Special Meeting — Skokie, IL
Date: 2026-02-12

Agenda
Special Meeting of Village Board
Boards and Commissions Training Session
Thursday, February 12, 2026
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Skokie Village Hall
5127 Oakton Street
Skokie, Illinois
Council Chambers


 1. Welcome by Mayor Ann Tennes

 2. The Importance of Commissions and Community Government – Mayor
 Tennes

 3. The Illinois Open Meetings Act and FOIA - Steve Elrod

 4. Best Practices in Conducting Commission Meetings and for Chairpersons -
 Steve Elrod

 5. Ethics and Gift Ban – Steve Elrod

 6. An informal discussion about each Commission’s work – Mayor Tennes
 (Each commission highlights 1 or 2 items in less than 1 minute)

 7. Questions and Discussion - John Lockerby




#637990

MINUTES of training session for the Village Boards and Commissions of the Village of
Skokie, County of Cook, Illinois held in Council Chambers of the Village Hall at
6:30 PM on February 12, 2026.

In attendance were Mayor Tennes, Clerk Desai, Trustees Iverson, Lissa Levy and Pure
Slovin along with commission chairs, vice chairs and staff liaisons.

Mayor Tennes announced that Corporation Counsel Elrod would conduct a Board and
Commission training for the Chairs, Vice Chairs, and staff liaisons covering official
topics related to municipal law and governance.

Corporation Counsel Elrod led a training session covering key aspects of municipal law.
The session included discussion and case samples relevant to
municipalities.

Corporation Counsel Elrod reviewed the roles and responsibilities of commissions,
expectations for members, communication practices, and general meeting procedures.
Following the presentation, the Mayor invited each commission to speak briefly about its
purpose, current projects, and goals, providing an opportunity for shared updates and
discussion.


The training session ended at 8:30 PM.




Ann Tennes, Mayor Minal Desai, Village Clerk
 13965
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
Tuesday, February 17,2026




 Village Pfffl] of
 SKOKIE
Pledge of Allegiance led by Village Clerk M'inal Desai

Mayor Tennes asked if there were any objections to Trustee Ivsrson participating remotely. Having none,
she confirmed that Trustee Iverson would participate remotely. <'. /1
Call meeting to order and roll call. ^ ^ ..
The meetmg was called to order by Mayor Tennes. v\ '
Roll Call: Tmstees Pure Slovin, Schechter, Kimani Levy, Robinson, Iverson, Lissa Levy and Mayor '^•-,. ,
Tennes ^ - ;;
 ^'

Mayor Tennes recognized the passing of two longtime community members, Frank IppoUto, a
longtime member of the Public Safety Commission, and Deborah Arnold, a dedicated member of
the Human Relations Commission. She expressed gratitude for their many years of service to the
Village and extended condolences to their families.

Approval of consent agenda.
Motion to approve the Consent Agenda.
Moved: Trustee Kimani Levy Seconded: Trustee Pure Slovin
Ayes; Iverson, Lissa Levy, Pure Slovin, Schechter, Kimani Levy, Robinson
Absent: None
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED

^Approve, as submitted, minutes of regular meeting held Monday, February 2, 2026
Omnibus vote

* Approve Voucher List #19-FY26 of February 17, 2026
Omnibus vote

Proclamations and Resolutions

Recognition, Awards and Honorary Presentations
 a. D219 Dance Marathon
Mayor Tennes introduced a presentation on the District 219 Dance M'arathon by sponsor Dena
Lichterman, English teacher at Niles West High School.
Students Ayan Khan (Niles North), Adam (Niles North), Isabella Valencia (Niles West), and
Orly Eisenberg (Niles West) provided an overview of the student-led nonprofit, noting its 24-
year history and more than $1.2 million raised. They outlined committee structure, fundraising
efforts, and community partnerships, and announced that the 2025-2026 primary beneficiary is
the Niles Township Food Pantry, with 10% of proceeds supporting the Education Foundation.
Mayor Tennes thanked the students for their efforts in raising funds to support important
nonprofits in the community. She asked when the Dance Marathon would be held, and the
students responded that it is scheduled for May 23.
Trustee Robinson thanked the students for their presentation and encouraged community support
of their fundraising efforts.
Trustee Iverson thanked the students for their impact and leadership.

