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, May 5, 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 Present: 6- Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Eder, Village Trustee Enyia, Village Trustee Leving Jacobson, Village Trustee Straw, and Village Trustee Taglia Absent: 1- Village Trustee Wesley III. Agenda Approval Amended to move Item L from Regular Agenda to Consent Agenda. It was moved by Village Trustee Leving Jacobson, seconded by Village Trustee Eder to approve the amended agenda. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved as amended. IV. Minutes A. MOT 26-155 A Motion to Approve Minutes from the April 21, 2026 Regular Meeting of the Village Board. It was moved by Village Trustee Eder, seconded by Village Trustee Leving Jacobson to approve the Minutes. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. V. Non-Agenda Public Comment Resident Jennifer B. expressed ongoing frustration with Pete’s Market for years of poor communication, missed deadlines, and lack of accountability related to their construction project. She urged the Village Board to address serious safety issues on their block and alley-such as speeding traffic, missing signage, and obstructive construction vehicles-and to ensure Pete’s was held responsible for its commitments. Chris B. explained that the Village’s recently hired outside permitting review firm has created significant delays and excessive scrutiny, making it increasingly difficult and costly to work in the community. He urged the Board to be aware of these impacts, noting that they plan to meet with staff to discuss solutions but felt it was important to bring the issue to the Board since the firm’s hiring was part of the approved budget. Village of Oak Park Page 1 Printed on 5/20/2026 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes May 5, 2026 Resident Trenace F. described recurring safety hazards caused by foul balls from the nearby high school baseball field, noting close calls, property impacts, and a recent incident where a neighbor’s child was hit. After receiving no meaningful response from the high school, they asked the Village to intervene and support a reasonable safety measure such as raising the height of the netting. Resident Tory R. explained that despite at least 17 reported foul ball incidents and ongoing correspondence with the high school, meaningful safety measures have not been implemented, and a 9 year old was recently hit and taken to the ER. She urged the Village to recognize the seriousness of the issue and agreed that extending the netting is a necessary and effective solution. Resident Drew M. raised concerns about outdated and error filled hiring forms, poor applicant communication practices, and the Village’s lack of clear guidelines for employment processes, noting these issues undermine the Village’s commitment to professionalism and communication. They also urged the Board to consider giving hiring preference to current or soon to be residents, arguing it would strengthen community investment and is legally permissible based on models used in nearby municipalities. VI. Proclamation B. MOT 26-156 A Motion to Approve a Proclamation Recognizing the First Full Week of May 2026 as Public Service Recognition Week and the Month of May 2026 as Building Safety Month Village President Scaman provided a summary of the proclamation. It was moved by Village Trustee Leving Jacobson, seconded by Village Trustee Eder, that this Motion be approved. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. C. MOT 26-157 A Motion to Approve a Proclamation Recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month May 2026 Village President Scaman asked Village Trustee Leving Jacobson to read the Proclamation aloud. NAMI Program Manager Sean O'Connor described the long-standing support NAMI has provided in Oak Park through its daily drop in center. They also highlighted the opening of the new Oak Park Living Room, a free crisis support space for adults, and emphasized NAMI’s commitment to connecting residents with ongoing mental health resources and community support. Village of Oak Park Page 2 Printed on 5/20/2026 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes May 5, 2026 Thrive Counseling Center Clinical Director Sarah Wiemeyer described Thrive’s role as the community mental health center providing crisis response, therapy, education, and a wide range of support services in close partnership with NAMI and others. She emphasized that mental health needs fluctuate for everyone, encouraged compassion and reaching out for support when needed, and invited the community to Thrive’s open house on June 28. Mosaic Counseling and Wellness Clinical Director Kyla Gilmore announced that the practice is expanding to a third location to meet the growing demand for high quality, holistic mental health care in Oak Park. She emphasized Mosaic’s commitment to dignity, integrative services across the lifespan, and strong collaboration with partners. It was moved by Village Trustee Eder, seconded by Village Trustee Leving Jacobson, that this Motion be approved. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. D. MOT 26-158 A Motion to Approve a Proclamation Recognizing May 3-9, 2026 as National Small Business Week Village President Scaman read the Proclamation aloud. Byline Bank Senior Vice President Susie Goldschmidt expressed pride in supporting local businesses and being part of the community for over 40 years. She emphasized that Byline Bank is committed to helping small businesses, building strong relationships, and serving the community through tools like SBA support. Economic Vitality Administrator Nicole Nodi highlighted that the U.S. Small Business Administration has celebrated National Small Business Week for over 60 years and noted Oak Park’s commitment to supporting small businesses year round. They explained that partnering with the Chamber of Commerce and Dominican University brought valuable resources and expert programming to local business owners, resulting in strong community participation and plans to continue the initiative next year. It was moved by Village Trustee Leving Jacobson, seconded by Village Trustee Enyia, that this Motion be approved. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. E. MOT 26-159 A Motion to Approve a Proclamation Recognizing May 2026 as National Foster Care Awareness Month and May 8, 2026 as Provider Appreciation Day Village President Scaman read the Proclamation aloud. Hephzibah CEO Jason Patenaude emphasized the organization’s long Village of Oak Park Page 3 Printed on 5/20/2026 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes May 5, 2026 history and generational impact supporting children and families in Oak Park. He highlighted the strong collaboration among local service organizations and encouraged residents to support the community nonprofits that make this work possible. Infant Welfare Society Executive Director John McIlwain described recent collaborative efforts to better meet children’s health needs, including exploring a pilot project to provide sports physicals to high school students using their mobile van. They emphasized the community’s deep culture of philanthropy and noted that such initiatives are possible only because of the Village’s ongoing support. Collaboration for Early Childhood Associate Director Laura Crawford emphasized the critical roles of child development and family stability. She highlighted how strong early childhood support helps prevent abuse and neglect, thanked community partners for their dedication, and invited families of rising kindergartners to the upcoming “Blast Off to Kindergarten” event at Rehm Park. It was moved by Village Trustee Enyia, seconded by Village Trustee Eder, that this Motion be approved. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. VII. Village Manager Reports F. ID 26-329 Review of the Board Meeting Calendars for May, June, and July 2026 Village Manager Kevin Jackson presented updated Calendars for May, June, and July to the Village Board. VIII. Village Board Committees IX. Citizen Commission Vacancies G. ID 26-325 Board and Commission Vacancy Report for May 5, 2026 This report lists the expected number of members, current number of members seated and number of active vacancies for the Village’s 18 citizen boards and commissions. There are currently 23 vacancies. X. Citizen Commission Appointments, Reappointments and Chair Appointments H. MOT 26-160 A Motion to Consent to the Village President’s Appointment of: Board of Health - Mark D Johnson, Appoint as Member Citizens Police Oversight Committee - Stephen F Smith, Appoint as Commissioner Village of Oak Park Page 4 Printed on 5/20/2026 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes May 5, 2026 It was moved by Village Trustee Eder, seconded by Village Trustee Straw, 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 Item L was moved from Regular Agenda to Consent Agenda. It was moved by Village Trustee Leving Jacobson and seconded by Village Trustee Straw to approve the items under the Consent Agenda. 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: 0 ABSENT: 1- Village Trustee Wesley I. RES 26-196 A Resolution Authorizing the Funding of a Medicare Set-Aside Annuity in an Amount Not to Exceed $127,851.71 in Connection with a Workers’ Compensation Settlement This Resolution was adopted. J. RES 26-199 A Resolution Approving an Agreement for Public Health Nurse Services with Patrice Steurer, R.N., not to exceed $94,760 thru December 31, 2026, and Authorizing its Execution This Resolution was adopted. K. RES 26-203 A Resolution Approving an Amendment to the Task Order for Professional Engineering Services with Baxter & Woodman, Inc., for Design and Construction Engineering for the North and South Pump Stations Pump Repair Project 23-12 to Change the not to Exceed Amount from $69,400 to $80,000 This Resolution was adopted. L. ORD 26-136 An Ordinance Adopting and Consenting to Approval of a Cook County Class 7c Designation for the Rehabilitation of a Building at 222 Lake Street, Oak Park, Illinois Bayan Studio Owner Fatima Beach described how rediscovering pottery transformed from a hobby into a meaningful source of connection and Village of Oak Park Page 5 Printed on 5/20/2026 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes May 5, 2026 well-being, complementing her demanding career and long time ties to the Oak Park community. She shared their excitement about opening a new pottery studio at 222 Lake Street, with a planned soft opening in September, and welcomed the community to experience the creative, calming space. Assistant Village Manager of Economic Vitality John Melaniphy expressed appreciation for the Board’s support and emphasized that the ordinance aligns with Village goals and economic strategies to grow and retain small and women-owned businesses. He noted that the Cook County Class 7C program will enable a $610,000 rehabilitation of the building, bringing it back into productive use and benefiting the community. This Ordinance was adopted. XV. Regular Agenda M. ID 26-316 A Presentation on Water & Sewer Rate Design Alternatives and Their Potential Impacts on Residential and Commercial Water Bills Resident Michelle S. described receiving notice that residents would be required to pay $7,500-$12,000 to replace lead service lines on their block, expressing concern