C.  
Sylvia Schweri: Bike Walk Oak Park thanks the Village Board for their  
leadership in requiring bike and pedestrian safety improvements and  
resurfacing projects, such as Chicago and Scoville. Recommends  
extending similar measures to IDOT roads such as Ridgeland, Roosevelt,  
and Harlem.  
Village Engineer Bill McKenna presented the Item.  
Trustee Robinson inquired how intersections that received some mitigation  
prior to Vision Zero are folded into Vision Zero's analysis. Engineer  
McKenna responded that unless the Village received public comments that  
thought there needed to be additional improvements done, this intersection  
wouldn't normally be reviewed as part of that process. The improvements  
done here address all of the safety concerns. Other intersections will be  
reviewed based on public comments received once the Village starts  
public engagement on Vision Zero. Vision Zero will look at the treatments  
the Village has been doing, which are consistent with the industry, and will  
look at potential treatments in other areas and expanding the toolbox for  
local traffic calming.  
Trustee Straw noted that this intersection is part of the Neighborhood  
Greenways Plan. He requested a better understanding of the steps from  
the Transportation Commission's design recommendation to  
groundbreaking. Engineer McKenna said a lot of it depends on timing of  
construction projects and the bid schedule.  
VIII. Village Board Committees & Trustee Liaison Commission Reports  
Trustee Wesley said last Thursday was Overdose Awareness Day and  
there was a community organization event in Scoville Park to reaffirm the  
mission of eliminating overdoses and saving lives, which includes working  
on addiction. President Scaman noted it was a collaboration with Oak Park  
Township, Way Back Inn, Live for Lali, and others.  
IX. Citizen Commission Vacancies  
ID 23-404  
D.  
Board & Commission Vacancy Report for September 5, 2023.  
There were no comments.  
X. Citizen Commission Appointments, Reappointments and Chair Appointments  
ID 23-414  
E.  
A Motion to Consent to the Village President’s Appointment of:  
Zoning Board of Appeals - David Brumirski, Reappoint as Member  
Zoning Board of Appeals - Mark Hansen, Reappoint as Member  
President Scaman read the names into the record.  
It was moved by Trustee Straw, seconded by Trustee Wesley, that these  
Appointments be approved. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote  
was as follows:  
6 -  
AYES:  
Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Parakkat,  
Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Straw, and Village Trustee Wesley  
0
NAYS:  
1 - Village Trustee Enyia  
ABSENT:  
XI. Consent Agenda  
Approval of the Consent Agenda  
It was moved by Trustee Wesley, seconded by Trustee Buchanan 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 Buchanan, Village Trustee Parakkat,  
Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Straw, and Village Trustee Wesley  
0
NAYS:  
1 - Village Trustee Enyia  
ABSENT:  
RES 23-233  
RES 23-240  
F.  
A Resolution Approving a Contract with Suburban Concrete, Inc. for  
Project 23-3, Sidewalk Improvements, in an Amount Not to Exceed  
$250,000 and Authorizing its Execution  
G.  
A Resolution Designating Byline Bank as a Village of Oak Park Depository  
and Investment Bank and Authorizing Investments Pursuant to the Illinois  
Public Funds Investment Act and the Village’s Investment Policy  
This Resolution was adopted.  
RES 23-242  
RES 23-253  
H.  
I.  
A Resolution Designating Wintrust Bank as a Village of Oak Park Depository  
and Investment Bank and Authorizing Investments Pursuant to the Illinois  
Public Funds Investment Act and the Village’s Investment Policy  
This Resolution was adopted.  
A Resolution Approving an Amendment to the Dumping of Excavated Materials  
Price Agreement with Waste Management of Illinois, Inc. to Change the Not to  
Exceed Amount from $150,000.00 to $230,000.00 and Authorizing its Execution  
This Resolution was adopted.  
RES 23-254  
RES 23-255  
J.  
A Resolution Authorizing a Single-Family Housing Rehabilitation Loan and a  
Lead Hazard Reduction Grant (SFR-099)  
This Resolution was adopted.  
