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MINUTES of a regular meeting of the Mayor and the Board of Trustees of the Village of
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Skokie, Cook County, Illinois held in the Council Chambers at 5127 Oakton Street at 7:30 p.m. on
Monday, January 5, 2026
Pledge of Allegiance led by Village Clerk Minal Desai.
Call meeting to order and roll call.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ann Tennes.
Roll call: Trustees Schechter, Kimani Levy, Robinson, Iverson, Lissa Levy and Mayor Tennes.
Trustee Pure Slovin was absent.
Mayor Tennes noted that Trustee Pure Slovin was absent as she was celebrating the birth of her new
granddaughter.
Approval of Consent Agenda.
Moved: Trustee Kimani Levy Seconded: Trustee Lissa Levy
Ayes: Schechter, Kimani Levy, Robinson, Iverson, Lissa Levy
Absent: Pure Slovin
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED
Mayor Tennes highlighted two items from the Consent Agenda. Mayor Tennes recognized the
new appointees to various commissions, including Clifton McReynolds, Howard Sproull, and
others present, thanking them for their willingness to serve the community. Mayor Tennes then
acknowledged staff's work on enhancing stop signs at various intersections throughout Skokie,
noting that street safety has been a priority.
*Approve, as submitted, minutes of regular meeting held Monday, December 15, 2025
Omnibus vote.
* Approve Voucher List #16-FY26 of January 5, 2026
Omnibus vote.
Proclamations and Resolutions
Recognition, Awards and Honorary Presentations
a. Awards Presentation
Ellen Blum Barish, Chairperson of the Fine Arts Commission, presented the annual Artistic
Excellence Awards, explaining that each year the Commission selects one individual and one
group whose names are permanently added to the plaque at the North Shore Center for the
Performing Arts.
The Individual Excellence Award was presented to Joseph Folise. Chairperson Barish noted that
Joe Folise’s stained glass and mosaic works have become part of Skokie, including the Skokie
Spirit window at Village Hall, which inspired the Village seal, and the sculpture The Donor Tree.
He thanked Mayor Tennes, village officials, the Commission, colleagues and mentors from his
37 years with the Village of Skokie.
The Group Artistic Excellence Award went to Seman Violins. Chairperson Barish described
Seman Violins as a long-standing artistic cornerstone with a performance space, support for
music education, and ties to the Chicago School of Violin Making. Owner Peter Seman has been
in Skokie since 1989, he thanked the board and invited the public to visit and attend concerts.
Chairperson Barish then announced a surprise first-ever K9 recognition honoring Nosi Thorne,
who performed as Sandy in Annie with Music Theater Works. Nosi, accompanied by owner
Desi, received a treat and posed for photos.
The final recognition honored Commissioner Emeritus Doris Lieberman. Commissioner
Michelle Thomas summarized Doris Lieberman’s decades of service, including teaching,
volunteering, civic advocacy, and five years on the Fine Arts Commission. Ms. Lieberman
shared about her long involvement in Skokie. At 97, she said the secret to longevity is simple:
“Participate in your community.”
Mayor Tennes recalled appointing Ms. Lieberman in 2020 and praised her energy and
dedication.
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Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Trustees
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Monday, January 5, 2026 Page Two
Appointments, Reappointments and Resignations
a. Swearing in of the following personnel by Commissioner Bruce Rottner of the Board
of Fire and Police Commission:
Name Old Position New Position
Keilee Tondryk New Hire Police Officer
Michael Bauer New Hire Police Officer
Carlos Armas New Hire Police Officer
Kaylan Acosta New Hire Police Officer
Bruce Rottner of the Board of Fire and Police Commission administered the oath to four new
police officers.
Keilee Tondryk was sworn in first and introduced her family. Michael Bauer was sworn in next
and noted that his family was not present. Carlos Armas was sworn in next. Mayor Tennes noted
he was a homegrown recruit, and Village Clerk Minal Desai thanked officer Armas who has
returned to serve his community also extending congratulations to all officers and their families,
with best wishes for a safe and fulfilling career. Kaylan Acosta was sworn in last and introduced
his family and fiancé. Mayor Tennes congratulated the new officers.
At 8:03 p.m. Mayor Tennes called for a recess and resumed the meeting at 8:12 p.m.
b. *Appointments
Appearance Commission: Charles Isho and Mark Penning as Chair
Consumer Affairs Commission: Howard Sproull
Fine Arts Commission: Clifton McReynolds
Skokie Police Use of Force Review Board: Edward Olivieri
c. *Reappointments
Zoning Board of Appeals: Nicholas Werth as Vice Chair and Brian O’Donnell as
Chair
d. *Resignations
Fine Arts Commission: Doris Liberman moves to Emeritus status
Sustainable Environmental Advisory Commission: Alma Likic and Rick Moskovitz
Public Comment (3 minutes per person, maximum of 30 minutes)
Jordan Campagna, spoke regarding permit parking on the 5000 block of Elm Street and
requested the Board reverse the decision. He also submitted a cover letter for the record and a
petition from the neighbors.
Michelle Saran thanked Police Chief Jesse Barnes for follow-up on a fireworks-related concern
and supported Mr. Campagna’s comments about permit parking requirements on Elm Street.
Lauren Grodnicki spoke on energy and climate change.
Matt Schwerin, 5000 block of Elm Street, supported prior speakers on permit parking.
Imran Shah raised safety concerns regarding a specific property and requested an independent
review and corrective action.
David Dalka asked the Board about his requested meetings, alleged ethics concerns related to
fiber internet service, and criticized Village governance.
