March 23, 2021 Approved Minutes

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE OAK PARK TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES HELD ELECTRONICALLY TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2021

 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

Supervisor Keenan called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. On the call of the roll the following participated: Supervisor Clarmarie Keenan, Trustees Ade Onayemi, Eric Davis, Margaret Trybus, and Clerk Gregory White. Township Manager Gavin Morgan and Attorney John Garofalo were also present.

APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA

Trustee Onayemi moved to approve the Consent Agenda, including the Minutes of the March 9, 2021 Regular Board of Trustees Meeting, and Township bills for the period February 27 through March 12, 2021. Trustee Davis seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

APPROVAL OF YOUTH SERVICES CONTRACTS

The Board reviewed the proposed Youth Services Contracts as recommended by the Youth Services Committee after hearings and review. Youth Services Director Megan Traficano answered questions from Board members regarding particular contracts and items. She also noted changes to existing programs and that the recommended contract amounts were within financial parameters set in the FY22 year’s Budget.

Trustee Trybus then moved to accept the recommendations of the Youth Services Committee and approve the Youth Services Contracts as presented, in the total amount of $183,775. Trustee Davis seconded the motion which passed unanimously. The Board also commended the YSC for its efforts and administration of Youth Services contracted programs. Information on any or all of the contracts and their respective agencies are available with Township Youth Services Administration.

APPOINTMENT TO YOUTH SERVICES COMMITTEE

Trustee Trybus moved to appoint Nathan DeVenney to a full three-year term on the Youth Services Committee. Dr. DeVenney is currently serving his residency at Loyola University Medical Center’s Pediatrics Department. Trustee Onayemi seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

UPDATE ON CMHB PAYMENT OF LEASE AGREEMENT

Manager Morgan shared copies of the Lease Agreement of the Park District of Oak Park with the Community Mental Health Board, beginning April 1, 2021, which is the first day of the FY22. Mr. Morgan gave an update on expenditures, which are being carefully monitored by CMHB and Township Finance Director Lee Howard, who will also keep the Town Board apprised of any changes. A copy of the Lease Agreement is available for inspection in the Township Clerk’s Office.

Manager Morgan reported on plans for salary increases for FY22 in light of recent issues and continuing effects of the COVID pandemic on work demands and provision of services. A cost-of-living increase of 1.4% will take effect the first pay period in April 2021, with a performance management process being informed by the culture and climate project as well as the strategic planning process, leading to a merit increase system. The merit increase will take place in October of 2021.

TOWNSHIP MANAGER’S REPORT

Manager Morgan reported that tax receipts for the Township will be received later than usual this year. Additionally:

  • All Township employees are now eligible and encouraged to receive the COVID19 vaccine through the Village of Oak Park. Many employees have already been fully vaccinated.
  • Township assistance and outreach to senior citizens for the COVID vaccine are continuing and producing results. As of last week, more than 9,000 Oak Parkers have been fully vaccinated.
  • Manager Morgan recognized Senior Services Director Pamela Mahn for her fine work and noted she will be celebrating her 25th anniversary with Oak Park Township next week.
  • The Township will soon conduct an in-house dependent eligibility audit for medical insurance. This is required by the insurance cooperative, and may result in cost savings.
  • An update was given on local government consolidation bills proposed in the Illinois General Assembly.

SUPERVISOR’S REPORT

Supervisor Keenan thanked staff for their continued efforts in providing assistance to seniors with the COVID19 vaccine program. She also reported that the new Town Board members will have an orientation meeting after the election to review the goals, policies, and obligations to the Township as elected officials. Similar orientations will be held for all Board and Committee members on duties and responsibilities. The recent IGOV Meeting focused on a review of the group’s mission statement.

CLERK’S REPORT

Clerk White reported on early voting dates and hours prior to the April 6 General Election. Election Judges are always in need and Board members were encouraged to recruit interested citizens in serving. Arrangements have been made for both the Township Board Room and Township Senior Services for use as polling places in the upcoming election.

REMEMBRANCE: SHERLYNN REID

The Board noted the passing of former VOP Community Relations Director and community activist Sherlynn Reid, also the mother of Deputy Assessor Dorothy Reid. She will be remembered for her commitment to diversity in Oak Park and for her kind and dedicated leadership.

NEXT MEETING

The next scheduled meeting of the Oak Park Township Board of Trustees will be a Regular Board of Trustees Meeting, conducted electronically, Tuesday, April 13, 2021, immediately following the Annual Town Meeting.

ADJOURNMENT

Trustee Onayemi moved to adjourn at 7:56 p.m. Trustee Davis seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted by
and recorded in the office of

_____________________________

Gregory White, Township Clerk

Approved:  4/27/21