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, February 10, 2020 7:00 PM Village Hall Room 101 I. Call to Order Village President Abu-Taleb called the Meeting to order at 7:02 P.M. II. 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 III. Agenda Approval It was moved by Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla, seconded by Village Trustee Boutet, to approve the Agenda. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. IV. Non-Agenda Public Comment There was no Non-Agenda Public Comment. V. Regular Agenda A. MOT 20-009 A Motion to Concur with the Energy and Environment Commission’s (EEC) Recommendation to Prohibit the Use of Single-Use Plastics that Include Polystyrene Foam by All Eating Establishments and Direct Staff to Bring Forward the Necessary Ordinance Village Manager Pavlicek stated that on November 18, 2019, the Board received a recommendation from the Environment and Energy Commission to develop an ordinance to prohibit single use plastics, including styrofoam. At that time it was agreed to schedule that conversation for a Special Meeting in early 2020. Richard Alton. Mr. Alton discussed the success of the plastic bag tax in Oak Park and sustainability practices executed by Trader Joe's. He suggested that the ban on plastics and styrofoam be implemented by Earth Day 2020. Richard Gibbs. Mr. Gibbs spoke in support of elimination of single use plastic and styrofoam in carryout restaurants and the consequences of plastic on the environment. Diane Pickard-Richardson, Co-ordinator of Go Plastic Free. Ms. Pickard-Richardson thanked the Board for Plastic Free July. She spoke about how plastic remains in the environment forever. Village of Oak Park Page 1 Printed on 2/19/2020 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes February 10, 2020 Phyllis Rubin. Ms. Rubin noted that Oak Park would not be the first community to ban single use plastic and styrofoam. She discussed initiatives by other states and communities. Beverly Graham, President of Oak Park River Forest League of Women Voters. Ms. Graham urged the Board to prohibit single use plastics and styrofoam. Laura Derks of the Environment and Energy Commission discussed the impact of plastics and styrofoam on the environment. She urged the Board to move forward with an ordinance. Stephen Morales of the Environment and Energy Commission thanked those that collaborated with the commission. He asked that the Board help define what plastics should be included. It is important for the Board to recognize that businesses and their employees need to be educated in order to educate others. In addition, there should be incentives for residents to use sustainable resources. Village Trustee Moroney asked for clarification as to whether anything the Board adopts applies to any and all food establishments. Ms. Derks stated that it would apply to anyone with a license to serve food. Village Trustee Moroney asked how many are in Oak Park. Village Manager Pavlicek stated that she would get that information. She also commented that establishments such as day care centers and others that serve meals could be included. Village Trustee Moroney noted styrofoam cups could not be used and asked what material the covers would be. Ms. Derks stated that it would have to be a biodegradable product. She noted that it would be a gradual transition, with an eventual penalty that would go into the Sustainability Fund. Village Trustee Taglia stated that he would like to be impactful in what they do. He commented that single use bags are still allowed in Oak Park and that consumers are buying over 100,000 a month. He supports this, but believes it is much smaller in scope than the plastic bag issue. He also noted that measuring the impact of the ordinance where inspectors would look at the volume of plastics needs to be refined. It is too difficult to track and enforce. Village Manager Pavlicek commented that the number of restaurant licenses in the Village is 150. Village Trustee Boutet asked for a description of each phase of the program. Ms. Derks stated that starting July 1, restaurants would be educated regarding the inspection process and potentially have an outside source recommend vendors that supply sustainable items. They would be given 90 days to comply with the ordinance and upon inspection, the inspector would ascertain whether they are in compliance. There would be trainings in the interim. She discussed the incentives, that would include rebates from the Village for initial implementation costs and compost hauling. Village Trustee Boutet wants to ensure that there are reasonable alternatives to what they are using now so it works for everyone involved. Village Trustee Andrews commented that these are inspired recommendations and a strategic effort to change behavior. He is also confident that there are replacements for every plastic container currently in use. He noted that prices will be going up and perhaps close restaurants that operate on a tight margin. It is important to support these businesses. Village Trustee Andrews stated that it has been a challenge to bring composting to restaurants. The Village needs to make it easier for them. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla stated that it is important to provide in the ordinance Village of Oak Park Page 2 Printed on 2/19/2020 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes February 10, 2020 the definintions of exactly what is being banned. In addition, it is important to include that the banned items are available upon request. She also suggested that education be provided at the time an application is submitted. The noncompliance fines should go back into the Sustainability Fund. She asked if the Village can do anything for the businesses to provide a way to make composting easier. Village Manager Pavlicek stated that under state law, the Village is not allowed to franchise waste hauling for businesses. Staff would have to do some additional research. Mr. Morales suggested that restaurants coordinate with their neighbors regarding their waste hauling and composting. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla would also like language regarding "conscious thinking" when throwing away waste included in the ordinance. Village Trustee Buchanan asked if the option regarding requests for plastic referred to all plastic; straws, bags, containers, etc. She would prefer that it only include straws. She also pointed out that restaurants would then be required to keep a full supply of plastic items as well as biodegradable. She supports the ordinance but would like input from others regarding that concern. Village Trustee Moroney would like the business community to have an opportunity to weigh in on the issue. In addition, he would like to get a sense of what the extra burden on staff would be. Village Trustees Boutet and Taglia agreed. Leslie Roberts. Ms. Roberts gave suggestions for incentives and discussed alternate products that are available. Village President Abu-Taleb spoke in support of Village Trustees Moroney's and Boutet's comments. There are a lot of competing interests, and when making a decision they all need to be considered. He discussed difficulties that small businesses face. He will not support an ordinance that penalizes a business for doing business in Oak Park. He would like the Village to be a little more thoughtful regarding how they approach this. Going to the source of where these items are made instead of penalizing the end user would be more effective. He wants the eating establishments to understand what is at stake, what they need to do and what the Village is expecting of them before moving forward. Village Manager Pavlicek stated that staff would provide a draft to present to business owners. Village Trustee Boutet suggested a public forum. Village Trustees Andrews and Walker-Peddakotla spoke in favor of the First Reading and Second Reading process in order to get public comment. Village Trustee Moroney does not think that would be sufficient to get the attention of the business community. He would like a one-pager presented to all eating establishments in order to get their input. Mr. Morales commented that what is being presented is the result of input from businesses and community outreach. The commission can provide a one-pager. However, he is unclear as to what direction the Board wants to go with this. He also acknowledged that it would be difficult to get businesses to attend a public meeting such as this one to provide input. Village Trustee Boutet asked how the commission came up with the incentives and how much of the Sustainability Fund would go towards this. She supports the ordinance but would still like to hear input. Mr. Morales discussed how the commission arrived at the $250 rebate, which included case studies done by another environmental group. Village of Oak Park Page 3 Printed on 2/19/2020 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes February 10, 2020 There was discussion regarding communication with the eating establishments. The motion was amended to include directing staff to draft a one-pager in addition to a draft ordinance. It was moved by Village Trustee Andrews, seconded by Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla, that this Motion be approved as amended. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. B. RES 20-086 A Resolution Adopting the Village of Oak Park Energy Efficiency Grant Program Guidelines as Reviewed at the Energy and Environment Commission Meeting on February 4, 2020 Director of Development Customer Services Tammie Grossman discussed how this program is modeled after the Village's Energy Efficiency Grant Program, which allows Single Family Rehab Loan recipients to apply for additional funds to improve energy efficiency. Village Trustee Boutet suggested construction audits to determine the best use of the funds in each home. She also would like this increased to include households below 100% AMI instead of 80%. Ms. Grossman stated that they cannot go above 80% and still use CDBG dollars. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla was concerned that the homeowner would have to pay out-of-pocket then be reimbursed. Ms. Grossman stated that with a Single Family Rehab loan, the Village pays the contractor directly after the work is completed to the homeowner's satisfaction, although there are situations where it has been preferable for the homeowner to pay directly and be reimbursed. Both options are in the guidelines. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla asked for clarification of the language. Ms. Grossman described the process. The Village works very closely with homeowners and no homeowner has ever had to pay for something they couldn't afford. She explained why staff anticipates most participants will use the maximum amount allowed. Village Trustee Moroney does not support the program. The Sustainability Fund should be used for programs that would benefit the community as a whole. Village Trustee Andrews likes certain aspects of the program more than others. He would prefer it focus more on sustainability than on appliance purchases. He agrees with keeping water heaters in the guidelines but is opposed to buying appliances for people. Village Trustee Taglia supports the program. The community benefits by homes that are well cared for. Village President Abu-Taleb does not support the program. The money collected in the Sustainability Fund is made to benefit the common good of the Village as a whole. The money should be invested wisely and should not be spent just for the sake of spending. He thinks this is a direction that they should not be going into. Village Trustee Boutet asked how the program would be administered. Ms. Grossman stated it would be first come, first served. The Housing Programs