South Cook News

Village of Flossmoor Board of Trustees met March 4

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Mayor Nelson called the meeting to order at 7:31 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; Fire Chief Bob Kopec; Assistant Fire Chief Matt Berk; Deputy Chief of Police Keith Taylor; Police Commander Tim Filkins; Assistant Finance Director Malea Stubitsch; Director of Public  Works John Brunke; Director of Building & Zoning Scott Bugner; Community Engagement Manager Stephanie Wright; Assistant to the Village Manager/ Communications Manager Nicole Castagna; Acting Village Attorney Megan Lamb; 196 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. She wished the Homewood-Flossmoor High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team good luck in their playoff game the evening of March 4, 2024.  

Mayor Nelson noted that the public speaking policy required decorum, each person’s comments were limited to five minutes, and the total amount of time for public comment was limited to thirty minutes. She explained that there had been speculation that there would be an Executive Session that evening, but that was not the case. Once the Board finished Board business, they would adjourn for the evening.  

Citizens Present Wishing to Address the Board:  

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 resident wished to address the Board on an agenda item.  

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 John Yast’s comments, in summary, were regarding the Village and community’s support of the Flossmoor Veterans Wall of Honor initiative and the Flossmoor Veterans Memorial Inc. Trivia Night that would be taking place on March 13, 2024.  

Flossmoor resident and Flossmoor Community Relations Commissioner Kevin Dorsey’s comments, in summary, were regarding his support for Flossmoor Police Chief Jerel Jones. Dorsey noted that he does not hide behind policy or protocol when he is strong in his convictions. He requested that the Board not make a decision about Jones's employment in the dark and noted how the community will rely on rumors and other information in the absence of information they are not privy to. Dorsey inquired about whether the vote to terminate Jones had to be anonymous.  He inquired about Chief Jones’ handling of Flossmoor Fest and how it was evaluated. Dorsey informed the Board that the residents have a voice and a vote, and he prayed that the rumor that Jones was being terminated was not true.  Dorsey inquired about whether Jones’ refusal to terminate another Flossmoor Police Department (FPD) officer was  related to Jones’ dismissal. Dorsey asked if the grounds for Jones’ dismissal were as they appeared to be, would be  just as unwarranted for the voting citizens of Flossmoor to demand the dismissal of all engaged in that act.  

Flossmoor resident Tracey Skinner’s comments, in summary, were regarding his support for Flossmoor Police Chief Jerel Jones. He explained that he received a phone call from an unnamed committee woman who talked to him about what was going on in Flossmoor. After talking to some additional people, it came up that Flossmoor intended to fire Jones and Deputy Chief Taylor and that Village Manager Wachtel had an issue with them. Skinner talked about first meeting Jones and his interactions with Taylor at block watch meetings. Skinner discussed the definition of leadership and Wachtel’s leadership. Skinner stated that Wachtel had issues with the previous finance director, previous police chief, several deputies, and previous assistant managers. Skinner inquired about the Board's law enforcement experience and discussed the operations of the Flossmoor Fest. He discussed the last mayoral election results and his plans to register voters if the Village dismisses Jones and Taylor. Skinner noted that it is said that the most powerful thing is a White woman crying; the White woman is going to cry, and they are going to do an ‘Emmett Till’ on Jones and Taylor. He asked that that not happen.  

Flossmoor resident Leonard Harris’s comments, in summary, were regarding his support for Flossmoor Police Chief Jerel Jones and Deputy Chief Taylor. Harris noted that he was president of the Flossmoor Hills Civic Association. He stated that Mayor Nelson and Village Manager Wachtel did them a favor by bringing together the community, that they have been trying to do for twenty years.  

Flossmoor resident Warren Engelberg’s comments, in summary, were regarding China and Russia’s connection, the selling of their resources to Europe, Europe’s economy, the United States' relationship with China, and the world economy.  

Flossmoor resident Sugar Al-Amin’s comments, in summary, were regarding her support for Flossmoor Police Chief Jerel Jones and Deputy Chief Keith Taylor. She noted that if it was the Board’s plan to dismiss the Chief and Deputy Chief, the community would not accept that lying down. Al-Almin noted that Jones had not yet served an entire year and that he came from outside the Village without bias. She stated that Jones should be able to continue building relationships with the Village and residents and that as a public servant, she and other public servants should ensure that their leadership represents all demographics in the Village.  

