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LWV-Wilmette Eyewitness/Observer Corps
Archives Jul-Sep 2020

​​Meetings Observed Through September 30, 2020
Village Board: Sept. 8 & 22; CoW Sept. 10, Administration Committee Sept. 17, Municipal Services Committee Sept. 29
Park Board: Sept. 14; Committees: Lakefront Sept. 8, Parks & Recreation Sept. 14, Financial Planning & Policy Sept. 21
D39 in person meetings: BoE Sept. 21 (viewed remotely); CoW Sept. 14 (heard audio recording)
D203 BoE in person meeting: Sept. 21(viewed remotely)
Library Board: Sept. 15
Township:  Board meeting and Annual Town Meeting Sept. 29 (viewed recordings)
 
Board and Committee Meeting Highlights
  • COVID-19. The D39 and D203 BoEs heard from administrators on the start of a school year like no other; both school districts started school 100% remotely and are at different stages of transitioning to at least some in-person learning for those opting for it. Both districts have metrics dashboards on their websites showing what goes into the decision making.  Other boards also discussed COVID-19 impacts on finances and/or programs.
  • Village Boards and Commissions. The Village Board’s Administration Committee finished its review of boards and commissions and expects a report to the Village Board at its October 13 meeting, which is expected to include recommendations on rechartering the Housing and Human Relations Commissions and on the appointment and selection process for all Village boards and commissions.
  • Shoreline Protection, Gillson Master Planning, Potential Community Playfield (CPF) Improvements/Amenities, Golf Course Cart Path.  The Park Board and committees discussed all these matters.
See more detail on these and other happenings below for each board we follow.
 
Village Board
  • The Village Board amended and extended its previously issued Eighth Amended COVID-19 Declaration of Emergency  at both of its September meetings.
  • Village staff on Sept. 22 presented to the Village Board its monthly report on the impact of COVID-19 on the Village’s General Fund , updated with financial results through August.  This month the report also included an update on the other major operational funds in the Village budget: Water Fund, Sewer Fund and Parking Meter Fund.
  • The VIllage Board kicked off its FY2021 Budget process with a committee-of-the-whole on Sept. 10 to consider the 2021-30 capital program, focusing on the 2021 capital plan.  The VIllage has a calendar year fiscal year. The meeting packet contained more detailed information on the capital program.
  • The Village Board on Sept. 8 gave Village staff the nod to continue planning for Phase 2 of the Neighborhood Storage Project at Hibbard Park  and on Sept. 22 voted to allow staff to negotiate a no-bid contract with StormTrap  for the pre-purchase of pre-cast concrete units to be used in the project.  Expected next step: Vote on a proposed StormTrap contract on Oct. 13. Final board approval on Phase 2 construction contracts (if successfully negotiated) expected Oct./Nov. for a Jan./Feb. construction start date. The Park Board must also sign off on the final plans (see below on the Park Board’s consideration of the plans).
  • The Administration Committee had its fourth and final meeting on its review of Village boards and commissions, this one involving first a discussion on the Human Relations Commission mission and then focusing on the appointment and selection process . The Village’s summary of the committee’s recommendations on boards and commissions were posted on the Village website; the recommendations are expected to be presented to the Village Board on October 13.
  • The Municipal Services Committee voted to recommend that the Village Board adopt the Master Bike and Active Transportation Plan. This plan had previously been recommended for approval by the Transportation Commission.
 