that such a large, unexpected cost is unrealistic amid rising living expenses and property taxes. Citing numerous cities that fully cover lead line replacement through public funding, she urged the Village to find alternatives so the financial burden does not fall solely on current homeowners for an essential public health necessity. Resident Kristin M. reiterated concerns about the high and immediate cost of lead service line replacement, emphasizing that the burden is inequitable and out of step with how other communities handle such projects. She urged the Village to improve communication, ensure fairness across neighborhoods, prioritize support for low and fixed income residents, and explore reimbursement or grant options so the financial impact does not fall solely on affected homeowners this summer. Public Works Director Robert Sproule outlined three items requiring Board feedback that could affect the upcoming five year water and sewer rate plan: potential changes to rate structure methodology, updated state and federal lead line regulations and cost responsibilities, and a proposed pilot program to support private side lead service line replacement tied to the 2026 project. He emphasized that the Board’s direction is needed to determine how costs should be allocated and incorporated into future rate planning. He explained that the discussion is solely about rate design, not total revenue-future capital needs (including lead service line replacement) will determine the revenue target, and the rate structure will simply determine how that cost is shared across users. He explained that the Village of Oak Park Page 6 Printed on 5/20/2026 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes May 5, 2026 Board must first signal whether it wants an inclining block structure and whether to differentiate by user class so staff can prepare accurate models for the Finance Committee. NewGen Partner Eric Callocchia presented an overview of the water and sewer rate study, explaining the project’s goals, scope, and the need for Board feedback on potential rate structure alternatives. He reviewed the previous recommendations adopted for 2026 and outlined the Phase 2 focus on creating a five year rate plan and evaluating new rate methodologies with an emphasis on affordability. He highlighted key considerations in rate design, including equity, implementation, conservation, customer impacts, and financial sufficiency. He emphasized that current industry tools for equity are limited to usage and system demand characteristics, noting that true DEI based equity extends beyond water system engineering. He also confirmed that a hybrid inclining model is possible once the Board provides direction. Village Trustee Straw asked whether multifamily residential buildings fall under the commercial rate class and later expressed interest in an inclining block rate structure, noting the need to understand who the highest use customers are before making decisions. He also raised concerns about how large multifamily buildings should be categorized and questioned the equity of high fixed service charges, preferring more reliance on volumetric rates. He asked for a true DEI oriented equity analysis-beyond engineering based cost allocation-to understand how different models affect lower income households. He suggested that, at first glance, inclining block rates might benefit many residential users but wants formal analysis from the Village’s DEI office. Village Trustee Taglia confirmed that the sample revenue figures did not account for changes in customer behavior and expressed concern that inclining block rates could disproportionately impact Black, Brown, and larger families. He argued that Oak Park residents already conserve water, pointed to significant system leakage as a more impactful conservation target, and opposed changing the uniform rate structure due to equity, stability, and unintended consequences. He reiterated concerns about blunt rate changes and noted that residents are sensitive to new cost burdens. Village Trustee Eder sought details on the distribution of high use customers and how municipal facilities like schools and parks fit into commercial classifications. He supported inclining block rates for their conservation benefits but stressed the importance of modeling behavioral changes, avoiding frequent future rate adjustments, and minimizing disruption. He also asked how common different rate structures are nationally and emphasized balancing affordability with long-term system Village of Oak Park Page 7 Printed on 5/20/2026 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes May 5, 2026 reliability. Village Trustee Leving Jacobson thanked staff for the clarity provided and asked how commercial classifications are determined and whether usage alone is the most equitable basis for rate setting. She expressed interest in shifting some burden away from residents if appropriate and raised questions about whether Oak Park should increase its overall revenue target to support long-term lead service line replacement needs. She confirmed that any new structure could still result in higher overall rates due to long term infrastructure obligations. She also reiterated interest in seeing a hybrid or modest inclining model, but wants data on who the largest water users are before supporting any shift. Village Trustee Enyia shared resident concerns about rising water bills and expressed interest in an inclining model, emphasizing the need to understand “super users,” how household type affects use, and whether equity adjustments can be incorporated. He wants more detailed data before committing but is open to an inclining approach. Village Manager