Minutes - 11/24/2020 - Board of TrusteesVILLAGE OF OAK BROOK MINUTES Page 1 of 8 REGULAR MEETING OF NOVEMBER 24, 2020
MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 24, 2020
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PRESIDENT AND
BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF
OAK BROOK APPROVED AS WRITTEN ON
DECEMBER 08, 2020
1. CALL TO ORDER
The Regular Meeting of the Village Board of Trustees was called to order by President Gopal Lalmalani
in the Upper Level Conference 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, Trustee Yusuf
ABSENT: None
IN ATTENDANCE VIA TELECONFERENCE/ZOOM: Village Manager Rick Ginex, Development,
Finance Director Jason Paprocki, Public Works Director Doug Patchin, HR Director/Deputy Clerk
Kathy Vonachen and Village Attorney Steve DiNolfo.
3. PRESIDENT’S OPENING COMMENTS
President Lalmalani began the meeting by sharing news of the passing of Resident George Klein an
influential person within the Village, mother of Elena Matutis, a Village employee in the Finance
Department, mother in law of Heather Ellis, a Village employee in the Finance Department, mother of
Heidi Carr, a Village employee in the Development Services Department and the brother of Rose Kane,
a Village employee in the Fire Department. Next, he asked for a moment of silence and to keep the
families in thoughts and prayers. After that, President Lalmalani implored everyone to stay vigilant
about safety during the upcoming Thanksgiving Holiday and shared updated positivity rates and number
of deaths within the Village limits. Furthermore, he shared his hopes for a quick release of a safe and
effective vaccine, wished everyone a happiest Thanksgiving, mentioned few things one can be thankful
for despite the difficulties we are faced with this year and explained the next steps in the proceedings of
tonight’s meeting due to a high volume of resident comments. Lastly, he requested that the Trustee
Liaisons to the Sports Core Committee make their comments prior to the residents.
4. RESIDENT/VISITOR COMMENTS
Clerk Pruss read the comments from Residents that chose to send them in.
Resident Victoria Smrha wrote a statement asking the Board to keep the Oak Brook Pool amenity open
and available sharing some personal experiences.
Resident Collen Raidt Campbell stated that she recently moved back to the Village and shared her
dream of allowing same experiences for her daughter she had at the Oak Brook Bath & Tennis.
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Resident Megan Niles Melson shared her experiences at the Oak Brook Bath & Tennis and encouraged
the Board to keep the pool open. She also shared her hopes for making new memories during the
summer of 2021.
Resident Ashley Rooney Stout shared statistics of the Village population and decreasing property
values. She also made suggestions towards marketing and shared her opinions and reasons for the
renewal of the lease agreement.
Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club member Tracey Hagelin urged the Board to think of the children’s
future. Additionally, she urged the Board to continue with the lease agreement in order to provide a
normal summer for the children
Resident Ana Giebel Sisson urged the Board to keep the pool open stating that the Bath & Tennis Club
is an asset to the community.
Resident Haya Atcha urged the Board keep the pool open.
Real Estate Agent Lina Shah strongly urged the Board to continue working with the Bath & Tennis
Club sharing the value and uniqueness it provides to the community. She also reminded the Board that
the neighboring towns do not have this type of attraction.
Resident Don Adler spoke about the issues with the Sports Core the Village has been facing for an
extensive amount of time. He shared the need for self-sufficiency of the Sports Core as outlined in the
Village’s Ordinance. In Addition, Mr. Adler spoke of the consequences associated with the Village’s
depleting finances and shared his opinions against continuing with the lease agreement.
Resident Christy Dolan thanked the Board for their time and urged the Trustees not to give up on
working with the Park District. She further shared her experiences and the impact the closure would
have on residents looking for outdoor recreational activities.
Resident Caitlin Bialowarczuk spoke in agreement with the previous comments also urging the Board to
continue the lease agreement. Furthermore, she asked the Board to consider previously approved
infrastructure along 22 street corridor. She further emphasized on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle of
Oak Brook residents.
