Minutes - 02/11/2020 - Board of TrusteesVILLAGE OF OAK BROOK MINUTES Page 1 of 6 REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 11, 2020
MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 11,
2020 REGULAR MEETING OF THE
PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF
TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF
OAK BROOK APPROVED AS
WRITTEN ON FEBRUARY 25, 2020
1. CALL TO ORDER
The Regular Meeting of the Village Board of Trustees was called to order by President Gopal
Lalmalani in the Samuel E. Dean Board Room of the Butler Government Center at 7:02 pm. The
Pledge of Allegiance was given.
2. ROLL CALL
Village Clerk Charlotte Pruss called the roll with the following persons:
PRESENT: Trustees John Baar, Philip Cuevas, Moin Saiyed, Asif Yusuf, and
President Gopal Lalmalani
ABSENT: Trustee Michael Manzo, Edward Tiesenga
IN ATTENDANCE: Village Manager Rick Ginex, Development Services Director Tony
Budzikowski, Golf Manager/Superintendent Sean Creed, Information Technology Director
Jim Fox, Police Deputy Chief Jason Cates, Fire Chief Barry Liss, Finance Director Jason
Paprocki, Public Works Superintendent Rick Valent, Head Librarian Jacob Post, HR
Director/Deputy Clerk Kathy Vonachen, and Village Attorney Michael Castaldo, Jr.
3. PRESIDENT’S OPENING COMMENTS
President Lalmalani shared the passing of Dr. Mary Ann Malloy. He spoke of her
accomplishments and asked for a moment of silence in her memory.
Trustee Baar extended his condolences to the family and spoke about the support Dr. Malloy’s
family provides to local causes.
A. Ordinances & Resolutions
1. RESOLUTION 2020-DMMC-REDLIGHT-R-1861, A Resolution of Opposition
to Financially-Driven Red Light Camera Surveillance of Illinois Motorists.
President Lalmalani stated that the Village Board has been diligent in their opposition to the red
light cameras and the corruption that they represent. He also stated that the Board will continue
to be a voice for the residents of Oak Brook against this financially-driven exploitation. He then
asked Clerk Pruss to read the Resolution.
Clerk Pruss read the Resolution.
Trustee Baar reiterated opposition of every Board member to the red light camera and clarified
that the Village had nothing to do with the installation of the cameras at the intersection of 22nd
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and 83rd. He spoke in support of the McSweeney Bill and shared his concerns with the harsh
language used in the Resolution presented before them. He also, agreed with President
Lalmalani’s comments on this issue.
President Lalmalani stated that Trustee Tiesenga, along with Trustee Yusuf, Manager Ginex, and
Village Attorney Castaldo worked in unison to make several enhancements to the Resolution
including toning down the language. in order get the final product presented at this meeting. He
explained the position of DMMC regarding the McSweeney Bill and the surrounding
communities that the bill would effect.
Trustee Yusuf spoke in support of the resolution the way it is written as it conveys a very
effective message that the red light cameras are just a money maker to steal from the common
man. He further explained the red light cameras in relation to public safety, IDOT and the
corruption around the red light cameras involving the City of Oakbrook Terrace and the City of
Chicago.
President Lalmalani reminded residents that they must sign in to speak, to keep comments to 5
minutes, and to speak on pertinent Village business.
Motion by Trustee Yusuf, seconded by Trustee Saiyed to approve Resolution R-1861 in
opposition to financially driven red light camera surveillance of Illinois motorists. VOICE
VOTE: Motion carried
4. RESIDENT/VISITOR COMMENTS
Resident Chris Owens spoke regarding a very high water bill he received due to a pipe leak that
he was unaware of. He asked for Village procedures in such circumstances. He made
suggestions to the Board in handling such bills in the future and made comments regarding water
rate increases.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. REGULAR BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING OF JANUARY 28, 2020
Motion by Trustee Baar, seconded by Trustee Cuevas to approve the Minutes of the Regular
Board of Trustees Meeting of January 28, 2020. VOICE VOTE: Motion carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
B. REGULAR CLOSED BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 24, 2019
Motion by Trustee Baar, seconded by Trustee Cuevas to approve the Minutes of the Regular
Closed Board of Trustees Meeting of September 24, 2019. VOICE VOTE: Motion carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
C. SPECIAL CLOSED BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING OF NOVEMBER 26, 2019
Motion by Trustee Baar, seconded by Trustee Cuevas to approve the Minutes of the Special
Closed Board of Trustees Meeting of November 26, 2019. VOICE VOTE: Motion carried.
