Minutes - 11/09/2021 - Board of TrusteesVILLAGE OF OAK BROOK MINUTES Page 1 of 5 REGULAR MEETING OF NOVEMBER 09, 2021
MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 09, 2021 REGULAR
MEETING OF THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF
TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
APPROVED AS WRITTEN ON
NOVEMBER 23, 2021
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 Boardroom 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: Trustees Laurence Herman, Michael Manzo, James Nagle, A. Suresh Reddy, Edward
Tiesenga Trustee Yusuf, and President Gopal Lalmalani
ABSENT: None
IN ATTENDANCE: Interim Village Manager/Police Chief James Kruger, Information Technology
Director Jim Fox, Development Services Director Tony Budzikowski, Golf Manager/Superintendent
Sean Creed, Finance Director Jason Paprocki, Public Works Director Rick Valent, Interim Fire Chief
James Arie, Head Librarian Jacob Post, HR Director/Deputy Clerk Kathy Vonachen and Village
Attorney Michael Castaldo Jr.
3. PRESIDENT’S OPENING COMMENTS
President Lalmalani began the meeting by introducing the State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and asking
Interim Village Manager/Police Chief Kruger to speak regarding the criminal activities in the Village.
After that, he announced the continued redevelopment of the former McDonald’s campus, thanked
Trustees Nagle and Manzo for their help with resolving some discrepancies with the project. Next,
President Lalmalani announced the coming of major corporate tenant BDO USA, the opening of
Puttshack in the last month, the upcoming soft opening of Fogo de Chao. He also spoke about Veterans
Day events and about the honor and privilege of being able to thank the servicemen and women for their
sacrifice. Finally, he announced the Veterans Day private event held by Trustee Reddy and asked him to
brief everyone on the event.
A. Criminal Activities in Oak Brook
Interim Village Manager/Police Chief Kruger spoke about concerns surrounding the update in criminal
activity in the Village and the partnership with the State’s Attorney Berlin. After that, he asked State’s
Attorney Berlin to come up and speak regarding the regional problem with the increased criminal activity.
After State’s Attorney Berlin spoke, Interim Village Manager/Police Chief Kruger reiterated the close
working relationship with the State’s attorney to combat the issues that have plagued not only the Village
but the whole region as well. Furthermore, he addressed citizen concerns regarding burglaries, robberies,
carjackings, often seen stationary squad cars around the Village, and community outreach outlets
including social media and flyers.
State’s Attorney Berlin thanked the Board for their time and went into details about the current data of
various criminal offenses and how the State’s Attorney’s office is combating the issues. He also
commended the Oak Brook Police Department for their outstanding work and their impeccable ability to
work together with the surrounding departments. Lastly, he announced the hiring of additional attorneys
and stressed the importance of law enforcement as a crime-stopping tool.
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK MINUTES Page 2 of 5 REGULAR MEETING OF NOVEMBER 09, 2021
Trustee Nagle asked for clarification on the many citizen concerns regarding the stationary squad cars.
4. PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS
Resident and Sports Core Advisory Committee member Lara Barber expressed her thought regarding the
proposed soccer field management and further spoke in favor of the management company.
Resident Barbara Kleinschmidt spoke regarding the fence text amendment and the need for the Board to
take resident concerns and requests into consideration. She also informed the Board that the Timber Trail
Mary Lane residents will comply with the Board's decision regarding the beautification of the said fences.
Resident Debbie Nelson reiterated comments made by Resident Barbara Kleinschmidt.
Resident Stephanie Kladis reiterated previous comments regarding the fences and spoke about the
expensive and lengthy process of applying for a fence variation. She also spoke about the positive
response to the distributed flyers asking for resident opinions regarding the issue.
Resident Bethany De Haan also spoke about the positive resident feedback to the distributed flyers on
Halloween, the Paul Butler's Vision, and asked the request to only apply to the Timber Trail Mary Lane
subdivision at this time.
Resident Ray Cesca shared updates regarding the ruling made by the US Court of Appeals for the District
of Columbia regarding the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) rules and guidelines for wireless
technology. He further shared his concerns and incidents addressing radiation poisoning.
