04/06/2020April 6, 2020
The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Village of Deerfield was called to
order by Mayor Harriet Rosenthal remotely on April 6, 2020, at 7:30 p.m. The clerk called the
roll and announced that the following were:
Present: Harriet Rosenthal, Mayor
Robert Benton
Tom Jester
Mary Oppenheim
William Seiden
Dan Shapiro
Barbara Struthers
and that a virtual quorum was present and in attendance via teleconference. Also present via
teleconference were Kent Street, Village Manager and Steven Elrod, Village Attorney.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chief John Sliozis lead those in attendance in
reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. There was a
moment of silence for those suffering from or who have passed from Covid-19.
DOCUMENT APPROVAL Trustee Benton moved to accept the minutes
from the March 2, 2020, Board of Trustees meeting.
Trustee Shapiro seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Benton, Jester, Oppenheim, Seiden, Shapiro, Struthers (6)
NAYS: None (0)
TREASURER'S REPORT
Finance Director Eric Burk presented highlights
from the February 2020 Treasurer's Report
representing 16 percent of the fiscal year. The sales tax net of the rebate was down slightly.
Water and sewer billings represent lower use months. Electric utility tax decreased slightly.
Year to date hotel tax and food and beverage tax increased. Mr. Burk highlighted the notable
expenses. Trustee Struthers asked about the building permits. Mr. Burk noted the building
permits are up slightly.
BILLS AND PAYROLL Trustee Seiden moved to approve the Bills and
Payroll dated April 6, 2020. Trustee Oppenheim
seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Benton, Jester, Oppenheim, Seiden, Shapiro, Struthers (6)
NAYS: None (0)
RESOLUTION R-20-13 ADOPTING A A Resolution stipulating additional public comment
SUPPLEMENTAL RULE CONCERNING rules for Village Board and Commission meetings
PUBLIC COMMENTS DURING that are conducted through phone or held virtually_
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April 6, 2020
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VIRTUAL VILLAGE MEETINGS
to be held via teleconference.
Mr. Elrod explained the Village now has a
procedure for public comment when meetings have
Members of the public may address the public body by emailing a written statement to be read
aloud at a public meeting. The written statement must be legible, 200 words or less and free of
abusive or obscene language.
Trustee Struthers moved to adopt the Resolution. Trustee Jester seconded the motion. The
motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Benton, Jester, Oppenheim, Seiden, Shapiro, Struthers (6)
NAYS: None (0)
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. Street read the comments from residents that
have been received by the Village to date.
Rebecca Appleby thanked Mayor Rosenthal for taking the stay at home orders and social
distancing so seriously. She also expressed concern about people allowing their pets to play
together. She also suggested residents not allow cats to be outside.
Andy Pfau expressed his displeasure with the Village's communication about the Illinois stay at
home order as it related to court -ordered transportation of children for custody agreements. He
needed to do research to find out about this and believes the Village should have included it in
their communication to residents.
Marcia Meyers appreciates the e-newsletter and other communications from the Village, but
encouraged Mayor Rosenthal make them more friendly, caring and engaging by choosing her
words more closely.
Jill Klein is a healthcare worker who knows the necessity of social distancing. Some people
have not practiced social distancing, which may affect those who they come in contact with as
well as their loved ones. She encouraged everyone to stay home except for necessary trips to
grocery stores and doctors. No one has recommended walking with others and believes those
that have failed to comply with the rules should receive a stiff fine.
Alan Baruch expressed concern about residents congregating in front of their homes and parks.
He asked about the Village's stand on this.
Bappaditya Ray expressed concern because Deerfield residents are not practicing proper social
distancing measures. He believes the Village needs to be stricter and give tickets to people if
necessary. Everyone needs to do their part.
Kenneth Sampson asked residents to please be considerate and pick up their dog's waste.
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April 6, 2020
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Terrie Van Ward noted there is a mandate to shelter in place. We should all stay in our
neighborhoods. Deerfield should postpone construction projects until after the pandemic is over.
Thomas Ochs does not believe lawn care is an essential service. Police should be stopping this. It
is creating an unnecessary risk.
