Village of Flossmoor Board of Trustees met Sept. 18.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
Mayor Nelson called the meeting to order at 7:30 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 Finance Director Ann Novoa; Public Works Director John Brunke; Director of Building & Zoning Scott Bugner; Village Attorney Kathi Orr; 14 residents
Mayor Nelson called the meeting to order and wished everyone a happy Hispanic Heritage Month. She noted that the meeting was being broadcast via Zoom for the convenience of those at home who could not make it in person.
Recognitions and Appointments:
Mayor Nelson referred to Agenda Item #1 – Consideration of a Reappointment to the Community Relations Commission. Mayor Nelson called for a motion to reappoint Jackie Riffice to the the Community Relations Commission. Trustee Mustafa so moved, seconded by Trustee Lofton. Mayor Nelson explained that Jackie Riffice has served on the Community Relations Commission (“CRC”) since 2019, and since then, she's been an integral part of projects for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, including the Sleep in Heavenly Peace project. She is a tireless advocate for residents in the Village of Flossmoor. Jackie Riffice also serves as the vice chair of the Commission. CRC Chairwoman Philippa Leone-Thompson was also present, and Mayor Nelson thanked them for all that they do.
Trustee Lofton stated that one thing about community relations that strikes him is just the idea of relations, and that it takes a certain kind of people to promote relations in a village like the Village of Flossmoor. Trustee Lofton noted that he has spoken to CRC Commissioners like Jackie, Philippa, and Molly, and all of the CRC are great people. He stated that they represent us in a way that's overwhelming and applauds that and welcomes back Jackie Riffice.
Trustee Mustafa thanked Jackie Riffice and noted that she has worked and shared a meal with Jackie Riffice. Trustee Mustafa noted that Jackie Riffice joined the CRC and right away noticed things that could be even better than they were, rolled up her sleeves, knuckled down and applied her experience, heart, compassion, integrity, and her husband Larry was right there all the time supporting her. Trustee Mustafa asserted that Jackie Riffice was the perfect choice to stay on the commission.
Trustee Bradley-Scott stated that Jackie Riffice shared that she is newly retired. With all of the work that the Community Relations Commission normally does, which seems like a full-time job, she can only imagine what that will look like in Jackie Riffice’s new role in retirement. Trustee Bradley-Scott thanked her for all of the work that she does on the CRC.
Trustee Daggett echoed what the rest of the Board said about Jackie Riffice, who is a perfect fit for the CRC. He noted that he thinks it's important for any board or commission to have a diversity of perspective, and that he appreciates the commission because of the diversity of perspective. He thinks that Jackie Riffice’s perspective is super important and very needed as all of them are and appreciates her wanting to serve again and not shying away from the responsibility. Trustee Daggett opined that often times serving on commissions is very thankless, and he thanked her for the service that she’s giving to the community.
Trustee Driscoll welcomed Jackie Riffice back to the CRC with unanimous support from the entire board and the mayor. He thanked her for a thankless job and encouraged her to keep doing the good work that she’s doing.
Mayor Nelson stated that the ‘thank yous’ are in the smiles from residents and the appreciation from them. She congratulated and thanked Jackie Riffice.
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 the Consent Agenda (which encompassed Agenda Items 2-7):
2. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held on September 5, 2023
3. Presentation of Bills for Approval and Payment as Approved by the Finance Committee (September 18, 2023)
4. Consideration of the Replacement of Two Patrol Vehicles
5. Consideration of a Resolution of the Village of Flossmoor, Cook County, Illinois, Approving a Service Agreement with DACRA Adjudication Systems, LLC
6. Consideration of a Resolution of the Village of Flossmoor, Cook County, Illinois, Approving an Agreement by and between the Village of Flossmoor and Flossmoor Fraternal Order of Police Officers Labor Council (May 1, 2023 to April 30, 2026)
7. Consideration of a Resolution of the Village of Flossmoor Approving a Part-Time Salary Schedule for Fiscal Year 2023-2024
Mayor Nelson called for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Trustee Daggett so moved, seconded by Trustee Driscoll.
