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, November 25, 2019 7:00 PM Village Hall I. Call to Order Village President Abu-Taleb called the meeting to order at 7:05 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 It was moved by Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla, seconded by Village Trustee Moroney, that the agenda for November 25, 2019 be approved as presented. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. IV. Non-Agenda Public Comment There were no comments. V. 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 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 A. RES 19-359 A Resolution Approving an Independent Contractor Agreement with American Response Vehicles, Inc. to Complete Ambulance Damage Repairs in an Amount Not to Exceed $32,500.00 and authorizing its Execution This Resolution was adopted. B. ORD 19-121 An Ordinance Amending Chapter 15 (“Motor Vehicles and Traffic”), Article Village of Oak Park Page 1 Printed on 12/4/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes November 25, 2019 3 (“Parking Meters, Parking Permits and Municipal Attendant Parking Lots”), Section 15-3-18 (“Parking Rates; Parking Meters, Pay by Space Machines, Village Operated Parking Structures, Permit, Extended Pass, Valet and Daytime on Street Parking”) of the Oak Park Village Code. This Ordinance was adopted. VI. Regular Agenda D. ID 19-365 Discussion Regarding Fiscal Year 2020 Recommended Budget Village Manager Pavlicek gave an overview. She commented that there are two particular Items that several trustees wished to discuss; funding of the Oak Park Regional Housing Center (OPRHC) and funding of the Youth Interventionist Program. There may be several others, although staff has tried to address those prior to this meeting. Anthony Clark: Mr. Clark believes that the Village is being reactionary in regards to investing in police efforts and disagrees with that. Investing in community outreach would result in a better outcome. Jodi Walker: Ms. Walker urged the Board to fully fund the OPRHC in 2020. She asked what plans they have as an alternative. Chuck Ripp: Mr. Ripp owned rental property and utilized the OPRHC to integrate them. Oak Park is the way it is because of them. Betsy Kelly: Ms. Kelly spoke in support of full funding for the OPRHC and asked the Village to support the new Executive Director. Rev. Alan Taylor: Rev. Taylor supports the mission of the OPRHC. He has full confidence in the new Executive Director and urged the Board to continue funding. Mike Stewart: Mr. Stewart is employed by the OPRHC and discussed the many services they provide to the community. Jennifer Roman: Ms. Roman is a Board Member of the OPRHC and noted that diversity is what attracts new residents to Oak Park. She also discussed some of their new initiatives. Ellen Foster: Ms. Foster moved to Oak Park because of its commitment to diversity. The work of the OPRHC is invaluable. Marietta Walsh: Ms. Walsh has recommended the OPRHC to many friends who have moved to Oak Park. She urged the Board to continue funding. Judy Compton: Ms. Compton has been volunteering at the OPRHC for 18 years and discussed its history. She supports continuing funding. Doris Davenport: Ms. Davenport expressed concern that the Village Manager is proposing a zero budget amount for the OPRHC. She spoke in support of Executive Director Athena Williams and asked that funding be restored. Susan Stall, representing Arbor West Neighbors: Ms. Stall spoke about her organization, which helps residents age in their own community. She moved to Oak Park Village of Oak Park Page 2 Printed on 12/4/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes November 25, 2019 because racial integration was important to her and the OPRHC was responsible for that. Paul Sakol: Mr. Sakol urged the Board to continue funding the OPRHC at the level they have requested. High taxes are an issue, but not at the expense of the OPRHC. John Duffy, representing the Committee for Equity and Excellence in Education: Mr. Duffy identified the connection between housing and education. He urged the Board to restore full funding to the OPRHC. Gianna Baker, Executive Director of the Chicago Area Fair Housing Alliance: Ms. Baker, who was raised in Oak Park, spoke in support of the OPRHC and Athena Williams, as well as their accomplishments. Alicia Chastain: Ms. Chastain spoke in favor of full funding of the OPRHC, and their commitment to fair housing. The next five speakers were youth of color. Jacob, Taylor, Raymond, Jocelyn and Kishae: Each youth spoke from personal experience regarding racial equity and negative interactions with police. Susanne Fairfax: Ms. Fairfax discussed the changing values of Oak Park and asked if buildings and businesses are more important than lives of youths and mental health support. She expressed disappointment regarding recent Board decisions. Lisa Pintado: Ms. Pintado thanked the youth for sharing their stories. She discussed the equity statement and noted that these things do not happen on their own. Decisions made over the past few years do not reflect the values in that statement. Gail Galivan: Ms. Galivan