Flossmoor resident and Flossmoor Fire & Police Board Commissioner Ron Alston’s comments, in summary, were regarding how he was recently appointed to the Fire & Police Board and accepted same in hopes of bringing viability to support the Flossmoor Police Chief. He explained that when he heard that Chief Jones and Deputy Chief Taylor were going to be dismissed, he was appalled and no longer proud to be on the Board. He noted that he had not seen the allegations against Jones while on the Board, and that based on what he heard about the situation did not make sense. Alston noted that he had been involved in city government for thirty-six years and had never seen anything more biased or discriminatory. Alston stated that the Mayor, Village Manager, and others responsible for Jones’ dismissal should explain specifically why Jones was being judged shamefully. 

Felicia Clotworthy’s comments, in summary, were regarding the fact that she is the principal of Infant Jesus of Prague (IJP) and that she and a small delegation of staff came to the Board meeting in support of Chief Jones. She discussed first meeting him in July 2023 during a ‘coffee with the principal’ event and how he registered his daughter at IJP. Clotworthy noted that Jones has been on point, on target, and a supreme support to IJP, including walk-throughs for security purposes. She stated that she was happy to have her child at IJP and happy as the principal. She noted that when she received a very disparaging letter and Jones responded swiftly to the issue. When IJP requested additional security during some sports games, Jones provided them with FPD assistance. Clotworthy noted that it was unsettling to hear what transpired with Jones and described him as a hard worker, humble, and bright with an amazing family. She asserted that Flossmoor needed to keep Jones and Deputy Chief Taylor.  

Richard Taylor’s comments, in summary, were regarding his being an employee of IJP, the fact that the Board meeting was so close to Black History Month and that the Village took the safety of residents for granted. Taylor stated a quote attributed to Mayor Nelson about welcoming Chief Jones to the FPD. Taylor inquired about what changed the Mayor’s opinion of Jones, what egregious actions he committed, and about the goals for Jones. Taylor asserted that Jones was a good man who came to Flossmoor to serve and that the Board would listen to them come election day.  

Will Ross’s comments, in summary, were regarding him being an employee of IJP and his support for Flossmoor Police Chief Jerel Jones. Ross discussed the disturbing letter that the principal received and its impact on the rest of the IJP community. Ross discussed his three sons and the concept of comfort for his children. Ross stated that Jones opened his arms to IJP community members with his words, actions, and presence. Ross asserted that it was appalling that Jones did not have an entire year to complete the job as Chief of Police. He discussed how it takes time to make a difference in the community and said that Jones has been doing a great job trying to provide comfort in the IJP community. Ross stated that the voters in the Board room would be bringing discomfort to the Board if Jones were released and that the Board should keep Jones.  

Recognitions and Appointments:  

None.  

Mayor Nelson referred to the Consent Agenda (which encompassed Agenda Items 1-5):  

1. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held on February 19, 2024  

2. Presentation of Bills for Approval and Payment as Approved by the Finance Committee (March 4, 2024)

3. Consideration of a Contract Award to Strand Associates for Design Engineering Services for the Water Supervisory   Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA) Replacement Project  

4. Consideration of Replacement Purchase of Ambulance 119 (2012 Med Tech)  

5. 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 to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Trustee Mitros so moved, seconded by Trustee Driscoll.

Trustee Bradley-Scott requested that items #3, #4, and #5 be pulled off of the Consent Agenda. Mayor Nelson called for a motion to approve items #1 and #2 of the Consent Agenda. Trustee Daggett so moved, seconded by Trustee Driscoll.  

Mayor Nelson called for a vote on Consent Agenda items #1 and #2. Motion passed by a roll call vote.

AYES: Trustees Bradley-Scott, Daggett, Driscoll, Lofton, Mitros and Mustafa.

ABSENT: None  

ABSTAIN: None  

NAYS: None

The meeting was interrupted by members of the audience. Mayor Nelson explained that public comment was over and that additional comments could be emailed to info@Flossmoor.org.  

