[0:00] All right, very good. Okay. At this time, I would like to call the bill as board meeting to order this Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 7.32pm. Anyone who's speaking this evening, please make sure your microphones are on so they can hear us at home. At this time, I'll ask you all to rise for the pledge of allegiance to the flag led by Trustee Klatsko.

[0:33] Thank

[0:36] you very much, Trustee Klatsko.

[0:39] Look, Delisee, will you please call the roll?

[0:41] Trustee Klatsko.

[0:42] Here.

[0:42] Trustee Herrera.

[0:43] Here.

[0:43] Trustee Sorgon.

[0:46] Trustee Halavi.

[0:47] Here.

[0:47] Trustee Martel.

[0:49] Mayor Patel.

[0:51] And I am here.

[0:53] First item on the agenda is the approval of the minutes.

[0:55] We have the minutes of the July 21.

[0:57] board meeting by motion will prove those as presented motion by trustee Sargon we

[1:03] owe second second by trustee Diaz Herrera all those in favor sing who I

[1:07] signify by saying aye I posed tensions then it's our approved. I will turn the

[1:13] war and approval over to trustee Klatsko. Thank you President Fatel I'd like to

[1:17] make a motion to approve the war into the amount of 3 million 85,000, 54 dollars

[1:23] in four cents.

[1:25] Second.

[1:28] Any comments?

[1:29] Discussion?

[1:30] Clerk, do we see please call the roll?

[1:32] Trustee Klatsko.

[1:33] Trustee Herrera.

[1:34] Aye.

[1:34] Trustee Sargon.

[1:37] Trustee Halavi.

[1:38] Aye.

[1:38] Trustee Marto.

[1:40] And the warrants are approved.

[1:43] Moving on, the bill is president's report.

[1:45] I'm going to start this evening with a little recognition of our baseball teams.

[1:51] Here in Lincoln, what are our baseball league?

[1:53] First thing I'm going to read something written by Coach Damon Yo for his team this year.

[2:00] Cross multiple age levels and over several years, these players put together a Markable 117-13

[2:06] and two record and reached five championship games, bringing home two titles and congratulations to them all.

[2:18] Those stats don't capture the real story, the real victory is seeing these young men grow up.

[2:23] Many have been with me, Damien.

[2:26] Over three years, and thanks to your investment in our program,

[2:29] many are leaving our dugout ready for challenges

[2:31] of high school baseball.

[2:33] Thank you to Lincoln with Youth Baseball,

[2:34] the volunteers, the coaches, the sponsors,

[2:36] and the village for providing the resources,

[2:38] the facilities, and the unwavering support

[2:40] that allowed us to succeed and have fun at this level.

[2:43] You're other reason these kids are champions today.

[2:47] I'm gonna call up each one of them

[2:48] by their nickname, given to them by their coach.

[2:50] they know who they are, and then they're going to join me up here and we'll have a little bit of a celebration.

[2:56] First, the ace, Jonah Rogers, come on up.

[3:02] Iceman, Connor Kilpatrick.

[3:05] Mr. Consistent Phil No.

[3:08] Mr. Grit, Gavin Mazzick.

[3:11] Mr. Clutch, Tim Gold.

[3:14] Wheels, Braden Greger.

[3:19] The professor, Ben Baylinson.

[3:22] The student's Alec Alvarez, the heart-marist vacus, Mr. Utility, Lincoln,

[3:31] Puthus, good luck, Puthus, Puthus Aril, close enough, right? Good job, Lincoln.

[3:38] Z-Hot Corner, Zia Rogers,

[3:42] the glove-Kegan Lee, Mr. Dependable Josh

[3:47] And last but not least, the sponge, Mayor Lubin.

[3:51] Oh, we don't have you, Alden.

[3:54] Why are you on the list?

[3:55] Come on, Alden.

[3:56] Sorry, come on up here.

[4:01] I cut and paste and put into this.

[4:03] I'm sorry, Alden.

[4:05] What's his nickname?

[4:07] Oh, well, they forgot.

[4:08] I'm not perfect.

[4:09] On the spot.

[4:10] I need to have you with me here all the time.

[4:11] Sorry about that.

[4:15] So congratulations to this team.

[4:16] They won the championship this year.

[4:17] It was a fantastic game.

[4:24] Again, that overall record of 111, but they're score of 117 to 13.

[4:35] Just astounding it.

[4:36] The other team's must have been crying when they come up and see you guys.

[4:40] Anyway, I have a little bit something more from John Drew,

[4:43] who's the director of the league and couldn't be here with us this evening.

[4:47] And so he asked that I read for him.

[4:49] And so this is in John's words.

[4:50] The night I'd also like to take a moment to recognize it's tremendous success and growth

[4:54] of the Lincolnwood baseball and softball association and the important role it continues

[4:58] to play in our community. Since 2021, Lincolnwood teams have won an impressive 13

[5:03] championships across baseball and softball competing at the 10-U, 12-U, 14-U levels.