Jackson agreed that staff will analyze distributional impacts and equity considerations as part of the next phase. Village President Scaman noted that identifying the Village’s highest use customers is important because major increases for large users could ultimately be passed back to residents. She acknowledged that more information could shift her own view between inclining or uniform models. N. ID 26-317 A Presentation on the Updates to the State and Federal Lead Service Line Regulations and Their Impacts on the Village’s Draft Lead Service Line Replacement Plan Deputy Public Works Director Erin Duffy summarized state and federal regulations: the Village must prohibit partial replacements, complete a materials inventory, submit a final plan by 2027, and then replace all lead lines within about 18 years under federal rules. She explained current inventory estimates, noted that verification could raise the number of identified lead lines, and outlined estimated costs: about $107-135M for full replacements, up to $318M when required water main and road reconstruction is included, and closer to $400M if Oak Park funds private side work. She also described potential assistance models-minimum compliance, income based hybrids, capped cost models, and fully Village funded options. Public Health Director Greg Olson provided important public health context, explaining that while waterborne lead exposure is a legitimate concern-and Village of Oak Park Page 8 Printed on 5/20/2026 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes May 5, 2026 can be catastrophic in cases like Flint-the vast majority of childhood lead poisoning cases stem from dust and paint in older housing. He outlined the Health Department’s role in investigating childhood lead cases under the state Poison Prevention Act, including environmental inspections and testing of dust, paint, soil, and water. He reiterated that no amount of lead exposure is safe and that removing any exposure pathway-including water-is beneficial, but emphasized that the public should understand where the highest risks typically originate. Village Trustee Straw said the mandate is financially daunting and leaned toward an income based hybrid model that provides full support to low income households and allows others to repay their share over time. He stressed the need to avoid shifting costs unfairly to renters or multifamily residents and wanted further analysis at the Finance Committee, including income limit thresholds. Village Trustee Taglia emphasized the long term financial burden, suggesting the project could approach $1B over decades, and noted that frequent road and water main penetrations require full block level reconstruction. He confirmed that rising construction costs will make the total price tag even higher. Village Trustee Eder supported an income based model, emphasized improving communication so residents are not surprised by large bills, and recommended notifying residents earlier. He asked about public health risks, timeline flexibility, and the possibility of leveraging future federal or state support given the mandate’s scale. Village Trustee Leving Jacobson asked about grant eligibility, penalties for non-compliance, and the mechanics of state “compliance agreements.” She stressed the challenge of planning amid uncertain future funding and wanted more clarity on how grant timelines and eligibility would impact policy choices. Village President Scaman called to move past 10P.M. Village Trustee Leving Jacobson motioned. Village Trustee Eder seconded. O. RES 26-202 A Resolution Approving a Lead Service Line Replacement Pilot Program in 2026 and Directing Staff to Prepare the Necessary Budget Amendment in an Amount Not to Exceed $607,500 and Authorizing Its Execution Deputy Public Works Director Erin Duffy introduced the proposed low interest installment loan program designed to give homeowners an affordable way to pay for private side lead service line replacement, especially those affected by the 2026 Water & Sewer Improvement Project. She explained that homeowners who use the Village’s contractor would have their private side cost fully covered by the loan, while the public side Village of Oak Park Page 9 Printed on 5/20/2026 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes May 5, 2026 would continue to be replaced at no cost under the existing abatement program. The loan carries a 2.1% interest rate over 72 months and would be billed through the water bill. She confirmed that as long as residents use the Village contractor, the loan would cover the entire private side cost, and is intended to reduce financial strain on households affected by the 2026 project. Neighborhood Services Director/ Asst. Village Manager Jonathan Burch explained that the Village previously operated a CDBG funded assistance program to help low income households with private side lead service line costs, but the program was paused this year pending Board discussion. He said the program could be restarted immediately to provide up to $5,000 in grant support for households under 80% AMI, reducing or eliminating the amount they would need to finance. For eligible households, the grant would cover the first $5,000 of costs, with only the remaining portion-if any-rolled into the long-term repayment plan. He noted that the Village has about $40,000 in unspent CDBG funds, enough to assist approximately eight to ten households this year. Chief Financial Officer Kevin Bueso explained that the 2.1% interest rate for the installment loan is set by state law and is tied to an index based on general obligation bond rates. Under the law, municipalities are allowed to charge only 50% of that index rate for