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:
Mayor Nelson noted that there is a sculpture park tour with the Village’s beloved Art Commission on September 27, 2023, at 5:30 pm. Join the Art Commission at the Judith Shea statue, The Child, in downtown Flossmoor.
Action Items:
Mayor Nelson referred to Agenda Item #8 – Consideration of an Installation Contract for the Water Meter Replacement Project. Mayor Nelson called for a motion to approve a contract with Calumet City Plumbing Company Inc. of Calumet City Illinois for the water meter installation and a budget amendment as presented. Trustee Mustafa so moved, seconded by Trustee Bradley-Scott. Mayor Nelson introduced Public Works Director John Brunke to present. John Brunke explained that in the FY24 budget is $1.849 million for the water meter replacement project. The budget is spread across the general fund, water and sewer fund, and the American Rescue Plan Act fund. On July 17, 2023, the Village Board approved a service agreement and equipment purchase with Core & Main, which is the vendor for the Village’s meter equipment. The total cost of that purchase agreement, which includes contingency funds of $20,000.00, was roughly $1.1 million. Brunke explained that Village Staff then worked with Baxter & Woodman to develop a request for proposals from a qualified contractor for the installation portion of this project. The RFP submittals were due on September 6, 2023. Two proposals were submitted to the Village, three contractors were at the pre-bid meeting, but only two submitted proposals. One was from Professional Meters, Inc., of Morris, Illinois, and the other was Calumet City Plumbing Company of Calumet City, Illinois. The RFP proposal was structured to solicit unit prices for the meter installation work, contingency items that may come up during installation (such as plumbing valves, plumbing repairs to the meter spreads, etc.), and an alternate price for collecting water service type material inside the home on 1,118 homes that already have a newer style meter installed.
Brunke noted that Village Staff wants to get inside those homes and look at the water service to get the material type for the Village’s EPA-required inventory. He noted that the inventory is required by the EPA, and the Village is trying to get this tightened up from the predictive study that was previously completed. There is a summary of the bids submitted described in the presented Public Works memo. There's a base cost, which includes all the meter installation work, there's an alternate cost for collecting the information for the water service material type, and then there's an estimated contingency cost. Public Works is using estimated quantities and information from what the consultant is seeing on other meter projects in the area to come up with an estimate of what we might see on the Village’s project. Brunke noted that the Village is probably going to have some contingency costs in the installation project. There may be some gate valves that might close and not reopen, there could be some damaged ground straps across meter spreads, and there could be some tail pieces that need to be replumbed to the piping for the house because of a leak when the meter is installed. Brunke stated the total low bid cost was received from Calumet City Plumbing, Inc., of Calumet City, Illinois. Their total cost with the alternate and the contingency money is $848,684.04. Calumet City Plumbing has done work in the Village of Flossmoor before, and they've always done excellent work for the Village. Brunke noted that they have always been good at coming out for call outs, and for being a company the Village could count on. They've done a lot of meter projects in the area, and they have a lot of experience doing meter projects. Baxter & Woodman provided a letter of recommendation of award for the Board’s consideration. Brunke noted that there will be a budget amendment request as part of the request for the Board. Given that the budget for this project was $1.84 million, the total cost of the project with the equipment cost (which was $1.1 million), the proposal from Calumet City Plumbing for installation is $848,684.00, and the Baxter & Woodman project engineering (which was $27,650.00), brings the grand project total to date of $1,976 840.04. Brunke explained that the project cost to date is roughly $127,000.00 over the budgeted amount, so Public Works was requesting a budget amendment to the general fund to cover the difference. There will also be a construction observation contract, which will probably be a smaller contract, much like the project engineering for this project and will come from Baxter & Woodman in the next week or so. They will help with any contract management support work needed during the project that's expected to last from October 2023 to April 2024. Brunke stated that Public Works recommends that the Mayor and Board of Trustees approve a contract with Calumet City Plumbing Company Inc. of Calumet City Illinois in the amount of $774,438.00 and authorize the Village Manager to approve invoices from their proposal up to a not to exceed the amount of $848,684.04 and approve a budget amendment to line 01-55-7771 in the amount of $127,252.04.