Mayor Nelson referred to Agenda Item #3 – Consideration of a Contract Award to Strand Associates for Design Engineering Services for the Water Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA) Replacement Project. Mayor Nelson called for a motion for Consideration of a Contract Award to Strand Associates for Design Engineering Services for the Water Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA) Replacement Project as presented. Trustee Mustafa so moved, seconded by Trustee Daggett.  

Trustee Mustafa commented on Mayor Nelson’s comments to the audience.  

Mayor Nelson stated that Trustee Mustafa was out of line.  

Acting Village Attorney Megan Lamb reminded audience members to please be quiet during the rest of the meeting.  

Director of Public Works John Brunke explained that included in the FY24 General Fund Budget is $80,000 for the Water Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA) Replacement Project for the Village’s water system. The current water SCADA system was installed in 2009 and has served the Village well by allowing Public Works to control all the remote components of our water system automatically through the SCADA computer and  integrated logic that is in the computer. This technology is vital to controlling pumping and reservoir levels and also  has been helpful in identifying water loss. Brunke explained that the system is an important component of our responsibility in providing safe drinking water to the community. Now that the system is fifteen years old, the computer and radio equipment are outdated and have experienced some issues that need to be addressed by replacement and upgrade of the system. Brunke noted that these improvements were outlined in the Preliminary Design Report - Water  System Pumping, Storage, and SCADA Improvements issued in January 2023 by Strand Associates to the Village. He explained that the report outlined recommended improvements to the Village’s water distribution system. The Board was in possession of the proposal from Strand Associates for the Water SCADA Replacement Project design engineering services. The total not-to-exceed fee of the proposal is $57,900. Brunke noted that there was a list of the scope of items contained in the proposal. Brunke noted that if approved, the contract work would commence in April 2024 and should be completed by November 2024. Strand Associates assisted the Village with the water supply transition project and also completed the Preliminary Design Report. He noted that Public Works staff recommends that Strand’s services be used for this project and that the Mayor and Board of Trustees approve the proposed Water Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System Replacement proposal from Strand Associates for a not-to-exceed  amount of $57,900. A representative from Strand Associates was in attendance to answer questions from the Board.  

The meeting was interrupted by members of the audience. Mayor Nelson stated that they could stay if they could let the Board finish their business.  

Trustee Mustafa commented on Mayor Nelson’s decision not to extend public comment.  

Acting Village Attorney Megan Lamb requested that Trustee Mustafa stay on task.  

Mayor Nelson instructed Percy Scott to please leave the Board meeting after being warned several times and requested assistance from Commander Filkins and Deputy Chief Taylor.  

Commander Filkins stated that he knew tensions were high and requested that audience members bear with them. He stated that there would not be any more public comment, but audience members could stay in support of Chief Jones.

Audience members made multiple comments.  

Trustee Lofton inquired about whether the bid at issue was part of the open bid process.  

Public Works Director Brunke answered that it was not part of the open bid process because they selected the firm that was already working on the water system improvements for the Village, so this was another phase of the engineering of the project. They were selected through the RFQ process when the Village started the water supply contract.  

Trustee Mustafa inquired about the not-to-exceed amount and what happens if costs actually exceed the amount.  

Public Works Director Brunke answered that the costs will not exceed and that if the contractor gets close to exceeding the amount the work will stop and have to put the Village on notice. Then the Village would have the opportunity to decide whether to continue or make an amendment to the proposal.  

Mayor Nelson called for a vote on Consent Agenda Item #3. 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 Agenda Item #4 – Consideration of Replacement Purchase of Ambulance 119 (2012 Med Tech). Mayor Nelson called for a motion to approve the Village Manager to purchase a 2024 Osage Ambulance utilizing the BuyBoard national purchasing cooperative in the amount of $313,922. Trustee Daggett so moved, seconded by Trustee Driscoll.

