South Cook News

Village of Flossmoor Board of Trustees met Feb. 19

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Mayor Nelson called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm.  

Village Clerk LoGalbo took roll.  

PRESENT: Mayor Nelson, Trustees Bradley-Scott, Daggett, Driscoll, Lofton, Mitros, Mustafa 

ALSO PRESENT: Village Manager Bridget Wachtel; Assistant Village Manager Jonathan Bogue; Police  Chief Jerel Jones; Fire Chief Bob Kopec; Assistant Finance Director Malea Stubitsch; Director of Public Works John Brunke; Assistant Public Works Director Dan Milovanovic; Director of Building & Zoning Scott Bugner; Community Engagement Manager Stephanie Wright; Assistant to the Village Manager/ Communications Manager Nicole Castagna; Village Attorney Kathi Orr; Acting Village Attorney Megan Lamb; 24 residents  

Mayor Nelson called the meeting to order. Mayor Nelson reminded everyone that the Village Board meeting was  being streamed via Zoom for the convenience of those unable to join in person. Mayor Nelson introduced Assistant Village Manager Jonathan Bogue as filling in for Village Manager Bridget Wachtel, and she introduced Megan Lamb, who was filling in for Village Attorney Kathi Orr. Both Wachtel and Orr were at a School District 161 School Board Meeting.  

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.):  

Flossmoor resident and former Trustee James Wilder’s comments, in summary, were that he previously served as a Trustee in the Village from 2009 to 2019, where he had the opportunity to contribute to various initiatives aimed at fostering togetherness and community engagement. He noted that in 2017, the Community Relations Commission developed a guiding principle for diversity and inclusion to ensure the Village worked together toward the vision of an inclusive community, and the Village Board adopted the policy in August 2018, for which he voted. He was pleased to see that those principles continue to be meaningful, as evidenced by the work that the Village is doing to incorporate those principles into Village practices. Trustee Wilder, along with several residents from Ballantrae, requested that  the Board consider and approve the replacement of the sculpture in Ballantrae Park, which has been gone since the summer of 2023. He stated that Ballantrae Park represents an ideal space for showcasing the hard work that aligns with the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and community engagement. As stated in the Public Art Commission’s mission statement, one of its key responsibilities is to enhance the Village by placing outdoor sculptures  and gardens in public areas. Trustee Wilder noted that given that Ballantrae Park is a public area accessible to all residents, he believes that it is a fitting location for the installation of a sculpture that reflects the diversity and vibrancy of Flossmoor and would enhance the aesthetic appeal of the park and reinforce the commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment. 

Mayor Nelson thanked former Trustee Wilder for his service and continued commitment to the Village of Flossmoor. 

Flossmoor resident and Vice Chair of the Community Relations Commission Jackie Riffice’s comments, in summary, were regarding the art displayed in Flossmoor. She wanted to learn more about how the Public Art Commission determines where to place art in Flossmoor as she could not find published criteria, and the process did not seem as transparent to her as it should be since it is a public commission. She noted that she wanted to understand the process better because Flossmoor has seventeen neighborhoods, many of which are included in bike and run the GEM events and she wondered why she does not see more artwork outside of the center of the Village. She requested that if criteria do not exist for determining where to place artwork in the community, the Public Art Commission either create a  rubric or publish one if they have it. She noted that she understands the Village Board is responsible for approving or denying the acquisition and placement of the artwork and that she requested that when determinations are made about the artwork, they consider whether it serves and benefits the community at large instead of just those who live within walking distance of the center of the Village. Riffice stated that she was troubled that it appears as if the Board is not considering equitable placement of artwork before the Board approves the placement.  

Flossmoor resident Warren Engelberg’s comments, in summary, were about insurance premiums and the matter of drug shortages in the United States. He noted that antibiotics, ADHD medications, and fourteen essential cancer drugs are facing shortages. He stated that according to Becker's Hospital Review, a quarter of the nation's current drug shortages are more than five years old, and a slight majority are at least two years old. Engelberg discussed the impact of generic drugs, the lack of patent protection, that 90% of prescriptions in the world are written for generic drugs, and that the competition among producers drives down their price, making them more readily available to people. He noted that it is not a good thing for the drug companies that want to profit by producing them, so they cut their production, thereby creating drug shortages, which they then use as an excuse to increase prices. Engelberg discussed the impact of the same, including raising wages to enable people to pay for the higher cost of drugs. He opined that the government should take over the production of drugs, like California produces insulin, and discussed the reasons for the same. He questioned why medications are made so that people's lives and health depend on a matter of fights among competing profiteers.  