[5:09] These championships are a wonderful accomplishment for our players and coaches and reflect

[5:12] a strength of the program that has been built here in Lincolnwood. But the success of

[5:16] Association goes well beyond championships. Today Link who would baseball and softball serves

[5:21] more than 700 young athletes on approximately 60 teams playing roughly 650 games each year across

[5:27] the spring summer and fall season. The program kills children the opportunity to begin playing

[5:32] at the tea ball level and continue developing all the way up through 14 you, like you see these young

[5:36] men here. Along the way players learn not only baseball and softball skills but also teamwork,

[5:42] sportsmanship, perseverance, what it means to represent their community. Thank you all

[5:46] that too. The Association has also continued to expand opportunities for young people on Lincoln

[5:51] Wood. The addition of Buddy Ball has helped make the game accessible to more children and families,

[5:56] and this fall the Association will bring back its 16-year program, allowing players to continue

[6:01] playing together beyond the 14-year. That team will include many of these same players we are

[6:06] recognizing the light for their championship this summer. None of this happens without an extraordinary

[6:10] amount of work behind the scenes, hundreds of games and dozens of teams require coaches, volunteers,

[6:15] parents, umpires, field preparation, scheduling, and countless hours of coordination throughout

[6:21] the year so to all of you thank you. On behalf of the village board and the entire village

[6:25] of Lincolnwood, I want to thank you, the Lincolnwood baseball and softball association. It's

[6:29] important members, coaches, volunteers, parents, sponsors, and supporters for everything that

[6:33] do for our young people. Most importantly, congratulations to all of our players and especially

[6:38] our championship team here with us tonight. You have represented Lincolnwood exceptionally well

[6:42] and we are very proud of what you've accomplished.

[6:45] Congratulations, and we look forward to seeing what you all accomplished next.

[6:56] This is a baseball sign by this whole team, so I'll keep it in on display in the

[7:01] Mayor's office, and back with this new team, just with the other level.

[7:05] Kind of course again. We do a group picture for that for the news letter.

[7:10] Is that okay? Thank you.

[8:20] But actually, the next two are pretty good. It'd be good if you guys hang around.

[8:27] This one is good. A lot of you know, person that we're going to be speaking. I'd like to ask that Tim Grant come and join me as well as this year's

[8:40] Madeleine Grant, Volunteer of the Year Award winner,

[8:44] Bill Trilling, please come up and join us.

[8:53] Before we begin, I'd like to take this opportunity to talk about

[8:56] Mayor of Madeleine Grant with this volunteer recognition as named after.

[8:59] Madeleine Grant served the villagers a member of several communities,

[9:02] or sorry, committees, library board president, and as the mayor for nearly eight years.

[9:07] She was a strong believer in volunteerism, as a source of strength to a community's vibrancy.

[9:11] Will just proud to present this recognition annually in her memory. This time I'll turn I'll ask him grant if he'd like to say a few words

[9:23] and hello nice to meet you first of all

[9:26] I just want to say briefly that volunteerism is what makes communities like

[9:33] My mother believed in it as a child.

[9:35] like you're not, constantly volunteering,

[9:38] running from one place to the other,

[9:40] always making them in the dinner,

[9:42] just like the faceball we,

[9:44] it is what makes the villages like we're trying.

[9:47] Thank you.

[10:00] For our big, wow.

[10:02] Thank you, Mr. President.

[10:04] Mr. President, Cheryl Trilling has been a dedicated member

[10:08] of the link to what community for more than 25 years.

[10:12] Her connection to serving others began as an educator at Todd Hall, where she spent years teaching and inspiring young students.

[10:23] When Cheryl retired from the classroom, her dedication and passion for serving others remained within Lincolnwood.

[10:29] Gerald became involved with the Citizens Climate Lobby,

[10:35] a national organization working on legislation,

[10:38] reduced carbon emissions, and go green Illinois,

[10:43] which raises environmental awareness and works

[10:45] to create more sustainable communities.

[10:49] Through that work, she continued to volunteer her time

[10:52] in expertise with our environmental commission.

[10:56] Whether it was providing environmental insights

[10:58] through that commission, participating in community cleanups, donating items like seed packets,

[11:05] or helping make events like October Fest, even better.

[11:10] Cheryl has consistently found ways to pitch in and make a difference.

[11:15] One of the nomination for Trilling said her commitment to the community and the environment

[11:21] is a natural extension for years as an educator.

[11:24] I agree.

[11:27] Cheryl has never stopped being a teacher.

[11:31] He has always kept that spirit.

[11:35] The community became her new classroom.

[11:39] And there is a very personal connection

[11:41] to Cheryl's story that makes tonight

[11:44] especially more meaningful.

[11:46] As you could tell by that picture,

[11:48] Miss Trilling was my first grade teacher.

[11:52] I want me to just say, I remember that picture like it was yesterday.

[11:58] Now I've had at least some might say that was taken yesterday.

[12:01] Give me a little grace. It was a week and a half ago.

[12:04] So please, just to make sure the record is correct on that.

[12:08] I have very fond memories of her classroom.

[12:11] She taught us to care for our surroundings.

[12:14] Be respectful of everyone and be responsible for our actions.

[12:20] My favorite days were Friday mornings, not because the weekend was approaching, but because

[12:26] we're shrilling and I would discuss who danced the bus on ABC's dancing with the stars

[12:31] through, remember.

[12:33] Personally, it should have gone as FACC key blur and Tony Davolani that year, but we could

[12:37] debate the merits of that at a different day.