Assistant Fire Chief Matt Berk explained that in the FY23/24 budget, there was earmarked $377,000 for replacing Ambulance 119, a 2012 Med Tech ambulance that has proudly and professionally served our community since being placed in service. In February of 2023, the Fire Department sought board approval with Resolution 2023-5, entering into a cooperative agreement with BuyBoard, a national purchasing cooperative, to work with Osage Ambulances to build and purchase a duplicate ambulance to the Department’s current Ambulance 119, which also is an Osage. Berk explained that over the past year, the Fire Department has worked with the dealer of Osage Ambulance, Northwest Central Emergency Vehicles, to build an ambulance that will carry on the duties of the current A119. This build specification process has been lengthy, and the Fire Department has finalized the current specifications that will meet the most current compliance and regulatory standards, further enhancing the safety of the Department’s personnel and the patients they care for. Berk noted that the ambulance will be the third Osage purchased by the Village. By remaining customers with Osage, the Department can explore the option of remounting the box/patient care area on the next ambulance with Osage, which could save considerable money. Berk explained that the Fire Department was seeking board approval to purchase a 2024 Osage Ambulance utilizing the BuyBoard national purchasing cooperative in the amount of $313,922.00. That capital investment would enhance the Department’s capacity to deliver exceptional emergency medical care and demonstrate their commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the Village. Berk noted that based on the projected June 2024 delivery date, the Department would need to carry over all of the remaining funds of this line to make payment at the time of delivery. In the past, the Department has sold the ambulance being replaced, or it was placed as the reserve ambulance as part of the shared ambulance program with Hazel Crest and Homewood. Berk stated that based on the increased calls for service, the Department discussed the feasibility of adding an additional reserve ambulance to the program, and collectively a decision will need to be made before delivery of the new unit. The Department is assessing the market value of the current unit from third-party vendors and the trade-in value from North Central Emergency Vehicles. Berk explained that should the Department decide to trade in the ambulance or modify the intergovernmental agreement with Hazel Crest and Homewood, the Department will return to the Board. Berk noted that the Fire Department requested that the Board approve the Village Manager to purchase a 2024 Osage Ambulance utilizing the BuyBoard national purchasing cooperative in the amount of $313,922.

Trustee Mustafa inquired whether the Department would be under or at budget with the purchase and whether they would go over budget.  

Assistant Fire Chief Matt Berk answered that the Department recently purchased a cot system which was also included  in the $377,000 amount and that the purchase of the ambulance would come from the remainder of the amount. Berk noted that there would be no reason for them to go over budget.  

Trustee Mitros inquired about Berk’s comments regarding remounting the body off of the ambulance and putting it  on another chassis and why it could not be done now.  

Assistant Fire Chief Matt Berk answered that it could be done now, but the current ambulance is not able to be retrofitted with the current manufacturer and that it should be able to be done in the future.  

Trustee Lofton inquired about the delivery date of the new ambulance.  

Assistant Fire Chief Matt Berk answered that it was estimated to be at the end of June 2024.

Trustee Daggett inquired about whether it was reasonable to expect that the Department would get the same service life of ten to twelve years out of the new ambulance and whether the box of the ambulance lasts longer than the chassis, which could be moved to another chassis.  

Assistant Fire Chief Matt Berk answered that he believed that the capital replacement cycle for the ambulance was ten to twelve years. Berk confirmed that the box of the ambulance lasts longer than the chassis and that the box could  be moved to a new chassis.  

Trustee Bradley-Scott inquired about payment of the new ambulance, the decision of whether to trade in or sell the current ambulance, and the timing of the process.  

Assistant Fire Chief Matt Berk answered that at the half-life of the vehicle, the Village started saving for a new vehicle and that the funds for the new ambulance were in the capital program and allocated for the vehicle. If the Department decides to trade in or sell the current ambulance, those funds would go back in the capital program. Berk answered that when the next ambulance comes up for replacement, Osage would give the Department an estimate on the cost of remounting the box to another chassis. He noted that the next ambulance was due for replacement in five to six years.  

Trustee Mustafa inquired about when the Board would receive confirmation about whether the funds were already available.  

Assistant Fire Chief Matt Berk answered that in year six of the vehicle, the Village started saving for the purchase of the replacement vehicle, so the funds are currently in the capital budget to pay for the new ambulance.  

Mayor Nelson called for a vote on Consent Agenda Item #4. 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 Agenda Item #5 – 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) as presented. Trustee Lofton so  moved, seconded by Trustee Driscoll.  

