February 23, 2021 Approved Minutes
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE OAK PARK TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES HELD ELECTRONICALLY TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2021
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Supervisor Keenan called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. On the call of the roll the following participated: Supervisor Clarmarie Keenan, Trustees Ade Onayemi, Eric Davis, Margaret Trybus, Michele Mbekeani and Clerk Gregory White. Township Manager Gavin Morgan and Attorney John Garofalo were also present.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Trustee Trybus moved to approve the Minutes of the February 9, 2021 Regular Board of Trustees Meeting and Township bills for the period February 3, 2021 through February 18, 2021 Trustee Davis seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
APPOINTMENT TO SENIOR CITIZENS SERVICES COMMITTEE
Trustee Onayemi moved to appoint Meg Herman to a full three-year term on the Senior Citizens Services Committee. Trustee Trybus seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
APPROVAL OF VISION/DENTAL INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR EMPLOYEES
Manager Morgan shared copies of a recommendation for the Township to begin paying a portion of the premium for dental and vision plans offered through the IPBC for full-time Township employees. Board members discussed the background and rationale for such coverage, to enhance employee benefits, increase employee satisfaction and lower recruitment and retention costs.
Trustee Davis then moved to approve the plan basics as presented through the Intergovernmental Personnel Benefits Cooperative (IPBC) and recommended by Manager Morgan and staff. Trustee Onayemi seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
PRESENTATION BY CMHB ON APPROVAL OF LEASE IN COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER
CMHB Executive Director Lisa Devivo presented information to the Town Board on plans for the new Community Recreation Center. At its recent meeting, the CMHB approved the proposed lease with the Park District for space in the new Community Rec Center. This action was undertaken after a lengthy period of investigation of costs, benefits, and possible outcomes. Major goals include better connection of the CMHB to its constituents, as well as long-term financial savings, along with the concept of a partnership of physical health and mental health for local citizens. Ms. Devivo then gave a detailed presentation of physical structures, space utilization, improvements in public services and other related details. The Board congratulated the CMHB for its diligence and efforts in collaboration with the Park District for the new center.
DISCUSSION RE: FY2022 BUDGET PROJECTIONS
Township Finance Director Lee Howard shared a 1st draft of anticipated revenues and operating expenditures for the next fiscal year with Board members He also shared commentary on fund balances for the various funds, along with significant projected changes in the year-to-year operating budget. More information on budget preparations will be given at future Board meetings.
TOWNSHIP MANAGER’S REPORT
Manager Morgan reported that the Township Board Calendar for FY22 will be presented at the next meeting. Another all staff meeting regarding Township work environment is scheduled with Reesheda Graham Washington for the coming week. Discussions are underway for the reopening of the Township sites. The Township continues to assist seniors with online vaccine applications and inquiries. AgeOptions recently provided vaccinations to 455 senior citizens and their caregivers, including many from Oak Park in a clinic held at North Riverside’s Village Hall.
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT
Supervisor Keenan thanked all staff for their continued efforts in providing services, especially through the recent phone registration for vaccine registration.
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the Oak Park Township Board of Trustees will be a Regular Board of Trustees Meeting, conducted electronically, at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, 2021.
ADJOURNMENT
Trustee Trybus moved to adjourn at 8:28 p.m. Trustee Onayemi seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by
and recorded in the office of
_____________________________
Gregory White, Township Clerk
Approved: 3/9/2021