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 17, 2026 7:00 PM Village Hall I. Call to Order Village President Scaman called the Meeting to order at 7:08 P.M. II. Roll Call 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 Village President Scaman announced that Item K will be moved from Consent Agenda to Regular Agenda. It was moved by Village Trustee Straw seconded by Village Trustee Eder to approve the agenda as amended. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved as amended. A. ID 26-190 Presentation of Village of Oak Park Employee Service Awards Village Manager Jackson presented Oak Park Employee Service Awards: 5 Years: Firefighter/Paramedic Daniel H. 15 Years: Officer Mooney-Simkus 20 Years: Crime Analyst Susanna Y. 25 Years: Chief Johnson, Commander Leitl, Equipment Operator Derrick B., Media Production Manager Joe K. 30 Years: Deputy Chief Jacobson IV. Minutes None; no action was taken regarding this item. V. Non-Agenda Public Comment There was no Non-Agenda Public Comment. VI. Proclamation B. MOT 26-122 A Motion to Approve a Proclamation Celebrating Oak Park, IL’s Centenarian Village of Oak Park Page 1 Printed on 2/25/2026 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes February 17, 2026 Village President Scaman asked Village Trustee Straw to read the Proclamation aloud. Mrs. Pough expressed her gratitude for reaching 100 years of age, attributing her longevity to God. She concluded by thanking everyone and sharing how deeply thankful she feels. VII. Village Manager Reports None; no action was taken regarding this item. VIII. Village Board Committees Village President Scaman shared an update on the Collaboration for Early Childhood, a partnership between the Village of Oak Park, District 97, and District 200. The initiative supports children from birth to age 18 with a “cradle-to-career” approach. She explained the structure, including the IGA Board and workgroups, and noted that an updated Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) will soon be presented to the Village Board. The focus is on aligning efforts, integrating daycares, and using data collected since 2012 to address achievement gaps, social-emotional learning, and readiness for life and careers. Village Trustee Eder added that he is excited about the new agreement and its goal to make collaboration easier across all three boards and potentially expand partnerships with other local and neighboring organizations. IX. Citizen Commission Vacancies C. ID 26-192 Board and Commission Vacancy Report for February 17, 2026 X. Citizen Commission Appointments, Reappointments and Chair Appointments D. MOT 26-123 A Motion to Consent to the Village President’s Appointment of: Board of Health - Jack Wolf, Appoint as Member Historic Preservation Commission - Asha Andriana, Appoint as Chair It was moved by Village Trustee Straw, seconded by Village Trustee Wesley, 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 Village of Oak Park Page 2 Printed on 2/25/2026 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes February 17, 2026 Approval of the Consent Agenda It was moved by Village Trustee Ederand seconded by Village Trustee Leving Jacobson 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 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 E. RES 26-136 A Resolution Approving the Purchase of Two 2026 Ford Utility Hybrid Unmarked Police Interceptor Vehicles with Police Package from Currie Motors of Frankfort, Illinois, through contracts secured by the Suburban Purchasing Cooperative Joint Purchasing Program in an Amount Not to Exceed $106,094.00 This Resolution was adopted. F. RES 26-141 A Resolution Approving the Renewal of an Independent Contractor Agreement with G.A. Paving, LLC for Village Wide Utility Pavement Patching Services in 2026 in an Amount not to Exceed $275,000.00 and Authorizing its Execution This Resolution was adopted. G. RES 26-145 A Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement with Euna Solutions, Inc., for EUNA Budget Full Suite (Operating, Personnel, Capital, OpenBook - Budget Book Studio, and ACFR), in an Amount Not to Exceed $170,437.00 and Waiving the Village’s Bid Process for the Agreement This Resolution was adopted. H. ORD 26-113 An Ordinance Authorizing the Sale of Surplus Equipment Owned by the Village of Oak Park This Ordinance was adopted. I. MOT 26-112 A Motion to Approve the Payment of the Bills in the Amount of $8,173,042.48 from December 28, 2025 to January 31, 2026 This Motion was approved. J. MOT 26-115 A Motion to Approve the Payment of the Bills in the Amount $6,133,947.18 from November 30, 2025 through December 27, 2025 This Motion was approved. XV. Regular Agenda Village of Oak Park Page 3 Printed on 2/25/2026 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes February 17, 2026 K. MOT 26-118 A Motion to Approve an Updated Organization Chart for the Village Finance Department and Directing Staff to Prepare the Necessary Budget Amendment Chief Financial Officer Kevin Bueso explained that the proposed reorganization of the Finance Department follows an audit that revealed issues needing correction. He outlined a phased timeline: design and hiring in early 2026, transition during the Deputy CFO’s retirement in spring/summer, and long-term improvements in years two and three, including policy updates and internal controls. He noted the cost impact is modest, with most salary adjustments coming from reallocating existing funds. Kevin emphasized cross-training and redundancy to prevent future audit delays. Village Trustee Taglia commended Kevin for his efforts and vision, especially as a new team member taking on the challenge of reorganization. He acknowledged the extra work involved in assuming a role during a period of rebuilding and expressed strong support for moving toward strategic budgeting. It was moved by Village Trustee Taglia, seconded by Village Trustee Wesley, that this Motion be approved. 