Appointments, Reappointments and Resignations
 a. ^Resignation
 Commission on Family Services: Marjorie Goran


 Public Comment (3 minutes per person, maximum of 30 minutes)
 Mayor Tennes explained that the public comment periods are for addressing the Village Board
 regarding items not on the agenda for action. Each speaker is allotted three minutes, and the
 Board will listen but likely not respond. She noted that normally they allow up to 5 speakers for
 agenda items, but for the 4600 Main Street project, they would extend to 10 speakers - 5 in
 support and 5 opposed. During a 5-7 minute break. Deputy Village Clerk Luke and Clerk Desai
 would manage sign-up sheets for speakers.


 Lauren Grodnicki spoke about energy and sustainability.

 Mayor Tennes called a recess for 5-7 minutes for speakers to sign up. The meeting resumed at
 7:58 p.m,

 638146
13966
Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Trustees
Monday, February 17,2026 Page Two

Report of the Village Manager
 a. Recommendation to Provide for a Rebate Program for Lead Service Line
Village Manager Lockerby presented a recommendation to establish a rebate program for lead
service line replacements. He noted that the Village's 2022 program capped private costs at
$3,090, with a financing option.
StaiET recommended a rebate program for approximately 230 homeowners who independently
replaced their service lines since 2022. Eligible homeowiters would receive either a $750 cash
rebate or a $1,250 utility bill credit for qualifying replacements completed &om January 2022 to
the present.
Recommendation to Provide for a Rebate Program for Lead Service Line Replacements.
Motion to concur with staffs recommendation and request Board approval of the rebate program
for lead service line replacements.
Moved: Trustee Robinson Seconded: Trustee Lissa Levy
Ayes: Iverson, Lissa Levy, Pure Slovin, Schechfer, Kimaai Levy, Robiflson
Absent: None
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED
Trustee Schechter asked how the rebate amounts were detennmed. Finance Director Prendi
explained that the $750 cash rebate reflects immediate impact to the water fund, while the $1,250
utility bill credit is recognized over time.
Trustee Robinson asked about the application process and language access. Director Prendi
stated the Village would notify approximately 230 eligible households by mail and provide an
online and in-person application process with required documentation. Village Manager
Lockerby noted website information can be translated.
Mayor Tennes summarized the three ways the village is addressing the unfunded mandate:
households along construction corridors can opt in with costs capped at $3,090; those not along
construction routes can apply for service with the same cap; and tonight's proposal provides
some equity to those who ab-eady completed work independently.

 b.* Resolution 26-2-R-1614
Execution of Intergovernmental Agreement for Technical Assistance with Chicago Metropolitan
Agency for Planning.
Motion to approve the execution of an Intergovernmental agreement for technical assistance wifh
Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning.
Omnibus vote.

 c.'ThaseIEngmeermg Services ~ Gross Point Road Resurfacing - Baxter Woodman,
Crystal Lake, Illinois - $388,000.
Motion to approve Phase I engineermg services -Gross Point Road Resurfacing with Baxter
 Woodman, Crystal Lake, Jllmois in the amount of $388,000.
 Omnibus vote.

 d.*Phase I Engineermg Services"~ Howard Street Resurfacing " Kimley-Hom and
Associates, Chicago, Illinois - $337,790.
Motion to approve Phase I engineering services for Howard Street resurfacing with Kimley-Horn
 and Associates, Chicago, Illinois in the amount of $337,790.
 Omnibus vote.

 e.;f:Purchase of One Water Division Dump Tmck ~ Transchicago Tmck Group, Elmhurst,
 Illinois - $129,631 and Koenig Body and Equipment, Inc., Peoria, Illinois - $61,786.
 Motion to approve the purchase of one water division dump truckwith Transchicago Truck
 Group, Elmhurst, Illinois inthe amount of $129,631 and Koenig Body and Equipment, lac.,
 Peoria, Ulinois in the amount of $61,786.
 Omnibus vote.

 f.*Request to Sell Surplus Vehicles and Equipment.
 Motion to sell surplus vehicles and equipment.
 Omnibus vote.

 Report of the Corporation Counsel
 Corporation Counsel Elrod reported that item e. was an ordinance making minor amendments to
 administrative sections of the Village Code, specifically to allow for an outside law firm to serve
 as corporation counsel in tandem with in-house lawyers. The in-house lawyers would report to
 both the corporation counsel and village manager,

 a. *0rdmance 26-2-C-4776
 Motion to amend an Ordinanceamendmg Chapter 10 of the Skokie Village Code pertaining to
 the retail sale of alcoholic liquor. Item A is on the consent agenda for second reading and
 adoption. The first reading was on February 2, 2026.
 Omnibus vote.