[12:40] At six years old, I may not have understood the passing impact a teacher could have on

[12:45] a student.

[12:45] But tonight, I have the privilege of honoring that teacher, who is example, that's

[12:53] how to shape the way I see community service.

[12:57] That kind of impact lives beyond the classroom that becomes a part of the community itself.

[13:04] That is truly the link of what it would weigh.

[13:08] It is who we are and it is what we do and we must never forget that.

[13:13] With that being said, Ms. Shrilling, thank you for your commitment to our environment, your dedication to Lincoln Wood, and for continuing to inspire others to get involved and give that.

[13:27] Now, if I may say Mr. President, is my absolute honor to present the 2026 Madeline Grant, the volunteer of the Yearward, to my former teacher, my friend, and a fantastic resident of Lincoln Wood, Gerald Shrilling.

[13:42] I

[13:55] can't be these are blessings or whatever you like your point versus you.

[14:00] You're not obligated. Stay more than ten minutes.

[14:04] Well, you can have a lot of the day as you know.

[14:06] Why don't you just get it?

[14:09] Well, I'd like to thank Nase's. She was an inspiration also.

[14:16] Oh, my gosh.

[14:18] I have a cute little story with I don't know if he remembers.

[14:21] He was out riding his bike one day and I was driving by. He jumps off the bike and he's going to run to the car and I was going, no.

[14:32] No, I'll come over there so I parked and you know, that's very cute. Anyway, I just want to thank everybody in the board, especially,

[14:48] and the environmental commission and I thank you very much for this honor.

[14:53] I'm truly, really, a pleasure to thank you.

[15:42] And one more proclamation, I would like to invite Trustee Sargon to join me at the podium, please.

[15:52] And actually, I'm going to ask that Trustee Sargon actually read the proclamation today on my behalf.

[16:03] First, good evening, ladies and gentlemen,

[16:07] good evening, mayor, fellow trustees,

[16:09] Lincolnwood community members,

[16:11] and a very special welcome to Bishop's Poles Benjamin

[16:14] from the Assyrian Church of the East,

[16:16] members of the clergy, and especially to the members

[16:19] of the Assyrian community here in Lincolnwood.

[16:22] Tonight, as we read this proclamation,

[16:24] recognizing the Assyrian genocide,

[16:26] we mark the 111th anniversary of one of the darkest chapters

[16:30] in a community's history.

[16:32] We remember and honor the countless

[16:35] of Syrians who lost their lives to genocide and

[16:37] mass atrocities and we recognize the

[16:39] generations who carry that history forward.

[16:43] For me, this recognition is deeply personal,

[16:46] but it's also responsibility I take very seriously.

[16:50] Over the years, I've been proud to advocate for

[16:53] greater recognition and understanding of a

[16:55] Syrian history.

[16:57] That work has included helping secure a Syrian

[16:59] genocide studies in the Illinois State Board of Education's curriculum, helping establish

[17:05] the first accredited a Syrian language course in Illinois, the first in the nation, and working

[17:11] to advance proclamations and resolutions recognizing the Syrian genocide at the State County

[17:17] and local levels. As a village trustee, it's been an honor to use my platform to ensure

[17:23] that our community's history and our story are remembered here in Lincolnwood. Recognition matters

[17:29] It honors those we lost, educate, future generations, and ensures our history is never forgotten.

[17:36] I'm grateful to my fellow trustees and the village of Lincolnwood for joining me in this recognition today.

[17:41] I'd like to welcome Marpolis Benjamin to the podium to start off with a few words, and then I will read the Proclamation.

[17:48] Thank you.

[17:54] Good evening to all.

[17:56] In honor of the Syrian martyrs, I would like to say a prayer first and then some words of thanking the village of Lincoln.

[18:06] The only father, we gathered today in your presence with humble hearts who witnessed the presentation of this proclamation in honor of the Syrian martyrs day to the village of Lincoln,

[18:18] would presented by our sister in Christ and the member of the suffering

[18:24] Assyria nation, Miss Sarguan.

[18:27] Lord, we thank you for the opportunity to remember and honor the innocent men,

[18:32] women and children who sacrificed their lives because of their fate, their dignity,

[18:39] their identity, and their love for their people.

[18:43] May their memory never be forgotten.

[18:46] He was a friend to preserve our Christian faith, our Assyrian heritage, our language, and our culture.

[18:55] And help us as this precious gifts unto the future generations.

[19:02] We pray that this occasion will remind us of the importance of unity, peace, justice and respect for all people.

[19:13] made this day be recognized by all countries and all states and by all people who work for justice and peace to out the world.

[19:25] Bless the village of Lincolnwood, its leaders, and everyone gathered here today made this

[19:33] proclamation as a meaningful tribute to our martyrs and as a reminder of the courage,

[19:41] faith and perseverance of the Assyrian people.

[19:47] We ask all this in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

[19:52] I would like just to thank Mr. President and all ladies and gentlemen that are working with him to guide, to lead the Lincolnwood Village,

[20:05] for giving this opportunity to a city and to our sister, Miss Sargon, who present this recognition of the Assyria Martyrs Day.

[20:13] I am from Iran, and we have here a series from Iraq and from Syria.