Village Manager Bridget Wachtel explained that on February 5, 2024, 7th Floor Hospitality Group appeared before  the Village Board seeking a Class B liquor license to support their business at 1615 Vollmer Road. The Board gave direction to the Village attorney to prepare the ordinance to authorize the Class B license, and the Village attorney cleaned up the section of the Village Code to reflect the current number of each respective class to be accurate.

Trustee Bradley-Scott inquired about whether there would be a date set to ensure checks and balances for liquor licenses in the Village.  

Village Manager Bridget Wachtel answered that until this point, when a business leaves, there will be an ordinance  to reduce the number of liquor licenses. The Village attorney suggested a new ordinance section that would automatically reduce the number of licenses and then the Village would track the information administratively for each class.  

Trustee Mustafa inquired about the process or procedure that the Village will use to automatically reduce the license. She inquired about whether the information about the businesses seeking a license would be shared with the Board once another business comes before the Board.  

Village Manager Bridget Wachtel answered that they would keep track of the information with a spreadsheet or  similar manner, and the staff person handling the clerical function would have information on the status of the businesses. Wachtel explained that if a new business is seeking a license they will have to appear before the Village Board per the normal practice, and that the Village could share the information from the spreadsheet with the Board.  

Trustee Mitros inquired about whether the Village re-issues a liquor license and anyone coming before the Board would require a new license.  

Village Manager Bridget Wachtel answered that it was correct except for an exception for when businesses are purchased and remain the same as the previous business, like in the case of the Bistro on Sterling. She noted that the Village wanted to be accommodating to new businesses and not have them wait for the license before opening.  

Mayor Nelson called for a vote on Consent Agenda Item #5. 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:  

None.  

Action Items:  

None.  

Discussion Items:  

Mayor Nelson referred to Agenda Item #6 – Discussion of the FY 25 Preliminary Budget. Village Manager Bridget Wachtel explained that the current Board meeting began the first of a four-part series on the presentation of the Village’s budget. The presentation was focused on the General and Water & Sewer Funds. Wachtel explained that for the last few years, the Village has been focused on the Water & Sewer Fund first as its health influences the impact of the General Fund. She noted that over time there have been improvements that helped the Water & Sewer Fund, such as water main replacement and Vollmer reservoir repairs, which helped the bill to  purchase ratio. Currently, the Village is at about a 77% bill-to-purchase ratio when it had previously been as low as  59%. She explained that the water meter replacement project, which should be done by the end of the fiscal year, has been important in assessing the future stability of the fund. The full impact of the project will not be felt until FY25. Wachtel commented on the water supply transition and how the Village has transitioned from Harvey to Hammond/Chicago Heights/ Homewood as the source of water from Lake Michigan. The water rates have been secured and capped for the next twenty-five years, which is a significant milestone in the inflationary market. Wachtel explained that the Water & Sewer Fund is operating decently and discussed some of the details of the same.  

Wachtel explained that as to the General Fund, FY 24 projections are better than the FY 24 budget. The preliminary FY 25 budget shows an operating deficit and the use of fund balance for the finance and facilities plan. FY 25 includes Fire and Police pension levying increases. She discussed the impact of EAV and the tax levy on the budget. Wachtel noted that sales tax has been a critical component in maintaining the Village’s level of services. She also noted that the Village was at a point where they needed to discuss reducing costs. The Village has increased expenditures due  to increased costs, inflation, and increased levels of service, which, among other things, have impacted the current financial state. Wachtel explained that in regard to the FY 24 projections, the budgeted revenue compared to projected revenue, and the budgeted expenditures compared to projected expenditures, the Village was expecting to receive more revenue than what was budgeted. Also, the Village is expecting to spend less than what was budgeted. Wachtel explained that Village departments have to report variances of $750.00 over or under what was budgeted. In regard  to sales tax, before Meijer, the Village was budgeting and receiving approximately $250,000.00 in sales tax revenue. That amount has increased seven times, and currently, the Village is estimating $1.2 million for the year. Since the referendum passed in 2018, the Village has had a non-home rule sales tax approved, which brings in another $732,000.00, for a total of almost $2 million in sales tax for the year. She noted that it is more the sales tax revenue than the property tax revenue that has a significant impact on operations, which is why the Village’s focus needs to  be on developing the rest of Southwest Flossmoor.  

