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, March 14, 2022 7:00 PM Remote I. Call to Order Village Trustee Taglia called the meeting to order at 7:02 P.M. He authorized a statement be read providing that the meeting is being held remotely due to COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines and that it is not prudent to have people present at the Village Board's regular meeting location due to public health concerns related to that pandemic. II. Roll Call President Scaman joined the meeting at 7:46 P.M. Present: 7- Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, Village Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, 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 Parakkat, to approve the Agenda. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows: AYES: 6- Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, Village Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 1- Village President Scaman IV. Non-Agenda Public Comment The following person spoke their Non-Agenda Public Comment aloud: Michael Baldwin: Michael Baldwin spoke their public comment in support of implementing automatic license plate readers (APLR) to address violent crimes along the Lexington corridor. They support the concerns raised by some who oppose the ALPRs and believes the concerns need to be addressed, but they do not believe the concerns establish a case for not implementing the technology. Village Clerk Christina Waters then read the following public comments Village of Oak Park Page 1 Printed on 3/24/2022 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes March 14, 2022 aloud: Linda Sandman: Linda Sandman submitted their public comment in support of implementing the FLOCK cameras. Richard Vignocchi: Richard Vignocchi submitted their public comment thanking Police Chief Reynolds for the discussion regarding the Flock cameras, and expressed their support of the license plate readers. Robert Biggins: Robert Biggins submitted their public comment in support of implementing the FLOCK cameras, and urged the Board to consider speed bumps for their area as one deterrent to speeding. Merle Taber and Jon Nilson: Merle Taber and Jon Nilson submitted their public comment expressing concern for the safety of their neighborhood. They are grateful to the Chief of Police for arranging the session with FLOCK to address their questions and are confident that Oak Park has the means and motives to use license plate readers wisely and well. Maria Pyra: Maria Pyra submitted their public comment thanking the village for their continued effort to keep Oak Parkers safe as the COVID pandemic continues, and encouraged leaders to continue emphasizing support and respect for individuals and businesses that continue to mask. Meghan Paulas: Meghan Paulas submitted their public comment expressing their excitement to learn more about the health department's grant opportunity from the state during the last meeting, particularly the focus on developing a nimble mobile unit that could do preventative screenings and other services when COVID is a thing of the past. Michael Pajonk: Michael Pajonk submitted their public comment in support of license plate readers as a tool to help our police department keep us safe and protect us. They also support a fully funded, fully staffed police department to help better protect our residents and their property. Mark Maienschein-Cline: Mark Maienschein-Cline submitted their public comment in support of implementing the FLOCK camera system. Marcella Douce: Marcella Douce submitted their public comment expressing their concern with the rise in violent crime in proximity to their home, and are in strong support for Oak Park to move forward with the FLOCK camera system. Maria Campbell: Maria Campbell submitted their public comment expressing their concern regarding the criminal activity that has been Village of Oak Park Page 2 Printed on 3/24/2022 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes March 14, 2022 happening, and are in support of installation of FLOCK cameras to assist the police with the criminal activity in their area. Lynn Nosek: Lynn Nosek submitted their public comment thanking the Chief of Police for the information regarding the FLOCK system at last week's zone meeting. They feel we need technology to combat bad behavior. Jon Huber: Jon Huber submitted their public comment expressing their support of the use of FLOCK cameras where possible. Julie Griffin: Julie Griffin submitted their public comment in support of the license plate readers and urge the Board to move forward with this ASAP for the safety of all. Juan & Joan Gonzalez: Juan and Joan Gonzalez submitted their public comment expressing their support for the implementation of FLOCK cameras which they have been asking for since November 2021. Frank Stachyra: Frank Stachyra submitted their public comment asking the Board to vote for the purchase and use of the license plate reader system as a first step to improve the safety of the southwest corner of Oak Park. Deborah Stewart: Deborah Stewart submitted their public comment expressing their alarm by the exponential increase in violent crime in their area, and are in complete support of the proposal to install license plate reading cameras (the FLOCK system) in strategic places throughout the village. Catie Headtke: Catie Headtke submitted their public comment expressing their support