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 citizen wished to address the Board on an agenda item.  

Recognitions and Appointments:  

None.  

Mayor Nelson referred to the Consent Agenda (which encompassed Agenda Items 1-7):  

1. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held on February 5, 2024  

2. Presentation of Bills for Approval and Payment as Approved by the Finance Committee (February 19, 2024)

3. Consideration to Reject Proposals Received for a Hybrid Cloud Video Camera System

4. Consideration of a Resolution Authorizing a License Agreement Between the Village of Flossmoor and School  District 161 

5. Consideration of a Resolution Authorizing a License Agreement Between the Village of Flossmoor and the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District 

6. Consideration of a Resolution of the Village of Flossmoor, Cook County, Illinois Approving an Agreement Establishing a Joint Emergency Telephone System  

7. Consideration of a Resolution Authorizing and Approving the Appointment of a Representative to the E-Com/SouthCom Joint Emergency Telephone System Board Mayor Nelson called for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Trustee Bradley-Scott so moved, seconded by Trustee Mustafa.  

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 referred to Agenda Item #8 – Consideration of the Acquisition of a Sculpture to the Flossmoor Permanent Sculpture Program. Mayor Nelson called for a motion for Consideration of the Acquisition of the Sculpture, Paradise, to the Flossmoor Permanent Sculpture Program. Trustee Lofton so moved, seconded by Trustee Daggett.  

Mayor Nelson introduced Assistant Village Manager Jonathan Bogue, who noted that the sculpture, Paradise, had previously been presented to the Village Board as a rotational piece.  

Bogue introduced the Chairwoman of the Public Art Commission, Nancy Burrows, to discuss Paradise, the history behind it, and the next steps for the Village Board. Chairwoman Burrows explained that Paradise, previously accepted by the Village Board as a rotational piece, was being considered for the Village’s permanent collection and how there were three installation options for the Board to decide. She noted that the past one to two years have been unusual for sculptures in that the Village has more opportunities to obtain pieces of art than was typical. Thanks in part to Jeff Stevenson's name and value to the art community and Charlene Gordon's active quests. A big selling point is the location of the pieces. The Village’s Sculpture Park has a credible collection, the planned footprint of the Park, the visible path leading to that park, and the high visibility of all of the Village’s sculptures have proven attractive to artists as well. The Public Art Commission advises that the Trustees accept Hubert Phipps' sculpture, Paradise, into the permanent sculpture collection of Flossmoor. Mr. Phipps’ estate represented that they would absorb most of the location costs including transport to Flossmoor and installation of Paradise.  

Burrows’ first question to the Board was whether the Board wanted to approve Paradise as a part of the permanent sculpture collection. She explained that the second part of her discussion was about the placement of a sculpture in Ballantrae Park and noted that the Public Art Commission took this request seriously. She explained that there were three options at issue for the Board: Option one is to let the Public Art Commission continue to look for a great sculpture for Ballantrae Park and have trust in the skilled, respectable, responsive Public Art Commission. No date could be provided as to when a sculpture will come to the Commission’s attention, but they do actively seek out opportunities. Burrows explained that the opportunity to receive Paradise as a permanent sculpture was just recently brought to their attention. Paradise was planned to be a rotational piece to be placed in the Sculpture Park at Leavitt Park for three years but was delayed by the death of the artist within days of its approval. The piece was procured for the Village by Jeff Stevenson, Vice Chair of the Public Art Commission. The sculpture, a massive one-and-a-half-ton large sculpture, was valued at $150,000.00 in June of 2023, before the artist's death. The concrete pad for this piece to rest on is estimated to cost $1,200.00. When she first presented Paradise to the Village Board, there was discussion about why the Public Art Commission recommended that it be placed in the Sculpture Park, including the size and shape of the piece, construction materials and vision of the piece, bio and significance of the artist and his novel approaches to sculpture, financial value, and how it would enhance the collection in the main venue for sculptures at the Sculpture Park at Leavitt Park. When she was previously asked if Ballantrae Park had or could be considered as a location for the piece,she explained that the Public Art Commission had considered it, but given some of the unique features the sculpture offered as well as its size and potential locations in Ballantrae, the Public Art Commission determined that the Sculpture Park was the best place for the sculpture to be placed. The Village Board agreed with the Public Art Commission’s recommendation and approved its placement at the Sculpture Park at Leavitt Park. The Public Art Commission continues to advise that Paradise be placed in the Sculpture Park at Leavitt Park, yet they do see that there is a possibility that it could be placed on loan at Ballantrae Park with the possibility of moving it at a later date, perhaps when the Public Art Commission identifies a piece for Ballantrae Park. The financial cost would  be great, the equivalent of two pads at $1,200.00 each, and the cost of moving a one-and-a-half-ton sculpture, which could be in the thousands of dollars. That would be option two.  

