December 17, 2024 Regular Board Approved Minutes

 

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE OAK PARK TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES HELD TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2024, CONDUCTED IN-PERSON AND ELECTRONICALLY.

Call To Order

-7:06pm

Roll Call

In attendance for the following: supervisor, Tim Thomas; Clark, DaToya Burtin-Cox; Trustee, Margaret Trybus; Trustee, Ade Onayemi; Trustee, Juan Munoz: Attorney, John Garofalo.  Also in attendance were Director, Potts; Director, Traficano; Director Mahn; Senior services food director, Oneda and Assistant Delanay.

  • Several members of the community were also in attendance

In attendance virtually was trustee, Eric Davis.

  • A motion was made by supervisor Thomas. The motion was seconded but trustee, Trybus.  The board voted unanimously to allow Davis to participate virtually. 

Special Business

Dedicating the Senior and Disability Welcome Center in Memory of Clarmarie Keenan

  • Trustee, Onayemi, made a presentation of a plaque.  Following the presentation of the plague a ribbon cutting ceremony occurred. 

Public Comments

There were no public comments 

Consent Agenda

Approval of Minutes: November 19, 2024

Approval of Bills

Trustee, Onayemi made a motion to approve the consent agenda
Trustee Davis seconded the motion.
The board unanimously to approve the motion with corrections to the minutes.

Business Items

  • Presentation of the 2024 Property Tax Levy 
    • The Township manager provide the board with information of two additional options put together by the auditor.  
    • Option 4  had the tax levy at 3.4 %. This option is slightly above the CPI. The option provides the Township with limited flexibility To meet financial obligation and has a small impact on the taxpayer. There would be no gain in the fund balance.
    • Option 5 have the tax levy at 4.3%. This option would leave the Township with A small gain in the small fund balance. 
    • The board discussed all five options regarding the tax levy and decided that the Township should take option 4 which is slightly above the CPI but would allow the Township to meet its financial obligations and not have a Jurassic effect upon the residents. 
  • Ordinance Adopting the 2024 Property Tax Levy
    • Trustee Davis made a motion to adapt the 2024 property tax levy in line with option 4. Trustee Munoz seconded the motion. The board unanimously approved. Trustee Davis made a motion to adopt the purchasing and procurement policy
  • Ordinance Adopting Purchasing and Procurement Policy
    • a motion was brought by trustee Davis to adopt the purchasing and procurement policy. The motion was seconded by trustee Onayemi.  The board voted unanimously to approve.
  • Transferring Town Funds to the General Assistance Fund
    • Township manager requested $416,469 to transfer from the Township fund to the general assistance fund. A motion was brought by trustee Trybus to allow the transfer. The motion was seconded by trustee Davis. The board voted unanimously to approve.
  • Resolution Appointing Deputy Clerk
    • It was brought to the board's attention the request to appoint a deputy clerk. The deputy clerk will act in the absence of the clerk. The stipend for the deputy clerk position is $5000.
    • A motion was brought to allow the appointment of a deputy clerk by trustee Davis. 
      • The motion was seconded by trustee Munoz.  The board voted unanimously to approve.
  • Adoption of the 2025 Meeting Calendar
    • A motion was brought by a trustee Trybus to approve the 2025 board calendar. The motion was seconded by trustee Davis. The board voted unanimously to approve.

Discussion Items

  • Boys on the Rise Pilot Program Presentation 
    • The Township began girls on the rise in 2017. The program grew from 1:00 group to several old park groups in the elementary schools and River Forest Schools.
      • The boys group have been requested.
      • Formal Township employee Raheem Young It's coming back to run the program.
      • There will be 1 group at Brooks Middle school/ Julian Middle School.
        • each school will provide 15 students
      • Trustee Munoz Thanks if there will be cross data evaluation of the progress of the program.
      • Trustee Trybus ask if there will be parent feedback collected
  • Jobs Skills and Training Pilot Program Presentation 
    • The youth and Family Services team I have initiated a job skill program. In the past they have taken on at least four kids and assisted them with jobs training [resume writing, grooming, job search] and each of the students have obtained employment
      • the initial 4 participants came through the adjudication program
    • the job skill training program will work with high school students
      • planning on running three sessions
  • Strategic Planning Update 
    • Updated version of the plan with assistance of trustee Trybus
      • Revised action plan. Took into consideration points made by the board and feedback
      • Community listening session is being planned

Brief Reports:

  • Township Manager
    • River Forest adjudication program has made 10 referrals 
  • Township Supervisor
    • Thank you to the Township for participating in the visual for the village of Oak Park police officer who died on the job
      • Township is looking into staff safety protocols 

Trustee Liaison Committee Members 

  • Youth and Family Services (Trustee Trybus)
    • No new information  
    • contract night schedule for January 8th 

Senior Services Committee (Trustee Davis)

  • No meeting.

Community Mental Health Board 

  • DePaul Program at D97 Meeting with the district
    • decided to stop the program
  • CMHB/ DePaul will still  Provide limited services and make referrals
    • will be available to all youth 

I-GOV (Trustee Onayemi)

  • met on December 14th 
  • discussed candidate form issues and tax levies 

Adjournment of General Meeting

  • Adjourn at 9:18 pm
  • Made by trustee Trybus and seconded by trustee Onayemi.  The board voted unanimously to close session. 
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