for the FLOCK camera initiative and its immediate implementation to protect our kids and our community. Ben Newton: Ben Newton submitted their public comment expressing their support for license plate readers in Oak Park as crime is getting out of control, adding cameras are not the only solution but should be a reasonable low cost first step. Ann & Terry Roach: Ann & Terry Roach submitted their public comment expressing their concerns about the increase in crime in their neighborhood, and feel the FLOCK system may be one way to help keep the neighborhood safe. Debbie Weeks: Debbie Weeks submitted their public comment Village of Oak Park Page 3 Printed on 3/24/2022 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes March 14, 2022 expressing their thanks to the Oak Park Board and health department for keeping the community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the mask mandate lifted, they appreciate the atmosphere of tolerance for businesses and individuals who continue to mask, and hope the village is looking into ways to incentivize businesses and individuals to improve the ventilation in their businesses and homes. V. Regular Agenda A. ID 22-50 Staff Update on ARPA Request Opportunity - Lead Water Replacement Requirements Interim Village Manager Lisa Shelley introduced the Item. John Wielebnicki, Director of Public Works, then gave background and an overview presentation of this Item. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla requested clarification if the legislation includes a statewide program for low income residents to give funding or monetary assistance and help with replacing the water line. Director Wielebnicki responded the act mentions programs that are yet to be defined, including assistance for low income properties. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla expressed concern regarding residents signing a waiver if they are unwilling to pay their portion of the replacement; they feel this is unequitable especially for lower income residents and the village should step in an assist those who are unable financially to pay for their portion of replacing lead water lines. Village Trustee Buchanan questioned why this replacement is targeting nursing homes rather than homes where young children live. They also asked about recent water testing results for lead. Director Wielebnicki responded the village tests every three year and was able to do some testing this year. The results showed the village did not exceed any lead limits based on the EPA thresholds. Village Trustee Buchanan commented compared to the 1970's, lead levels have dropped dramatically due to the removal of lead in our products. From a health perspective, the current actual effect on children's neuro-development is five times less impactful when compared to the 1970's data. While it is important to replace the lead lines, she is not going to panic since the current levels from our water is minute. Village Trustee Robinson requested clarification regarding if this is just for the lines for drinking water (not all water lines within the home). Director Weilebnicki responded in the affirmative, this is just for the service line into the home. Village of Oak Park Page 4 Printed on 3/24/2022 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes March 14, 2022 Village Trustee Parakkat requested clarification if there is anything residents can do at this time. Director Weilebnicki responded residents can flush their lines for a few minutes in the morning or when they get back from vacation. There is also $50,000 in CDBG funding that residents can take advantage of for lead service lines. Village Trustee Parakkat requested clarification on what determines the cost, just the lines or are there other factors that need to be considered. Director Weilebnicki responded the best current estimate is the number of lines the village has. As the water meters start to be replaced, staff will have a better understanding of any additional costs related to the lead pipes. It is estimated to be approximately $14,000 depending on the scale, all of which is eligible under ARPA funding. Village Trustee Taglia commented he agrees this process needs to be equitable for all residents. He requested clarification on what the estimate is for how long this program will take. Director Weilebnicki responded this could take more than 20 years based on the number of other communities that also need to do this work and the limited number of contractors that can do the work. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla requested clarification if there is anything the Board can do to persuade the state and federal government to fund local communities in this effort. Interim Village Manager Shelley responded it is knowing the right agency and the right people to advocate in supporting funding for local governments for this program. B. MOT 22-24 Discussion and Review of Village Staff’s Recommendation to Revise the 2021 Approved Lost Revenue for American Rescue Plan Act Funds (ARPA) pursuant to the new United States Department of Treasury Calculation and Motion to Approve Staff’s Recommendation and Prepare the Necessary Budget Amendment Interim Village Manager Shelley introduced the Item. Chief Financial Officer Steve Drazner then gave background and an overview of the Item. Village Trustee Buchanan requested clarification on the $14 million that was previously approved. CFO Drazner responded the Board previously approved the $14 million to cover the 2020 actual loss and the 2021 estimated loss. This amendment would cover an addition $1.8 million to cover loss revenue for 2021. Village of Oak Park Page 5 Printed on 3/24/2022 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes March 14, 2022 Interim Village Manager Shelley added the village website has a pie chart that is updated with the date and amount when the Board takes action on an ARPA request. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla requested clarification that the motion tonight is only to approve a revised calculation for 2020 and 2021. CFO Drazner responded just for 2021 as 2020 has already been completed. Village Trustee Parakkat requested clarification if the Park District's request is included in the $14.8 million allocation. CFO Drazner responded it appears we cannot allocate money to the Park District for their lost revenue. If the Board would like to allocate ARPA funds to the Park District, the Park District would have to provide a list of eligible categories that they would use the money for. Interim Village Manager Shelley added the next Item will be a review of each request and the funding source. CFO Drazner is currently working with the auditors to determine who can be a direct ARPA recipient and, if they cannot, that will be noted in their request. Village President Scaman called for a Motion to approve staff's recommendation and prepare the necessary budget amendment. Village Trustee Enyia moved, and Village Trustee Enyia seconded the motion. It was moved by Village Trustee Enyia, seconded by Village Trustee Taglia, to approve the Motion. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows: AYES: 6- Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, Village Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, and Village Trustee Taglia NAYS: 1- Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla ABSENT: 0 C. MOT 22-23 Recommendations from the CDCAC for First Round Community Requests and Motion to Direct Staff to Prepare the Necessary Documents for Approval at a Subsequent Meeting Village Clerk Waters read the following Agenda Public Comment aloud: Jack Powers: Jack Powers submitted their public comment requesting the Board to commission a formal, thorough evaluation of the opportunity costs of removing the donated property on Madison Street for the Park District's Community Rec Center permanently from the property taxes in perpetuity. This will make the community aware of those costs and will allow the Board to make an informed decision on whether the Park District's request for $2 Million in ARPA funds is justifiable. Village of Oak Park Page 6 Printed on 3/24/2022 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes March 14, 2022 Interim Village Manager then introduced the Item. Tammie Grossman, Director of Development Customer Services, and Stephen Morales, Chair of the Community Development Citizens Advisory Committee, then gave some background and an overview of the process. Village President Scaman thanked the committee for all their hard work on this process. Village Trustee Parakkat commented he had a chance to work on this process and thanked those who were willing to collaborate. Village Trustee Robinson requested clarification regarding if there will be a second round of ARPA requests the Board will need to review, and if so should we defer the Park District's request to the second round to be more aligned with similar organizational requests. Chair Morales responded if there are different criteria for the next round then the Board may want to defer the Park District's request. Village President Scaman commented they would be curious what criteria would look different since this first round of requests was based on some level of funding urgency for the applicants. Village President Scaman asked for the Board's comments on the Park District's request specifically. Village Trustee Taglia supports the Park District's request, especially as they were not able to receive ARPA funds as the village did. He understands the economic impact of the pandemic on their operations and sees the organization as an integral part of the village. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla requested clarification about the factors that were looked at when grading the equity impact. Chair Morales responded the applicants provided an equity impact analysis as part of their narrative for the committee to review, and the committee reviewed the agencies and their potential impact on equity in the village. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla sees the Park District, Hephzibah, and the Early Childhood Collaboration as ranking highest on the equity scores and the community benefit scores and supports their requests. She does not agree the Tourism Initiative request is an urgent request and recommends deferring their request to another time. Village of Oak Park Page 7 Printed on 3/24/2022 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes March 14, 2022 Village Trustee Enyia expressed his support for the Park District's request. Village Trustee Robinson commented the question is not so much do we support these organizations as a whole and the value they give to the community, but rather the ARPA requests were to fund specific programs or operations for each organization that may cease due to not getting the funding. She is in support for funding $1 Million to the Park District now and funding the other requests as presented. Village Trustee Parakkat agreed with Village Trustee Robinson to support funding $1 Million to the Park District now and funding the other requests as presented. Village Trustee Buchanan expressed her support for funding $1 Million to the Park District now and assess the remaining request at a future date. Regarding the Oak Park Tourism Recovery request, Village President Scaman suggested cutting the collaboration dollars in half. She then requested clarification from Eric Wagner, CEO for Visit Oak Park, if this would impact the collaborative operations. Eric Wagner responded Visit Oak Park would work with the collaborative organizations to meet the same deliverables using funding from a different source. Village Trustee Buchanan requested clarification what Village Trustee Parakkat's role was with this request and if there is a conflict of interest. Village Attorney Stephanides responded there is no conflict of interest. Village Trustee Parakkat added his role was as a facilitator for the collaboration discussion between the organizations. Village Trustee Taglia expressed his appreciation for all the collaboration work that took place on this request. The businesses community and the people who work there are an important part of the fabric of this community - they are elemental to the community's ability to thrive and grow and attract people and residents. He expressed his support for this request. Director Grossman requested clarification on the amounts being allocated to each agency. Village President Scaman responded they are recommending cutting $5,000 from the Oak Park Area Arts Council, $15,000 from Unity Temple, $15,000 from Frank Lloyd Wright, and $15,000 from the Hemingway Foundation (money that was to be allocated to the collaborative Oak Park Tourism Recovery Initiative work). Village of Oak Park Page 8 Printed on 3/24/2022 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes March 14, 2022 Village President Scaman then called for a Motion to direct staff to prepare the necessary documents to approve the contracts as discussed, with $1 Million now for the Park District, the Early Childhood Collaboration as presented, the Hephizibah as presented, and the Oak Park Tourism Initiative to $827,000. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla expressed their disagreement with the split for the Park District funding and is not supportive of the Tourism Initiative at this time. They requested to take each funding request separately for a vote. Village President Scaman requested Village Trustees Taglia and Robinson to withdraw their motions. Village Trusteees Taglia and Robinson withdrew their motions. Village President Scaman then asked for a Motion to approve the Oak Park Tourism Initiative for $827,000. Village Trustee Enyia moved, and Village Trustee Parakkat seconded the Motion. The roll call on the vote was as follows: AYES: 6 - Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, Village Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Taglia NAYS: 1 - Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla ABSENT: 0 Village President Scaman then asked for a Motion to direct staff to prepare the necessary documents for the Collaboration for Early Childhood for $1,109,300.00. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla moved, and Village Trustee Buchanan seconded the Motion. The roll call on the vote was as follows: AYES: 7 - Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, Village Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 0 Village President Scaman then asked for a Motion to direct staff to prepare the necessary documents for Hephizibah for $525,000.00. Village of Oak Park Page 9 Printed on 3/24/2022 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes March 14, 2022 Village Trustee Taglia moved, and Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla seconded the Motion. The roll call on the vote was as follows: AYES: 7 - Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, Village Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 0 Village President Scaman then asked for a Motion to direct staff to prepare the necessary documents for the Park District for $1,000,000.00. Village Trustee Enyia moved, and Village Trustee Robinson seconded the Motion. The roll call on the vote was as follows: AYES: 6 - Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, Village Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Taglia NAYS: 1 - Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla ABSENT: 0 Interim Village Manager noted the next discussion may take place in the Fall which could include the additional $1 Million request for the Park District. She confirmed discussions could take place earlier for any emergency ARPA requests that come in prior to the Fall. VI. Adjourn It was moved by Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla, seconded by Village Trustee Robinson, to adjourn. The motion was approved. The Meeting adjourned at 9:29 P.M., Monday, March 14, 2022. Respectfully Submitted, Deputy Clerk DeViller AYES: 7- Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Enyia, Village Trustee Parakkat, Village Trustee Robinson, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 0 Village of Oak Park Page 10 Printed on 3/24/2022