Board of Trustees

1 13863 MINUTES of a regular meeting of the Mayor and the Board of Trustees of the Village of Skokie, Cook County, Illinois held in the Council Chambers at 5127 Oakton Street at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, May 5, 2025 Pledge of Allegiance led by Village Clerk Minal Desai. Approve Consent Agenda. Moved: Trustee Pure Slovin Seconded: L. Levy Ayes: Pure Slovin, Schechter, K. Levy, Robinson, Iverson, L. Levy. Nays: None Absent: None MOTION CARRIED Mayor Ann Tennes called the meeting to order * Approve, as submitted, the minutes of regular meetings held Monday, April 21, 2025 and special meeting held Monday, April 28, 2025. Omnibus vote. Public Comment. (3 minutes per person, maximum of 30 minutes) Mayor Tennes informed everyone that we are trying a Pilot Public Program. Starting this evening (3 min. per person, maximum (30 minutes), then with each Agenda item up to 15 minutes per Agenda item. Tess Cristobal would like a land acknowledgement to be read before the Board Meeting. A student from Loyola Academy, former Fairview South student, Skokie resident, created a group and educational policy. She requested more funds for Reading and Math for underdeveloped communities. Richard Perlin spoke about encouraging civic duty. Elline Eliasoff, Rich Evonitz, Jerry Kaye, Brian Levinson, Dave Rahija,-President, Endeavor, Habeeb Quadri-Muslim Community, Steve and Cindy Franklin, Khem Khoeun, Jeff Burman, Jason Amrani, Marisa Rubin, and Minal Desai thanked Michael Lorge. These members of the community, local business leaders, and elected officials took time during the meeting to express their appreciation for Michael’s years of dedicated service. Speakers highlighted his unwavering commitment, leadership, and positive impact on both the organization and the broader community. Their remarks reflected a deep respect and gratitude for his contributions and institutional knowledge as Corporation Counsel and wished him the best in his retirement and next chapter. Recognition and Honorary Presentations. Laura Fine, State Senator thanked Michael for this service and read a letter form Governor Prtizker congratulating Michael Lorge. Ram Villivalam-Illinois State Senator thanked Michael for his service as a colleague and friend. Kevin Olickal-State Representative thanked Michael for his institutional knowledge , guidance, support and work in Skokie Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz Ram Villivalam, Laura Fine and Kevin Olickal presented a Joint Proclamation to Michael Lorge. Josina Morita-Cook County Commission, friend and resident thanked Michael for building bridges, reaching out and filling the gaps. Trustee Pure Slovin congratulated Michael Lorge on his dedication, leadership, collaboration and vision. She expressed that it was a privilege to serve with him. Trustee Robinson thanked Michael Lorge for his years of service, his commitment and the legacy he leaves behind. Talia Gevaryahu congratulated Michael Lorge for his leadership and thanked him for all he has done to make Skokie the thriving community we are. Rabbi Rachel Marks and Rabbi Ari Hart congratulated Michael Lorge and all the Trustees and thanked Michael for his collaboration, innovation and the empowerment of others. 626396  2 13864 Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Trustees Monday, May 5, 2025 Page Two *Approve Voucher List #24-FY25 of April 21, 2025. Omnibus vote. Proclamations and Resolutions. A. Proclamations Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month - May 2025 Mayor Tennes read the Proclamation honoring Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander’s and urge all residents to join this celebration recognizing their infinite contributions to our great Village. Emergency Medical Services Week - May 18 – 24, 2025 Mayor Tennes read the Proclamation proclaiming Emergency Medical Services Week and encourage the community to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities. Honoring Corporation Counsel Michael M. Lorge Mayor Tennes read a Proclamation on behalf of the residents extend congratulations and thanks to Michael M. Lorge for his distinguished record of service, accomplishments