 638146
 13967
Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Trustees
Monday, February 17, 2026 Page Three

 b,;f!0rdmance 26-2-Z-4777
Motion to approve an Ordinance granting a special use permit to establish and operate an
automotive repair facility at 8255 Christiana Avenue, Skokie, Illinois in an M2 Light Industry
district. Item B is on the consent agenda for second reading and adoption. The first readmg was
on February 2, 2026.
Omnibus vote.

 c. ^Ordinance 26-2-Z-4778
Motion to approve an Ordinance granting a special use permit to establish and operate an
automotive repair facility at 7240 St. Louis Avenue, Skokie, Illinois, in an M3 Industry district,
and relief from §118-218(b)(4)(c) of the Skokie Village Code. Item C is on the consent agenda
for second reading and adoption. The first reading was on February 2, 2026.
Omnibus vote.

 d.*0rdmance 26-2-Z-4779
Motion to approve an Ordinance approving a plat of subdivision located at 5600 Old Orchard
Road, Skokie, Illinois, in an OR Office Research district. Item D is on the consent agenda for
second reading and adoption. The first reading was on February 2,2026.
Omnibus vote.

 e. An Ordinance amending the governance provisions of the Village Code concerning the
office of Corporation Counsel and the office of Village Manager. Item E is on the agenda for
first reading. The second reading will be on March 2, 2026.

Unfiaished Business

New Business

 a. Resolution26-2-R-1615
Motion to approve a Resolution Approving a Modification to the Engagement Letter for
Corporation Counsel Steven M. Elrod of the Law Firm EIrod Friedman LLP.
Moved; Trustee Lissa Levy Seconded: Trustee Pure Slovin
Ayes: Iverson, Lissa Levy, Pure Stovin, Schechter, Kimani Levy, Robinson
Abseaf: None
Nays; None
MOTION CARRIED

Mayor Tennes explained that on December 15th, the board had unanimously adopted a
resolution appointing Steven Elrod ofEIrod Friedman LLP as Corporation Counsel in a hybrid
system with existing in house Counsel. The board had continued working on an arrangement
where a majority of work would be covered under a monthly retainer. A revised engagement
letter dated February 10, 2025, with a monthly retainer agreement was now before them.
Mayor Tennes reminded everyone that the Corporation Counsel's office would come in under
budget for fiscal year 2026 and the budget would be flat for fiscal year 2027, barring unforeseen
litigation.


Establishment of a Skokie Youth Commission.
Mayor Tennes introduced the proposed Skokie Youth Commission, emphasizing the importance
of youth engagement in local government,
AIex Franz, Assistant to the Village Manager presented the proposal, noting that staff began
exploring the concept in August 2025 and reviewed models from comparable Illinois
communities. He outlmed the commission's purpose to elevate youth voices and foster civic
engagement.
Assistant to the Village Manager Franz explained the commission would include 16 Skokie high
school students, appointed by the Mayor with Board consent, serving one-year terms aligned
with the school year and meeting bimonthly, with Annemarie Benuzzi as staff liaison. He also
 summarized recruitment efforts and anticipated first-year activities, including orientation to
 Village government, participation in community events, and preparation of an annual report.
 Trustee Kimani Levy expressed support and asked about ensuring diversity. Assistant to the
 Village M.sn.ager Franz explained the proposed 16-member commission would include
 representatives &om local public and private high schools, plus at-large members, with broad
 recruitment efforts across student groups.
 Mayor Tennes noted she would share the initiative with her faith leaders council. Trustee Pure
 Slovin called it an exciting initiative and asked about the selection process; Mr. Franz stated
 appointments would follow the standard mayoral appointment process, with additional applicants
 kept engaged for future opportunities.



 638146
13968
Meeting of the Mayor aud Board of Trustees
Moaday, February 17, 2026 Page Four

Trustee Lissa Levy asked about background checks; Mayor Tennes clarified the commission
would consist of youth members with staff liaison Annemarie Benuzzi and suggested interviews
could be conducted via Zoom.
Trustee Robinson voiced strong support, highlighting the value of civic engagement. Mayor
Tennes and Trustee Iverson emphasized encouragmg participants to share their experiences with
peers.
Tom Whitaker suggested participation qualify for National Honor Society service credit. Mayor
Tennes indicated the Village would explore the idea with the schools.
The ordinance will return for second reading on March 2, 2026.