Wilmette Park Board
  • The Lakefront Committee and Park Board discussed the process for consideration of long-term shoreline protection options provided in written form in early August to the Park District by SmithGroup, an outside consultant.  With some Commissioners citing the importance of shoreline protection, they decided on a committee-of-the-whole for SmithGroup to present on the options.  That committee-of-the whole  meeting has been set for Oct. 8; as of this writing the SmithGroup document setting forth the options has not yet been posted on the Park District website.  
  • The Lakefront Committee and Park Board discussed the Gillson Master Planning process, which is expected to get underway with two “walk the beach” sessions with outside consultant Lakota Group: one as a committee-of-the-whole for Lakota Group to hear primarily from Commissioners and one as a staff-led public input session for Lakota Group to hear from the community.
  • The Parks & Recreation Committee continued its consideration of potential improvements/amenities at Community Playfields, which would be funded by the Village as part of the Neighborhood Storage Park project that involved construction at that park this past summer. The committee heard from staff on a community survey and 2 staff-led community input sessions and also heard several public comments at the meeting; the Park Board also heard public comments on it. Amenities/improvements under consideration include running-water restrooms, a fitness path and landscaping.  Next step:  At the Parks & Recreation Committee meeting on Oct. 7, staff expected to suggest possible locations for the potential restrooms and fitness path and the committee to continue to hear public input.
  • The Park Board heard a presentation from the Village on its pre-final plans for Phase 2 of the Village’s Neighborhood Storage Project at Hibbard Park.  Next steps: Final plans are expected to be completed in early October and voted on by the Park Board in October.
  • The Park Board voted 5-2 to direct staff to proceed with a $900K continuous cart path project at Wilmette Golf Club  utilizing a 20-year operational debt model. The decision is not yet final: the Park Board will still have to vote on the construction contract (project not yet bid at time of meeting) and bond issuance, and staff reports at later committee meetings indicated that 20-year debt may not be an option. This project differs from other capital projects that had been deferred in that this project is expected to be revenue generating.
  • The Financial Planning & Policy Committee heard a presentation from Supt. of Finance Sheila Foy on the August Income Statement and FY2020 Projections  and the Capital Spend Planning For Remainder of 2020 , all impacted by COVID-19; the capital spend document has not yet been updated for the Wilmette Golf Club Cart Path installation.
  • The Financial Planning & Policy Committee heard from staff on documentation and information it is gathering for the committee as the committee embarks on a review of the district’s diversity and inclusion policies.  Next step: At the October 19th Financial Planning & Policy Committee meeting, staff to present that documentation/information.
 
New Trier High School D203 BoE
  • The administrative staff gave to the BoE a presentation on New Trier’s Reopening and Operational Plan.  There also was a memo from Supt. Sally on reopening in the BoE meeting packet. The school year started in August with all students learning remotely and, at the time of the meeting on Sept. 21, learning was still 100% remote for most students (students in the Educational Life Skills and Transitions program had been brought back to campus the prior week). Supt. Sally said at the meeting that he expected consideration during that week whether metrics support moving to Step 4 on the reopening ladder, or the 25% hybrid model, on Oct. 6 for students opting for in-person learning (some students opted for 100% remote). One component of the plan is a Reopening Advisory Board (RAB) to give input, assess metrics and make recommendations as the district considers whether to move between steps on its reopening ladder for in-person learning. The RAB page on the district website includes a metrics dashboard to show what is guiding decision-making.  All reopening decisions ultimately rest with the Superintendent and the BoE.  Subsequent to the meeting, Supt. Sally announced on Sept. 25 that in-person learning would move to Step 4 (25% hybrid) on the reopening ladder on Oct. 6.
  • The BoE approved the D203 Fiscal Year 2020-21 Budget after a public hearing on the same. The D203 fiscal year started on July 1.
  • The 2020-21 administrator and faculty compensation report was presented to the BoE.
 
