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, October 7, 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 Manager Pavlicek noted that Item G, regarding Halloween trick or treating hours, has been moved from the Consent Agenda to the Regular Agenda. Village President Abu-Taleb added that he also requested that this Item be presented as a Resolution rather than an Ordinance. Village Trustee Moroney also requsted that Item X, regarding Board goals, be tabled until the next meeting in order for the Board to review the updated version. X. RES 19-309 A Resolution to Adopt the 2019-2021 Village Board Goals as Directed at the September 23, 2019 Special Meeting It was moved by Village Trustee Moroney, seconded by Village Trustee Boutet, that this Resolution be tabled. 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 It was moved by Village Trustee Moroney, seconded by Village Trustee Boutet, to approve the Agenda as amended. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. IV. Minutes Village of Oak Park Page 1 Printed on 10/22/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes October 7, 2019 A. ID 19-298 Motion to Approve Minutes from the September 16, 2019 Regular Meeting and September 23, 2019 Special Meeting of the Village Board. It was moved by Village Trustee Andrews, seconded by Village Trustee Buchanan, that the Minutes be approved. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. V. Non-Agenda Public Comment Chris Donovan. Mr. Donovan discussed public participation regarding consideration of Board Goals as well as work plans/goals of citizen commissions. He referred to a prior public comment regarding a perceived lighting nuisance. VIII. Village Board Committees There was nothing to report. IX. Citizen Commission Vacancies C. ID 19-301 Board and Commission Vacancy Report for October 7, 2019. There were no comments. X. Citizen Commission Appointments, Reappointments and Chair Appointments D. MOT 19-109 Motion to Consent to the Village President’s Appointment of: Housing Authority Commission - Stephanie Socall, Appoint as Member It was moved by Village Trustee Andrews, seconded by Village Trustee Boutet, that this Motion be approved. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. VII. Village Manager Reports There was nothing to report. B. ID 19-304 Review of the Village Board Meeting calendars for October, November, December 2019. There were no comments. XI. Second Reading E. ORD 19-72 Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 8 ("Business Licensing"), Article 6 ("Comprehensive Regulation of Tobacco Products") of the Oak Park Village Code Village Manager Pavlicek commented that the First Reading of this Ordinance was on July 22, and the Board reviewed recommendations from the Board of Health. There are two Ordinances being presented; one contains the Board of Health's recommendations and the other includes specific requests from the Board at the First Reading regarding Village of Oak Park Page 2 Printed on 10/22/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes October 7, 2019 enforcement activities related to minors. Kelly O'Connor. Ms. O'Connor stated that police interaction with youths in the Village is often the first point of contact for them to get help. She added that there are not a lot of youths coming into the FACEIT Program (Families Acting Collaboratively to Educate and Involve Teens) as a result of a citation for an e-cigarette or tobacco product. She discussed the early intervention/prevention program, which is not meant to be punitive. Village Trustee Boutet moved to expand the ban to include all forms of flavored nicotine product,whether it be liquid or leaf form, as recommended by the American Heart Association. Village Trustee Taglia seconded. Village Attorney Stephanides clarified that this would include flavored pipe tobacco, menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars. Village Trustee Andrews believed that would be overextending. There was discussion. Village Trustee Boutet withdrew her motion. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla spoke in favor of adopting staff's version, without enforcement activities, as adjudication is still a part of the criminalization process. Village Trustee Moroney asked to hear the Police Chief's perspective of the adjudication element. He asked if it is an onerous or unnecessary process. Chief of Police La Don Reynolds stated that in regards to interacting with youth, their primary focus is to redirect the trajectory of the behavior. The adjudication process helps facilitate that change in trajectory. Village Trustee Boutet spoke highly of the FACEIT Program. She suggested that referral to that program would be a good compromise in terms of enforcement. Ms. O'Connor spoke about the FACEIT Program, which was originally developed as an alternative to out of school suspension, and it's success rate. She answered questions from the Board. She acknowledged that there would be fewer people in the program without citations issued. Those that come in the program are there for alcohol and marijuana use, although they are seeing more who have vaped in addition to that. Chief Reynolds described the policy regarding tobacco use. The first interaction involves education, and the parents are contacted. The second interaction would involve a citation, which involves adjudication judges referring them to community service or more often to a program. He believes having the tool to require this can serve as a motivator, as it is unlikely that youths would voluntarily join a program. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla asked for the racial demographics regarding citations. Chief Reynolds stated that for tobacco, it is five Caucasians, one Hispanic and seven African Americans. Eight were issued to males and the remainder to females. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla stated that she does not want black and brown kids stopped for possession. If the school finds them vaping, she is sure they have their own process of referral to the Township. She is strongly against including purchase and possession of tobacco products in this ordinance. Village Trustee Moroney disagreed, and as a parent would want the police to let him know that was happening and to guide his child in the right direction. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla stated that it is her job to guide her child, not the police's. Village Trustee Buchanan agreed with Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla. It is too extreme for just cigarettes. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla spoke about how interaction with police causes trauma for black and brown children. Village of Oak Park Page 3 Printed on 10/22/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes October 7, 2019 Chief Reynolds described a typical interaction involving a citation between the police and youths. No arrests, handcuffs or rides in squad cars are involved. Village Trustee Andrews was in favor of the police giving youths a referral directly. Village Trustee Boutet stated that the police cannot do what is legally the job of adjudication. Village Attorney Stephanides confirmed that. Village Trustee Andrews doesn't think it is the Village's job to police smoking and vaping, although he is sensitive to the subject. It is the job of the parents to do that. Village Trustee Buchanan agreed and would like to see "possession" out of the ordinance. Village Trustee Boutet does not think that police interactions have to be traumatic. She reiterated her support for the FACEIT program and the method of referral. Village President Abu-Taleb would like to accept the ordinance as recommended by the Board of Health and issuing a citations after exhausting all other possibilities would force a conversation to take place. He acknowledged kids are fragile but need to be exposed to the real world. The ordinance is to protect the public safety of children and compared it to the bicycle helmet program. There is a reason why these things are in place; to protect the children, regardless of race. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla clarified that her motion was to approve the staff's version, without penalties for purchase and possession. It was moved by Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla, seconded by Village Trustee Andrews, that this Ordinance be adopted. 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 It was moved by Village Trustee Boutet, seconded by Village Trustee Moroney, to amend Section 8-6-15 A to read "Any person convicted of violating section 8-6-8 of this article shall be ordered to complete a community based education, counseling or treatment program". The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows: AYES: 4- Village President Abu-Taleb, Village Trustee Boutet, Village Trustee Moroney, and Village Trustee Taglia NAYS: 3- Village Trustee Andrews, Village Trustee Buchanan, and Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla ABSENT: 0 XII. Consent Agenda Approval of the Consent Agenda It was moved by Village Trustee Andrews and seconded by Village Trustee Moroney to approve the items under the Consent Agenda. The motion was Village of Oak Park Page 4 Printed on 10/22/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes October 7, 2019 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 F. ORD 19-75 An Ordinance Declaring Surplus Revenue in the Village of Oak Park Downtown Tax Increment Finance District Special Tax Allocation Fund for the 2018 Tax Year and Authorizing the Payment of that Surplus Revenue to the Cook County Treasurer for Distribution to Affected Tax Districts on a Pro-Rata Basis This Ordinance was adopted. H. ORD 19-93 An Ordinance Authorizing the Sale of Surplus Posts, Signs, and Scrap Owned by the Village of Oak Park This Ordinance was adopted. I. RES 19-294 A Resolution Approving an Independent Contractor Agreement with Third Millennium