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 Tuesday, February 10, 2026 7:00 PM Village Hall I. Call to Order Village President Scaman called the Meeting to order at 7:04 P.M. II. Roll Call Village Trustee Enyia arrived at 7:40 P.M. Present: 7- Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Eder, Village Trustee Enyia, Village Trustee Leving Jacobson, Village Trustee Straw, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village Trustee Wesley Absent: 0 III. Agenda Approval It was moved by Village Trustee Taglia, seconded by Village Trustee Wesley to approve the agenda. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. IV. Minutes A. MOT 26-114 A Motion to Approve Minutes from the January 27, 2026 Regular Meeting, Minutes from the February 2, 2026 Special Meeting, and Amended Minutes from the June 3, 2025 Regular Meeting It was moved by Village Trustee Wesley, seconded by Village Trustee Straw to approve the Minutes. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. V. Non-Agenda Public Comment There was no Non-Agenda Public Comment. VI. Proclamation B. MOT 26-113 A Motion to Approve a Proclamation for Black History Month February 2026 Village Trustee Wesley read the Proclamation aloud. George B., member of AMENS Group Inc, emphasized the enduring role of art as a powerful force against dehumanization in America, tracing its significance back to the 1500s. Drawing on Robert Farris Thompson’s Flash of the Spirit, he highlighted how African cosmology and cultural Village of Oak Park Page 1 Printed on 2/25/2026 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes February 10, 2026 traditions had sustained African Americans by affirming their humanity and origins. George honored influential figures who embodied this spirit: civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, known for her fight for voter registration; poet Carolyn Rodgers, co-founder of the Organization of Black American Culture and author, who championed empowerment through art; Angela Jackson, Illinois Poet Laureate, who dedicated herself to bringing poetry into schools and inspiring youth with the vision of “Where we must go”; and scholar Eddie Glaude, who challenged audiences to “become the leaders we want to follow.” He concluded that art had not only humanized and empowered Black communities but also offered a path toward universal humanity and cultural transformation. Carl S., member of AMENS Group Inc, stated the group is composed of senior men in Oak Park, all long-time residents (30+ years), most in their 80s, who identify as intellectuals and activists focused on equity for Black and Brown children. They are active in District 97 and 200, CRC, and other spaces where equity work is needed. AMENS Group Inc, historically including the late Gerald Clay, is committed to continuing its advocacy for equity in Oak Park and similar communities. He thanked the board for acknowledging their presence and mission. Donna C., founder of Harambee, thanked the Village of Oak Park for its Black History Month proclamation and commitment to honoring Black history, culture, and community. She reflected on Black history as a living tradition of resilience, creativity, and contributions that shape culture, education, and the arts. Through cultural arts, she emphasized the importance of passing traditions across generations, which inspired the creation of Harambee, a community celebration rooted in pride and unity. What began in 2006 as “Night at the Museum” evolved into Harambee, now marking its 20th anniversary in 2026. The event, held at Longfellow Elementary School, features an African vendors market, fashion show, and performances by Zawadi Performing Arts, whose mission is “Nurturing gifts, inspiring lives where every child’s gift shines.” She invited the community to attend this free program celebrating culture and creativity. Lyn A., former Multicultural Center Director, thanked the Village Board for its Black History Month proclamation and commitment to diversity. She shared her background as the former Director of Oak Park’s Multicultural Center and expressed disappointment when the cultural library and hands-on museum were closed in 2016. She emphasized the importance of cultural understanding and competency, and expressed hope for a future Multicultural Center in Oak Park. She announced a free Black History exhibit hosted by her company, Tri-Star Gymnastics, in Forest Park on February 22. The event will feature African dance and drumming workshops, cultural displays, interactive activities, and a book corner Village of Oak Park Page 2 Printed on 2/25/2026 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes February 10, 2026 celebrating African-American life and culture. VII. Village Manager Reports C. ID 26-173 Review of the Tentative Village Board Meeting Calendars for February, March and April The manager’s report focused on reviewing the calendar for the next three months. Key updates included scheduling an additional meeting on Tuesday, March 24, and noting that the