Resident Lindsey Vilshausen thanked the Board for the opportunity to speak, expressed her agreement
with most of the previous resident comments and shared her personal experiences with the Oak Brook
Bath and Tennis Club. She also compared the neighboring pools operating safely through the pandemic.
Additionally, Ms. Vilshausen had her children read statements asking the Board not to close down the
pool and continue to persevere operating the Bath & Tennis amenities.
Resident Karen Bushey thanked the Board for taking the time to listen to the Residents and urged the
Board not to sell to the Park District. Moreover, she stated her reasons for the sale and urged the Board
to keep the pool open for the summer 2021.
Resident and Sports Core Advisory Committee Member, Melissa Martin reminded everyone of the
existence of the Sports Core Committee and explained the many issues they are working on resolving.
She further spoke of the Committee’s attempts to advise the Board regarding management, marketing
and certain provisions listed in the agreement. Ms. Martin further stressed the importance of the Bath &
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Tennis Club to the community and emphasized the success of such amenity in the neighboring
communities. Lastly, she stressed the negative impacts closure of Bath & Tennis would entail.
Resident Keith Carlson thanked the Board for the opportunity to speak, shared his recent experience
with Trustee Baar at the Golf Club and cited the recent success of the upgrades made to the Golf Club.
He also urged the Board to invest in the future of the Bath & Tennis Club in order to allow the
community to build and cherish new memories.
Resident and Sports Core Advisory Committee member, John Anos, thanked the Board for the
opportunity to speak, advised of the consensus reached by the Committee to continue with the
agreement and wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Resident Laura Barbara thanked the Board for the opportunity to speak and shared her support of the
previously made comments except for one. She elaborated on the reasons that the pool could not open in
2020, shared her opinions regarding the possibility of the delay in reopening until year 2022, urged for
better marketing and shard her hopes for the opening Memorial Day weekend of 2021.
Oak Brook Park Executive District Director Laure Kosey reiterated comments made by Laura Barbara
and reassured the Board that Park District is fully prepared and ready to reopen the pool under the
current safety and health guidelines.
Resident Larry Herman shared his personal experiences with the Bath & Tennis Club and as a long time
resident of the Village; he shared his opinions regarding the financial challenges associated with this
matter. Furthermore, he reiterated previous comments adding that it is his opinion that the Park District
is best equipped to successfully run the pool operations. Mr. Herman also urged caution with the certain
provisions of the agreement and compared the current membership options and operations to the Salt
Creek Club reminding the Board of their 2-year waiting list.
Resident Ann Huber thanked the Board for the opportunity to speak, stated that she is in agreement with
the previous comments and reminded the Board that despite the challenges everyone is faced with due
to Covid the families are still planning their summer activities and budgets. She also urged careful
consideration before a final decision is made.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. REGULAR BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING OF NOVEMBER 10, 2020
Motion by Trustee Cuevas, seconded by Trustee Manzo to approve the Minutes of the Regular Board of
Trustees Meeting of November 10, 2020. VOICE VOTE: Motion carried.
