Loading...
Minutes - 05/12/2020 - Board of TrusteesVILLAGE OF OAK BROOK MINUTES Page 1 of 8 REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 12, 2020 MINUTES OF THE MAY 12, 2020 REGULAR MEETING OF THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK APPROVED AS WRITTEN ON MAY 26, 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 7:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was given. 2.ROLL CALL Village Clerk Charlotte Pruss called the roll with the following persons: PRESENT: President Gopal Lalmalani, Information Technology Director Jim Fox PRESENT VIA TELECONFERENCE/ZOOM: Trustees John Baar, Philip Cuevas, Michael Manzo, Moin Saiyed, Edward Tiesenga, Asif Yusuf, Village Attorney Michael Castaldo, Jr. ABSENT: None IN ATTENDANCE VIA TELECONFERENCE/ZOOM: Village Manager Rick Ginex, Development Services Tony Budzikowski, Police Chief James Kruger, Fire Chief Barry Liss, Finance Director Jason Paprocki, Public Works Director Doug Patchin, Village Attorney Michael Castaldo, Jr., and HR Director/ Deputy Clerk Kathy Vonachen 3.PRESIDENT’S OPENING COMMENTS President Lalmalani commenced the meeting by sharing his hopes that all the mothers had an enjoyable Mother’s Day despite all the difficulties all the communities are facing. Secondly, he informed everyone of the current confirmed number of COVID-19 cases within the Village. He went on to explain and differentiate the Village numbers from other communities in Cook and DuPage counties to the ones of the State as a whole. Additionally, President Lalmalani, disclosed news from several teleconferences he attended, different steps that are being taken by the IDPH, DMMC, Governor of Illinois and the Mayor of Chicago in handling the outbreak. Moreover, he shared his opinions regarding the Governor’s 5 phase reopening plan and the lack of response from the Governor to the letter sent out by the DMMC. In addition, he shared actions the Village is taking at putting a plan in place that will systematically reopen the local economy while making it a top priority to keep residents, employees and customers safe. Next, he shared resident, Ray Cesca’s comments regarding the 5G technology and asked the Board to pay close attention to the presented information. Lastly, President Lalmalani, spoke of residents Karamchandani and Lopez organizing a parade to honor 2020 Oak Brook High School and 8th Grade graduation classes. He also gave details on the time, date, route and hygienic parameters participants will need to follow. A.Hines Oak Brook Commons Preliminary Development Review Director Budzikowski made a brief introduction and turned the presentation over to attorney Peter Friedman, Zoning Council for Oak Brook Commons Hines Development. ITEM 5.A VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK MINUTES Page 2 of 8 REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 12, 2020 Mr. Friedman welcomed everyone, introduced himself, thanked President Lalmalani and the Board for the opportunity to make the presentation despite the extraordinary and difficult times. He also thanked the Village employees and everyone involved in the project and shared his appreciation for all the hard work. Next, Mr. Friedman, introduced members of Hines and Med Properties, addressed Development Services Director Budzikowski’s introductory comments and briefed the Board on the several different aspects of the project. Mr. Greg Van Schaack, Senior Managing Director for Hines, thanked the Board for the opportunity to present and went over the details of the project that was approved by the Board in May of 2019. Furthermore, he spoke about financing issues due to the current state of economic affairs, restaurants and entertainment establishments that have signed lease agreements. Additionally, he shared his hopes for all establishments survival of the economic impact due to the pandemic. He spoke of the multifamily luxury residential building, estimated time frame to begin construction, parts of the project currently completed, and went over each “pad” explaining the new master plans. Mr. Matthew Campbell, Founding Partner & Chief Executive Officer of Med Properties, thanked the Board and Mr. Van Schaack for taking the time to participate in this presentation, shared his excitement for the project and explained what it means for the Village. He further explained and discussed different health systems, expectations and the layout of the medical building. Mr. Friedman concluded the presentation and welcomed any comments or questions from the Board. President Lalmalani asked about the hospital system Med Properties is planning on engaging and if they are working with just one hospital or a number of systems. He also asked for specific details on the planned hours of operation for the Immediate Care Center, revealed his curiosity in the affiliation of the hospital system assigned to the medical building, shared his opinion regarding the concept of Immediate Care Center coming to the Village and asked about plans for one day and outpatient surgery. Moreover, President Lalmalani stated that he has been getting many questions and inquiries about the availability of the condominiums and that he would like to see a reduced number of apartments and an