A Resolution Approving an Amendment to the Renewal of the Independent  
Contractor Agreement with Construction by Camco, Inc. for the 2023 Water Service  
Line Replacement Program to Change the Not to Exceed Amount from $200,000.00  
to $250,000.00 and Authorizing its Execution  
K.  
This Resolution was adopted.  
A Resolution Approving an Amendment to the Purchase Price Agreement with  
Vulcan Construction Materials, LLC for Stone and Sand Materials to Change the Not  
to Exceed Amount from $30,000.00 to $50,000.00 and Authorizing its Execution  
RES 23-256  
RES 23-257  
L.  
This Resolution was adopted.  
A Resolution Approving an Amendment to the Purchase Price Agreement with Core  
and Main LP for Materials for Repair of Water Mains and Sewers, Fire Hydrants,  
Water Services and Sewer Services to Change the Not to Exceed Amount from  
$50,000.00 to $65,000.00 and Authorizing its Execution  
M.  
This Resolution was adopted.  
A Resolution Approving a Second Amendment to the Independent Contractor  
Agreement with Command Mechanical Group, LLC to Provide Emergency  
Mechanical Repair and Maintenance Services for HVAC Systems at Village-owned  
Buildings to Change the Not to Exceed Amount from $25,000.00 to $40,000.00 and  
Authorizing its Execution.  
RES 23-258  
RES 23-259  
N.  
O.  
This Resolution was adopted.  
A Resolution Approving an Independent Contractor Agreement with Midwest  
Services and Development Corp. for the North Fire Station Emergency Egress  
Construction Project in an Amount Not to Exceed $76,650.00 and Authorizing its  
Execution  
This Resolution was adopted.  
A Resolution Approving an Independent Contractor Agreement with Allied Garage  
Door, Inc. for the Public Works Center Exterior Door Replacement Project in an  
Amount Not to Exceed $38,388.00 and Authorizing its Execution  
RES 23-260  
RES 23-262  
RES 23-263  
P.  
Q.  
R.  
This Resolution was adopted.  
A Resolution Approving an Independent Contractor Agreement with Advanced  
Plumbing Corp. for the 2023 CDBG Water Service Line Replacement Program, in an  
Amount Not to Exceed $75,000.00 and Authorizing its Execution  
This Resolution was adopted.  
A Resolution Authorizing an Independent Contractor Agreement with J. Gill & Co.  
for Maintenance Repairs of the Village’s Holley Court, The Avenue, and Oak Park &  
River Forest High School Parking Structures, in an Amount Not to Exceed  
$1,596,865.00 and Authorizing Its Execution  
This Resolution was adopted.  
A Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Three 2023 Ford Utility Hybrid Police  
Interceptor Vehicles with Police Package, from Currie Motors of Frankfort, Illinois  
in an Amount Not to Exceed $137,919.72 and Waiving the Village’s Bid Process for  
the Purchase  
RES 23-264  
S.  
This Resolution was adopted.  
A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Settlement Agreement in Cook County  
Circuit Court Case Number 2021 CH 00988  
RES 23-265  
RES 23-268  
T.  
This Resolution was adopted.  
A Resolution Approving an Independent Contractor Agreement with Newcastle  
Electric, Inc. for Scada Cabinet Replacement in an Amount Not to Exceed $43,350.00  
and Authorizing Its Execution  
U.  
This Resolution was adopted.  
A Resolution Approving a Task Order for Professional Engineering Services with  
Baxter & Woodman, Inc. for a Lead Service Line Replacement Plan and Public  
Education Development & Notification Strategy, in an Amount Not to Exceed  
$41,300 and Authorizing its Execution  
RES 23-269  
RES 23-271  
RES 23-272  
V.  
W.  
X.  
This Resolution was adopted.  
A Resolution Approving an Amendment to the Task Order for Professional  
Engineering Services with Edwin Hancock Engineering Co. for Design and  
Construction Engineering Services for Alley Improvements in 2023 to Change the  
Not to Exceed Amount from $281,312 to $304,480 and Authorizing its Execution  
This Resolution was adopted.  
A Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement by and between the  
Village of Oak Park and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater  
Chicago for the Design, Construction, Operation, and Maintenance of the Green  
Alleys and Parking Lot 10 Project in Oak Park, Illinois and Authorizing its Execution  
This Resolution was adopted.  
A Resolution Approving a Second Amendment to the Professional Services  
Agreement with Terra Engineering, Ltd. for the Design of the Oak Park Avenue  
Resurfacing, Utility, and Streetscape Projects to Change the Not to Exceed Amount  
from $1,010,958 to $1,214,548 and Authorizing its Execution  
RES 23-273  
Y.  
This Resolution was adopted.  
A Resolution Approving an Amendment to a Contract with Cerniglia Co. for Project  
23-1, Sewer and Water Main Improvements, to Change the Not to Exceed Amount  
from $3,119,566 to $3,279,200 and Authorizing its Execution  
RES 23-274  
ORD 23-88  
Z.  
This Resolution was adopted.  
AA.  
An Ordinance Updating and Replacing the Map Codified as Part of Section  
15-1-26 of the Oak Park Village Code to Reflect the Village’s Current Time  
Restrictions, Time Limits, and Prohibited Parking Areas  
This Ordinance was adopted.  
An Ordinance Granting an Extension of the Waiver and Suspension of the Right of  
Way Obstruction Permit Fee and Parking Obstruction Fee for the Planned  
Development at 7 Van Buren Street through May 31, 2024  
ORD 23-90  
AB.  
This Ordinance was adopted.  
A Motion to Approve the July 2023 Monthly Treasurer’s Report for All Funds  
MOT 23-72  
MOT 23-73  
AC.  
AD.  
This Motion was approved.  
A Motion to Approve the Bills in the Amount of $11,593,089.49 from July 7, 2023,  
through August 24, 2023.  
This Motion was approved.  
MOT 23-77  
MOT 23-78  
AE.  
AF.  
A Motion to Concur with the Transportation Commission’s  
Recommendation to add “On-Street Overnight Permit Parking from 10 PM  
to 6 AM” on the 100 block of North Elmwood Avenue (from Lake Street to  
the East Alley)  
This Motion was approved.  
A Motion to Concur with the Transportation Commission’s  
Recommendations for Traffic Calming at the Clarence Avenue and Adams  
Street Intersection  
This Motion was approved.  
XII. Regular Agenda  
Presentation and Discussion on Municipal Options for Blending Renewable Energy  
within Retail Supply and Aggregation Contracts  
ID 23-365  
AG.  
Deputy Village Manager Ahmad Zayyad introduced the Item.  
Illinois Power Agency Consultant Mark Pruitt presented the Item.  
Trustee Straw asked if the Village's energy costs would fluctuate with  
market costs, which Consultant Pruitt confirmed. Trustee Straw asked if the  
$350K direct payment will increase with CPI or energy costs or if it will  
increase at a slower rate than the cost of electricity. Consultant Pruitt  
responded that by the tariff, the amount that can be collected in the direct  
payment is limited to the value of the free service in the prior 12 months.  
Electricity prices have been at their highest point over the past 12 months,  
so the Village is setting its collection level at its highest point it has ever  
been, but it will not move from there. The $350K will remain at $350K.  
Trustee Straw asked if the $350K is consideration for the easements the  
Village provides to Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) to operate in the  
public way, which Consultant Pruitt confirmed. There is an allowance within  
the tariff that empowers the municipality to set the rate of collections for the  
residents that then identifies the cash flow that goes to the municipality.  
Trustee Straw referenced the Joule option and asked if there is any sense  
as to what kind of costs the Village is looking at for energy compared to the  
ComEd supply. Consultant Pruitt said he believes the Village can typically  
be within 15% of the ComEd rate at any given time. The way to mitigate  
that risk is in the Village's negotiation with its retail energy supplier to push  
the obligation to put a guaranteed maximum and minimum around that  
ComEd rate so that the Village would operate with a range.  
Trustee Straw asked if the participation rate is 100% of residential  
properties. Consultant Pruitt said it is 100% of all eligible accounts. No one  
will be bumped off their existing retail energy supplier or hourly energy  
pricing. Trustee Straw noted residents can opt out into other supply  
agreements, which Consultant Pruitt confirmed. Trustee Straw said he  
thinks it makes sense to continue investigating a Joule-style supply  
agreement and moving to a direct payment model.  