B. SPECIAL BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING OF NOVEMBER 11, 2020
Motion by Trustee Cuevas, seconded by Trustee Manzo to approve the Minutes of the Regular Board of
Trustees Meeting of November 11, 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: November 19, 2020 - $901,445.14
Significant Items included in Above:
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK MINUTES Page 4 of 8 REGULAR MEETING OF NOVEMBER 24, 2020
1. LEGAL SERVICES:
a) Clark, Baird, Smith, LLP. – October 2020 – $4,270.00 (FY20 YTD - $73,822.81)
b) Ottosen, Dinolfo Hasenbalg & Castaldo –September 2020 - $225.00
c) Ottosen, Dinolfo Hasenbalg & Castaldo – October 2020 - $10,608.01 (FY20 YTD -
$106,304.71)
d) Lamp Law, LLC. - Legal Services – October 2020 - $3,333.33 (FY20 YTD -
$33,681.64)
e) Rathje Woodward, LLC. – October 2020 - $2,561.45 (FY20 YTD - $12,239.89)
TOTAL LEGAL BUDGET FOR 2020 IS $254,000.00
TOTAL LEGAL BILLS PAID FOR 2020 - YTD - $231,595.55
2. Burke, LLC. – Professional Engineering Design Services – Pay Request #2 - $36,650.00
3. Civiltech Engineering, Inc. – York/Harger Intersection & Underpass – October 2020 -
$69,510.56
4. Garland/DBS. Inc. – Oak Brook B&T – Project #25-IL-200705- $108,857.20
5. WatchGuard Video – Body Worn Cameras - Inv.#BCMIN0010844 - $30,715.00
6. DuPage Water Commission – October 2020 - $332,209.71
7. DCVB-Co-Op Advertising – September – October –Inv.#4704 - $46,169.00
TOTAL DUPAGE CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU BUDGET FOR 2020 - $192,020
TOTAL PAID FOR 2020 - $217,217.75
B. Approval of Payroll for Pay Period Ending: November 14, 2020 - $807,756.25
C. Ordinances & Resolutions
1. RESOLUTION 2020-FIN-CNTRCT-ACT-R-1916, A Resolution Approving and Authorizing
the Award of a Contract to Nyhart Company, Inc. for Actuarial Services
2. ORDINANCE 2020-TX-UT-G-1173, An Ordinance Further Amending Ordinance G-470,
Establishing a Utility Tax Within the Village of Oak Brook, Illinois
D. Village of Oak Brook – Monthly Financial Reports October - 2020
Motion by Trustee Cuevas, seconded by Trustee Manzo to approve the Consent Agenda and
authorize expenditures as presented
ROLL CALL VOTE:
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. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Intergovernmental Agreement Renewal – Oak Brook Park District Pool, Tennis and Soccer
Operations
Trustee Saiyed shared a bit of background regarding issues, last year’s conversations and explained how
the three-year agreement came to fruition last year. He also heaved a warning about any rumors that
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may be roaming around Oak Brook regarding the subject matter. Next, Trustee Saiyed reiterated in
detail the financial situation of the Village addressing future expenditures in comparison to the revenues
and encouraged residents to not only sign up but to spend time at the Golf Course utilizing currently
available amenities.
Trustee Manzo spoke regarding the probabilities of reopening the facilities in spring 2021, probability of
having the Taste of Oak Brook, shared his concerns with the current governor mandated shutdowns and
restrictions and asked about the proceedings of the revenues from the soccer operations. After resident
comments, Trustee Manzo thanked everyone who took the time to speak and express their opinions,
reminded everyone of the excellent work the Sports Core Advisory Committee has been doing and
spoke in agreement with comments made by Ms. Martin. Furthermore, he shared his opinions,
observations and concerns with supporting Polo, moving forward with the lease agreement, future
financial situation associated with the current shut down and the suggested expenditures toward
marketing. Thereafter, he answered President Lalmalani by elaborating on the specific aspects of the
agreements he has concerns with and thanked Director Kosey for taking the time to personally discuss
the contract with him. After that, Trustee Manzo spoke in agreement with Trustee Yusuf’s comments
and the Park District running the operations. Lastly, he shared his opposition to the agreement as it is
currently written.
Manager Ginex answered Trustee Manzo by stating that if the Board chooses to renew the agreement,
the operations will remain the same and explained the plans for reopening of the pool Memorial Day
weekend 2021.
Trustee Yusuf spoke in favor of continuing the agreement with the Oak Brook Par District and urged
caution under the current circumstances of an uncertain future. He also encouraged an objective look at
the situation, shared his concerns with the future operations of the facility and encouraged residents to
ask friends and neighbors to join. Lastly, he spoke of revisiting and reevaluating the agreement next
year based on the outcome of summer 2021.