increased number of condominiums. Likewise, he asked for a clarification regarding the rooftop parking concept mentioned by Trustee Manzo and asked the Board if there are any comments or issues with the increase in height of the condominium building. Next, President Lalmalani thanked Mr. Van Schaack for giving the Board a full visual of a completed project and stated that the project goes to the Planned Development Commission, therefore, the Board doesn’t need to make a separate motion. Lastly, he invited Mr. Friedman to join the Board meeting more often. Trustee Baar asked about the location of drop-off entrance to the Immediate Care Center and shared his concerns about the nearby busy street, ambulance arrival, and parking. He also asked about the architects that will be designing the medical facility and if the building design presented is just a place setter. Additionally, he asked if a separate motion is needed for the project to be presented in front of the Planned Development Commission. Trustee Yusuf shared his concerns with the parking ratios and the intensity of use of the property stating that the Board needs to be careful with the entirety of the presented concept. Trustee Saiyed stated that he is agreement with Trustee Yusuf’s concerns and comments about the parking situation. He also shared his disappointment and surprise in the lack of financing for the condominium concept as he has been getting numerous inquiries about the originally presented and approved project. VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK MINUTES Page 3 of 8 REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 12, 2020 Trustee Manzo publicly disclosed his involvement in the project as an investor and owner of the Blue Martini. He also shared resident concerns brought up to him about the number of apartments coming to the Village. Similarly, he expressed concerns with the parking situation and shared opinions and excitement for the rooftop parking and the ability for the project to move forward despite the uncertain circumstances surrounding the Coronavirus pandemic. Additionally, Trustee Manzo asked Development Services Director Budzikowski to clarify the Board’s parking concerns per the Village standards and stated that the taller building will make for a nice view of the Chicago Skyline. Trustee Tiesenga thanked everyone for an excellent presentation, stated that the company’s past history with the Village, gives them the presumption of credibility, expressed his approval with the concepts presented before him and asked about the details for the signage on the medical building. Next, he reminded Mr. Campbell of the Village’s restrained good taste standards and urged him to work closely with the Village staff on the matter. Trustee Cuevas shared his satisfaction with the presented concepts and the ability to move forward despite the issues brought on by the pandemic. Mr. Campbell addressed President Lalmalani’s questions by stating that the company is working with one hospital system. However, due to legal reproductions that would follow, he is not at liberty to disclose the information at this time. In like manner, he explained the intention for the hours of operation for the Immediate Care Center and clarified parking concerns by announcing that the company has engaged a parking consultant in order to utilize the accommodation for the number of vehicles in this concept and that recommendations should come shortly. Furthermore, Mr. Campbell divulged that currently there are no plans for surgical practice and shared the plans for the anticipated mix of medical practices. Conjointly, he affirmed the completion of plans for the apartments with appropriate amount of parking, and explained different real estate cycles, possible adjustments in the future as opportunities arise with market changes and the height increase of the condominium building. Next, Mr. Campbell addressed Trustee Baar’s concerns by explaining the plans for the hours of operation, the anticipation of potential ambulance arrival, adequate spacing for arrivals, parking options for longer wait times and the architects assigned to the design of the building. Afterward, he answered Trustee Tiesenga by stating that the signage details have not been worked out yet, however, the company will abide by wants and needs of the Village. Mr. Van Schaack chimed in stating that the architects assigned to the medical building are the same architects that the company is using for the apartment buildings, thus, sharing his confidence in the final outcome and outlook for the projects; asked Mr. Campbell to elaborate and clarify the design of the medical building not being a place setter but an actual addition. He also stated that the medical building is very similar to the residential building that will be constructed in November 2020, therefore, it will not stand out from the other buildings. Development Services Director Budzikowski clarified and explained the plans for the evaluation of circumstances revolving the parking concerns. Mr. Freidman thanked President Lalmalani for the extended invitation and stated that he often watches the Board meetings on TV. 4. RESIDENT/VISITOR COMMENTS NONE VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK MINUTES Page 4 of 8 REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 12, 2020 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. REGULAR BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 28, 2020. Motion by Trustee Yusuf, seconded by Trustee Manzo to approve the Minutes of the Regular Board of Trustees Meeting of April 28, 2020. 