Board of Trustees — Skokie, IL
Date: 2025-05-05

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 13863
MINUTES of a regular meeting of the Mayor and the Board of Trustees of the Village of
Skokie, Cook County, Illinois held in the Council Chambers at 5127 Oakton Street at 7:30
p.m. on Monday, May 5, 2025




Pledge of Allegiance led by Village Clerk Minal Desai.

Approve Consent Agenda.
Moved: Trustee Pure Slovin Seconded: L. Levy
Ayes: Pure Slovin, Schechter, K. Levy, Robinson, Iverson, L. Levy.
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED

Mayor Ann Tennes called the meeting to order

* Approve, as submitted, the minutes of regular meetings held Monday, April 21, 2025 and
special meeting held Monday, April 28, 2025.
Omnibus vote.

Public Comment. (3 minutes per person, maximum of 30 minutes)
Mayor Tennes informed everyone that we are trying a Pilot Public Program. Starting this evening (3 min.
per person, maximum (30 minutes), then with each Agenda item up to 15 minutes per Agenda item.

Tess Cristobal would like a land acknowledgement to be read before the Board Meeting.
A student from Loyola Academy, former Fairview South student, Skokie resident, created a group and
educational policy. She requested more funds for Reading and Math for underdeveloped communities.
Richard Perlin spoke about encouraging civic duty.
Elline Eliasoff, Rich Evonitz, Jerry Kaye, Brian Levinson, Dave Rahija,-President, Endeavor, Habeeb
Quadri-Muslim Community, Steve and Cindy Franklin, Khem Khoeun, Jeff Burman, Jason Amrani,
Marisa Rubin, and Minal Desai thanked Michael Lorge.
These members of the community, local business leaders, and elected officials took time during
the meeting to express their appreciation for Michael’s years of dedicated service. Speakers
highlighted his unwavering commitment, leadership, and positive impact on both the
organization and the broader community. Their remarks reflected a deep respect and gratitude for
his contributions and institutional knowledge as Corporation Counsel and wished him the best in
his retirement and next chapter.

Recognition and Honorary Presentations.

Laura Fine, State Senator thanked Michael for this service and read a letter form Governor Prtizker
congratulating Michael Lorge.
Ram Villivalam-Illinois State Senator thanked Michael for his service as a colleague and friend.
Kevin Olickal-State Representative thanked Michael for his institutional knowledge , guidance, support
and work in Skokie
Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz Ram Villivalam, Laura Fine and Kevin Olickal presented a Joint Proclamation
to Michael Lorge.
Josina Morita-Cook County Commission, friend and resident thanked Michael for building bridges,
reaching out and filling the gaps.
Trustee Pure Slovin congratulated Michael Lorge on his dedication, leadership, collaboration and vision.
She expressed that it was a privilege to serve with him.
Trustee Robinson thanked Michael Lorge for his years of service, his commitment and the legacy he
leaves behind.
Talia Gevaryahu congratulated Michael Lorge for his leadership and thanked him for all he has
done to make Skokie the thriving community we are.
Rabbi Rachel Marks and Rabbi Ari Hart congratulated Michael Lorge and all the Trustees and
thanked Michael for his collaboration, innovation and the empowerment of others.




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Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Trustees
Monday, May 5, 2025 Page Two

*Approve Voucher List #24-FY25 of April 21, 2025.
Omnibus vote.

Proclamations and Resolutions.
A. Proclamations
 Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month - May 2025
Mayor Tennes read the Proclamation honoring Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander’s
and urge all residents to join this celebration recognizing their infinite contributions to our great Village.
 Emergency Medical Services Week - May 18 – 24, 2025
Mayor Tennes read the Proclamation proclaiming Emergency Medical Services Week and encourage the
community to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities.
 Honoring Corporation Counsel Michael M. Lorge
Mayor Tennes read a Proclamation on behalf of the residents extend congratulations and thanks to
Michael M. Lorge for his distinguished record of service, accomplishments and contributions, not only as
Corporation Counsel but throughout his 30 years of public service and wish him a most enjoyable
retirement.