Mayor Rosenthal asked residents to call the police non -emergency number so they can stop non-
compliance. The police can issue a ticket if the need arises.
R F.POR TS
REPORT FROM STAFF RE: COVID-19 Assistant Manager Andrew Lichterman presented
AND VILLAGE OPERATIONS highlights from the staff report dated April 6, 2020.
Cases of Covid-19 continue to escalate since the last report on March 16, 2020. Governor
Pritzker issued a stay at home order for all non -essential needs through April 30, 2020. Mayor
Rosenthal issued an order prohibiting residents from participating in group exercises or sports
using shared equipment on public property. The CDC suggested using cloth face coverings to
help prevent the spread of Covid-19. There are more than 12,000 cases of Covid-19 in the State
of Illinois with at least 35 cases in the Village of Deerfield.
The Village continues to remain in contact with government agencies to help flatten the epidemic
curve. Multiple e-blasts and updates have been sent to residents and information is on the
Village website and social media. All Village buildings, except the police station, are closed to
the public. Routine Village business is being held via phone and email. The Village has
implemented a continuity of operations plan. Most departments are working virtually to ensure
the Village services are uninterrupted. The police department will continue business as usual.
Waste Management has increased the size of their crew to reduce the amount of time it takes to
service the Village. Residents need to ensure their waste and recycling are at the curb by 7:00
a.m. on their day of their scheduled pick up.
The Village understands the impact Covid-19 has had on local businesses and have partnered
with the DBR Chamber of Commerce on a number of initiatives. There is a new, community
texting program with dining and service offerings for residents. Mr. Lichterman encouraged all
residents to stay at home as part of the All In Illinois initiative.
There was no Consent Agenda.
CONSENT AGENDA
OLD BUSINESS
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April 6, 2020
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There was no Old Business.
NEW BUSINESS
CONSIDERATION OF THE EXTENSION Mayor Rosenthal issued a Declaration of
OF MAYOR ROSENTHAL'S MARCH 16, Emergency on March 16, 2020, related to the
2020 DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY Covid-19 emergency. The Declaration will expire
at the end of tonight's Board of Trustees meeting
unless the Village Board extends the duration of the Declaration.
Mr. Elrod explained the Board has the opportunity to further extend the declaration to a future
date. Pursuant to the Declaration, Mayor Rosenthal issued several supplementalorders including
health clubs and outdoor recreation.
Trustee Struthers asked whether the Declaration could be extended until after the first meeting in
May. Mr. Elrod explained the Board could hold a special meeting to extend the Declaration or
the Mayor could extend the Declaration herself. Trustee Jester believes the Declaration should
be extended until April 30, to be consistent with the Governor's mandate. Trustee Seiden asked
what would happen if the Governor did not extend the mandate by the April 20, 2020 meeting.
Mr. Elrod noted Mayor Rosenthal would have to determine if an emergency still exists. Trustee
Oppenheim believes the Village should match the timeframe of the Executive Order from the
Governor.
Trustee Shapiro moved to extend the Declaration of Emergency until April 30, 2020. Trustee
Struthers seconded the motion. The motion passed by the following vote:
AYES: Benton, Jester, Oppenheim, Seiden, Shapiro, Struthers
NAYS: None (0)
DISCUSSION
SHELTER IN PLACE The trustees encouraged everyone to do their best to
shelter in place, maintain social distancing and stay
safe.
THANK YOU Mayor Rosenthal thanked everyone for their
patience. This is a trying time for all. The Village
is up and running to the best of its ability. The Village is fortunate to have committed staff.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS On behalf of the Trustees and Village staff, Mayor
Rosenthal wished everyone a Happy Passover and
Happy Easter. She encouraged everyone to celebrate the best way possible while staying safe.
ADJOURNMENT There being no further business or discussion,
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April 6, 2020
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Trustee Oppenheim moved to adjourn the meeting.
Trustee Shapiro seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously on a voice vote. The
meeting was adjourned at 8:25 pm.
The next regular Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday, April 20,
2020 at 7:30 pm.
APPROVED:
Mayor
ATTEST:
Village Cler