Trustee Robinson inquired if the Village maintains its franchise agreement  
under the Joule model, which Consultant Pruitt confirmed. Trustee  
Robinson asked if the Village has separate contracts with two energy  
suppliers. Consultant Pruitt responded that the Village's franchise  
agreement is with ComEd for the infrastructure. If the Village moves from  
the free electricity to the direct pay, that is a change order to ComEd. The  
franchise agreement is not interrupted. Joule is a municipal aggregation  
contract. The Village would still have a retail energy supplier that would be  
an agreement with the renewable energy asset the Village contracts with.  
Those two parties must cooperate to deliver a renewable energy and  
grid-blended product to the residents that are part of the aggregation  
program. That is separate from the franchise agreement.  
Trustee Robinson requested examples of municipalities utilizing the Joule  
model. Consultant Pruitt said they are in Westchester County, New York.  
He said he can provide a list of about 30 municipalities and he may be  
able to put the Village in contact with them. Trustee Robinson inquired  
about the penalties, if any, under the Joule model. Consultant Pruitt  
responded there can be zero penalties. The Village will pay a premium and  
it will be specific to each renewable energy project based on the risk  
tolerance and the funding structure of those renewable energy assets.  
Trustee Robinson asked if there are parallel agreements around data  
collection and specifying the use of renewable sources within the contract,  
whether those would apply with the Joule model, and whether the consultant  
would recommend the Village enter into a parallel contract. Consultant  
Pruitt said he would recommend that and noted a lot of those requirements  
are in the Village's current agreement with its retail energy supplier which  
he recommends continuing because there is more to manage now. Trustee  
Robinson said she is in support and requested more information in the next  
stage about setting up parallel contracts. Consultant Pruitt confirmed that is  
where we are headed.  
Trustee Parakkat asked if the savings from investing in energy efficiency  
can be used towards the investment required. Consultant Pruitt said some  
municipalities look at it that way, others view it as a revenue to the general  
fund. One recommendation in the next stage of analysis is to get that firm  
number from ComEd, then look at what renewable energy projects have  
been scoped out, and see if they match up. Trustee Parakkat asked if this  
decision to change is reversible. Consultant Pruitt confirmed it is though  
there is a minimum stay of two years.  
Trustee Parakkat inquired if the Village needs to consider an incremental  
risk exposure or risk management cost. Consultant Pruitt responded that it  
has to be a discussion point going forward. The first step is to analyze how  
many dollars are on the table. The consumption is known and can be  
aligned over price projections to identify the extent to which there is a risk  
of under-collection. Trustee Parakkat said he supports exploration to  
understand the next level of detail.  
Trustee Buchanan clarified that ComEd is not giving the Village free  
electricity. The cost the municipality incurs is spread among the residents,  
which Consultant Pruitt confirmed. The change would be the cost that the  
Village incurs, the Village would get paid, but if ComEd is not giving  
electricity for free, it's still coming from the residents, which Consultant  
Pruitt confirmed. Trustee Buchanan said the cost might be lower if the  
Village is incentivized to decrease their use. Consultant Pruitt confirmed  
the cost-benefit would then flow to the residents. If the Village was to  
reduce its consumption and is getting its free electricity, it would not impact  
the municipal operations. The Village would incur the capital cost  
necessary to make the upgrades to reduce its consumption. The credits  
would fall along with its consumption. Ultimately that would flow back in the  
form of lower collection rate for the residents.  
Trustee Buchanan asked how ComEd makes the money if the money from  
the residents is going to the Village. Consultant Pruitt said ComEd issues  
credits on the Village's monthly bills and then on a lagging basis, there is a  
monthly rider FCA charge on every resident's utility bill. Trustee Buchanan  
said she wants to ensure residents will not be paying more with this new  
option. Consultant Pruitt said that is why the direct payment amount is  
capped at whatever has been credit in the prior year. Trustee Buchanan  
asked if this will get rid of any contributions to the sustainability fund that the  
Village is currently receiving for the .3 cents per kilowatt hour. Consultant  
Pruitt clarified that is part of the Village's municipal aggregation program  
and not part of the Village's franchise agreement. The change to direct pay  
will not impact the sustainability revenue.  