Burrows explained that option three would be placing the O’Brien pieces, Untitled, in Ballantrae Park. In December 2023, she presented the three William O'Brien sculptures, each titled Untitled. She noted that the donation by the artist of three sculptures, each valued at $45,000.00, was obtained by Jeff Stevenson. She was also asked during that presentation whether the Public Art Commission had considered placing the sculptures in Ballantrae Park, and they explained how the characteristics of the pieces, its proposed location complementing the walking path, and proximity to a school, made it an excellent addition to the central location footprint and the Village Board agreed. While Ballantrae has already been determined not to be the first choice of location for this piece, the Public Art Commission understood that the residents of Ballantrae and the Board of Trustees wanted to reconsider placing it in Ballantrae Park on a temporary basis or as a rotational piece until a piece is found for Ballantrae. Burrows noted that while the two pieces discussed would be permanent pieces in the collection, this does not mean they are to be permanent pieces in any particular collection location, including Ballantrae Park, as is the case with all the sculptures in the collection. 

Burrows stated that, in sum, the three options are to wait, put Paradise in Ballantrae Park, or put Untitled by O’Brien in Ballantrae Park.  

Assistant Village Manager Jonathan Bogue explained that by way of background on timing, it was dependent on the communication with the Phipps’ family. Village Staff waited an appropriate amount of time to reach out to his family after his death, and the family representative indicated that they were not keen on doing a rotational piece and were looking at keeping Paradise somewhere permanently. Once they knew the Village had a permanent collection, it made it a very easy decision to donate the work to the Village, but they wanted to donate it now because they are spending money keeping Paradise housed in storage. So, the immediacy factor was based on a necessity for the piece to be moved quickly.  

Burrows noted that the Public Art Commission had time constraints putting together options and the presentation for the Village Board because they could not call a special meeting, and the Commissioners had to be called one by one. 

Mayor Nelson stated that she appreciated Chairwoman Burrows helping to make the process happen quickly and thanked her for her time because that is a very time-consuming process. Mayor Nelson reminded everyone that the Public Art Commission is funded thanks to the generous donations of the people of the Village of Flossmoor with support from the Village by the concrete pads that the Village pours.It is a team approach, and the Village appreciates all of the work that the Public Art Commission does and all the expertise that they bring. She explained that it takes time to curate these pieces, especially pieces of the type of scale as Paradise that can weather the wide range of elements like what is experienced in Flossmoor and with a limited budget. At this time, the Village has eight rotational pieces, and there is a budget to replace one to two rotational pieces per year on three-year rotations. There are already two rotational pieces in the Sculpture Park that are scheduled to come out this year without a replacement to date. Mayor Nelson pointed out that it took nearly three years to curate a piece for Heather Hill School, which will  be installed this summer. It was incredibly important to provide equity among all of Flossmoor schools, given that  Western Avenue and Parker Junior High School are within walking distance of the Sculpture Park, and there is also a sculpture in front of Flossmoor Hills Elementary. Mayor Nelson noted that the Public Art Commission members,  like all of the Village’s Commissioners, are incredibly amazing with the expertise that they all lend, as well as a lot of  time. Recently, the Village Board discussed Commissioner Mike Cheney and his work with Homewood-Flossmoor High School for the new piece that will be placed in front of the library. She also wanted to thank Jeff Stevenson, Executive Director and curator at the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park. Because of his national recognition and the great work that he does, the Village has had many wonderful opportunities, including the two pieces just within the past year, which is almost unheard of, that artists are willing to donate to the Village’s collection.  

