Village of Flossmoor Board of Trustees met Oct. 2.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
Mayor Nelson called the meeting to order at 7:31 pm.
Village Clerk Gina A. LoGalbo took roll.
PRESENT: Mayor Nelson, Trustees Bradley-Scott, Daggett, Driscoll, Lofton, Mitros, Mustafa
ALSO PRESENT: Assistant Village Manager Jonathan Bogue; Police Chief Jerel Jones; Fire Chief Bob Kopec; Finance Director Scott Bordui; Assistant Finance Director Ann Novoa; Public Works Director John Brunke; Director of Building & Zoning Scott Bugner; Community Engagement Manager Stephanie Wright; Communications Manager Nicole Castagna; Village Attorney Kathi Orr; 25 residents
Mayor Nelson called the meeting to order. She noted that Assistant Village Manager Jonathan Bogue was sitting in for Village Manager Bridget Wachtel, who was away at a conference. Mayor Nelson reminded everyone that the Village Board meeting was being streamed via Zoom for the convenience of those who could not attend the meeting in person.
Recognitions and Appointments:
Mayor Nelson referred to Agenda Item #1 – A Proclamation Declaring Friends of Libraries Week. Mayor Nelson introduced Kris Condon and Chris Schmitt from the Friends of the Library to join her in the reading of the Proclamation. They have been with the Friends of the Library for a number of years. Friends of the Library supports our Flossmoor Public Library and the entire community. Friends of the Library fundraise all year long through the sale of books, they provide t-shirts to inspire young readers for the summer reading program and provide a puppet theater for the youth department. They also provide treats for the treat trail for the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District event every Halloween. They also do a lot of staff appreciation events, which is extremely important. Coming up on October 21st from 6:00 to 9:00 pm is their Harry Potter Trivia Night, which residents can sign up for on the Flossmoor Public Library website. Friends of the Library have a new space in the old Imagination Station room at the Flossmoor Library.
Chris Schmitt stated that residents can donate books and then the Friends of the Library resells them for a very nominal price. During the Flossmoor Library hours, the room is open and it's an honor system where residents pay for the books in their space.
Mayor Nelson then read a Proclamation Declaring Friends of Libraries Week.
No vote was required.
Mayor Nelson referred to Agenda Item #2 – A Proclamation Declaring October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Mayor Nelson invited Jill Kopec, wife of Flossmoor’s Fire Chief Bob Kopec, Nanette Driscoll, wife of Trustee Brian Driscoll, and her good friend and resident Kelly Rose, who works for the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District, to join her in the reading of the Proclamation. Mayor Nelson explained that the three ladies had gone on their own journeys over the past one to two years dealing with breast cancer and that she was incredibly proud of them all. She stated that they are fighters, and that she knows it takes a lot of family and community support to get through something like breast cancer. Mayor Nelson thanked them all for being present to set an example for everybody who is going through that type of battle. She also encouraged other folks to go for early detection. Mayor Nelson noted that as a sign of support, the Village Board and Staff were all wearing Breast Cancer Awareness t-shirts made by the Flossmoor Fire Department.
Mayor Nelson then read a Proclamation Declaring October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. No vote was required.
Mayor Nelson referred to Agenda Item #3 – Introduction and Swearing in of Police Officer Benjamin Morris. Mayor Nelson introduced Flossmoor Police Chief Jerel Jones, who announced one of the newest additions to the Flossmoor Police Department, Officer Benjamin Morris. Chief Jones explained that Officer Morris has worked very hard to become a Flossmoor Police Officer. He graduated from the Chicago Police Academy in June of 2023 with his Basic Law Enforcement Academy Diploma, and he has made significant strides through the field training program. He recently moved to the Village of Flossmoor, and he credits his uncle Tom Whitesell, who was the Riverside Chief of Police, as his inspiration to become a police officer. Chief Jones provided a biography of Officer Morris and noted that he majored in criminal justice and psychology at Trinity Christian College. While there, he applied for the Flossmoor Police Department because he knew Flossmoor would be a great community to serve in the law enforcement profession. While completing his degree, he started the Chicago Police Academy and earned his Bachelor's degree with high honors. Officer Morris personally noted that he was excited to begin his law enforcement career in Flossmoor and looks forward to serving his community. Chief Jones stated that the Village of Flossmoor and the Flossmoor Police Department are honored to have Officer Benjamin Morris on their team and look forward to watching him progress as a law enforcement professional for our community.
Village Clerk Gina A. LoGalbo then administered the Oath of Office to Flossmoor Police Officer Benjamin Morris.
