President and Board of Trustees

123 Madison Street Village of Oak Park Oak Park, Illinois 60302 www.oak-park.us Meeting Minutes President and Board of Trustees Monday, November 18, 2019 6:30 PM Village Hall I. Call to Order Village President Abu-Taleb called the Meeting to order at 6:32 P.M. II. Roll Call Present: 6- Village President Abu-Taleb, Village Trustee Andrews, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Moroney, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla Absent: 1- Village Trustee Boutet III. Consideration of Motion to Adjourn to Executive Session to Discuss the Purchase or Lease of Property It was moved by Village Trustee Andrews, seconded by Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla, to enter into Executive Session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5) - purchase or lease of property. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows: AYES: 6- Village President Abu-Taleb, Village Trustee Andrews, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Moroney, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 1- Village Trustee Boutet V. Reconvene to Regular Meeting in Council Chambers and Call to Order The Regular Meeting reconvened at 7:31 P.M. VI. Roll Call Present: 7- Village President Abu-Taleb, Village Trustee Andrews, Village Trustee Boutet, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Moroney, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla Absent: 0 VII. Agenda Approval It was moved by Village Trustee Andrews, seconded by Village Trustee Moroney, to approve the Agenda. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. VIII. Minutes Village of Oak Park Page 1 Printed on 1/14/2020 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes November 18, 2019 A. ID 19-355 Motion to Approve Minutes from the November 4, 2019 Regular Meeting and November 11, 2019 Special Meeting of the Village Board. It was moved by Village Trustee Moroney, seconded by Village Trustee Andrews, that the Minutes be approved. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. IX. Non-Agenda Public Comment James Robinson-Parran. Mr. Robinson-Parran is a member of the Farmers Market Commission. He discussed the extensive work done by volunteers and is not supportive of the Village relinquishing control of the Farmers Market. Eric Davis. Mr. Davis is a member of the Oak Park Township Board. He urged the Village Board to reconsider the zoning of recreational cannabis as a Special Use. X. Village Manager Reports B. MOT 19-119 A Motion to Approve the October 2019 Monthly Treasurer’s Report for All Funds It was moved by Village Trustee Moroney, seconded by Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla, that this Motion be approved. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. C. ID 19-356 Village Manager’s Monthly Measures Report for August 2019 Village Trustee Boutet questioned why the Board is seeing the August report in November and asked when this will be up to date. Village Manager Pavlicek stated that the reports will most likely be caught up by early next year. XI. Village Board Committees There was nothing to report. XII. Citizen Commission Vacancies D. ID 19-359 Board & Commission Vacancy Report for November 18, 2019. There were no comments. XIII. Appointments E. MOT 19-124 Motion to Consent to the Village President’s Appointment of: Disability Access Commission - Terry Herbstritt, Appoint as Member Disability Access Commission - Victoria Ferrarina, Appoint as Member Village Clerk Scaman read the names aloud. It was moved by Village Trustee Moroney, seconded by Village Trustee Boutet, that this Motion be approved. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. Village of Oak Park Page 2 Printed on 1/14/2020 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes November 18, 2019 XIV. Public Hearing It was moved by Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla, seconded by Village Trustee Moroney, to call to order the Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2020 Recommended Budget. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. F. ID 19-311 Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2020 Recommended Budget Village Attorney Stephanides stated that Notice of the Public Hearing was published as required by Section 2-6-5 of the Village Code in the Wednesday Journal on November 6, 2019. Jane Miller. Ms. Miller fears a property tax increase, as the Library has raised their levy and anticipates the Park District doing the same. She noted that the recent discussion regarding the Diversity Statement will become irrelevant, as no one can afford to keep up with the high taxes. Molly Surowitz. Ms. Surowitz spoke in support of funding the Oak Park Regional Housing Center, which serves as a model for diversity and inclusion. Jacqueline Simmons. Ms. Simmons discussed how the Oak Park Housing Center has helped her and that without it, Oak Park looks like everywhere else. Jeremy Howell. Mr. Howell has been a customer of the Housing Center and is now a Board Member. He read a letter supporting the ongoing funding of the Housing Center, as well as its attributes. Joshua Klayman. Mr. Klayman