suggested that any cuts to the OPRHC be matched by cuts to the Oak Park Economic Development Corporation, which lacks of transparency. Dominic Tocci, representing the Housing Programs Advisory Committee: Mr. Tocci spoke in support of funding for the OPRHC and its role in advancing diversity in the community. Andrew Williams-Clark, representing the Housing Programs Advisory Committee: Mr. Williams-Clark discussed how the work of the OPRHC intertwines with the work of his commission. He urged the Board to put their funding back into the budget. Kitty Conklin: Ms. Conklin discussed her petition to encourage policy makers to consider reducing taxes. She noted that anything that is added back to the budget should be offset by decreasing spending in other areas. She also stated that problems with housing in Oak Park are bigger than the OPRHC. Oak Park Regional Housing Center Village Trustee Taglia would like the Board to take into consideration what residents and others have said regarding the Housing Center. It is important to have some measures in place for funding. An abrupt end to their funding would negatively affect their operations or make them unable to continue at all. Ms. Williams has stated multiple times that she would like to broaden the donor base and become less dependant on the Village. It's important that the Housing Center be looked at as a viable organization and not in a state of flux. He is concerned, as there was great effort on the part of the Board to be helpful and suggest specific direction that wasn't followed though to any extent. It would be Village of Oak Park Page 3 Printed on 12/4/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes November 25, 2019 prudent to consider this year as a rebuilding year and allow Ms. Williams that opportunity. He suggested that the Board consider funding the OPRHC $200,000 to $250,000 while they continue to look for alternate funding. He was also supportive of the Village continuing their CDBG funding in addition to that. Village Trustee Boutet read a statement regarding the tax burden and integration. Ending funding for the OPRHC will have long term costs. She spoke in support of Athena Williams and her plans for the Housing Center. She noted that if there is a problem with an agency, the Village needs to work together with them. They are partner agencies. She wants to make sure that this community remains an example of integration for the entire country. She spoke in favor of independent fundraising. However, if the Village doesn't support the Housing Center, why should any other entity. She wants to continue to fund the Housing Center. The minimum that should be considered is $300,000. Village Trustee Andrews discussed the decreasing efficacy of the Housing Center. However, he appreciates the value that it has brought to the Village over the years. Despite his concerns, he is willing to give the Housing Center a chance and hopes that this is the turn-around year. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla supports full funding of the Housing Center. She expressed concern that the Oak Park Economic Development Corporation is not held as accountable regarding their funding. Village Trustee Moroney met with Ms. Williams earlier today. He stated no one is questioning the successful history of the Housing Center but affirmative moves have dropped. Investment in integration should deliver the rationale for the funding. The OPRHC has not adapted with the times. However, much of the change in housing is beyond their control. He is not sure that past practices are still relevant and is encouraged by Ms. Williams' willingness to try a new approach to integration. He is supportive of funding in the range suggested by Village Trustee Taglia. Village Trustee Boutet expressed concern that this wouldn't be enough to make the needed changes. Village Trustee Buchanan was inspired by the public comments. She believes this Board agrees with the goal of integration and would like to see full funding. She is willing to compromise, however, with reduced funding versus no funding. Executive Director Athena Williams stated that $300,000 was a decrease from prior years. If funding is decreased further, she will have to make some difficult choices that will reduce their ability to implement new ideas. Village President Abu-Taleb acknowledged that Ms. Williams recognizes the challenges that the OPRHC has had. He asked Ms. Williams to discuss some of the steps she anticipates taking. Ms. Williams spoke about improving their Strategic Plan, technology that interacts with clients and landlords and the new app they are working on. Village President Abu-Taleb stated that the Board wants to maintain the 3% levy increase. No one wants the OPRHC to fail. He asked if $250,000 would be enough to deliver the results that the Board is looking for. Ms. Williams discussed what she needs to succeed and that her plans are to raise funds outside of the Village's contributions. There was discussion. Village President Abu-Taleb commented that if this strategy is not working at this time Village of Oak Park Page 4 Printed on 12/4/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes November 25, 2019 next year, the Village might not fund the Housing Center for the following year. He suggested that they be funded at $300,000 for 2020. Village Trustee Andrews stated that for him to support this, some fail safes need to be put in place. He would like all standard reporting delivered on time. Failure to do so would result in funding cuts. Village President Abu-Taleb agreed, and that this should be written into the agreement. Village Trustee Moroney asked how this expense will affect the levy. CFO Steve Drazner commented that the options are to add it to the levy, draw it from the fund balance, or cut another expense. Village Trustee Moroney commented that he does not want staff to inflate revenue to cover the expense of funding the OPRHC. He believes something should be cut. It was moved by Village Trustee Boutet, seconded by Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla, to restore full funding of $300,000 to the Oak Park Regional Housing Center on the condition that all required reports be delivered to the Village in a timely manner with newly identified measurables. 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 Village President Abu-Taleb thanked Village Trustee Taglia for his thoughtful comments to start this discussion as well as those who made public comments regarding their concerns. He discussed the need for the Village to grow and the need for economic development investment in order to be charitable. He also clarified that the Village Manager did not suggest zero funding for the Housing Center. In addition, Village Trustees Moroney and Andrews took some risks regarding this, as they have looked into the issues and asked questions and challenged the status quo. The Board would not be having this conversation without that. Police Department Budget Village Trustee Boutet asked for clarification regarding police vacancies. Police Chief Reynolds stated that the 14 vacancies are a combination of sworn and civilian employees. He discussed the eligibility list; they are looking to hire approximately 10 to 14, depending on the number of retirements. He described the hiring process. Village Trustee Boutet asked when they were last fully staffed. Chief Reynolds stated that during his tenure, the department has only been fully staffed for six to nine months. Village Trustee Boutet stated that there could be a salvage in the $2 million increase in the police budget to cover the cost of the Housing Center Funding. She proposed that this be calculated into a more accurate number. CFO Drazner discussed how the turnover savings is calculated. It is put in the Finance Department rather than spread out, as they don't know where the turnover/vacancies are going to come from. Village Manager Pavlicek further explained how the police personnel budget is projected. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla asked when the fully staffed number of 152 was set. Village of Oak Park Page 5 Printed on 12/4/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes November 25, 2019 Chief Reynolds stated that it was set in 2018 for 2019. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla commented that due to the crime rate being low, why is there a reason to hire more police. Chief Reynolds stated that this is related to officer fatigue, overtime, officer wellness, etc. There needs to be enough staff to avoid having officers working large amounts of overtime. Village Manager Pavlicek discussed the benefits of lower overtime. Village Trustee Boutet believes there is savings without suggesting less police are needed. Village Trustee Andrews asked what the impact would be to the police if the funding was taken from their budget. Chief Reynolds stated that he cannot predict that, as they always aspire to full staffing. He added that the entire command staff has turned over in 18 months. There is always a significant amount of turnover in all police departments. Village President Abu-Taleb suggested allowing staff the opportunity to find the money to fund the Housing Center. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla does not think the Village needs to hire more police. Village Trustee Boutet suggested that the bike lane funding can be reconsidered. Village Trustee Andrews agreed with Village President Abu-Taleb. Village Trustee Taglia supports the Officer Wellness funding. Village President Abu-Taleb addressed the comments from youth earlier this evening regarding their experiences with the police. Chief Reynolds stated that part of the reason he wanted to become a police officer was because of the way he was treated as a juvenile by his local police. He wanted to instigate change. He encouraged everyone who feels that they have been mistreated at the hands of this police force to file a complaint. However, for every complaint he receives, he gets three or four compliments. He discussed how local policing in this country is divided. Based on his contacts with police departments around the country and around the world, there is not one police department that has more caring and integrity than the Oak Park Police Department. Regarding the young people, he will speak with his staff as to how to address those issues. Sustainability Fund Village Trustee Buchanan did not feel the sustainability fund was presented in the budget with enough detail. She requested the Sustainability Coordinator provide a 2020 Work Plan with accomplishments from 2019. Village Trustee Andrews agreed with Village Trustee Buchanan’s request. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla also concurred. Additionally, she does not support “Greenways Plan” funding through the sustainability fund. It is her understanding that these funds were intended for green energy initiatives. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla expressed concern for the lack of progress on green energy initiatives previously presented to the Village Board at a special meeting on June 24, 2019. She would like to see the Village implement some of the proposed green energy initiatives. Village Trustee Boutet stated her dissatisfaction with the information that was presented at that June 24th meeting, she felt the presentation that night was unclear. Village President Abu-Taleb reminded the Village Board that the direction following that meeting was not to move forward. Village Trustee Boutet requested that a comprehensive sustainable action plan be presented for the 2020 sustainability fund. Oak Park Township Youth Interventionist Program Oak Park Township Manager Gavin Morgan highlighted the benefits of the Youth Services Interventionist Program and the strength in collaboration that exists with a shared Village of Oak Park Page 6 Printed on 12/4/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes November 25, 2019 financial “buy-in” to services provided. Mr. Morgan shared the ability of Youth Interventionists, who possess relevant education and skills, to respond to increasing mental health needs of youth in a specialized way. Oak Park Township will be seeking outside funding for future fiscal year programming. Mr. Morgan responded to that the Oak Park Township does maintain a healthy fund balance, required to sustain when State and Federal revenue sources for services to residents are delayed. Mr. Morgan responded to Village Trustee Andrews’ request for understanding why the Oak Park Township is considering capturing TIF dollars, particularly with a history of strong fiscal management. Mr. Morgan explained that the Oak Park Township provides services that are sustainable under their current levy, capturing TIF dollars for 2020 is an isolated opportunity to make investments that will increase program reach for future years. Village Trustee Andrews believes tax payers need tax relief and is challenged by the Oak Park Townships’ desire to capture TIF dollars. Village President Abu-Taleb summarized that direction from the Village Board is required to identify whether funding for this program should be sustained from the Oak Park Township budget or whether there is will from the Village Board to share the expense. Village Trustees Andrews, Moroney, Taglia, and Village President Abu-Taleb expressed their opinion that funding should be sustained as part of the Township budget. Village Trustees Boutet, Buchanan, and Walker-Peddakotla value the collaboration. Trustee Boutet shared concern that without Village “buy-in” the interventionist program will be less utilized by the Police Department and collaborative relationships will suffer. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla feels the program is vital and believes the Village should be funding the program to support youth. Direction was provided to the Village Manager that funding for the youth interventionist program should remain out of the Village 2020 recommended budget. Additional Budget 2020 discussion Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla questioned what standards the Village Manager's Office will use when conducting the Race Equity Assessment, since the Village hasn't joined GARE. Village Manager Pavlicek commented that the funds to join are in the budget. Recommendations will be brought to the Board. She added that no specific funds were included for the assessment but a budget amendment can be requested. Director of Development Customer Services Tammie Grossman responded to questions related to the Affordable Housing Fund. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla asked what metrics are being used to evaluate the Oak Park Economic Development Corporation, as well as the amount of their funding. Village Manager Pavlicek stated that the contract between the OPEDC and the Village was for $725,000 in annual funding. The last couple of years it has been below that level. Also in the contact, the metrics include property tax base, sales tax base and other items. The Board does not receive reports on a regular basis. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla stated that they should have the same conditions as other partner agencies. Village Trustee Andrews suggested that she can email them directly if she has any questions. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla asked for the status of the dockless bike share program. Village Manager Pavlicek stated that staff is still investigating that, as other communities have not had great experiences with that. Village President Abu-Taleb discussed the success of the OPEDC in identifying money available for investment. Village of Oak Park Page 7 Printed on 12/4/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes November 25, 2019 C. ID 19-364 Village Board Review of the Recommended Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan for FY2020-2014 Franny Ritchie: Ms. Ritchie stated her belief that the “Greenways Plan” is an issue of bike safety for the entire community. She believes it to be a social justice issue and important to reduce our carbon footprint. James Thompson: Mr. Thompson summarized the history of research supporting the “Greenways Plan” which provided a plan for implementation versus his observation of the pieces that are included with construction as street improvements happen. He believes this approach to be less strategic and supports the Board fully funding the plan. Sylvia Schweri: Ms. Schweri believes it is essential to implement the “Greenways Plan’ to reduce our carbon footprint and value the safety improvements for bikers, particularly for youth biking to school. Michelle Gurgas: Ms. Gurgas made the point that bike routes are an important need in Oak Park. Current routes are not safe, particular for youth biking to school. Garth Katner: Mr. Katner understands the “Greenways Plan” to be about safety for cars as much as bikers. He urges the Village Board to support funding for the “Greenways Plan”. Claire McDermott: Ms. McDermott appreciates recent streetscape improvements to Madison Street. She would like to see the same level of attention to bike safety improvements around Oak Park River Forest High School. Resurfacing of Street Scapes update Village Engineer Bill McKenna provided an update on the Oak Park Avenue and Hemingway District streetscape projects outlined in the proposed Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for fiscal years 2020 - 2024. Both projects will seek public input from residents and businesses to assist with determining scope and design. Staff will provide costs options for the Village Board to provide direction on implementation. The Village Engineer will be presenting to the Village Board options for the Oak Park Avenue streetscape in early 2020 and the Hemingway streetscape in 2022. Mr. McKenna responded to Trustee Walker-Peddakotla regarding South Oak Park Ave. Significant streetscape improvements are not planned for south Oak Park. Work will be limited to water and sewer replacement, resurfacing, reconstruction of corners, and bump outs at VanBuren and Oak Park Ave. Bicycle Boulevard Improvements Village Manager Cara Pavlicek responded to Trustee Moroney’s request for clarification on funding sources for bicycle boulevards. Currently $100,000 is designated from the sustainability fund with revenue collected from plastic bag fees. Another $100,000 is included in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Village Trustee Moroney suggested funding the bicycle boulevards solely from the sustainability fund. Village President Abu-Taleb would support that direction. The Village Manager conveyed it would be necessary for the Village Attorney to investigate whether funding of bicycle boulevards is a permissible use for additional funds that contribute to the sustainability fund, outside of the $100,000 plus that has been collected from plastic bag fees. Revenue from plastic bag fees are unrestricted. Restrictions do exist from State and local statue regarding use of aggregation funds which contribute to the sustainability fund. Trustee Andrews would support utilizing all of the funds that are Village of Oak Park Page 8 Printed on 12/4/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes November 25, 2019 available through plastic bag fees. Trustee Buchanan believes bicycle boulevard improvements need to be funded through funding designated for road ways improvements. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla agrees with Village Trustee Buchanan, sustainability funds were meant for green energy initiatives. Village Trustee Moroney motioned to fund the bicycle boulevard program with funds generated from plastic bag fees. Village Trustee Andrews seconded the motion. Members of the Village Board discussed funding options from the CIP that would allow the program to be fully funded for 2020. Village Trustee Buchanan and Walker-Peddakotla continued to express the differing opinion that funding for bicycle boulevards should come from the CIP and leave sustainability funds for green energy initiatives. Village Trustee Moroney amended his motion, Village Trustee Andrews seconded the amended motion, to fund the Bicycle Boulevard Program from the Sustainability Fund, and if not enough available funds exist the remainder of the funding come from the CIP. The motion was approved as amended. 