July 21, 2020 Approved Minutes
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE OAK PARK TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES HELD TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2020, AT OAK PARK TOWNSHIP SENIOR SERVICES, 130 SOUTH OAK PARK AVENUE, OAK PARK, ILLINOIS
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Trustee Onayemi called the meeting to order at 7:56 p.m. On the call of the roll the following were present: Trustees Eric Davis, Margaret Trybus, and Ade Onayemi. Township Manager Gavin Morgan was also present. Trustee Michelle Mbekeani and Clerk Gregory White participated in the meeting via speakerphone.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Trustee Onayemi moved to approve the Consent Agenda, including the Minutes of the June 23, 2020 Public Hearing and Regular Board of Trustees Meeting, and Township bills for the period June 17, 2020 through July 16, 2020. Trustee Trybus seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
APPOINTMENT TO YOUTH SERVICES COMMITTEE
Trustee Trybus moved to appoint Erica Charles to a full three-year term on the Youth Services Committee. Trustee Mbekeani seconded the motion which passed unanimously. The Board congratulated Ms. Charles on her fine qualifications and welcomed her to the YSC.
APPROVAL OF COST OF LIVING INCREASES FOR STAFF FOR FY 21
Board members revisited cost of living increases for staff, which were not enacted earlier due to the potential for Covid19 financial restraints. After discussion, Board members agreed to a 2.3% COLA increase, the rate for the Chicagoland metro area.
Trustee Onayemi moved to approve 2.3% cost of living increases for all Township staff, retroactive to April 1, 2020, the beginning of the current fiscal year. Trustee Trybus seconded the motion which passed unanimously by a roll call vote. It was also noted that elected officials’ salaries had not been increased for FY19 or FY20, which was set by a state required resolution prior to the current term. Those salary adjustments will be updated and made retroactive to May 2019 as determined.
APPROVAL OF DEMENTIA FRIENDLY OAK PARK RESOLUTION
Trustee Onayemi moved to approve RESOLUTION 2020-02 SUPPORTING A “DEMENTIA FRIENDLY OAK PARK”, a copy of which is attached to and made a part of these minutes. Trustee Davis seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
DISCUSSION OF PERSONNEL POLICY UPDATES
Manager Morgan shared copies of a draft of a proposed Township Telecommuting Policy for the Board’s review. Board members were requested to carefully review the draft with inputs or comments for final action to be taken at the August 18 Board Meeting. Manager Morgan recommended postponing action on changes to vacation carry over.
TOWNSHIP MANAGER’S REPORT
Manager Morgan reported on consulting work being performed by Reesheda Graham Washington on racial equity and needs within the Township. She will also be meeting with Board members in the near future for more input.
REMEMBRANCE: GLORIA GAROFALO
Board members noted the recent passing of Gloria Garofalo, community activist and wife of long-term Township Attorney John Garofalo. Gloria is remembered for her support of Township and other community programs, and especially her many years of service with the Frank Lloyd Wright Studio Foundation.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Trustee Davis moved to enter Executive Session at 8:46 p.m. to discuss two personnel matters. Trustee Onayemi seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
The Board returned to open session at 9:22 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, August 18,2020 conducted electronically.
ADJOURNMENT
Trustee Onayemi moved to adjourn at 9:23 p.m. Trustee Davis seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by
and recorded in the office of
_____________________________
Gregory White, Township Clerk
Approved: 8/18/2020