Trustee Buchanan asked what the aggregation has to do with this direct  
payment. Consultant Pruitt said what is presented is what we think are the  
two best options to inject more renewable energy supply into the Village.  
One option is into the Village's municipal facilities. The constraint is the  
ordinance consideration. The freeness becomes a barrier for financing  
projects. The second option is into the municipal aggregation program.  
Trustee Buchanan referenced Aggregation 3.0 and asked if the  
renewables is the energy plus the recs from regional renewables, which  
Consultant Pruitt confirmed. She asked if the recs are just credits for  
renewable energy that is already being generated, which Consultant Pruitt  
confirmed. In the past, a municipality has purchased renewable energy  
credits from existing resources. Aggregation 3.0 would specify that the  
municipality would be purchasing the energy plus the recs from new  
resources that are developed in Illinois. Trustee Buchanan noted the  
Village's CROP says it will not use recs. Consultant Pruitt said the Village  
would control the recs. They are an asset that would be part of the  
transaction and the Village can decide how to monetize or dispose of  
them. Trustee Buchanan said she is comfortable moving forward with the  
Joule option.  
Trustee Robinson asked if the Village has to switch to direct payment to  
enter into the Joule model. Consultant Pruitt said no, they are two separate  
things. Trustee Robinson asked if the Village will receive further analysis  
from staff on switching from the ordinance to direct payment. Manager  
Jackson confirmed that is part of the further exploration.  
Trustee Straw noted the Village is purchasing from the new supply it is  
generating and can resell the recs which could provide the Village with  
additional assets to turn into additional renewable energy or the Village can  
retire them. Consultant Pruitt agreed they are an option, not an obligation.  
Trustee Straw said if the Village moves to the Joule model, it could build  
the 3 cents per kilowatt hour into the supply contract if it wanted to.  
Consultant Pruitt said the Village will still have a retail agreement with an  
energy supplier and can obligate that supplier to include whatever it wants.  
Trustee Straw said it is important for the Village to make the pricing as  
competitive as possible with ComEd and it is important to make our  
energy supply renewable overall.  
Trustee Wesley said the Village currently has a system with ComEd where  
our usage and the credit from them nets out to zero and that credit is an  
indirect tax on residents. The sustainability fund is an indirect tax from the  
aggregator that is collected on the Village's behalf. The max credit from the  
past 12 months would be the cash amount that ComEd would start to pay  
the Village, then our usage would hopefully be less than that, and the cash  
payment to the Village would be the difference. Consultant Pruitt confirmed  
that is all correct.  
Trustee Wesley asked if there is a model to understand the capital costs  
required to drive down our usage. Manager Jackson said the Village will  
have to build that. Consultant Pruitt said it would be a refresh from the  
costing information from 2.5 years ago and the funding for those projects to  
reflect the value of the Inflation Reduction Act and available state incentives  
to come up with a new net cost, compare those against the cash value to  
determine if we are dollars up or down after making a change on the  
compensation package, and then deploying those sustainability measures.  
Trustee Wesley asked if the Village knows how much additional resource  
time or headcount it might take to manage this. Manager Jackson  
responded that would definitely be part of the analysis.  
President Scaman read from the DEI impact analysis provided by staff.  
ORD 23-81  
AH.  
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 2 (“Administration”), Article 36 (“Aging in  
Place”), Section 2-36-1 (“Establishment; Composition; Definition”) and  
Section 2-36-2 (“Duties”) of the Oak Park Village Code  
Dr. Walker and Aging in Place Commission Chair Marc Blesoff presented  
the Item.  
President Scaman noted the request to remove the language that limits  
commission members to 55 years of age or older or working with  
individuals 55 years of age or older, while still requiring a majority of the  
commission be 55 years of age or older. Chair Blesoff said the Village  
Board will also receive a proposed resolution about Ageism Awareness  
Day on October 7.  
