Oak Park Board Meeting Roundup

Missed the Oak Park Village Board meeting on Monday? Patch has you covered with the recap.

Consultant Pick Delayed: Oak Park sustainability manager K.C. Poulos presented a recommendation for a contract with energy consultant Energy Choices to help navigate the process.

Trustees announced at the beginning of the meeting that, while they would hear from officials on a contract with Energy Choices, they would not be acting on the resolution until next week.

Beekeeping OKd: The Oak Park Village Board on Monday voted 6-1 to overturn the decades-long ban on the practice of beekeeping. .

Achievements in Public Health: The village's public health department recognized 25 honorees with a Fitzsimmons Award for Excellence in Public Health. The awards were part of National Public Health Week. Here's who was recognized:

• Ann M. Vogel, M.D., volunteering at PADS shelter clinic
• Dr. Marianne Bender, volunteering podiatry service to help homeless
• Lisa Lowry, LCSW, Parent Action Committee for Prevention of Teen Drug Use
• Rosa Choi, M.D., counseling and treatment to teens on health issues
• Jan Pate, former village trustee, advocate for public health
• Sen. Kimberly Lightford, championing Medicaid for mental health in Illinois State Senate
• Ray Johnson, village trustee, leadership in communicating men’s health issues
• Sen. Don Harmon, public health advocacy as Assistant Majority Leader of Illinois State Senate
• Robert Campbell, supervisory counselor and unit manager of opiate substitute program at Hines VA for help at Oak Park Vet Center
• Deno Andrews, retiring commissioner of Board of Health
• Ivy Lloyd, Hines VA Hospital and Operation Enduring Freedom
• Gary Sigman, M.D., Certified Adolescent Medicine Specialist, work with body image and eating disorders
• Reggie Moore, youth mentor and coach
• Deborah Pavlak, Registered Nurse/Certified Infection Control professional at Rush Oak Park Hospital
• Anthony Spillie, LCSW, Hines VA Hospital, veteran acclimation and skill development within the community
• James Kelly, Oak Park resident and advocate for men’s health issues and environment remediation
• Sharon M. Helman, MBA, Hines VA Hospital director, for redesign of medical delivery system
• Thomas Rains, R. Ph, Sears Pharmacy owner, providing easy access to prescriptions and counseling
• David Barthwell, M.D., psychiatrist/addictionologist, Hines VA Hospital
• David Boulanger, Oak Park township supervisor, addressing psychosocial needs of youth and senior populations
• Rep. LaShawn Ford, championing legislative health initiatives in the Illinois House of Representatives
• Sarah’s Inn “Step Back” Program at Oak Park-River Forest High School, facilitator Juliet Yera, providing freshman class with setting to discuss teen issues
• The Volunteer Commission and Friends of the Market (Oak Park Farmers’ Market)
• Community Group Addressing Teen Alcohol and Substance Abuse

Additionally, eleven restaurants were given Johnson Restaurant Awards, which acknowledges excellence in sanitation:

• Five Guys Burger and Fries
• Seattle's Best Coffee
• Starbucks Coffee, #13342
• Oberweis Dairy
• Subway Sandwiches and Salads, 208 Lake Street
• Starbucks Coffee, #230
• Domino’s Pizza
• Yogo Station
• Golden Lamb
• Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwich Shop
• Kentucky Fried Chicken