Plan Commission

 a. Plan Commission Case 2025-12P - Planned Development Site Plan Approval for
 4600 Main Street.

Planning Manager Kate Portillo presented a request on behalf of Arie Crown Day School and
Fulton Street Companies for planned development approval at 4600 Main Street.


Planning Manager Kate Portillo presented a request for planned development site plan approval
for 68 townhomes on a 3.92-acre R4-zoned site. The Plan Commission recommended approval
(8-0, 1 absent). The project meets density requirements and includes four underground
stonnwater systems.
Public benefits include two publicly accessible park areas, two public EV chargers, and
permeable payers. One relief request was presented to reduce the northern drive aisle width from
24 feet to 20 feet. The developer proposed a $450,000 cash payment in lieu ofon-site affordable
housing units. Proposed building height is 32 feet plus a 3-foot parapet (exempt).
Katie Jahnke Dale, DLA Piper, representing the developer, stated the site plan is unchanged from
2023 approval, with updated elevations featuring over 50% masonry materials and compliance
with open space and surface requirements.
Ross Babel, Fulton Street Companies, introduced the development team and stated they had
engaged with neighbors over the past sbc months. He described outreach efforts following
community meetings and email exchanges.
Fire Chief Eschner confirmed the project meets international fire code requirements and that
emergency vehicles, including the ladder truck, can access the site.
Trustee Schechter read a statement opposing the proposal, citing lack of park space, limited
community benefits, and absence ofon-site affordable housing, and requested the developer
return with a redesigned plan.
Representatives from Fitzgerald Architects outlined proposed sustainability measures. The
developer stated fmancial constraints prevent inclusion ofon-site affordable units and that added
density would be required to offset costs.
Corporation Counsel Elrod advised that requiring on-site affordable units would requu-e
returning -to the Plan Commission due to notice requirements.
Trustee Pure Slovin in support of the development, citing economic mvestment, property fax
benefits, fee-in-lieu contribution, aesthetic improvements, and reduced traffic compared to the
former school use.
Trustee Iverson acknowledged community concerns and fmancial constraints, noting the long-
term balancing of interests.
Trustee Robinson confirmed fire safety compliance and received the developer's commitment to
pursue local contractor participation.
Ten public speakers addressed the board (five supporting, five opposing):
Tom Whittaker spoke agaist the planned development.
 Brian Levinson spoke in favor of the planned development.
 Ken Marley spoke agamst the planned development,
 Tail Gevaryahu spoke in favor of the planned development.
 Lauren Grodnicki spoke agamst the planned development.
 Mark Hartman spoke in favor of the planned development.
 Dr. Sarah Franks spoke against the planned development
 Daniel Garden spoke in favor of the planned development.
 Valyn Franks spoke against the planned development.
 Mindi Zissman spoke in favor of the planned development.

 Mayor Tennes announced that public comment was closed, noting the period had been extended
 from five to ten speakers and all registered speakers were heard.



 638146
 13969
Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Trustees
Monday, February 17, 2026 Page Five

Mayor Tennes advised David Dalka public comment had now closed.
Mayor Tennes stated that if the project is approved, a draft ordinance will return to the Board.
Mayor Tennes asked Corporation Counsel EIrod to address financing protections and additional
standard provisions to be included in future land use ordinances.
Corporation Counsel Elrod stated that, should the Board move forward, the forthcommg
development ordinance will include comprehensive protections for the Village. He noted the
ordinance will require proof of fmancial viability, including loan commitments and
documentation, prior to issuance of building permits and again before vertical construction.
Corporation Counsel EIrod also stated the ordinance will include detailed construction
management requirements, mcluding on-site supervision, posted contact information, designated
truck routes and parking, fencing, and additional best-practice provisions to protect the Village
and neighboring properties.
A motion to concur with the plan commission 2025-12P - Site Plan Approval: 4600 Main Street
Moved; Trustee Robinson Seconded; Trustee Pure SIovin


Trustee Schechter moved to amend the proposal to remove the waiver permitting a fee-in-lieu
payment and instead require the inclusion of four on-site affordable housing units.
Moved: Trustee Schecfater Secoaded: Trustee Lissa Levy
Ayes: Lissa Levy, Schechtcr, Kimani Levy
Absent: Noae
Nays: Iverson, Pure SIovin, Robiuson, Mayor Tennes
MOTION FAILS

A motion to concur with the plan commission 2025-12P - Site Plan Approval: 4600 Main Street
Ayes: Iverson, Pure Slovin, Kimani Levy, Robinson
Absent: None
Nays: Lissa Levy, Schechfer
MOTION CARRIED

Mayor Temies acknowledged the difficulty of the discussion and thanked attendees for
maintaining decorum. She stated the Village would work with the developer to minimize
construction impacts and expressed confidence the developer would be a good neighbor. She
also noted the Board will review the inclusionary housing ordinance at a future committee
meeting.