Trustee Wesley said housing diversity is a priority for him and he loves the  
reframing of this commission to enable people to stay in their community.  
He noted one of the challenges with an old housing stock is not having  
many accessible buildings. Chair Blesoff noted that 54% of middle income  
older people cannot afford senior housing. Every decision this Village  
Board makes will have to factor in the changing demographic.  
It was moved by Trustee Wesley, seconded by Trustee Straw, that this Ordinance  
be adopted. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows:  
7 -  
AYES:  
Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, Village  
Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Straw, and Village  
Trustee Wesley  
0
0
NAYS:  
ABSENT:  
ORD 23-87  
AI.  
Concur with the Plan Commission and Adopt an Ordinance Granting a  
Special Use Permit for a Major Planned Development Containing a  
Four-Story Educational Institution Building Addition at the Property  
Located at 201 North Scoville Avenue  
Peter Ryan: Encouraged the Village Board to approve the ordinance.  
Improving the quality of our schools is in the best interest of Oak Park. He  
empathizes with the neighbors and supports any measures D200 can take  
to help minimize those impacts.  
Laura Huseby: Encouraged the Village Board to adopt the ordinance,  
which is key to the continued success of our diverse community.  
Village Planner Craig Failor presented the Item.  
Trustee Buchanan inquired about the lighting once finished. Planner Failor  
responded there are various levels along the Scoville side. The area is  
where students park their bikes and is very dark so they want to ensure the  
area is conducive to the student activity after dark. The Plan Commission  
was a unanimous 6-0 vote, with two commissioners absent.  
President Scaman noted the dust from the project on Linden has been  
significant. D200 Superintendent Dr. Greg Johnson responded that they  
are in early days of determining how they will handle the potential  
demolition. He acknowledged the field renovation project has been dusty  
because of the constant earth movement. He said D200 has offered to pay  
for cleaning residents' windows. They are committed to being very good  
neighbors for this project and understand it will be a significant impact.  
Gilbane Building Company Project Executive Jeremy Roling added that  
regular street sweeping and watering down of the site will be bought into  
their bid packages. They are also looking at utilizing a plywood barrier wall  
instead of a chain link fence to help with noise and dust.  
Trustee Wesley said there are explicit laws on what we can do and there is  
also what we should do. He said he has received a lot of calls and emails  
saying he should vote against this or take D200 to task for bypassing the  
people and not going to referendum, though that is not his job. He said he  
could vote no because he disagrees with how we got here, but that's not  
what he should do because the issue is whether or not he agrees with the  
zoning variance in front of him, which he thinks is in line with other zoning  
variances. He said while this Village Board has the authority to tear down  
Village Hall and write a check for a new one, when the community pushed  
back, we paused, created processes, took a step back, and listened.  
President Scaman recommended that residents listen to the Plan  
Commission meeting and said she will proudly vote yes for this.  
It was moved by Trustee Robinson, seconded by Trustee Enyia, 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 Straw, and Village  
Trustee Wesley  
0
0
NAYS:  
ABSENT:  
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 15 (“Motor Vehicles & Traffic”), Article 5  
(“Schedule of Fines and Penalties for Certain Minor Traffic Violations, Parking and  
Vehicle License Violations”), Section 15-5-5 (“Specific Violation of the Illinois  
Vehicle Code Adopted by Reference”) of the Oak Park Village Code to Adopt By  
Reference 625 ILCS 5/11-1308 (“Unauthorized Use of Parking Places Reserved for  
Electric Vehicles”)  
ORD 23-89  
AJ.  
Parking and Mobility Services Manager Sean Keane presented the Item.  
Trustee Straw inquired what the penalty would be. Manager Keane said as  
a home rule community, the parking fines are adopted by the Village Code.  
This is a checklist item as part of the EV designation. The Village would  
use its local code to enforce. Village Attorney Stephanides said the penalty  
is Section 1-1-5 of the Village Code which provides for an up to $750 fine.  
It would go through adjudication and the hearing officers would have that  
latitude up to that amount. The parking ticket would cite this section of the  
code and the state statute and the fine would be $100. The Village does  
not have a tow enforcement plan.  
