Minutes - 05/19/2021 - Board of Trustees
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK MINUTES Page 1 of 5 SPECIAL MEETING OF MAY 19, 2021
MINUTES OF THE MAY 19, 2021 SPECIAL
MEETING OF THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF
TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
APPROVED AS WRITTEN ON
JUNE 22, 2021
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 7:02 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 Laurence Herman, Michael Manzo, James Nagle, A. Suresh Reddy, Edward Tiesenga,
Trustee Yusuf
ABSENT: None
IN ATTENDANCE VIA TELECONFERENCE/ZOOM: Village Manager Rick Ginex, Development
Services Director Tony Budzikowski, Police Chief James Kruger, Fire Chief Barry Liss, Finance
Director Jason Paprocki, Public Works Director Doug Patchin, Head Librarian Jacob Post, HR
Director/Deputy Clerk Kathy Vonachen and Village Attorney Michael Castaldo Jr.
3. PRESIDENT’S OPENING COMMENTS
President Lalmalani addressed resident inquires about going back to in-person meetings. He also implied
the possibility of optional hybrid meetings in the future.
Trustee Yusuf referenced the County Stormwater meeting explaining the optional physical presence.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS
Resident Gerald Wolin spoke in opposition to the Liquor Code amendment referencing negative
experiences with liquor code enforcement in the past.
5. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Ordinances & Resolutions
1. ORDINANCE 2021-GOLF-AG-S-1623, An Ordinance Approving and
Authorizing the Execution of a Long-Term Lease Agreement for the
Property Commonly Referred to as Cecil Smith Field #2, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523 Butler
National Golf Club
Trustee Tiesenga gave a brief overview of the history behind the Butler National Golf Club, explained the
monetary aspects of the lease agreement, and went on to share his concerns with the baseline lease
numbers within the lease agreement. Next, he explained the full series of meetings and discussions
between Butler National Golf Club and the Oak Brook Polo Club to develop an agreement presented
before the Board. Discussion ensued.
President Lalmalani announced the presence of Mr. John Grissim and Mr. David Lind representing the
Butler National Golf Club; and Mr. Daniel O’Leary and Mr. Robert McMurtry representing the United
States Polo Association and the Oak Brook Polo Club. After that, he expressed his gratitude for a long-
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK MINUTES Page 2 of 5 SPECIAL MEETING OF MAY 19, 2021
standing working relationship with Mr. Grissim and Mr. Lind. He also shared his hopes for the ability to
construct an agreement that will last for the next decade and shared his appreciation for Mr. O’Leary and
all the work he has done thus far. Later, President Lalmalani spoke in agreement with Trustee Nagle’s
comments, asked Village Attorney Castaldo and Trustee Tiesenga to talk about the matter of a sublease.
Mr. Lind shared his appreciation for the opportunity to speak, addressed Trustee Tiesenga’s comments,
and shared his hopes for the continuance of a wonderful relationship with the Village of Oak Brook. He
further elaborated on Trustee Tiesenga’s comments adding the significant accomplishments that took
place to ensure the safety of the playing field along with the positive economic impact on the Village
throughout the season.
Mr. Grissim commended Trustee Tiesenga for his comments capturing the historical aspect of the matter,
adding comments regarding the background of the field maintenance, the term of the lease, and the
willingness to work with everyone involved.
Mr. O’Leary thanked the Board for the invitation, organization, and the opportunity to speak during this
special meeting. He also separately thanked Trustee Tiesenga for the introduction and spoke about
significant flooding issues with Field #1, financial responsibility in maintaining such a field, and safety
concerns. Furthermore, he shared the positive aspects of Polo Field #2, the history of bringing Polo back
to the Village of Oak Brook, sponsors, and the Polo Community.
Trustee Yusuf spoke in favor of the agreement while suggesting that certain clarifications are made prior
to signing.
