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, May 16, 2022 7:00 PM Village Hall I. Call to Order Village President Scaman called the meeting to order at 7:02 P.M. She 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 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 President Scaman requested Item K be moved ahead of Items I and J so participants can leave the meeting in a timely manner. It was moved by Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla, seconded by Village Trustee Robinson, to approved the Agenda as amended. The motion was approved. 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 IV. Minutes A. ID 22-162 Motion to Approve Minutes from Regular Remote Meeting of May 2, 2022, Special Remote Meeting of May 9, 2022 of the Village Board. It was moved by Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla, seconded by Village Trustee Robinson, to approve the Minutes. The motion was approved. 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 Village of Oak Park Page 1 Printed on 6/15/2022 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes May 16, 2022 NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 0 V. Non-Agenda Public Comment Village Clerk Christina Waters read the following Non-Agenda Public Comments aloud: Kathleen O'Shaughnessey: Kathleen O'Shaughnessey submitted their public comment expressing concern over the increase in Covid cases in the community. They would like to see a return of covid mitigations including a return to masking in the schools.continued testing and quarantine for sick children, having lunch and classes outside as much as possible, and improved reporting and communication. Debbie Weeks: Debbie Weeks submitted their public comment expressing concern over the increase in Covid cases in the community and requested an explanation as to why no action has been taken to decrease transmission of Covid-19 in the community or to protect the most vulnerable community members from Covid. Jenna Leving Jacobson: Jenna Leving Jacobson submitted their public comment imploring the Board to follow Dr. Chapple's recommendations and to listen to public health experts and take seriously the uncontrolled spread of Covid-19 in the community. Robin Kalish: Robin Kalish submitted their public comment expressing their support of the Oak Park Health Department and help protect the community and the most vulnerable. They would like a layered approach and include actions as increased ventilation in all public spaces and using masks as needed. VI. Proclamation B. MOT 22-53 A Motion to Approve a Proclamation for May 2022 as Mental Health Month Village Trustee Robinson read the Proclamation aloud. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla added Proclamations do not enact new resources for the people that are desperately in need of those resources, and urged the Board to get something done when it comes to mental health and having emergency mental health responses for people in crisis. It was moved by Village Trustee Parakkat, seconded by Village Trustee Buchanan, to approve the Motion. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows: Village of Oak Park Page 2 Printed on 6/15/2022 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes May 16, 2022 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 C. MOT 22-54 A Motion to Approve a Proclamation for May 2022 as National Bike Month Village Trustee Buchanan read the Proclamation aloud. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla urged the Board to implement the Vision Zero Plan and the Greenways Plan as bicycle accidents are a problem in the community. David Marshall from Bike Walk Oak Park thanked the Board for their support and looks forward to working with the Board. It was moved by Village Trustee Robinson, seconded by Village Trustee Enyia, to approve the Motion. The motion was approved. 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 D. MOT 22-55 A Motion to Approve a Proclamation for John Hodge Day on May 17, 2022 Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla congratulated John Hodge on his retirement. She then read the Proclamation aloud. John Hodge thanked the Board for the honor of having his own day celebrated in Oak Park. Village Trustee Enyia also thanked John Hodge for the impact he has had on the children and expressed his gratitude for Mr. Hodge's love, care, and embracing of all the children and ensuring they are lifted up and their needs are met during his time at Irving Elementary School. It was moved by Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla, seconded by Village Trustee Parakkat, to approve the Motion. The motion was approved. 