President and Board of Trustees

123 Madison Street Village of Oak Park Oak Park, Illinois 60302 www.oak-park.us Meeting Minutes President and Board of Trustees Monday, July 8, 2019 7:30 PM Village Hall I. Call to Order Village President Abu-Taleb called the Meeting to order at 7:31 P.M. II. Roll Call Present: 7- Village President Abu-Taleb, Village Trustee Andrews, Village Trustee Boutet, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Moroney, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla Absent: 0 III. Agenda Approval Village Trutee Andrews requested that Item J be moved from the Consent Agenda to the Regular Agenda. It was moved by Village Trustee Andrews, seconded by Village Trustee Boutet, that the Agenda be approved as amended. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. IV. Minutes A. ID 19-207 Motion to Approve Minutes from the June 17, 2019 Regular Meeting and June 24, 2019 Special Meeting of the Village Board. It was moved by Village Trustee Andrews, seconded by Village Trustee Moroney, that the Minutes be approved. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. V. Non-Agenda Public Comment Clarence Ward. Mr. Ward expressed concern that patrons and employees of businesses on Madison Street are parking on his block, a residential cul-de-sac, to avoid paying for parking. He discussed possible solutions given to him by staff. Residents have signed a petition looking for relief. VI. Village Manager Reports B. ID 19-201 Review of the Village Board Meeting Calendars for July , August, September. Village Manager Pavlicek referred to the calendars given to the Board for July, August and September and to let her know as soon as possible if there are any questions or conflicts. Village of Oak Park Page 1 Printed on 7/23/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes July 8, 2019 VII. Village Board Committees Village Trustee Taglia stated that he attended the recent Citizens Police Oversight Committee meeting. Chief Reynolds continues to focus on adopting the tenets of the 21st Century Policing, as advocated by former President Obama. The department has participated in a number of events to build camaraderie and wellness and recently expanded the chaplaincy program. Village Trustee Boutet stated that the Community Relations Commission has completed their input for the Diversity Statement and have moved on to working on the Equity Policy in accordance with their work plan. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla attended the recent Environment & Energy Commission meeting. One of their concerns is that updates by staff to the Community Aggregation Plan will not be reviewed by them prior to coming to the Board. She asked that the commission be advised when the updates are completed so that they may review the changes. VIII. Consent Agenda Approval of the Consent Agenda It was moved by Village Trustee Moroney and seconded by Village Trustee Andrews to approve the items under the Consent Agenda. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows: AYES: 7- Village President Abu-Taleb, Village Trustee Andrews, Village Trustee Boutet, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Moroney, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 0 C. RES 19-211 A Resolution Approving a Contract with A.C. Pavement Striping Co. for Project No. 19-6 Pavement Preservation, in an Amount not to Exceed $367,704 and Authorizing its Execution This Resolution was adopted. D. RES 19-212 A Resolution Approving an Independent Contractor Agreement with J. Gill & Co. for Repairs to the Holley Court Parking Structure in an Amount not to Exceed $190,000 and Authorizing its Execution This Resolution was adopted. E. RES 19-213 A Resolution Approving a Parking Lot Temporary License Agreement with Careful Peach Boutique for a One Day Bastille Day 2019 Event and Authorizing its Execution This Resolution was adopted. F. RES 19-235 A Resolution Approving a Renewal of a Crossing Guard Services Agreement Village of Oak Park Page 2 Printed on 7/23/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes July 8, 2019 Between the Village of Oak Park and Andy Frain Services, Inc. and Authorizing its Execution This Resolution was adopted. G. RES 19-223 A Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement for Alcoholic Liquor License Compliance Checks in Coordination with the Oak Park Township’s Strategic Prevention Framework Project This Resolution was adopted. H. RES 19-224 A Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement with R.E. Walsh & Associates Inc. for Latent Fingerprint Examination Services for the Village’s Police Department for a One Year Period and Two Optional One Year Renewals in an Annual Amount not to Exceed $50,000 and Authorizing its Execution This Resolution was adopted. I. RES 19-217 A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Settlement Agreement in Workers’ Compensation Case Number 2013 WC 29023 This Resolution was adopted. K. RES 19-220 A Resolution Approving a Contract with Era - Valdivia Contractors, Inc. for Project 19-14, Bridge Rehabilitation Improvements, in an