September 14, 2021 Approved Minutes
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE OAK PARK TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES CONDUCTED IN-PERSON AND VIRTUALLY, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021.
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Supervisor Keenan called the meeting to order at 7:04pm. On the call of the roll the following participated in the meeting in person: Trustees Margaret Trybus, Ade Onayemi, and Tim Thomas. Supervisor Clarmarie Keenan was in attendance by video conference. Trustee Onayemi moved to approve electronic participation by the Township Supervisor. Trustee Trybus seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously.
Township Manager Gavin Morgan, Attorney John Garofalo were also present. Director of Senior Services Pamela Mahn attended virtually.
Trustee Eric Davis joined the meeting virtually at 7:10pm, and Trustee Onayemi moved to approve electronic participation by Eric Davis. Trustee Thomas seconded the motion and the Board approved unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
Trustee Thomas moved approval of the Bills List dated September 14, 2021. Trustee Trybus seconded the motion. The Board approved the bills unanimously. The Board will consider the minutes from the August 24, 2021, Board Meeting at their next regular meeting.
BUSINESS ITEMS:
Manager Morgan introduced the proposed mandatory vaccine policy for staff emphasizing the need to maintain a safe and healthy environment for clients, the public, and staff. Trustee Trybus made a motion to approve the policy as presented, which was seconded by Trustee Davis. The Board amended the purpose statement to add that this policy is important because the Township serves populations that are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19.
Following a motion by Trustee Onayemi and a second by Supervisor Keenan, to appoint Joan Greene to the Senior Services advisory committee, the Board discussed Ms. Greene’s qualifications and background in senior services and advocacy. The Board voted unanimously to approve the appointment.
The Board moved the consideration of an appointment to the position of Township Clerk down the agenda to follow the Executive Session where they would discuss their interviews with four candidates.
DISCUSSION ITEM:
Manager Morgan presented the parameters for this year’s property tax levy discussion. The December 2019 to December 2020 CPI, which sets the tax cap for the 2021 levy is 1.4%. The Board has also committed to forgoing approximately $72,000 in revenue to compensate taxpayers for a larger than expected 2020 levy extension. The additional revenue was due to an unexpected application of the extension calculation by the County Clerk’s office. Based on the 1.4% cap, the commitment of the Board, and the value of new growth in the Village, Finance staff will present the Board with a range of options for the property tax levy.
BRIEF REPORTS:
Manager Morgan reported that the Leadership Team for the Culture and Climate project is mapping out goals and objective and will bring those to the Board in the near future. “All staff” meetings, executive team trainings, and coaching on this project continue with RGW Consulting. Manager Morgan is meeting with staff from the NIU Center for Governmental Studies to plan the Needs Assessment Survey and focus groups. Nancy Morris, consultant for the Township’s branding/messaging project updated the Board on the project, which includes a messaging framework, logo design, website, as well as branding standards and protocols.
Supervisor Keenan thanked staff for the work they continue to perform at a high level in challenging circumstances throughout the pandemic. She then went over liaison responsibilities and expectations. Supervisor Keenan also emphasized resources available to the Board from Township Officials of Illinois (TOI), Township Officials of Cook County (TOCC), and the Metropolitan Township Association (MTA).
Trustee Davis reported that the IGOV Committee will have a virtual presentation Saturday about a Climate Plan for the community.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Trustee Davis moved and Trustee Onayemi seconded the motion to enter Executive Session to discuss a specific personnel matter, the appointment of a Township Clerk. The Board entered executive session at 8:07pm. The Executive Session ended at 8:32pm.
BUSINESS ITEM:
Trustee Trybus moved and Trustee Onayemi seconded the motion to appoint DaToya Burtin-Cox to the position of Township Clerk to complete the current term of office for the position that was vacated upon the death of Clerk Greg White.
ADJOURNMENT:
Trustee Onayemi moved to adjourn at 8:34pm. Trustee Thomas seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of Oak Park Township will be the regular Board of Trustees Meeting at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 28, 2021, at Township Hall, 105 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL.
Respectfully submitted by
And recorded in the office of the Township Clerk.
_________________________________
Gavin W. Morgan, Township Manager
Approved: September 28, 2021