[20:21] We have been known in our own country as the religious or ethnic minority.

[20:28] So, being old minorities means you have no old rights as the majority day.

[20:36] And we are so happy and blessed to come to this very country, to the United States, to

[20:43] here and to fight or our dignity or our heritage or our history and for justice and peace

[20:53] or our people in the Middle East. And this act that we see here and over by recognition

[21:01] of the Assyria Marti days or Assyrians different aspects of that we need for to be recognized

[21:08] to be known and today we are here in this village of the link. I would like all heartedly to

[21:15] thank you for present and all trustees and people that are working with you and all

[21:19] sisters are serving for this beautiful day that you give chance to have here. May God bless

[21:25] America always and may God bless you all.

[21:36] Thank you residents. If you'll allow me, I would like

[21:39] to read the proclamation. It's a little lengthy, so please bear with me. Whereas a serious

[21:46] Since an ethnic minority group are the indigenous people of Mesopotamia and have lived in the Middle

[21:51] East, it's ancient times, including in what is today Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Syria, and

[21:57] whereas today, a Syrians also known as Caldeans and Syriacs live around the world, including

[22:02] over 600,000 who live in the United States and over 80,000 who live in Illinois.

[22:08] And whereas between 1914 and 1923, a Syrian genocide occurred during this time, the Ottoman Empire

[22:15] murdered over 300,000 a Syrian men, women, and children by methods that included mass executions,

[22:22] death marches, torture, and servation, and whereas during the Syrian genocide, also known as

[22:30] Turgs, and their Kurdish allies also systematically raped and enslaved Assyrian women and girls, forced the Syrians from their ancestral lands, and pillaged and destroyed their community.

[22:40] And whereas, the killing of over 2 million Armenians, Assyrians, Greeks, Christians, and other religious minority populations represented the culmination of a serious series of violent persecutions dating back to the late 1800s.

[22:55] And whereas, the year 2026 marks the 111th anniversary of the Armenian

[23:01] Syrian and Greek genocide of 1915, these genocides were part of a planned eradication

[23:07] of those indigenous communities by the Ottoman Turkish Empire, yet to this day Turkey

[23:12] has still not recognized those genocides.

[23:15] And whereas August 7, 1933, is recognized by the International Association of Genocides

[23:21] dollars, as the date on which as many as 6,000

[23:24] assurings were killed at the order of the Iraqi government,

[23:27] an event known as the Simele massacre.

[23:30] This massacre continued the legacy of persecution

[23:32] exemplified by the 1950s assurings genocide.

[23:37] And whereas August 7th, globally

[23:39] is observed by the assurings community as a Syrian

[23:42] and Remembrance Day or a Syrian martyr's day,

[23:45] is in remembrance of the Simele massacre and of all the persecution,

[23:48] the assurings people have faced as a result of their

[23:50] Stings and Ancient Ethnic and Religious Identity.

[23:55] Whereas, the persecution against a serious continues

[23:58] until the state and their ancestral homeland,

[24:01] where they are continually targeted by persecution

[24:03] by state and non-state actors such as the Republic of Turkey,

[24:07] the Republic of Iraq, the Kurdistan Regional Government,

[24:10] and the so-called Islamic State of Iraq or the Levant,

[24:12] ISIL, and whereas ISIL has personally destroyed cultural

[24:16] and historically significant locations and items,

[24:19] including UNESCO World Heritage sites,

[24:22] such as the Ancient City of Nimrod.

[24:24] And whereas the United States House of Representatives,

[24:27] and U.S. Senate concurrently resolved

[24:29] that, quote, atrocity perpetrated by ISIL against Christians,

[24:33] Yazidis, and other ethnic and religious minorities

[24:36] in Iraq and Syria, constitute war crimes,

[24:39] crimes against humanity and genocide, and quote,

[24:42] and whereas the denial of genocide

[24:44] is widely recognized as the final stage of genocide.

[24:47] This denial maintains impunity for the perpetrators and visa atrocities, and demonstratably pays the way for future damage to the benefits of the benefits, and whereas the resilience and endurance of the Syrian people, despite being victim of a genocide, that the Islamic State continues to perpetuate to this day is commendable and praiseworthy.

[25:06] And now, therefore, be it resolved that I, on Tersargon, trustee in the village of Lincolnwood,

[25:12] along with President J. Sopotel and the Village Board of Trustees,

[25:15] recognize the semilla massacre of 1933 as a genocide and a reprehensible crime against humanity.

[25:21] Under the memory of all the historians who have fallen victim to genocide and mass atrocities,

[25:26] and recognized August 7th as a Syrian member in state for a Syrian moderate day.

[25:30] And urge all citizens of the village to join and remembering the state-dated August 18th,

[25:37] Thank you for your time today.

[26:13] No, another round of applause.

[26:14] Thank you.

[26:19] I'm going to turn the slide report up there while I walk from here to there.

[26:22] You guys should go home.

[26:27] Sure.

[26:29] Just the president's report.

[26:30] Nothing important now.

[26:33] Thank you guys.

[26:35] Thank you.

[26:35] You're up.

[26:48] I'll never forget you, I'll never forget you.

[27:42] Let's give me one second, folks, for some

[27:59] quiet.