Mayor Nelson congratulated Officer Morris.
No vote was required.
Mayor Nelson referred to Agenda Item #4 – Presentation of Fiscal Year 2022 Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Award from the Government Finance Officers Association. Mayor Nelson invited Finance Director Scott Bordui to present. Assistant Finance Director Ann Novoa also accompanied Bordui. Bordui stated that he was honored and privileged to represent the Village of Flossmoor as its Finance Director on the milestone of the Village's 45th consecutive Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The award is for fiscal year 2022. He explained that he was acting in the role of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) presenter and shared his thoughts on how GFOA views the award. The award is viewed as a community-wide achievement to really be celebrated by the community and in many ways, it's how the world views Flossmoor, similar to our bond rating. With the award brings instant enhanced credibility and prestige. Bordui explained that the GFOA recognizes the growing challenges that it takes to get this award, including the growing financial reporting mandates and legal mandates. Remembering that the award is for fiscal year 2022, the COVID pandemic was a big factor that the Flossmoor Finance Department was dealing with in that year and they are especially proud of the work done by the Finance Department to keep the Village’s essential services going during that year. The process is rigorous and difficult to achieve, and it requires a lot of extra work by the Village to get the award.
Bordui explained that the award represents the community's commitment to professional financial management and reporting, and the Village government's commitment to providing the highest level of accountability to the residents. There are many people responsible for this award and the culture that exists to get the award, both past and present, including mayors, trustees, village clerks, village managers, village attorneys, audit firms, finance directors, assistant finance directors, finance department staff, village management team members, and pension board members. Bordui specifically recognized the full time Finance Department Staff in fiscal year 2022: Bordui, Ann Novoa, Carin Booth, Sally Zamkin, Luanda Harris, and Carol Melendez. Bordui stated that they are very proud of the finance team for this award. Bordui also explained that the award benefits Flossmoor because it shows the dedication of the Mayor and the Village Board. It shows that dedication to the highest quality of financial management and reporting, and there are tangible benefits to the community like the Village’s credit rating. Our AA+ rating has been upgraded twice in the last two decades through some very difficult economic situations and as recently as 2021, the Village maintained our AA+ rating. The financial management and policies were again cited by Standard and Poor’s as major strengths of the Village. Bordui asserted that this is undeniable outside validation of the success of what our Village Board has put into place here. It has saved thousands of dollars in interest costs and property taxes for the residents as we upgraded our bond rating. Bordui explained that, in many ways, it's really a triumph for local government. To quantify a few statistics as to how elite the Village of Flossmoor is, Bordui explained that only 5.93 % of all cities, towns and villages nationwide get this award. Drilling down, for villages of less than 10,000 in population like Flossmoor, only 1.04% of them receive the award. Regarding the Village of Flossmoor’s streak of 45 years of winning the award, it looks like there might only be eight longer streaks, with Decatur the longest at 50 years.
Finance Director Scott Bordui, on behalf of the finance officers, then presented Mayor Nelson with the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Award from the Government Finance Officers Association for the Village Flossmoor.
Mayor Nelson thanked Finance Director Scott Bordui, Assistant Finance Director Ann Novoa, and the incredible team that we have who contributed to the Village receiving the award.
Trustee Mitros stated that he wanted to give homage to former Village officials and staff like Roger Molski, Peggy Glassford, and Frank Maher because they were the beginning of this success, and the Finance Department has followed in their footsteps and has done a wonderful job.
No vote was required.
Mayor Nelson referred to Agenda Item #5 – Consideration of an Appointment to the Green Commission. Mayor Nelson called for a motion for Consideration of an Appointment to the Green Commission. Trustee Mustafa so moved, seconded by Trustee Bradley-Scott. Mayor Nelson explained that there is an opening on the Green Commission, and several folks applied for the vacancy. Mayor Nelson was happy that twenty nine-year resident, Sue McCarthy, applied for the position. She has her Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Illinois and received her Master of Science degree in Environmental Management and Sustainability from IIT. McCarthy is an avid volunteer throughout the community, she sits on the board of Respond Now, she is with the organization NCJW, and she volunteers for the Hidden Gem Half Marathon. McCarthy is also a master gardener, and she assisted with pollinator habitat reconstruction. She's helped with native plantings around the Homewood Science Center and led teen groups of interns from the Homewood Science Center in the removal of invasive species at Izaac Walton. She is a hard worker, and extremely passionate about all things environmentally friendly.
Trustee Lofton stated that he was glad to see someone like Sue McCarthy with her background and experience to come on board. The Green Commission has done an excellent job in our Village, and it shows up in many cases. Trustee Lofton noted Green Commission Chairman Tristan Shaw in the audience with his tree at the Board meeting.
