April 14, 2020 Approved Minutes

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE OAK PARK TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES HELD TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2020, ELECTRONICALLY VIA PHONE

 

CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

Manager Morgan called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. Due to the Executive Order of the Governor, the meeting was conducted electronically via speakerphone. On the call of the roll the following participated: Trustees Margaret Trybus, Ade Onayemi, Eric Davis, Michelle Mbekeani-Wiley and Clerk Gregory White. Township Manager Gavin Morgan coordinated the virtual meeting.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

 

Manager Morgan shared written comments from three individuals regarding the proposed Community Recreation/Wellness Center.

  • Former resident Kitty Conklin urged the Board not to commit to a 35-year lease for space in the proposed center and to direct the CMHB to revisit their plans and goals for the future.
  • Elector and Financial Advisory Committee member Gregory Kolar expressed concerns over the proposed Memorandum of Understanding with the Park District at this time, which would impact fund balances, and to the need for this project at this uncertain time.
  • Elector Corey Wesley also urged delay of the Memorandum of Understanding, in light of the current restrictions due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

 

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

Trustee Davis moved to approve the Minutes of the March 24, 2020 Regular Board of Trustees Meeting, and Township bills for the period March 20, 2020 through April 3, 2020. Trustee Onayemi seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

APPROVAL OF YOUTH SERVICES CONTRACTS

Youth Services Director Megan Traficano participated in the meeting to present the YSC's Contract recommendations for FY21. She presented information on the agencies seeking Township funding for their respective programs, along with the rationale for the YSC recommendations. A question and answer period with Board members followed.

Trustee Onayemi then moved to accept the recommendations of the Youth Services Committee and approve contract funding to the local agencies for their programs as presented, a copy of which is attached to and made a part of these minutes. Trustee Mbekeani-Wiley seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

CONSIDERATION OF MEMO OF UNDERSTANDING WITH PARK DISTRICT OF OAK PARK

Manager Morgan shared a draft of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Township and the Park District, as directed at the previous meeting. The memo was considered the next step in the proposed community recreation center with the Township becoming a tenant and a funding partner with the Park District.

Mr. Morgan supported the memo, citing that the Township would benefit as a partner; that it had the support of the Youth Services and Senior Services Director; that it would provide additional office and program space for the Township services; and that it would serve the population of Oak Park, especially those identified as "at risk".

Board members voiced concerns about approving the memo at this time, with considerable sums of money pledged to the project, as well as the shelter order in place due to the pandemic.

Trustee Davis moved to defer action on approving the Memorandum of Understanding with the Park District until mid-May due to the current health climate. Trustee Onayemi seconded the motion which passed unanimously

 

TOWNSHIP OPERATIONS DURING VOP ORDER TO SHELTER

Manager Morgan reported on the Township's response to continue necessary services to citizens in response to the Governor's Executive Order for public safety and the Village of Oak Park's Order To Shelter.

The Township Offices are closed to walk-in traffic. Two staff maintain the front reception area and phones on a daily basis.

Most business is being conducted by phone or other electronic means, including the Assessor, Youth Services, and Community Mental Health Board.

Volunteers are assisting staff in providing senior services to residents at their homes, including meals preparation and delivery. Caseworkers contact their clients via phone or email. Senior transportation for necessary trips is provided to senior and handicapped users.

For detailed information and reports by department of services and procedures, please visit the Township website at www.oakparktownship.org.

Manager Morgan again commended Township staff for their cooperation, dedication and outstanding efforts in serving the needs of the various groups in the community. Their efforts continue with improved delivery of service and collaboration among providers. The Board agreed and commended Staff for their efforts.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Trustee Onayemi moved to enter Executive Session at 8:09 to discuss a personnel and legal matters. Trustee Davis seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

The Board returned to open session at 8:09 p.m.

 

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of the Oak Park Township Board of Trustees will be a Regular Board of Trustees Meeting, at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, 2020, conducted electronically among Board members.

 

ADJOURNMENT

Trustee Davis moved to adjourn at 8:24 p.m. Trustee Onayemi seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted by

and recorded in the office of

 

_____________________________

Gregory White, Township Clerk

 

Approved: 5/12/2020