Amount not to Exceed $517,300, Authorizing its Execution and Directing Staff to Prepare a Budget Amendment in the Amount of $137,996 This Resolution was adopted. L. RES 19-222 A Resolution Approving a Local Public Agency Formal Contract with Hecker and Company, Inc. for the Construction of The LED Countdown Pedestrian Signals and Traffic Controller Upgrades at Various Locations in Oak Park Project, Section 15-00262-00-TL, in an Amount not to Exceed $143,170 and Authorizing its Execution This Resolution was adopted. IX. Regular Agenda J. RES 19-218 A Resolution Approving a Contract with MYS, Incorporated for Project 19-16, Lake and Forest Sidewalk Planter Installation in an Amount not to Exceed $204,500 and Authorizing its Execution as Reviewed at the February 26, 2018 Regular Meeting Village Trustee Andrews expressed concern regarding the costs associated with the planter, such as $500 per cubic yard for soil. The cost of $200,000 does not justify the value, as it would benefit only a small portion of the community. He likes the beautification as a whole, but not at taxpayer expense over 30 to 40 years via bond. He would like staff to contact some of the other stakeholders in that area to ask if they are interested in contributing to the cost. Trustee Andrews proposed tabling the Item. Village of Oak Park Page 3 Printed on 7/23/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes July 8, 2019 Amanda Massie. Ms. Massie believes this planter is simply too expensive. She offered less costly alternatives. Going forward, this type of expense should be paid for by the developers. Village Engineer Bill McKenna discussed the timeline on materials and possible weather issues if the project is delayed. However, if the scope of the project were changed from granite to concrete, it could still be accommodated this year. He added that the Village committed to providing a specialty feature per the Planned Development Ordinance for the Albion project. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla asked if this would require an amendment to the ordinance if they chose not to do this feature. Mr. McKenna stated that the ordinance doesn't define the specialty feature, so no amendment would be necessary. Village Trustee Boutet asked why only one bid was received for the project. Mr. McKenna stated that it went through the Village's normal competitive bidding process, as well as staff reaching out to contractors directly. Staff did not expect a lot of interest in the project, as a large portion is to cover the cost of materials, resulting in a smaller profit margin. He noted that he worked with the granite supplier to ensure that the most cost effective granite would be used, but an alternate material such as concrete would provide some savings. Mr. McKenna clarified that the cost for soil includes labor. The Village is not able to negotiate a bid on a piecemeal basis. It was moved by Village Trustee Andrews, seconded by Village Trustee Moroney, that this Resolution be tabled. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows: AYES: 6- Village President Abu-Taleb, Village Trustee Andrews, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Moroney, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla NAYS: 1- Village Trustee Boutet ABSENT: 0 M. ID 19-195 Presentation of Business District Coordination and Website Development for the Lake Street Improvement Project Village Manager Pavlicek commented that reconstruction work on Lake Street begins in 2020. Amanda Massie. Ms. Massie recommended collaborating with the business districts and residents to have access on the Village website for all citizens who are affected. This also promotes transparency. Jim Prescott of Prescott Group stated that he has been working closely with staff, the business districts and the Chamber. He presented goals and plans for communication with stakeholders regarding the status and benefits of the project. In preparation for the project, he arrived at some clear specific messages regarding how Lake Street will be open for business and will be improving. Mr. Prescott stated that one of the key elements of these messages is a strong visual and graphic identity with a consumer-friendly tone. He described the project identity as "Lake Street Open for Business" and displayed the visual element. This will help promote access to Lake Street businesses during construction. The project website is BetterLakeStreet.com and is now live. He described the website and the links. Local businesses will be given cards and other Village of Oak Park Page 4 Printed on 7/23/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes July 8, 2019 information to distribute to patrons regarding the project. Mr. Prescott answered questions from the Board. As a former business owner on Lake Street, Village Trustee Taglia appreciates this proposal to have a plan that helps business owners. Village Trustee Andrews suggested that social media links be added to the website in order to share resources. Village President Abu-Taleb stressed the importance of posting a project completion date, even if it