Trustee Herman commended Manager Ginex, Trustee Tiesenga, Daniel O’Leary, Mr. J ohn Grissim,
Trustee Baar, Mr. David Lind, and everyone who took part in the negotiations overcoming challenges and
coming to a satisfactory agreement between all involved parties. After that, he expressed his concerns
with certain sections of the agreement and further spoke in accord with Trustee Yusuf’s comments.
Trustee Manzo spoke in agreement with concerns shared by the representatives of the National Golf Club,
expressed his thoughts regarding the field maintenance by the Village, Polo’s concerns, and further
amendments that need to be made before signing the agreement.
Mr. Robert McMurtry spoke on behalf of the United States Polo Association regarding the significance of
an outlined term within the lease agreement. He also addressed several other important points that need to
be addressed for the US Polo Association to continue at a very high level of professionalism.
Trustee Nagle spoke in favor of clarifying the lease agreement and made suggestions to add a sublease.
Village Attorney Castaldo stated that Trustee Nagle’s suggestions could work; however, he stressed the
importance of working out all the aspects of concern ahead of time.
Village Manager Ginex elaborated on the discussions regarding the lease terms.
Trustee Reddy spoke in favor of a shorter-term lease agreement and asked about similar agreements with
other towns.
Golf Manager/Superintendent Creed shared his observations of the discussion and stated that the
agreement is ready for signatures aside from finalizing the mentioned elements.
Final comments were made, and a motion for deferral was agreed upon.
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK MINUTES Page 3 of 5 SPECIAL MEETING OF MAY 19, 2021
Motion by Trustee Manzo, Seconded by Trustee Yusuf that the Village Board discussed and defers
ORDINANCE 2021-GOLF-AG-S-1623, An Ordinance Approving and Authorizing the Execution of
a Long-Term Lease Agreement for the Property Commonly Referred to as Cecil Smith Field #2,
Oak Brook, Illinois 60523 Butler National Golf Club
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes: 6 – Trustees Herman, Manzo, Nagle, Reddy, Tiesenga and Yusuf
Nays: 0 – None
Abstain: 0 – None
Absent: 0 – None
Motion carried
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Ordinances & Resolutions
2. ORDINANCE 2021-POLO-AG-PINE-S-1924, An Ordinance Approving and Authorizing the
Execution of a Long-Term Lease Agreement for the Property Commonly Referred to as
Cecil Smith Field #2, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523 Pineoak Partners
Matter addressed in the discussion above.
Motion by Trustee Manzo, Seconded by Trustee Yusuf that the Village Board approves and defers
ORDINANCE 2021-POLO-AG-PINE-S-1924, An Ordinance Approving and Authorizing the
Execution of a Long-Term Lease Agreement for the Property Commonly Referred to as Cecil
Smith Field #2, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523 Pineoak Partners
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes: 6 – Trustees Herman, Manzo, Nagle, Reddy, Tiesenga and Yusuf
Nays: 0 – None
Abstain: 0 – None
Absent: 0 – None
Motion carried
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Ordinances & Resolutions
3. RESOLUTION 2021-PW-CNTRCT-SC-IMPRV-OSLAD-R-1910, A Resolution Authorizing
and Approving the Execution of a Contract By and Between the Village of Oak Brook and
Earth Werks Land Improvement & Development Corporation for the Sports Core
Improvement Project (OSLAD Grant)
Trustee Manzo made the motion and expressed his thoughts along with some comments shared during the
recent Sports Core Advisory Committee Meeting.
Trustee Herman spoke in agreement with Trustee Manzo’s comments regarding thoughts expressed by the
Sports Core Advisory Committee. However, he also spoke in disagreement with Trustee Manzo’s
comments regarding the suggestions of how to proceed. Furthermore, Trustee Herman expressed his
thoughts on the matter as they pertain to finances.
Public Works Director Patchin addressed comments made by Trustees Manzo and Herman regarding the
ability to receive another OSLAD Grant in the future. He also clarified the beautification portion of the
project for Trustee Nagle.
Village Manager Ginex reiterated statements made by Public Works Director Patchin, adding his
experiences with the organizations running OSLAD Grant.