Wilmette Public Schools D39 BoE
  • Supt. Cremascoli updated the BoE both on the enhanced remote learning program, which some students have opted for, and the transition to in-person learning for those participating in in-person learning.  She reported on what had then been the most recent Metrics Reopening Advisory Team (MRAT) meeting (Sept. 18), which ended with no consensus on in-person timing, and her subsequent decision and announcement to accelerate in-person learning for preschool-1st grade to be all in-person starting Sept. 28. She said grades 2-4 remained on-target to be all in-person starting Oct. 5, and that grades 5-8 were that week in full implementation of their hybrid mode. She reported that the purpose of the MRAT is to study school-relevant COVID-19 metrics and the District’s Reopening Plan in order to advise the administration on adjustments to reopening. For those members of the public wanting to understand the metrics better, she recommended that they look at the Metrics Dashboard on the D39 website and watch the Metrics Dashboard Overview from the 9/14/20 CoW.
  • Asst. Supt. Glowacki presented the annual D39 Enrollment Report to the BoE.
  • The BoE approved the 2020-21 Annual Plan.
  • The BoE approved a Letter of Agreement with the Support Staff Union to reflect the needs of staff as a result of the public health crisis and fall return to school.
  • Supt. Cremascoli delivered the FY2020 Administrator and Teacher Salary and Benefits Report to the BoE.
  • The Facilities Development Committee, as part of the last CoW, heard an overview/scope/baseline budget from outside consultants on potential summer 2021 construction plans for McKenzie (baseline budget: $4.6M) and Romona (baseline budget:  $3M) (mainly to make way for kindergarten enrichment at those schools) and heard that summer 2020 construction (including for kindergarten enrichment at Central and Harper)  was finishing up on time and under-budget.  We do not have a link for more detail on any of this information because D39 does not post documentation for CoWs. We understand that decisions on summer 2021 construction are not expected until January or February.
  • Ellen Sternweiler, as BoE rep to the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB), summarized the 2020 IASB resolutions report, which has been posted online, saying it includes several voting items, including 8 new resolutions (including one with respect to gun storage), 3 reaffirmations of existing positions and a new belief statement on equity. President Schneider-Fabes asked BoE members to review so they can discuss during the Strategy Committee portion of the next CoW. An IASB news posting on the resolutions report includes a link to the report.
 
Library Board
  • Director Auston gave a report on library activities, summarizing activities in the building and remotely and involving physical and electronic collections.
  • The Library Board voted to suspend a patron who had attacked two employees on Sept. 4.
  • The Library Board voted to approve the purchase of a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid.
 
New Trier Township
  • The New Trier Township Annual Town Meeting (originally scheduled for April 2020) took place via Zoom on September 29th. The Annual Town Meeting is not a board meeting, but a meeting in which township voters can attend and vote on agenda items directly as electors.  One of the items electors voted on was a citizen-initiated item that was read at the meeting (see video starting at minute 36:18) but was not placed in full on the agenda; it concerned whether to put on the spring 2021 election ballot an advisory question asking township voters whether they approve asking the US Congress to pass legislation specified in the voting item regarding a carbon fee.  Clerk Hoynes said electors at the meeting approved putting the advisory question on the spring 2021 ballot in a 10-1 vote; it was noted during the meeting that there were 38 signed in on Zoom.  The LWV-Wilmette reached out to the NTT Board and Clerk to express our concerns about the process by which this vote was conducted.
  • The Annual Town Meeting included the Fiscal Year 2019-20 financial report, which Clerk Hoynes stated was in an issue of the Courier that doubled as an annual report.
  • The Township Board approved its Fiscal Year 2020-21 Budget; its FY started on March 1. The budget that was approved was not posted in board meeting materials or on the township website as of this writing.
  • For the Township board meeting, the Social Services Administrator’s report posted in the board materials online summarized various assistance programs. The Community Services Administrator’s report in the board materials summarized the funding process for agencies and food pantry usage.
Meetings Observed Through September 3, 2020​
Village Board: August 25; Administration Committee September 3.
Park Board: Aug. 10 & 21; Committees: Parks & Recreation. Aug. 10, Lakefront Aug. 11, Financial Planning & Policy Sept. 3
D39 in person meetings: BoE Aug. 12, 13 & 24 (viewed remotely); CoW Aug. 17 (heard audio recording)
D203 BoE in person meetings: Aug. 12 & 24 (viewed remotely)
Library Board: Aug. 13 and 18
Township Board:  Aug. 18