requires changing, for every construction project in the Village. N. MOT 19-83 A Motion to Concur with the Transportation Commission’s Recommendation to Upgrade from Two-Way, East-West STOP Signs to All-Way STOP Signs at the Intersection of Adams Street and Wisconsin Avenue and Direct Staff to Prepare the Necessary Ordinance Village Manager Pavlicek commented that this Item was tabled from a prior meeting in order to notify residents of the area. Charlene Schwar. Ms. Schwar expressed concern regarding safety on the street due to continued traffic patterns. Camilla Willson. Ms. Willson urged the Board to approve the stop sign; there are approximately 20 children on this block. She discussed the high speed in which vehicles drive down that street. Judith Baxter. Ms. Baxter strongly supports the four-way stop signs. She spoke about speeding vehicles trying to get out of the area after driving through construction diversions. George Yanos. Mr. Yanos stated that the traffic is largely hospital employees looking for parking. He described them as in a hurry and frustrated. Parents and grandparents are fearful of leaving their children outside. Village Engineer Bill McKenna summarized how data was collected. Staff does not see speed issues or a lot of traffic volume, and there has been only one accident in the last three years. Staff does not recommend the four-way stop sign, but are looking at pedestrian safety and parking enhancements. Jim Thompson of the Transportation Commission stated that there is a school bus stop at that intersection with a lot of children crossing. He discussed the activity taking place in that area, largely due to the hospital. Street parking causes low visibility as well. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla asked why some intersections in the Village are two-way and others four-way. Mr. McKenna stated that data from the traffic study in the 90's was used to implement the current alternating stop sign approach. He noted that the Village is currently updating the traffic data and once those results are in, the existing system in place will be reviewed. Village Trustee Taglia commented that the commission's recommendation is the opposite of what the data disclosed. He noted that changes in traffic patterns can be impactful and the Board should look at the Transportation Commissions findings. He is concerned that Village of Oak Park Page 5 Printed on 7/23/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes July 8, 2019 staff finds this unnecessary. Village Trustee Andrews sympathizes with these concerns but doesn't believe a four-way stop sign will make a difference. Village Trustee Buchanan doesn't understand how a four-way stop sign won't slow traffic. She asked if there are negative impacts of a four-way stop. Mr. McKenna 's rationale was that they create a false sense of security for pedestrians. Drivers may control speed at the intersection but tend to increase speeds mid-block once away from it. It is not an effective speed control tool. Village Trustee Moroney commented that every block in Oak Park has some type of undesirable traffic pattern. Instituting every request for safety enhancement would not come without unintended consequences, such as diverting traffic to another block. He trusts staff's objective analysis. Village Trustee Boutet asked how staff reconciled their data with residents' experiences, as there is obvious concern. Mr. McKenna stated that data is validated with previous data. Interpreting drivers' speed is difficult for the average person. In addition, data cannot be captured on near-misses, only actual accidents. Village Trustee Boutet stated that a variety of factors are contributing to challenges for this block. She asked if there was a chance to take a holistic look and decide what is the best plan for this neighborhood. She believes the Board should be looking for a solution. Village Trustee Andrews asked what specific problem it is that residents are trying to solve. Mr. Thompson stated that they are looking for pedestrian safety. Adding a stop sign where drivers tend to slow down to make a turn would not be overly burdensome. Village President Abu-Taleb stated that based on the Village Engineer's expertise, he does not think this should move forward and that this type of request is becoming a trend. In addition, there is no data from the Transportation Commission to support their recommendation. It was moved by Village Trustee Moroney, seconded by Village Trustee Andrews, that this Motion be approved. The motion failed The roll call on the vote was as follows: AYES: 3- Village Trustee Andrews, Village Trustee Buchanan, and Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla NAYS: 4- Village President Abu-Taleb, Village Trustee Boutet, Village Trustee Moroney, and Village Trustee Taglia ABSENT: 0 O. MOT 19-85 A Motion to Concur with the Transportation Commission’s Recommendation to Upgrade from Two-Way, North-South STOP Signs to All-Way STOP Signs at the Intersection of Kenilworth Avenue and Lexington Street; and Direct Staff to Prepare the Necessary Ordinance April