Associates, Incorporated to Provide Utility Billing Services for a Three Year Term in an Annual Amount Not to Exceed $25,000 and Authorizing Its Execution This Resolution was adopted. J. RES 19-296 A Resolution Appointing the Village of Oak Park’s Authorized Representative for the Village’s Deferred Compensation and Health Savings Programs This Resolution was adopted. K. RES 19-297 A Resolution Approving a License Agreement for a Pet Relief Area between the Village of Oak Park and LMC Oak Park Holdings, LLC and Authorizing its Execution This Resolution was adopted. L. RES 19-298 A Resolution Approving a Sculpture Donation Agreement with District House LLC and Authorizing its Execution This Resolution was adopted. M. RES 19-301 A Resolution Approving an Independent Contractor Agreement with All Tech Energy, Inc. for LED Viaduct Lighting Improvements at Nine Viaducts along the CTA Green Line in an Amount Not to Exceed $40,398.85 and Authorizing its Execution This Resolution was adopted. Village of Oak Park Page 5 Printed on 10/22/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes October 7, 2019 N. RES 19-302 A Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement between the Village of Oak Park and Oak Park Elementary School District 97 for the Purchase of Fuel at the Village’s Fueling Facility and Authorizing its Execution This Resolution was adopted. O. RES 19-303 A Resolution Approving a Sculpture Donation Agreement with the Oak Park Park District and Authorizing its Execution as Recommended by the Oak Park Area Arts Council This Resolution was adopted. P. RES 19-304 A Resolution Appproving an Independent Contractor Agreement with American Response Vehicles, Inc. to Purchase and Install Two (2) Stryker Medical Ambulance Power Load Systems and Two (2) Stryker Powered Ambulance Cots XT in an Amount Not to Exceed $85,500.00 and Authorizing its Execution and Waiving the Village’s Bid Process This Resolution was adopted. Q. RES 19-305 A Resolution Appointing the Village of Oak Park’s Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund Authorized Agent This Resolution was adopted. R. RES 19-306 A Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement between the Village of Oak Park and the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services and Authorizing its Execution This Resolution was adopted. S. RES 19-299 A Resolution Approving a Parking Lot Temporary License Agreement with Joseph Dombrowski and Authorizing Its Execution This Resolution was adopted. T. MOT 19-101 A Motion to Approve the Bills in the Amount of $2,578,306.68 from September 10, 2019 through September 30, 2019 This Motion was approved. XIII. Regular Agenda G. RES 19-317 An Ordinance Amending Chapter 17 (“Offenses”), Article 1 (“Identification of Specific Offenses”) of the Oak Park Village Code to Add a New Section 17-1-37 (“Halloween Trick or Treating Hours”) Village President Abu-Taleb gave an overview of why this Item was changed from an Ordinance to a Resolution. Village of Oak Park Page 6 Printed on 10/22/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes October 7, 2019 Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla asked if this change removes the penalties. Village Attorney Stephanides stated that it does and read the Resolution that is traditionally presented each year aloud. Village Manager Pavlicek added that the rationale behind drafting an Ordinance was so that the Board would not be required to approve the same Resolution year after year. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla explained how racial equity training would benefit the language used in this Resolution. Susanne Fairfax. Ms. Fairfax spoke about how a racial equity lens would prevent unintended consequences such as proposed by the Ordinance. She appreciates Halloween in Oak Park for community building. Anthony Clark. Mr. Clark discussed his experience with PTSD stemming from an incident with a police officer at the age of 12. The Board needs to understand systemic issues of racism and limit police interaction, as young black and brown men have become damaged and are afraid of police. Will Sims. Mr. Sims discussed how young black males are targeting by police. In addition, he thinks 7:00 is too early to end trick or treating. It is unfair to those who get home from work later as well as children from other communities who trick or treat in Oak Park. He suggested lifting all restrictions. Village Trustee Andrews agreed with Mr. Sims and suggested the hours of 4:00 to 8:00, 3:00 to 8:00 or removing any set hours. Village Trustee Boutet agreed with 3:00 to 8:00. Village Trustee Moroney was in favor of 4:00 to 8:00. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla supported removing any set hours, or extending them to 9:00. Village Trustee Taglia was in favor or 4:00 to 8:00, as people are out drinking and it is difficult to see the children after dark. There was consensus to change the hours to 4:00 to 8:00. It was moved by Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla, seconded by Village Trustee Moroney, that Resolution 19-317 entitled A Resolution Setting Halloween "Trick or Treat" Hours From 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, October 31, 2019 be adopted. 