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 Village of Oak Park Page 3 Printed on 6/15/2022 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes May 16, 2022 ABSENT: 0 VII. Village Manager Reports Deputy Village Manager Lisa Shelley introduced the Item. Dr. Theresa Chapple, Director of the Health Department, then gave a brief update regarding Covid in the community. Village Trustee Parakkat requested clarification regarding the District 97 (D97) order that came out the previous week. Dr. Chapple responded the order was put into place as the Health Department needed a firmer commitment with contact tracing and access to all 10 of the school's Line Lists, which are mandatory reports that the Health department was not receiving in a timely manner. Village Trustee Taglia requested clarification if there was a complaint filed with the state regarding D97. Dr. Chapple responded there was no formal complaint filed. The Health Department went through their regular process of communicating with the state and providing the state with the information they need. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla commented that the United States hit a grim milestone with one million Covid-related deaths this week. They understand the community would like Covid to be over but we cannot dictate when the virus is done and urged the community to continue to protect each other and keep each other safe. President Scaman encouraged the community to wear masks in crowded spaces and to stay home if you have any symptoms. VIII. Village Board Committees Village Trustee Buchanan reminded the community this Saturday is the all community event from iGov which will explain how all the taxing bodies work and what the different positions do. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla reminded the community the Farmers Market will officially open this Saturday. Village Trustee Taglia reported that Actuaries presented at the Fire Pension Board and reported that, due to an error in the calculations, the Fire and Police contributions will be much lower this year which is a good thing for the village to help keeping the community affordable and keeps the levy under control. Village of Oak Park Page 4 Printed on 6/15/2022 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes May 16, 2022 Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla added that you can order free at home rapid antigen test kits form the United States Post Office at special.usps.com/testkits. IX. Citizen Commission Vacancies E. ID 22-163 Board & Commission Vacancy Report for May 16, 2022. There was no further discussion of this Item. X. Consent Agenda Approval of the Consent Agenda It was moved by Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotlaand 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: 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 F. RES 22-128 Resolutions Awarding Multi-Family Housing Incentives Grants and Authorizing the Execution of Marketing Services Agreements 1. MSA 2201-G with $10,000 grant 2. MSA 2202-G with $10,000 grant 3. MSA 2203-G with $10,000 grant 4. MSA 2206-G with $10,000 grant 5. MSA 2208-G with $10,000 grant 6. MSA 2209-G with $6,500 grant 7. MSA 2210-G with $10,000 grant 8. MSA 2211-G with $10,000 grant 9. MSA 2212-G with $6,852 grant 10. MSA 2214-G with $10,000 grant 11. MSA 2216-G with $10,000 grant 12. MSA 2217-G with $10,000 grant 13. MSA 2218-G with $10,000 grant 14. MSA 2219-G with $10,000 grant 15. MSA 2220-G with $10,000 grant 16. MSA 2221-G with $6,648 grant This Resolution was adopted. G. RES 22-125 A Resolution Approving an Independence Day Fireworks Display Agreement with Miand, Inc., d/b/a Mad Bomber Fireworks Productions in Village of Oak Park Page 5 Printed on 6/15/2022 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes May 16, 2022 an Amount Not to Exceed $35,000, Authorizing its Execution and Waiving the Village’s Bid Process for the Agreement This Resolution was adopted. H. MOT 22-56 A Motion to Re-Allocate $57,515 in Unspent Community Development Block Grant-Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) Funding by Adding the $57,515 to CDBG Public Services Funding and Distributing it to the Nine (9) Local Non-Profits Previously Approved for Public Services Funding, Per Village Staff’s Recommendations and Direct Staff to Prepare the Necessary Documents for Board Consideration This Motion was approved. XI. Regular Agenda K. ORD 22-46 An Ordinance Approving a Budget Amendment to Allow Village Co-Sponsorship of the ‘GreenTown Conference’ in the Amount of $20,000 and Directing Staff to Prepare the Necessary Agreement Deputy Village Manager Lisa Shelley introduced the Item. Village President Scaman gave an overview of the Item, and then introduced Gary Cuneen of Seven Generations Ahead and John Harris of A5 Branding and Digital who then gave background on the Greentown event. Village Trustee Parakkat requested clarification on what the experience has been in past events in terms of mobilizing the community and the finances required in moving things forward. Gary Cuneen responded many of the sessions incorporate strategies around funding and financing initiatives, as well as bringing in experts and practitioners to speak in sessions which has lead to communities implementing strategies. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla expressed their concern that previous Greentown agendas lack a focus on racial equity or racial justice. They would like to ensure that these types of topics, as well as how Oak Park contributes to climate change and food insecurities in surrounding areas, will be included on the Greentown agenda that Oak Park will sponsor. Gary Cuneen responded that past agendas have included equity and food insecurity sessions. They do not dictate what is on the agenda - they invite advisory groups and community members and elected officials to shape what is included on the agenda for each event. It was moved by Village Trustee Buchanan, seconded by Village Trustee Robinson, to approve the Ordinance. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows: Village of Oak Park Page 6 Printed on 6/15/2022 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes May 16, 2022 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 I. MOT 22-48 A Motion to Review a Request from the Oak Park Regional Housing Center (OPRHC) to Release $125,000 in Funds for Invoices from August 2021 through December 2021 Which is Being Withheld Under the Terms of the 2021 Funding Grant Agreement Due to the OPRHC’s Failure to Provide the Required 2020 Audit by the Due Date of November 30, 2021, and Failure to Submit Invoices Deputy Village manager Shelley introduced the Item. Village Trustee Parakkat requested clarification regarding why there has been no communication up to this point to the Board regarding this Item. Deputy Village Manager Shelley responded they were waiting for the audit to be done before bringing ths to the Board, as has been done in the past. Village Trustee Buchanan requested clarification if most of the deadlines are being missed or met by the Housing Center. Cameron Davis, Assistant Director of Development Customer Services, responded the invoicing and audits are what have been consistently problematic over the past couple of years. Village Trustee Robinson commented they would also expect more communication regarding any missed deadlines just so the Board is aware of the status of any contractual obligations they have voted on, which will help move the relationship with the partner agency forward in a positive way. Village Trustee Taglia expressed concerns regarding the Housing Center's continual missteps in their contractual reporting obligations, and expressed the importance of the Board taking their fiduciary responsibilities for this public money seriously. He stressed that the Housing Center needs to adhere to all their contractual terms as do all the other partner agencies. Athena Williams, Executive Director for the Housing Center, provided clarification regarding the additional funding they received as well as there was a year-end report for 2021 that she will resend to the village. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla commented there should be more transparency to the entire Board regarding updates on contracts that the Board has voted on. Village of Oak Park Page 7 Printed on 6/15/2022 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes May 16, 2022 It was moved by Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla, seconded by Village Trustee Enyia, to approve the Motion. The motion was approved. 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 J. RES 22-127 A Resolution Approving a Funding Grant Agreement Between the Village of Oak Park and the Oak Park Regional Housing Center (OPRHC) in the Amount of $150,000 Effective January 1, 2022 through June 30, 2022 and Authorizing Its Execution It was moved by Village Trustee Robinson, seconded by Village Trustee Parakkat, to approve the Resolution as presented. Deputy Village Manager Shelley then introduced the Item. Village President Scaman asked if there was a consensus to move forward with a basic contract through the end of June when the Oak Park Regional Housing Center's 2021 audit is due, and then in July hosting a study session as an opportunity for the Housing Center to work with village staff on defining mutual goals moving forward. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla recommended passing the contract as it is presented and still take the opportunity to host a study session in July which could better inform an agreement going forward in 2023. Village Trustee Buchanan requested clarification on President Scaman's recommendation. Village President Scaman responded the original contract included $100,000 for outreach and marketing and $100,000 for a feasibility study. What she is proposing is an amended contract that does not include those two items, as well as an amended end date of June 30, 2022. Village Trustee Robinson expressed their support for President Scaman's recommendation. They feel June 30th is a natural point to review the CDCAC's funding recommendations and reassess how to best collaborate with the Oak Park Regional Housing Center moving forward. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla commented there are existing gate keeping strategies built into the contract where, if the Board felt the Oak Park Regional Housing Center was not meeting their requirements, funding would be withheld, and for that reason they feel the contract should extend through the end of the year. Village of Oak Park Page 8 Printed on 6/15/2022 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes May 16, 2022 Village Trustee Parakkat requested clarification regarding if the Oak Park Regional Housing Center has the support to pull together the inputs that are required to have a meaningful study session. Athena Williams responded they see this as a two way conversation. They would invite Trustees to come sit in on their staff meetings to begin to flush out ideas and possibilities to then bring to the study session. Village Trustee Buchanan requested clarification on the amended contract amount is then $150,000 for the first 6 months of 2022, and if this proposal is a punitive measure. Trustee Taglia confirmed it is $25,000 per month for 6 months. Trustee Robinson does not see this proposal as punitive, rather as an opportunity to reset and change direction. They see the contractual relationship as a contributing to the stress point in the relationship with the Housing Center. This is an opportunity to re-examine the deliverables required from the Housing Center and determine whether or not to stick with them, or put the same framework on the same relationship and not really have a reasonable expectation of a different result. Village Trustee Taglia agreed, commenting if the language does not change now in the contract then nothing really changes. He strongly encourages the Housing Center to develop a strategic plan to help meet the needs of the organization and to use as a blueprint for future strategy and future goals of the organization. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla reiterated her support for voting on the contract with the December 31, 2022 end date, expressing concern that putting an end date of June creates the same conditions of urgency and does not allow the Board the space and the time to have an in-depth conversation about what they see the future of racial integration is in the village in 2022. Village Trustee Robinson then made a motion to amend the terms of the contract to expire on June 30, 2022, and amend the contract amount to $150,000.00. Village Trustee Parakkat seconded the amended 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, and Village Trustee Taglia NAYS: 1 - Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla Village of Oak Park Page 9 Printed on 6/15/2022 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes May 16, 2022 ABSENT: 0 President Scaman then asked for a motion to adopt the Resolution as amended. Village Trustee Robinson made the motion, and it was seconded by Village Trustee Buchanan. It was moved by Village Trustee Robinson, seconded by Village Trustee Buchanan, to adopt the Resolution as amended. 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 XII. Call to Board and Clerk Village Clerk Waters mentioned early voting starts June 13 through June 27 at Village Hall, and resident can register to vote at Village Hall. You can also apply to become an election judge at cookcountyclerkil.gov/elections/work-election-day or call 312-603-0965. Village Trustee Parakkat attended a session around aging in place hosted by the Arbor West Neighbors. He learned that one in five Americans will be 65 or older by the year 2030, and he wanted to make the community and Board aware of that fact so they can take meaningful actions now especially around the discussions of affordable housing. Village Trustee Buchanan mentioned the massacre by a white supremacist in Buffalo, New York, during the past week and expressed the need to do something about gun control and white supremacy. Village Trustee Taglia had no comments. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla echoed Trustee Buchanan's comments, and mentioned the rise in Asian-American hate crimes and their connection to white supremacy. They added if we don't address the root cause, which is white supremacy, then we are never going to solve the problem or the heinous types of incidents that happen in both the Black-American community and the Asian-American community. Village Trustee Robinson extended their congratulations to the OPRF graduating class of 2022. They emphasized the need to still mask and practice mitigation measures as a communal effort to stay as healthy as possible as this graduation will be the first pre-pandemic graduation ceremony. Village of Oak Park Page 10 Printed on 6/15/2022 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes May 16, 2022 Village Trustee Enyia expressed his heartfelt sentiments and his support to all who are dealing with the hatred going on in the country, and prays for those who have family or friends that have had to endure through this or for those feeling the effects of the trauma. Village President Scaman commented she is grateful for all the thoughtful comments. She mentioned the Oak Park Police Department will be giving away gun locks on June 11th. She attended the Arbor West Neighbors session on aging in place and agrees there are opportunities for additional affordable housing units in the village. She provided many mental health resources in the community that are available. She is also glad to take this next step with the Housing Center. This was continued. XIII. Adjourn It was moved by Village Trustee Parakkat, seconded by Village Trustee Buchanan, to Adjourn. The motion was approved. The Meeting adjourned at 10:10 P.M., Monday, May 16, 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 11 Printed on 6/15/2022