Trustee Robinson noted this only applies to Village EV spots and not EV  
spots on private property, which Manager Keane confirmed. Attorney  
Stephanides said the Village would have to enter into a private  
enforcement agreement with the property owners which the Village has  
done previously. Trustee Robinson asked if the Village is measuring usage  
of the EV spots. Manager Keane confirmed the Village does. Trustee  
Robinson requested that information, which Manager Jackson confirmed  
can be provided.  
President Scaman noted that the Village does not currently charge for  
these EV spots.  
Trustee Wesley asked if the electricity provided for these spots is part of  
the Village's free allotment. Manager Keane said it is not; the Village is  
paying for it. Trustee Wesley asked if anything is being done now about  
non-EV vehicles parking in the EV spots. Manager Keane said a few  
instances have been reported to the Village and the Police Department  
has issued a citation for "no parking any time." This citation would be  
specific to EV charging parking only.  
President Scaman noted that for the EV spots at Village Hall, overnight  
parking is not permitted without a Village sticker or permit. Manager Keane  
confirmed the Village sells overnight residential permits for the Village Hall  
lot.  
It was moved by Trustee Straw, 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 Straw, and Village  
Trustee Wesley  
0
0
NAYS:  
ABSENT:  
A Resolution Approving an Independent Contractor Agreement with Midwest  
Services and Development Corp. for the Main Fire Station Bunk Room Renovations  
Project in an Amount Not to Exceed $319,200.00, Authorizing its Execution and  
Directing Staff to Prepare the Necessary Budget Amendment  
RES 23-267  
AL.  
Public Works Director Rob Sproule presented the Item.  
Trustee Parakkat asked if the $44K increase was not estimated previously  
in the Fire Station 2 project. Fire Chief Ron Kobyleski responded that it is  
already installed there. All stations have this. Because the Village is  
installing separate sleeping cubicles, a system is now required for each  
individual room. Trustee Parakkat asked why the $44K was not part of last  
year's capital improvement plan (CIP) if we knew this was going to happen.  
Director Sproule said it was included. They are two separate Board items  
because they are from separate contractors. Trustee Parakkat asked if the  
$244K in the CIP should have covered both projects, which Director  
Sproule confirmed.  
Trustee Parakkat asked why the estimates were this far off. Director  
Sproule explained that Fire Station 3 had not been bid out last year prior  
needing to submit the numbers for this year's project. By the time the  
Village knew the scope of cost change, this was already part of the budget  
with the existing costs the Village estimated in 2022. When the Village has  
to budget so early, it is difficult to keep up with inflation and construction  
costs happening now. Trustee Parakkat questioned the 1.5 times increase.  
Director Sproule responded that is what the bidding is telling us. As the  
Village looks at its budget costs for 2024 moving forward, it needs to be  
increasing its costs to ensure we are coming in closer to actual costs.  
Trustee Parakkat said the level of confidence the Village Board has when  
the CIP is presented is a big factor because we are trusting Village staff  
expertise to give realistic estimates. If that is to be changed in Q3 with an  
amendment, then it opens up a lot of loopholes in terms of our estimates  
and CIP and spend, which is a concern for him. Director Sproule said for  
2024, the internal conversations have been about increasing our costs by  
about 25% to try to ensure the Village is accommodating for potential cost  
overrun. The Village is also building in a 15% contingency. Chief Kobyleski  
added that the Village's crews got special training to install this, which is  
saving $20K in installation costs. The equipment quote was originally $40K  
which is only a $4K difference.  
Trustee Wesley inquired about the number of bids sent out and received.  
Director Sproule said it is an open bidding process. The three companies  
that attended the pre-bid meeting were the three that bid on the project.  
Trustee Wesley asked if this increase is in line with what is being seen  
elsewhere. Director Sproule said construction costs are going up across  
the board and a lot is tied to the competitive nature of these groups.  
Trustee Wesley inquired about the AC being three times higher than what  
was anticipated. Director Sproule said part of it is due to the changeover in  
refrigerant standards and it is now a larger scope project because the  
entire supply lines need to be replaced.  