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 U. MOT 19-106 A Motion to Refer the Transportation Commission’s Recommendation to Install a Pinch Point or a Brick Street for Traffic Calming on the 500 and 600 Blocks of North Euclid Avenue to the Historic Preservation Commission for Recommendation Suzie Saxman. Ms. Saxman spoke in opposition to both the pinch point and brick paving, as well as having to pay for them. She proposed raising the speed limit on Chicago Avenue to 30 mph or installing a stop sign at Euclid. While she respects her neighbor who raised this issue, it is not the opinion of all residents of the block. Ken Wylie. Mr. Wylie appreciates the suggested traffic calming measures. He discussed congestion on surrounding streets causing this problem. He spoke in favor of installing temporary pinch points. Village of Oak Park Page 7 Printed on 10/22/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes October 7, 2019 Julie Noonan. Ms. Noonan stated that there are over ten children who live and play in that area. She volunteered to co-host the pinch point at her house. She described an incident regarding a vehicle speeding down Euclid during a block party, despite it being barricaded, as well as day-to-day speeding vehicles. Alice Godfrey. Ms. Godfrey volunteered to co-host a pinch point with her neighbor across the street. She discussed how traffic has increased. Village Trustee Andrews is not sure if pinch points would solve more problems than cause them. He supports increased enforcement or other measures. Village Trustee Buchanan disagreed. Village Trustee Taglia commented that there is not a volume issue or crash data on that street. He suggested other solutions and expressed concern pinch points would just push traffic onto other streets. Village Trustee Boutet would like to see increased enforcement of speeding. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla asked if there was data regarding the efficacy of pinch points. Village Engineer Bill McKenna noted there is no local date but nation-wide, pinch points are a fairly effective tool for slowing traffic on residential streets. He described the appearance of both a temporary and permanent pinch point. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla supports the recommendation of the Transportation Commission. Mr. McKenna discussed the typical urban traffic patterns throughout the Village, as well as the cost to install temporary and permanent pinch points. He clarified that the motion is to refer this to the Historic Preservation Commission, as the area is part of an historic district, and permanent pinch points will change the character of the street. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla asked if they could just vote to install a temporary pinch point so this doesn't have to come back to the Board. Mr. McKenna noted that staff is not asking the Historic Preservation Commission to weigh in on the temporary pinch points, so the Board can give direction to install that. There was discussion. Village Trustee Andrews amended the motion that this is bifurcated and there will be two votes. It was moved by Village Trustee Andrews, seconded by Village Trustee Moroney, that this Motion be approved. The motion failed The roll call on the vote was as follows: AYES: 1- Village Trustee Buchanan NAYS: 6- Village President Abu-Taleb, Village Trustee Andrews, Village Trustee Boutet, Village Trustee Moroney, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla ABSENT: 0 It was moved by Village Trustee Andrews, seconded by Village Trustee Buchanan, to direct staff to install termporary pinch points for traffic calming on the 500 and 600 blocks of North Euclid Avenue. The motion failed. The roll call on the vote was as follows: Village of Oak Park Page 8 Printed on 10/22/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes October 7, 2019 AYES: 3- Village Trustee Boutet, Village Trustee Buchanan, and Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla NAYS: 4- Village President Abu-Taleb, Village Trustee Andrews, Village Trustee Moroney, and Village Trustee Taglia ABSENT: 0 V. ORD 19-4 An Ordinance Amending Chapter 23A (“Taxes”) of the Oak Park Village Code by Adding a New Article 10 (“Cannabis Privilege Tax”) Village Manager Pavlicek stated that State Law allows the Village to consider a retail tax on recreational cannabis and staff is recommending the maximum allowed, 3%. In addition, staff is recommending restricting that revenue to capital expenditures for public safety. Village Trustee Boutet was in favor of using 85% towards pensions and the remainder for cannabis prevention education for young people. Village Trustee Walker Peddakotla agreed with using the funds for