Board and Committee Meeting Highlights
  • COVID-19. D39 and D203 modified their reopening plans; they both started school remotely and expect to gradually transition to at least some in-person learning. Other boards also discussed COVID-19 impacts on finances and/or programs.
  • Village Boards and Commissions.  The Village Board’s Administration Committee finalized its recommendations for the purpose and functions of the Human Relations Commission (HRC) and began its review of the selection process for all Village boards and commissions, including HRC and the Housing Commission.
  • Affordable Housing. The Village Board, in approving zoning variations for a multi-unit remodel of a historic property, discussed why the property would not include affordable housing.
  • Shoreline Protection. The Park Board and its Lakefront Committee both heard presentations from a consultant on short-term options to protect the shoreline over this winter; the Park Board ended up opting to direct staff to take other less expensive, in-house measures and to consider more long-term options at another time.
  • Community Playfield (CPF) Amenities.  The Park Board’s Parks & Recreation Committee discussed plans for gathering public input on potential improvements to CPF.
  • Library Budget & Appropriations Ordinance and D39 Budget. The Library Board adopted its Fiscal Year 2020-21 Budget & Appropriations Ordinance and the D39 BoE adopted its Fiscal Year 2020-21 Budget. Both fiscal years started July 1, 2020.
  • LWV-W Statement on Civil Discourse--Recognizing that some recent public comments made to various government boards have been less than civil, the LWV-W put a statement on the importance of civil discourse on its website and shared it in public comment to each of the Village Board and the D39 and D203 school boards and expects to share it in public comment to the Park Board in September.
See more detail on these and other happenings below for each board we follow.
Village Board:
  • The Village Board amended and extended its previously issued COVID-19 declaration of emergency by adopting an Eighth Amended Declaration of Emergency .
  • Village staff presented to the Village Board its monthly report on the impact of COVID-19 on the Village’s General Fund and a preview of the FY2021 Budget .  Next up on the FY2021 Budget calendar is a committee-of-the-whole on Sept. 10 to consider budgeting for 2021 capital projects, including Phase 2 of the Neighborhood Storage Project.
  • The Administration Committee of the Village Board had its 3rd meeting on its review of Village boards and commissions, this one focused on finalizing the purpose and functions of the Human Relations Commission and starting its focus on the selection process for boards and commissions. In the meeting packet were a memo from Village Corporation Counsel Stein about appointment powers  and a memo from Village President Bielinski about the current appointment process.  The committee, which has sought and received public input throughout this review, is asking for suggestions from the community for improving the appointment process to be emailed to the public comment address prior to their September 17 meeting.  The committee hopes to wrap up its work at the Sept. 17 meeting and make its recommendations to the Village Board for approval at a fall Village Board meeting.
  • The Village Board approved a special use and zoning variations to allow the repurpose and remodel of the building at 1010 Central Ave,  which was constructed in 1925 as the Wilmette Masonic Lodge, for 14 apartment units for those aged 55+. Preceding this vote, the Village Board heard from Village staff and the developer on why this development would not include affordable housing. The developer had an affordable housing consultation with Village staff, but was not required to include affordable housing or any other public benefit because the developer is going through the zoning variation process and not the planned unit development (PUD) process; the zoning variation process requires a show of hardship, but not a public benefit, while the PUD process requires a show of public benefit but not hardship. The developer said it would not be economic to provide affordable housing.  Village staff noted excitement at a historically significant structure being saved and having multiple units walking distance to downtown.​
Wilmette Park Board:
  • The Park Board considered a presentation on shoreline protection from its outside consultant, SmithGroup, at a special meeting on Aug. 21, following an Aug. 11 Lakefront Committee meeting on the same topic. SmithGroup identified to the Park Board two approaches for short-term protection in advance of the coming winter, and commissioner discussion zeroed in on the second approach to focus on trying to save south beach’s dunes, with an estimated cost of $390K; Director Wilson previewed the presentation in a memo in the meeting packet.  The Park Board ended up not voting on either approach, and instead directed staff to implement less costly, in-house, short-term strategies. Continued work with SmithGroup is expected on identifying more long-term protection.
  • Director Wilson’s report to the Park Board  and the many public comments in the meeting packet resulted in a Park Board discussion on Aug. 10 of fences put up at south beach in Gillson Park for crowd control due to COVID-19.
  • The Parks & Recreation Committee on Aug. 10 heard an update from staff on the community survey regarding potential new amenities/improvements at Community Playfields and also complaints during public comment about the structure of the survey. The Park District is considering whether to install new amenities at the park as contemplated by the Park District’s Intergovernmental Agreement with the Village regarding the use of Park District parks, including the Community Playfields, for the Village’s Neighborhood Storage Project. Park District staff is holding a meeting at the Community Playfield on September 9 to gather input on new amenities/improvements there; preregistration is required.