[28:20] Thank you, everybody, for indulging.

[28:24] I will continue with the Mayor's report.

[28:26] I have a mayoral appointment to the traffic commission of Andrew Hager to a term of May 1st,

[28:33] 2029.

[28:34] I don't have a motion to approve Andrew.

[28:36] So moved by Trustee Clatsco.

[28:39] Second.

[28:40] Second by Trustee Diaz Herrera.

[28:42] Circularly, please call the roll.

[28:43] Trustee Clatsco.

[28:44] Hi.

[28:44] Trustee Herrera.

[28:45] Trustee Sargon.

[28:47] Trustee Gosses.

[28:50] Trustee Palavi.

[28:51] Hi.

[28:52] Trustee Martel.

[28:55] And

[28:58] Sorry, I just lost track of it and the appointment is approved. Sorry. I knew it was something

[29:04] that was approved. It just wasn't sure exactly what it was. I had just called up. Moving on,

[29:09] this year marks the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001 that terrible tragedy that morning.

[29:17] The village invites residents and neighbors and community members to join us for our annual

[29:22] remember in ceremony as we honor the courage, sacrifice and memory of the lives lost on that day.

[29:28] The event will be Friday, September 11th at 9 a.m. right at our village promenade in front of the fountain.

[29:35] Please join us as we stand together in reflection and remember.

[29:41] Also coming up later this month, Marker calendar for the touch-a-druck touch-a-truck event,

[29:47] as well as the fire department's open house at Village Hall,

[29:50] We're moving back to Village Hall, the last year's venue didn't work that well, or won't work that well this year. That was at them all.

[29:57] This will be on Sunday, September 13th from...

[30:00] 1233, again, ear at Village Hall and the Fire Department's Open House as well. September 13, 1233, or the touch

[30:08] a truck. Do we have quiet hours as well for the touch a truck? I know that. Yes, from 1230 to 1. Quiet hours for

[30:15] that event will be the first half hour, 1231. So if the horns and sirens are a problem for the little ones or

[30:22] dogs or whoever come out early, so you can avoid it in the ways. Thank you very much for accommodating that.

[30:29] Like it would bloom contests is out, the village invites residents to participate in a link

[30:33] of what in bloom beautification contest, all residents are eligible and trees are due by October

[30:38] 9th.

[30:39] The application is available on the village website, you can also scan the QR code on the screen

[30:43] for more information.

[30:45] This is just to recognize the beautiful front yards that many of our residents have, the

[30:50] time that money that they spent to make them beautiful that we all benefit from.

[30:54] So, call out your neighbors and friends in town

[30:57] and help us recognize their work.

[31:01] The current art show of Gemsy Pratum

[31:03] will be on display in Village Hall

[31:04] until the end of August, Gemsy is a mixed media artist

[31:07] who creates using markers, crayons,

[31:09] and paint markers on paper.

[31:11] Does some really creative stuff.

[31:12] So, come out and take a look

[31:13] if you get a chance.

[31:16] Let's take this opportunity to thank everyone

[31:17] that helped with the Lincoln Road Fest 2026

[31:20] from the volunteers to staff, to staff,

[31:23] To staff just amazing the work that every member of our staff puts in I mean it is not an optional thing

[31:31] So you know, I would say thank you, but it's you know, you guys are violent hold to do it

[31:35] But just amazing and I know how tired you all get and how much work goes in

[31:40] But the smiles even as the last song is closing and so thank you all for all the work that you do for us to enjoy our backyard

[31:47] So much it is also your backyard as well

[31:49] So thank you, thank you to staff and I'll keep going sponsors as well.

[31:54] We appreciate you very much too, but again, thanks staff.

[31:58] This year, the event saw record crowds with estimates around 35,000 people throughout the

[32:01] four day event.

[32:02] Thank you to Parks and Recreation for the planning and managing the event, public works, public

[32:07] works with setup, take down and really everything you see out there to make it the flawless

[32:12] event that it is.

[32:13] Thank you to police department for their monitoring and making us all feel so safe and certainly

[32:18] for our fire department as well, you know, we wouldn't be our village without you.

[32:23] And then, again, every single office, the manager's office, finance, department, community

[32:28] development, everybody, if we had a taxi department, they would all been there.

[32:33] A special thank you to our 2026 sponsors, the public bank was the presenting sponsor.

[32:38] So please support them and as they keep supporting us, list of other sponsors who help to make

[32:44] the Festa are listed on your screen now.

[32:46] Please patronize these wonderful businesses

[32:48] and sponsors locally as often as you can.

[32:54] But those are the Fannie Mae,

[32:55] critical group, City Auto Group,

[32:57] Scala, Christopher Burke Engineering,

[32:59] FatPore, TapWorks, Labor Motors,

[33:00] Niles Township Food Pantry,

[33:02] Group Industries, Studio 41, Liberty Bank,

[33:05] Alzheimer's Association, Fast Signs, and Brick Air Bank.

[33:08] And also, special thanks to the tolerance

[33:11] that all of our residents who live

[33:13] around prosal park show, you know, we know this party is also in your front yard as it's

[33:18] happening. And I think it was back yard. Thank you for the tolerance. I hope you made a

[33:21] two bucks selling parking on your driveway. You won't tell the tax man.