Clarendon Hills Resident and the President of Oak Brook Soccer Club John Niestrom spoke against the
proposed soccer field management and further voiced his concerns.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. SPECIAL BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING OF OCTOBER 26 , 2021
Motion by Trustee Yusuf, seconded by Trustee Reddy to approve the Minutes of the Regular Board
of Trustees Meeting of October 26, 2021. 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 4, 2021 - $378,653.89
Significant Items included in Above:
1. LEGAL SERVICES:
a) Ottosen, Dinolfo Hasenbalg & Castaldo – September 2021 – Pool Renovations - $225.00
(FY21 YTD - $117,717.14)
TOTAL LEGAL BUDGET FOR 2021 IS $245,000.00
TOTAL LEGAL BILLS PAID FOR 2021 - YTD - $274,141.13
2. Exterior Operating Partnership IV, LP – 711 Jorie – Improvement Bond Refund - $37,194.00
3. BCBS HMO – Health Care Services – November 2021 - $50,851.94
B. Approval of Payroll for Pay Period Ending: October 30, 2021 - $750,783.50
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK MINUTES Page 3 of 5 REGULAR MEETING OF NOVEMBER 09, 2021
C. Development Services Referrals
1. Village of Oak Brook – Text Amendment to Zoning Regulations to Revise Fence Code
D. Ordinances & Resolutions
1. ORDINANCE 2021-PP-S-1635, An Ordinance Authorizing the Sale of Certain Items of Personal
Property Owned by the Village of Oak Brook (Surplus Vehicles from Various Departments)
Motion by Trustee Manzo, seconded by Trustee Reddy to approve the Consent Agenda, with the
exception of Item 6.C.1, and authorize the expenditures as presented.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes: 6 – Trustees Herman, Manzo, Nagle, Reddy, Tiesenga, Yusuf
Nays: 0 - None
Abstain: 0 - None
Absent: 0 - None
Motion carried
7. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA
Item 6.C.1 - Village of Oak Brook – Text Amendment to Zoning Regulations to Revise Fence Code
Trustee Herman expressed his thoughts, opinions, and concerns with legal aspects of the text amendment
and encouraged the Board to consider the changes that come with the changing neighborhoods and
resident needs which opposed Paul Butler’s vision a number of years ago.
Plan Development Director Budzikowski gave a brief overview of the text amendment to the Zoning
regulations, progress made, resident requests, and the plans to update other Zoning Regulations.
Trustee Yusuf spoke in favor of the text amendment stating that it is long overdue, stressed the
importance of safety when considering the proposed amendment, and further expressed his thoughts on
the subject.
Trustee Manzo made a motion and spoke in agreement with Trustee Herman and Yusuf’s comments and
expressed his concerns with the proposed height.
Motion by Trustee Manzo, seconded by Trustee Nagle that the Village Board directs the Village
Attorney and Staff to draft the necessary provisions for a text amendment to the Zoning
Regulations to revise the fence code and proceed to the Plan Commission and Zoning Board of
Appeals.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes: 6 – Trustees Herman, Manzo, Nagle, Reddy, Tiesenga, Yusuf
Nays: 0 - None
Abstain: 0 - None
Absent: 0 - None
Motion carried
8. ACTIVE BUSINESS
A. Ordinances & Resolutions
1. RESOLUTION 2021-LC-AL-G-1198, An Ordinance Amending Title 4, Chapter 1, Section
8A Of The Village Code of the Village of Oak Brook, Illinois By Increasing By One To Four
the Number of Authorized Class D Liquor Licenses (Urban Barbeque)
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK MINUTES Page 4 of 5 REGULAR MEETING OF NOVEMBER 09, 2021
Trustee Herman asked for clarification regarding the presented number of issued Class D liquor licenses,
shared his concerns regarding sales tax and catering state laws as they apply.
HR Director/Deputy Clerk Vonachen clarified the number of issued Class D liquor licenses for Trustee
Herman and alcohol consumption to Trustee Manzo. She also explained her understanding of the catering
activities and liquor distribution as applicable with the particular liquor license.
Village Attorney Castaldo explained that the liquor license allows the establishment to sell packaged
goods.
Trustee Tiesenga shared his thoughts on the stated concerns and moved the motion to deferral, pending
clarification and confirmation of compliance with all applicable laws.
Motion by Trustee Tiesenga, Seconded by Trustee Manzo that the Village Board defers
RESOLUTION 2021-LC-AL-G-1198, An Ordinance Amending Title 4, Chapter 1, Section 8A Of
The Village Code of the Village of Oak Brook, Illinois By Increasing By One To Four the Number
of Authorized Class D Liquor Licenses (Urban Barbeque)
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes: 4 – Trustees Herman, Manzo, Reddy, Tiesenga
Nays: 1 – Trustee Yusuf
Abstain: 1 – Trustee Nagle
Absent: 0 – None
Motion carried
8. ACTIVE BUSINESS
B. Intergovernmental Agreement with the Tollway for the Reconstruction of the York Road
Bridge Over the I-88 Connector Ramp Discussion
Trustee Tiesenga began the discussion by sharing a brief overview of the project, the need for the
reconstruction and shared his opinions regarding funding for the said reconstruction project. Discussion
ensued.
Finance Director Paprocki confirmed and explained where the funds would be coming from for the project.
Trustee Manzo asked for clarification on the Village’s responsibility for the bridge maintenance.
Public Works Director Valent clarified the Village’s responsibilities and the Tollway Authority’s
responsibilities in bridge maintenance. He also explained exactly what the reconstruction would entail.
Trustee Herman spoke about the approved infrastructure bill by the US Government and made suggestions
to wait and see how it would affect the Village’s fiscal responsibilities.
8. ACTIVE BUSINESS
C. Soccer Field Management Discussion
Trustee Herman began the discussion by providing an overview of the Bath and Tennis Club and Sports
Core’s need for financial sustainability, divulged recommendations made at the Sports Core Advisory
Committee, and went into several resources for potential income. Discussion ensued.
Trustee Manzo spoke in agreement with Trustee Herman’s comments, explained the actions that would
take place with the management company being in charge of rentals and soccer field utilization.
President Lalmalani reminded everyone that the item is for discussion only and to provide direction to the
Village Attorney to draft a preliminary agreement to be discussed at the next Board meeting. He later
asked Village Attorney Castaldo to advise the Board regarding the validity of the RFP process.
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK MINUTES Page 5 of 5 REGULAR MEETING OF NOVEMBER 09, 2021
Trustee Yusuf made recommendations to go through the complete RFP process and look at the historical
data prior to the Park District taking over the field management before the Board makes any decisions.
Trustee Nagle spoke in disagreement with Trustee Yusuf’s comments and further expressed his thoughts
and opinions about going through an RFP process at this stage.
Trustee Reddy spoke in agreement with Trustee Nagle’s comments and shared his thoughts regarding the
willingness of the Board to take on the challenges and the progressive changes.
Trustee Tiesenga shared an update regarding the proposed company’s incorporation status and further
spoke in agreement with Trustee Yusuf’s comments regarding the RFP process. He also supported his
argument for why the RFP process would be appropriate in the discussed scenario.
Village Attorney Castaldo explained that he will proceed based on the direction from the Board; however,
based on his current knowledge, there is no issue with proceeding to an RFP for the soccer field
management company.
President Lalmalani ended the discussion by asking Trustee Reddy to provide an update on the search for
Village Manager and, after that, Trustee Nagle on the Fire Chief search.
Trustee Reddy provided a brief update on the number of received applications, the selection process of
five candidates to invite for the first set of interviews, and the three candidates that will be presented to
the President for final decision.
Trustee Nagle shared the number of received resumes, the upcoming meeting of the Fire Chief Selection
Committee, and hopes to narrow down the candidates to five.
9.PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
None
10.ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Trustee Reddy, seconded by Trustee Nagle to adjourn the Regular Meeting of the Board
of Trustees at 8:59 p.m. VOICE VOTE: Motion carried.
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Charlotte K. Pruss
Village Clerk
/s/ Charlotte K. Pruss