  • The Financial Planning & Policy Committee received and discussed the draft FY2019 Comprehensive Annual FInancial Report, which the Park Board will receive in final form on September 14. Park District staff also gave the committee an update on FY2020 Revenue/Income and Projections  and discussed FY2021 budget planning guidance.
  • The Financial Planning & Policy Committee introduced a process for reviewing and potentially modifying its policies concerning inclusion.  Next step: Staff to present current policies and potential new items at an upcoming committee meeting, possibly in October.
New Trier High School D203 BoE
  • The BoE approved a modified reopening and operational plan for 2020-21 on Aug. 12, after hearing a presentation and receiving a memo from Supt. Sally on the same.  The BoE then heard and discussed a presentation on reopening plan updates on Aug. 24; Supt. Sally also had a memo on reopening updates in the Aug. 24 meeting materials.  The modified plan differs from what was approved in July by calling for a reopening ladder that involves a more gradual move at the start of the school year from 100% remote learning into a hybrid model of in-person and remote learning and the establishment of metrics, indicators and thresholds to guide the district throughout the school year.  It also calls for a reopening advisory board, composed of parents, administrators, teacher and support staff union representatives, students, medical professionals and BoE members, to advise in establishing metrics and to guide movement along the ladder.  The BoE has received many public comments of varying views on the reopening. School reopened remotely in August. 
  • The Reopening Advisory Board called for in the reopening plan discussed above has been formed, had its first meeting on Aug. 27, and has a Reopening Advisory Board webpage.
  • The BoE on Aug. 24 heard and discussed a presentation on the 2020-21 Annual Plan, including with respect to culture, climate and equity; Supt. Sally also had a memo on the the 2020-21 Annual Plan Update in the meeting packet.  The update included results from seven subcommittees tasked this summer in reviewing the district’s work on equity and possible areas for future work. Next step: To break the subcommittees’ work into a one-year plan and an associated 3-5 year plan to be presented to the BoE on Sept. 21.
Wilmette Public Schools D39 BoE
  • The BoE approved on Aug. 24 a Resolution Approving District 39’s COVID-19 Reopening and Remote Learning Plan, as amended at the meeting. Included in the plan is a targeted timetable for starting school remotely for all students and gradually moving to some level of in-person learning, with the understanding that the timetable could change, as announced at the Aug. 13 meeting.  Also included in the plan are provisions for a metrics review advisory board composed of parents, administrators, teacher and support staff union representatives, BoE members, and medical personnel. This advisory board is to meet weekly to advise on progress related to reopening and other matters.  The BoE has received many public comments of varying views on the reopening. School reopened remotely in August.
  • The BoE adopted the D39 2020-21 Budget and the Wilmette Community Special Education Agreement Budget on Aug. 24.
Library Board:
  • The Library Board adopted its FY2020-21 Budget & Appropriations Ordinance (B&AO) on Aug. 18, after approving a tentative version in July.
  • The Library Board had a special meeting on Aug. 13 to receive and discuss a an outside consultant’s draft Capital Reserves Study (posted on the Library website with the Aug. 18 meeting materials), which projects building needs for the next 20 years and is expected to be a living document that can be updated as circumstances change.  It does not address non-building capital needs, such as information systems.
  • Director Auston gave a report on July-August library activities, summarizing activities in the building and remotely and involving physical and electronic collections.
New Trier Township:
  • Social Services Administrator’s report posted in the board materials online summarized, among other things, Angel Fund, Emergency Assistance, and General Assistance cases. The Community Services Administrator’s report in the board materials summarized food pantry usage, which has seen an increase.
  • Director Tye had distributed a draft fiscal year 2020-21 budget and financial information to Trustees prior to the meeting, which they discussed but was not posted in the board materials.  The budget may be voted on at the next meeting. Director Tye said it will not be posted on the website until approved. The Township fiscal year started March 1, 2020.
  • Trustee Schnitzer-Eisenberg made a motion to reinstate Peer Jury, which has been inactive during the pandemic; that motion was tabled until the next meeting.  The Community Services Administrator’s report (see link above) posted in the board materials detailed the reasons that the administrator believes conducting Peer Jury remotely is not feasible; Trustee Mozer suggested that the administrator be available at the next meeting.
Meetings Observed through July 31, 2020
Village Board: July 14 and 28; Administration Committee July 6 and 30
Park Board: July 13; Lakefront and Parks & Rec. Comms July 6; Fin. Comm. July 20
D39 Committee of Whole: July 20 (from audio recording)
D203 BoE: July 13 and July 29
Library Board: July 21
Township Board:  July 14
 