meeting originally planned for Tuesday, March 17 will instead be held on Wednesday, March 18. VIII. Village Board Committees IX. Citizen Commission Vacancies D. ID 26-172 Board and Commission Vacancy Report for February 10, 2026 X. Citizen Commission Appointments, Reappointments and Chair Appointments E. MOT 26-116 A Motion to Consent to the Village President’s Appointment of: Citizen Involvement Commission - Chris Saam, Appoint as Commissioner Civic Information Systems Commission - Cathy A. Kiriakos, Appoint as Commissioner Disability Access Commission - Bernhard Walke, Appoint as Commissioner Historic Preservation Commission - Dave Bates, Reappoint as Commissioner Village Clerk Waters read the names aloud. It was moved by Village Trustee Wesley, seconded by Village Trustee Leving Jacobson, that this Motion be approved. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. XI. Public Hearing XII. First Reading XIII. Second Reading XIV. Consent Agenda Approval of the Consent Agenda Village President Scaman announced that Item J and Item N be moved from the Consent Agenda to the Regular Agenda. It was moved by Village Trustee Eder and seconded by Village Trustee Wesley to approve the items under the Consent Agenda. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows: Village of Oak Park Page 3 Printed on 2/25/2026 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes February 10, 2026 AYES: 7- Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Eder, Village Trustee Enyia, Village Trustee Leving Jacobson, Village Trustee Straw, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village Trustee Wesley NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 0 F. ORD 26-111 An Ordinance Authorizing the Sale of Surplus Vehicles and Equipment Owned by the Village of Oak Park This Ordinance was adopted. G. RES 26-123 A Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement with Oak Park Township to Administer the Flexible Rental Assistance Program and Authorizing its Execution This Resolution was adopted. H. RES 26-125 A Resolution Approving the Purchase of a Mohawk Six Mobile Column Lift System and Safety Stands from Mohawk Lifts LLC of Amsterdam, New York, through Contracts secured by the Sourcewell Joint Purchasing Program in an Amount not to Exceed $127,512.32 This Resolution was adopted. I. RES 26-127 Authorize Submission of a Grant Application for the Illinois NEVI Formula Program for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure This Resolution was adopted. K. RES 26-131 A Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement with RJN Group, Inc. for Sewer Manhole Inspections and Condition Assessments and Sewer Inspection Database Support in an Amount not to exceed $150,000, Authorizing its Execution, and Waiving the Village’s Bid Process for the Agreement This Resolution was adopted. L. RES 26-132 A Resolution Approving a Grant Agreement between the State of Illinois, Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Village of Oak Park for the Madison Street Streetscape Projects in an Amount not to Exceed $500,000 and Authorizing its Execution This Resolution was adopted. M. RES 26-133 A Resolution Approving the Purchase of One 2025 Sewer Company of America Model 900-ECO-12 from Brown Equipment Company of Evansville, Indiana, through Contracts secured by the Sourcewell Joint Purchasing Program in an Amount Not to Exceed $549,551.49 This Resolution was adopted. Village of Oak Park Page 4 Printed on 2/25/2026 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes February 10, 2026 O. RES 26-135 A Resolution Approving a Collective Bargaining Agreement and Side Letter of Agreement Between the Village of Oak Park and the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council Representing the Oak Park Police Lieutenants and Sergeants Association for the Period of January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2028, and Authorizing Its Execution This Resolution was adopted. P. RES 26-137 A Resolution Approving a One-Year Professional Services Agreement with Industrial/Organizational Solutions, Inc. for Sworn Fire and Police Department Testing Services in an Amount Not to Exceed $153,460.00 and Authorizing its Execution This Resolution was adopted. Q. RES 26-138 A Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement with Public Safety Testing, Inc., for Entry-Level Sworn Fire and Police Department Testing Services in an Amount Not to Exceed $38,150.00 and Waiving the Village’s Bid Process for the Agreement This Resolution was adopted. R. RES 26-140 A Resolution Approving the Village Board Protocols for 2026-2028 as Reviewed at the September 3, 2025 and the January 20, 2026 Village Board Meeting This Resolution was adopted. XV. Regular Agenda S. RES 26-124 A Resolution to Authorize the Execution of a Purchase and Sales Agreement with the Fellowship Christian Church to Acquire the Property at 1106 Madison Street Maggie S., member of the Housing Program Advisory Commission, urged voting against purchasing a church for affordable