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 Police Facility Chief Reynolds gave a needs analysis. He introduced the core team. Ray Lee of FGM Architects stated that the overall goal of the study was to assess what the department needs to operate effectively long term. Village Manager Pavlicek stated that there is a $4 million expenditure in the 2020 budget, and future expenditures of $35 million, identified for the project. It is important to have the 2020 funding there if the Board is willing to move to the next phase of conversation regarding the condition of the police station and what options there are to address it in the next two to four years. The municipal architect gave a presentation that identified goals; security, safety, sustainability, wellness space and training space. In addition, the department needs a little over 78,000 square feet of space to operate effectively. In comparison, the current station is just over 36,000 square feet. They also completed a parking analysis during the peak demand period, which resulted in 112 spaces needed for police vehicles and staff. The Village Hall parking lot has 158 spaces to accomodate police and other Village vehicles and staff, as well as visitors. A total of 288 spaces would be needed if the facility were kept here. He gave justification as to why the current station is inadequate. He discussed changes in technology and police operations and inadequacy regarding the sally port, cells, booking room, locker room, among others. Louise Kowalczyk of FGM Architects discussed the facility. It does not have good flow or access and is an unhealthy environment without windows. Mr. Lee noted other conditions such as poor airflow and end of life systems. He reviewed their methodology Village of Oak Park Page 9 Printed on 12/4/2019 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes November 25, 2019 and noted that the facility needs $5 million to $8 million worth of work, some urgent and some not. There is environmental remediation needed. Ms. Kowalczyk gave several options; 1) renovation of the current space with a detached addition, 2) a new police station elsewhere in the Village, 3) renovation of the existing space without an addition, or 4) keep it as is and complete the recommended repair work. She gave details of each option. Mr. Lee explained why police facilities cost more than a typical building. He wanted to provide an accurate and complete budget. He gave high and low estimate for each option. In order to meet long-term goals stated, options 1) and 2) are recommended. Village Trustee Boutet asked what the urgent repairs are. Mr. Lee responded with items that are life safety issues. Village Trustee Taglia understands that the future of policing requires more square footage. Village Trustee Andrews clarified options 1) and 2) would have adequate training facilities. Village Trustee Boutet referred to a community oriented police station design that she shared with members of the Village Board, refered to as a "Polis" station. The consultant cautioned that this type of station does not deal with necessary security requirements. Village Trustee Moroney supports the need for providing a better environment for our Police Department. He supports the option of renovating current space and utilizing the green space south of the Village parking lot. Village Trustee Buchanan has significant concerns with the current working environment of the Police Department. She supports looking at options for a renovated or new Police Station in the CIP. Trustee Walker-Peddakotla understands that the current working environment is challenged but she cannot justify this extensive of a budget expense with current competing concerns. Village Trustee Andrews agrees that current conditions of the Police Department are concerning and inadequate. He cautioned that extensive discussions need to happen to provide fiscally responsible options. Village Trustee Taglia stressed the importance of dealing with health concerns as urgently as possible. Village Trustee Boutet understands the reasons for wanting a new Police Station but she is very concerned with the expense. She expressed concern that her recollection was that the grassy area south of Village Hall was originally designated for the neighbors. Village Manager Pavlicek stated that their research did not find that to be true. Village President Abu-Taleb made a statement highlighting the need for an adequate Police Department and supporting the needs of a Police force. He also understands the Village Boards responsibility to consider cost. The consultants from FGM Architects responded to questions related to similar projects their firm has participated with and what they have learned from their experience. There is an increased need for space for investigating, storing of records, and specialty equipment. The majority of the Village Board agreed to keep allocation of funding for a renovated or new Police Station in the Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan for future discussion. VII. Adjourn It was moved by Village Trustee Andrews, seconded by Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla, to adjourn. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. The meeting was adjourned at 11:28 P.M., Monday, November 25, 2019. Respectfully Submitted, MaryAnn Schoenneman Deputy Village Clerk Village of Oak Park Page 10 Printed on 12/4/2019