[33:27] That almost concludes my village president's report. Just finally, I would like to wish a very

[33:32] happy birthday to my goddaughter, Reese Robinson, happy birthday Reese. I love it.

[33:37] That's the end of my president's report. Any trustee reports?

[33:45] Thank you Mayor Patel.

[33:48] As I have spent most of my life in Lincolnwood,

[33:50] I can always remember the village having some form of vehicle sticker

[33:57] or little metal license plate that we used to bolt on our car.

[34:02] I still have the one celebrating our bicentennial nail on the wall of my garage.

[34:08] For months now, the village has been notifying people

[34:11] by their water bills, by the connection letter, by emails, by social media that you are required

[34:18] to purchase a city sticker in the village of Lincolnwood.

[34:22] I'd like to thank 7,538 people that have purchased their city sticker already.

[34:31] As of September 2nd, the fee for this village sticker will be doubling, so it will now cost you $100.

[34:39] So, you have an opportunity to get in before September 2nd and still get your license tag at only a $25 penalty.

[34:50] After September 2nd, the village will be sending out notices and issuing citations to those residents that have not purchased their city sticker by that time.

[34:59] So, come on in and get the deal before September 2nd. Do your civic duty and buy your city license. Thank you.

[35:06] Thank you very much, Trustee Clats.

[35:09] Go, Trustee.

[35:09] Sorry.

[35:10] Sorry.

[35:10] You'd be the other.

[35:12] I just really quickly can't emphasize enough what the mayor has set about, like, would

[35:19] Fest.

[35:21] And really, thank you so much to our entire staff and all the employees and every single volunteer

[35:28] for this, the incredible work that you do.

[35:30] But it's quite simply amazing to watch how you do this flawlessly,

[35:37] untired and without complaints for making the events so special for us here in Lincoln

[35:42] Wood and of course all of our visitors.

[35:45] I do want to wish some of our high schoolers, some of the high schools have already started

[35:51] school this year and also to our district 74th, I believe they're starting next week and just

[35:58] and I wish everyone a great school year.

[36:02] This includes all of our teachers and staff.

[36:06] It's SC74 and of course, through all of our parents as well.

[36:11] It'll be quite a year, I'm sure.

[36:13] So, have a great school year.

[36:16] Thank you, Trustee Bias, for our Trustee Sargam.

[36:18] Thank you, just wanted to relate to the community

[36:20] that our PCCBA meeting for tomorrow has been canceled.

[36:24] And I also, I know this is the third time we're hearing it,

[36:26] but I would be remiss not to thank our entire team,

[36:29] starting with Director Hock,

[36:31] Director Welch, Chief, all of our departments,

[36:34] every single employee that helped make the link

[36:36] with us so memorable, and really run without a hitch.

[36:39] And I think most people don't see the amount of work

[36:42] that goes in behind the scenes, but we do.

[36:44] And I just want to add that this was a particularly challenging

[36:47] year for our staff with all the construction

[36:50] and changes that they had to make to adapt.

[36:53] But thank you, thank you for helping us run

[36:56] really successful event. We are creating memories. I mean, this is a core memory for me when I was a teenager

[37:03] and growing up in Lincolnwood attending the Lincolnwood Fest and we're continuing that every year,

[37:08] so that, you know, the younger generations can also have those memories. So we appreciate everything

[37:12] you do. Thank you. Thank you. And look forward to next year. All ready.

[37:17] Thank you very much, Trustee Sargana, any more trustee reports?

[37:20] And just a quick update along the lines of work behind the scenes and memorable moments.

[37:27] Turkey Trot registration is now open.

[37:30] We'll be hearing a lot more of that in the future. That concludes just a report, Board Commission, committee, reports are usually looped in.

[37:36] Those clerks report. Yes, Mr. President, I do have a couple reports first and foremost. The village clerks website has been updated with the latest election, November 3rd, information, so please check that out because the election is so closely approaching.

[37:53] I will be at the Carrington this Saturday from 9 to 12 and then from 1 to 330 I will be at the

[38:01] Linkwood place registering voters. The mayor and the village board is all invited. We are

[38:06] capping it off to two elected officials to comply with open meetings act, Oma. So please, if you are a

[38:13] not registered voter yet in those locations, please come out. I'm say hi.

[38:17] And I want to praise and wish a very happy birthday to Director Karen Hawke, her birthday is tomorrow.

[38:27] So happy birthday.

[38:29] That concludes my looks report.

[38:31] Thank you very much.

[38:32] Thank you.

[38:32] Clerk Delicia and happy birthday, Director Hawke.

[38:37] Those managers report.

[38:38] Two items, of course.

[38:39] Now I have to wish Karen a happy birthday for tomorrow.

[38:42] But I also want to echo all the compliments on Lincoln Wood Fest and just tell you something that the community is not aware of.

[38:51] So, Director Hawk who manages that event has already had the post follow up with all the key staff members to look at what improvements can be made for next year.

[39:00] So, already they're looking at what are the changes, what were some of the which is we encountered and how do we improve next year.

[39:06] So if you as any elected officials, Mayor Board have any particular things that you saw, comments, suggestions, please direct those to director hot.