July Government Board and Committee Meeting Highlights
  • COVID-19. All addressed in board and/or committee COVID-19’s impact on their core programs and/or finances, including D39 and D203 with their school reopening plans.
  • Affordable Housing/Restarting Housing and Human Relations Commissions. The Village Board heard a report from staff on affordable housing and its Administration Committee reviewed the Village’s Boards and Commissions, including taking steps toward reactivating and repurposing the Housing and the Human Relations Commissions.
  • D203 Equity Report.  The D203 administrative staff gave a report on Culture, Climate and Equity, summarizing 2019-20 work and the summer equity committees’ progress so far.
  • Neighborhood Storage Project. Village staff gave an update to the Village Board.
  • Gillson Master Plan. The Park Board approved a contract with a consultant to assist the Park District with Gillson master planning.
  • Library Budget & Appropriations Ordinance and D203 Budget. The Library Board passed its tentative Fiscal Year 2020-21 Budget & Appropriations Ordinance and the D203 BoE passed its tentative Fiscal Year 2020-21 Budget.

Other Details and Happenings 
Wilmette Village Board
  • The Village Board on July 14 extended its previously issued Sixth Amended Declaration of Emergency  due to COVID-19  and on July 28 amended and extended that declaration by adopting a Seventh Amended Declaration of Emergency .
  • The Village Board approved one Economic Relief Grant Expenditure  to a Village business at its July 14 meeting, bringing total grants made to Village businesses under the program to $276K (out of $531K budgeted).
  • Village staff presented to the Village Board on July 28 a report on the impact of COVID-19 on the Village’s General Fund .  This presentation was a refinement and update of the analyses staff presented at the April 28, May 26 and June 23 meetings, and is expected to be updated monthly as the situation evolves. This ongoing analysis is expected to be a useful tool for the Village Board as it starts to consider 2021 capital projects, including whether to go ahead in 2021 with Phase 2 of the Neighborhood Storage Project.
  • Village staff on July 28 gave to the Village Board an update on the Neighborhood Storage Project , which the Village has described as the largest infrastructure project in Wilmette history.  Phase 1 reservoir/storm sewer construction at Community Playfields and Phase 1A storm sewer construction, both over 90% complete, have proceeded on time and under budget. Planning, design, public outreach, contract negotiations and Park District and Park Board engagement are all proceeding and upcoming on Phase 2 reservoir construction at Hibbard Park, expected to start spring 2021 in Hibbard Park if approved by the Village Board in September.  See here for LWV-W coverage on earlier history with this project.
  • Village staff presented to the Village Board on July 14 a report on affordable housing , specifically with respect to the law and historical and recent actions by the Village, as previously requested by President Bielinski.
  • The Administrative Committee began its review of Village Boards & Commissions on July 6  and on July 30 focused its review on the Housing Commission and the Human Rights Commission[8] , with an eye toward reactivating these two commissions and determining their roles and responsibilities.  The Village’s Meeting Summary of the July 30 meeting recaps that meeting and indicates next steps.  The LWV-W submitted letters to the committee  prior to the meetings, as did many members of the public (see here for all 2020 agenda material for this committee, including the many public comments submitted for both meetings). Village staff provided the committee with a memo summarizing residential feedback  in the July 30 meeting materials. The committee expects to meet again in August before making its recommendations to the Village Board.
  • The Village Board approved on July 14 a $93K  Owner’s Representative Services Contract in connection with the Central Ave & Downtown Streetscape Project[ ; phase 1 construction on Central Ave. between Green Bay and Sheridan Rds. is expected to take place August-December 2020. Per the meeting packet, the Owner Representative’s primary role will be to respond to and resolve stakeholder concerns with the project; stakeholders are identified as including downtown businesses, Wilmette Public School District 39, PACE and residents.
  • The Village Board on July 28 voted to put an advisory referendum on the November ballot asking the question: “Shall the retail sale of adult use recreational cannabis be permitted within the Village of Wilmette at a business licensed by the State of Illinois?” This vote followed staff presentations on July 14 and 28 and Trustee discussion on July 14. See staff memo on the cannabis referendum  from the July 28 meeting packet.
 