Mayor Tennes recognized that it is also Jewish Heritage Month and a Proclamation will be on
May, 19, 2025

Appointments, Reappointments and Resignations.
 A. Swearing in of the following personnel by Helene Levine, Vice Chair of the Board of
 Fire and Police Commission:
 Name Old Position New Position
 Brad Zabadal Firefighter Lieutenant
 Michael Sanders New Hire Firefighter
 Mayor Tennes congratulated the new Lieutenant and new Firefighter who introduced their family and
 friends.

*B. Resignations
 Public Arts Advisory Committee: Tammi Finestone and Susie Lorge

Omnibus vote.

Report of the Village Manager.
*A. Resolution 25-5-R-1596
Motion to appoint Mayor Ann Tennes as the Village’s Director to the Solid Waste Agency of
Northern Cook County.
Omnibus vote.

* B. Resolution 25-5-R-1597
Church Street Bike Lanes (Linder Avenue to McCormick Blvd.)
Motion to approval of Prepared Resolution Authorizing the Execution of the Supplemental Local Public
Agency Amendment #2 Agreement for Federal Participation with the State of Illinois.
Omnibus vote

*C. Motion to award a contract for 2025 Water Main & Sewer Rehabilitation Improvement
Project to Joel Kennedy Constructing Corp., Waukegan, Illinois - $8,366,255.
Omnibus vote

*D. Excess Liability Coverage for Fiscal Year 2026 – Gallagher – METIS/Genesis/
Companies.
Motion to award a contract to Gallagher-METIS/Genesis/Arch Companies for excess liability
coverage for Fiscal Year 2026.
Omnibus vote

*E. Purchase of Two (2) Walk-In Step Vans – TransChicago Truck Group, Elmhurst, Illinois –
$146,686 and Morgan Olson LLC, Sturgis, Michigan - $84,266.
Motion to award a contract to TransChicago Truck Group, Elmhurst, IL in the amount of
$146,686 for purchase of two walk-in step vans.
Omnibus vote



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Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Trustees
Monday, May 5, 2025 Page Three

* F. Purchase of Animal Control Van and Storage Unit – Currie Motors, Frankfort, Illinois –
$59,064 and Mavron Inc., Warsaw, Indiana - $43,839.
Motion to award a contract to Currie Motors, Frankfort, Illinois in the amount of $59,064 and
Mavron, Inc., Warsaw, IN in the amount of $43,839 for purchase of Animal control van and
storage unit.
Omnibus vote

*G. Resilient Wedge Gate Valve – Mid-American Water, Wauconda, Illinois - $44,259.
Motion to award a contract to Mid-American Water, Wauconda, Illinois -$44,259 for Resilient
Wedge Gate Valve.
Omnibus vote

*H. Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations – Carbon Day EV Charging, Wheeling, Illinois –
$40,156.50.
Motion to award a contract to Carbon Day EV Charging, Wheeling, Illinois-$40,156.50.
Omnibus vote

Report of the Corporation Counsel.
FIRST READING
A. An ordinance amending Chapter 10 of the Skokie Village Code pertaining to the retail
sale of alcoholic liquor. Item A is on the agenda for first reading. The second reading will be on
May 19, 2025.

UPDATE
 B. An update concerning the status of the 4930 Oakton Street property litigation and the Village of
Skokie’s recently filed Motion to Expedite.
Corporation Counsel Lorge gave an update of 4930 Oakton. There are multiple lawsuits against E&M
Skokie LLC by subcontractors. The lender has filed a foreclosure action against the developer because of
E&M default on its construction loan. The Village is monitoring the situation closely. Concern were
raised about the safety of the structure and the impact of weather. The Village has conducted annual
inspections of the structure. Skokie attempted to engage in the suit to expedite the court’s handling of the
matter but was denied due to the lack of an arbitration clause in the original loan documents.
Emi Yamauchi questioned about the time line of the project and financial responsibilities.
Manager Lockerby responded that in 2017 the project started. After Covid, the project went into
problems after costs went up. Going forward it is good practice to ensure that the document
between developer and the lending institution are reviewed to minimize the exposure to external
factors.
Corporation Counsel Michael Lorge left the meeting and Assistant Corporation Counsel Barbara
Mangler continued on any legal matters.