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 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 May 7, 2020 - $669,291.55 Significant Items included in Above: 1. LEGAL SERVICES: a) Lamp Law LLC - Legal Services – April 2020 - $3,333.33 (FY20 YTD - $13,681.66) b) Rathje Woodward, LLC. - Legal Services – April 2020 - $57.00 (FY20 YTD - $7,300.20) c) Clark, Baird, Smith LLP – Legal Services – April 2020 - $4,211.00 (FY20 YTD - $11,148.00) TOTAL LEGAL BUDGET FOR 2020 IS $254,000.00 TOTAL LEGAL BILLS PAID FOR 2020 - YTD - $61,693.16 2. BCBS HMO – Health Care Services – May 2020 - $39,669.29 3. Burns & McDonnell Engineering Co., Inc.- March 2020 - $42,192.58 4. Paramedic Services of Illinois – Paramedic Services – May 2020 - $59,004.00 5. DuPage Water Commission - April 2020 - $221,090.45 B. Approval of Payroll for Pay Period Ending: 1. April 18, 2020 - $705,063.33 2. May 2, 2020 - $710,686.13 C. Ordinances & Resolutions 1. ORDINANCE 2020-EASE-AG-MULTPROP-S-1604, An Ordinance Approving and Authorizing Temporary Construction Easements and Permanent Easement Agreements By and Between the Village of Oak Brook and Multiple Properties/Owners Adjacent to North Windsor Drive 2. RESOLUTION 2020-IDOT-AG-EX-R-1876, A Resolution Regarding an Intergovernmental Agreement Between the Village of Oak Brook, Illinois and The State of Illinois Department of Transportation in Relation to Funding of Harger Road Multi-Use Path and Water Main Project 3. RESOLUTION 2020-ENG-DESIGN-BP-AG-R-1877, A Resolution Approving and Authorizing the Execution of an Agreement By and Between the Village of Oak Brook and Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. Harger Road Multi-Use Path and Water Main Project D. Cancellation of the Second Meeting in July Motion by Trustee Baar, seconded by Trustee Manzo to approve the Consent Agenda, and authorize expenditures as presented or amended ROLL CALL VOTE: VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK MINUTES Page 5 of 8 REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 12, 2020 Ayes: 6 – Trustees Baar, Cuevas, Manzo, Saiyed, Tiesenga, and Yusuf Nays: 0 – None Abstain: 0 – None Absent: 0 – None Motion carried 7. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA None 8. ACTIVE BUSINESS A. Ordinances & Resolutions 1. RESOLUTION 2020-GOVJP-COVID-19-REOPEN-R-1878, A Resolution Against Decreed Incorporation into Northeast Illinois Health Region President Lalmalani gave an introductory background information of Resolution – 1878 and asked Trustee Tiesenga to present and make the appropriate motion. Trustee Tiesenga thanked President Lalmalani and explained why the Board’s strong opposition to the layout of the Governor’s 5 phase reopening plan is appropriate and necessary. Trustee Manzo thanked Trustee Tiesenga for putting the Resolution together, and stated that it clearly conveys his feelings regarding the situation at hand. Then, he asked President Lalmalani if the new number of confirmed cases in Illinois cited by him earlier in the evening, is the number of hospitalizations or just a result of more testing and positive results. Moreover, he expressed his opinions about why DuPage County should not be lumped in with the City of Chicago and that he supports the Resolution. President Lalmalani answered Trustee Manzo’s question by stating that it is precisely the issue he is having with the Health Department and shared his speculative opinions on how the numbers are measured reiterating that he is unable to get a clear answer. He also emphasized on the facts that suburban hospitals are not being overrun by number of positive patients and have not only plenty of ventilators but all the adequate capacity to take an increase surge of patients if needed. Additionally, he shared his feelings regarding the lumping of the Village with the City of Chicago per Governor’s reopening map and shared the latest news from his colleague the Chief of the COVID department. Trustee Baar stated he is in agreement with the proposed Resolution, explained his reasoning, and spoke about the negative impact on the low income employees of the restaurants in Oak Brook. Additionally, he spoke about the increase in alcoholism, drug abuse, domestic abuse, divorce rates and stated that although the Virus is serious and devastating for the ones that lost their loved ones, there is a cost to staying closed. Trustee Yusuf expressed his opinions about how and why each county should be judged by their location and population. He also shared his optimism towards lessons learned by the population and reasons for a cautious reopening to a modified normal. President Lalmalani referenced a paragraph in the presented Resolution reiterating statements made by the Mayor of Chicago regarding differences in standards for reopening for the City of Chicago compared to the rest of Illinois. He also mentioned that DMMC is in