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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, March 2, 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 Tennes.
Roll Call: Trustees Pure Slovin, Schechter, Kimani Levy, Robinson, Iverson, Lissa Levy and Mayor
Tennes
Approval of consent agenda with the removal of item a. on the Report of the Corporation Counsel.
Motion to approve the Consent Agenda.
Moved: Trustee Lissa Levy Seconded: Trustee Pure Slovin
Ayes: Lissa Levy, Pure Slovin, Schechter, Kimani Levy, Robinson, Iverson
Absent: None
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED
*Approve, as submitted, minutes of the Village Boards and Commissions Training Session held
Thursday, February 12, 2026 and the regular meeting held Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Omnibus vote
Mayor Tennes noted that approximately 75–80 new appointments have been made to Village
boards and commissions since August. She welcomed three appointees present, Chandra Jong
(Commission on Family Services), Kristina Perez-Thomas, and Dr. Trudy Turner.
Proclamations and Resolutions
*Approve Voucher List #20-FY26 of March 2, 2026
Omnibus vote
Proclamations and Resolutions
Recognition, Awards and Honorary Presentations
Appointments, Reappointments and Resignations
*Appointments
Board of Health: Dr. Alyssa Kritzman
Commission on Family Services: Chandra Jong
Economic Development Commission: Kristina Perez-Thomas
Performing Arts Center Board: Dr. Janis Fine as Vice Chair
Public Safety Commission: Mark Brines
Sustainable Environmental Advisory Commission: Dr. Trudy Turner
*Resignation
Public Safety Commission: Scott Ford
Omnibus vote
Public Comment (3 minutes per person, maximum of 30 minutes)
Carrie Bradean, spoke about federal immigration enforcement and asked for adoption of an
ordinance providing guidance for police response during operations.
Vicki Wolfinger spoke in recognition of International Women’s Month and support for women
serving in elected leadership.
Ilonka Ulrich spoke about civility during public comment and about repeated harassment
directed at Board members.
Shelly Patt spoke about the Village’s inclusionary zoning ordinance and asked the Board to
revisit it to require affordable housing rather than allowing fee-in-lieu payments.
Cathi White from Go Green Skokie, announced the April 24–27 City Nature Challenge in
partnership with Oakton College.
Kimberly Polka spoke about immigration enforcement concerns and asked the Board to consider
an ordinance establishing clear police protocols.
Peggy Tolleson and Marie Benyamin (Niles Township Trustees) spoke in support for the Mayor
and Trustees and appreciation for their service.
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Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Trustees
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Monday, March 2, 2026 Page Two
David Dalka asked for removal of an obstructive bush and installation of a four-way stop sign at
a local intersection; also spoke about a canceled Foreign Fire Board meeting notice and
requested improved communication regarding AT&T and fiber providers.
Ms. Kabir spoke about federal immigration enforcement and supported adoption of a local
ordinance providing guidance to police.
Rachel Vanhoose thanked Village staff for assisting an injured resident and raised concerns
about deteriorating property conditions along Oakton Street.
Emi Yamauchi spoke about developing police guidance related to immigration enforcement,
review of potential detention facility uses in large buildings, and stronger use of existing tools to
require affordable housing.
Presentations and Reports
Report of the Village Manager
a. *Resolution 26-3-R-1616
Appointment of Director and Alternate Director to the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook
County.
Motion to approve the appointment of Director and Alternate Director to the Solid Waste
Agency of Northern Cook County.
Omnibus vote
Report of the Corporation Counsel
a. Ordinance 26-3-Z-4781
Motion to adopt an Ordinance approving a modification to the previously approved site plan for
a mixed-use development located at 5202-5250 Old Orchard Road, Skokie, Illinois in an OR
Office Research district. Item A is on the consent agenda for second reading and adoption. The
first reading was on January 20, 2026.
This item had been removed from the consent agenda. Emi Yamauchi addressed the board,
stating that her point was about the fee in lieu.
Trustee Schechter explained her support for the fee in lieu, noting the project predated the
affordable housing ordinance.
Trustee Robinson spoke about the ordinance’s limitations but noted it was not in place when the
project was proposed.
Mayor Tennes stated the ordinance created by the prior board was an important starting point for
future improvements.
Moved: Trustee Pure Slovin Seconded: Trustee Lissa Levy
Ayes: Lissa Levy, Pure Slovin, Schechter, Kimani Levy, Robinson, Iverson
Absent: None
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED
b. *Ordinance 26-3-C-4780
Motion to adopt an Ordinance amending Chapter 2, Article VII of the Skokie Village Code
pertaining to Boards and Commissions. Item B is on the consent agenda for second reading and
adoption. The first reading was on February 17, 2026.
Omnibus vote
c. Ordinance 26-3-C-4782
An Ordinance amending the governance provisions of the Village Code concerning the office of
Corporation Counsel and the office of Village Manager. Item C is on the agenda for second
reading and adoption. The first reading was on February 17, 2026.
Motion passes to approve the ordinance amending the governance provisions of the Village Code
concerning the offices of the Corporation Counsel and the office of Village Manager.
