Public Safety Commission

SKOKIE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 2026 PRESENT: Hal Bernstein, Carrie Bradean, Marcie Claus, Connell Collins, John Domke, Fire Chief Nicholas Eschner, Marcus Hayes, Avron Kahn, Trustee Kimani Levy, Senior Engineer Samantha Maximilian, Fred Moore, Police DC John Oakley, Arnie Oskin, Leslie Post-Weissinger, Howard Rosenburg, Jeffrey Schvimer and Irwin Shiffman EXCUSED: Michael Anderson, Police Chief Jesse Barnes, Oren DeKalo, Police DC Denise Franklin, Fire DC Stephen Jagman, Deputy Chief Adam Pease, Paul Pitalis (Emeritus), Director of Engineering Russ Rietveld, Vice Chair Dennis Rizo Chair Melissa Villegas and Staff Liaison Erik Sanchez ABSENT: Mark Brines, Paul Kruszynski and Bryant Smith CALL TO ORDER AND APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES In the absence of both the Chair and Vice Chair, the Commission Liaison Samantha Maximilian called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. A quorum was confirmed to be present. Pursuant to Robert’s Rules of Order, the Commission proceeded with the election of a Chair Pro Tem to preside over the meeting. The floor was opened for nominations. Commissioner Kahn was nominated by Commissioner Schvimer and the nomination was seconded by Commissioner Bernstein. Upon a vote, Commissioner Kahn was elected Chair Pro Tem by unanimous vote, with all members present voting in favor and none opposed. The meeting was then turned over to Chair Pro Tem Kahn who requested a motion to approve the April minutes. Commissioner Schvimer moved, Commissioner Bernstein seconded, all approved and the minutes were approved. PUBLIC COMMENT None FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT Chief Nick Eschner presented the Fire Department’s April report. He noted that summer events have begun and that the Fire Department has been present at community events, including neighborhood block parties and last weekend’s Festival of Cultures. Chief Eschner also reported that the fourth ambulance will be placed into service on June 2 and will operate out of Station 18. Questions and answers followed. Division Chief Michael Greenwood provided a presentation on the Fire Prevention Bureau. Questions and answers followed. POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT Deputy Chief Oakley presented the Police Department’s April report. He reported that departmental roll calls will be re-implemented at different parks every two weeks as part of an effort to further engage with the community. Questions, answers, and discussion followed. ENGINEERING REPORT Samantha Maximilian provided a verbal Engineering Report. She stated that the division remains focused on delivering infrastructure improvements, coordinating with regional partners, and advancing Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects throughout the Village. Questions and answers followed. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS Discussion was held regarding the proposed Yellow Line extension. No formal action was taken. Commissioner Bradean raised the topic of recent hate crime incidents and expressed interest in the Commission addressing the issue. During this discussion, a member of the public arrived and requested to address the Commission. Commissioner Rosenburg moved to reopen the public comment period to allow the speaker to address the Commission. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Schvimer. By consensus, the Commission agreed to reopen public comment. The speaker Roxann Salgado provided public comment regarding a reported hate crime incident, subsequent interactions with school and law enforcement officials, and the need for additional hate crime education and community awareness. Following public comment, the Commission discussed the matter further, including allowing law enforcement to complete its investigation and coordinating with the Village Manager’s Office and another commission that had also begun addressing the topic. Document Number: 508651 Document Name: Public Safety Commission Minutes Version: 91 The Commission also discussed the possibility of a future presentation regarding the co-responder program and procedures related to hate crime incidents. No formal action was taken. ADJOURNMENT At approximately 8:32 p.m. Commissioner Schvimer made a motion to adjourn, Commissioner Domke seconded, all approved and the meeting was adjourned. THE NEXT MEETING OF THE SKOKIE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2026 AT 7 P.M. AT SKOKIE POLICE STATION 17 AT 7300 NILES CENTER ROAD Document Number: 508651 Document Name: Public Safety Commission Minutes Version: 91