Village of Flossmoor Board of Trustees met Sept. 5.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
Mayor Nelson called the meeting to order at 7:31 pm.
Village Manager Bridget Wachtel 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; Fire Chief Bob Kopec; Assistant Fire Chief Matt Berk; Community Engagement Manager Stephanie Wright; Village Attorney Kathi Orr; 15 residents
Mayor Nelson called the meeting to order.
Recognitions and Appointments:
Mayor Nelson referred to Agenda Item #1 – Consideration to Reappoint Annemarie Martin to the Plan Commission. Mayor Nelson called for a motion to Reappoint Annemarie Martin to the Plan Commission. Trustee Mustafa so moved, seconded by Trustee Lofton.
Mayor Nelson explained that Annemarie Martin has had a great track record serving the Plan Commission, and Mayor Nelson would like her to continue serving on the Plan Commission.
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 #2 – Proclamation Declaring September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Mayor Nelson introduced Flossmoor Fire Department Captain Dan Bracken and his family and invited them to join her in the reading of the Proclamation. Mayor Nelson noted that she first spoke with Captain Bracken at length two years ago when a Homewood-Flossmoor athletic team won a championship. They discussed his family and how his daughter, Finley, passed away from pediatric cancer on September 11, 2020. The Bracken family started the Finley Forever Foundation to help other families in similar situations. Mayor Nelson read a Proclamation Declaring September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Macie Bracken provided information about her sister, Finley, and about the Finley Forever Foundation. Teagan Bracken talked about the community support that her family received when her sister was ill, and how appreciative she was of the support.
Lacey Bracken noted how their family received help and that their Finley Forever Foundation serves to help families who are also going through a similar situation. Their annual fundraiser, Finley Fest, would benefit the Finley Forever Foundation and is scheduled to be held on September 16, 2023 at Cork & Kerry in Chicago. Their website is FinleyForever.com, where people can be a sponsor and buy tickets for the event. They hold the event in September since it’s the month of Finley’s birth, death, and it is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month.
Mayor Nelson thanked Captain Bracken for his work with the Village of Flossmoor, and she thanked the Bracken family for their volunteer work with the Finley Forever Foundation.
No vote was required.
Mayor Nelson referred to the Consent Agenda (which encompassed Agenda Items 3-6):
3. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held on August 21, 2023
4. Presentation of Bills for Approval and Payment as Approved by the Finance Committee (September 5, 2023)
5. Consideration of a Motion to Approve Tag Days for Knights of Columbus on Friday and Saturday, September 15 and 16, 2023
6. Consideration of a Motion to Approve Tag Days for the Annual Girl Scout Fall Product and Cookie Programs – September 22 – October 15, 2023 and December 15, 2023 – January 14, 2024
Mayor Nelson called for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Trustee Bradley-Scott so moved, seconded by Trustee Daggett. Trustee Driscoll indicated that he would abstain from item #5. Village Attorney Kathi Orr advised that item #5 should be pulled off of the Consent Agenda.
Mayor Nelson called for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as amended for items #3, #4, and #6. Trustee Lofton 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 Motion to Approve Tag Days for Knights of Columbus on Friday and Saturday, September 15 and 16, 2023. Mayor Nelson called for a motion to Approve Tag Days for Knights of Columbus on Friday and Saturday, September 15 and 16, 2023. Trustee Mustafa so moved, seconded by Trustee Daggett.
Mayor Nelson called for a vote on the motion as presented. Motion passed by a roll call vote.
AYES: Trustees Bradley-Scott, Daggett, Lofton, Mitros, and Mustafa.
ABSENT: Trustee Mitros
ABSTAIN: Trustee Driscoll
NAYS: None
Reports of Committees, Commissions and Boards:
The Community Relations Commission requested that everyone wear red and white the following day in honor of Homewood-Flossmoor High School’s Homecoming.
Action Items:
Mayor Nelson referred to Agenda Item #7 – Consideration of a Resolution of the Village of Flossmoor, Cook County, Illinois Approving a Youth Supervision Policy and Code of Conduct for Flossmoor Fest. Mayor Nelson called for a motion to Approve a Youth Supervision Policy and Code of Conduct for Flossmoor Fest as presented. Trustee Daggett so moved, seconded by Trustee Bradley-Scott.
Village Manager Bridget Wachtel explained that, as seen in local media, the Village of Flossmoor has planned to increase its public safety measures in response to incidents and tragedies at community events in the Chicagoland area in recent times. The public safety measures include centralizing the Flossmoor Fest footprint, increasing security inside and outside of the Flossmoor Fest grounds, searching bags, wanding attendees, and the increased use of security cameras. Village staff proposed the presented Youth Supervision Policy, similar to other policies that have been used at several community festivals throughout the south suburbs. It would require all event-goers aged seventeen and younger to be accompanied by and remain with an adult who is twenty-one years old or older with proof presented at the time of admittance to Flossmoor Fest. Wachtel explained that along with the Youth Supervision Policy is a Code of Conduct Policy, which outlines a Code of Conduct and examples of misconduct which include, but are not limited to, fighting, taunting, harassment, and not cooperating with the Village’s posted list of prohibited items, which includes backpacks this year.