Mayor Nelson thanked John Brunke for finding out that the ARPA funds could be used for the water meter replacement project and noted that this project has been something that the Village has been wanting to do for several years now, and now it’s finally going to happen. She thanked John Brunke for his work and noted that it was also great that the Village could also use this project as an opportunity to identify lead lines as required through the IEPA.
Trustee Driscoll stated that the issue has been discussed a lot, everything is in line, and now is the time to do it. He noted that, hopefully, the project will actually recoup money for the Village at the end with the investment. Trustee Driscoll supported the proposal, and thanked John Brunke for his work on the project.
Trustee Lofton congratulated John Brunke for a great job, particularly on the funding, and noted that free money is wonderful. Trustee Lofton questioned the half million-dollar difference between the two bids and noted that Calumet was in-line with the engineering opinion.
Public Works Director John Brunke answered that Public Works discovered in a review of the other proposal from Professional Meters Inc, that in their price chart, they slid numbers down one spot, and they have to go by a unit price and a unit price bid, so, that made their bid look like it was much higher than it actually was. When Public Works looked at the error, they tried to correct it, and by their review
Professional Meters came in at about $732,000.00 for the base bid, where Calumet City was in at $644,000.00. So, their total bid was about $44,000.00 more than Calumet City's bid.
Trustee Mustafa thanked John Brunke for answering all of her questions earlier that day. She noted that in looking at the budget amendment chart she was still a little confused about the construction observation contract, and inquired whether it would be appropriate to make it another line item on that chart.
Public Works Director John Brunke answered that it would be appropriate, and that Public Works doesn’t know what the cost or the amount is yet for it because they haven't received it. He noted that they think it will probably be about a $50,000.00 contract, and that there's not a lot of traditional construction observation on this project. It's going to be more construction administration assistance with Public Works and verifying quantities for invoices. They're going to help monitor the project, but not on a day-to-day basis like the Village’s other construction projects since it’s a different type of project. Brunke explained that there would not be a resident engineer per se on site every day, and they would probably have every week or two-week check-ins with Public Works. There will be a budget with them to be used as needed but have a ‘not to exceed amount’ on it. The plan is to bring the proposal to the next Village Board meeting.
Trustee Mustafa inquired whether the total under the cost column would increase once the construction observation project is added in.
Public Works Director Brunke answered that the total cost would increase because the construction observation contract is not included in the budget amendment table and isn’t figured in the current estimate.
Trustee Mustafa inquired whether the contract was budgeted or not, and how it can be corrected in the future.
Public Works Director Brunke answered that it was not budgeted for and that in the future they can put a higher estimate in the budget. Brunke explained that the numbers for the project have been around for a while and have increased and decreased the numbers from year to year. Staff also hadn’t thought of construction observation like a traditional infrastructure project but has since realized that they will need the administrative assistance in managing this large project.
Trustee Mustafa noted that she realized that some of the projects won't be repeated in the short term, but wondered if for something like observation there should be a checklist to be sure it’s always considered whether there is a need or not. It would be a due diligence type of checklist. She knows that these are uncertain times and it’s not always known what the costs will be due to supply chain disruption, inflation, etc., but she thinks that observation is likely to happen again on any project. Trustee Mustafa suggested that Brunke consider adding that to every budget consideration.
Public Works Director Brunke stated that observation cost is usually something that they figure out if it fits in a project cost.
Trustee Bradley-Scott thanked Trustee Mustafa for bringing up the consultant and the overseeing of the project. She stated that the information Brunke provided was very digestible. Trustee Bradley-Scott also noted that the Village’s consultant, Baxter & Woodman, are giving the Village guidance on a couple of things. She noted that oftentimes they're returning to the Village with another perspective on a project, and because they have the consultant's role and they're working with a number of other municipalities, they have experience in various roles and we're looking to them to provide guidance to the Village on how to maneuver certain projects. Trustee Bradley-Scott agreed with Trustee Mustafa on having a checklist because sometimes Baxter & Woodman aren’t hitting the mark on getting some of the pertinent items that a project would require in-line with what's needed, and then there is a follow up discussion about it. She stated that if Baxter & Woodman can be trained in what the Board’s expectations are, perhaps there will be fewer back-and -forth discussions.