Presentations and Reports
Report of the Village Manager
a. Downtown TIF Rehab Program Grant for 5118 Oakton Street (Hummingbird
Hideaway).
Motion to concur with staff’s recommendation and request Board approval of a Downtown Tax
Increment Finance (TIF) rehabilitation program grant not to exceed $45,000 for the build out of
5118 Oakton St. to house Hummingbird Hideaway.
Moved: Trustee Robinson Seconded: Trustee Kimani Levy
Ayes: Schechter, Kimani Levy, Robinson, Iverson, Lissa Levy
Absent: Pure Slovin
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED
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Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Trustees
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Monday, January 5, 2026 Page Three
Village Manager Lockerby explained that Hummingbird Hideaway, an acai bowl restaurant,
would occupy the unfinished 1,800-square-foot space across from Village Hall and require
build-out. Staff recommended approval of a Downtown TIF grant not to exceed $45,600, to be
reimbursed upon completion and operation. Trustee Schechter asked about project funding;
Economic Development Coordinator Carol White and owner Amy Feldman confirmed funding
was secured and anticipated opening around May 1.
b. *Stop Sign Upgrades at Various Intersections.
Motion to request Board approve to authorize Corporation Counsel to draft the enabling
Ordinance for stop sign upgrades at various intersections.
Omnibus vote.
c. *2026 Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Resolution for Maintenance of Streets and Highways.
Resolution 26-1-R-1612
Motion to approve the Resolution for 2026 Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) for maintenance of Streets
and highways.
Omnibus vote.
d. *5” Sidewalk/Curb & Gutter/PCC Patching/New Sidewalk – Schroeder and
Schroeder, Inc., Skokie, Illinois - $757,500.
Motion to approve a contract in the amount of $757,500 be awarded to Schroeder and Schroeder,
Inc. for 5” sidewalk/curb & gutter/PCC patching/new sidewalk.
Omnibus vote.
e. *Maintenance Contract for Traffic Signals & Street Lighting for 2026 – H&H
Electric, Franklin Park, Illinois - $105,579.72.
Motion to award a contract to H&H Electric, Franklin Park, Illinois $105,579.72 for maintenance
contract for traffic signals & street lighting for 2026.
Omnibus vote.
f. *Annual Service Renewal for Microsoft Exchange, O365 and Power BI – Planet
Technologies, Gaithersburg, Maryland - $44,173.32
Motion to award a contract to Planet Technologies, Gaithersburg, Maryland in the amount of
$44,173.32 for annual service renewal for Microsoft Exchange, 0365 and Power BI.
Omnibus vote.
Report of the Corporation Counsel
CONSENT
e. *Ordinance 26-1-Z-4768
Motion to adopt an Ordinance granting site plan approval for the construction of a one story
building at 5360 Touhy Avenue, Skokie, Illinois, in a B3 Business district. Item A is on the
consent agenda for second reading and adoption. The first reading was on December 1, 2025.
Omnibus vote.
f. *Ordinance 26-1-Z-4769
Motion to adopt an Ordinance granting a special use permit to construct and operate a limited
service restaurant with two drive-through lanes at 5360 Touhy Avenue, Skokie, Illinois, in a B3
Business district. Item B is on the consent agenda for second reading and adoption. The first
reading was on December 1, 2025.
Omnibus vote.
SECOND READING
g. Ordinance 26-1-Z-4770
Motion to adopt an ordinance approving a Plat of Dedication for a portion of property located at
8201 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, Illinois in a CX Core Mixed Use district. Item C is on the
agenda for second reading and adoption. The first reading was on December 15, 2025.
Moved: Trustee Lissa Levy Seconded: Trustee Kimani Levy
Ayes: Schechter, Kimani Levy, Robinson, Iverson, Lissa Levy
Absent: Pure Slovin
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED
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Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Trustees
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Monday, January 5, 2026 Page Four
New Corporation Counsel Steven Elrod began his first report by thanking the Village Board,
Mayor, and Village Manager for their trust and confidence in him and his law firm. He thanked
the selection committee and expressed being "honored and deeply privileged" to serve and
looking forward to working with staff.
Corporation Counsel Elrod reported three items, two regarding McDonald's restaurant property
that were approved on the consent agenda. The remaining item concerned property at 8201
Skokie Boulevard, currently owned by the village. The action involved dedicating a small strip
of property from the village as property owner to the village as a municipal corporation to
expand the public alley behind the property. This had been presented at the December 15th
meeting and was on for final action as second reading.
When public comment was opened on this matter, David Dalka attempted to speak about stop
signs not installed at Laurel and Emerson. Mayor Tennes stated they had moved past that item
and asked him to sit down.
Unfinished Business - None
New Business - None
Plan Commission - None
Public Comment (3 minutes per person, maximum of 30 minutes)
Eugene Salganik asked Corporation Counsel Elrod about the downtown hotel. Mayor Tennes
noted there was an extensive report at the last meeting and that Mr. Lockerby would call him to
discuss.
Howard Sproull, one of the newly appointed commissioners, briefly thanked all his friends "both
new and old" who gave him confidence for the honor to serve.
Public Comments by email-
Mr. Jinsky Jean Pois-Happy New Year
Matt and Ellie Schwerin-Formal complaint about process of adding permit signs to 4900-5000
block of Elm St.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn: 8:41 p.m.
Moved: Trustee Kimani Levy Seconded: Trustee Lissa Levy
Ayes: Lissa Levy, Schechter, Kimani Levy, Robinson, Iverson
Nays: None
Absent: Pure Slovin
MOTION CARRIED
Approved:
______________________
Village Clerk Minal Desai
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
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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