April 27, 2021 Approved Minutes

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE OAK PARK TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES HELD ELECTRONICALLY TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 2021

CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

Clerk White called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m. On the call of the roll the following participated: 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 23, 2021 Regular Board of Trustees Meeting, and Township bills for the period March 13 through April 16 2021. Trustee Trybus seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

UPDATE TO WORKPLACE SAFETY PLAN

Manager Morgan shared copies of the Workplace Safety Plan for the reopening of Township Offices, with highlighted revisions and updates due to recent reports. The Township Task Force has worked diligently through the last year to plan a carefully phased reopening of Township facilities, including input from the public, the CDC, and the Village of Oak Park Health Department. A question and answer period followed, and the plan will be brought for formal approval by the Board at an upcoming meeting.

Supervisor Clarmarie Keenan joined the meeting at 7:11 p.m.

DISCUSSION OF TOWNSHIP TRANSPORTATION SERVICES POTENTIAL EXPANSION

Manager Morgan reported that the Township has used its transportation services to assist the community in receiving social services, particularly in response to the COVID19 pandemic. The OPRF Community Foundation is facilitating a needs assessment for more collaboration of transportation to provide access to services in the community. Suggestions include transportation to the YMCA, youth programs, and long-term community needs. Expanded services would not have a negative impact on current Township Transportation services. Mr. Morgan requested Board input on the topic for discussion at future meetings.

Trustee Michelle Mbekeani joined the meeting at 7:23 p.m.

Supervisor Keenan and Trustee Davis recommended that the new Township Board work with departmental directors to ascertain levels of needs of Township services. It was agreed that Manager Morgan will try to coordinate a planning session with the new Board and staff members.

FY22 BUDGET DISCUSSION

Board members continued discussion on planning for the FY22 Township Budgets. There are no major increases nor changes projected for the coming fiscal year. Some generalizations were shared on the Town, General Assistance and CMHB Funds. The Recommended Budgets will be presented to the Board for consideration at the May 11 Meeting.

TOWNSHIP MANAGER’S REPORT

Manager Morgan reported on the Township’s Branding Project and encouraged the input of Board members into the process. He also reported on the Culture and Climate Meeting of Township staff. Tomorrow will be the Council of Governments Meeting. The swearing in of newly elected Township Officials will be held at the end of the May 11 Board Meeting. The Board Members agreed the swearing-in should take place virtually.

SUPERVISOR’S REPORT

Supervisor Keenan reminded Board members that the Township’s Mission Statement states the core values, common beliefs and mission statement for the Township and services it provides. Additionally, Board members need to be mindful of the contributions of taxpayers and their desire for holding costs down. She will be in virtual attendance at the Council of Governments Meeting tomorrow, and again thanked Township staff for their efforts in delivery of services to the community.

CLERK’S REPORT

Clerk White reported that utilization of Township space the April 6 General Election went well and that citizens and election judges were pleased with the sites used for polling places. The official proclamation of results of the April 6 General Election was issued by the Cook County Clerk’s Office today. The Clerk’s Office Actual Budget came in under the anticipated budget for this fiscal year, and a new computer system was purchased for greater efficiency of operations. Finally, Board members were reminded that their Statements of Economic Interest need to be filed with the County Clerk by May 1.

NEXT MEETING

The next scheduled 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, May 11, 2021.

ADJOURNMENT

Trustee Onayemi moved to adjourn at 8:30 p.m. Trustee Trybus seconded the motion which passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted by

and recorded in the office of

_____________________________

Gregory White, Township Clerk

Approved:___5/11/2021