Trustee Baar spoke in support of continuing the lease agreement with the Park District. Furthermore, he
spoke of a wonderful job done by the Park District in running the pool, the advantages and the
compliments received from the residents in running the Golf and Sports Core operations. Moreover,
Trustee Baar thanked the residents for speaking and sharing their input. Moreover he spoke about Paul
Butler’s legacy, shared his hopes that the investment right now will pay off in time as it has with the
Clubhouse and Golf.
Trustee Tiesenga complemented the Village Attorney on drafting the agreement and shared concerns
with some of the provisions as they currently read. Next, he strongly suggested that certain mentioned
conditions be included in the all agreements moving forward, addressed Trustee Manzo’s concerns
referring to a specific section of the contract and explained the specific provisions outlined in that
section. Thereafter, Trustee Tiesenga expressed his thoughts and opinions regarding the current fiscal
crisis, shared his concerns with the sales tax revenues due to Covid and explained several different
scenarios associated with pension obligations. Lastly, he spoke in support of continuing the current
agreement with the Park District for another year and reevaluating again at the end of that term.
Trustee Cuevas spoke in favor of keeping the pool open explaining that swimming is one of the safer
exercises approved by the medical community that everyone can enjoy adding that it is in high demand.
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President Lalmalani thanked everyone for their comments, asked Trustee Manzo to elaborate on his
concerns with the current lease agreement, and asked Park District Director Kosey to address Trustee
Manzo’s concerns.
Oak Brook Park District Executive Director Laurie Kosey answered by reminding everyone that the
Village entered into a three-year lease agreement with the Park District and that is what everyone is
working with.
Motion by Trustee Manzo, seconded by Trustee Saiyed, for Consensus of the Village Board
approves to Continue the Intergovernmental Agreement with the Park District for Pool, Tennis
and Soccer Operations at our Sports Core for 2021
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes: 5 – Trustees Baar, Cuevas, Saiyed, Tiesenga, and Yusuf
Nays: 1 – Trustee Manzo
Abstain: 0 – None
Absent: 0 – None
Motion carried
9. ACTIVE BUSINESS
A. Polo Discussion
Managing Director of Oak Brook Polo Club, Dan O’Leary, greeted everyone and shared a presentation
highlighting the proposed working lease agreements between Butler National, Oak Brook Polo Club and
the Village. He further shared details of the Oak Brook Polo Club’s mission, generation of new sponsor
interests, rebuilding relationships and trust in the community and the need for a quality Polo field.
Moreover, Mr. O’Leary emphasized on the importance of relocation in order to build and sustain a
successful future of Polo in the Village. Thereafter, he spoke of working in conjunction with the Oak
Brook Golf Club, stressed the importance for involved parties to agree upon the financial terms,
explained the calculations and discovered disparities in detail. Furthermore, he shared projected
financial benefits to the Village and asked Bob McMurtry, the US Polo Association Central Circuit
Governor and Chicago Polo Association Board member to speak further on the matter. After Bob
McMurtry spoke, Mr. O’Leary encouraged residents to review the Pine Oaks Playbook included in the
Agenda Packet explaining that many aspects not discussed during this presentation are included in there.
Lastly, he stressed the value of the partnership with the Village, hopes for the Butler National, Oak
Brook Polo Club and the Village sharing the same ancestry in the future and to end the presentation, he
shared a few slides with a proposed idea of a ‘walking museum’. In conclusion, Mr. O’Leary reminded
the Board of the Oak Brook Polo Club’s willingness to be transparent, expressed his appreciation for the
ability to share ancestry with Butler National and the fact that Oak Brook Polo is not only known in the
Unites States but all over the world as well.