Wilmette Park Board
  • The Park Board approved a design services contract in connection with the Park District’s master planning for Gillson Park.  The Park District is also working with a consultant on a shoreline erosion plan and staff indicated that the consultant will report on shoreline protection options at the August 10 Park Board meeting.
  • Park District staff presented to the Park Board on Park District financial results through May   and to the Finance and Policy Committee on Park District financial results through June, both with projections for the remainder of 2020 under alternative COVID-19 scenarios. Staff also reported on the timetable for the 2019 audited financials:  a draft is expected for review by the Finance and Policy Committee at its August committee meeting and a final version is expected to be voted on by the Park Board at its September meeting.
  • Park District staff reported to the Lakefront Committee and then to the Park Board on crowding and social distancing issues at the south beach at Gillson Park, leading staff to recommend fencing and signage there to make that portion of the park for walking only.  Other COVID-19 related programming and facility changes were discussed at the Parks and Recreation Committee and the Park Board meetings.
  • The LWV-W made a public comment to the Park Board encouraging a public statement affirming a commitment to the diversity and inclusion values of Wilmette and a review of its mission statement and policies to include people of all races and socioeconomic backgrounds.
  • The Parks and Recreation Committee discussed a process for gathering public input on amenities for Community Playfields as part of the Village’s Neighborhood Storage Project , and gave input to staff on a survey to gather that input.  Similar surveys are also expected for the other affected parks. Look out for the CPF survey in August.  See here for LWV-W coverage on earlier history with this project.
 