[39:15] And once again, thanks to all the staff for making it such a special event for the community. Thank you.

[39:20] Thank you very much.

[39:22] And thank you very much to Mayor Gregor.

[39:26] We have any public forum requests?

[39:29] Mr. President, we do and it is Trustee Gelfin.

[39:33] Come on up, Mr. Gelfin.

[39:35] You have three minutes.

[39:37] I trust you're aware of the rules.

[39:40] Thank you.

[39:44] Mayor.

[39:45] Trustees.

[39:45] Manager.

[39:46] Council.

[39:48] For those in the audience, my name is Don Galfand,

[39:50] and an over 30 year resident of Lincolnwood,

[39:54] and one of your Niles Township elected trustees.

[39:57] It is from my later experience that I can say with extreme confidence

[40:01] that outstanding organizations are run by good leadership

[40:05] that is powered by great staff.

[40:10] I shall elaborate, from July 23rd through the 26th,

[40:14] we had a wonderful Lincoln Wood Fest

[40:16] that brought us together as a community

[40:18] and created so much joy to young and then not so young.

[40:23] This would not have run so smoothly

[40:25] without the amazing jobs of the parks, police,

[40:30] fire, public works and village administration departments.

[40:35] each and every one of them get an A plus. As an elected official, I know the importance

[40:41] and relevance of a great hardworking staff and how they can make or break an organization.

[40:49] I have had the honor to have been the fifths announcer, voiceover, MC, host,

[40:55] guy on stage, whatever for about 11 years now. And what brings me incredible joy is seeing so many

[41:02] people happy. Whether it's screaming on a ride, eating fun food, we're singing along and dancing

[41:08] to the 14 different talented musical acts. This is what makes me and I'm sure many of you

[41:16] look forward to those four days in July. I'd also like to commend our police chief for bringing

[41:22] us another wonderful national light out two weeks ago. Niles Township trusty Talesen and I enjoyed

[41:29] meeting and seeing so many of you while filling up those tasty hotdogs. Again, community is everything,

[41:36] and Lincoln would never thumbs up short. So I conclude with a hearty thank you for supporting

[41:43] these fun summertime memory making traditions. Everybody keep up the work. Good work.

[41:50] Thank you, Mr. Gelfand. Trusty Gelfand. We appreciate your help as well. That concludes public forum.

[41:58] Um, moving on, consent agenda had six items on the packet that was up, holically presented.

[42:06] If anybody would like to discuss or remove any, please raise your discussion now.

[42:11] Otherwise, I'll accept the motion to approve the consent agenda as presented.

[42:14] So moved by trustee Sarghan is second.

[42:18] That can buy trustee.

[42:19] Was that Gus's?

[42:21] Yeah, right on.

[42:23] Uh, no further discussion or to Lisa, please call the roll.

[42:25] Fussy Classico. I trust you, Herrera. I trust you, Sargon. I trust you, Gosses. I trust you,

[42:31] Holavi. I trust you, Martel. I am the consent agenda is approved. Moving on to regular business. First

[42:37] item is a consideration of a resolution of proving a change order to the agreement with

[42:40] Hussey and the landscaping income in New Zealand for the construction or renovation project.

[42:44] At Henry A. Pro's old park in the amount of $31,315. Do you have a presentation for us, Ms. Fock?

[42:51] I do. Fantastic.

[43:01] And then you're going to present on lead service. I could have made something up.

[43:07] Maybe we'll say that for another board meeting. Okay. Makeups.

[43:12] As everyone is aware, we are currently under construction in Prozel Park, hopefully coming to a close very, very soon.

[43:18] In, in the bid documents late in the game, we added six alternate bids, and in those alternate

[43:29] bids, one pathway was inadvertently left out of the scope of the project. That is, and I'll

[43:37] show you on the next screen, but it was identified by the contractor on in early August. The paths

[43:44] scheduled to be renovated next week, whether permitting. So it was identified thankfully in advance

[43:53] of that. We requested that the contractor submitted change order and the amount is $31,315

[44:03] to restore the path. You can see this this path right here connects to the inline skate court

[44:10] and comes all the way around by the fire department up to Lincoln Avenue. This is the path

[44:15] that was missed and the documents. I didn't catch it. I didn't notice it when the documents went

[44:22] out so that is an error on my part. But so the request is to approve a resolution approving the change order

[44:31] in the amount of $31,315 to renovate that path so that it matches the rest of the paths in part.

[44:39] Can I ask questions, board?

[44:41] Mr. Martell?

[44:43] No.

[44:43] Motion?

[44:44] Well, I mean, I can make a motion.

[44:47] I mean, I appreciate you taking the blame for it.

[44:50] But the designer is the one that pulled together the big package.

[44:54] So, thanks.

[44:56] I'll make a motion to approve the motion.

[44:58] Mr. Martell.

[44:59] Mr. Martell.

[45:00] Thank you for your discussion. Click to see please call the roll.

[45:04] Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye.

[45:10] Trustee Halavi. Aye. Trustee Martel. Aye.

[45:13] And the motion carries.

[45:15] Item number eight is consideration of resolution, ratifying,

[45:18] engagement of Grossman and Kelly L.A.P. is special counsel for the village.