Bob McMurtry thanked the Board for the opportunity to speak and further elaborate on the subject
matter. Next, he clarified that the Polo Club is not asking for any financial support but instead is looking
bring financial gains with a responsible approach to the situation. Moreover, he explained in detail the
many benefits of the numerous events hosted by the Polo Community that would allow the Village to
prosper financially. He also explained the relationship between Chicago Polo and Oak Brook Polo
stating that the future legacies are joined together and asked the Board to provide leadership, guidance
and support in forging an agreement between the tree entities that will benefit everyone involved.
President Lalmalani thanked everyone from Polo for accomplishing the ‘impossible’ by bringing Polo
back to Oak Brook. He also thanked everyone that participated in both meetings, for their contributions
to Oak Brook Polo and restated earlier comments about financial difficulties faced by the Village.
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Additionally, he shared his hopes for a quick economic recovery, creation of an agreement that is
satisfactory to all parties and spoke in support of relocation from field one to field two as requested. He
asked Manager Ginex to be the mediator in the process of putting all the ideas together into unison so
that everyone benefits from the suggested modifications and accommodations.
David Lind of Butler National spoke about the very long and marvelous partnership with the Village,
reminding everyone that Butler National is here to support the Village. Thereafter, he shared the
numerous challenges they are faced with on field one, reminded the Board of the support Butler
National offers to the Village including monetary donations to the Taste of Oak Brook. He also pointed
out that they are not asking for anything in return from the Village, the economic impact brought to the
restaurants and shopping by the events that invite a few thousands guests each year, and stressed the
constant flooding issues that are the cause of cancellations and loss of potential revenue. Lastly, he
expressed his appreciation for allowing him to speak and shared his hopes for a long term lease
agreement with the Village.
John Grissim of Butler National reiterated that an ideal long-term lease agreement would keep the terms
the same; however, if the Oak Brook Polo Club would like to use a part of a particular field, there are
certain terms that will need to be discussed and worked out. However, ultimately, he reminded the
Board that it is up to them so everyone enjoys the Polo matches and all the details can be worked out
accordingly.
Trustee Manzo shared his thoughts and ideas in regards to creation of an agreement that will be fair and
accommodating to both parties. He also stressed the importance of maintaining good relationships and
his profound belief that a just agreement can be reached.
Trustee Saiyed urged caution toward any maintenance expenses that may possibly arise from
arrangements with other entities.
Trustee Baar thanked all the participants for their willingness to come together and try to work out a
solution that will benefit not only the Village but everyone involved as well. He also stated his
observations of openness and a will to communicate between each other in order to come up with a
satisfactory final result.
Trustee Yusuf reiterated Trustee Baar’s comments, shared his satisfaction and an optimistic view of all
parties working together to produce an arrangement that will benefit the Village. He also reminded
everyone that whichever way things are decided these are very challenging times financially for the
Village and that a decision may have some long term or short term impacts on the Village as a whole.
Resident Don Adler spoke in reference to his personal experiences with Polo as a member of the Board,
drafting of the original agreement and shared his opinions on the Village’s current financial situation.
Trustee Tiesenga expressed his appreciation for the ability to work with Mr. Adler as he finds Mr. Adler
to be a great resource on the matter. He further stated that although Mr. O’Leary did a great job on the
presentation there are still missing pieces referencing financials and stressed the importance of staying
educated and level headed in matters such as this one. Moreover, Trustee Tiesenga shared his opinions
on working with Mr. Grissim and the ability to successfully achieve a reasonable agreement among all
the entities in order to achieve an end result that will allow the legacy to continue.
President Lalmalani thanked Village Attorney DiNolfo for attending the meeting.
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Attorney DiNolfo stated that it is always a privilege to sit at the Board meetings and wished everyone a
Happy Thanksgiving.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Trustee Baar, seconded by Trustee Cuevas to adjourn the Regular Meeting of the
Board of Trustees at 9:33 p.m. VOICE VOTE: Motion carried.
ATTEST:
/s/Charlotte K. Pruss
Charlotte K. Pruss
Village Clerk