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 L. RES 26-122 A Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement Between the Village of Oak Park and Elevate Energy for the Operation of the Oak Park Energy Navigator in an Amount not to Exceed $500,000 and Authorizing its Execution Chief Sustainability Officer Lindsey Roland Nieratka explained that the Oak Park Energy Navigator (OPEN) is a one-stop shop for energy efficiency and electrification services, as outlined in the Climate Ready Oak Park Plan. She highlighted that the program was designed with community input and aims to provide meaningful retrofits for property owners, including multifamily properties to maximize impact. Lindsey emphasized that OPEN connects residents to resources and programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Elevate Energy Advisor Dara Reiff described Elevate’s mission as ensuring clean, affordable energy and water for all communities. She shared Elevate’s experience with similar programs across the Midwest Village of Oak Park Page 4 Printed on 2/25/2026 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes February 17, 2026 and its focus on decarbonization and electrification in cold climates. Elevate Energy Project Manager Lindsey Wade provided background on OPEN’s purpose: addressing environmental inequities and connecting residents to energy programs. She detailed the program’s four core services-multilingual help desk, comprehensive home energy assessments, personalized energy roadmaps, and navigator support. Lindsey explained the roadmap’s three phases, from basic weatherization to full electrification and solar installation, and noted that recommendations include cost estimates and utility analysis. She summarized progress on the soft launch, including best practices, stakeholder feedback, and program materials. Elevate Energy Sponsor Mark Milby outlined the full implementation plan, which includes serving up to 80 properties annually through assessments, roadmaps, and coaching. He stressed the goal of reaching at least 40% of vulnerable households and described a tiered consultation model for income-eligible participants. Mark discussed community outreach strategies, partnerships, and marketing efforts to build trust and overcome barriers to energy upgrades. He presented performance metrics, estimated cost savings, and a proposed budget of up to $500,000 for the first year, emphasizing that costs are based on time and materials. Village Trustee Wesley compared Oak Park’s program to Evanston’s, noting Evanston offers deeper contractor involvement and full implementation support. He stressed the need for strong guidance and monthly check-ins for vulnerable households to avoid stalled projects. Wesley questioned cost-effectiveness, suggesting deeper, targeted projects might yield greater carbon savings than broad interventions. He requested a 3-month progress report and emphasized leveraging external funding and adapting quickly if results fall short. Village Trustee Straw supported tailoring service levels-lighter touch for capable households and intensive support for vulnerable ones-to maximize reach and control costs. He warned against requiring high-touch service for all participants, which could limit the number of properties served. Village Trustee Taglia noted the program is a long-term approach and significant greenhouse gas reductions will take years. He stressed realistic expectations and incremental progress tracking. Village Trustee Eder highlighted contractor resistance to electrification as a major barrier and urged outreach and education for HVAC professionals to promote heat pump adoption. Village of Oak Park Page 5 Printed on 2/25/2026 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes February 17, 2026 Village Trustee Scaman asked Elevate to provide honest feedback if adjustments are needed and confirmed the Village’s commitment to adapt contracts if necessary. 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: 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 M. ID 26-152 A Presentation of the Village of Oak Park Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure Definition and Measurement Framework Sustainability Coordinator Malcolm Mossman explained Phase 1 progress: defining green infrastructure, stakeholder engagement, and methodology for measuring existing conditions. Highlighted benefits like stormwater management, heat island mitigation, biodiversity, and climate resilience. Shared next steps: baseline analysis, scenario planning, and strategy development. Greenprint Partners Director of Planning Sydney VanKuren detailed definitions for biodiversity, green infrastructure, and enhanced management. Explained metrics for measuring land area, connectivity, and maintenance practices. Emphasized inclusion of public and private properties, equity, and connectivity. Outlined next steps for data compilation and scenario mapping. Village President Scaman praised the plan and stressed the importance of measurable data and flexibility. Supported public engagement and transparency. Village Trustee Eder asked about long-term tracking and minimizing administrative burden. Suggested leveraging existing inspections to capture data and confirmed datasets are public. Proposed creative ways to monitor progress without extra forms. Village Trustee Straw requested clarity on the roadmap and emphasized strategies that combine biodiversity, stormwater management, and climate resilience. Suggested simplifying native garden adoption and providing resources like seed kits. Village Trustee Wesley encouraged aggressive use of parkways for native plants and proposed innovative ideas like reducing pavement, permeable alleys, and even street closures for green space. Advocated sharing Village of Oak Park Page 6 Printed on 2/25/2026 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes February 17, 2026 datasets publicly to engage citizen scientists and leveraging technology like AI and drones. Highlighted zoning changes and incentives as future opportunities. XVI. Call to Board and Clerk Video played in Honor of Rev. Jesse Jackson. Village Clerk Waters announced that early voting begins March 2 and runs through March 16. Today was the last day for in-person registration, but residents can still register online and use grace period voting. Village Trustee Enyia shared gratitude for participating in Black Devotionals Day at Oak Park River Forest High School. Reflected on the importance of students seeing community leaders and diverse career paths. Paid tribute to Reverend Jesse Jackson, calling him an inspirational figure whose persistence and advocacy advanced racial and human equality. Village Trustee Wesley promoted the upcoming Civic Spirit event on Thursday, calling it one of his favorite activities. Praised students’ eagerness to learn and volunteer, emphasizing their role as the future and the importance of keeping hope alive. Village Trustee Leving Jacobson announced a free fruit tree pruning workshop on February 21, 2026, 2-4 PM at Mercy Garden of Peace and Healing (4912 W. Quincy Street). Encouraged attendance for those interested in pruning or learning about future harvests. XVII. Adjourn It was moved by Village Trustee Eder, seconded by Village Trustee Straw to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 9:48 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Deputy Clerk Carswell Village of Oak Park Page 7 Printed on 2/25/2026