6.
CONSENT AGENDA
All items on the Consent Agenda are considered to be routine in nature and will be enacted in
one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a Board member so
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK MINUTES Page 3 of 6 REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 11, 2020
requests, in which event, the item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and considered as
the first item after approval of the Consent Agenda.
A. Accounts Payable for Period Ending February 6, 2020 - $1,026,633.69
Significant Items included in Above:
1) BCBS PPO – Health Care Services - January, 2020 - $200,173.95
2) Lyons Pinner Electric Co.- Spring Road and Jorie Blvd. Street Lighting - Inv.#7768 -
$78,062.00
3) Oak Brook Park District IGA Loan - $500,000.00
B. Approval of Payroll for Pay Period Ending January 25, 2020 - $780,717.20
C. Development Services Referrals
1) 1315 and 1425 Kensington-Oak Brook Park District-Variation
D. Authorization to Seek Bids or Proposals or Negotiate Contracts:
1) Golf Commodities for the Village of Oak Brook Golf Course
E. Ordinances & Resolutions
1) RESOLUTION 2020-DMMC-LP-EX-R- 1859, A Resolution Adopting the 2020
Legislative Positions and Priorities of the Du Page Mayors And Managers Conference
2) ORDINANCE 2020-LC-AL-G-1158, An Ordinance Amending Title 4, Chapter 1,
Section 8A Of The Village Code Of The Village Of Oak Brook, Illinois By Decreasing
By One To Thirty-Three The Number Of Authorized Class A-1 Liquor
Motion by Trustee Baar, seconded by Trustee Cuevas to approve the Consent Agenda and authorize
expenditures as presented or amended.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes: 4 – Trustees Baar, Cuevas, Saiyed, and Yusuf
Nays: 0 – None
Abstain: 0 – None
Absent: 2 – Trustees Manzo, Tiesenga
Motion carried
7. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
None
8. ACTIVE BUSINESS
A. Confirmation of Appointments
1. Zoning Board of Appeals
Motion by Trustee Yusuf, seconded by Trustee Cuevas to confirm President Lalmalani’s
recommendation to appoint Rahma Hasan to the Oak Brook Zoning Board of Appeals to fulfill a
term that expires in November 2021. VOICE VOTE: Motion carried
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B. Discussion on Making a Financial Contribution to Oak Brook Polo after 2020
Trustee Saiyed began the discussion by stating his concerns with the report he received from
Finance Director Paprocki. He made suggestions to cut down the Village expenses. He also urged
fundraising and sponsorship and spoke about emails from members of the Hotel/Motel
Committee.
Trustee Baar disagreed with Trustee Saiyed’s statements by stating that things are not as
unfavorable as portrayed. He further explained the profits that the Polo events bring to the
Village.
Trustee Yusuf stated that Polo is part of the Oak Brook brand, it provides further exposure and
drives traffic to the Village. However, monetary reductions in contributions for the year 2021 is
something to consider.
Resident Karen Giandonato spoke regarding Polo Sunday traditions and elaborated on the thrill,
excitement and enjoyment of the game. She conveyed a message from all Oak Brook residents.
Lastly she urged the Board to continue to fund the partnership with Jim Jeffrey’s organization.
Hinsdale Resident Robert McMurtry spoke about United States Polo Association, the economic
impact, and the history of Polo in Oak Brook. He shared the dangers associated with the sport
and ill maintained fields. He also spoke about Hinsdale Junior Women’s Club donations,
investments, fundraisers, and why they are successful with the association of Oak Brook Polo
and Chicago Polo.
Hinsdale Resident Brittany Hill shared her agreement with previous comments including the
contributions and the impact Oak Brook Polo has had on her life and the community.
Resident Beverly Taylor spoke about the history of Oak Brook Polo, the involvement of
volunteers, of Oak Brook Polo Community and challenges they faced including funding for
maintenance of the fields. She also spoke about the affect Daniel O’Leary and James Drury had
with getting Polo back to Oak Brook.
President and CEO of the Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce, David Carlin stated that
many Chamber members are proud sponsors of Oak Brook Polo and how the sport makes Oak
Brook unique. He also encouraged the Board to find ways to continue to support Polo despite the
difficulties of trying to cover the rising costs of other expenses. He identified benefits of Oak
Brook Polo in relation to current drawbacks the Village is facing.
