Village of Flossmoor Board of Trustees met July 17.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
Mayor Nelson called the meeting to order at 7:32 pm.
Village Clerk Gina A. LoGalbo took roll.
PRESENT: Mayor Nelson, Trustees Bradley-Scott, Daggett, Driscoll, Lofton, Mustafa
ALSO PRESENT: Village Manager Bridget Wachtel; Assistant Village Manager Jonathan Bogue; Police Chief Jerel Jones; Deputy Chief of Police Keith Taylor; Fire Chief Bob Kopec; Finance Director Scott Bordui; Director of Public Works John Brunke; Assistant Director of Public Works Dan Milovanovic; Assistant to the Village Manager/ Communications Manager Nicole Castagna; Village Attorney Kathi Orr; Village Clerk Gina A. LoGalbo; 11 residents
Mayor Nelson called the meeting to order. Village Manager Bridget Wachtel introduced new Assistant to the Village Manager/Communications Manager, Nicole Castagna, who will be managing all public information, communications management, marketing, and public relations for the Village of Flossmoor from both a residential and for business/economic development purposes. Castagna will also assist the Village Manager’s office and Building and Zoning Department with special projects. Castagna is a communications professional with twenty years of experience, including with Homewood-Flossmoor High School and the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District. Mayor Nelson noted that she long admired Castagna’s work for the Homewood-Flossmoor community and that it was a pleasure to have her join the Village of Flossmoor team.
Recognitions and Appointments:
None.
Mayor Nelson referred to the Consent Agenda (which encompassed Agenda Items 1-5):
1. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held on June 19, 2023
2. Ratification of Bills for Approval and Payment as Approved by the Finance Committee (July 3, 2023)
3. Presentation of Bills for Approval and Payment as Approved by the Finance Committee (July 17, 2023)
4. Consideration of a Capital Equipment Replacement Purchase of a Utility Vehicle
5. Consideration of a Service Agreement to Manage the Village’s IT Services
Trustee Mustafa requested that item #5, Consideration of a Service Agreement to Manage the Village’s IT Services, be pulled off of the Consent Agenda.
Trustee Bradley-Scott requested that the item #1, Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held on June 19, 2023, be amended to reflect her comments that the Heather Hill neighborhood was one area discussed with respect to placing a sculpture. She asked the Art Commission to be equitable as they consider placement of sculptures.
Mayor Nelson called for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as amended. Trustee Mustafa so moved, seconded by Trustee Daggett.
Mayor Nelson called for a vote on the motion as amended. Motion passed by a roll call vote.
AYES: Trustees Bradley-Scott, Daggett, Driscoll, Lofton, and Mustafa.
ABSENT: Trustee Mitros
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS: None
Mayor Nelson referred to Agenda Item #5 – Consideration of a Service Agreement to Manage the Village’s IT Services. Mayor Nelson called for a motion for to Approve a Service Agreement with Prescient Development Inc. to Manage the Village’s IT Services. Trustee Daggett so moved, seconded by Trustee Driscoll.
Assistant Village Manager Jonathan Bogue explained that the Village was recommending a service agreement with Prescient Development Inc. The Village has been with the same IT firm for about twenty five years, with a one-day-a-week service model. Bogue explained that IT needs have changed over the years, including content from social media, police body camera footage, and other software. The Village tried to expand services with the current IT vendor, but the Village has outgrown what the vendor can offer. The Village had seven different firms apply to be considered for the Village’s IT contract, and Village staff interviewed three of the firms. The winning bid included three days of on-site service per week, five days of remote service per week, and 24/7 monitoring. The winning bid and the annual cost to the Village would be $171,420.00.
Village Manager Bridget Wachtel emphasized Bogue’s comments about the Village’s growing IT needs to support technology which is a part of the Village’s internal infrastructure and delivery services to the general public. The Village has a few technology projects that have been approved for this year, and some technology needs are on the horizon for public safety. The Village desperately needs to have a vendor that can meet those needs.
Assistant Village Manager Jonathan Bogue noted that cybersecurity has also changed over the last twenty five years. Also, Bogue explained that the Village wants to have more efficient technology for their small staff.
