123 Madison Street  
Oak Park, Illinois 60302  
www.oak-park.us  
Village of Oak Park  
Meeting Minutes  
President and Board of Trustees  
Monday, November 1, 2021  
7:00 PM  
Remote  
I. Call to Order  
Village President Scaman called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. She  
authorized a statement be read providing that the meeting is being held  
remotely due to COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines and that it is not  
prudent to have people present at the Village Board's regular meeting  
location due to public health concerns related to that pandemic.  
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 Walker-Peddakotla  
0
Absent:  
III. Agenda Approval  
It was moved by Village Trustee Parakkat, seconded by Village Trustee Enyia, to  
approve the 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 Walker-Peddakotla  
0
0
NAYS:  
ABSENT:  
IV. Minutes  
MOT 21-113  
A.  
Motion to Approve Minutes from Regular Remote Meeting of October 18,  
2021 of the Village Board.  
It was moved by Village Trustee Parakkat, seconded by Village Trustee  
Robinson, to approve the Motion. 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 Walker-Peddakotla  
0
0
NAYS:  
ABSENT:  
V. Non-Agenda Public Comment  
Village Clerk Christina Waters read the following Non-Agenda Public  
Comments aloud.  
Hazel Davison: Hazel Davis submitted their public comment requesting  
an abatement of liens, fees and/ or fines associated with 205 South Harvey  
in Oak Park. A relative is the homeowner who has not been living at the  
property for some time due to health issues which has caused an inability  
to care for the property. Ms. Davison has been trying to rectify the situation  
with village staff without any resolution and is requesting to abate or  
significantly reduce the lien on the property.  
Carmen Perry: Carmen Perry submitted their public comment requesting  
the Board review and approve the Transportation Commission and Village  
Board recommendation to add Y7 overnight on-street permit parking and  
remove daytime restrictions at 511-513 Cuyler Avenue so current Lot 44  
permit holders have a place to park.  
Michelle Major: Michelle Major submitted their public comment requesting  
the Board to set aside funding in the 2022 budget to create a non-police  
crisis response team as an alternative to a police response. The Village  
Board should prioritize the treatment of those in crisis, and start diverting  
calls away from police.  
Leslie Roberts: Leslie Roberts submitted their public comment  
requesting the Board to set aside funding in the 2022 budget to create a  
non-police crisis response team as an alternative to a police response.  
The Village Board should prioritize the treatment of those in crisis, and start  
diverting calls away from police.  
Claire Battle: Claire Battle submitted their public comment requesting the  
Board to set aside funding in the 2022 budget to create a non-police crisis  
response team as an alternative to a police response. The Village Board  
should prioritize the treatment of those in crisis, and start diverting calls  
away from police.  
Zoe Kusinitz: Zoe Kusinitz submitted their public comment requesting the  
Board to set aside funding in the 2022 budget to create a non-police crisis  
response team as an alternative to a police response. The Village Board  
should prioritize the treatment of those in crisis, and start diverting calls  
away from police.  
Nikhil Trivedi: Nikhil Trivedi submitted their public comment requesting  
the Board to set aside funding in the 2022 budget to create a non-police  
crisis response team as an alternative to a police response. The Village  
Board should prioritize the treatment of those in crisis, and start diverting  
calls away from police.  
Michael Erickson: Michael Erikson submitted their public comment  
requesting the Board to set aside funding in the 2022 budget to create a  
non-police crisis response team as an alternative to a police response.  
The Village Board should prioritize the treatment of those in crisis, and start  
diverting calls away from police.  
Clare Kalemba: Clare Kalemba submitted their public comment  
requesting the Board to set aside funding in the 2022 budget to create a  
non-police crisis response team as an alternative to a police response.  
The Village Board should prioritize the treatment of those in crisis, and start  
diverting calls away from police.  
Elizabeth Jarpe-Ratner: Elizabeth Jarpe-Ratner submitted their public  
comment requesting the Board to set aside funding in the 2022 budget to  
create a non-police crisis response team. Setting aside the funds would be  
the first step and a commitment from the Village Board to create a  
non-police crisis response team in Oak Park.  
James Ratner: James Ratner submitted their public comment requesting  
the Board to set aside funding in the 2022 budget to create a non-police  
crisis response team. Setting aside the funds would be the first step and a  
commitment from the Village Board to create a non-police crisis response  
team in Oak Park.  
Meghan Carter: Meghan Carter submitted their public comment  
requesting the Board to set aside funding in the 2022 budget to create a  
non-police crisis response team as an alternative to a police response.  
