MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE OAK PARK TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TRUSTEES HELD TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2025, CONDUCTED IN-PERSON AND ELECTRONICALLY.
Call to Order
7:03 p.m.
Roll Call
In Attendance - Manager Michel, Supervisor Thomas, Trustee Davis, Trustee Munoz, , Trustee Trybus, Clerk Johannesson. Also in Attendance, Megan Traficano – Director of Youth and Family Services, Dominique Hickman – Assistant Director of Youth and Family Services, Jacob Matson – Community Justice Manager
There were no community members present for the hearing.
Approval of the FY2026 Township Budget
The Township will see an increase of 4.5 FTEs in FY2026. This will incur a cost of approximately $30,000 from the General Fund.
Trustee Davis made a motion to move the ordinance as presented. Trustee Munoz seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.
Approval of Ordinance Ascertaining Prevailing Wages for FY2026
Trustee Davis made a motion to move the ordinance as presented. Trustee Munoz seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously. Supervisor Thomas and Clerk Johannesson signed the ordinance for filing with the county.
Approval of Outstanding Check Policy
Manager Micheal informed the Board that the Outstanding Check Policy agenda item will be tabled until the next meeting to review best practices.
Discussion Items
Boys on the Rise Pilot Program Update
Dominique Hickman – Assistant Director of Youth and Family Services, Jacob Matson – Community Justice Manager addressed the Board.
The program provided services to 26 young men at Brooks. There are on-going issues with space logistics at Brooks and Julian. 20 students have completed the survey. Trustee Trybus inquired about post programming tracking moving forward. The program currently services 6th graders. Supervisor Thomas reported that there are plans to expand the curriculum for other grade levels moving forward. Hickman reported that D97 is interested in expanding its capacity in the program. Trustee Trybus asked what D97 will be providing in terms of funding. Manager Micheal stated that that is a larger on-going conversation.
Jobs Program Pilot Program Update
Matson reported the following points for updates:
The program provides resume and interview preparation, along with tailored job opportunities, with the goal of empowering young people in the community— particularly during the summer or after school—to successfully obtain employment.
The program also emphasizes the development of technical support skills and professionalism, including guidance on creating professional email addresses and improving communication skills when applying to companies.
The program was originally launched as an initiative to support youth involved in the adjudication system. The program has since expanded and is now available to all high school-aged youth residing in Oak Park and River Forest.
Brief Reports
Township Manager
Manager Michel reported that at this time cuts to The Older Americans Act (Age Options) are not in the current Federal Funding bill. LIHEAP will be ending applications earlier, in June. Normally it closes in October. The Township will monitor the program deadlines as they adjust.
The Township has an upcoming collaboration with the Village of Oak Park and The Oak Park Art’s Council for an inter-generational mural.
On July 22nd, the Senior Community Center will be dedicated to former Township Supervisor David Boulanger. A press release will be forthcoming.
Township Supervisor
Supervisor Thomas shared information on the upcoming Senior Father’s Day BBQ. He also shared that Hickman would spearhead the Township’s involvement for Juneteenth.
He reported that the Township will be hosting walkthroughs with legislators in July. Dates will be reported once confirmed.
New assignments have been made for the trustee liaisons to committees. Trustee Trybus will join IGOV, Trustee Burton-Cox will join Youth and Family Services. Trustees Davis and Munoz will continue with their current assignments.
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 is proud to have voted to dedicate the Senior Community Room to Former Supervisor Boulanger on July 22nd.
CMHB
Trustee Davis reported CMH Board has inquired about grants to Yemba. The CMHB will elect a new Executive Board. The new board will be conducting an audit in September.
IGOV
IGOV will meet on Saturday July 19th. Trustee Trybus will be representing the township.
Adjournment
Trustee Munoz made a motion to adjourn. Trustee Davis seconded the motion. The Board agreed to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 PM
Executive Session
The Board began an Executive Session at 8:48 pm.
Regular Session resumed at 9:33pm. The topic was clarification of the Deputy Clerk’s compensation from January 2025 to May of 2025. The vote for full compensation for then Deputy Clerk Johannesson was unanimously approved with an initial motion by Trustee Davis, seconded by Trustee Munoz.
Trustee Munoz made a motion to adjourn. Trustee Davis seconded the motion. The Board agreed to adjourn the meeting at 9:35 PM