Presentations and Reports
 a. Downtown Hotel Status by Rodney Lewis, Attorney for Poisinelli.
Rodney Lewis provided an update on the stalled Oakton Street hotel project. He reported
productive meetings with lienholders and contractors, with commitments to reduce or release
claims to facilitate resolution. Seven hotel developers have expressed interest. Staff anticipates
preparing a development package within approximately three months.


Village Manager Lockerby and Rodney Tonelli confiiTned the structure remains satvageable
following recent structural analysis. Manager Lockerby also clarified that $4,5 million in
previously approved TIP funding remains allocated to the project, with no fiinds spent.
Mayor Tennes noted that Corporation Counsel Ekod has been involved in the discussions,

 Submission of Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for
 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Year 2024 for Public Comment,
 Justin Malone, Neighborhood and Housing Coordinator, explained this was an. additional public
 comment period for the same CAPER report presented in December, as requested by HUD
 especially given potential federal shutdowns, No members of the public offered comments.



 Public Comment (3 minutes per person, maximum of 30 minutes)

 David Dalka referencing Reverend Jesse Jackson and asked Village leadership to focus on
 fairness and equality. Spoke about public safety concerns and community standards.
 Emi Yamauchi commented on the hotel update, asked for careful review of developer fmances,
 and concerned about neighborhood impacts from the earlier development decision.




 638146
13970
Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Trustees
Monday, February 17,2026 Page Six

Public Comments by email
The undersigned neighbors of 4600 Main St.
Ellen Weber-PC Case 2025-12-4600 Main Street/Fulfon Street Market
Dr. Sarah Franks, DNP, BSN, RN, CIC and Stephen V. Rebarchak-The 4600 Main Street
Property
Glenn McElfresh-Protecting Public Health and Small Busmess: Request for a Hemp Beverage
Carve-Out Skokie
Julie Naumiak-STR Pilot Program
L-ina Kudinok-STR Proposal
Sarah Fertig Trauben-Skokie Must Name T his For What It IS: A Hate Crime on Oct. 7th'
Lisa Gotkin-PIease vote yes for Sketchboolc to expand license
Joe Nowik-Skokie Youth Comjrmssion
Tom & Veronica Whitaker-4600 Main St.
Susan Phillips and Henry Lotsof-Public Comment for the 2/17/26 Village Board Meeting re:
4600 Main St.
Howard SprouIl-GLOBAL WARMING IS REAL!!
Arthur Linsner and Carolyn Kuechler-4600 Main Street
Rena Thompson-Development of former Arie Crown Site
Matt Temkin-PubUc Comments-2/17/26, 4600 Main
John and Daniela Larionesi-Concem about police patrolling Skokie
Kimberly Polka-4600 Mam Street: Fee in Ueu
Jinsky Jean Pois-Skokie Ethics Commission (Febmary 11,2026)
Ken Marley and the neighbors of 4600 Main St. 4600 Main St: Community Opposition Letter




Adjournment 10:17 p.m.
Moved: Trustee Pure Slovin Seconded: Trustee Kimaai Levy
Ayes: Iverson, Lissa Levy, Pure SIovin, Schechter, Kimani Levy, Robitison
Absent: None
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED



 Approved:




 Village Clerk Minal Desai


 Approved:



 Mayor Ann Tennes




 Items marked w? an asterisk {'} indicate they are part ofttie Cmsent Agenda that conlaifis foufine items or items which have alrewSy been discussed by the
 Mayor and Board af a pwvlous pubSic meeiing and fequife a second reading, items on {he Consent Agenda are passed in one wte at the bBginn'mg offtiB Boaid
 MeeVng. Prior to the vofe on She Consent Agenda, the Mayor wit! 'inquw it 1/iere is any matter which anyone w/ishes to remove from the Consent Agenda. If there
 ;s an item on the Consent Agenda which you wish to address, please infotm ?e Mayor at that Bme you wish to remove ft from the Consent Agenda.




 638146