Village of Oak Park Board of Trustees
August 3, 2015
Maria Jepson, Observer
Find out what's happening in Oak Park-River Forestfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
7:30 Open Session
In attendance: Village President Anan Abu-Taleb, Trustees Glenn Brewer, Andrea Ott, Colette Lueck, Peter Barber, Adam Salzman (by phone).
Find out what's happening in Oak Park-River Forestfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Non Agenda Public Comment
An Oak Park resident asked if there is a policy in place to help with the removal of a large tree that has been diagnosed with Dutch Elm disease. The tree is located between two houses. No immediate answer was given, but the resident was assured that someone would get back to him with an answer.
Village Manager Reports
An update regarding the Lake and Forest parking garage was provided. It is expected to be complete by fall 2015.
Second Reading
Staff recommended updating the Village Code to clarify issues surrounding animal control ordinances. The updates reflect best practices used today and comply with the Animal Control Act of Illinois Municipal Code.
The motion passed.
Consent Agenda
Four items were moved to the regular agenda. These items were related to Fenwick High School and to the construction project located on Lake Street, Westgate and North Blvd.
The remaining items on the consent agenda were passed.
Regular Agenda
Fenwick High School has asked to for a special use permit to add a parking lot along Madison Street. After discussion of how the lot could be masked with the use of landscaping, the motion was passed.
Public Comment
The owner of Shirtworks on Marion Street offered his opposition to the short amount of time the plan commission had to study the material related to the properties located at 1123-1133 Lake Street, 1133-1145 Westgate St and 1100 North Blvd. He asked that the board of trustees reconsider the adoption of the Clark Street’s plan on the basis that it does not meet the comprehensive plan that is currently in place for Oak Park.
A representative from Downtown Oak Park expressed his enthusiastic support for the project.
A motion to accept the findings of the plan commission was passed with the amendment that the plan commission would have an opportunity to review any changes with the project.
Two other motions were passed related to this project: portions of two alleys will be vacated, and asbestos removal from 1118 Westgate prior to the closing date of October 2015 will proceed.
Commercial Business District Presentation
One of the owners of the new business known as Noble Kinsman Brewing Company, 6806 Roosevelt Rd, shared his enthusiasm for opening a business in Oak Park. The owners are working to establish relationships with retailers and with food vendors. They hope to open by November 2015 with the idea of selling their beer to local outlets while having a few menu items available to those who visit the brewery.
A resolution to authorize a contract with H&H Electric to make lighting improvements to Harrison Street was moved to the next regular meeting.
Trustee Peter Barber presided over the portion of the meeting that involved granting a liquor license for a new restaurant. The restaurant known as “House Red” is moving from Forest Park to Oak Park and will operate under the name Spoon and Vine at 734 Lake Street as a full service restaurant.
