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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
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Mayor Tennes welcomed the Girl Scout Troop 45676. This is a joint troop from both Walker
School and Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies. Village Clerk Minal Desai and the Girl
Scouts then led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Tennes informed the board that they had received a request from Trustee Lissa Levy for
approval to attend and participate in tonight's meeting remotely pursuant to section 7 of the
Illinois Open Meetings Act and section 2-38 of the Village of Skokie code due to illness.
Motion to allow Trustee Lissa Levy to participate in tonight's meeting remotely.
Moved: Trustee Robinson Seconded: Trustee Kimani Levy
Ayes: Kimani Levy, Robinson, Iverson, Pure Slovin, Schechter
Absent: None
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED
Call meeting to order and roll call.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ann Tennes.
Roll call: Trustees Pure Slovin, Schechter, Kimani Levy, Robinson, Iverson, Lissa Levy and Mayor
Tennes.
Approval of Consent Agenda.
Moved: Trustee Robinson Seconded: Trustee Pure Slovin
Ayes: Kimani Levy, Robinson, Iverson, Lissa Levy, Pure Slovin, Schechter
Absent: None
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED
*Approve, as submitted, minutes of regular meeting held Monday, January 5, 2026
Omnibus vote.
* Approve Voucher List #17-FY26 of January 20, 2026
Omnibus vote.
Proclamations and Resolutions
Recognition, Awards and Honorary Presentations
Appointments, Reappointments and Resignations
a. Swearing in of the following personnel by Commissioner Nicole Potthast of the
Board of Fire and Police Commission:
Name Old Position New Position
Joseph Dickert New Hire Firefighter
Avery Albiola New Hire Firefighter
Firefighter Joseph Dickert and Firefighter Avery Albiola introduced and acknowledged family
and friends in attendance.
Mayor Tennes congratulated the firefighters on behalf of the Board, praising the Skokie Fire
Department as a premier, ISO Class 1 department and thanking the families for their support and
sacrifice.
The board took a 5-minute recess to congratulate the newly sworn-in Firefighters at 7:43pm and
resumed at 7:48pm.
b. *Resignations
Family Services Commission: Christi McSweeney
Omnibus vote.
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Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Trustees
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Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Page Two
Public Comment (3 minutes per person, maximum of 30 minutes)
Matt Jarvis recommended creating a transit commission to improve coordination and advocacy
for transportation options, including PACE and CTA routes.
Lieutenant Colonel Arnold Oskin began to speak about the Airbnb and short-term rental
proposal. Mayor Tennes explained that these comments were for non-agenda items and he could
speak when that item came up later in the meeting.
Lauren Grodnicki presented a slideshow on energy balance and climate change. Asked for
stronger building codes, including airtight construction, reduced heat gain, and electrification of
HVAC and water heating.
Imran Shah displayed signs, stated he had requested an ethics review and spoke about
transparency and accountability not being addressed.
David Dalka said he officially moved to 9330 Lorel Avenue. He passed out a letter to the board,
asked for Fiber internet access, stop signs, and county assistance.
Deborah Wilson, identifying herself as “Wheeling’s watchdog,” spoke about local car jackings,
criticized police response and presented auto theft statistics.
Presentations and Reports
Report of the Village Manager
a. Recommendation for Adoption of Ordinance for Short Term Rentals (STR).
Village Manager John Lockerby noted that staff had been working on restructuring short-term
rentals within the village based on prior board discussions and recommended the board authorize
the ordinance to regulate STRs through a license process balancing neighborhood preservation
with community serving uses.
Community Development Director Johanna Nyden presented the need for regulation, citing life
safety—ensuring residential units meet safety standards—and neighborhood livability, including
preserving character, limiting units per block, and creating accountability and enforcement
mechanisms.
The proposed ordinance included: owner-occupied STRs would be allowed (must be primary
and legal residence)
 Investor-owned units would be grandfathered if already registered as rentals
 7 consecutive day minimum stay
 Limited to 1 per block face or block
 Initial operator license and unit registration required with associated fees
 12-month probationary period with maximum 12 stays
 After probation, up to 18 stays annually if in compliance
 Required training program and inspections
Trustee Schechter asked about the types of complaints received. Director Nyden explained they
were largely from investor-owned properties with issues including parking concerns, trash
placement, visitors going to wrong homes due to unclear advertising, and visitors not knowing
local rules like snow parking regulations.
Mayor Tennes added that complaints to her office included disruptions at all hours from renters
unable to find properties and issues with alternate side parking compliance, which is crucial for
emergency vehicle access.
Trustee Schechter asked if we have the staff capacity to do this enforcement on top of all the
other enforcement.
Village Manager Lockerby noted that the Building Department is under review by an outside
consultant and that additional staff may be recommended, so current staff may not be able to
fully absorb the proposed workload.
Trustee Iverson inquired about how the ordinance would address these issues. Director Nyden
confirmed the code would require photographs of the property front clearly showing the address,
information about local rules posted in units, and training to cover these concerns.
Trustee Iverson noted the fees seemed high. Director Nyden explained the fees reflected the
labor-intensive nature of oversight, including inspections by multiple departments, software
tools, tax collection monitoring, and legal involvement.