Oak Brook Polo Managing Director Daniel O’Leary read several statements from supporters that
could not attend the meeting. The letters included local business owners, the Oak Brook Polo
Club and their fundraising events like ones for Wildlife Conservation and the Oak Brook Polo
Legacy. He thanked President Lalmalani for taking the time to listen to all the concerns and
challenges that Polo is facing. Additionally, he urged the Board members to meet with him on a
separate occasion in order to get a detailed picture of Polo finances to gain a different
perspective, as well as to figure out what actions need to be taken in order make Oak Brook Polo
work.
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President Lalmalani reassured everyone of the Village’s commitment to Polo and that no one is
talking about eliminating of Polo because it has lateral benefits for the Village. Lastly he shared
his encouragement for future partnerships regarding Polo.
Discussion ensued.
9. INFORMATION & UPDATES
Village Manager
Manager Ginex made clarifying statements regarding the Park District agreement, the capital
expenditures in the agreement and announced that the Village will be closed on Monday
February 17, 2020 in observance of President’s Day.
Village Clerk
Clerk Pruss informed everyone of the location for early voting and steps to be taken if one wants
to do so. She also provided information on obtaining primary election ballots. Additionally, she
reminded everyone to contact her at the Village with any questions and to complete the census
forms as they should be arriving by mail in early April.
Trustees
Trustee Baar commended the Village President on handling the last meeting professionally and
the speakers for providing a respectful exchange of views and ideas.
Trustee Cuevas explained the rising water rates, the challenges that the current water system
poses for the Village financially, and installation of possible safety mechanisms to shut water off
in the event of abnormal water usage. He also spoke regarding the new proposed bill to disallow
citizens to pump their own gas.
Trustee Saiyed explained that he is a huge supporter of Polo but is looking to make small cuts in
expenses here and there in order to keep up with the rising cost of expenditures.
Trustee Yusuf explained that the Polo discussion ensued due to an attempt in taking early steps
toward self-sufficiency. He shared the process of Michigan water delivery to the Village of Oak
Brook and surrounding communities and the reasons behind the rising water rates. Furthermore,
he reminded everyone that the days are getting warmer and longer and to drive slowly and wear
reflective clothing when out after dark. Lastly, he urged the residents to partner with the Police
Department by taking safety precautions in keeping everyone safe.
Village Attorney
None
E. Village President
None
Information Technology Director Fox informed everyone of a Federal Judge allowing for two
major cell phone companies to merge, therefore, since the Village has contracts with both of
those companies he will provide updates at future meetings as the information becomes available.
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Police Deputy Cates informed everyone of the most recent burglaries to motor vehicles and that
the offenders at times enter homes through garage doors because garage openers are left in the
cars thus putting everyone in greater danger. He reminded everyone of how crucial it is to keep
vehicles locked.
Public Works Superintendent Valent thanked all the residents and business owners for their
patience with the plowing services especially with the unpredictability of the weather.
Golf Manager/Superintendent Creed updated the Board with the most recent developments
regarding the Golf Clubhouse Lounge Renovation Project.
HR Director/Deputy Clerk Vonachen reminded all employees and Board members of the
mandatory anti-harassment and ethics training in February and active shooter training in March.
Head Librarian Post invited everyone to come to the library to check out a good book.
Finance Director Paprocki provided an update regarding the sales tax.
Fire Chief Liss reminded everyone of the 2020 Citizen’s Fire Academy and encouraged everyone
to join.
10. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION,
Motion by Trustee Baar, seconded by Trustee Cuevas to adjourn to closed session for the purpose
of discussing (1) minutes of meetings lawfully closed under this act, (2) to consider the setting of
a price for sale or lease of property owned by the Village, pursuant to 2(c)(21), 2(c)(6) of the
Illinois Open Meetings Act, respectively.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes: 4 – Trustees Baar, Cuevas, Saiyed, and Yusuf
Nays: 0 – None
Abstain: 0 – None
Absent: 2 – Trustees Manzo, Tiesenga
Motion carried
The meeting adjourned to closed session at 8:32 p.m.
11. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Trustee Baar, seconded by Trustee Cuevas to adjourn the Regular Meeting of the
Board of Trustees at 9:06 p.m. VOICE VOTE: Motion carried.
ATTEST:
/s/ Charlotte K. Pruss
Charlotte K. Pruss
Village Clerk