indicated that the rhetoric in the Diversity Statement doesn't matter if the standards and goals are not acted upon. He opposed removing the GARE membership funding as well as financial support for the Housing Center. Paul Sakol. Mr. Sakol commented that significantly reducing or eliminating funding to the Housing Center without an alternative to support integration is a misrepresentation of the people of Oak Park. The effect on taxes is irrelevant. Doug Wyman. Mr. Wyman is shocked that this conversation is occurring. He discussed the historical value of the Housing Center and the conscious effort made for Oak Park to become a diverse community. An additional resident who did not identify himself spoke in opposition to the high property taxes. Village Trustee Andrews asked if the projected transfer tax revenue has been adjusted. CFO Steve Drazner stated that he reduced it by $300,000. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla agreed with those who gave public comment regarding the Housing Center. She is also concerned that the Environment and Energy Commission has not had sufficient input on sustatinability initiatives. Village Trustee Boutet would like a document that corelates funding to Board Goals, as she has questions regarding funding for racial equity, affordable housing programs and how the Village hires in terms of police staff. She does not believe the Board is ready to vote on the Housing Center and wanted the public to know that when something appears in the budget, it is a recommendation from staff and not initiated by the Board. She Village of Oak Park Page 3 Printed on 1/14/2020 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes November 18, 2019 commented that the Self-Insured Retention Fund needs to be discussed further in Executive Session. Village Manage Pavlicek noted that the budget reflects a $2 million deficit in the fund at the start of 2020. Staff has recommended a $1.3 millions transfer, which still leaves a gap. The CFO and Village Attorney reviewed that at a prior study session and they are waiting for further direction. If the Board would like to discuss comp cases and litigation, they can schedule that. Village Trustee Boutet was concerned regarding the amount of risk they are reserving for, as those funds could be used elsewhere. CFO Drazner explained how the the Self-Insured Retention Fund is based on estimates and changes often. With the estimated liability, the fund is still starting at a $2 million deficit next year. Village President Abu-Taleb gave an overview of the need for a Self-Insured Retention Fund and why it should always have a deficit. He explained that funds are being transferred for the benefit of the rating agencies. Village Trustee Boutet stated that historically, the estimation was smaller. Village Manager Pavlicek clarified that the budgeted amount is similar to the historical amount of $250,000. Village Trustee Boutet would like to see information supporting this. Village Trustee Taglia would like an update on the ride share tax. Village Manager Pavlicek stated that this would be brought up in the first quarter of 2020 as staff would like to review information that is not yet available. Village Trustee Moroney thanked staff for proposing a budget with a 3% levy increase. Village President Abu-Taleb commented that in regards to the Housing Center, the Board has a fiduciary responsibility to challenge the status quo and look at what they can do to let the taxpayers know that they are trying to address the biggest challenge in the community; property taxes. They Board owes it to all residents to look at these issues. He commented that he does not get involved in every detail of staff's work so that they, the Board, can act as policy makers and not challenge every process that occurs. CFO Drazner gave an overview of the budget, which included the timeline, summary of the proposed tax levy and Special Service Area levies. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla would like to submit questions to staff at the November 25 meeting and asked if there would be another meeting if the Board was not in full agreement. Village Manager Pavlicek described the options. Village Trustee Buchanan asked if there was an update on the Housing Center audit. Executive Director Athena Williams stated that the Village should have it no later than 3:00 tomorrow afternoon. Village Trustee Boutet would like more information on the Affordable Housing Fund. Village Manager Pavlicek stated that she would have Director of Development Customer Services Tammie Grossman available on November 25 to answer questions. There was further discussion regarding additional items to discuss on November 25. It was moved by Village Trustee Moroney, seconded by Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla, to adjourn the Public Hearing. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. XV. Second Reading Village of Oak Park Page 4 Printed on 1/14/2020 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes November 18, 2019 G. ORD 19-116 Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Chapter 18 (“Business Licensing”), Article 2 (“Fee Schedule”), Section 8-2-1 (“License Fee Schedule”) of the Oak Park Village Code Regarding Temporary Food Establishment and Mobile Food License Fees as Reviewed at the October 28, 2019 Finance Committee Meeting Cheryl Munoz, representing tenants of River Forest Food Kitchen. Ms. Munoz questioned why temporary food licenses have increased and if that is on par with other communities or if an impact study has been done. She is concerned that the fees are too high and will discourage small food businesses. Joshua Klayman. Mr. Klayman discussed Board priorities. Affordabiltiy is an important issue and fees play a major role. He noted that raising fees is a way to hide tax increases. Director of Public Health Mike Charley gave a brief history regarding his research. Feedback from the Business Association Council resulted in proposing a tiered structure regarding event fees; $100 for the first event and $50 for each subsequent event. The adjustment in mobile food vendor fees is being recommended due to the State's requirement of more frequent inspections. Proposed fees are $150 for low risk, $200 for medium risk and $325 for high risk. Most mobile food vendors are considered medium risk. These fees are good for the entire year. Village President Abu-Taleb noted that the mobile fees are very reasonable compared to paying property taxes and other fees related to brick and mortar businesses. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla asked for clarification regarding the risk categories. Mr. Charley explained that it is per State guidelines regarding how much food preparation is involved, as well as complexity of inspections. Village Trustee Moroney compared fees to previous years and found value for mobile vendors with more use. Village President Abu-Taleb reiterated the high costs to small businesses and is supportive of these fees. Village Trustee Taglia asked for the overall value of the fee increases. Mr. Charley stated that the increased revenue is minimal. Village Trustee Taglia stated that the Village has to cover their costs and that this is reasonable. Village Trustee Boutet asked for clarification regarding who gets temporary food licenses. Mr. Charley stated that it is for vendors who only vend at a special event and is limited to 14 days. He also named various mobile food vendors and noted that they have the freedom to drive to other communities and sell there as well. Village Trustee Boutet asked what other communities are charging for events. Mr. Charley gave several examples. Village Trustee Boutet commented that the increased revenue is nominal. She does not want to discourage these businesses from participating in events. She sees vibrancy taken away from the Village little by little and is not comfortable with the increase. Village Trustee Andrews commented that most vendors get a license for a single event. He would like to see another increment for the third event, etc., in order to get them to participate more. Village of Oak Park Page 5 Printed on 1/14/2020 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes November 18, 2019 Mr. Charley reiterated the rationale for the increases at the request of Village Trustee Buchanan. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla agreed with Village Trustee Boutet and believes small businesses will be stifled. It was moved by Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla, seconded by Village Trustee Andrews, that this Ordinance be adopted. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows: AYES: 4- Village President Abu-Taleb, Village Trustee Andrews, Village Trustee Moroney, and Village Trustee Taglia NAYS: 3- Village Trustee Boutet, Village Trustee Buchanan, and Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla ABSENT: 0 H. ORD 19-118 Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Establishing the Annual Building and Construction Permit Fees and the Zoning Application Fees of the Village of Oak Park Village President Abu-Taleb commented that permit fees are going down. It was moved by Village Trustee Moroney, seconded by Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla, that this Ordinance be adopted. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows: AYES: 7- Village President Abu-Taleb, Village Trustee Andrews, Village Trustee Boutet, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Moroney, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 0 I. ORD 19-119 Second Reading and Adoption of An Ordinance Amending Chapter 20 (“Public Health”), Article 7 (“Garbage, Weeds amd Littering”) of the Oak Park Village Code Regarding Rates for Garbage, Refuse, Yard Waste and Recyclable Materials Collection Services as Reviewed at the October 24, 2019 Finance Committee Meeting It was moved by Village Trustee Moroney, seconded by Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla, that this Ordinance be adopted. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows: AYES: 6- Village President Abu-Taleb, Village Trustee Andrews, Village Trustee Boutet, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Moroney, and Village Trustee Taglia NAYS: 1- Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla ABSENT: 0 J. ORD 19-120 Second Reading and Adoption of An Ordinance Amending Chapter 26 (“Water”), Article 2 (“Charges and Collections”) of the Oak Park Village Code Regarding the Rates for Water and Sewer Services as Reviewed at the October 24, 2019 Finance Committee Meeting Village of Oak Park Page 6 Printed on 1/14/2020 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes November 18, 2019 It was moved by Village Trustee Andrews, seconded by Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla, that this Ordinance be adopted. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows: AYES: 6- Village President Abu-Taleb, Village Trustee Andrews, Village Trustee Boutet, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Moroney, and Village Trustee Taglia NAYS: 1- Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla ABSENT: 0 XVI. Consent Agenda Approval of the Consent Agenda It was moved by Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla and seconded by Village Trustee Andrews to approve the items under the Consent Agenda. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows: AYES: 7- Village President Abu-Taleb, Village Trustee Andrews, Village Trustee Boutet, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Moroney, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 0 K. RES 19-330 A Resolution Authorizing the Release of the Draft Program Year 2018 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (“CAPER”) for a Comment Period and Approval Thereafter This Resolution was adopted. L. ORD 19-111 Concur with the Zoning Board of Appeals’ Recommendation and Adopt an Ordinance Granting a Special Use Permit to Operate a Day-Care Facility at 941 Garfield Street This Ordinance was adopted. M. ORD 19-112 Concur with the Zoning Board of Appeals’ Recommendation and Adopt an Ordinance Granting a Special Use Permit to Operate an Educational Facility - Vocational Use (Nail Academy) at 1036 Lake Street on the Second Floor This Ordinance was adopted. N. RES 19-331 A Resolution Approving a Contract with Hecker and Company Inc. for Project 20-12, Lake Street - Traffic Signal Mast Arm Assemblies and Poles, in an Amount not to Exceed $278,856 and Authorizing its Execution This Resolution was adopted. O. RES 19-335 A Resolution Approving an Independent Contractor Agreement with Sewertech LLC for Project 19-10 Sewer Cleaning and Inspection, in an Amount not to Exceed $53,680 and Authorizing its Execution. Village of Oak Park Page 7 Printed on 1/14/2020 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes November 18, 2019 This Resolution was adopted. P. RES 19-337 A Resolution Approving an Independent Contractor Agreement with Cleanslate Chicago, LLC for Village Wide Litter Pick Up Services in 2020 in an Amount not to Exceed $73,000.00 and Authorizing its Execution This Resolution was adopted. Q. RES 19-338 A Resolution Approving the Renewal of an Independent Contractor Agreement with Davis Tree Care and Landscape, Inc. for Fiscal Year 2020 Parkway Tree Pruning Services in an Amount Not to Exceed $315,000.00 and Authorizing its Execution This Resolution was adopted. R. RES 19-339 A Resolution Approving the Renewal of an Independent Contractor Agreement with A & B Landscaping and Tree Service, Inc. for Fiscal Year 2020 Parkway Tree Removal Services in an Amount Not to Exceed $150,000.00 and Authorizing its Execution This Resolution was adopted. S. RES 19-340 A Resolution Approving the Renewal of an Independent Contractor Agreement with Davis Tree Care and Landscape, Inc. for Fiscal Year 2020 Parkway Tree Removal Services in an Amount Not to Exceed $75,000.00 and Authorizing its Execution This Resolution was adopted. T. RES 19-342 A Resolution Approving A Change Order in the Amount of $636.25 to add a Bluebeam license to the Renewal of the Annual Software License and Support and Maintenance Agreement dated December 15, 2014 with CityView, a Division of N. Harris Computer Corporation This Resolution was adopted. U. RES 19-344 A Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Excess Public Entity Liability Insurance, Excess Workers’ Compensation Insurance, Property Insurance, Crime Coverage and Cyber Liability for the Village of Oak Park for Fiscal Year 2020 in an Amount Not to Exceed $363,000.00 This Resolution was adopted. V. RES 19-352 A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Settlement Agreement in Workers’ Compensation Case Number 2016 WC 27645 This Resolution was adopted. W. MOT 19-118 A Motion to Approve the Bills in the Amount of $1,177,374.12 from October 29, 2019 through November 11, 2019 Village of Oak Park Page 8 Printed on 1/14/2020 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes November 18, 2019 This Motion was approved. XVII. Regular Agenda X. ORD 19-113 Concur with the Zoning Board of Appeals’ Recommendation and Adopt an Ordinance Granting a Special Use Permit to operate Hotel/Motel at 1140 Lake Street Village Manager Pavlicek stated that the Zoning Board of Appeals held a Public Hearing and is recommending that the Board approve the applicant's request for a Special Use Permit. Kitty Conklin. Ms. Conklin asked that the Village slow down the process of reviewing and