Trustee Robinson thanked staff and suggested considering this as a pilot program, proposing they
follow it as written through to learn from the experience before codifying it into an ordinance.
Mayor Tennes supported the pilot idea but suggested a longer timeframe possibly 12-24 months.
Mayor Tennes noted the ordinance was written with a mindset similar to liquor licensing,
emphasizing the importance of protecting the integrity of residential neighborhoods.
Trustee Pure Slovin disagreed with the 7-day minimum, 7 days is a burden on the families that
need to rent them, suggesting 5 consecutive days instead.
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Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Page Three
Mayor Tennes agreed that 5 days could be a reasonable compromise.
Trustee Lissa Levy emphasized the urgency: She wanted to know how quickly they could move
forward.
Corporation Counsel Stuart Weiss explained that to make the suggested changes (pilot program
and 5-day minimum), they would need to create a freestanding ordinance not intended to be
codified, with its own sunset provision. This revised ordinance could be brought back in two
weeks for adoption.
Public Comment on STRs:
Arnold Oskin recommended not grandfathering any STRs and keeping the 7-day minimum. He
described a nearby Airbnb’s impact on privacy, safety, and community well-being.
Lauren Grodnicki asked the board not to vote that night, asked for a resident-only working group
and highlighted waste, security, and condo short-term rental approval concerns.
David Dalka asked to delay action, noted temporary rental needs and address signage
enforcement issues.
Matt Jarvis spoke about the fee structure combined with stay limits.
Gordan Kalabic showed a video on his phone of a loud wedding with over 50 people at the STR
next to him.
After closing public comment, Mayor Tennes clarified that the grandfather clause would not
exempt existing STRs from the new rules - they would be subject to all regulations, fees, and
enforcement mechanisms. Mayor Tennes also confirmed there were caps on stays per year: 12
during probation, 18 thereafter.
Motion to request staff to develop a freestanding ordinance reflecting an 18-month pilot period
with written reports to the board at 6 and 12-month junctures with a final report at 18 months and
to modify the minimum stay from 7 to 5 days. This will come back to the board for consideration
on February 2nd, 2026.
Moved: Trustee Robinson Seconded: Trustee Pure Slovin
Trustee Schechter asked about the investor-owned properties and wanted more information about
how many would be grandfathered and whether they were the source of most complaints. Mayor
Tennes reiterated that investor-owned properties would be subject to all rules and could quickly
lose their licenses if non-compliant.
Ayes: Kimani Levy, Robinson, Iverson, Lissa Levy, Pure Slovin, Schechter
Absent: None
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED
a. *Fire Squad/Pumper Replacement – Fleet #101/Rescue 17 Pierce Enforcer
– Pierce Manufacturing/MacQueen Emergency, Aurora, Illinois - $1,451,348.
Motion to approve a contract to Pierce Manufacturing/MacQueen Emergency, Aurora, IL in the
amount of $1,451,348 for Fire Squad/pumper replacement.
Omnibus vote.
b. *Purchase of One (1) CASE 651G Wheel Loader – McCann Industries
Inc., Addison, Illinois - $220,307.
Motion to award a contract to McCann Industries, Inc., Addison, IL in the amount of $220,307
for purchase of one CASE 651 wheel loader.
Omnibus vote.
c. *Request to Sell Surplus Vehicles and Equipment.
Motion to approve the request to sell surplus vehicles and equipment.
Omnibus vote.
Report of the Corporation Counsel
CONSENT
*A Resolution regarding the approval and release of closed session minutes of the Mayor and
Board of Trustees. Item A is on the consent agenda for first reading and adoption.
Resolution 25-1-R-1613
Motion to approve a Resolution regarding the approval and release of closed session minutes of
the Mayor and Board of Trustees.
Omnibus vote.
Unfinished Business
New Business
a. Case 2025-03M – A request by Old Orchard Apartments, LLC at 5202-5250 Old
Orchard Road for an amendment to site plan approval ordinance 24-4-Z-4683 through the
modified review procedure.
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Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Trustees
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Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Page Four
Motion to approve the petitioner’s request to amend site plan approval Ordinance 24-4-Z-4683
and to modify the site plan at 5202-5250 Old Orchard Road to reflect the current ownership and
according to the proposed plan set dated November 20, 2025.
Plan Commission Chairperson Paul Luke presented the modified review request from 5250 Old
Orchard LLC to amend the previously approved site plan for the mixed-use development. He
explained that he, the corporation counsel, and community development director had reviewed
the request and found it in substantial compliance with the original approval's intent.
The original approval from April 15, 2024, authorized adaptive reuse of two existing 7-story
office buildings to include office space and 245 residential units, conversion of the parking
garage upper deck to recreational space, addition of EV charging stations, and retention of the
existing clinic. The developer had agreed to designate 5% of south tower units as affordable
housing at 120% AMI for 25 years.