Johnson. Ms. Johnson stated that this intersection is one block from Lincoln School. Staff and the Transportation Commission agree that traffic is particularly heavy. Pedestrian crossing is her main concern. She questions the results of the traffic study, as it was not done during typical conditions and only for one day. Mr. Thompson stated that this is somewhat similar to the last Item. A key difference is Village of Oak Park Page 6 Printed on 7/23/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes July 8, 2019 that Lincoln School is one block away. He summarized the rationale behind the commission's recommendation. Mr. McKenna doesn't disagree that Lexington carries above normal traffic for a residential street. However, there is no data supporting speeding and no accident information. Staff believes there is no need for the four-way stop sign, although they acknowledge the data supports volume on Lexington. Village Trustee Boutet asked if there were options available such as an additional crossing guard at that location or road closures during certain school hours. Mr. McKenna noted that they were not seeing children in general crossing Lexington in the morning. There is currently a road closure in the area, as well as a nearby cul-de-sac and one-way street that push traffic onto Lexington. He discussed the timeline and methodology of the current traffic study. Village Trustee Boutet stated that she would like to see an updated plan for the entire Village. Village Trustee Moroney commented that in southeast Oak Park, every single intersection is a four-way stop sign. It does create safety, however, it also increases the stop and go pattern. He asked if there is any evidence that suggests that quadrant of the Village is safer in terms of accidents, speeding, etc. Mr. McKenna stated that staff can look at that as part of the Village-wide study. Village Trustee Buchanan stated that residential streets should prioritize the residents. Cars should be on the major arteries. Village Trustee Taglia asked why the commission tabled this Item at their meeting. Mr. Thompson stated that staff suggested they table it pending installation of the new left turn only signal at Oak Park and Garfield to see if there was still as much traffic on Lexington. It was moved by Village Trustee Moroney, seconded by Village Trustee Andrews, that this Motion be approved. The motion failed The roll call on the vote was as follows: AYES: 3- Village Trustee Andrews, Village Trustee Buchanan, and Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla NAYS: 4- Village President Abu-Taleb, Village Trustee Boutet, Village Trustee Moroney, and Village Trustee Taglia ABSENT: 0 P. MOT 19-84 A Motion to Create a Pilot Program to Provide a Point of Use Water Filter Pitcher with Replacement Filters for Properties where Partial Lead Water Service Line Replacement Occurs as Part of Project 19-17, Water and Sewer Main Improvements, and Direct Staff to Purchase Water Filters in an Amount not to Exceed $30,000 Village Manager Pavlicek stated that the Board directed staff to look into protection from increased lead levels in water for residents during partial lead line replacement . Staff researched what other communities have done and they are recommending purchasing filtered water pitchers. After evaluation of this program, staff would look at doing a more formalized long-term program in 2020. Village Trustee Buchanan read aloud a statement from Dr. David Jacobs, an authority on childhood lead poisoning prevention. He urged the Board to provide lead water filters during water main repairs, as such repairs are know to increase lead in water due to Village of Oak Park Page 7 Printed on 7/23/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes July 8, 2019 disruption of lead in service lines to homes. He added that the CDC recommends against partial pipe replacement due to this disruption. The short term strategy should include water filtration at the point of service (tap) and long term strategy should include elimination of all lead service lines from water mains to homes. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla asked if there were other water main projects scheduled prior to 2020. Mr. McKenna stated that a 2018 project is currently being wrapped up. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla commented that residents affected by this current project on Clarence are requesting to be part of the pilot program. She also asked that the evaluation be completed prior to finalizing the 2020 budget. Village Trustee Taglia is sensitive to the need. He asked if the Village has ever looked at lead content after following the EPA guideline of flushing service lines. Mr. McKenna stated that the Village has not done their own study but referred to others that were done which did show increased lead content in water post-construction. Village Trustee Taglia wanted to understand if the pitchers would make enough impact to warrant the cost and if the EPA recommendations were sufficient. Village Manager Pavlicek commented that staff believes residents would be more