The Village Board should prioritize the treatment of those in crisis, and start  
diverting calls away from police.  
Jim Schwartz: Jim Schwartz submitted their public comment requesting  
the Board to set aside funding in the 2022 budget to create a non-police  
crisis response team to give people the help they need in times of crisis.  
Tatum Hansen: Tatum Hansen submitted their public comment  
requesting the Board to set aside funding in the 2022 budget to create a  
non-police crisis response team as an alternative to a police response.  
The Village Board should prioritize the treatment of those in crisis, and start  
diverting calls away from police.  
Sade Smith: Sade Smith submitted their public comment requesting the  
Board to set aside funding in the 2022 budget to create a non-police crisis  
response team as an alternative to a police response. The Village Board  
should prioritize the treatment of those in crisis, and start diverting calls  
away from police.  
Sarah Burden: Sarah Burden submitted their public comment requesting  
the Board to set aside funding in the 2022 budget to create a non-police  
crisis response team as an alternative to a police response. The Village  
Board should prioritize the treatment of those in crisis, and start diverting  
calls away from police.  
Kathy Parker: Kathy Parker submitted their public comment requesting  
the Board to set aside funding in the 2022 budget to create a non-police  
crisis response team as an alternative to a police response. The Village  
Board should prioritize the treatment of those in crisis, and start diverting  
calls away from police.  
K McCarthy: K McCarthy submitted their public comment requesting the  
Board to set aside funding in the 2022 budget to create a non-police crisis  
response team as an alternative to a police response. The Village Board  
should prioritize the treatment of those in crisis, and start diverting calls  
away from police.  
Heather Henderson: Heather Henderson submitted their public comment  
requesting the Board to set aside funding in the 2022 budget to create a  
non-police crisis response team as an alternative to a police response.  
The Village Board should prioritize the treatment of those in crisis, and start  
diverting calls away from police.  
Claudia Knickrehm: Claudia Knickrehm submitted their public comment  
requesting the Board to set aside funding in the 2022 budget to create a  
non-police crisis response team as an alternative to a police response.  
The Village Board should prioritize the treatment of those in crisis, and start  
diverting calls away from police.  
Anna Brozek: Anna Brozek submitted their public comment requesting  
the Board to set aside funding in the 2022 budget to create a non-police  
crisis response team as an alternative to a police response. The Village  
Board should prioritize the treatment of those in crisis, and start diverting  
calls away from police.  
Rob Breymaier: Rob Breymaier submitted their public comment  
requesting the Board to set aside funding in the 2022 budget to create a  
non-police crisis response team as an alternative to a police response.  
The Village Board should prioritize the treatment of those in crisis, and start  
diverting calls away from police.  
Julia Burgi: Julia Burgi submitted their public comment requesting the  
Board to set aside funding in the 2022 budget to create a non-police crisis  
response team as an alternative to a police response. The Village Board  
should prioritize the treatment of those in crisis, and start diverting calls  
away from police.  
Kelley Clink: Kelley Clink submitted their public comment requesting the  
Board to set aside funding in the 2022 budget to create a non-police crisis  
response team as an alternative to a police response. The Village Board  
should prioritize the treatment of those in crisis, and start diverting calls  
away from police.  
VI. Village Manager Reports  
Interim Village Manager Lisa Shelley mention the Illinois Department of  
Public Health will be holding a vaccine clinic at the Oak Park Public Works  
building on Friday from 9am - 3pm. There will be a link provided on the  
village's website regarding that clinic.  
The village is working with the schools to prepare for the approval for  
vaccines for children ages 5-11 years old. Once it is confirmed, the plan is  
to work with the schools and have children be able to get a vaccine at their  
school in mid-November. Any child registered in a school will receive  
information from the school.  
VII. Citizen Commission Vacancies  
ID 21-356  
B.  
Board & Commission Vacancy Report for November 1, 2021.  
President Scaman made mention of the vacancies in the Building Codes  
Advisory Commission and the Community Development Citizens Advisory  
Committee.  
VIII. Public Hearing  
ID 21-280  
C.  
Truth in Taxation Public Hearing for the Proposed Tax Year 2021 Property  
Tax Levy  
Village President Scaman called the Public Hearing to order.  
Village Attorney Paul Stephanides added the Notice of the Hearing was  
published by law in the Wednesday Journal on October20, 2021.  
Interim Village Manager Shelley introduced the Item.  
Village Chief Financial Officer Steve Drazner then gave an overview of the  
Item.  
