May 12, 2020 Approved Minutes
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE OAK PARK TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES HELD TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2020, ELECTRONICALLY CONDUCTED
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Manager Morgan called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Due to the Executive Order of the Governor, the meeting was conducted electronically via virtual meeting. On the call of the roll the following participated: Trustees Margaret Trybus, Ade Onayemi, Eric Davis, Michelle Mbekeani-Wiley, Assessor Ali Elsaffar and Clerk Gregory White. Attorney John Garofalo, Senior Services Director Pamela Mahn, Finance Director Lee Howard and Prevention Manager Kelly O'Connor also participated in the meeting.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Trustee Davis moved to approve the Consent Agenda, including the Minutes of the April 28, 2020 Regular Board of Trustees Meeting, and Township bills for the period April 18, 2020 through May 6, 2020. Trustee Trybus seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF FY2021 TENTATIVE BUDGET
Township Finance Director Lee Howard highlighted several points of the proposed FY21 Budgets, especially regarding projections for the Town, General Assistance and CMHB Funds.
Assessor Ali Elsaffar urged Board approval of an ordinance for a 0% Loss and Cost factor for the 2019 Levy to be submitted to the County Treasurer for the tax extension. Passage of this resolution would ensure that the Township would receive only the exact amounts stated in the budgets, without a possible "loss factor" increase paid by taxpayers. Board members unanimously agreed on this request as a safeguard to taxpayers and directed Manager Morgan to submit the request to the County Clerk’s office. The Board will consider the ordinance at its next meeting.
Trustee Davis then moved to adopt the TENTATIVE BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION AFDOPTING THE BUDGETS AND CERTIFICATES OF ESTIMATED REVENUES FOR OAK PARK TOWNSHIP, ILLINOIS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING MARCH 31, 2021, WITH THE ADDITIONAL REQUEST TO COOK COUNTY FOR A 0% COST FACTOR IN THE EVENT OF A LOSS IN REVENUE, to be taken to Public Hearing on June 23, 2020. Trustee Onayemi seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
APPROVAL OF CONTRACT WITH RIVER FOREST TOWNSHIP FOR YOUTH SERVICES
Manager Morgan and Youth Services Director Megan Traficano reviewed copies of a proposed agreement to continue Youth Services to River Forest Township. She noted that the previous agreements have worked well and that there were no major changes for the new agreement. Board members requested an adjustment in the number of respective members from Oak Park and River Forest which Manager Morgan will discuss with the River Forest Township Supervisor.
Trustee Trybus moved to approve the AGREEMENT FOR YOUTH SERVICES BETWEEN OAK PARK AND RIVER FOREST TOWNSHIPS, effective April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2022. Trustee Onayemi seconded the motion which passed unanimously. A copy of the Agreement is attached to and made a part of these minutes.
TOWNSHIP COVID-19 OPERATIONS
Township services continue to be given to citizens in the best procedures in response to COVID-19 regulations. Staff members continue uninterrupted services to individuals and groups and with the safety and health of all as a priority.
BRIEF REPORTS
Manager Morgan reported that he is forming a Committee to plan the reopening of Township operations at the 105 Offices and Senior Services Site at 130 S. Oak Park. The Committee will be formed from departments and staff volunteers and following Center for Disease Control and OSHA directives. Trustee Davis volunteered his assistance on the transition plan.
The Village of Oak Park has received an approximate $900,000 grant from HUD to address hunger issues, and the Township is exploring opportunities with Beyond Hunger and Housing Forward to apply for funding to expand grocery delivery.
Assessor Ali Elsaffar reported on the large volume of inquiries during the recent reassessment process, which lasted 64 days. 500 Scheduled in-person appointments were changed to telephone appeals calls, and all requesters were served. The Board commended the Assessor and his staff for achieving their goal of serving all citizens seeking assistance.
Youth Services Director Megan Traficano reported that she and her staff are working on revisions to the Youth Interventionist Agreement and its financial structure, and best meeting the mental health needs of area youth. An intern from a local university will be assisting staff in the fall. The current pandemic has resulted in the cancellation of many summer youth programs, and the Township is collaborating with the Park District on addressing summer youth needs, safety, and social distancing practices during the coming months.
Township Senior Services was highlighted in Perspective, the magazine of the Township Officials of Illinois, for its effective responses to Covid19 measures and providing services to seniors. Director Pamela Mahn reported on service providing to seniors for meals, transportation and other needed programs. Her staff is also preparing for the reopening of the Senior Lunch and office sites. Two interns will be working with staff this fall. A virtual meeting of the Senior Citizens' Services Committee will be held next week, as well as the Memory Cafe Program, and a screening of "Alive Inside", a film on adult dementia.
Trustee Onayemi reported on efforts by Rotary Club to provide assistance to nursing homes for safety or residents and staff. Rotary donated $13,000 for the purchase of Ipads.
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, May 26, 2020, conducted electronically among Board members.
ADJOURNMENT
Trustee Onayemi moved to adjourn at 8:16 p.m. Trustee Davis seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by
and recorded in the office of
_____________________________
Gregory White, Township Clerk
Approved: 5/26/2020