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 21, 2019 6:30 PM Village Hall I. Call to Order Village President Abu-Taleb called the Meeting to order at 6:30 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. Consideration of Motion to Adjourn to Executive Session to Discuss the Acquisition of Property It was moved by Village Trustee Moroney, seconded by Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla, to enter into Executive Session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5) - acquisition of property. 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 V. Reconvene to Regular Meeting in Council Chambers and Call to Order The Regular Meeting reconvened at 7:32 P.M. VI. 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 VII. Agenda Approval It was moved by Village Trustee Boutet, seconded by Village Trustee Moroney, to approve the Agenda. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. VIII. Minutes Village of Oak Park Page 1 Printed on 11/6/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes October 21, 2019 A. ID 19-318 Motion to Approve Minutes from the October 7, 2019 Regular Meeting of the Village Board. It was moved by Village Trustee Moroney, seconded by Village Trustee Boutet, that the Minutes be approved. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. XII. Village Board Committees There was nothing to report. XIII. Citizen Commission Vacancies There were no comments. XIV. Citizen Commission Appointments, Reappointments and Chair Appointments There were no appointments. XV. Consent Agenda At the suggestion of Village President Abu-Taleb, the Board concurred to move Approval of the Consent Agenda ahead of Non-Agenda Public Comment. Village Trustee Taglia recused himself from the Consent Agenda vote as he has a personal interest in Item G. Approval of the Consent Agenda It was moved by Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla and seconded by Village Trustee Buchanan to approve the items under the Consent Agenda. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows: AYES: 6- Village President Abu-Taleb, Village Trustee Andrews, Village Trustee Boutet, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Moroney, and Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 0 ABSTAINED: 1- Village Trustee Taglia E. ORD 19-94 An Ordinance Approving the Redemption and Payment of Certain Outstanding Taxable General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds, Series 2016C of the Village of Oak Park, Cook County, Illinois as Reviewed at the October 7, 2019 Regular Meeting. F. ORD 19-95 An Ordinance Authorizing the Sale of Surplus Property Owned by the Village of Oak Park This Ordinance was adopted. G. ORD 19-98 Concur with the Plan Commission’s Recommendation and Adopt an Village of Oak Park Page 2 Printed on 11/6/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes October 21, 2019 Ordinance Granting a Special Use Permit for a Major Planned Development Containing Three Four-Story Multiple Family Buildings at the Property Located at 6033 North Avenue This Ordinance was adopted. H. RES 19-318 A Resolution Approving a Parking Lot Temporary License Agreement with Redhawk Productions IV, LLC and Authorizing Its Execution This Resolution was adopted. I. RES 19-249 A Resolution Relating to Termination of Participation by Certain Elected Officials (Village President) in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) which Formally Confirms No Current Participation in the IMRF This Resolution was adopted. J. RES 19-250 A Resolution Relating to Termination of Participation by Elected Officials (Village Trustee) in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) which Formally Confirms No Current Participation in the IMRF This Resolution was adopted. K. RES 19-274 A Resolution To Include Cash Payments Related to Health Insurance as Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund Earnings This Resolution was adopted. L. RES 19-312 A Resolution Approving the 2020 Employee Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital, and Prepaid Legal Insurance Providers’ Plan Designs and Premiums and Authorizing Their Execution This Resolution was adopted. M. RES 19-320 A Resolution Approving a Memorandum of Understanding with the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council for the Purposes of Establishing an Alternate Work Schedule for Police Department Patrol Officers and Authorizing its Execution This Resolution was adopted. N. RES 19-322 A Resolution Approving A Memorandum of Understanding with the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council for the Purpose of Establishing an Alternate Work Schedule for Police Department Sergeants and Lieutenants and Authorizing its Execution This Resolution was adopted. O. RES 19-313 A Resolution Approving Amendments to the the Village of Oak Park’s Village of Oak Park Page 3 Printed on 11/6/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes October 21, 2019 Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Program Guidelines This Resolution was adopted. P. RES 19-314 A Resolution Approving an Independent Contractor