likely to use the pitchers versus running their tap for three to five minutes. In addition, they are trying to mitigate the risk as much as possible and provide residents with an easier option, as the Village does not have the financial capacity to replace all lead service lines. Village Trustee Andrews would like some data regarding how many buildings have lead pipes going to them and some water samples after the fact to see what the differential is. He also suggested that the Village provide a list of acceptable water filters available so that those who can afford them can buy their own in order to provide more to others who cannot. In addition, renters are at the mercy of their landlord in terms of willingness to upgrade the water service line. A consideration may be free filters for renters versus homeowners. Village Trustee Buchanan stated that the Village should just replace the water service line in buildings with 40 units or more, as it would be more cost effective than providing 40 or more water pitchers. Village Manager Pavlicek commented that staff can look at that. Village Trustee Buchanan also agreed with Village Trustee Andrew's suggestion regarding providing a list of filters for residents who choose to buy their own. Village Trustee Moroney asked for clarification of the construction process, which Mr. McKenna provided. He is supportive of the program, but felt it important to recognize exactly how the lead line is affected. Mr. McKenna explained how existing lead service lines increase lead exposure after a water main replacement. Village Trustee Moroney asked for data regarding the impact immediately after, a week after, and prior to construction so that people are aware of the risks. He also believes landlords should be paying for their own infrastructure improvement rather than taxpayers. In addition, the Village should not be supplying free pitchers to homeowners who knowingly bought their homes with lead lines. He is, however, supportive of supplying these cost-free to renters. Village Trustee Boutet does not want to ask taxpayers to improve private property. But, if the Village is causing harm through an improvement, she is not sure whether the pitcher is an adequate solution. She would like more information to see whether it might be necessary to replace those service lines. She would like this monitored closely. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla clarified that the cost for homeowners to replace their service line is $6,000 through one of the Village's contractors. She added that the filters are a temporary solution. She acknowledged that the data is not available in Oak Park, Village of Oak Park Page 8 Printed on 7/23/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes July 8, 2019 but the Chicago data states that after water main replacements were completed, the total sediment collected during the flushing period was more than 100 million times more than the level of lead allowed in bottled water. Because it is the same drinking source, the Village should understand the impact. Village Trustee Buchanan explained why lead levels in water have increased and why the flushing levels can be so variable. She supports replacing all lead lines and acknowledged that it will take many years. Mr. McKenna stated that within this particular project, it would cost approximately $100,000 for service line replacement. Village Trustee Boutet asked if it is possible to do a 50/50 program similar to sidewalks. Village Manager Pavlicek commented that this can be discussed when the Board has a conversation about long term solutions. Village Trustee Andrews thinks it should be mandatory for homeowners to replace their lead service lines. Village President Abu-Taleb suggested bringing back this topic at a Study Session. He also suggested that the program be amended to include residents on Clarence. There was consensus. It was moved by Village Trustee Moroney, seconded by Village Trustee Buchanan, that this Motion be approved as amended. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows: AYES: 7- Village President Abu-Taleb, Village Trustee Andrews, Village Trustee Boutet, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Moroney, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 0 X. Call to Board and Clerk Village Trustee Moroney referred to Clarence Ward's public comment regarding parking and does not think that is fair to residents on that block. He urged staff to look for a solution. Village Trustee Andrews discussed problems walking through outdoor eating areas, particularly for those with disabilities. He would like to see better enforcement. Village Trustee Taglia would like staff to look into drafting an ordinance completely banning e-cigarettes. Village Trustee Boutet agreed. XI. Adjourn It was moved by Village Trustee Andrews, seconded by Village Trustee Boutet, to adjourn. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. Meeting adjourned at 9:49 P.M., Monday, July 8, 2019. Respectfully Submitted, MaryAnn Schoenneman, Deputy Village Clerk Village of Oak Park Page 9 Printed on 7/23/2019