Public Works Director Brunke explained that Baxter & Woodman didn't give Public Works the budget and that it was done in house. Baxter & Woodman were brought in after the budget was in place and they were hired after the Village was ready to move ahead with the project. Brunke noted that it’s on Public Works, that they put the budget together in talking with Core & Main, working from some prices from years ago, estimating installation costs for the number of meters the Village has and what needs to be done. Brunke agreed that the costs should include some inflation.
Trustee Daggett stated that the infrastructure doesn't fix itself and it doesn't get better. This project has been hanging around for a while, so he was really excited to see it move forward. He noted that it's unfortunate that we're in a time where costs are rising, sometimes on a monthly basis where everyone is feeling the effects. Trustee Daggett stated that he appreciates all the work done to get the project where it's at and move it forward. He also asked whether there has been any discussion or consideration of reducing some of the cost of the identification of the services, for example residents taking and submitting photos of their water service to see if it's lead, copper, or galvanized from a clear picture.
Public Works Director Brunke answered that it would probably work if everybody participated and sent in quality photos. The Village tried doing a lead water service inventory through the Village’s backflow company years ago through a community survey and the response was terrible. It was a 20 - 30 % response rate, and the pictures that the Village received were not good. Brunke explained that the Village’s position is that good numbers are needed because there are lead services and there needs to be planning for replacements.
Trustee Daggett stated that he appreciated the effort, he’s looking forward to getting accurate readings on the meters, and he’s fully in favor of it.
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:
Mayor Nelson referred to Agenda Item #9 – Discussion of a Residential Drainage Improvement Program. Mayor Nelson introduced Public Works Director John Brunke to present. John Brunke explained that there has been a need for a residential drainage improvement program. The Village has been doing residential drainage improvements for years from varying sizes such as a $5,000.00 or less sidewalk improvement, to fixing a grading problem, to multi-million-dollar drainage improvements on Berry Lane, to the upcoming viaduct project. Brunke noted that one of the challenges is that when Public Works speaks with residents, they collect information, but they don't have one place to document, record, and rank the projects. He stated that it has always been difficult to tell a resident that the Village has their problem on the list, but there isn’t a formal approval list; it's an ongoing list of projects that Public Works tries to get to when they can. So, Public Works thought there was a need to formalize a program and make it more documented, memorialized, and transparent so they could show the residents how we address these. The purpose statement for the residential drainage improvement program is that it was developed to help residents solve their drainage problems in order to keep their properties safe from potential flood damages and mitigate issues associated with standing water on the property. Brunke explained that the program also serves to promote transparency and communication with our residents on how the Village addresses these issues. The plan is to have a form on the Village’s website, and also have paper forms in Village Hall and the building department. The information gathered will evaluated through the program and added to the list for review. All problems or projects will not qualify. For a property to be eligible for assistance from the Village, Public Works thinks that the problem must meet all the following criteria: Standing water must remain in the problem area for more than 48 hours after a rain event, or floodwaters are impacting a habitable structure or roadway, and the drainage problem can't be fixed by conventional methods such as regrading portions of the yard, or moving objects such as a shed or landscaping. Often times, there are self-inflicted drainage problems that residents do onto themselves and don't even realize it, and those are ones that Public Works doesn’t think they should be involved with, and residents should be fixing on their own. If the reported drainage problem does not meet the Village’s criteria for the program, Public Works staff would still provide technical assistance to the residents so they can correct the drainage problem on their own. If a drainage problem does meet the criteria, then Public Works staff would further evaluate the problem, develop a plan for mitigation and provide a score for the problem, so it can be added to the Village's drainage improvement plan list. Brunke explained that the plan list could be on the website, so residents can see what programs are on there, the scores, and the estimated costs.