Agreement with Chicagoland Paving Contractors, Inc. for Parking Lot Improvements in an Amount not to Exceed $175,000 and Authorizing its Execution This Resolution was adopted. Q. RES 19-319 A Resolution Approving a Pole Attachment License Agreement Between SMSA Limited Partnership D/B/A Verizon Wireless and the Village of Oak Park and Authorizing Its Execution This Resolution was adopted. R. MOT 19-112 A Motion to Refer an Application by Rush Oak Park Hospital for Major Modifications to a Special Use Permit for the Property Located at 520 S. Maple Avenue Granted Pursuant to Village Special Use Permit Ordinance Numbers 1999-O-52 and 17-164 to the Plan Commission for Public Hearing This Motion was approved. S. MOT 19-108 A Motion to Approve the September 2019 Monthly Treasurer’s Report for All Funds This Motion was approved. IX. Non-Agenda Public Comment Village President Abu-Taleb commented that Oak Park has been in the news the past couple of weeks and that is most likely the reason for the large turnout at this meeting. While this meeting offers a good forum to express support and voice concerns over recent events, he encouraged all to remember to listen to each other. He expressed concern that the polarized National political climate has spread to the Village and that Oak Park is being portrayed as an intolerant community. Village President Abu-Taleb discussed several historical policies adopted by the Village of Oak Park, including the Fair Housing Ordinance, the Domestic Partnership Registry for Same-Sex Couples and the Collaboration for Early Childhood Education to address the achievement gap between African American and white students. The accusation that the Board of Trustees and Village Government has not been active on the issue of equity is simply not true. He discussed Oak Park's values and believes that residents want the Village to move forward together. He believes all who are elected to these positions should come to this work with humility; all opinions matter and they must all work together. Social media is no substitute for sitting down at the Board table and talking face to face. Meaningful policy changes will not be accomplished by shaming or degrading one another; nothing will be accomplished by this Board until they acknowledge that they need each other. In closing, he read the poem "Invitation to Brave Space" by Micky ScottBey Jones. Lisa Pintato-Vertner. Ms. Pintato-Vertner expressed concern regarding the lengthy process of adopting an equity statement. She gave definitions of "democracy", "civility", "elected official", "misogyny", "gaslighting" and "white fragility". "For those who are tired of hearing about racism, sexism and other forms of oppression, imagine how tired we are of experiencing it". Village of Oak Park Page 4 Printed on 11/6/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes October 21, 2019 Aaron McManus. Mr. McManus was raised in Oak Park and is currently raising a daughter in the Village. He discussed the Village's previous balanced power structure and spoke about a negative personal interaction he had with Village Trustee Moroney. Linda Francis. Ms. Francis shared her concerns regarding the decision of an Oak Park elected official to bring the heightened attention of hate mongers to the Village; this is problematic and irresponsible. Doing this has affected the safety of not only a fellow Board Member, but the youths in the community. Steve Krasinsky. Mr. Krasinsky thanked the Board for the opportunity to speak about this issue. He stated that the Village is less safe than it was a couple of weeks ago due to a decision by Village Trustee Moroney to inflame an already difficult situation. He urged Village Trustee Moroney to apologize to the people of the Village and to resign his position on the Board. Christine Ferno. Ms. Ferno is an eight year resident and a parent. She referenced Village Trustee Moroney's podcast interview in which he did not advocate for equity or demonstrate that he understands the urgency of it. Instead, he escalated a situation that now finds Oak Park targeted by white supremacists. She asked for an apology to the community. Alicia Chastain. Ms. Chastain thanked the Community Relations Commission for their service and for their work on the Diversity Statement. Cate Readling. Ms. Readling expressed concern regarding the lack of leadership on the Village Board and the behind the scenes governing in Oak Park. She spoke against choosing the comfort of some people over the safety of others and exploiting situations for personal gain. Jason Wulkowicz. Mr. Wulkowicz spoke in support of female voices and gave the definition of "systems of oppression". He acknowledged that as a white man, there are times when he should not speak. Kelly Benkert. Ms. Benkert compared knowledge and experience of real estate to knowledge and experience of diversity and noted that some Board Members appear less willing to learn. Oak Park is moving forward towards racial equity and this Board must agree to participate. Shawn Kestler. Mr. Kestler thanked Village President Abu-Taleb for his opening remarks. He expressed concern