Scott Durano

The agenda for the meeting included a public hearing for a text amendment (ZC #26-04) to update several provisions of the Zoning Code, principally to remove the Office District. This amendment involves updating regulations for Senior Citizen Housing and adjusting Bulk, Space, and Setback Requirements, aligning with the Comprehensive Plan's goal for a walkable downtown. Additionally, there was a public meeting discussion regarding the allowance of Hookah Lounges. The meeting also included citizen participation time.

The agenda for the meeting included several key items. New business consisted of considering the Cook County Class 8 Incentive Renewals for Oak Forest Marathon (15301 S. Harlem Avenue) and HD Hotels (Spark by Hilton at 4375 Frontage Road). Discussions were also scheduled regarding a Business Update, the Business Improvement Grant, and general Project Updates. The agenda also lists approval of the minutes from the November 12, 2025 meeting.

The City Council Meeting Agenda includes initial proceedings such as the Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call, followed by Citizen Participation. The Consent Agenda covers the approval of bills for FY 2025-2026, consideration of minutes from the Civil Service Commission, Fire and Police Commission, and Veterans Commission meetings, and approval for purchasing a new server for accounting applications. Further items for the City Council involve authorizing an amendment to the Code of Oak Forest regarding liquor licenses and approving an I-PASS On Demand Event. Police matters include approving a grant acceptance from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and approving VEBA Amendments. Public Works items pertain to approving a final pay estimate for M&J Asphalt Paving Co. and approving a proposal from HR Green for 2026 MFT Road Program engineering services. Community Development discussions focus on multiple map amendments (O1 to C2, O1 to C1, O1 to C3) affecting properties on 159th Street, Ridgeland Avenue, Victoria Drive, Cicero Avenue, and 149th Street. Ordinances also address amendments to the Business Improvement Grant Program, approval of a redevelopment agreement amendment, and the issuance of Tax Increment Financing Revenue Notes up to $3,200,000. The agenda concludes with sections for Old Business, New Business, Executive Session, and Adjournment.

The City Council meeting agenda includes several key items for discussion and approval. Announcements cover posthumous recognition for Bob Small and recognition for Denise Danihel's service. The Finance section mandates an Audit Presentation by Sikich for the FY 25 Audit Report and consideration of an Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances regarding City bill payments. The Fire Department items include approval for continued payment to ESO Solutions for EMS Patient Care Reporting and the rejection of all bids for the Fire Station 1 Boiler and Air Handling Unit Project. Administration items feature a motion to approve an appointment to the Senior Commission, approval of an Ordinance authorizing the disposition of surplus property, approval of a Special Event Permit and Temporary Liquor License for St. Damien Church, seeking policy direction on proceeding with an RFP due to a Cook County Water Affordability grant award, and approval of a Resolution authorizing the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding Implementing a Healthcare Funding Plan (VEBA) for the Public Works Teamsters. The IT agenda includes motions to approve 3-year and 5-year contracts with Zscaler and RapidSOS, respectively. The session also reserves time for an Executive Session to discuss collective negotiating matters, pending litigation, and the approval/review of closed session minutes.

The key discussion topics for the meeting included preliminary discussions for three separate public meetings regarding zoning matters: the removal of the Office District and rezoning office properties to Commercial; a proposed Auto Dealership and Repair at 15450 S Cicero Avenue; and a Special Use Permit request for a Church at 15815 Rob Roy Drive. The agenda also included approval of minutes from the December 3rd, 2025 meeting.