Brunke explained that in regard to project scoring, Public Works looked at Elk Grove Village’s program and programs on the East Coast and tailored an evaluation tool for what’s important in Flossmoor. He stated that there would be five categories that a project would be scored on. Brunke explained the proposed criteria for the scores and noted that they are weighted for problems that threaten a habitable structure and problems that will benefit more than two properties. Brunke provided some examples of Village projects that are referenced in the Village’s current capital program. Projects will be added to the improvement list and ranked based on score, available funding, and regional significance. It's not just a score that would prioritize a project because there could be other factors that would make a project more of a higher priority. For instance, the viaduct project scored a 95, but that's the Village’s next project because it affects almost the whole Village in regard to emergency access for the Fire and Police Departments. In regard to funding, if there is a project that is lower on the priority list, but there is a grant that pertains to only that project (i.e., green infrastructure), that project will be prioritized. Brunke explained that the intent is to have the project list from the capital program posted on the Village’s website, which would really help for planning and used as a budgeting tool in the future. Public Works also proposes that projects less than $25,000.00 would be completed with the Storm Sewer Fund as the budget allows.
Projects of $25,000.00 or more would be added to the capital program list and completed as funding becomes available. Brunke noted that the goal would be to complete projects on the list within three years. It is obviously not attainable for the bigger projects like the viaduct, which is twenty years in the making. Brunke stated that Public Works is looking for input from the Village Board on the proposal, and if the Board were in favor of it, Public Works would return to a future meeting with a resolution approving it as an official program.
Mayor Nelson thanked Public Works Director John Brunke for always looking to improve services for Flossmoor residents and appreciated him putting the proposal together. She thought that the program was fantastic.
Trustee Daggett stated that in full disclosure, he lives on Latimer Lane and his house for a while was one that was affected by drainage issues because some of those houses still have connected sewers. Trustee Daggett noted that he loves the proposal and how it would show residents that the Village has a list, how the projects are scored, the evaluation behind the scores, and how the Village is trying to get money for the projects. He opined that transparency to the residents is vitally important for them to be able to understand that when they give the Village something, it’s not just putting it on a desk somewhere and that there are actually plans to try and get things done. Further, it will also show the size of the projects that the Village has. Trustee Daggett appreciated the work that Public Works has done to put the proposal together and thinks it's fantastic. He always looks forward to the ideas that they come up with because they’re always looking to figure out ways to communicate better, to organize better, and to get things done that are issues. He also likes the idea of having a goal, and it shows that an item is not on a list for ten years and nothing gets done about it. He was in favor of the program, knowing that there may be updates to it.
Trustee Driscoll noted that the Board should give John Brunke a round of applause because he’s going to make the Board members’ jobs so much easier. Since he’s been a Trustee, he doesn’t know how many residents have said, ‘we elected you, it's your job to clean up my backyard,’ for instance. The Board always calls John Brunke and passes along the complaints, but there are 100 other competing projects going on, which are categorized by expense, difficulty, etc. The lack of transparency about the list drives a lot of the issues, with residents being displeased about the lack of action regarding their complaints. The proposed residential drainage improvement program is a great idea that he supports wholeheartedly.
Trustee Lofton stated that he agreed with Trustee Driscoll and that the residents are going to applaud it as well. They'll be happy that the program is available, especially the technical help, that would be offered to allow residents to do some of the projects on their own.
Brunke explained that it falls in line with what Public Works does with drainage and sewer improvements with residents - if they can't help the residents, they at least give them some ideas of how they can fix it and move ahead.
Trustee Mustafa stated that she loves the proposal and how it establishes criteria, gives scoring, and a weight for each of the criteria. It will reduce or remove subjectivity, allows for discussion, there's still enough in each criteria for Public Works to evaluate the projects, and it's clear enough to help resolve any gray areas. Trustee Mustafa inquired whether there was any thought about permitting residents to chip in when their project does not affect the right of way or cause safety hazards, i.e., there is an eternal pond in a resident’s back yard.