housing. She supports the concept but cited concerns about lack of secured funding, tying up village funds, and setting a precedent for property purchases without a clear process. Andrea, member of the Housing Program Advisory Commission, supported affordable housing but opposed the village buying the church property, citing financial risk, uncertain grant funding, lack of an open RFP process, and potential depletion of the Housing Trust Fund. HPAC does not support the project until the developer secures funding and finalizes plans. Director/ Asst. Village Manager Jonathan Burch presented two items: a Village of Oak Park Page 5 Printed on 2/25/2026 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes February 10, 2026 purchase and sale agreement for Fellowship Christian Church for $1 million and a development agreement with Interfaith Housing for the Keystone Apartments project, which would create 36 units of permanent supportive housing at 1106 Madison Street. He reviewed the project’s history, noting prior approvals, Interfaith’s failed funding attempt in 2025, and the revised plan to apply for 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits in November 2025. He explained that site control is required for the application and that the purchase would use general reserve funds instead of the Housing Trust Fund to preserve its balance. He outlined risk mitigation measures, including a clawback provision if funding fails, and emphasized Interfaith’s strong track record and the benefits of additional tax credits and affordable housing units. Trustee Straw asked about the flow of funds and confirmed that Housing Trust Fund dollars would be encumbered but remain available after June 2026 if the project fails. He clarified the timeline, noting that funds would be tied up for about four months, and confirmed the property appraisal matches the $1 million purchase price. He expressed comfort with the short-term encumbrance given the project’s value but stressed redirecting funds to other projects if this one fails. Trustee Leving Jacobsen raised concerns about precedent-setting for village property purchases. Jonathan Burch responded that this case differs because Interfaith had prior approvals and engagement, not a situation where staff independently sought property. President Scaman emphasized the location’s strategic importance and alignment with housing goals from the 2024 plan. She supported the purchase, citing Interfaith’s strong track record and the project’s importance for affordable housing. Trustee Wesley asked if other projects could use funds now, and staff confirmed none are pending. He questioned demand for church redevelopment, and staff noted most sold churches remain churches. He supported the proposal, acknowledging risks but prioritizing strengthening Interfaith’s application to secure funding and deliver 36 units. Trustee Eder expressed concern about disagreement with HPAC and a desire for better alignment in the future. He asked about the chances of funding, and staff shared IHDA statistics showing about a 55% success rate in the metro Chicago bucket. He ultimately supported moving forward despite risks. HPAC Chair Spencer supported the project but warned against repeatedly tying up Housing Trust Fund dollars for failed attempts. He urged clearer Village of Oak Park Page 6 Printed on 2/25/2026 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes February 10, 2026 procedures, better alignment with the board, and returning funds promptly if the project does not proceed. He also advocated for increasing the trust fund to support future opportunities. This Resolution was adopted. AYES: 7- Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Eder, Village Trustee Enyia, Village Trustee Leving Jacobson, Village Trustee Straw, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village Trustee Wesley NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 0 T. ORD 26-109 An Ordinance Authorizing the Execution of a Development Agreement between the Village of Oak Park and Interfaith Housing Development Corporation It was moved by Village Trustee Straw, seconded by Village Trustee Wesley, that this Ordinance be adopted. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows: AYES: 7- Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Eder, Village Trustee Enyia, Village Trustee Leving Jacobson, Village Trustee Straw, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village Trustee Wesley NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 0 U. ORD 26-104 *Concur with the Plan Commission’s Recommendation and Adopt the Ordinance by Adding a “Body Modification Establishment” as a Special Use in the NA - North Avenue Zoning District. It was moved by Village Trustee Straw, seconded by Village Trustee Wesley, that this Ordinance be adopted. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows: AYES: 7- Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Eder, Village Trustee Enyia, Village Trustee Leving Jacobson, Village Trustee Straw, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village Trustee Wesley NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 0 V. ORD 26-105 *Concur with the Plan Commission’s Recommendation and Adopt the Ordinance Approving a Special Use Permit to Operate a Body Modification Establishment in the NA - North Avenue Zoning District at 6549 North Avenue Village Planner / Planning & Urban Design Manager Michael Bruce explained the text amendment would add body modification establishments Village of Oak Park Page 7 Printed on 2/25/2026 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes February 10, 2026 as a special use in North Avenue, aligning with other districts where they are permitted by right. The Planning Commission voted 5-0 in favor of the amendment. Plan Commission Chair Hale summarized the public hearing: some neighbors opposed due to concerns about noise and late-night events. The commission addressed this by limiting events to before 10 PM and restricting services to tattooing and piercing only. Village Trustee Straw strongly supported both motions, praising the business as a positive addition to the community and local arts. Highlighted economic benefits from high-end tattoo clients spending in Oak Park. Village Trustee Wesley questioned why North Avenue requires special use while other districts allow it by right. Suggested eliminating the special use requirement for consistency and criticized outdated zoning rules. Supported the application and advocated for broader zoning reform and increased density to revitalize North Avenue. Village Trustee Taglia acknowledged consistency concerns but expressed reservations about North Avenue’s business mix, citing pawnshops and vape shops. Urged a long-term vision for attracting businesses that boost economic vitality and tax revenue. It was moved by Village Trustee Straw, seconded by Village Trustee Enyia, that this Ordinance be adopted. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows: AYES: 7- Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Eder, Village Trustee Enyia, Village Trustee Leving Jacobson, Village Trustee Straw, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village Trustee Wesley NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 0 J. RES 26-129 A Resolution Approving a Purchase and Subscription Agreement with Granicus, LLC for Government Experience Service Cloud, Granicus Operations Cloud, Communications Cloud Advanced Package, Government Experience Agent, Boards and Commissions and AzureAD Connector License Through a Master Agreement Secured By OMNIA Partners For a Term of One Year With Four Option Years in An Amount Not to Exceed $179,489.65 Annually, Authorizing its Execution Village Trustee Eder opposed the AI chatbot in the Granicus contract, citing three concerns: lack of clear metrics showing value for residents, environmental impact from data centers conflicting with Oak Park’s Climate Ready Plan, and reduced human interaction that undermines village values of inclusion. He argued funds should prioritize direct engagement and warned about rising software costs, urging a strategic technology plan. Village of Oak Park Page 8 Printed on 2/25/2026 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes February 10, 2026 Village Trustee Wesley asked for cost details ($30K plus $15K implementation) and questioned whether all AI conflicts with climate goals or if some models could be more sustainable. He emphasized the need for clear policy before broadly rejecting AI. Village Trustee Leving Jacobsen agreed with Eder and will vote no, saying the chatbot’s value was never clearly demonstrated and the expense feels like a “want” rather than a “need.” She preferred investing in community priorities. Village Trustee Taglia supported moving forward but stressed the need for a broader discussion on technology’s role in village operations and resident interactions. He noted skepticism about tech but highlighted the contract’s opt-out option after one year. Village Trustee Straw supported the chatbot and requested metrics on usage, satisfaction, and environmental impact to evaluate its effectiveness. He noted the chatbot could help residents navigate dense website content and reduce staff workload. Village Trustee Enyia supported trying the chatbot with clear success metrics and feedback mechanisms. He shared past experience with technology reducing jobs and emphasized balancing innovation with community impact. Village President Scaman acknowledged environmental concerns and the growing role of AI but supported a trial to assess benefits versus risks. She emphasized ongoing evaluation and policy development around technology use. It was moved by Village Trustee Eder, seconded by Village Trustee Wesley, that this Resolution be adopted. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows: AYES: 5- Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Enyia, Village Trustee Straw, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village Trustee Wesley NAYS: 2- Village Trustee Eder, and Village Trustee Leving Jacobson ABSENT: 0 N. RES 26-134 A Resolution Entering Into A Professional Services Agreement With BS&A To Upgrade The Village’s Financial Software In An Amount Not To Exceed $234,335.00 And Authorizing Its Execution It was moved by Village Trustee Eder, seconded by Village Trustee Wesley, that this Resolution be adopted. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows: Village of Oak Park Page 9 Printed on 2/25/2026 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes February 10, 2026 AYES: 7- Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Eder, Village Trustee Enyia, Village Trustee Leving Jacobson, Village Trustee Straw, Village Trustee Taglia, and Village Trustee Wesley NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 0 W. MOT 26-104 A Motion to Finalize the Preferred Concept for the Oak Park Municipal Campus and Direct Staff to Advance the Preferred Concept to Schematic Design Village Manager Jackson introduced the Oak Park Municipal Campus project update and explained that the board needs to provide direction on design options and approve a schematic design contract to move forward. Resident Chris S. expressed strong support for advancing the project, citing the Barry Dunn report’s recommendation for a new police facility to meet staffing and service goals. Encouraged prioritizing the police facility if necessary but hopes both projects move forward. Public Works Director Rob Sproule reviewed project history, noting the board previously favored the multi-site concept for cost savings and sustainability benefits. Outlined tonight’s goals: select a design approach for Village Hall and approve a contract for schematic design. Highlighted updates to the police station plan and Village Hall options. Village Trustee Straw Favored the Council Chambers Addition for its symbolism of transparent government and improved public space. Raised concerns about high police station costs and urged value engineering, phasing, and cost reductions, especially for the parking garage. Village Trustee Taglia voiced concerns about affordability for the village and residents, citing potential costs exceeding $100 million with contingencies. Questioned why abandoning the current council chambers is necessary and requested clarity on accessibility and security challenges. Village President Scaman explained that the existing council chambers cannot meet modern accessibility and safety standards without costly structural changes that would compromise its historic character. Past attempts to retrofit the space proved impractical and expensive. Advocated for planning for the next 30-50 years rather than short-term fixes. Village Trustee Wesley expressed disappointment that no viable plan was presented to preserve and upgrade the current council chambers, though acknowledged accessibility and security issues. Village of Oak Park Page 10 Printed on 2/25/2026 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes February 10, 2026 It was moved by Village Trustee Straw, seconded by Village Trustee Enyia, that this Motion be approved. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows: AYES: 5- Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Eder, Village Trustee Enyia, Village Trustee Leving Jacobson, and Village Trustee Straw NAYS: 2- Village Trustee Taglia, and Village Trustee Wesley ABSENT: 0 X. RES 26-113 A Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement with Johnson Lasky Kindelin Architects, Inc. for Schematic Design of the Police Department at 11 Madison and Village Hall at 123 Madison, in an Amount Not to Exceed $1,685,000 and Directing Staff to Prepare the Necessary Budget Amendment It was moved by Village Trustee Straw, seconded by Village Trustee Enyia, that this Resolution be adopted. The motion was approved. The roll call on the vote was as follows: AYES: 6- Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Eder, Village Trustee Enyia, Village Trustee Leving Jacobson, Village Trustee Straw, and Village Trustee Taglia NAYS: 1- Village Trustee Wesley ABSENT: 0 XVI. Call to Board and Clerk Village Trustee Straw expressed appreciation for the Black History Month celebration and contrasted it with efforts at the federal level to erase Black history and remove diversity, equity, and inclusion principles. Emphasized that Black history is U.S. history and warned that forgetting it risks repeating past mistakes. Praised Oak Park’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and called for continued efforts to make the community more equitable. Village Trustee Wesley echoed Straw’s sentiments and expressed gratitude for the celebration, highlighting the Zawadi kids’ performance as a highlight. Thanked community members and President Scaman for making the event possible. XVII. Adjourn It was moved by Village Trustee Straw, seconded by Village Trustee Eder to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 11:13 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Deputy Clerk Carswell Village of Oak Park Page 11 Printed on 2/25/2026