The requested modifications included:
 Minor facade changes and reconfiguration of exterior balconies
 Relocation of first-floor residential units to higher floors
 Removal of the amenity deck from the parking garage roof due to structural concerns
 Additional recreational amenities at ground level
 Removal of 35 parking spaces to accommodate amenities
 Additional landscaping along the garage's northwest elevation
 Modification to eliminate affordable units in favor of a $1 million contribution ($400,000
with north tower permits, $600,000 with south tower permits)
Trustee Lissa Levy asked about the fee structure and timing of affordable units.
Developer Allen Lev responded that the project is a rehabilitation of existing buildings and that
high upfront costs made it financially marginal, while exceeding required contributions.
Mayor Tennes requested a modification to split the contribution evenly: $500,000 with north
tower permits and $500,000 with south tower permits, which the developer agreed to
accommodate.
Trustee Schechter asked why this wasn't returning to plan commission.
Director Nyden said this qualified as modified review with no intensity increase or cross-
easement issues.
Trustee Schechter said that 120% AMI would not constitute affordable housing in Skokie. Mr.
Lev acknowledged this but noted their adaptive reuse approach would still offer rents
"significantly less than the new projects like the Henry and Optima."
Trustee Kimani Levy asked about community notification and traffic concerns. Director Nyden
explained the original 2024 process included proper notification within 250 feet., and the traffic
study showed this would be less intense than office use. Mr. Lev confirmed the garage couldn't
support the added load of the amenity deck but was otherwise structurally sound.
Public Comment:
Deborah Wilson spoke about the lengthy timeline of the Old Orchard Road construction project
and encouraged stronger advocacy with IDOT.
David Dalka opposed to converting office buildings to residential and asked about a fourth
ambulance.
Lauren Grodnicki supported reuse of the building envelope and spoke about energy efficiency
concerns.
Mr. Lev stated the project would comply with all Illinois and Skokie energy codes but that
replacing the entire curtain wall would be cost-prohibitive. They were already modifying it to
add operable windows and balconies.
Motion to concur with modified review case 2025-03M with the change to split the million-
dollar fee 50/50.
Moved: Trustee Robinson Seconded: Trustee Pure Slovin
Ayes: Robinson, Iverson, Pure Slovin, Schechter
Absent: None
Nays: Kimani Levy, Lissa Levy
MOTION CARRIED
Plan Commission
A. Plan Commission Case 2025-16P – Special Use Permit: 5050 Church Street.
Motion to concur with staff’s recommendation to approve the petitioner’s request for a special
use permit for a religious assembly subject to all conditions.
Moved: Trustee Kimani Levy Seconded: Trustee Pure Slovin
Ayes: Schechter, Kimani Levy, Robinson, Iverson, Lissa Levy, Pure Slovin
Absent: None
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED
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Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Trustees
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Tuesday, January 20, 2026 Page Five
Mayor Tennes was in support, commending both staff and the petitioner for working in good
faith to rectify parking issues. Mayor Tennes emphasized the board's commitment to protecting
residential neighborhood integrity and expected continued good faith efforts.
Trustee Pure Slovin was in support of the project and appreciation for resolving parking issues.
Trustee Kimani Levy seconded Trustee Pure Slovin's excitement and looked forward to the
project moving forward.
Trustee Robinson offered congratulations to the community for their continued support.
Trustee Schechter appreciated the continuation of the building as a community center use.
David Dalka supported the expansion but had parking concerns and suggested no-parking during
services, split service times, and ComEd beautification.
B. Plan Commission Case 2025-17P – Site Plan Approval: 5050 Church Street.
Motion to concur with staff’s recommendation to grant the site plan approval subject to all
conditions.
Moved: Trustee Robinson Seconded: Trustee Schechter
Ayes: Kimani Levy, Robinson, Iverson, Lissa Levy, Pure Slovin, Schechter
Absent: None
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED
C. Plan Commission Case 2025-19P – Special Use Permit: 7550 Linder Avenue.
Motion to concur with staff’s recommendation to grant the special use permit from Gandhi
Group LL for a special use permit for a limited retail use, plus relief from 118-171(1)e in order
to provide a limited retail use that exceeds 10% of the total floor area at 7550 Linder avenue
subject to all conditions.
Moved: Trustee Pure Slovin Seconded: Trustee Robinson
Ayes: Kimani Levy, Robinson, Iverson, Lissa Levy, Pure Slovin, Schechter
Absent: None
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED
Public Comment (3 minutes per person, maximum of 30 minutes)
Alex Chammo, an Assyrian community member and lifelong Skokie resident, thanked the board
for approving the church project. He noted he had been a camp counselor at the JCC, calling it
"full circle" and expressing appreciation for the board accepting the approval.
Public Comments by email-
David Dalka-Reserved residential parking handicapped, also passed out a letter to the Board,
Mayor and management.
Howard Sproull-For the love of CO2,
Irina Kudinok-STR proposal for 1/20, meeting
Mr. Jinsky Jean Pois-Renee Good shooting
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn: 9:57 p.m.
Moved: Trustee Kimani Levy Seconded: Robinson
Ayes: Kimani Levy, Robinson, Iverson, Lissa Levy, Pure Slovin, Schechter
Nays: None
Absent: None
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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