Oak Park Trustees Meeting 3-3-14

Village of Oak Park Board of Trustees

March 3, 2014

Maria Jepson, Observer

6:30 Executive session

7:30 Open Session

In attendance:  President Anan Abu-Taleb, Trustees Glenn Brewer, Ray Johnson, Adam Salzman, Robert Tucker, Village Manager Cara Pavlicek, Village Attorney Paul Stephanides, Village Clerk Teresa Powell.   Trustee Peter Barber joined by telephone at 8:15 pm and Trustee Colette Lueck arrived at 8:40pm.

Public comment:

Doris Davenport of Oak Park presented a proposal that it would be beneficial to hold two educational sessions about the recently implemented conceal carry law.  Her idea is to hold one session for business owners and one for residents.

Ms. Davenport offered to work with the village to implement this idea.

Regular Agenda:

Laura Maychruk, President of the Oak Park Arts District, Realtor, and owner of the Buzz Café presented information about the six buildings along Harrison Street that are vacant and dilapidated.  She asked for the board’s support in finding ways to speed the process of moving these buildings out of foreclosure and onto the market for prospective buyers.  Attorney Stephanides mentioned that there is movement and that the foreclosure proceedings could be finished by late summer and the buildings ready for the market.  Trustees expressed their desire to keep working toward the completion of this issue.

Commissioner Bill Burns was available to answer questions regarding the Environment and Energy Commission that has been formed to study the recommendations related to the proposed I-290 expansion.  Trustee Glenn Brewer is leading the commission.  The commission will move forward to explore the issues.

The decision was made to go back to the older standards of tree spacing, which was 35 feet, with the understanding that when a new head arborist is appointed, he or she will be able to use his/her discretion if there is reason to vary from the standard.

Resolution was passed to amend the budget to accommodate an extra $12,000.00 for the Oak Park Area Arts Council so that the mural painting program could be expanded.  This initiative works to employ youth during the summer, including some who are at risk.

Resolution passed to give Trustee Ray Johnson the Service Award.  Several people and all trustees expressed their appreciation to Trustee Johnson for his years of service and wished him well on his new position.  Trustee Johnson responded with heartfelt remarks about his years serving Oak Park.

Meeting adjourned 9:35pm.