Also in Attendance – Macade Thorpe, Auditor Lauterbach & Amen LLC (Virtually), Derk Deloore FACT Committee, Greg Kolar FACT Committee, Megan Traficao, Director Youth and Family Services
Public Comments
N/A
Consent Agenda
Approval of Minutes: July 22, 2025, minutes were approved. Trustee Munoz asked if individual reports will be linked. They will be linked on the website moving forward once minutes are approved. After a motion was made by Trustee Davis and seconded by Trustee Burtin- Cox. The vote was unanimous.
Approval of Bills
The consent of bills was approved.
Business Items
Presentation and Acceptance of the FY2025 Financial Audit
Mr. Thorpe reviewed the FY2025 Independent Audit with the board. (Note that this was the first year the Township has retained the firm of Lauterbach & Amen LLC as their auditors.)
He revealed that this was the second year in a row that the Oak Park Township was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association.
He reviewed several specific sections of the report.
One area examined was keeping an “eye” on the GSA fund. Michel said there was no reason to do anything yet regarding its balance, but an increase in the levy may be necessary in the future.
The members of the FACT committee had no questions. Trustee Davis made a motion to accept the FY2025 Annual Comprehensive Report. Trustee Trybus seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous.
Proclamation Recognizing Township Assessor Ali ElSaffar’s 25 years of Service to the Community
The proclamation was read, and a motion was made by Trustee Davis and Trustee Trybus seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous. (Note that the vote was pushed back on the agenda since AlSaffar was in a client meeting.)
Discussion Items
Discussion regarding Youth and Family Services Contracted Programs
Supervisor Thomas and Director Traficano relayed that the River Forest Township is moving to an Inter-governmental Agreement model versus grants.
Director Traficano is seeking guidance on grant applications moving forward.
She would like to discuss with the YFS board, the notion of entering into IGA’s with organizations across the board.
The Township Board, after a lengthy discussion approved Traficano’s request, and she will report after meeting with the FYS Board.
Brief Reports
Township Manager
Manager Michel reported that during a recent “micro burst” weather event, the main Township Office had extensive flooding in the basement. Due to the quick work overseen by Otis Hunter and others, and a plumbing company, there was minimal damage.
The Township is finalizing the text for a plaque to accompany the Senior Services mosaic mural.
Manager Michel reported that the Back-To-School event at Brooks Middle School was a great success, with over 300 back packs given out, barber and braiding services additional offered. Michel gave a special recognition to Traficano and her entire team for their hard work, and dedication in the effort to welcome students.
Michel discussed a future pilot program that the Township will participate in for LGBTQ age options training.
Township Supervisor
Supervisor Thomas indicated that has been attending several Senior lunches and encourage the other board members to do the same, if their schedule allows.
Thomas had a very productive meeting with the Oak Park Village President, Vickie Scaman addressing the holistic need for more case workers to address the needs of the community. He also spoke with D97’s Board President Moore regarding a more equitable funding model between D97 and the Township. Thomas also congratulated the YFS team for an outstanding Back-to-School event.
Trustee Liaison Committee Members
Youth and Family Services Committee
Trustee Burtin-Cox reported that the Youth and Family Services Committee has not met since the last Township Board Meeting and will meet on September 3rd.
Senior Services Committee
Trustee Munoz reported that the Senior Services Committee has not met since the last Board Meeting, but he has been observing their home meal deliveries. He reported that the Illinois Department on Aging will be meeting on specific regional needs on September 17th.
CMHB
Trustee Davis reported CMH Board has not met. There will be a West Cook Suicide Prevention Workshop on September 18-19th at the Hyatt in Oak Brook
IGOV
Thomas and Johannesson reported that the IGOV Committee is continuing work on a shared document entitled, “So You Want to Run for Local Office. They are asking each local Board to consider changing their scheduled days of the week, so that they do not coincide.
Adjournment
Trustee Davis made a motion to adjourn. Trustee Trybus seconded the motion. The Board agreed to adjourn the meeting at 8:57 PM