regarding Village Trustee Buchanan's recent comments. He felt Village Trustee Moroney's radio interview was thoughtful and respectful but also expressed sympathy towards Village Trustee Buchanan regarding the hateful language and threats directed at her. He suggested that Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla have a thoughtful dialogue with her colleagues and residents rather than using social media to communicate. Doug Wyman. Mr. Wyman discussed the CRC's work on the Diversity Statement. He spoke about Oak Park's history of diversity and noted that Oak Park currently lacks equity. The Board needs to move forward towards that. Molly "Ess". Ms. "Ess" stated that she is not using her full name because she does not feel safe after a trustee went to the right-wing media. The duty of a public official is to be entrusted with public safety. She asked for Village Trustee Moroney's resignation. Village of Oak Park Page 5 Printed on 11/6/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes October 21, 2019 "Katie". "Katie" asked the Board if she, by publicly speaking at a Board Meeting or on social media, is at risk of saying something that will anger one of the Board Members, who will then take action that could lead to threats against her and her family or other negative activity. She asked what this Board will do to protect the community. Anthony Clark. Mr. Clark gave his definition of privilege. He gave historical and recent examples of oppression and thanked those Board Members who are paying attention. Rev. John Edgerton. Rev. Edgerton thanked Mr. Clark for his leadership in the community. He used baseball as an analogy to describe recent events. Village Trustee Buchanan does not deserve the harrassment she has gotten. He called upon all in Oak Park to support those who are marginalized. John Callahan. Mr. Callahan is a 45 year resident and noted that Village Trustee Buchanan's behavior was out of line. He spoke against "pointing fingers" and feels that it is unfortunate that the discourse in the community has come to this. He cares about the success of Oak Park and that cannot happen unless people listen to each other. Alec Harris. Mr. Harris is a business owner and resident. He noted that Village Trustee Buchanan immediately apologized after losing her temper with a subsequent public apology. However, this did not put an end to nationwide negative comments. He spoke about the seriousness of the situation and believes Village Trustee Moroney demonstrated a lack of judgement by giving the radio interview. This action has damaged the Board's ability to work together effectively. He asked for a public apology. Kitty Conklin. Ms. Conklin spoke about her interactions with Board Members. She expressed anger regarding the recent events. All trustees have a voice and all should be heard. In addition, all Board Members represent all members of the community, not just a select few. She requested that an Elected Official Code of Conduct be adopted in the Board Goals and base all policy and spending decisions on data, not emotions. X. Proclamation B. MOT 19-111 Motion to Approve a Proclamation for Food Waste Awareness Week for the Week of November 3, 2019 as Reviewed and Recommended by the Environment and Energy Commission Village Trustee Buchanan read the Proclamation aloud. It was moved by Village Trustee Boutet, seconded by Village Trustee Andrews, that this Proclamation be approved. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. C. MOT 19-113 A Motion to Approve the Unaudited Year-to-Date Quarterly Financial Report as of September 30, 2019 CFO Steve Drazner gave an overview. He commented that Sales Tax Revenue is trending at 94% of what it was last year at this point. Offsetting that is the Use Tax, which is collected from on-line purchases. Real Estate Transfer Tax is estimated to fall short of the budget by approximately $300,000 to $400,000. He believes that is due to overestimation of the budgeted revenue. Income Tax Revenue is received on a per-capita basis and is distributed by the Illinois Department of Revenue. He is estimating approximately $500,000 to $600,000 more than budgeted due to a strong economy. In Village of Oak Park Page 6 Printed on 11/6/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes October 21, 2019 regards to the Water and Sewer Fund, Mr. Drazner is predicting that it will come in under budget by approximately $500,000. This is most likely due to the extremely wet spring and residents were not watering their lawns, etc. as often. He discussed the Home Rule Sales Tax, which is dedicated to capital projects. He is predicting that this will come short approximately $300,000. XI. Village Manager Reports Village Manager Pavlicek announced that the Finance Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday. That conversation will focus on Enterprise Funds and Internal Service Funds. A conversation regarding the General Fund is scheduled for next Monday's Finance Committee Meeting. She announced tha leaf pick up begins today. D. ID 19-320 Village Manager’s Monthly Measures Report for July 2019 There were no comments. XVI. Regular