Mayor Nelson stated that the contract appeared to be an increase of three times the coverage with an increase of about 50% higher cost.
Trustee Mustafa thanked Bogue for his explanations and details, and inquired about staff involvement and whether there would be an increase in overtime costs for the upcoming IT-related projects and employee training. Trustee Mustafa also inquired about other budget amendments going forward and whether there could be a reduction from three days of on-site IT service to two days. She also inquired about whether there was anything missing from the contract that would be typical in a contract for IT services. Trustee Mustafa inquired about the vendor’s practices regarding diversity or inclusion, and whether they should include a statement regarding the same in their agreements.
Assistant Village Manager Jonathan Bogue answered that there wouldn’t be any IT-related expected overtime costs, and any additional training would be done during work hours. Also, there is flexibility in the contract with the vendor that they could reduce the amount of on-site assistance by the vendor. Bogue explained that the vendor could assist the Village with special projects if they have notice, and if not, the Village would have to pay them additional money.
Matt Szeghy, Vice President of Sales for Prescient Development Inc. explained that the Vice-President of HR at the Prescient is very involved to ensure that the company has hiring practices and standards that comply with the EEOC. Szeghy stated that Prescient has 108 employees who are extremely diverse, and they have an intentional recruiting and selection process to look for diverse individuals. Their goal is to provide the best IT individual who is going to be a good fit with the company. Szeghy stated that Trustee Mustafa’s suggestion about including a statement regarding their diversity and inclusion practices in their agreements was a very good point and that he would look into it.
Trustee Lofton inquired whether the State’s engagement with CESSA would create an IT-related issue for the Village of Flossmoor.
Assistant Village Manager Jonathan Bogue answered that it could, and that fortunately, Prescient already does IT for the E-Com Dispatch, so Prescient will be a great match for those issues when they involve E Com Dispatch as well.
Trustee Bradley-Scott inquired as to how the Village chose the three IT firms to interview out of the seven applicants.
Assistant Village Manager Jonathan Bogue answered that staff looked at various factors, including the firms’ experience working with municipalities. Only four of the firms had experience working with municipalities, and two of those four firms only had experience with managed IT services for the municipalities.
Mayor Nelson called for a vote on the motion as presented. Motion passed by a roll call vote.
AYES: Trustees Bradley-Scott, Daggett, Driscoll, Lofton, and Mustafa.
ABSENT: Trustee Mitros
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS: None
Reports of Committees, Commissions and Boards:
None.
Action Items:
Mayor Nelson referred to Agenda Item #6 – Consideration of a Recommendation for Stop Sign Installation. Mayor Nelson called for a motion for to install a stop sign at Lawrence Crescent and Scott Crescent as presented. Trustee Daggett so moved, seconded by Trustee Bradley-Scott.
Police Chief Jerel Jones explained that the Village of Flossmoor teamed with Baxter & Woodman to conduct a stop sign analysis for the intersection of Lawrence Crescent and Scott Crescent. It took place based on information brought forth by a concerned resident. The intersection is a unique, three-legged intersection that is in very close proximity to Heather Hill Elementary School. The analysis was conducted with vehicular and foot traffic in mind during the school year in the school zone. The analysis also included reviewing vehicular traffic collisions over the last ten years and the vehicular and foot traffic during school drop off and dismissal times. During dismissal time, the research showed that 1,205 units (pedestrians and vehicular traffic) hit a peak of 296 units during dismissal time. Police Chief Jones explained the different speed limits during school hours and non-school hours, and that the analysis showed that installing a stop sign will not necessarily control the speeding issue that the concerned resident brought forward. Along with installing the stop sign, it was recommended that there be more police presence in vulnerable areas (which the police are doing all around town), and increase the use of radar signs. It was also recommended that the new stop sign at Lawrence Crescent and Scott Crescent have flashing lights on top of it. Baxter & Woodman also recommended that one of the multiple crosswalks at the intersection at issue be removed, and that more signs (i.e. Crosswalk, School Zone, Yield) be placed in that area. Police Chief Jones noted that adding the stop sign will not control speeders, but it will have an additional mechanism in place so that the Village can increase the amount of traffic control in that area. The Village will inform the community and SD 161 School Board that the project is going to take place prior to the 2023-2024 school year. Some of the signs have already arrived at the Village, and Public Works is working on the installation of the same.
Mayor Nelson thanked Police Chief Jones for the presentation, and for his work around the schools in the Village to increase signage before the start of the new school year. Mayor Nelson gave a special shout out to resident Sandy Byron, who is a school crossing guard at the Heather Hill School and who brought the traffic concerns forth to the Village.
Trustee Lofton noted that there is an unattended radar unit in his neighborhood, which is working marvelously, including for himself. Trustee Lofton added that he would never object to having more signage in a school district, empathized with Sandy Byron for having to deal with the speeders at Heather Hill School, and noted that it’s unacceptable to have speeders in a school district. He appreciates the work that Police Chief Jones has done on this project.
Trustee Driscoll thanked Police Chief Jones for his presentation and added that he is in total agreement with his philosophy about adding enforcement to the posted signs.
Trustee Daggett thanked resident Sandy Byron and noted how this project was a great example of people in the community coming together to make something happen that needs to happen. Trustee Daggett had the opportunity to join Sandy Byron on a couple of occasions during the school year, and he added that she immensely cares about the kids. Based on stories he heard from several crossing guards, Trustee Daggett is glad that these changes are happening. He agreed that any increased signage that can be placed in a school zone to make it safer is fantastic, and he appreciates that Baxter & Woodman agrees and that the Flossmoor Police Department is going to make sure that the signs will be enforced. Trustee Daggett stated that anything the Village can do to make the intersection safer is important because, unfortunately, there are a small portion of people who will not change their behavior unless forced to. He appreciates the hard work that was done on the project, and how the Village responded to the concerns.
Trustee Bradley-Scott thanked Police Chief Jones for the presentation. She noted that she lives in the Heather Hill community, that she has had kids in the Heather Hill School for the previous nine years, and is very familiar with how the traffic situation is in that area and has become increasingly worse the last few years. She thinks that the stop sign and lighting at the intersection will be a great addition to helping people remain safe. Trustee Bradley-Scott suggested communication to the community regarding the new signage at the first two back to school events. She also inquired about MacHeath Crescent because part of the traffic study also involved looking at the traffic going down Lawrence Crescent and MacHeath Crescent, and she wanted to know whether it was part of the engineering study because that area was a huge concern for residents as well.
Director of Public Works John Brunke explained that warrant analyses are done on an intersection by intersection basis, so the engineers only looked at the intersection of Lawrence Crescent and Scott Crescent while still looking at the traffic in the area. He explained that if there are other intersections that the Village wants to look at, they would need to each have their own warrant analysis conducted. Brunke added that the Village can have Baxter & Woodman review the intersection of Lawrence Crescent and MacHeath Crescent.
Trustee Bradley-Scott explained how she previously spoke with Village Manager Bridget Wachtel about how Heather Hill School mentioned that Lawrence Crescent and MacHeath weren’t as bad. Her concern about MacHeath is that it’s a two-way street, the school is on Lawrence Crescent, and drivers will back up onto Lawrence Crescent from MacHeath, which becomes a traffic nightmare. She would like to see that intersection elevated and thought that it would have been part of the previous analysis.
Director of Public Works John Brunke explained that the Lawrence Crescent and MacHeath Crescent intersection wasn’t analyzed and that one part of the study is to have a camera pointed at the intersection at issue for several weeks, which obtains the traffic data. They only have so many cameras to put out, and it’s an elevated cost to do an additional intersection. He stated that the Village can also look into the Lawrence Crescent and MacHeath Crescent intersection.
Trustee Bradley-Scott explained that there is a ‘no parking’ sign that the Flossmoor Police Department put out to remind people not to park in that area, but drivers will just run over or move the cones unless there is a police presence there. She acknowledged the issue of the police department’s shift change and rotation of police officers around town. She would like to see how the new changes work out given that Heather Hill School is getting a new principal who may not be aware of the traffic issues there and know where to direct traffic like the previous principal who would monitor and direct traffic. She added that although it may be a school issue, it can escalate into a Village concern if not managed properly. Trustee Bradley Scott was concerned about informing the new principal of the changes.
Mayor Nelson stated that the Village of Flossmoor was fortunate because Stephanie Wright works for both the Village of Flossmoor and the School District 161, so she will be working to communicate the traffic changes to the school district.
Police Chief Jones stated that the Police Department will continue to allocate their resources to the areas of vulnerability as much as possible, and they will continue to have an increased focus on school zones. They are also focused on main thoroughfares, school zones, and residential areas that don’t have schools and will continue to allocate resources accordingly. The Police Department will also utilize their Community Service Officers, who handle traffic matters along with the Police Officers.
Trustee Mustafa thanked Police Chief Jones for going through the details of what will change and for his presentation. She thanked resident Sandy Byron for shining a very bright light on the traffic situation near Heather Hill School and noted that her commitment to it as a resident and employee is exemplary. Trustee Mustafa thanked all of the Departments involved and for getting so far so fast to address the issue.
Village Manager Bridget Wachtel noted that staff has identified a few other intersections that they would like to have studied and they will make sure that Lawrence Crescent and MacHeath Crescent intersection is added to the list. She explained that the Village is taking a comprehensive approach to reviewing intersections in the Village. A handful have been identified by staff, and they will review data to see if the list should be expanded. As warranted, they will bring forth information before the Village Board to see if there is any action needed by the Board to add signage or controls at those intersections.
Mayor Nelson called for a vote on the motion as presented. Motion passed by a roll call vote.
AYES: Trustees Bradley-Scott, Daggett, Driscoll, Lofton, and Mustafa.
ABSENT: Trustee Mitros
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS: None
Mayor Nelson referred to Agenda Item #7 – Consideration of a Service Agreement and Purchase of Meter Equipment for the Water Meter Replacement Project. Mayor Nelson called for a motion to approve a Sensus Service Agreement and Purchase Meter Equipment for the Water Meter Replacement Project from Core & Main as presented. Trustee Bradley-Scott so moved, seconded by Trustee Lofton.
Mayor Nelson explained that this project is a long-time in the making.
Director of Public Works John Brunke explained that the planning stages of the Water Meter Replacement Project are progressing well, and that Baxter & Woodman and Public Works Staff interviewed two companies to gauge the best meter equipment choice for the Village moving forward. Given the future projected costs, additional meter replacements needed, and the fact that the Village of Flossmoor would be part of another utility’s operating system with little to no control over future system upgrades and costs, Staff determined that it would be best to stay with the Sensus platform moving forward. Brunke stated that included in the FY24 approved budget is $1,849,588 for this project, which includes the use of funds from the American Rescue Plan Act Fund (ARPA). The total cost of the quote from Core & Main is $1,080,506.00. The installation portion of the project is estimated to cost and additional $612,000.00. Brunke explained that the installation portion of the project will be the easiest part of the project. He noted that the Sensus product line is very robust and will be a huge benefit and improvement to the Village of Flossmoor, including knowing water usage throughout the day and setting alarm parameters. Water customers will also be able to monitor their own water usage online. Brunke noted the good relationship and products from Sensus. Core & Main is the only vendor of Sensus meter products in the region, so the purchase cannot be bid out to other vendors. With the installation part of the project, which comes up in August 2023, the total estimated cost of the project is $1.7 million, which is below budget. Brunke added that every house in the Village will be visited by an installer who will also check on the lead service inventory which is required by the EPA. Then the Village will develop a plan for replacing the lead service lines. Brunke explained that Public Works requested a contingency amount of $20,000.00 to cover expenses related to any unknowns for the project, such as having to buy differently sized water meters. Public Works recommended that the Mayor and Village Board approve the Sensus Software Service Agreement and purchase of equipment from Core & Main of Mokena in the amount of $1,080,506.00 and authorize the Village Manager to approve purchases from the quote up to $1,100,506.00.
Mayor Nelson thanked Director of Public Works John Brunke for his thorough presentation and for his discovery that the Village could use ARPA money towards the project. She noted that it was a very smart use of ARPA money. She stated that Baxter & Woodman has been great at working with residents on public infrastructure projects like Berry Lane. She inquired about what would happen if they couldn’t access a resident’s home.
Director of Public Works John Brunke explained that install contractors will work with the Village to use the Village’s logo on their advertisement literature and will typically do two to three letters about the project. They will also call residents. If they can’t make contact with the residents, a door hanger will be hung with a message to call and make an appointment for the installation. The last resort will be to shut off water if no one responds. He added that snowbirds may be out of town for extended periods of time when the project is taking place, so they may have to shut the water off and then install the meters when they return to the Village of Flossmoor.
Trustee Driscoll noted how the Board has put off this project for many years and that it’s good to finally get it done because it has been needed for a long time.
Trustee Daggett stated his appreciation for the project moving forward, and noted how the Water & Sewer Fund is a big concern. He inquired about whether there is a plan in place to communicate to residents about their new water bills, which may be higher if their previous water meter wasn’t working properly and residents were being underbilled. He also inquired about the $20,000.00 contingency amount, whether a contingency amount will also likely be needed for the installation costs, and where the funds would be saved if the project comes under budget.
Director of Public Works John Brunke explained that the Village has a communication plan to communicate the project to residents, including the newsletter and social media. Further, the Village would not be billing residents for any lost water from the past. He noted that sometimes there is ‘sticker shock’ for residents who have been getting free water and get a new meter, but the ability to monitor their water usage in real time should help. Also, the $20,000.00 contingency request is just for possible equipment costs because they have found that there is information in the relevant database about the size of the meters needed is not accurate. So, they may have to trade out meters when needed to account for the accurate size. Also, the bid for the installation part of the project should have built in contingency fees. Brunke explained that the General Fund is the last funding source they will use for the project, so any savings will stay in the General Fund.
Trustee Bradley-Scott thanked Director of Public Works John Brunke for the presentation. She inquired about the project in regard to the tracking of lead-based pipes in residents’ homes and how the communication would be outlined. She asked if a resident has lead-based pipe in their home and they are concerned about it, what communication would they receive regarding the issue. Trustee Bradley-Scott also inquired if residents usually get concerned and want to have private lead testing, and what the Village’s responsibility is for taking care of the issue. She also inquired about the communication to residents about the increased accounting of water usage, especially for residents who may not be as tech-savvy.
Director of Public Works John Brunke explained that the Village of Flossmoor has an estimated inventory for lead services in town based on existing Village records and other sources. The EPA wants the Village to have ‘eyes on’ the accuracy of the inventory. None of the Village staff are licensed plumbers, and it makes sense that when licensed plumbers are in the homes for the installation of the water meters, to also evaluate whether there are lead-based pipes in the homes. He noted the discovery of lead-based pipes under Berry Lane when the recent Berry Lane project took place. Brunke explained that the residents will receive the standard lead-based service flyer that they hand out for all water-related work at homes. Brunke noted that the Village tests for lead in the water throughout the Village of Flossmoor at the direction of the EPA, and some residents have tested their own water. The flyer that Public Works hands out to residents regarding water issues has information about contacting a private lead tester. Brunke stated that the Village plans to communicate to residents about water-related ‘alarm’ issues, but they have to decide on the parameters and protocol for when to contact residents about those issues.
Trustee Mustafa thanked Director of Public Works John Brunke and his team for their work on this project. She inquired as to why there was a reference made to the EU standards on the provided information, and whether there would be a future use of the water meter information to share with residents, like how much water it takes to support a new parkway tree.
Director of Public Works John Brunke explained that they could potentially use the new water meter information for new uses like estimated water usage for parkway trees. Village staff will be able to find water leaks in the system and other issues because they will have a master meter that they can monitor in real time.
Trustee Lofton inquired about the companies that would bid on the install project and whether they may have done some work for ComEd, and if shutting off water at residences during the winter would be an issue.
Director of Public Works John Brunke answered that he wasn’t sure, but at least one of the companies has done meter work for Nicor. Brunke answered that any water shut offs that occur will be for a short period of time because the installations take about an hour or less.
Mayor Nelson called for a vote on the motion as presented. Motion passed by a roll call vote.
AYES: Trustees Bradley-Scott, Daggett, Driscoll, Lofton, and Mustafa.
ABSENT: Trustee Mitros
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS: None
Mayor Nelson referred to Agenda Item #8 – Consideration of a Joint Funding Agreement and Resolution with IDOT for the Brookwood Bridge and Butterfield Road Culvert Reconstruction. Mayor Nelson called for a motion to approve a Joint Funding Agreement and Resolution with IDOT for the Brookwood Bridge and Butterfield Road Culvert Reconstruction. Trustee Daggett so moved, seconded by Trustee Bradley Scott.
Director of Public Works John Brunke explained that the Brookwood Bridge and Butterfield Road Culvert Reconstruction project was let on IDOT’s June 16, 2023 State Letting, and the lowest responsible bid was received from D Construction, Inc. in the amount of $1,018,214.13. The estimated engineer’s cost of the construction is $1,104,180.00. Brunke stated that IDOT submitted a Joint Funding Agreement for the Village’s approval by resolution, which must be approved in order for the project to be awarded by IDOT and forward with construction. Per the agreement, the construction will be 100% funded by Federal and State funds up to the amount of $1,104,180.00 and the Village would be responsible for any additional costs, but no overages are expected at this time. Brunke stated that included in the FY24 Budget is $1,104,180 for the construction of the project. The project construction should begin later this summer and should be completed by the end of the year. The Village plans to hold a resident open house for the project area once Staff knows the schedule of the project. The Butterfield Road culvert will also be replaced with the project. Public Works Staff recommended that the Mayor and Board of Trustees approve the Joint Funding Agreement for construction work by resolution by IDOT.
Mayor Nelson thanked Director of Public Works John Brunke for his great presentation, and noted how it was an exciting project given that there is quite a bit of washout and the road is starting to deteriorate badly on Butterfield Road and that it was a long time coming.
Trustee Driscoll stated that it was great that the project was getting done and the price was right.
Trustee Daggett was always happy about the price of the project and noted how costly infrastructure projects are. He thanked everyone for their work on the funding and project.
Trustee Bradley-Scott noted how long the Pubic Works Staff have been working on the Butterfield Creek matter and finally it has come to fruition at a very reasonable cost. It should make residents very proud that the Village isn’t responsible for all of the costs of the project, and she would like to see the information shared with residents so they can know how fiscally responsible the Village has been on all of the projects, especially for infrastructure projects that are underground or where they can’t be seen. She appreciated Staff’s hard work and noted that it was very impressive.
Trustee Mustafa concurred with the other Trustees’ comments, noted how the attention to fiscal responsibility is really admirable, and thanked everyone involved in the project.
Trustee Lofton noted how free money is very exciting and commended Staff’s work on the project.
Mayor Nelson called for a vote on the motion as presented. Motion passed by a roll call vote.
AYES: Trustees Bradley-Scott, Daggett, Driscoll, Lofton, and Mustafa.
ABSENT: Trustee Mitros
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS: None
Mayor Nelson referred to Agenda Item #9 – Consideration of an Award of a Contract to Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. For the Brookwood Bridge and Butterfield Road Culvert Reconstruction Phase 3 Construction Engineering. Mayor Nelson called for a motion for to Approve an Award of a Contract to Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. For the Brookwood Bridge and Butterfield Road Culvert Reconstruction Phase 3 Construction Engineering. Trustee Mustafa so moved, seconded by Trustee Driscoll.
Director of Public Works John Brunke explained that included in the FY24 budget is $110,418.00 for the Phase 3 Construction Engineering Services for the Brookwood Bridge and Butterfield Road Culvert Reconstruction Project. The project construction was led by IDOT and they are currently working on the award process. Christopher B. Burke Engineering Ltd. submitted a proposal for the contract in the amount of $110,418.00. Per the agreement, the construction engineering will be 100% funded by State Road funds and the Village would be responsible for any additional costs. Public Works Staff recommended that the Mayor and Board of Trustees award the Phase 3 Construction Engineering Services Contract for the Brookwood Bridge and Butterfield Road Culvert Reconstruction Project to Christopher B. Burke Engineering Ltd in the not to exceed the amount of $110,418.00.
Mayor Nelson called for a vote on the motion as presented. Motion passed by a roll call vote.
AYES: Trustees Bradley-Scott, Daggett, Driscoll, Lofton, and Mustafa.
ABSENT: Trustee Mitros
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS: None
Discussion Items:
None.
Citizens Present Wishing to Address the Board:
Mayor Nelson noted that per Board policy, individuals’ comments were limited to five minutes per person for a total allotted time of thirty minutes for public comment and that everyone act with decorum during their presentation.
Citizens Present Wishing to Address the Board on a Non-Agenda Item
(It should be noted that in reporting these comments, the Village has not researched the accuracy of any comments.):
Warren Engelberg’s comments, in summary, were regarding the decline of American capitalism and its relation to societal tensions, increased social problems and the inability of leaders to deal with it. He discussed a food insecurity study conducted with people in Los Angeles, California, and the impacts of food insecurity on American citizens.
Mayor Nelson gave a shout out to Trustee Bradley-Scott, who has held food giveaways, and resident Ann Jackson’s work at the Center for Food, Equity, and Medicine, where she does a great job of delivering food to those facing a critical illness, and also referenced some great nearby food banks like Respond Now. If any residents are facing food insecurity issues, they should contact the Village and Village Staff will connect them with helpful resources.
Citizens Present Wishing to Address the Board on an Agenda Item
(It should be noted that in reporting these comments, the Village has not researched the accuracy of any comments.):
Sandy Byron’s comments, in summary, were to thank the Village Board and staff for paying attention to her requests regarding the traffic issues at Heather Hill School, and that she is proud to live in the Village of Flossmoor.
Other Business:
Mayor Nelson referred to Agenda Item #10 – A Motion to go into Executive Session to Discuss the Employment of Specific Individuals, Property Acquisition and Litigation.
There was no need to enter into Executive Session.
Trustee Lofton reminded the Village Board that they were invited to the Ballantrae subdivision picnic and back to school event on the last Saturday of the month.
Mayor Nelson thanked the Village of Flossmoor Volunteer Fire Department, Public Works, Police Department and staff for another wonderful July 4th Children’s Parade.
Mayor Nelson gave Director of Public Works John Brunke for his recent first on camera interview with CBS, and he did a great job representing the Village of Flossmoor. She also thanked him for his work to help the Village obtain a school zone designation from IDOT on Governors Highway near Homewood Flossmoor High School.
Mayor Nelson stated that the Village of Flossmoor is a finalist for the Governor’s Hometown Award for the Plant the Gem project, where volunteers planted 300 trees throughout the Village. The Village is up against three other towns from the State of Illinois. The Village of Flossmoor Staff will do a presentation in Springfield at the State Fair on August 16, 2023.
She noted there is a story hour with Flossmoor Police at Leavitt Park on July 18, 2023.
Mayor Nelson reminded residents of Chamber Night in downtown Flossmoor on July 19, 2023 including the Bel Canto choir and the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra.
Mayor Nelson reminded residents of National Night Out and Touch a Truck on August 1, 2023.
Village Clerk Gina LoGalbo noted that the ribbon cutting of the Flossmoor Veterans Wall of Honor would take place on August 9, 2023 at 2:30 pm. She thanked the Village of Flossmoor and staff for their assistance on the project.
As there were no other items to discuss, Mayor Nelson called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Bradley-Scott so moved, seconded by Trustee Lofton and passed by a voice vote.
AYES: Trustees Bradley-Scott, Daggett, Driscoll, Lofton, and Mustafa.
ABSENT: Trustee Mitros
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS: None
The Regular Meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm.
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