New Business.
Trustee Pure Slovin spoke about the Hefty ReNew Program-collecting hard-to-recycle
plastics that
existing programs don’t accept.
Trustee Robinson expressing about public safety, especially during Prom season.
Trustee Schechter recognized the Older Americans Month.
Mayor Tennes recognized our community partner Skokie Park District and Health and
Human Services who uplift senior in our Community,

Plan Commission.
 A. Plan Commission Case 2025-02P – Special Use Permit: 8046 Ridgeway Ave.
Plan Commission concurred with staff’s recommendation to grant the special use permit
subject to all conditions.
Moved: Trustee Pure Slovin Seconded: Robinson
Ayes: Pure Slovin, Schechter, K. Levy, Robinson, Iverson, L. Levy
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED




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Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Trustees
Monday, May 5, 2025 Page Four



 B. Plan Commission Case 2025-03P – Planned Development Site Plan Approval:
5701 Oakton Street, 7700 Gross Point Road and 7720 Gross Point Road.
Motion to approve the request from Community High School District No. 219 for a site
plan approval for a 4-lot planned development at 5701 Oakton St, in an R2 Single-Family
zoning district and at 7700 Gross Point Road and 7720 Gross Point Rd, in an M1 Office
Assembly Industry zoning district, approved subject to all conditions.
Ken Florey attorney representing 219 answered questions concerning-sustainability
efforts, solar panels, geo-thermal heating and permeable pavers.
Trustee Schechter was concerned about the removal of trees. Johanna Nyden, Community
Development Director spoke about different landscaping for the safety of schools. The
architect will supplement for trees lost.
Corporation Counsel Michael Lorge left the meeting and Assistant Corporation Counsel Barbara Mangler
continued on any legal matters.
Moved: Trustee Iverson Seconded: L. Levy
Ayes: Pure Slovin, Schechter, K. Levy, Robinson, Iverson, L. Levy
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED

Public Comment. (3 minutes per person, maximum of 30 minutes)
Lauren Grodnicki presented a Power Point presentation on “ Adding to the Water Storage
Conversation.”
Public Comments by email.
Howard Sproull-CO2 is pollution?, CO2 is plant food.
Emily White-Dangerous Streets
Jaimie Kurian-Skokie Letter to the Director of Engineer-replacing yield signs for stop
signs at some intersections.
Joseph Nowik-support for D219’s Niles Central and Niles West Facilities.
Mr. Jinsky Jean Pois-In Memoriam Pope Francis (1936-2025)
Pam Austin-Rat Problem

Adjournment.
Motion to adjourn at 9:50 p.m.
Moved: Trustee Pure Slovin Seconded: Robinson
Ayes: Pure Slovin, Schechter, K. Levy, Robinson, Iverson, L. Levy
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
 Approved:

 ___________________________
 Village Clerk


Approved:

----------------------------------
Mayor Ann Tennes




Items marked with an asterisk (*) indicate they are part of the Consent Agenda that contains routine items or items which have already been
discussed by the Mayor and Board at a previous public meeting and require a second reading. Items on the Consent Agenda are passed in one
vote at the beginning of the Board Meeting. Prior to the vote on the Consent Agenda, the Mayor will inquire if there is any matter which anyone




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wishes to remove from the Consent Agenda. If there is an item on the Consent Agenda which you wish to address, please inform the Mayor at
that time you wish to remove it from the Consent Agenda.




__________________________
Items marked with an asterisk (*) indicate they are part of the Consent Agenda that contains routine items or items which have already been
discussed by the Mayor and Board at a previous public meeting and require a second reading. Items on the Consent Agenda are passed in one
vote at the beginning of the Board Meeting. Prior to the vote on the Consent Agenda, the Mayor will inquire if there is any matter which anyone
wishes to remove from the Consent Agenda. If there is an item on the Consent Agenda which you wish to address, please inform the Mayor at
that time you wish to remove it from the Consent Agenda.




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