New Trier High School D203 Board of Education
  • The BoE on July 13 adopted a COVID-19 Reopening Plan Approval Resolution, which included approval of the 2020-21 school year reopening plan presented at that meeting, with flexibility to refine and update as conditions evolve. That reopening plan calls for a gradual move into a hybrid model of in-person and remote learning, if all goes well, after a start to the year in remote learning; a remote-only option for the whole first quarter, even if the school moves into the hybrid model, would be available for those who select it.  The BoE also adopted a new school calendar for 2020-21. Changes could still happen before school starts.
  • The BoE on July 13 heard a report from staff on Culture, Climate and Equity. The report summarizes the district’s work on equity through the 2019-20 Annual Plan and its Summer 2020 Equity Committees, which the report says “are assessing where we are and the goals we need to set for 2020-21 given our progress and the heightened awareness and increased sense of urgency around issues of equity and injustice in our community, state, and nation.”  Supt. Sally is expected to make specific recommendations for the district’s equity work as part of the 2020-21 Annual Plan at the August BoE meeting.
  • Administrative staff on July 13 gave the first part of its 2019-20 Annual Plan Report.  More detail on this report is in the Board Docs for this meeting under Agenda Item 7.C. Part two of the report is expected in August.
  • The BoE adopted on July 13 the district’s FY 2020-21 tentative budget and set September 21 as the date for a public hearing on the same.  The BoE is expected to vote on the final budget at its September 21 meeting, after the public hearing. A memo from staff on the tentative budget was in the board materials posted online.
  • On July 29, the BoE met in a special meeting, but only to hear a reading of public comments before adjourning to closed session in the public part of the meeting.  Public comments were required to be submitted by email prior to one hour before the start of the meeting.  In the 30 minutes of the meeting allotted for public comment, the BoE heard about half the comments submitted before adjourning to a closed session for the remainder of the meeting.  Supt. Sally said that all comments related to the reopening plan and that all comments submitted, whether read or not, were to become part of the public record.
 
Wilmette Public Schools D39 Committee of the Whole
In a 3 hour 40 minute meeting focused on school reopening plans, D39 administrative staff gave the CoW an update on reopening planning and sought affirmation on the planning.  Staff went through the plans for 3 different models for both elementary (K-4) schools and the 5-8 campus: full in-person, a hybrid involving part in-person and part remote, and all remote.  At the meeting, staff indicated that the current reopening plan was for full in-person for K-4 and hybrid for the 5-8 campus, subject to our region remaining in Phase 4 and with flexibility to adapt as appropriate, with final plans to be released on July 31. Staff also recommended that families be given the option for all-remote. The CoW signaled approval of the plans. On July 31, D39 released its Fall 2020 Reopening Plans consistent with what was described. Changes could still happen before school starts.
 
Wilmette Public Library Board
  • The Library Board approved a tentative FY2020-21 Budget & Appropriations Ordinance (B&AO).  The final B&AO is set for a vote on August 18, 2020, following a public hearing on the same.  The B&AO sets an upper limit on Library spending for FY2020-21, which started July 1; the previously approved Working Budget is the more expected spending plan for the General Fund. The B&AO does not affect property taxes, which for FY2020-21 were set by the 2019 tax levy/extension.
  • Library Director Auston presented to the Board on the July 13 reopening of the building to the public, and described various remote and in-person library services.  His Director’s Report detailed June happenings, including the resumption of physical material circulation.
 
New Trier Township Board of Trustees
  • Fiscal Year to Date assistance was detailed in a report to the Board in the meeting materials, including to those affected by COVID-19. The Township’s fiscal year started on March 1, 2020. Another report to the board included more detail on food pantry usage.
  • The Board unanimously adopted a revised Welcoming Resolution.
  • Since we started observing this Board in April, we have not seen any monthly financial reports.  We also have not seen a budget posted on the Township website for this fiscal year, which started March 1, and we are not aware of one having been adopted.
  • Supervisor Goldberg noted that the process for slating candidates for Township offices has begun for the April 2021 election, noting that an individual need not be slated to be a candidate.  The Township subsequently put up on its website a release from the New Trier Citizens League seeking candidates for 2021 (applications are due August 17).

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