prevention but not public safety. She suggested that the Board vote on the 3% tax tonight and have a conversation regarding where that should go. Village Trustee Moroney supported the 3% tax. He doesn't think it will be as great a fund as projected. He prefers the funds go to public safety or into the General Fund to lessen the burden on taxpayers. Village Trustee Andrews agreed; creating tax relief is the most important thing. Village Trustee Buchanan believes it could amount to a lot of money. She would like to have a longer discussion regarding where the funds should go. Village Trustee Taglia believes the funds should go towards tax relief by offsetting internal costs for public safety. Village President Abu-Taleb supports staff's recommendation to invest in public safety. Village Trustee Andrews stated that he would like to vote on this tonight, as they have time to possibly amend where the funds should be allocated. It was moved by Village Trustee Andrews, seconded by Village Trustee Boutet, that this Ordinance be adopted. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows: AYES: 5- Village President Abu-Taleb, Village Trustee Andrews, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Moroney, and Village Trustee Taglia NAYS: 2- Village Trustee Boutet, and Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla ABSENT: 0 W. RES 19-310 A Resolution to Adopt the 2019-2021 Village Board Protocols as Directed at the September 23, 2019 Special Meeting It was moved by Village Trustee Andrews, seconded by Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla, that this Resolution be adopted. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows: Village of Oak Park Page 9 Printed on 10/22/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes October 7, 2019 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 Y. ORD 19-74 An Ordinance Amending the Fiscal Year 2019 Annual Budget Village Manager Pavlicek clarified that the majority of these items are accounting transfers. Two policy decisions are included; surplus funds of $2.5 million were taken from the General Fund and put into the Self-Insured Retention Fund as recommended by the auditors and a bond was called early in order to save $24,000 in interest. CFO Steve Drazner explained the rationale for calling the bond early rather than paying it off over the next two years. He stated that with the $2.5 million transfer, the Self-Insured Retention Fund will be brought to a balance of -$2 million. The projected balance of the General Fund will be approximately $12 million. Village Trustee Moroney asked about the status of the GARE membership. Village Manager Pavlicek stated that the $1,000 fee is included in the amendment with the assumption that the Board Goals would be adopted tonight. Village President Abu-Taleb asked if this should be amended to remove those funds. Village Trustee Boutet commented that she and Village Trustees Andrews and Walker-Peddakotla had requested that joining GARE be on the agenda tonight. However, she is satisfied that the funding to join is on the budget amendment and doesn't want to delay this any longer. The Board votes on items that aren't in the Board Goals all the time. She discussed the meeting where there was consensus by the Board to bring this back for approval. Village Trustee Moroney supports joining a racial equity organization and the subsequent training that goes along with that. However, the Board has an obligation to do an analysis of the vendors that offer membership and training. This will allow for the best decision and outcomes. He would like to know what the Human Resources Director and staff think would work best for Village Hall. He acknowledged that GARE may well be the best organization to join, but would like a full analysis. He discussed Terry Keleher, the representative from GARE, and his connection to the CRC and VillageTrustee Walker-Peddakotla. Village Trustee Moroney discussed the qualifications he would like to see in an equity training organization. He would also like staff to be very involved in this process. He discussed a conversation that Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla had with the CRC at their September meeting and expressed concern that GARE policies would interfere with Oak Park's form of government. He also read aloud a memo that included recommendations from the CRC and expressed concern that an unelected body that is not accountable to voters will have borderline policy making authority. His skepticism of these recommendations is heightened by the CRC's relationship with Village Trustees Walker-Peddakotla and Boutet, who have become active participants in their meetings. He discussed another conversation regarding the Village Manager that occurred at the September CRC meeting and expressed disappointment in the two trustees. Furthermore, he described actions at the October CRC meeting that he believed violated the Open Meetings Act. Village Trustee Boutet gave an explanation