South Cook News

Village of Flossmoor Board of Trustees met Dec. 2

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Mayor Nelson called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m.

Village Clerk LoGalbo took roll.

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

ALSO PRESENT: Village Manager Bridget Wachtel; Assistant Village Manager Jonathan Bogue; Fire Chief Bob Kopec; Director of Police Services Carl Estelle; Acting Chief of Police Keith Taylor; Commander Tim Filkins; Director of Public Works John Brunke; Director of Building & Zoning Scott Bugner; Finance Director Ann Novoa; Assistant to the Village Manager/ Communications Manager Nicole Castagna; Village Attorney Kathi Orr; 36 community members, media, and others.

Mayor Nelson reminded everyone that the Village Board meeting was being streamed via Zoom for the convenience of those unable to attend the meeting in person. Public commenters who signed up to speak would be called from the sheet they signed in on. Mayor Nelson requested that commentors abide by the Village’s public comment policy, which includes stating their name and address after they approach the podium, addressing the Village Board with decorum, and addressing the comments to the public body as a whole and not a certain member of staff. Mayor Nelson asked that speakers limit their comments to five minutes per person for a maximum of thirty minutes of public comment time.

Recognitions and Appointments:

Mayor Nelson referred to Agenda Item #1 – Recognition of the Participants of the 2024 Citizens’ Police Academy.

Acting Police Chief Keith Taylor explained that a standing goal of the Flossmoor Police Department (FPD) is to strengthen their relationships and partnerships with all community stakeholders and that one of the ways they have worked to do this is by conducting the Citizens' Police Academy (CPA) classes. The CPA is an educational and informative program that allows residents the opportunity to learn about the issues that affect law enforcement efforts in the Village of Flossmoor and create a better understanding, communication, and partnership between Flossmoor residents, business owners, and the police through education and interaction. This year’s 10-week class began on August 28, 2024, and ended on October 30, 2024, with a bonus voluntary class for training in CPR and trauma response on November 6, 2024. Acting Police Chief Keith Taylor noted that the class attendees were provided with a wide array of law enforcement topics presented by subject matter experts from the FPD and other law enforcement agencies, and they received a tour of the E-Com 911 Dispatch Center. Acting Police Chief Keith Taylor stated that he believed the CPA class has accomplished its goal of educating residents about the FPD, law enforcement and providing Flossmoor’s officers and residents the opportunity to forge and strengthen relationships that are crucial in community policing efforts aimed at maintaining and improving Flossmoor’s standing as one of the safest villages in the Chicagoland area. He noted that Officer Levy and Commander Filkins were very instrumental in the production of the CPA class, and most of the FPD also helped with the CPA class.

The eleven CPA class attendees were presented with their certificates of completion. 

Phillipa Leon Thompson encouraged people to sign up for the class when it is offered again, and noted that it was very informational. She thanked Village leadership for supporting the Community Relations Commission’s recommendation to bring back the Citizens' Police Academy.

No vote was required.

Citizens Present Wishing to Address the Board:

Citizens Present Wishing to Address the Board on an Agenda Item & Non-Agenda Item

(It should be noted that in reporting these comments, the Village has not researched the accuracy of any comments.):

Flossmoor resident Andrea Perry’s comments, in summary, were regarding her speaking as a 37-year resident and constituent of Flossmoor about an article regarding First Amendment protections for public comment at government meetings that was published by an advocacy organization.

Flossmoor resident Kevin Dorsey’s comments, in summary, were regarding his increased water bills post water meter replacement, whether his previous water meter was not working correctly or whether he is not being accurately billed now, given that his home’s water usage has been consistent over the years.

Village Manager Bridget Wachtel responded that the technology in the water meters has improved and is capturing more of the low-flow water usage than the previous water meters were with an older technology, so now there is greater accountability of the water being used.

Community member Pastor Doyle Landry’s comments, in summary, were regarding him being a Marine Corps Veteran, clinical social worker, and Pastor speaking about the mental health of elderly residents in Flossmoor, increased property tax bills, and especially its effects on the elderly, Veterans, and business owners, and he encouraged the Village to take action about the increased property tax bills. He also commented about some damage in a park.

Mayor Nelson responded that Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi came to the Village of Homewoodrecently, which the Village of Flossmoor also advertised. She noted that if he knows anyone in Rich Township with tax bill questions, she has found that Rich Township Assessor Sam Brown is very helpful. Bloom Township also has an Assessor who could be contacted, but she could not recall their name at the moment. Brown also has a petition on Change.org regarding tax relief that he would be sending to the Governor and that Mayor Nelson would be advertising.

Mayor Nelson referred to the Consent Agenda (which encompassed Agenda Items 2-4):

2. Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held on November 18, 2024

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

4. Consideration of a Resolution of the Village of Flossmoor, Cook County, Illinois, Approving Salary Schedules for Fiscal Year 2024-2025

Mayor Nelson called for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Trustee Daggett so moved, seconded by Trustee Driscoll.

Trustee Mustafa requested that item #2 be pulled from the Consent Agenda.

Mayor Nelson called for a motion to approve items #3 and #4 of the Consent Agenda. Trustee Lofton so moved, seconded by Trustee Bradley-Scott.

Mayor Nelson called for a vote on Consent Agenda items #3 and #4. Motion passed by a roll call vote.

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

ABSENT: Trustee Mitros

ABSTAIN: None

NAYS: None

Mayor Nelson referred to Agenda Item #2 – Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held on November 18, 2024. Mayor Nelson called for a motion for Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting Held on November 18, 2024. Trustee Mustafa moved, seconded by Trustee Daggett.