these types of revolving loans, which is why the current rate is about 2.16% instead of the market rate 4.25%. The rate is recalculated every year on July 1 to align with the state fiscal year, so it may fluctuate annually depending on economic conditions. Village Trustee Eder asked whether residents might face out of pocket costs but was assured the loan covers the full amount when using the Village’s contractor. He expressed support for the program as a practical way to soften the financial shock and allow homeowners to spread costs over time. Village Trustee Straw asked how the remaining loan balance would be handled if a homeowner sells the property before finishing repayment. He sought clarity on how the 2.1% interest rate was determined. He said he supports the installment loan program but urged the Village to build in an additional income based component. He asked staff to explore options such as extending repayment terms, lowering interest rates, or integrating other grant programs and asked for analysis on how many of the affected 2026 homeowners fall within income qualified thresholds. Village President Scaman asked whether any Board members opposed the basic loan proposal, and none did. She highlighted interest in adding income based assistance and requested staff return with options informed Village of Oak Park Page 10 Printed on 5/20/2026 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes May 5, 2026 by the income distribution of the 2026 project area. She also acknowledged that targeted communication may help increase participation and better inform affected households. She also supported bringing back additional program options once staff has data on how many residents might qualify for CDBG or expanded local assistance and encouraged continued refinement of the affordability approach. It was moved by Village Trustee Eder, seconded by Village Trustee Straw, that this Resolution be adopted. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. AYES: 6- Village President Scaman, Village Trustee Eder, Village Trustee Enyia, Village Trustee Leving Jacobson, Village Trustee Straw, and Village Trustee Taglia NAYS: 0 ABSENT: 1- Village Trustee Wesley P. ID 26-185 A Study Session on Oak Park Special Events Process Neighborhood Services Director/ Asst. Village Manager Jonathan Burch explained that the recommendations presented were based on extensive conversations with stakeholders and staff about improving the special events process. He described feedback about unpredictable post event billing and recommended switching to estimating fees upfront, reducing deposits from 50% to 20%, building SPARK grant discounts in before events, setting a $10,000 fee cap, and applying a 25% fee reduction across all events. He noted this would mainly affect the largest events and would result in roughly an $11,000 annual revenue decrease. Village President Scaman asked for board feedback and questioned why Microbrew Review’s costs had decreased so much in 2025. She emphasized that late invoicing made budgeting difficult for nonprofits and expressed concern that large anchor events were becoming too expensive to sustain, putting them at risk of leaving. She supported both the proposed fee cap and the 25% reduction, stating these would help keep ticket prices manageable and ensure major community events remained viable. She also noted that the Village was at capacity for large runs and bike rides but still had room for smaller community building events. Village Trustee Straw asked about invoice collection rates and said he supported a reduced deposit only for revenue generating events, suggesting a bifurcated structure for nonprofits and non revenue events. He supported using estimated costs, offering discounted fees for new events, and reducing fees across the board due to the economic benefits events bring. However, he opposed a fee cap, arguing it disproportionately benefited the largest events and could incentivize organizers to design more expensive events whose costs might shift to the Village. Village of Oak Park Page 11 Printed on 5/20/2026 President and Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes May 5, 2026 Village Trustee Taglia said he was open to supporting both the cap and the 25% reduction as long as staff confirmed it would not overwhelm their capacity. After hearing staff’s explanation about timelines and resource constraints, he said he could support both measures, especially given limits on how many large scale bike rides and runs the Village could manage. Village Trustee Eder said the recommendations seemed reasonable overall. He questioned how hiring security consultants would save money and was told it would reduce strain on police staffing and mandatory overtime. He asked how police staffing levels for events were determined and heard that factors such as alcohol, attendance, street closures, and location influenced the calculation. After learning that some cost fluctuations were due to reporting errors, he stated he had no strong objections and was comfortable with the small revenue impact. Deputy Chief Rod Robinson explained that police staffing needs were based on several variables, including alcohol service, expected attendance, street closures, and the size and nature of the event footprint. He clarified that some past cost inconsistencies were caused by reporting issues rather than operational changes. XVI. Call to Board and Clerk XVII. Adjourn It was moved by Village Trustee Straw, seconded by Village Trustee Leving Jacobson to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 11:03 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Deputy Clerk Carswell Village of Oak Park Page 12 Printed on 5/20/2026