and contributions, not only as Corporation Counsel but throughout his 30 years of public service and wish him a most enjoyable retirement. Mayor Tennes recognized that it is also Jewish Heritage Month and a Proclamation will be on May, 19, 2025 Appointments, Reappointments and Resignations. A. Swearing in of the following personnel by Helene Levine, Vice Chair of the Board of Fire and Police Commission: Name Old Position New Position Brad Zabadal Firefighter Lieutenant Michael Sanders New Hire Firefighter Mayor Tennes congratulated the new Lieutenant and new Firefighter who introduced their family and friends. *B. Resignations Public Arts Advisory Committee: Tammi Finestone and Susie Lorge Omnibus vote. Report of the Village Manager. *A. Resolution 25-5-R-1596 Motion to appoint Mayor Ann Tennes as the Village’s Director to the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County. Omnibus vote. * B. Resolution 25-5-R-1597 Church Street Bike Lanes (Linder Avenue to McCormick Blvd.) Motion to approval of Prepared Resolution Authorizing the Execution of the Supplemental Local Public Agency Amendment #2 Agreement for Federal Participation with the State of Illinois. Omnibus vote *C. Motion to award a contract for 2025 Water Main & Sewer Rehabilitation Improvement Project to Joel Kennedy Constructing Corp., Waukegan, Illinois - $8,366,255. Omnibus vote *D. Excess Liability Coverage for Fiscal Year 2026 – Gallagher – METIS/Genesis/ Companies. Motion to award a contract to Gallagher-METIS/Genesis/Arch Companies for excess liability coverage for Fiscal Year 2026. Omnibus vote *E. Purchase of Two (2) Walk-In Step Vans – TransChicago Truck Group, Elmhurst, Illinois – $146,686 and Morgan Olson LLC, Sturgis, Michigan - $84,266. Motion to award a contract to TransChicago Truck Group, Elmhurst, IL in the amount of $146,686 for purchase of two walk-in step vans. Omnibus vote 626396  3 13865 Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Trustees Monday, May 5, 2025 Page Three * F. Purchase of Animal Control Van and Storage Unit – Currie Motors, Frankfort, Illinois – $59,064 and Mavron Inc., Warsaw, Indiana - $43,839. Motion to award a contract to Currie Motors, Frankfort, Illinois in the amount of $59,064 and Mavron, Inc., Warsaw, IN in the amount of $43,839 for purchase of Animal control van and storage unit. Omnibus vote *G. Resilient Wedge Gate Valve – Mid-American Water, Wauconda, Illinois - $44,259. Motion to award a contract to Mid-American Water, Wauconda, Illinois -$44,259 for Resilient Wedge Gate Valve. Omnibus vote *H. Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations – Carbon Day EV Charging, Wheeling, Illinois – $40,156.50. Motion to award a contract to Carbon Day EV Charging, Wheeling, Illinois-$40,156.50. Omnibus vote Report of the Corporation Counsel. FIRST READING A. An ordinance amending Chapter 10 of the Skokie Village Code pertaining to the retail sale of alcoholic liquor. Item A is on the agenda for first reading. The second reading will be on May 19, 2025. UPDATE B. An update concerning the status of the 4930 Oakton Street property litigation and the Village of Skokie’s recently filed Motion to Expedite. Corporation Counsel Lorge gave an update of 4930 Oakton. There are multiple lawsuits against E&M Skokie LLC by subcontractors. The lender has filed a foreclosure action against the developer because of E&M default on its construction loan. The Village is monitoring the situation closely. Concern were raised about the safety of the structure and the impact of weather. The Village has conducted annual inspections of the structure. Skokie attempted to engage in the suit to expedite the court’s handling of the matter but was denied due to the lack of an arbitration clause in the original loan documents. Emi Yamauchi questioned about the time line of the project and financial responsibilities. Manager Lockerby responded that in 2017 the project started. After Covid, the project went into problems after costs went up. Going forward it is good practice to ensure that the document between developer and the lending institution are reviewed to minimize the exposure to external factors. Corporation Counsel Michael Lorge