Mayor Nelson stated that Ballantrae residents loved having a piece as part of the rotational program, and she did not blame them. It was a highlight of Ballantrae Park, and it helped introduce people to the Village’s beautiful collection. She saw the new piece, Paradise, as being a beautiful backdrop for family photos for Christmas cards, homecoming, prom, and other sorts of events and as another way to draw people into the Village’s beautiful sculpture collection. 

Chairwoman of the Community Relations Commission Phillapa Leon-Thompson, who was present at the meeting, has promised to throw a party for the placement of the sculpture, too, which would be a great way to introduce the piece and also reinvigorate the collection and the interest in the collection from all parts of Flossmoor. Mayor Nelson thanked Chairwoman Burrows for her work on the project.  

Mayor Nelson’s first question to the Trustees was whether they would support acceptance of the Phipps’ piece into  the permanent sculpture collection and then what their opinion was on the placement. Do they wait, put Paradise temporarily in Ballantrae, realizing that the possibility of moving it is pretty unlikely given the size and the difficulty  with moving it, or do they consider the O 'Brien pieces for Ballantrae Park.  

Commissioner Lofton stated that he would like to see Paradise at Ballantrae Park. He inquired about how many pieces are in the permanent collection and how long they have had that status. He noted that he did not think that the pieces were moved often because the moving of them is at the Village/Public Art Commission’s expense and questioned the feasibility of moving Paradise after its placement. He noted that the economics of it suggests that it would be great as a permanent location there as well and that in twenty years, he would not have thought that a Village like Flossmoor would have the kind of interest that it has now. The Ballantrae neighborhood has grown, having had a piece of art in its public park for three years, and the residents are art enthusiasts and want another piece in the park.

Burrows answered that there are currently eight pieces in the Village's permanent collection of varying amounts of time and various pieces have been moved at various times. The oldest piece is Red Cross Lines at the Warming House, and another is the piece located at Flossmoor Hill School. She noted that some pieces have been moved in the past, and noted that in the opinion of the Public Art Commission, it would not be feasible to move Paradise. The piece offers some things that the art collection does not have. In the main venue for public art, the center of the Village, including the materials that it is made of, its size, the stature of the artist, and his unique way of looking at the world, he used  all kinds of advanced technology in his art artwork, some things that the collection has not had. The Public Art Commission tries to keep that collection diverse and interesting, and Paradise would enhance that type of diversity in the collection. She noted that it was not under her purview to decide whether Paradise would stay permanently in Ballantrae Park and noted that sometimes things occur, and a vision changes. By way of example, she noted that in the Chicago Tribune on March 10, 2004, there was an article about the vision of the Flossmoor Public Art collection, which was to be located in the center of the Village and that the pieces that surround it would be pointing towards  that. As a Commission, they do not consider Leavitt Park as a neighborhood park, but as the Sculpture Park in Leavitt  Park and as being in the center of the Village. Burrows explained that the Public Art Commission’s objection is not  to the idea of having pieces in neighborhoods per se; it is that when it is mentioned that there are seventeen neighborhoods, she cringes at the impossibility of ever having funding that would permit the Public Art Commission to have pieces in all seventeen neighborhoods. 

Trustee Mitros expressed his support for Paradise becoming part of the permanent collection and noted that the Village is fortunate to have the Public Art Commission with their experience and the good fortune that people are donating to the sculpture collection. Trustee Mitros opined that Paradise would look wonderful in Ballantrae Park and complete it.  

Trustee Mustafa thanked Chairwoman Burrows and the Public Art Commission for their work. She noted that she is passionate about art, and she appreciates the passion, concern, and constant care that Burrows takes with her role on the Public Art Commission. Trustee Mustafa noted that the Village Trustees and Commissioners are agents of the Village who can advise or vote on issues but cannot ever go out on their own and make a decision solely by themselves. They all have a collective responsibility to represent the best interests as they see it. She also noted that she agrees with Commissioner Jackie Riffice’s presentation and suggestions and that if there is a process or procedure that the  Public Art Commission follows, it is important for everyone to see that. Trustee Mustafa noted that she has heard for  a long time that the supposition is that Leavitt Park is one of the first places thought of for the placement of sculptures and she would like the Village to switch to consider more areas of Flossmoor because all of the neighborhoods need pieces. It attracts new residents, and it also attracts residents to go to those areas. Trustee Mustafa expressed her support for Paradise for Ballantrae Park, and as a permanent part of the collection. She likes Paradise in Ballantrae Park, where there is a lot of space, and it can be seen from all directions. Trustee Mustafa expressed her thanks to the Phipps family for considering the Village to donate the piece.  