There was no further discussion or Public Comments.  
It was moved by Village Trustee Parakkat and seconded by Village Trustee  
Walker-Peddakotla to open a Truth in Taxation Public Hearing for the Proposed  
Tax Year 2021 Property Tax Levy. The motion approved. The roll call vote was as  
follows:  
AYES: 5 - Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia,  
Village Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village  
Trustee Walker-Peddakotla  
NAYS: 0  
ABSENT: 0  
Motion to Adjourn the Truth in Taxation Public Hearing for the Proposed  
Tax Year 2021  
It was moved by Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla, seconded by Village Trustee  
Parakkat, to adjourn the Truth in Taxation Public Hearing for the Proposed Tax  
Year 2021 Property Tax Levy. The motion was approved. The roll call 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 Walker-Peddakotla  
0
0
NAYS:  
ABSENT:  
IX. First Reading  
ORD 21-70  
D.  
First Reading of an Ordinance Establishing the Annual Building and  
Construction Permit Fees and the Zoning Application Fees of the Village of  
Oak Park  
Interim Village Manager Shelley introduced the Item.  
Development Customer Services Director Tammie Grossman then gave  
an overview of the Item.  
Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla requested clarification on the  
restoration deposit.  
Director Grossman responded if work needs to be done in the public right  
of way, the deposit would be used to restore the right of way if the right of  
way is not put back in place. The deposit would be refunded if the right of  
way was put back into place.  
Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla requested clarification on if the  
wireless charges are new.  
Director Grossman responded the charges are not new - they are listed on  
the fee chart for easy reference.  
Village Trustee Buchanan requested clarification on if these fees have  
always been revenue neutral.  
Director Grossman responded they have always been revenue neutral.  
Interim Village Manager Shelley added that this is a first reading an no  
action is taken on it at this meeting.  
Second Reading  
ORD 21-54  
E.  
Second Reading and Adoption of An Ordinance Amending Chapter 8  
(“Business Licensing”) of the Oak Park Village Code by Adding a New Article  
40 (“Short-Term Rentals”)  
Interim Village Manager Shelley introduced the Item.  
Director of Development Customer Services Tammie Grossman then gave  
an overview of the Item.  
Director Grossman reviewed the changes from the First Reading which  
included clarifying the definition of an owner, clarifying the definition of short  
term rentals, and adding a new definition of non-owner occupied short term  
rentals.  
Staff also created a two- tiered license fee for owner occupied and  
non-owner occupied short term rentals, clarified the regulation on parking  
notification for renters, and modified the occupancy limits.  
Village Trustee Robinson requested clarification on the reasoning for  
having an owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied fees.  
Director Grossman responded it was based on community feedback.  
Village Trustee Buchanan requested clarification on if the liability insurance  
is still a requirement.  
Director Grossman responded it is still required for the village.  
Village Trustee Buchanan requested clarification on the need for an annual  
inspection.  
Director Grossman responded staff is recommending an annual inspection  
at this time as the current condition of the units are unknown. This  
requirement could be changed in the future.  
Village Trustee Buchanan requested clarification on if there is a provision  
to revoke a license should there be repeated violations.  
Director Grossman responded there is a provision in place that allows the  
village to revoke a license for repeated ordinance violations.  
Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla expressed some concern over the  
inspection requirement as it pertains to an invasion of privacy for  
homeowners.  
Director Grossman responded the village currently inspects homes and  
apartments. Property Maintenance Inspectors would be the ones to carry  
out the annual inspections, not police or fire. Staff want to ensure the rental  
is safe for occupancy and feel the inspection program is important. Staff  
can report back to the Board with an update of what the inspection  
program is finding for further recommendation.  
Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla requested clarification on the fee  
structure of non-owner occupied rentals and if the fee could be lowered.  
Director Grossman responded they could adjust the fee at the  
recommendation of the Board .  
Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla requested clarification on the daily  
penalties.  
Village Attorney Stephanides responded that is structured based on other  
village code for offenses. It doesn't necessarily mean the village would  
seek a daily fine - there is always flexibility which the village tries to  
employ.  
Village Trustee Taglia commented he has a better understanding of the  
importance of this segment for the vitality of the community including  
tourism, helping residents offset some of the property tax burden, and helps  
people who are interested in moving to Oak Park get a feel for the  
community.  
Village Trustee Taglia added he had some concerns regarding the safety  
of these units, such as blocked exits or escape routes, and wants to ensure  
there is another set of eyes looking at these aspects of safety.  