Wachtel explained the different revenue sources for the Village. She noted that the Village’s share of telecommunications tax was steadily decreasing. Wachtel noted that less capital was being spent this year than was planned and that outside of grants, the Village is trying to pay for everything with cash. She explained that the Village Hall is an almost fifty-year-old building, which needs some improvements, including some needed municipal complex improvements. Wachtel noted the significance of the large amount of grants that the Village has received in the last couple of years and their impact on Village projects. In regard to FY 25, the budgeted operating expenses are more compared to the current year just to maintain service, and there are fewer capital improvements planned in FY 25  than in FY 24, including the Flossmoor Road viaduct project. Wachtel also noted that the amount of grants that the Village has received over the last couple of years, about $4.4 million, is unprecedented. She explained that in looking at overall observations in the preliminary budget, the Village is waiting on the impact of the new meters on the Water & Sewer Fund. The General Fund FY 24 projections are better than what was budgeted. However, the General Fund's preliminary budget is not sustainable, and she discussed some points to keep in mind regarding the preliminary budget. Wachtel noted that Governor Pritzker had proposed eliminating the grocery tax, and that would decrease the Village’s revenue by an estimated $200,000.00. Wachtel also noted that there is discussion at the state level to discuss Tier 1 and Tier 2 pension definitions and the impact on the Village’s pension contributions. She also noted the LGDF revenue source and how local governments were working to lobby for its increase, and that the south suburban Casino revenue sharing was estimated to be $50,000.00 per year for Flossmoor.  

Wachtel detailed some of the efforts made by the Village departments to eliminate, decrease and share costs in the budget, and also discussed options to decrease costs, expense decisions and revenue opportunities with the Board’s input. She noted that there were only a couple of taxes available for non-home rule communities. Also, there would be three more board meetings regarding the budget.  

Mayor Nelson thanked Wachtel for the thorough presentation, noting that the budget process is crucial to the Village’s success and that is why the Village starts earlier in the process. Mayor Nelson explained that each year the Village looks at projections based on economic trends, unfunded mandates, and essential services to see how far the Village can stretch the dollar and then the Village adjusts. She noted that residents expect a lot; in addition to essential services, there is leaf pick up, beautification efforts, and opportunities to celebrate together. The Village looks for opportunities to reduce expenses by looking for private donations and state and federal grants. Mayor Nelson pointed out State Representative Will Davis, who was in attendance at the Board meeting, and thanked him for all his efforts to help the Village with grants.  

Trustee Lofton inquired about the eating tax, what level the Village would start at, and when it could take place. He also inquired about a business registration process.  

Wachtel answered that the Board could approve the tax between 1% - 3% for the eating tax, noting that the tax would be shared by both residents and non-residents. Wachtel noted that it was the Board’s discretion when to initiate the eating tax. Village staff would first make a presentation to the Board and then the Board would vote on the issue. The tax would be locally administered. Wachtel noted that Flossmoor was the only community they could identify that did not have a business registration program and that people expected the Village to know all of the businesses in the Village. If they had such a program, the Village would have the businesses' contact information and help ensure that they would be getting off on the right foot. She discussed some options for a business registration process.  

Trustee Driscoll thanked Wachtel for the presentation and inquired about the status of the water meter replacement project and data from their installation. He also inquired about the leaf collection and branch pickup.  

Public Works Director Brunke answered that the Village is one-third of the way through the project, and there will  not be data on savings until Fall 2024.  

Wachtel noted that branch collection is popular and is an opportunity cost. The Village provides that service with equipment and staff they already have. She explained that the Village could suspend that service, but they will not see a corresponding cost savings from the budget – just a reallocation of resources.  

Trustee Daggett inquired about sales tax from internet sales, whether some FY 25 projects were being postponed, information about the sidewalk replacement program, and the Retail Coach contract. Trustee Daggett requested an update on Retail Coach progress in the next manager’s report. 