Chairwoman Burrows explained that the reason she brought forth options was because they recognize that the Public Art Commission is an advisory commission and do not insist on how things have to be as there is the possibility that the Board might produce other suggestions and they accept whatever the Board decides. 

Trustee Bradley-Scott thanked Chairwoman Burrows for providing a wealth of information; she noted that the Board is incredibly lucky to be able to have a spirited conversation about art as if it were about infrastructure. Trustee Bradley-Scott noted that she has seen Burrows in front of the board several times in the last few months compared to the last few years. She stated that the Public Art Commission is doing a lovely job, and they are always educating the Board. She noted that she liked what Commissioner Riffice suggested to the Board in terms of having a rubric of being able to know how pieces are placed. It would provide more insight on transparency and would be useful for the Board to determine where the different sculptures would go in advance, which would feel more equitable. She stated her support for accepting Paradise as a permanent piece and placement in Ballantrae Park.  

Trustee Daggett stated that he supported Paradise as a permanent piece and noted that he has been a fan of all the pieces the Public Art Commission has brought forth. He noted that Paradise is an amazing piece and thanked everyone for their work in bringing it to the Village. He opined that it would be great in Ballantrae Park with its large space. He noted that his only concern would be if the sculpture’s family, in this case, had an opinion about where Paradise should be placed. Trustee Daggett stated that maybe in five, six, ten years another piece comes along and the Public Art Commission suggests swapping it out and that it is something the Village will always have to balance.  

Trustee Driscoll stated his support for the piece becoming a permanent part of the collection and inquired about the last pieces that were in Ballantrae Park, noting that they were rotational and perfect there. He noted that the Public Art Commission chose the pieces and the location for them, and he never goes against their judgment. Trustee Driscoll stated that they did a great job with choosing the last piece for Ballantrae Park, that they have not yet found another one that they like for that location, and he understood why the residents want another piece and do not want to wait for a long time for another comparable piece. He inquired whether there was a promise made to the family regarding where Paradise would be placed and noted that perhaps the Village could underwrite the expense of having to build  a bigger pad and moving the piece down the road if the Public Art Commission finds a better piece for Ballantrae Park.  

Mayor Nelson noted that Public Art Commissioner Eric O'Brien was present at the Village Board meeting as well and thanked them both for their contributions and volunteer efforts to make Flossmoor beautiful with sculpture. 

Mayor Nelson called for a roll call vote for the Acquisition of Paradise by Hubert Phipps to the Flossmoor Permanent Sculpture Program. 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 stated that the Trustees unanimously selected to install Paradise in Ballantrae Park.  Mayor Nelson called for a roll call vote for the placement of Paradise in Ballantrae Park. 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 thanked everyone who joined the Village Board meeting to share their love of public art and for all of the work by the Public Art Commission to make the acquisition and move of Paradise happen quickly so that the  Village did not lose the opportunity to acquire it.  

Mayor Nelson also thanked the Community Relations Commission, the Flossmoor Public Library, all of the volunteers from Homewood-Flossmoor High School, and Village Staff for a successful Lunar New Year celebration on February 10. There were over fifty people who participated.  

Mayor Nelson also noted that the Community Relations Commission had a collaborative event with Homewood Flossmoor High School on February 19, where they hosted a Black History Month event highlighting Black business owners, entrepreneurs, influencers, and finance professionals. Mayor Nelson thanked everyone who came out to share their stories and inspire the students.  

Action Items:  