Trustee Wesley asked if the Village will have the same bid if it is deferred  
to next year. Director Sproule said the Village will use that as its budget  
number though bid numbers are usually only valid for a period of weeks.  
When the Village is ready to move forward next year, it will need to re-bid  
the project. Trustee Wesley noted these things have escalated year to year  
so he supports doing it this year instead of pushing it to next year when it  
will likely cost more. President Scaman agreed. Director Sproule noted  
that Midwest was the lowest bidder for that work as well.  
Trustee Straw agreed with Trustee Wesley in incorporating the HVAC  
component into the project. He stressed the need and importance of this  
project. The Village is currently down 15 firefighters with many working a lot  
of overtime and two shifts in a row with an open bunk room. Every time a  
call comes in, every firefighter on shift gets woken up. These improvements  
will have a huge impact on quality of life for our firefighters which will have  
an impact on quality of service to our residents. It will decrease the  
potential for injury and increase recruitment. Trustee Straw said he is  
strongly on board.  
President Scaman asked why the HVAC is separated. Director Sproule  
said HVAC falls under the Village's Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing  
(MEP) program. The timing of the two pieces lined up so the Village asked  
the engineering firm to bid both projects and put them together or it can  
give them to different contractors if it made more fiscal sense. Manager  
Jackson noted that Public Works is a very cost conscious group that is  
always looking for opportunities to save.  
Trustee Straw proposed a friendly amendment to the motion to increase  
the not to exceed amount of the contract by the proposed alternative bid #3  
price of $400K. Attorney Stephanides confirmed the amount in the  
resolution would be changed per the friendly amendment.  
Trustee Robinson said she supports that change and asked if there are any  
other logistical reasons to delay it, which Director Sproule confirmed there  
are not.  
It was moved by Trustee Straw, seconded by Trustee Wesley, that this Resolution  
be adopted as amended. 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  
0
0
NAYS:  
ABSENT:  
RES 23-251  
AK.  
A Resolution Approving a Purchase Price Agreement with US Digital  
Designs, Inc. for the Purchase of Phoenix G2 Automated Fire Station  
Alerting System Equipment for the Station 1 Bunk Room Project in an  
Amount Not to Exceed $44,076.00, Authorizing its Execution and Waiving  
the Village’s Bid Process for the Agreement  
It was moved by Trustee Straw, seconded by Trustee Wesley, that this Resolution  
be adopted. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows:  
7 -  
AYES:  
Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, Village  
Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Straw, and Village  
Trustee Wesley  
0
0
NAYS:  
ABSENT:  
XIII. Call to Board and Clerk  
Deputy Clerk Hansen said Clerk Waters could not be here and sends her  
gratitude during this difficult time. National Voter Registration Day is  
September 19th. The Clerk's Office will be in the Courtyard of Village Hall  
on September 19th from 1-3 pm and at the Oak Park Farmers’ Market on  
September 23rd from 10 am-noon.  
Trustee Wesley encourages residents to attend Barrie Fest this Saturday,  
which is put on by South East Oak Park Community Organization to  
celebrate the completion of the rehabilitation of Barrie Park.  
Trustee Straw recognized Labor Day yesterday and the importance and  
tradition of organized labor. He recognized and thanked our local public  
employee unions who serve the Village and the community.  
Trustee Parakkat said Barrie Fest will be the launch of our community as  
Illinois' first green dining hub and encouraged residents to attend.  
President Scaman said she was honored to host Congressman Danny  
Davis and Congresswoman Katherine Clark last Monday at Village Hall.  
She provided updates about C4 and the model to bring hundreds of  
thousands of dollars from grants to communities in our region by leveling  
the playing field of grant writing and technical assistance and supporting a  
roadmap for any community of any size to succeed at creating a climate  
action plan. She will be at Barrie Fest with her grandchildren and recently  
welcomed a fourth grandchild.  
XIV. Adjourn  
It was moved by Trustee Straw, seconded by Trustee Wesley, to Adjourn. A voice  
vote was taken and the motion was approved. Meeting adjourned at Tuesday,  
September 5, 2023 at 9:41 P.M.  
Respectfully submitted,  
Deputy Clerk Hansen