[45:21] We present by not Natalie.

[45:24] I don't see Natalie anywhere.

[45:25] No. Don Welch.

[45:26] Thank you, Mayor.

[45:28] Apologies, Natalie did go home sick today and hopefully I can do it just as in this

[45:34] brief presentation.

[45:40] So, village has been presented with an opportunity to participate in a drinking water

[45:44] settlement tied to federal litigation regarding the PFAS and PFAS or forever chemicals

[45:53] that have been studied and found in waters throughout the world.

[46:01] Since 2023, there was been some litigation where PFAS manufacturers have agreed to pay out over $12 billion combined,

[46:11] and some of those are already being paid out.

[46:14] Wanted to make an important point that our current water meets all federal standards,

[46:21] the water coming that we get from Evanston meets all federal and Illinois standards.

[46:25] This is not a safety issue. This is about preserving access to a financial opportunity.

[46:31] Eligibility doesn't require contamination systems with lower undetected PFAS levels

[46:37] or that purchased treated water for another supplier as we do from Evanston have still qualified.

[46:44] The agreement that's before you today is to keep the door open to potential financial

[46:48] opportunity with the settlement and as water regulations change. The deadlines are fixed by the

[46:58] court.

[47:03] The deadlines are fixed by the court and apply regardless of our status and we did

[47:08] not want to miss the deadline because that kind of gives us non-eligible status. Even if we

[47:15] of qualified if we didn't do and follow the directions, jumped to their hoops, we could have missed out our eligibility.

[47:23] So with this registering cost nothing today does not commit the village to any funding.

[47:29] The three potential funding sources are the action fund based on system, special needs

[47:35] fund, reimbursement for any past, has to PFAS related costs in the supplemental fund, which

[47:41] support for any future compliance costs.

[47:46] With this firm, other PFAS, or I'm sorry, with other clients with this firm,

[47:52] include, to pay a big one to pay to water commission,

[47:57] obviously, the link of what other communities that are directly connected and tied to Chicago and other water suppliers.

[48:12] Again, cost of those today, the board is being requested to ratify the engagement, the agreement

[48:18] with the engagement of Grossman and Kelly, a special counsel.

[48:22] They are only paid for, paid only if and when settlement funds are actually covered.

[48:27] Manager Gora has initially signed the retainer just so we can remain ahead of that July 31 deadline.

[48:33] So at this point, the board is asked to determine whether the bill should remain in

[48:37] settlement and formally approve the legal services agreement or withdraw.

[48:43] With that, I'll be happy to answer any questions.

[48:46] Thank you, Mr. Welch, any questions from the board?

[48:49] Mr. Properts, get our little spot in line.

[48:52] Go ahead and trust him or tell.

[48:54] I just don't understand what we're drinking waters from Lake Michigan through

[49:02] I haven't been, haven't they studied defense contamination that haven't been last two years?

[49:08] Do they know about defense?

[49:11] Yes, and they do have very, they essentially found very low levels next.

[49:15] Another thing, however, Evanston has received almost $2 million to date

[49:19] from his similar settlement or similar lawsuits against those corporations.

[49:28] They're down side doing it.

[49:31] The evil perspective, I don't know what it would be.

[49:34] I'll give you the very hyper-technical, and I would say highly unlikely downside, which is

[49:39] that if the village wanted, these are all being done largely through class action cases,

[49:44] and they'll offer from Grossman Kelly, they're pursuing that on behalf of many municipalities,

[49:47] not just Illinois as Directoral said, as I talked about it with staff and we got this opportunity,

[49:54] I suppose the village could go its own way, and maybe find a bigger share of some settlement

[49:59] they want to prove it's case.

[50:01] So is there a hypothetical, how to go

[50:05] at the end of that, go we were on way rainbow?

[50:08] Yes, beyond that, no, trust me, I don't see it

[50:10] downside.

[50:11] This is what this firm is doing.

[50:14] I think that the mayor says it's in our spot

[50:17] in the line, in case there is something there

[50:18] and no posture now in the village.

[50:22] OK, anybody else?

[50:24] Very well, motion.

[50:27] Some of my trusty sargans, second my trusty because I let he and for the discussion

[50:33] They're delicious. Please call the roll. trusty clats go. I trusty her era. I trusty sargans. I trusty gusses. I trusty Hologi. I

[50:42] I trusty Martel. I

[50:43] And the motion carries number nine on our agenda was completed at the committee of the whole. So we don't need that now

[50:49] There's no additional public form that at this miss you haven't you have no request to speak publicly. I'm good

[50:55] private only, I guess, huh? Lucky me.

[50:59] We have a request for a close session to discuss minutes of close.

[51:03] Sorry, to discuss purchase or release a property

[51:06] perception to C5 and probable litigation per 2C11.

[51:10] Do I have that motion? Motion by trustee Sargon.

[51:15] Second. Second. Second by trustee Diaz Verera.

[51:17] Clerk, do you see please call the roll?

[51:19] Trustee Klatzko. I trustee Herrera. I trustee Sargon.

[51:23] I trust the gusses. I trust the a lot of you. I trust the Martel. I and we are adjourned to executive session. I'll be home late.

Village Board Meeting

Transcript