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK MINUTES Page 4 of 5 SPECIAL MEETING OF MAY 19, 2021
Trustee Nagle asked for a confirmation of his understanding of the financial implications onto the Village
with the OSLAD Grant. He also expressed his concerns with the high costs associated with the project and
possible amendments in the future by the US Polo Association.
Trustee Tiesenga expressed his appreciation toward the members of the Sports Core Advisory Committee.
Next, he spoke in agreement with Public Works Director Patchin’s comments. He also shared a statement
about the possibility of the US Polo Association making use of the field for stables.
Trustee Yusuf spoke in favor of the project in question and utilizing the approved grant to add an amenity
to the Village that everyone will be able to enjoy for years to come.
President Lalmalani also spoke about the events that took place at the recent Sports Core Advisory
Committee.
Motion by Manzo, Seconded by Trustee Yusuf that the Village Board approves RESOLUTION
2021-PW-CNTRCT-SC-IMPRV-OSLAD-R-1910, A Resolution Authorizing and Approving the
Execution of a Contract By and Between the Village of Oak Brook and Earth Werks Land
Improvement & Development Corporation for the Sports Core Improvement Project
(OSLAD Grant)
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes: 4 – Trustees Manzo, Reddy, Tiesenga and Yusuf
Nays: 2 – Trustee Herman, Nagle
Abstain: 0 – None
Absent: 0 – None
Motion carried
6. ACTIVE BUSINESS
A. Ordinances & Resolutions
1. Amendment to the Village Code, Title 4, Chapter 1 Liquor Control – Discussion
Lalmalani
Trustee Nagle recused himself at the beginning of the discussion.
Trustee Yusuf began the discussion by addressing earlier comments made by Resident Wolin as they
pertain to the Village Ordinance regarding the Liquor Code. He also expressed his reasoning and
interpretation of the Ordinance as it is currently written. Discussion ensued.
Village Attorney Castaldo expressed his thoughts regarding Trustee Yusuf’s interpretation of the law,
referenced “section M,” and suggested adding a “subsection M” of Title 4, Chapter 1, section 4-1-10 of
the Village Code. He also referenced the State Liquor Code and suggested that the Village Code mirrors
the State Code, thus allowing for a Village official to have a direct or indirect interest in the manufacture,
sale, or distribution of alcoholic beverages, with a stipulation that the official holding such license would
withhold from participation in meetings, hearing discussions or any other matters impacting the
manufacture, sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages.
Trustee Herman expressed his thoughts and concerns with the amendment.
Trustee Manzo expressed his thoughts and opinions, referencing a personal relationship with a General
Counsel for the State Liquor Commission.
Trustee Tiesenga spoke regarding a memorandum written by Attorney Bahr and reiterated earlier
statements made by Attorney Castaldo.
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK MINUTES Page 5 of 5 SPECIAL MEETING OF MAY 19, 2021
Trustee Reddy shared his understanding and opinion of the matter in question. He also confirmed that he
is in favor of Village Attorney Castaldo’s recommendation.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
8. ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION, For the Purpose of Discussing (1) Minutes Of Meetings Lawfully
Closed Under The Open Meetings Act, For The Purpose Of Approval By The Body of The Minutes,
(C)(21) Of The Illinois Open Meetings Act, (2) To Consider The Employment of a Specific Employee or
Employees of the Village Pursuant To 2(C)(1) of the Village of the Illinois Open Meetings Act
Respectively.
Motion by Trustee Manzo, Seconded by Trustee Herman to adjourn to the Closed Session of the
Board of Trustees at 9:06 p.m. VOICE VOTE: Motion Carried.
9. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Trustee Manzo, seconded, by Trustee Yusuf to adjourn the Regular Meeting of the
Board of Trustees at 9:54 p.m. VOICE VOTE: Motion carried.
ATTEST:
/s/ Charlotte K. Pruss
Charlotte K. Pruss
Village Clerk