MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE OAK PARK TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES HELD TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2025, CONDUCTED IN-PERSON AND ELECTRONICALLY.
Call to Order
7:04 p.m.
Roll Call
In Attendance - Manager Michel (virtually), Supervisor Thomas, Trustee Davis (virtually), Trustee Munoz, Trustee Burton-Cox, Trustee Trybus (virtually), Clerk Johannesson(virtually) Also in Attendance, Community Mental Health Board Executive Director Cheryl Potts (virtually), Pamala Mann, Director of Senior Services
Public Comments
N/A
Consent for Member to Attend Virtually
A motion was made by Trustee Davis to allow Trustee Trybus, Clerk Johannesson, and Manager Michel to participate virtually. Trustee Munoz seconded the motion.
Director Potts reported that the Community Mental Health Board (CMHB) has finalized its budget. The organization will continue operating under a deficit spending model until its fund balance is fully expended. Of the total $2 million budget, $1.5 million has been allocated to contracts and programmatic services. She reported that there will be 2 more years of deficit spending. Trustee Munoz asked if the CMHB was looking into federal grants. Potts answered in the affirmative.
Business Items
Renaming the Senior Services Meeting Room to the David Boulanger Community Room
Trustee Davis informed the Board that Mr. Boulanger was receptive to the dedication. The Senior Service Board was. “Overjoyed”, by the plan. The Township Board unanimously voted to continue. Trustee Davis suggested a robust advertisement of the naming event.
Brief Reports
Township Manager
Manager Michel reported on a new initiative involving a “Drug Take-Back” program. Secure drop boxes will be installed at each township building to allow for the safe disposal of medications, including needles. This initiative will incur a minimal cost and has been accounted for in the budget.
Pamala Mann provided an update on upcoming statewide advocacy efforts in response to potential funding cuts to senior programs. She noted that more than 38 events are scheduled to take place across the state in support of these essential services.
Township Supervisor
Supervisor Thomas shared his participation alongside staff in the River Forest Memorial Day Parade. He encouraged Board members to attend both the upcoming Elected Officials Breakfast and Day in Our Village events on June 1st. Additionally, he informed the Board that there is currently no movement on Senate Bill 2504.
Trustee Liaison Committee Members
Youth and Family Services Committee
Trustee Trybus reported that the Youth and Family Services Committee has not met since the last Township Board Meeting.
Senior Services Committee
Trustee Munoz reported that the Senior Services Committee met on May 21. He presented the idea of renaming the meeting room in the Senior Services Center to honor David Bollinger. The committee was unanimously in support and recommended naming it the David Bollinger Community Room. They also suggested we advertise it more to encourage community attendance.
Age Options held an emergency meeting and shared that funding through the Older Americans Act appears to be secured through the end of the fiscal year.
The self-accreditation process for senior centers is currently on hold. The organization overseeing it realized their third-party accreditation model didn’t translate well, and they no longer offer third-party accreditation. We expect an update by the end of summer.
CMHB
Trustee Davis reported CMH Board has concluded their budget process.
IGOV
The IGOV Committee is continuing work on a shared document entitled, “So You Want to Run foe Local Office".
Adjournment of General Meeting
Trustee Burton-Cox made a motion to adjourn. Trustee Munoz seconded the motion. The Board agreed to adjourn the meeting at 7:48 PM