Brunke answered that they have considered whether the program could be part of some kind of share program and that it depends how the Board feels about it. They would be taking funding away from the problems that the Village would be trying to fix that are really safety or threats to habitable structures. It could always be added if it is something that the Board wants to do.
Trustee Mustafa inquired whether there is consideration for the cost when a project is delayed. For example, if the project is lower down on the list but it's still ranking quite high. The scoring wouldn’t have to be changed, but there could be another parenthetical score for what’s projected, or the estimated incremental costs over time and then at some point, decide if that would change the scoring or not.
Brunke answered that he hadn’t considered the incremental time part of it yet. He noted that they thought there would be some projects that could be more like nuisance type flooding that are going to be on list for a while and that's why they would hopefully get those done with the storm sewer fund since they are smaller/ lower scoring projects done within the three-to-five-year period if the Village can get funding for them.
Trustee Mustafa stated that there might be something to do to mitigate the issue. For example, for the flooding between Oakmont and Berry, if the grading fell below a certain point and the residences were endangered, that could be watched and then something could be done like bringing in some dirt to raise it so it doesn't go into the window wells and flood the basements. Trustee Mustafa noted that she was looking at the Flossmoor Road project, noted the 95 score, and wondered if it lost points on permitting.
Brunke answered that the permitting was a factor because an IGA is required with the school and acquisition of property is needed.
Trustee Bradley-Scott thanked John Brunke for bringing the proposal to the Board’s attention and for how it was presented. She noted that the Board has been talking about flooding for a while now and noted that it’s one of the things that's highest on the Board’s priority list. Unfortunately, the rain event a few years ago really screamed how bad some of the flooding was in our area. The Village has made monumental leaps to try to mitigate a lot of the issues. In regard to residents being able to get information from the Village in terms of how to mitigate their own situation, she thinks that it will help a lot of people by getting direction from the Village and having a resource to know what the standards are for Flossmoor, including for people hired for work in Flossmoor. Trustee Bradley-Scott noted it does help to know where a project is going to rank on the list. It’s not going to make everybody happy but at least there will be a way to explain and be very transparent about what is coming down the pipeline. It will also make the process more equitable. She stated that Public Works did a good job of explaining the proposal and thinks that residents will be happy to see a standard set for how to go about moving resolving drainage and flooding issues.
Brunke noted that the program is meant for the storm sewer and drainage issues, and not for any sanitary wastewater. They can add clarifying language so that residents don't think that the program is for sewer backup issues.
Mayor Nelson stated that Public Works has the Board’s full support for the proposal and to keep moving forward with it.
No vote was required.
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.):
Warren Engelberg’s comments, in summary, were about an anonymous resident who claimed to have a water bill with no charges, and that there has been a sadness about how things are developing in the United States with the rising inequality and the polarizing political hostilities everywhere. He discussed the 1920s and how they were a time of despair and upset covered over by a kind of frenetic energy captured in the roaring 1920s. Engelberg discussed issues such as how people were becoming increasingly depressed, the labor movement in those years, the American Socialist Party, World War I, the decline of the Socialist Party and the decline of the labor movement. He discussed the 1930s and the new labor movement, the AFL, the CIO, and the organization of millions of people into labor unions that were militant and organized and powerful.
Al Kindle’s comments, in summary, were that he is the Special Assistant for Cook County Board President Tony Preckwinkle, and she wanted him to visit the Board to thank them for the wonderful working relationship that’s been established. They wanted to remind the residents there's some time-sensitive services that are available related to recent weather events. Available resources include financial assistance for homeowners, renters, and businesses, including interest-free loans for businesses. He also noted that the County wants to share that there are also other resources that can be made available for residents who have experienced flooding, and wanted to note that residents should document whatever happened. Cook County has also helped reduce Metra fares and the County wants residents to take advantage of the reduced fares. He noted that Flossmoor has participated in the Invest in Cook grant program and has been awarded two grants. He also wanted to invite residents to use the Cook County Forest Preserves, in addition to the Botanic Gardens, which have amazing programs this Fall. There are also a number of Cook County job fairs and other opportunities for residents who are seeking work or want to improve their skill sets. Al Kindle’s phone number is 313-434-3851, and his email address is al.kindle@cookcountyil.gov.