Wachtel answered that the Village is not able to discern sales tax reporting from the state where the funds come from and that there are fewer planned projects in FY 25 than in FY 24. Wachtel recommended not eliminating the sidewalk replacement program and instead just reducing the amount of money spent on it. She noted that the contract with the Retail Coach was approved last April 2023.

Trustee Bradley-Scott inquired about the Village’s credit rating, whether the Village’s credit rating is negatively affected when the Village has funds for a project and does not act on the project, whether the Village was using the proceeds that had been received, and the impact of the viaduct project on the funds. She also inquired about the GIS  inventory of the streets.  

Wachtel answered that the Village’s credit rating is not impacted, but in regard to the bond proceeds, there is the concept of arbitrage that she would need to look into further. She noted that there are bond proceeds saved that are planned to be used for upcoming projects. She noted that the Village was waiting to hear back regarding other grants for the planned projects. Wachtel noted that the crack sealing program went very well.  

Brunke answered that the GIS program was getting up and running and that they thought the information would be available by the summer. He noted that they did the crack sealing on 25% of the Village’s roads and they anticipate being able to extend the life of the streets longer.  

Trustee Mustafa apologized for speaking when she was not recognized earlier in the Board meeting. She commented that when Mayor Nelson chastised a resident who wanted to extend public comment, Mayor Nelson identified the speaker’s relationship to a Board member and that chastising a resident with personal information was unethical, inappropriate and demeaning. Trustee Mustafa stated that in the past Mayor Nelson allowed for public comment to go beyond the allotted time limit and that Mayor Nelson did not extend the time limit because the comments would not be favorable to Mayor Nelson’s leadership.  

Trustee Mitros commented on the yearly budget process and the concept of arbitrage and the bond monies needed to be spent.  

Wachtel noted that the Village was waiting on a response to a grant application from FEMA.  

Other Business:  

Mayor Nelson referred to Agenda Item #7 – A Motion to go into Executive Session to Discuss the Employment of Specific Individuals, Property Acquisition and Litigation.  

Mayor Nelson commented that the Board was not going into Executive Session.  

Trustee Bradley-Scott thanked residents for attending the Board meeting, showing their support of excellent leadership within the Chief of Police, comments and concern. She also noted that residents always have a voice at the Board meetings. She requested that the Board govern and lean in favor of what the residents say. She stated that she heard them and supported what was said during the Village Board meeting.  

Trustee Mustafa stated that as elected officials and agents of the Village, they have the fiduciary duty to exercise care, to inform, demonstrate loyalty, obedience, protect confidential information, and to keep and maintain proper records. She stated that when they see the support for a new Chief of Police, it reminds her of the care that is part of their responsibility, including demonstrating good faith and avoiding negligence so all decisions should be made carefully with open discussion. Trustee Mustafa asserted that those responsible for making the decision must listen, and that they cannot afford to make a mistake. She stated that she supported Chief Jones and the right to have a fair opportunity  to demonstrate the excellence that he has already shown.  

Trustee Lofton stated that he shared in the previous comments and thanked residents for attending the Board meeting. Trustee Lofton stated that he clearly stood on the side of Chief Jones.  

Village Clerk LoGalbo stated that Flossmoor Veterans Memorial Inc would be holding a trivia night on March 15th. FVM’s goal is to raise $150,000.00 in order to build a Veterans Wall of Honor in Flossmoor.  

Mayor Nelson congratulated the volunteers and residents on receiving back-to-back Chicago Area Runners Association Race of the Year for the Hidden Gem ½ marathon. It is very rare to win the Race of the Year award and  is a very special award.  

Trustee Mustafa made a motion to enter into an Executive Session to Discuss the Employment of a Specific Individual. Trustee Bradley-Scott seconded the motion.  

Mayor Nelson called for a vote on whether to go into executive session. Motion failed by a roll call vote.

AYES: Trustees Bradley-Scott, Lofton, and Mustafa.  

ABSENT: None  

ABSTAIN: None  

NAYS: Trustees Daggett, Driscoll, Mitros, and Mayor Nelson  

Trustee Daggett commented that he voted ‘no’ because the Labor Attorney was not present.    

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 9:44 pm.

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