agreement with the Resolution VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK MINUTES Page 6 of 8 REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 12, 2020 presented and passed their own similar one at the last executive meeting. Moreover, he stated that other local mayors are asking for a copy of this very well written Resolution. Trustee Tiesenga cited the Mayor of Chicago, expressed his understanding of the cited message and recounted statements made by the Mayor of Elmhurst in his letter to the Governor. He further asserted his opinions regarding the standards of measuring, the legislature establishing voting districts, DuPage County being its own health district with IDPH, and explained that the Resolution calls upon the Governor to reconsider his plan. Additionally, he stated that it also calls upon the General Assembly to exercise the same discernment in separating the City of Chicago from other counties as well. Trustee Saiyed compared several counties of confirmed COVID-19 cases to the City of Chicago and made suggestions as to why the counties should be separated and treated based on population numbers similar to California’s way of reopening. Trustee Cuevas stated that he is in support of said Resolution. Trustee Yusuf thanked and commended Trustee Tiesenga for assembling such eloquent Resolution. Motion by Trustee Tiesenga, seconded by Trustee Manzo that the Village Board Approves Resolution 2020-GOVJP-COVID-19-REOPEN-R-1878, A Resolution Against Decreed Incorporation into Northeast Illinois Health Region. ROLL CALL VOTE: Ayes: 6 – Trustees Baar, Cuevas, Manzo, Saiyed, Tiesenga, and Yusuf Nays: 0 – None Abstain: 0 – None Absent: 0 – None Motion carried. ACTIVE BUSINESS B. Oak Brook Fire Department Activity During the COVID -19 Pandemic – Discussion Only Trustee Tiesenga gave a short recap of the ensued discussion at the last Board meeting regarding the lower call volume received by the Police and Fire Departments. Next, he spoke about the statistics he was furnished with from both departments, stated his appreciation for the reformatted payroll report. Furthermore, he shared his opinions regarding the sales tax, the revenue resulting from the sales tax and explained how both coincide with the lower volume of calls received to the Police and Fire Departments. To conclude, he called upon both department union members to see if there is a possibility of providing any furlough days to ease the extreme budget pressure. Village Manager Ginex stated that the numbers speak for themselves. He also spoke about past discussions with the Presidents of all the Unions, Fire Chief Liss, Chief Kruger, Public Works Director Patchin, and HR Director/ Deputy Clerk Kathy Vonachen and the information shared regarding making cuts, sales tax, and revenue reduction. Furthermore, he asked Trustee Saiyed for a clarification on whether salaries and benefits should be included in the requested reports. Trustee Baar reminded President Lalmalani that the original response from the Unions was that if the current state of affairs was to continue that they would be willing to reconsider their decision regarding furlough days. In addition, he conveyed his appreciation for the Police Union which is in the process of reevaluating the allowance of furlough days. VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK MINUTES Page 7 of 8 REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 12, 2020 President Lalmalani pointed out his expectations for the Fire Department, asked Fire Chief Liss for the latest update on any decisions or discussions and asked Fire Chief Liss for a recap of his involvement of the subject matter. Fire Chief Liss stated that he currently does not have an update of any decisions made by the Firefighter Union. He stated that he had discussions with the Union President on two separate occasions and was informed that giving furlough days is not an option that they were considering, however, per instructions from the Board he would be more than willing to reach out to the Union again. Trustee Saiyed suggested that since the Police Union decided to go back and reconsider their decision then there may be a possibility of the Firefighter’s Union to do the same. Additionally, he requested Finance Director Paprocki and Manager Ginex to prepare reports of necessary and unavoidable expenditures for the last few months in case the restaurants remain closed until the end of July. He clarified to Manager Ginex he would like all the salaries and benefits included as it will give the Board a better idea of the expenditure expectations when the revenues are down in May and June. Next, Trustee Saiyed shared his hopes for being back to a “new normal” by June or July and expressed his concerns for the Village if the Governor does not allow reopening by that time. Subsequently, he asked Police Chief Kruger to talk about the impact that two furlough days would have on his department. Thereafter, Trustee Saiyed spoke about his observation of drivers exceeding speed limits and not getting pulled over and asked Police Chief Kruger to contribute to savings without compromising safety. Lastly, he asked Police Chief Kruger to tell the officers to be safe and stay healthy because it’s important that the Village does not see a repeat of events from New York and the City of Chicago where many officers were down due to the COVID-19. Trustee Yusuf spoke about his speculation regarding decisions made by the Unions with the initial restrictions put in place and shared his hopes for cooperation to ‘weather the storm’ under the current circumstances. Additionally, he gave his opinions on asking the departments for concessions without compromising safety of the first responders. Moreover, he addressed outrageous driver behavior along 83rd street and the recent results of the Police traffic detail mentioned by Police Chief Kruger. President Lalmalani expressed his concerns with the possibility of the lockdown being extended until the end of the summer and the impact of lasting financial collapse. He addressed Trustee Cuevas about the date of the event he referenced in his comments and stated that, unfortunately, he did not have an opportunity to view the video Deputy Police Chief Cates posted. Furthermore, President Lalmalani addressed Police Chief Kruger stating that the Board is not asking for Police to cut any corners on safety but to contribute financially instead. He suggested that any type of financial relief from the Fire and Police Departments would be greatly appreciated. Consequently, President Lalmalani asked Police Chief Kruger, Fire Chief Liss and Public Works Director Patchin to identify a list of safety measures taken in each department for identification of COVID in each department as most carriers are asymptomatic and asked for a number of confirmed infections in each department. In conclusion, he thanked all the first responders for putting their lives on the line every day and even more so with this invisible enemy. Trustee Cuevas spoke passionately regarding the work done every day by the Village’s Police Department, addressed several recent incidents where Police had to intervene, informed everyone of a video posted by Deputy Police Chief Cates on social media, and urged extreme caution against making any cuts in the Police Department. VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK MINUTES Page 8 of 8 REGULAR MEETING OF MAY 12, 2020 Police Chief Kruger informed the Board about all the budget cuts and savings the Police Department has implemented since the pandemic started. He spoke in detail about some of the calls that Trustee Cuevas mentioned, the information in the manager’s memo, manpower, law enforcement services, crime prevention and the mandates of training requirements. Incidentally, he shared his concerns with the curbside pickup at the mall, credit card fraud, robberies, shoplifting, safety of the employees at the mall and reiterated on the calls that are coming in like including assault calls, domestic calls, personal safety calls. Additionally, he urged caution against scheduling furlough days, stated that an extensive dialogue with the Police Union has taken place and implied hopes for a positive response. He then transitioned to speaking about how incredibly lucky the department is in comparison to other local agencies with not having anyone infected with the virus because a possibility of losing an entire shift would be devastating. Furthermore, he addressed Trustee Manzo’s concerns stating that although he very much appreciates his concerns for the officers, the Police needs to maintain some safety in the Village as it seems that law enforcement in the whole country has taken a step back due to the virus concerns. Furthermore, he asked for consistency in the message from the Board as it seems that the Police officers are criticized from all directions. Lastly, Police Chief Kruger described in detail procedures taken everyday in order to ensure and maintain officer safety and equipment safety on top the state required safety measures. Trustee Manzo asked about officer safety and shared his concerns with recently enforced traffic detail. Fire Chief Liss briefed the Board on detailed safety measures taken by the Fire Department including the disinfecting process, every day precautions including ones mandated by the state, fiscal responsibility, mandated training procedures, recently purchased disinfecting lamps and fogging machines. Public Works Director Patchin described measures taken by the Public Works Department in order to ensure and maintain employee safety and how a potential scare, which turned out to be just that, was handled. Trustee Tiesenga stated that everyone is currently living during a time with limited resources and plummeting revenues. He urged the Board to keep a close eye on the numbers especially since the Village already seems to be operating on an irreducible minimum, he spoke regarding his understanding of expenses that cannot be reduced any further and asked both Police Chief Kruger and Fire Chief Liss for some more dimensionality so that the Board can gain a much better understanding of what the first responders are faced with every day. 10. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Trustee Baar seconded by Trustee Manzo to adjourn the Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees at 8:59 p.m. VOICE VOTE: Motion carried. ATTEST: /s/Charlotte K. Pruss Charlotte K. Pruss Village Clerk