Mayor Nelson stated that a resident inquired about the term ‘accompanied’ as it pertains to minors.
Village Manager Wachtel explained that adults should supervise the youth that they bring to Flossmoor Fest and that they are responsible for the youths’ behavior.
Trustee Bradley-Scott noted that she was in support of the presented policy. She inquired about out of town visitors who may bring backpacks to Flossmoor Fest, whether they would receive notice about it, and whether the backpack prohibition applied to all ages.
Village Manager Wachtel answered that anyone who presents with a prohibited item to the entrances of Flossmoor Fest would be asked to return the item to their vehicle. Wachtel stated that the backpack prohibition applied to all ages, and that there was an exception for diaper bags.
Trustee Daggett stated that he was in favor of the proposed policy. He noted that while the policy was inconvenient, it was also a sign of the times. He added that the proposed measures are reasonable and match what other communities have done, and they’ve been successful with them.
Trustee Driscoll stated that he supported the proposed policy, noted that the issues after the recent movie night helped spur the new policy, and hoped that the proposed policy would be enough to keep everyone safe.
Trustee Lofton stated that he was in total favor of the proposed policy. He had an issue with a twenty-one year-old managing six young people, as outlined in the proposed policy. He noted that the recent disruptions in Chicago were staged and organized, and that it doesn’t take too many youths to cause those issues. Trustee Lofton stated that he knew the entrances to Flossmoor Fest would be well-covered, and that there would be surveillance as well.
Trustee Mustafa stated that she was in full support of the proposed policy. She noted that she understands that any time something new is implemented, there will be questions and pushback, but the Police are well trained to handle those issues. Trustee Mustafa stated that the Village of Flossmoor should prepare for some responses that take tack and finesse. She also noted that there could be eighteen and nineteen-year old people who take their younger siblings to Flossmoor Fest, and those situations would have to be handled at the time. Trustee Mustafa stated that the Village of Flossmoor wants residents to feel safe. She thanked Village staff for coming up with the proposed policy to help everyone.
Mayor Nelson noted that the Village of Frankfort held a recent festival and their policy almost matched the Village of Flossmoor’s policy.
Village Manager Bridget Wachtel noted that the Village of Frankfort’s policy only allowed for four children per adult. Village Staff felt that four children seemed restrictive for our community based on larger family sizes of residents and the possibility of adults bringing some of their children’s’ friends as well. Wachtel explained that to Trustee Lofton’s point, if issues arise with young guardians during Flossmoor Fest where they are not behaving, the Code of Conduct would be used to address those issues as needed.
Mayor Nelson stated that it’s going to be a great afternoon during Flossmoor Fest, and that the new policy would help ease any concerns that parents and festgoers have.
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:
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.):
Judge John Fairman’s comments, in summary, were that he is a fifteen-year resident of Flossmoor and an emergency mental health Judge for the south and southwest suburbs. He noted that he is running for a higher office and requested the help and support of the Village Board. He’s been married for over twenty one years, and has five children, including one child who has autism. Judge Fairman talked about his wife’s professional expertise and community involvement and explained the procedures and services provided through the emergency mental health services in his courtroom. He noted his appreciation for mental health services being more prominent now, and that it is his passion.
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.):
No residents wished to speak on an Agenda Item.
Other Business:
Mayor Nelson referred to Agenda Item #8 – 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 Driscoll requested support for the September 15 and 16, 2023 Knights of Columbus fundraiser to be held at Flossmoor Road and Sterling Avenue. Money raised would benefit several local organizations. Also, on September 16th, there would be a mass for first responders at IJP. The mayors, police chiefs, and fire chiefs of eight local communities were invited to attend the event in order to honor and celebrate first responders.
Trustee Mustafa thanked Annemarie Martin for serving on the Plan Commission again. She noted that volunteering at that level can be very rewarding, but that it’s also a sacrifice of personal time. Trustee Mustafa also mentioned that this would be her fourth year as a Course Marshal for the Hidden Gem Half Marathon. She noted that the Heather Hill neighborhood is landlocked during the Hidden Gem race and that there is no practical way to enter or leave Heather Hill during the race. Trustee Mustafa spoke with a Hidden Gem race organizer and requested that Heather Hill residents be shown where to park overnight and be guided out of the neighborhood at strategic times to prevent issues with residents trying to leave during the race. She noted that she has received great cooperation from her request, and that they should have details to share about where residents could park. Trustee Mustafa added that the Hidden Gem organizers requested feedback to help make the race better.
Mayor Nelson noted that the Hidden Gem race is getting better organized every year.
Mayor Nelson stated that the Hidden Gem race would be the following Saturday, September 9th, and that road closures would start at 6:30 am. She noted that there would be visitors from all over, including runners from over twenty states and five countries. She requested that residents mow their grass and not put out additional stick piles during the week.
Mayor Nelson noted that Flossmoor Fest starts at 11:00 am on September 9th, with announcements at 11:30 am. Flossmoor Fest ends at 7:00 pm.
Mayor Nelson thanked Village of Flossmoor staff and volunteers for their work this upcoming weekend with the Hidden Gem and Flossmoor Fest.
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 Driscoll 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 8:00 pm.
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