Bob Bernhart

The Board of Trustees meeting covered several key agenda items, including a proclamation recognizing March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. The board discussed the proposed Canopy Connection Neighborhood Registry Program, deliberated on Highway Authority Agreements and Limited Environmental Indemnity Agreements regarding environmental contamination at two sites on Chicago Avenue, and reviewed a report on citizen commission vacancies. Furthermore, the board addressed the Sustainability Fund's deficit, exploring various revenue options such as increasing the bag fee, shifting staff costs to the General Fund, and establishing a home electrification loan program.

The board discussed several items, including public comment regarding local signage issues and the approval of proclamations honoring Faith Julian and the Julian Family, as well as Sandra & David Sokol. Consent agenda items were passed, covering an amendment to an independent contractor agreement for emergency water and sewer repairs and the adoption of an ordinance for a special use permit at 6209 North Avenue. The meeting featured presentations on the Shape Oak Park - Missing Middle Housing Zoning Ordinance update project, focusing on housing goals, equity, and public engagement, and a session on the history and economic impact of historic preservation in the village. Additionally, the board adopted a resolution regarding grant agreements for CDBG funding.

The board addressed public concerns regarding building height standards in the hospital district and reviewed reports on 2025 pedestrian stop data, requesting improved clarity and standardized reporting for future data-informed policing. Proclamations were approved honoring Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. and Women's History Month. Legislative actions included the adoption of amendments to the 2026 building and construction permit fees, the adoption of the Illinois Local Elevator Safety Program, the approval of the Climate Ready Energy Rebate Program guidelines, the renewal of a parking maintenance contract, and the approval of 2026 citizen commission work plans. The board also adopted a resolution for the 2026 special events fee schedule after discussing economic vitality and emergency service coordination. A review of the 2026-2028 board goals was discussed but the adoption was deferred to a future date.

This document outlines the 2026 Work Plan for the Citizen Police Oversight Committee. Its strategic objectives include monitoring and evaluating citizen complaints, reviewing investigations, analyzing complaint statistics, and maintaining logs to identify patterns of misconduct. The plan also focuses on reviewing police department regulations, monitoring diversity efforts such as the 30x30 initiative, and ensuring committee members receive training aligned with best practices in civilian oversight. Key activities involve community engagement through surveys and forums, updating the committee's website for transparency, and implementing approved oversight recommendations to enhance accountability and police-community relations.

The Board addressed several business items, including the appointment of an Acting Chair and the introduction of a new Zoning Administrator. Public hearings were conducted for two variance requests: one regarding a painted sign for a business at 103 S Grove Avenue, which was approved with a maintenance condition, and another concerning building coverage for a residential addition and coach house construction at 308 S Kenilworth Avenue, which was also approved.