The August 26th minutes were approved after a motion was made by Trustee Trybus and seconded by Trustee Davis. The vote was unanimous.
Approval of Bills
The consent of bills was approved after a motion was made by Trustee Trybus and seconded by Trustee Davis. The vote was unanimous.
Business Items
Approval of Revisions to the Personal Policy
Manager Michel referred the Board to the personal policy proposed changes. He referenced sections 8.3 and 8.10, they deal with sick leave and retention of employment beyond a paid leave period. There was a lengthy discussion and question and answer session. The item will be tabled until the next Board Meeting.
Proclamation Recognizing Ageism Awareness Day
Trustee Munoz read out the proclamation. The proclamation was approved by a motion from Trustee Munoz and seconded by Trustee Trybus. The vote was unanimous.
Discussion Items
Discussion regarding Youth and Family Services Contracted Programs
The Board revisited the idea of moving toward an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) model and away from the current grant-based approach. This proposal was first raised at the previous meeting.
Trustee Trybus noted that the Township does not need to adopt this model simply because River Forest has done so. She expressed concern that complications could arise if other governing bodies choose not to enter into IGAs. Trustee Burtin-Cox added that the Youth and Family Services (YFS) Committee would like further information before moving forward. Manager Michel confirmed that staff will assist in gathering the necessary details.
Trustee Munoz observed that, particularly in the context of upcoming levy discussions, the use of IGAs could enhance transparency regarding how stakeholder dollars are allocated. While the initial focus may be on Youth and Family Services, the approach could eventually serve as a model for all Township grant programs.
Trustees Burtin-Cox and Trybus also raised concerns about the potential impact on individual funding requests, citing examples such as teachers seeking support for specific programming. Supervisor Thomas stated that it is likely the Township will pursue multiple IGAs with various governing bodies to address these needs. Trustee Davis emphasized that such a transition would be beneficial for public understanding, as it would highlight that certain programs are delivered in partnership with the Township. The Board agreed to revisit the issue at a future meeting.
Brief Reports
Township Manager
Manager Michel reported that the neighborhood services rental assistance program will align with EA program synergy that the Village wants by the end of the year.
He and Stephaine Scaletta are working on a draft of the strategic plan. They will share that with the Board in October.
He reported that CEDA will open LIHEAP applications on September 24th, for fillings on October 6th.
Township Supervisor
Supervisor Thomas reminded that Board that Senior Services is hosting a Happy Hour at Cooper’s Hawk on September 24th from 2pm – 4pm. The fee is $18.50. Registration is available on the Township website on the event calendar. He encouraged the other board members to attend, if their schedule allows.
Supervisor Thomas reported that he will tour with MTA’s legislative committee, the Proviso Township.
Supervisor Thomas stated that the Board needs to start conversations on their percentage of the levy soon in order of having a vote in October.
Supervisor Thomas shared that Clerk Johannesson hosted, on behalf of the Oak Park Township, the TOCC Clerk’s Division for their monthly meeting & dinner on September 4th. Senate President Harmon was the Guest Speaker. Supervisor Thomas and Manager Michel also addressed the attendees.
Trustee Liaison Committee Members
Youth and Family Services Committee
Trustee Burtin-Cox reported that the Youth and Family Services Committee discussed the idea of IGA contracts versus grant awards. There was not a quorum. The group will need a new committee member.
Senior Services Committee
Trustee Munoz reported that the Senior Services Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. They will meet again on September 18th.
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. The committee will meet again on September 18th.
IGOV
IGOV has not met. The next meeting will be on September 20th.
Adjournment
Trustee Trybus made a motion to adjourn. Trustee Davis seconded the motion. The Board agreed to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 PM.