Village Trustee Enyia requested clarification on if the insurance  
requirement would be an extra cost to the homeowner.  
Director Grossman responded the village is not requiring additional  
insurance, just proof of liability insurance.  
Village Trustee Parakkat is in support of the Ordinance and would be  
interested in seeing the data in a year's time and make any adjustments as  
needed.  
President Scaman suggested amending the fee structure to $100, $200,  
and $350 based on owner-occupied residing, owner-occupied  
non-residing, and non-occupied/ non-resident.  
Village Trustee Robinson requested clarification on the effective date as  
January 1, 2022 seems short notice.  
Director Grossman responded staff would change the effective date to  
June 1, 2022.  
Village Trustee Parakkat motioned to adopt the ordinance with the  
amendments of implementing the tiered fee structure and having the  
effective date of June 1, 2022.  
Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla seconded the motion.  
It was moved by Village Trustee Parakkat, seconded by Village Trustee  
Walker-Peddakotla, to adopt the Ordinance 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 Taglia, and Village  
Trustee Walker-Peddakotla  
0
0
NAYS:  
ABSENT:  
X. Consent Agenda  
Approval of the Consent Agenda  
It was moved Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla and seconded by Village  
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 Walker-Peddakotla  
0
0
NAYS:  
ABSENT:  
RES 21-280  
F.  
A Resolution Approving a Vendor Agreement Between the Community and  
Economic Development Association of Cook County (CEDA) and the Village  
of Oak Park to Participate in a Low-Income Home Energy Assistance  
Program (LIHEAP) for Eligible Low-Income Oak Park Water Utility  
Customers  
MOT 21-100  
MOT 21-102  
ORD 21-87  
G.  
H.  
I.  
A Motion to Approve the September 2021 Monthly Treasurer’s Report for  
All Funds  
This Motion was approved.  
A Motion to Approve the Unaudited Year-to-Date Quarterly Financial  
Report as of September 30, 2021  
This Motion was approved.  
Concur with the Zoning Board of Appeals’ Recommendation and Adopt an  
Ordinance Granting a Special Use Permit to Operate a Massage Services  
Establishment at 816 S. Oak Park Avenue  
This Ordinance was adopted.  
RES 21-229  
RES 21-254  
RES 21-255  
J.  
K.  
L.  
A Resolution Approving an Amendment to the Contract with Swallow  
Construction Corporation for Project 21-19, Oak Park Avenue Water and  
Sewer Main Improvements-South Contract, to Change the Not to Exceed  
Amount from $2,415,524 to $2,656,556 and Authorizing its Execution  
This Resolution was adopted.  
A Resolution Approving an Independent Contractor Agreement with  
Calumet City Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc. for the 2021-2022 Water Meter  
Replacement Program, in an Amount Not to Exceed $1,149,993.00 and  
Authorizing its Execution  
This Resolution was adopted.  
A Resolution Approving a Parking Lot Temporary License Agreement with  
JD North Blvd Holdings, LLC, d/b/a The Beer Shop, through March 31, 2022,  
and Authorizing its Execution  
This Resolution was adopted.  
RES 21-267  
RES 21-269  
RES 21-276  
M.  
N.  
O.  
A Resolution Adopting the Village of Oak Park Multifamily Energy  
Efficiency Matching Grant Program Guidelines  
This Resolution was adopted.  
A Resolution Adopting the Village of Oak Park Energy Efficiency Small  
Rental Grant Program Guidelines  
This Resolution was adopted.  
A Resolution Adopting the Village of Oak Park Residential Energy Efficiency  
Matching Grant Program Guidelines  
This Resolution was adopted.  
XI. Regular Agenda  
ORD 21-67  
P.  
An Ordinance Providing for a Not-To-Exceed Issuance of $3,900,000 General  
Obligation Corporate Purpose Refunding Bonds, Series 2016B, of the Village  
of Oak Park, Cook County, Illinois, and Providing for the Levy and  
Collection of a Direct Annual Tax for the Payment of the Principal of and  
Interest on Said Bonds  
Interim Village Manager Lisa Shelley introduced this Item.  
Chief Financial Officer Steve Drazner and Anthony Miceli from Speer  
Financial gave an overview of the Item.  
Village Trustee Taglia requested clarification on what the total and net  
savings would be by refinancing.  
Anthony Miceli responded the savings that CFO Drazner mentioned are net  
of all issuance costs (a bare minimum $100,000 with an estimate of over  
$300,000).  