Trustee Mustafa explained why she could not approve the minutes as written, including that “There’s several key pieces of information that are missing from the portion of the meeting that includes [her] questions to Director Carl Estelle and his responses,” which was in regard to reducing overtime/ back-toback shift assignments in the FPD. Trustee Mustafa also asserted that “The minutes omit any reference to the concerns voiced by Director Estelle about overtime and... back-to-back shifts.”

Mayor Nelson noted that the minutes were not meant to be a transcript of the Village Board meetings and that the minutes are to provide the intention of the discussion.

Trustee Mustafa noted that she understood the summary, commended Clerk LoGalbo for always creating very comprehensive minutes, and understood that not every detail of the meeting could be included in the minutes. Trustee Mustafa explained her concern to include Director Estelle’s comments being reflected accurately.

Trustee Bradley-Scott agreed in summary with the accuracy of Trustee Mustafa’s statement and that it was important to understand and underscore the personnel concerns and comments from the discussion on the issue.

Trustee Driscoll noted that the discussion from the previous Board meeting was not about overtime hours and was about vehicle break-ins in the community and that the minutes were good to approve as is. 

Mayor Nelson called for a vote on the motion as presented. Motion passed by a roll call vote.

AYES: Trustees Daggett, Driscoll, and Lofton, and Mayor Nelson.

ABSENT: Trustee Mitros

ABSTAIN: None

NAYS: Trustees Bradley-Scott and Mustafa.

Reports of Committees, Commissions and Boards:

Mayor Nelson referred to Agenda Item #5 – Adoption of the Community Relation’s Commission Purpose and Intent. Mayor Nelson called for a motion to table the Adoption of the Community Relation’s Commission Purpose and Intent. Trustee Daggett 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, and Mustafa.

ABSENT: Trustee Mitros

ABSTAIN: None

NAYS: None

Action Items:

None.

Discussion Items:

None.

Other Business:

Trustee Mustafa thanked the Flossmoor Police Department as they have a lot on their plate and commended the working relationship of the command staff and all that they are doing to serve the residents.

Trustee Bradley-Scott noted that the recent Thanksgiving Service that Mayor Nelson was a part of in Flossmoor was very nicely done, welcoming, and inquired about whether it was a Village event or a Mayoral event in terms of who sponsored the event because, as a candidate for Mayor she was told that the Village and Mayor’s seat could not co-mingle.

Mayor Nelson responded that the Village did not sponsor the event and that she worked with local pastors and faith leaders to put the community event together at All Nations Community Church in Homewood. She noted that the event had a 52-year tradition and that she has participated in the event for the last three years as a representative of the Village of Flossmoor. 

Trustee Daggett stated that after speaking with Public Works Director Brunke regarding the grading of the detention basin, there was an update and asked if Mr. Brunke could provide an update. Trustee Daggett also apologized for previously referring to Acting Police Chief Taylor as Deputy Chief Taylor.

Public Works Director Brunke explained that the contractor provided the required topography information for the bottom of the basin, noted that the grading is not correct and will be corrected, that the contractors were finishing up punch-list items, that the Village had not paid out the contractors in full yet, and that the school will be notified when the grading work is going to be done.

Trustee Lofton complimented the lights in downtown Flossmoor and noted that other people had shared compliments with him as well.

Clerk LoGalbo noted that in reference to Trustee Mustafa’s comments about the minutes from the previous Village Board meeting, Clerk LoGalbo noted that the minutes are not a transcript, that she should actually summarize more than what she does, and that Trustee Mustafa’s comments, including about Director Estelle’s job description and the mention of Commander Filkins’ name, went beyond the scope of the discussion at issue from the previous Village Board meeting in the minutes.

Village Attorney Kathi Orr noted that her report would be in Executive Session with regard to pending litigation and real estate matters and that she would not be asking for action until a subsequent meeting.

Village Manager Bridget Wachtel also noted that the holiday lights in downtown Flossmoor were beautiful and that there was a small crew from Public Works who take great pride in putting up the lights every year.

She thanked the Public Works Department for their work on making the season festive in the Village.

Mayor Nelson congratulated Sergeant Mark Cagle for graduating from Northwestern University’s Center for Public Safety in the Executive Management Program and thanked him for continuing his education.

Mayor Nelson also thanked Public Works and other staff and community partners for their work on Holiday

Lights on a very cold Small Business Saturday.

Mayor Nelson reminded people to continue to support and shop at the Village’s small businesses, which add vibrance to the Village year-round and at the Village’s events.

Mayor Nelson thanked the Finance Department for working hard to modernize the Village’s services, including the purchase of vehicle stickers and pet tags online in the Spring and daily parking passes online in the near future.

Mayor Nelson noted that there was a lot going on with economic development, and she planned to have an update at the next Village Board meeting. She recently met with the Meijer broker, and they were happy to hear about new developments that have taken place and that the Village is working on. Meijer also has some out lots by the Flossmoor Meijer that they are going to start pushing out. Mayor Nelson noted that she, along with staff, recently met with a group regarding a restaurant and outdoor entertainment space on Governor’s Highway and that they were going to keep working hard on economic development opportunities.

Mayor Nelson referred to Agenda Item #6 – A Motion to go into Executive Session to Discuss the Employment of Specific Individuals, Property Acquisition and Litigation. Mayor Nelson called for a motion to Move into Executive Session to Discuss the Sale of Village Property and Pending Litigation. Trustee

Driscoll so moved, seconded by Trustee Daggett.

Mayor Nelson called for a vote on the motion as presented. Motion passed by a roll call vote.

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

ABSENT: Trustee Mitros

ABSTAIN: None

NAYS: None

Mayor Nelson noted that the Board would be adjourning after Executive Session, thanked everyone for coming, and wished them a festive next couple of weeks.

The Board entered executive session at 8:21 p.m.

The Board returned to open session at 9:25 p.m.

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 Lofton, 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 9:26 p.m. 

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