of Mr. Keleher's connection to Village Trustee Village of Oak Park Page 10 Printed on 10/22/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes October 7, 2019 Walker-Peddakotla. She stated that the Board met in January 2018 and the Village Manager stated that she would present a GARE membership Item to the Board within 30 to 60 days, which did not occur. She spoke about the CRC's work on equity and their frustration that this is continuously getting delayed. Village Trustee Boutet stated that they have a right to know where the roadblock is coming from and to understand systems of accountability in government. There has been Board consensus to move forward on racial equity but no actual movement for several years. She spoke about the National League of Cities and their support for GARE and expressed frustration that at every step towards progress, a roadblock has occurred. She spoke about GARE and their qualifications and would like to approve this budget amendment and join GARE. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla spoke on behalf of Mr. Keleher, a volunteer who is also an Oak Park resident, and explained his connection to GARE through Race Forward. She spoke highly of his qualifications and his character. She stated that it is her right and duty to question the effectiveness of the current Village government and staff. She asked why they cannot question the perceived resistance over $1,000 to join an organization. She interprets this as the Village not wanting to change the way they govern and produce equitable outcomes for all residents. Village Trustee Taglia asked what the RFP process for staff training would entail. Human Resources Director Kira Tchang discussed the process she has been directed to undertake in order to identify training for Village staff, independent of GARE participation. She has been in contact with various vendors that provide racial equity training at a staff level. They are not specific to government but would provide common language and tools for staff who have varying levels of understanding of racial equity. Staff is in the process of finalizing an RFP and she discussed several providers. This does not prevent the Village from joining GARE, however. Ms. Tchang is currently waiting for the Village Manager and other staff to weigh in on the RFP. Village Trustee Boutet noted that the Board and staff need to complete the same training. Village President Abu-Taleb commented that they are in agreement that racial equity is one of their Board Goals. However, what they don't agree on is who they will hire to conduct the training. Because the $1,000 to join GARE is in this budget amendment, he suggested that they table this item or vote on amending the budget without that funding. He noted that he is disappointed in the CRC because they are persistently trying to operate as if they are a governing body when they are not. There is no reason for Village Trustees Walker-Peddakotla and Boutet to conspire with them. In addition, he cannot trust the judgement of a commission that strategizes a campaign to attack their only employee, the Village Manager. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla stated that it is not treasonous to speak out against the Village Manager. She and Village Trustee Boutet were not running the meeting. The CRC members asked why this isn't moving forward and she gave them an answer. Village Trustee Boutet reiterated that in 2018 the Board gave the Village Manager unanimous direction, albeit no vote, to move forward, to which she replied that it would be brought back within 30 to 60 days. She asked the Village President why he doesn't hold the Village Manager accountable to not following the will of the Board. She spoke in support of the CRC and their right to understand Village government. Village Trustee Moroney commented that racial equity will be on the Board Goals. However, there was never a specific vote from the Board regarding that. It is up to the trustees to request that something be put on an agenda. He supports the RFP process and has reservations approving the $1,000 to join GARE, as this is a precursor to other recommendations that he perceives as potentially troubling. Village of Oak Park Page 11 Printed on 10/22/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes October 7, 2019 Village Trustee Andrews expressed his disappointment in the discussion held during the September CRC meeting. He believes it is acceptable to question the Village Manager, but through the established chain of command in their protocols. It is, however, inappropriate for the CRC to plan a public campaign against the Village Manager. He stated that he was of the impression that GARE and the National League of Cities are the only organizations that do this work but has since found out otherwise. He would like those other organizations to have the opportunity to put in a proposal. It was moved by Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla, seconded by Village Trustee Moroney, that this Ordinance be adopted. The motion failed The roll call on the vote was as follows: AYES: 3- Village Trustee Boutet, Village Trustee Buchanan, and Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla NAYS: 4- Village President Abu-Taleb, Village Trustee Andrews, Village Trustee Moroney, and Village Trustee Taglia ABSENT: 0 It was moved by Village Trustee Moroney, seconded by Village Trustee Andrews, that this Ordinance be approved as amended by removing $1,000 for GARE membership. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows: AYES: 4- Village President Abu-Taleb, Village Trustee Andrews, Village Trustee Moroney, and Village Trustee Taglia NAYS: 3- Village Trustee Boutet, Village Trustee Buchanan, and Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla ABSENT: 0 Z. RES 19-307 A Resolution Adopting an Updated Diversity Statement Village President Abu-Taleb suggested that this Item be tabled to the next meeting due to the lateness of the hour. There was not consensus. Cate Readling. Ms. Readling spoke in support of the CRC's version of the Diversity Statement, as it was drafted by a diverse group of people. John Duffy. Mr. Duffy stated that this Board is behind the times and needs to move forward. He also noted that the history of the Halloween and E-Cigarette Items were racialized and at the heart of inequity. He spoke in support of the CRC's Diversity Statement. Susanne Fairfax. Ms. Fairfax clarified that GARE is specific to government. She supports the CRC's statement and noted that Oak Park is going backwards in time in terms of racial equity. Village Trustee Andrews approves of the statement with the exception of one sentence. He stated that he was given explanations regarding parts of the document that he previously did not understand. However, he proposed that the language "we work to break down systems of oppression" be replaced with "we work to eliminate racism, Village of Oak Park Page 12 Printed on 10/22/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes October 7, 2019 sexism, homophobia, xenophobia and all other forms of hate, in order to improve the quality of life for all". Village Trustee Boutet noted that there was more to the sentence, "where race no longer determine's one's outcomes", etc. Village Trustee Andrews agreed to keep that phrase but did not agree with including "where everyone has what they need to thrive". The local government cannot realistically accomplish that, as it is too broad a goal. Village Trustee Boutet suggested changing the language to "we work to break down systems of oppression including racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia and all other forms of bias and hate and achieve a society where race no longer determine's one's outcomes" etc. Village Trustee Andrews agreed. Village Trustee Moroney was in favor of using the actual definitions without "systems of oppression". He did not want to imply that the Oak Park Police are a system of oppression. He commented that systems of oppression mean different things to different people, and he would prefer to use just the definitions. There was a discussion regarding using the language "systems of oppression'' or just the definitions. Village Trustee Buchanan stated that Village Trustees Andrews and Moroney have never experienced a system of oppression. It is time for this community to face equity. She asked if they have talked to others who are not white and have experienced that. There was discussion. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla agreed with Village Trustee Andrews to include systems of oppression with the definitions following. Village Trustee Taglia appreciated the document provided; it is clear and helped him understand. Village Trustee Moroney stated that elected officials created this document and they should be allowed to participate in changing it. Village Trustee Andrews would like to amend the motion to include the qualifying language after "systems of oppression". Village Trustee Moroney agreed. Village Trustee Boutet re-read the sentence as amended: "By embracing equity, with an explicit but not exclusive focus on racial equity, we work to break down systems of oppression, including racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia and other forms of bias and hate to achieve a society where race no longer determines one's outcomes, where everyone has what they need to thrive". It was moved by Village Trustee Moroney, seconded by Village Trustee Andrews, that this Resolution be adopted. 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 XIV. Call to Board and Clerk There were no comments. XV. Adjourn Village of Oak Park Page 13 Printed on 10/22/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes October 7, 2019 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 10:44 P.M., Monday, October 7, 2019. Respectfully Submitted, MaryAnn Schoenneman Deputy Village Clerk Village of Oak Park Page 14 Printed on 10/22/2019