Trustee Mitros welcomed Sue McCarthy and thanked her for her service.
Trustee Mustafa stated that it was a perfect appointment and that her background is highly suited. She thanked Sue McCarthy for being willing to step up and stated that she knew McCarthy would do a great job.
Trustee Bradley-Scott stated that the Village has been very blessed to have substantial members of our community contribute. She was so glad to have Sue McCarthy on the Green Commission.
Trustee Daggett stated that he has the privilege of driving all over Chicago and to all kinds of neighborhoods. He stated that we really have something special in Flossmoor: It is one of the greenest communities and green-minded communities out there, and the Green Commission is really the forefront of that. Trustee Daggett noted that Sue McCarthy’s resume looks amazing, and he appreciates the work of the Green Commission.
Trustee Driscoll agreed that Sue McCarthy was an excellent candidate.
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, Mitros, and Mustafa.
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS: None
Mayor Nelson referred to the Consent Agenda (which encompassed Agenda Items 6-10):
6. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held on September 18, 2023
7. Presentation of Bills for Approval and Payment as Approved by the Finance Committee (October 2, 2023)
8. Consideration of a Resolution Approving a Residential Drainage Improvement Program
9. Termination of an IGA Between the Village of Flossmoor and Hazel Crest for Shared Ownership of a Public Education Trailer
10. Consideration of an Award of Contract and Budget Amendment for the Water Meter Replacement Project Installation Assistance Services
Mayor Nelson called for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Trustee Mitros so moved, seconded by Trustee Lofton.
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, Mitros, and Mustafa.
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS: None
Reports of Committees, Commissions and Boards:
Mayor Nelson thanked the Public Art Commission for the successful pop-up tour that they recently gave. There were a lot of great compliments, and even folks from Chicago came down for the tour.
Mayor Nelson stated that the upcoming Saturday would be the Green Commission hosted event, Recyclepalooza, which will be held in the parking lot of Parker Junior High from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Mayor Nelson noted that more information could be found on the Village of Flossmoor’s website.
Mayor Nelson also announced that there would be a Village tree planting on October 21st from 8:00 am to 11:00 am and noted that sometimes the volunteers get done very quickly. The Village was currently low on volunteer sign ups, and Mayor Nelson really encouraged residents and friends to please sign up for that event as soon as possible. She stated that not only are we doing a great thing for our environment, but it's also a great way to meet people and make new friends. She thanked Green Commission Chairman Tristan Shaw for all the work he does to make Flossmoor green and friendly.
Action Items:
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.):
Warren Engelberg’s comments, in summary, were about socialism, private and state-run slavery, private and state feudalism, private and public capitalism, and the hybrid form of state and private capitalism.
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 #11 – 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 Mustafa thanked the Village for being able to attend the recent Illinois Municipal League conference. She was there for three days and really enjoyed it. There was a special keynote speaker, and they had several sessions to choose from. Trustee Mustafa stated that she always learns from the questions that are asked. She encouraged the Village Board to attend the IML Conferences in the future and then the Board can share experiences, choose which sessions to go to, and pool their information.
Mayor Nelson thanked Trustee Mustafa for attending the IML Conference.
Trustee Bradley-Scott stated that she also attended the IML Conference, endorsed what Trustee Mustafa said about it, and noted that the keynote speaker, Donna Brazil, had breakfast with her and Trustee Mustafa, which was very nice.
Trustee Driscoll wished Trustee Mitros a Happy Birthday!
Village Clerk LoGalbo thanked the Flossmoor Fire Department for the awesome Breast Cancer Awareness Month shirts.
Mayor Nelson noted that this month is Hispanic Heritage Month, and that there will be a fun, collaborative event with the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District on October 11th, at Park Place. There will be activities for children from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., and then from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. there will be a live mariachi band performing over there. Mayor Nelson encouraged residents to stop by and check it out.
Trustee Mitros inquired whether the Flossmoor Fire Department was looking for donations for the t-shirts. Mayor Nelson responded that they would always be willing to take donations.
As there were no other items to discuss, Mayor Nelson called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Mitros so moved, seconded by Trustee Bradley-Scott and passed by a voice vote.
AYES: Trustees Bradley-Scott, Daggett, Driscoll, Lofton, Mitros, and Mustafa.
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
NAYS: None
The Regular Meeting was adjourned at 8:05 pm.
http://flossmoorvillageil.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=12&ID=1333&Inline=True
Alerts Sign-up