Advisory Committee acts as a loan review committee for all current programs. Village Trustee Boutet commented that this is a program that does help the community by reducing the footprint of the homes that participate. She supports the program. She also supports developing a climate action plan as well. Village Trustee Andrews reiterated that his support for the item depends on excluding the Village of Oak Park Page 4 Printed on 2/19/2020 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes February 10, 2020 appliance component and amended his motion to reflect that. Village Trustee Boutet seconded. The vote on the amendment was as follows: AYES: Village Trustees Andrews, Boutet, Buchanan, Moroney, Taglia, Walker-Peddakotla NAYS: Village President Abu-Taleb The motion was approved. It was moved by Village Trustee Andrews, seconded by Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla, that this Resolution be adopted as amended. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows: AYES: 5- Village Trustee Andrews, Village Trustee Boutet, Village Trustee Buchanan, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla NAYS: 2- Village President Abu-Taleb, and Village Trustee Moroney ABSENT: 0 C. RES 20-055 A Resolution Approving an Independent Contractor Agreement with McAdam Landscaping, Incorporated for Village Wide Business Landscape Maintenance Services in 2020 in an Amount not to Exceed $75,000.00 and Authorizing its Execution Peggy McGrath. Ms. McGrath discussed the toxicity of pesticides. Directer of Public Works John Wielebnicki introduced Forestry Superintendent Rob Sproule. Village Trustee Buchanan stated that there is a large group of residents that want leaf blowers banned in the Village because of the pollution and the noise. She added that Mr. Wielebnicki's response to her prior inquiry was that he doesn't know any other municipality that has completely banned them. In addition, both landscapers would charge significantly more if they couldn't use them. Mr. Wielebnicki stated that the current ordinance does have some restrictions on gas powered leaf blowers, but the cost provided by the contractors reflects foregoing any type, whether gas or battery operated. Mr. Sproule added that battery operated leaf blowers are just as loud or louder. Village Trustee Buchanan asked if they would be willing to use the battery operated ones. Mr. Sproule commented that landscapers do not use battery powered blowers, as they are generally not commercial grade. There are products on the market, but the landscapers would need locations to charge the equipment throughout the day. If they removed the leaf blowers entirely,the work would take significantly longer, about eight times as long. In addition, there would be a clear change in terms of quality using a broom versus a leaf blower. Mr. Wielebnicki stated that the ordinance restricts using a 65 db leaf blower during the summer. They can only be used for spring and fall cleanups. Village Trustee Buchanan stated that a gas powered mower contributes greenhouse gases equivalent to 37 cars. She would like to ban all gas powered mowers and asked how this could be done. Mr. Sproule stated that commercial battery powered mowers are three times the cost of gas mowers. Because they would be site specific for Oak Park, the landscapers would probably lease them. Mr. Wielebnicki stated that the landscapers gave a price with all battery powered equipment but asked that the contract be for three Village of Oak Park Page 5 Printed on 2/19/2020 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes February 10, 2020 years instead of one. Village Trustee Buchanan stated that the Village should not be using chemical pesticides for landscaping. Mr. Sproule commented that they cannot use that without approval from the Village. The standard in the contract is an organic compound. If that is not successful, they have the ability to ask to use a different product. Mr. Wielebnicki discussed the Integrated Pest Management Plan and how it was adopted. He described the current contracts being considered. If staff needs to change them, a budget amendment would be required. Village Trustee Taglia commented that these contracts were negotiated in good faith. He supports making changes next year. Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla also supports these contracts as is but would like the Board to revisit the Integrated Pest Management Plan. Village Trustee Andrews would like to see the Village eventually move to electric equipment, but agreed that the current contracts were negotiated in good faith. He would also support a Village-wide pesticide ban. Village Trustee Boutet commented that Oak Park has some good policies in place already. However, she supports updating the Integrated Pest Management Plan. Mr. Sproule described how weed control is currently done. Village Trustee Moroney is comfortable with the contracts as submitted. It was moved by Village Trustee Walker-Peddakotla, seconded by Village Trustee Andrews, that this Resolution 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 D. RES 20-056 A Resolution Approving an Independent Contractor Agreement with CityEscape Garden and Design, LLC for Village Wide Regular Landscape Maintenance Services in 2020 in an Amount Not to Exceed $135,000.00 and Authorizing its Execution It was moved by Village Trustee Moroney, seconded by Village Trustee Andrews, that this Resolution 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 Village of Oak Park Page 6 Printed on 2/19/2020 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes February 10, 2020 VI. Adjourn It was moved by Village Trustee Taglia, seconded by Village Trustee Andrews, to adjourn. The motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:42 P.M., Monday, February 10, 2020. Respectfully Submitted, MaryAnn Schoenneman Deputy Village Clerk Village of Oak Park Page 7 Printed on 2/19/2020