left the meeting and Assistant Corporation Counsel Barbara Mangler continued on any legal matters. New Business. Trustee Pure Slovin spoke about the Hefty ReNew Program-collecting hard-to-recycle plastics that existing programs don’t accept. Trustee Robinson expressing about public safety, especially during Prom season. Trustee Schechter recognized the Older Americans Month. Mayor Tennes recognized our community partner Skokie Park District and Health and Human Services who uplift senior in our Community, Plan Commission. A. Plan Commission Case 2025-02P – Special Use Permit: 8046 Ridgeway Ave. Plan Commission concurred with staff’s recommendation to grant the special use permit subject to all conditions. Moved: Trustee Pure Slovin Seconded: Robinson Ayes: Pure Slovin, Schechter, K. Levy, Robinson, Iverson, L. Levy Nays: None Absent: None MOTION CARRIED 626396  4 13866 Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Trustees Monday, May 5, 2025 Page Four B. Plan Commission Case 2025-03P – Planned Development Site Plan Approval: 5701 Oakton Street, 7700 Gross Point Road and 7720 Gross Point Road. Motion to approve the request from Community High School District No. 219 for a site plan approval for a 4-lot planned development at 5701 Oakton St, in an R2 Single-Family zoning district and at 7700 Gross Point Road and 7720 Gross Point Rd, in an M1 Office Assembly Industry zoning district, approved subject to all conditions. Ken Florey attorney representing 219 answered questions concerning-sustainability efforts, solar panels, geo-thermal heating and permeable pavers. Trustee Schechter was concerned about the removal of trees. Johanna Nyden, Community Development Director spoke about different landscaping for the safety of schools. The architect will supplement for trees lost. Corporation Counsel Michael Lorge left the meeting and Assistant Corporation Counsel Barbara Mangler continued on any legal matters. Moved: Trustee Iverson Seconded: L. Levy Ayes: Pure Slovin, Schechter, K. Levy, Robinson, Iverson, L. Levy Nays: None Absent: None MOTION CARRIED Public Comment. (3 minutes per person, maximum of 30 minutes) Lauren Grodnicki presented a Power Point presentation on “ Adding to the Water Storage Conversation.” Public Comments by email. Howard Sproull-CO2 is pollution?, CO2 is plant food. Emily White-Dangerous Streets Jaimie Kurian-Skokie Letter to the Director of Engineer-replacing yield signs for stop signs at some intersections. Joseph Nowik-support for D219’s Niles Central and Niles West Facilities. Mr. Jinsky Jean Pois-In Memoriam Pope Francis (1936-2025) Pam Austin-Rat Problem Adjournment. Motion to adjourn at 9:50 p.m. Moved: Trustee Pure Slovin Seconded: Robinson Ayes: Pure Slovin, Schechter, K. Levy, Robinson, Iverson, L. Levy Nays: None Absent: None MOTION CARRIED Approved: ___________________________ Village Clerk Approved: ---------------------------------- Mayor Ann Tennes Items marked with an asterisk (*) indicate they are part of the Consent Agenda that contains routine items or items which have already been discussed by the Mayor and Board at a previous public meeting and require a second reading. Items on the Consent Agenda are passed in one vote at the beginning of the Board Meeting. Prior to the vote on the Consent Agenda, the Mayor will inquire if there is any matter which anyone 626396  5 wishes to remove from the Consent Agenda. If there is an item on the Consent Agenda which you wish to address, please inform the Mayor at that time you wish to remove it from the Consent Agenda. __________________________ Items marked with an asterisk (*) indicate they are part of the Consent Agenda that contains routine items or items which have already been discussed by the Mayor and Board at a previous public meeting and require a second reading. Items on the Consent Agenda are passed in one vote at the beginning of the Board Meeting. Prior to the vote on the Consent Agenda, the Mayor will inquire if there is any matter which anyone wishes to remove from the Consent Agenda. If there is an item on the Consent Agenda which you wish to address, please inform the Mayor at that time you wish to remove it from the Consent Agenda. 626396