approving this project. She noted that tax revenue from Airbnb has grown while hotel/motel has declined. Another hotel in the Village may further negatively affect current hotels. Mike Fox, owner of Carleton Hotel. Mr. Fox has no issues with granting the special use permit. He acknowledged that business is slower due to Airbnb, but has no uneasiness regarding competition. However, he is concerned that there is no requirement for parking and discussed taxes he pays on his lots. Village President Abu-Taleb commented that there are no economic incentives related to the project. Acting Chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals Jim Lencioni stated that there were a number of comments from neighbors at the Public Hearing. One of the concerns was whether the garage has ample parking. According to staff, parking will not be an issue. Another issue raised was traffic in the alley. The ZBA concluded that alley traffic would not be affected. Village Planner Craig Failor gave an overview. The applicant will be converting the top four floors into a hotel, keeping commercial on the first floor and adding three additional floors of hotel space. It will be keeping within the 80 foot maximum height allowance. The applicant is not requesting any relief from the Zoning Code. They are asking that their guests use the public parking garage adjacent to the property and guests will pay for their own parking. In addition, they are looking to have a drop off/pick up space on Lake Street in front of the hotel as part of the Lake Street streetscape. Village Trustee Boutet asked for clarification. Mr. Failor described the area, noting that there will be a cutout in the existing sidewalk area with a pull off area for a car to drop off and pick up. He added that there will still be a ten foot area for pedestrian activity. The hope is that vehicles will enter the garage in order for guests to use the connecting bridge to enter the hotel. Village Trustee Andrews asked for details regarding entry to the building. The design consultant for the project discussed why the lobby was shifted to the second floor in order to utilize the convenience of the bridge. He commented that most vehicles will come through the garage rather than drop off at street level since guests will have to take an elevator to the second floor to get to the lobby. The applicant further explained that vehicles would enter at the main entrance of the parking garage on Marion Street. He added that he doesn't believe there will be that many cars in the garage at any one time. Most guests will not be driving to the hotel themselves. Village of Oak Park Page 9 Printed on 1/14/2020 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes November 18, 2019 Village Trustee Buchanan asked if there will be event or meeting space available. The design consultant replied that there will not, nor will there be a bar or restaurant. There will be complimentary breakfast for guests only. Delivery service in the alley will be minimal. Village Trustee Moroney commented that the drop-off should consist of two spots in order to avoid traffic backup. Mr. Failor stated that it was considered, but would limit seating for outdoor dining at the current restaurant near that property. If there is communication between the guests and the hotel, the garage would be referred to as the main drop off point. Village Trustee Taglia agreed with Village Trustee Moroney about the possibility of backups on Lake Street. He commented that parking garage utilization is low so this would be helpful to the Village. He asked if there will be a special area for guests. Village Manager Pavlicek explained that due to IRS regulations, reserved parking for private entities is not allowed during the life of the bond issued for the garage. Village Trustee Taglia asked for an estimate of hotel/motel tax revenue. The applicant stated that it will be approximately $160,000 based on 75% occupancy. The applicant answered additional questions from the Board regarding projected occupancy. There was discussion regarding the timeline of the planning process and many levels of approval as well as construction of the curb cut for the front drop off. Village Trustee Andrews advocated for enough space for two cars. Village Trustee Moroney asked if this can be changed later. Village Manager Pavlicek stated that it is appropriate to wait and see, but the Board has the ability to change this in the future. Mr. Failor clarified what the Village Board has to decide this evening; approval is for the hotel, not infrastructure. Village President Abu-Taleb commented that this is an opportunity for someone to invest in the community. The Board should trust the recommendations of the ZBA and staff, as they are the experts. He is concerned, however, that vehicles parked in the garage may be in those spaces the entire day. He asked if the applicant can work with the Village and requested that the guests be instructed to park as high up as possible in the garage. It was moved by Village Trustee Moroney, seconded by Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla, that this Ordinance be adopted. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows: AYES: 6- Village President Abu-Taleb, Village Trustee Andrews, Village Trustee Boutet, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Moroney, and Village Trustee Taglia NAYS: 1- Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla ABSENT: 0 Y. MOT 19-114 A Motion to Receive the Energy and Environment Commission’s Recommendation to Adopt an Ordinance Prohibiting the Use of Single-Use Plastics that Include Polystyrene Foam by All Eating Establishments and Schedule a Special Meeting for Review. Village President Abu-Taleb clarified that this is a Motion to Receive, not debate. Village Trustee Boutet would like to see outreach to the restaurant community. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla agreed, adding that the Environment and Energy Village of Oak Park Page 10 Printed on 1/14/2020 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes November 18, 2019 Commission be involved in that. It was moved by Village Trustee Andrews, seconded by Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla, that this Motion be approved. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows: AYES: 6- Village President Abu-Taleb, Village Trustee Andrews, Village Trustee Boutet, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 1- Village Trustee Moroney Z. RES 19-341 A Resolution Adopting Village of Oak Park Energy Efficiency Grant Program Guidelines Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla asked to defer this, as she doesn't believe that the Environment and Energy Commission has had a chance to review this. She would like to hear their recommendations and comments. Village Trustees Andrews and Boutet agreed. Village Trustee Boutet commented that this competes with a free Com Ed program. Village Trustee Buchanan also agreed and would like to take a closer look at this for other duplicate Com Ed initiatives. Village Trustee Taglia thinks the amount of the grant is too high. Village Trustee Moroney would rather see a recommendation that is more tangible and is beneficial to as many people as possible. Village President Abu-Taleb doesn't mind sending this back to the commission but it is important that the message to the commission is that they exist to serve the Village Board and they are not elected officials. They are appointed to study issues that the Board refers to them. Their recommendation comes back to staff, and staff puts the work together, as input from other departments such as Legal and Planning is needed. Staff is responsible to the Board, not the commission. He will not support a commission dictating to the Board what they should do and everyone needs to understand their role. Village Trustee Buchanan stated that she was under a different impression. She would like to have a discussion regarding the role of commissions. If they are only needed when the Board refers something to them, why are they meeting every month. Village Trustee Boutet stated that the Board created commissions by ordinance and they do answer to the Board, as they hopefully have expertise in the scope of their commission. They do what they are asked to do and the Board relies on their recommendations because they have done the extra work. In addition, there are some very knowledgeable people in Oak Park and the Board should take advantage of that. Village President Abu-Taleb acknowledged that and appreciates it, but once they make their recommendation they should step aside and allow the Board to debate on behalf of the taxpayers who have elected them for their positions. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla stated that in this case, the commission did not make the recommendations. Village Manager Pavlicek stated that they did. The commission put forward a number of recommendations, to which the Board added the Energy Village of Oak Park Page 11 Printed on 1/14/2020 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes November 18, 2019 Efficiency Program. The commission then put together an analysis that ranked each program, and this was ranked highest. Staff was then asked for recommendation from the Board on how to put this together. Village Trustee Boutet stated that she agreed with Village Trustee Moroney's vision of something on a wider scale. It was moved by Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla, seconded by Village Trustee Andrews, that this Resolution be tabled and that the Energy Efficiency Grant Program Guidelines be referred to the Environment and Energy Commission. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. XVIII. Call to Board and Clerk Village Trustee Andrews stated that Val's Halla is not closing, as an investor has come forward. Village Trustee Buchanan requested a conversation about the commissions. Village Trustee Boutet would like the timing of the cannabis discussion in advance. XIX. Adjourn It was moved by Village Trustee Moroney, seconded by Village Trustee Andrews, to adjourn. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. Meeting adjourned at 9:52 P.M., Monday, November 18, 2019. Respectfully Submitted, MaryAnn Schoenneman Deputy Village Clerk Village of Oak Park Page 12 Printed on 1/14/2020