Village Trustee Parakkat requested a schedule of any upcoming bonds  
that could be refinanced in the future.  
CFO Drazner responded staff could provide an analysis from Speer for any  
approaching call dates.  
It was moved by Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla, seconded by Village Trustee  
Parakkat, to adopt the Ordinance. 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 Walker-Peddakotla  
0
0
NAYS:  
ABSENT:  
RES 21-263  
Q.  
A Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement With Berry,  
Dunn, McNeil & Parker, LLC for Independent Facilitator Services Related to  
the Village Board’s Community Safety Goals in an Amount Not to Exceed  
$159,250 and Authorizing Its Execution  
Interim Village Manager Lisa Shelley introduced the Item.  
Village Clerk Waters read the following Public Comments aloud.  
Anonymous: A resident of Oak Park submitted their public comment  
requesting the Board to set aside funding in the 2022 budget to create a  
non-police crisis response team as an alternative to a police response.  
The Village Board should prioritize the treatment of those in crisis, and start  
diverting calls away from police.  
Madeline McGuire: Madeline McGuire submitted their public comment  
requesting the Board to set aside funding in the 2022 budget to create a  
non-police crisis response team as an alternative to a police response.  
The Village Board should prioritize the treatment of those in crisis, and start  
diverting calls away from police.  
Assistant Village Attorney Rasheda Jackson then provided an overview of  
the Item. Assistant Village Attorney Jackson attended the September 21  
meeting of the Citizens Police Oversight Committee (CPOC) and received  
their feedback and comments on the original scope of services for this  
project. CPOC provided 6 changes under the scope of services including:  
- Using broader language to include minorities, adults and youth;  
- Change the word "target" to "effect", as suggested by BerryDunn;  
- Change "proven methods to develop an independent audit" to "a  
collection of data, surveys, evaluations, interviews and analysis";  
- Suggested working in conjunction with NACOLE (the National  
Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement) and other similar  
resources;  
- There should be a review on how CPOC could be more effective in its  
oversight of the police department  
- Suggested partnering with village organizations, such as Thrive  
Counseling, to assist in evaluating recommendations to alternative police  
responses for non-violent requests for services;  
- CPOC should be one of the community stakeholder's interviewed to  
determine the exact needs of the police department and the community.  
Interim Village Manager Shelley added the items that were just referenced  
are reflected theBoard's community safety goal.  
It was moved by Village Trustee Parakkat, seconded by Village Trustee  
Robinson, that this Resolution be adopted. The motion was approved. The roll  
call on the vote was as follows:  
6 -  
AYES:  
NAYS:  
Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, Village  
Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, and Village Trustee Taglia  
1 - Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla  
0
ABSENT:  
XII. Call to Board and Clerk  
Village Clerk Waters had no comments.  
Village Trustee Robinson acknowledged several of the high school sports  
teams going to State. It is an amazing feat for student athletes and shows  
an extra level of dedication after a year off.  
Village Trustee Buchanan brought attention to three items on the Consent  
Agenda that were approved that cover energy retrofits, including forgivable  
loans for multi-unit buildings, low income single-family residents, and  
individual renters.  
Village Trustee Parakkat enjoyed seeing the Trick or Treaters this year and  
wished a happy Diwali to those who celebrate. He also mentioned the  
COP26 Climate Action conference kicked off today and is happy we are  
doing things locally to move the sustainability journey forward. He thanked  
Gary Cuneen who is attending COP26.  
Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla mentioned a local youth group, It's your  
Future, who have delegates in attendance at COP26. She also wanted to  
highlight Consent Agenda Item F - it is a resolution that approved a  
community and economic development energy assistance programs and  
provides eligible residents a one-time assistance payment for water  
utilities so that your water does not get shut off.  
Village Trustee Enyia mentioned he attended the Oak Park Area Lesbian  
& Gay Association (OPALGA) fundraiser and is appreciative to be  
supportive of our community members. He also expressed his appreciation  
to the village's Director of Health and staff for their efforts to keep the  
community safe during the crisis of Covid.  
Village Trustee Taglia had no comments.  
Village President Scaman had no comments.  
XIII. Adjourn  
It was moved by Village Trustee Parakkat, seconded by Village Trustee Enyia, to  
adjourn. The motion was approved. The Meeting adjourned at 8:55 P.M.,  
Monday, November 1, 2021.  
Respectfully Submitted,  
Deputy Clerk DeViller  
7 -  
AYES:  
NAYS:  
Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, Village  
Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village  
Trustee Walker-Peddakotla  
0
0
ABSENT: