City of Oak Forest City Council met Aug. 8.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
Mayor Kuspa called the City Council meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and the Roll Call as follows:
Present:
Alderman Keeler
Alderman McCarthy
Alderman Wolf
Alderman Selman
Alderman Emmett
Alderman Hortsman
Alderman Danihel
Also Present.
City Clerk Nicole Tormey
Treasurer Ericka Vetter
City Administrator Tim Kristin
Fire Deputy Chief Steve Griffin
3. Announcements
➤ The Ronnie Rice July 4th picnic concert sponsored by the City of Oak Forest. Veterans Commission and Oak Forest Park District can be seen streaming on the city website by clicking on CIC-TV programming or viewed on cable TV Comcast channel 4, Astound RCN channel 6 or AT&T channel 99. Mayor Kuspa stated the Ronnie Rice interview was a very nice show. The city's camera/audio crew did an excellent job.
➤ On Tuesday, August 15th the city is inviting residents to take a selfie along with a group anywhere on City Hall campus in honor of City Hall Selfie Day. Everyone who posts their selfies on social media using #cityhallselfie and #oakforest and for those who would like to follow the city on social media will have a chance to win a gift card to a local business. Mayor Kuspa informed everyone that he took his selfie today. After the meeting, aldermen will take their group selfie.
➤ Get ready to journey to the Emerald Isle at Gaelic Park Irish Fest from August 25th through August 27th. This weekend long extravaganza is lined up with an unprecedented ensemble of irish bands, dance and artists who will bring the true essence of irish culture to the forefront. For more information, visit chicagogaelicparkirishfest.org.
➤ Venturing Crew 422 and Law Enforcement Torch Run will host Suds n' Stuff community car wash on Saturday, August 26th from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Fire Station 1. Come support amazing organizations while enjoying music, food, raffles and a clean car.
➤ The Old Times Family Picnic in on Sunday, September 3rd from noon to dusk at the Oak Forest Park District. This cherished community event includes kids activities, bean bag tournament, bingo tent, live music and food trucks. Be sure to gather your family, friends and neighbors for a good day of good old fashioned fun. Alderman Emmett added he hopes the weather is nice.
➤ Join the Oak Forest-Crestwood Area Chamber of Commerce for its inaugural half- way to Fleadh 5K along the Yankee Woods Trail on September 9th at 10:00 a.m. Go at your own pace for this fun run. Afterwards, stop at Oliver's to relax and socialize on their new outdoor patio. To register, visit chamber's website at oc- chamber.org.
➤ Bremen Township will host a health fair on Saturday, September 16th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 15350 Oak Park Avenue. The event will include car seat check, hearing and blood pressure screening, memory care, giveaways and much more.
➤ Mayor Kuspa stated as he was reviewing the minutes for city commissions, Mrs. Inocenti and the Consumer Protection Commission asked that he announce that the City of Oak Forest has a Consumer Protection Commission that can help. residents with consumer problems. You can contact the commission through City Hall. Alderman Keeler added Mrs. Inocenti contacted him to let the residents know that she is here to serve the residents and is available to help.
➤ Alderman Selman remarked that Metra will be closing the railroad crossing on Central just north of 167th Street starting tomorrow. It is supposed to be shut down for ten days.
4. Swearing in of Probationary Firefighter/Paramedic Jakob Schuringa
City Clerk Nicole Tormey swore in Probationary Firefighter/Paramedic Jakob Schuringa.
5. Motion to Establish Consent Agenda
Alderman Danihel made the motion to establish consent agenda. Alderman McCarthy seconded.
Roll call vote was taken as follows:
AYES
Alderman Danihel
Alderman Keeler
Alderman McCarthy
Alderman Wolf
Alderman Selman
Alderman Emmett
Alderman Hortsman
NAYS
ABSTAIN
ABSENT
The motion carried 7/0, 0 absent.
6. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of minutes:
1. City Council - June 27, 2023
2. City Council - July 25, 2023
B. Consideration of the following list of bills dated:
1. Regular bills - FY 2023-2024
C. Consideration of the following minutes:
1. Emergency Telephone System Board - July 11, 2023
2. Consumer Protection Commission - July 12, 2023
3. Planning and Zoning Commission - July 19, 2023
D. Consideration of the following reports:
1. Baxter & Woodman project status - July 31, 2023
Alderman Emmett made the motion to approve consent agenda. Alderman Danihel seconded.
Mayor Kuspa asked for questions or comments. Seeing none.
Roll call vote was taken as follows:
AYES
Alderman Emmett
Alderman Hortsman
Alderman Danihel
Alderman Keeler
Alderman McCarthy
Alderman Wolf
Alderman Selman
NAYS
ABSTAIN
ABSENT
The motion carried 7/0, 0 absent.
7. Administration
A. Approval of the appointment of Grace Bardusk to the elected Oak Forest Taxpayer Advocate vacancy.
Alderman Emmett made the motion. Alderman Keeler seconded.
Mayor Kuspa remarked the Taxpayer Adovcate is an elected position in the City of Oak Forest. Guy Gattone passed away. He did a phenomenal job for us and is sorely missed. Grace comes to the city with a lot of experience. She was the second taxpayer advocate ever elected in the City of Oak Forest and she also has years of experience with the Bremen Township Assessor. She knows the ins and outs of the different processes to help the residents apply for and hopefully achieve fair property tax assessments. Mayor Kuspa strongly urges the commission's approval.
Alderman Wolf asked if Ms. Bardusk had to be present or if she will be sworn in at another time. Mayor Kuspa stated she could be sworn in at another time.
Mayor Kuspa asked for any questions or comments from the aldermen. Seeing none.
Roll call vote was taken as follows:
AYES
Alderman Emmett
Alderman Hortsman
Alderman Danihel
Alderman Keeler
Alderman McCarthy
Alderman Wolf
NAYS
ABSTAIN
ABSENT
Alderman Selman
The motion carried 7/0, 0 absent.
8. Community and Economic Development
A. Approval of Ordinance 2023-08-09860 declaring scrivener's errors and correctly formerly approved Special Use Permit Ordinance 2023-05-09740 for the use of a gun. club with retail in the C2 - General Service Commercial District.
Alderman Danihel made the motion. Alderman Selman seconded.
City Administrator Timothy Kristin reported he is presenting for Paul Ruane. Mr. Kristin stated staff was notified of the inconsistency with the business name and ownership and need to correct the previously adopted Ordinance.
Mayor Kuspa asked for questions or comments from the aldermen. Seeing none.
Roll call vote was taken as follows:
AYES
Alderman Danihel
Alderman Keeler
Alderman McCarthy
Alderman Wolf
Alderman Selman
Alderman Emmett
Alderman Hortsman
NAYS
ABSTAIN
ABSENT
The motion carried 7/0, 0 absent.
9. Public Works
A. Approval of Ordinance 2023-08-09870 authorizing disposal/sale of city owned property.
Alderman Emmett made the motion. Alderman McCarthy seconded.
City Administrator Timothy Kristin presented on behalf of the Public Works Department. The property described in the Ordinance is no longer needed or useful. The Public Works Department will place it on their auction slate in hopes of some revenue.
Mayor Kuspa asked for questions or comments from the aldermen. Seeing none.
Roll call vote was taken as follows:
AYES
Alderman Emmett
Alderman Hortsman
Alderman Danihel
Alderman Keeler
Alderman McCarthy
Alderman Wolf
Alderman Selman
NAYS
ABSTAIN
ABSENT
The motion carried 7/0, 0 absent.
10. Citizen Participation
Mayor Kuspa asked if anyone wanted to address the Council. Seeing none.
11. Old Business
City Clerk Nicole Tormey asked for feedback on the Planning and Zoning minutes as prepared and asked for direction regarding going forward with quotes for transcription. Mayor Kuspa asked the aldermen for feedback or suggestions.
Alderman Selman asked if the technology was looked into regarding the voice to text. Nicole Tormey stated she did and all she could find was for drawing and sketching. She stated she could continue to look into it. Mayor Kuspa asked if the aldermen would like staff to continue to explore. Alderman Selman stated rather than hiring a transcriptionist, yes. He also stated he could help with the research. Mayor Kuspa stated he feels the minutes are more than sufficient to conduct city business. Alderman McCarthy reiterated that the recording from the meeting can be requested. Alderman Wolf questioned if the recording had to be requested and through who. Nicole Tormey replied either Tim Kristin or herself.
12. New Business
Mayor Kuspa asked if there was any other new business. Seeing none.
13. Executive Session
Mayor Kuspa asked for a motion to go into Executive Session.
A citizen spoke from the audience. He would like to address the council. Mayor Kuspa informed him the Citizen Participation portion of the meeting is over and he would be happy to speak to him after the meeting.
No Executive Session needed.
14. Adjournment
Alderman Danihel made the motion to adjourn. Alderman Hortsman seconded.
Roll call vote was taken as follows:
AYES
Alderman Danihel
Alderman Keeler
Alderman McCarthy
Alderman Wolf
Alderman Selman
Alderman Emmett
Alderman Hortsman
NAYS
ABSTAIN
ABSENT
The motion carried 7/0, 0 absent.
Meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
http://www.oak-forest.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08082023-1766
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