Mayor Nelson referred to Agenda Item #9 – Consideration of an Ordinance of the Village of Flossmoor, Cook County, Illinois Amending Chapter 103 of the Village of Flossmoor Municipal Code (Alcoholic Beverages). Mayor Nelson  called for a motion for Consideration of an Ordinance of the Village of Flossmoor, Cook County, Illinois, Amending Chapter 103 of the Village of Flossmoor Municipal Code (Alcoholic Beverages) to permit an additional Class A license. Trustee Daggett so moved, seconded by Trustee Driscoll. Mayor Nelson introduced Village Manager Bridget  Wachtel to present. Wachtel explained that at the January 16, 2024, Village Board meeting, Mr. McKinney appeared  before the Village Board to request a Class A liquor license for his restaurant, Creed on Lake, which will be opening  in Flossmoor Commons. The Village Board asked for a floor plan of the restaurant, which was provided along with  photos of the remodeling of the interior. The Board was concerned about video gaming and specifically asked if the  door to the video gaming room could be relocated from next to the vestibule to facing the bar and if there was a view of the gaming area from outside the windows. Mr. McKenney informed staff that he plans to tint the windows and have blinds. The build-out of the gaming area has been completed, and the door is installed in the location shown on the floor plan. However, it is a solid wood door with no glass, and patrons will not be able to see inside. Wachtel noted that the Board has, for their consideration, an ordinance amending the number of Class A liquor licenses to permit this business.  

Mayor Nelson thanked Mr. McKinney for being present and noted that one of the Board’s concerns they had last time was that the door faced the vestibule, and she noted that he did not relocate the door around the corner. She asked why that change was not made. She also inquired about whether he would be installing the film that the Village suggested, how many gaming machines he planned to install, and the scheduled opening date.  

Erwin McKinney responded that when one enters his restaurant, the gaming is to the left, and that door protrudes out. He received the email from Scott Bugner about putting a door west of the wall, but that actually goes inside towards the barbershop. So, the only other placement for the door is towards the bar where the patrons will sit, and from his experience, that would be an issue with evacuation and emergency. Mr. McKinney also noted that he was planning to install tinting on the windows and blinds so the view from the outside would not see the gaming area. He noted that he planned to have two to three gaming machines, and they planned to open in early March 2024. 

Trustee Driscoll stated that the Board appreciates the work that Mr. McKinney did to work with the Village to get his restaurant to the parameters that they like, and he noted that the Board is excited to support his business.    

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 

Discussion Items:  

None.  

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 Mustafa thanked Alpha, Kappa Alpha and the Theta Rho Omega Chapter for a fantastic and well-attended judicial forum, which consisted of current judges, judicial candidates, and retired judges about the vetting process for judges. She also thanked everyone, including the Community Relations Commission, for the collaborative efforts for the Black History Month event held today at Homewood-Flossmoor High School, where they provided valuable information. It was well organized.  

Trustee Daggett recognized Village Staff Stephanie Wright and Nicole Castagna for their efforts to improve communication between the Village and the community. Stephanie Wright has been fantastic at making sure that communication between all of the different moving parts in the Village happens as best as it can. Also, seeing the Village's increased online presence in the last six months since Nicole Castagna has been on board has been fantastic. 

The improvements have been noticed by a lot of people, and he thanked them for all that they do.  

Trustee Lofton gave a shout-out to his mentor and former Trustee JB Wilder for being present and congratulated the Public Art Commission for all the work that they do. When runners run the GEM half marathon, pass by Ballantrae Park, and see the new sculpture, it is going to motivate them even more.  

Trustee Driscoll noted that former Trustee JB Wilder used to be the best-dressed Trustee, and he still is.  

Clerk LoGalbo stated that she, Mayor Nelson, and Trustee Driscoll are members and participants of the Flossmoor Veteran’s Memorial Inc., which will be hosting a family-friendly Trivia Night on March 15 at 7 p.m. She encouraged people to sign up for the remaining tables and seats and support their efforts to build a Veterans Wall of Honor in Flossmoor. She explained that the current goal is to raise at least $150,000 due to increased construction costs and noted that they are planning and hoping to have the Veterans Honor Wall built in 2024. 

Trustee Lofton acknowledged that former Trustee Gyata Kimmons was present at the Village Board meeting.  

Assistant Village Manager Bogue reminded everyone that there would be an open house event for residents on February 20 for the Brumley Drive project. Project engineers and Village staff will be available to speak with residents about the plans for re-building Brumley Drive in Old Flossmoor. 

Mayor Nelson thanked Assistant Village Manager Jonathan Bogue, who has done an incredible job implementing numerous long-awaited IT projects under budget. She noted that it was very impressive, and it is a value to have staff who embrace new technology that makes the Village more efficient and saves the Village money. She thanked him for the numerous projects that he is juggling and his willingness to figure things out.  

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 Driscoll 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 8:34 pm. 

https://flossmoorvillageil.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=12&ID=1342&Inline=True