Mayor Nelson noted that the Village shared information about the County’s program about residential flooding in the Village’s e-newsletter, and that it will continue to be shared. The Village also keeps a list of residents experiencing flooding as long as they call it in. The Public Works Department is great at addressing those issues and helping residents. Mayor Nelson also noted that she loves the reduced fares on Metra. Also, she added that the Village appreciates the funding from Cook County and noted that it helped the Village with phase one of the Central Business District project, and the Village received a grant for phase two, which is currently ongoing.
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 #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 Daggett stated how much he thoroughly enjoyed the Gem Half Marathon and Flossmoor Fest. He also noted that the Flossmoor Police and Fire Departments did an outstanding job the entire weekend. He stated that the folks who came in from Cook County were also amazing. He was observing everyone, and stated how it was phenomenal watching the interactions with some of the officers with the youth. He watched an interaction with Chief Kopec with a couple of the youths, and he was right there when something came up. Trustee Daggett stated that it was a shining moment for our Village, and everyone did a great job.
Trustee Mustafa agreed with Trustee Daggett. She added that out of the last four Flossmoor Fests, since the Gem started, this was the first one that she was at the entire time and can attest that the entire Fest was amazing. She thanked and congratulated everyone for a job well done. Trustee Mustafa noted that she liked the new layout of the Fest as it was more intimate. She invited some friends out, and they raved about Flossmoor and the Fest after visiting for the first time.
Clerk LoGalbo stated that Flossmoor Veterans Memorial Incorporated is now selling bricks that can be purchased like the Art Commission’s brick program where a Veteran can be memorialized. The forms are on the FVM website and FVM Facebook page. Clerk LoGalbo also mentioned that the upcoming HF football game is on September 29th. That game is particularly great to attend because the HF marching band, which did such a great job at Flossmoor Fest, will be performing and the junior high bands from Parker and James Hart are all coming together to play. So, it's a really great game and performance to see.
Mayor Nelson thanked everyone again who helped make HF homecoming weekend, Hidden Gem Half Marathon weekend, and Flossmoor Fest a success. She especially thanked Village partners at the Flossmoor Public Library, Public Works Department, Police Department, Fire Department, staff, residents, sponsors, volunteers, runners, and commissioners. It was a huge effort, and she appreciated their time and energy.
Mayor Nelson thanked Trustee Brian Driscoll and the Knights of Columbus for organizing a First Responders Mass last Saturday, and to Fire Chief Kopec and Police Chief Jones for attending. It was a very meaningful celebration and moment to honor them.
Mayor Nelson again thanked Congresswoman Kelly for stopping by to see the results of the Berry Lane project that she supported, and she was thanked for her support of the viaduct project as well.
Mayor Nelson noted that September 15 was Democracy Day, and she wanted to thank the League of Women Voters and her fellow Village Trustees and Clerk LoGalbo for all they do to raise public awareness about Village projects, for advocating on behalf of residents, and for all they do to move democracy forward.
Mayor Nelson stated that Rich Township is having a Senior Resource Fair on September 21, 2023, from 10 am to 2 pm at the Mattson Holiday Inn, and asked people to encourage seniors who are in need of additional resources to attend. If a ride was needed, Rich Township could help facilitate that.
Mayor Nelson also noted that it’s Hispanic Heritage Month and there are a lot of great events at the Flossmoor Library, and she encouraged everyone to check them out. Cielito Lindo will be coming to the Village to stroll the Village’s streets on October 12th from 6 to 7 pm along Sterling Avenue. They're phenomenal and have been on Nickelodeon, WGN, and have performed at Bulls Games, festivals, and galas.
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 8:36 pm.
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