Agenda T. RES 19-323 A Resolution to Adopt the 2019-2021 Village Board Goals as Directed at the September 23, 2019 Special Meeting Village Trustee Boutet commented that the version that she and Village Trustee Andrews created did not get posted with the original Agenda. Village Manager Pavlicek gave an explanation. Village Trustee Boutet suggested that perhaps they shouldn't proceed tonight to give the rest of the Board the opportunity to look at it. Village President Abu-Taleb called for a ten-minute recess in order for the Board to read the document. Village Trustee Andrews clarified that the changes involve the formatting more than the content. The Board recessed at 8:57 P.M. and reconvened at 9:08 P.M. Village Trustee Andrews provided an explanation of the changes in formatting. The SMART Goals were rewritten to follow the SMART Goal process. The Measurables are ways to look at successes and failures. In terms of substance, nothing has changed, although language has been clarified and and goals that were actually actions were moved into the Actions category. Village Trustee Boutet added that it also assumes other activities performed by the Village Manager that are routine. Village President Abu-Taleb expressed concern that the goals, within this framework of identified actions, are crossing into staff's purview. Village Trustee Boutet commented that it is the staff's prerogative to perform the actions as they see fit. Village Trustee Moroney stated that the actions as presented amount to a lot of busywork for staff. He gave examples of unnecessary reports being requested and hesitates generating more work for them. Village Trustee Andrews stated that most of the reports listed in the Measurables already exist. Village Trustee Moroney is interested in staff giving feedback to the Board regarding how this would affect them. Village President Abu-Taleb asked Village Manager Pavlicek's opinion of this type of framework and if she would like to take a final look at it to see if she is able to implement this. Village Manager Pavlicek commented that the goals are for the Board to set, not staff. However, staff can provide additional information on actions or comments on measurables, although measurables also fall more under the Board's purview. Historically, these have been the Board's goals, however, they didn't typically include Village of Oak Park Page 7 Printed on 11/6/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes October 21, 2019 actions and measurables. Village Trustee Boutet commented that the Priorities, Sub-Priorities and SMART Goals are all agreed upon by the Board. The actions are items that they would like to see, such as a transparency page on the website. However, the Board are not experts in how to attain these goals. She suggested that staff can adjust the Actions necessary to achieve the goals. She understands Village Trustee Moroney's point regarding making work for staff, however, this does tie into the data points they are looking for. Village President Abu-Taleb asked if he is hearing consensus to give this to the Village Manager for feedback from staff and revisit in two weeks. There was consensus to table the Item and bring it back. This Resolution was tabled. XVII. Call to Board and Clerk Village Clerk Scaman thanked Deputy Village Clerk MaryAnn Schoenneman for attending last week's meeting in her absence, as she was attending the Municipal Clerks Conference in Springfield. Village Trustee Boutet is looking forward to the Board moving forward together. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla will not be in attendance at next Monday's Finance Committee Meeting, as she will be celebrating Diwali. Village Trustee Taglia wished her and others a Happy Diwali. Village President Abu-Taleb stated that after hearing all these comments tonight and the passion residents have about their views and concerns, he is urging the Board to be respectful of one another, especially when they disagree. He asked Village Trustees Buchanan and Moroney to make a joint statement and to reach out to those who agree and disagree with them on all issues. They are all responsible for the words they speak and the actions that they take. He knows that Village Trustee Buchanan spoke with high emotion a couple of weeks ago. He was hurt, but still concerned about her safety. He made it clear that an attack on one of them is an attack on all of them. No one should feel unsafe. The Board needs to stop running each other under the bus. They need to collaborate and talk with each other. Until they look at themselves and see how disrespectful they treat others who don't agree with them, they cannot move on. He spoke highly of Village Trustees Moroney and Buchanan and stated that they have already met and had a positive conversation. However, he encouraged them to make a joint public statement regarding how much they both care about the community. XVIII. 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 9:28 P.M., Monday, October 21, 2019. Respectfully Submitted, MaryAnn Schoenneman Deputy Village Clerk Village of Oak Park Page 8 Printed on 11/6/2019