Ayes: Lissa Levy, Pure Slovin, Schechter, Kimani Levy, Robinson, Iverson
Absent: None
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED
d. Request for a Closed Session in accordance with paragraphs 2(c)(1) and 2 (c)(4) of the
Illinois Open Meetings Act pertaining to a body required to conduct hearings may go into closed
session for the consideration of evidence and testimony received in open hearing; and 2(c)(1) of
the Illinois Open Meetings Act pertaining to the review and discussion of personnel matters.
Corporation Counsel Elrod requested a closed session pursuant to sections 2(c)(1) and 2(c)(4) of
the Illinois Open Meetings Act to discuss respectively a personnel matter and a matter in which
the board was acting in a quasi-judicial or quasi adjudicative body.
Moved: Trustee Kimani Levy Seconded: Trustee Robinson
Ayes: Lissa Levy, Pure Slovin, Schechter, Kimani Levy, Robinson, Iverson
Absent: None
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED
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Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Trustees
Monday, March 2, 2026 Page Three
Mayor Tennes acknowledged Dr. Alyssa Kritzman, a new Skokie resident and veterinarian who
would be serving on the Board of Health.
New Business
Trustee Schechter introduced a motion directing staff to prepare an ordinance addressing local
authority and public safety during federal immigration enforcement based on a proposed draft
ordinance she had circulated to the board.
Village Manager Lockerby advised caution, noting legal and operational complexities and
recommending discussion of concepts rather than advancing a Village-drafted ordinance at this
time. Manager Lockerby warned that bringing back a Village-drafted ordinance would be
advancing many steps and cautioned about the various nuances involving federal government
oversight processes and their limitations.
Moved: Trustee Schechter
Corporation Counsel Elrod agreed the motion if seconded would be in order. He concurred with
the Village Manager's concerns about having an actual ordinance versus having a discussion due
to concerns about scope and governance structure.
Seconded: Trustee Robinson
Trustee Robinson expressed support for collaboration and discussion.
Trustee Lissa Levy stressed urgency given community concerns and supported moving forward
while allowing legal review.
Trustee Pure Slovin emphasized the importance of proper legal review and process, before
drafting and codifying an ordinance.
Trustee Iverson supported discussion and stressed the need for input from legal staff and the
police department.
At this time Village Manager Lockerby recommended the board not approve the proposed draft
ordinance as written because it put village employees in legal jeopardy as individuals and puts
the organization in liability concerns.
Mayor Tennes suggested discussing the entire subject matter at the March 16th Committee of the
Whole meeting to allow more thorough review and asked Trustee Schechter amend her motion.
Motion by Trustee Schechter, (as modified), to have a discussion at the March 16, 2026
Committee of the Whole meeting pertaining to local authority and public safety during
immigration enforcement activity.
Public Comment
Kimberly Polka, Ilonka Ulrich, and Carrie Bradean asked for prompt action and expressed
concern about delays.
David Dalka raised questions about resources and implementation of ordinances.
Shelly Patt asked the Board to take action while acknowledging the need for careful
consideration.
Ayes: Lissa Levy, Pure Slovin, Schechter, Kimani Levy, Robinson, Iverson
Absent: None
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED
Mayor Tennes announced the Committee of the Whole meeting will begin at 5:30 PM on March
16, 2026, and the previously scheduled video gaming discussion would be discussed at a date to
be determined.
Public Comment (3 minutes per person, maximum of 30 minutes)
Niles Township Supervisor Bonnie Kahn Ognisanti, thanked attendees for civic engagement,
recognized Trustees Benyamin and Tolleson, acknowledged Women’s History Month, and
announced a feminine hygiene product drive for the Niles Township food pantry, encouraging
donations due to lack of SNAP coverage.
Eric Finkelstein discussed immigration and suggested bringing immigration attorneys to Skokie
to help residents begin applications at lower cost.
Mike Koplow - immigration offices could expose individuals to enforcement actions when
completing paperwork.
Lauren Grodnicki spoke about climate change, sustainability and planting more trees.
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Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Trustees
Monday, March 2, 2026 Page Four
Public Comments by email
Patricia Acha-Dog waste everywhere!
David Dalka-Technology commission comments request reading aloud and distribution to all
members of commission and put into public record
Pavan Rana-Fiber internet access concerns-Jane Stenson neighborhood Church to Golf
Lisa Silverman-Please vote to pass this ordinance to protect all in our community
Christopher Whitaker-Support for additional Ordinance regarding SPD behavior during federal
incursions
Emi Yamauchi-Public clarification about the Skokie Police Department’s responsiveness to
ICE/CBP’s aggressive and dangerous enforcement practices
Carrie Bradean-Public comment regarding projection from Federal abuses
Kimberly Polka-Public safety and local authority during immigration enforcement
Jinsky Jean Pois-In memoriam Reverent Jesse Louis Jackson (1941-2026)
Matt Jarvis-Police interaction with federal agents
Cathi White-Affordable housing, Go Green Skokie with an invitation and a request
Amy Landolt-Pass the ordinance pertaining to local authority and public safety during
immigration enforcement activity
Bob Kusel-Ethics Commission and Former Trustee James Johnson-opinion from the Citizen
Advocacy Center
Adjournment
Motion to move to go into Closed Session at 9:15 pm and adjourn the main meeting immediately
upon the adjournment of closed session.
Moved: Trustee Kimani Levy Seconded: Trustee Lissa Levy
Ayes: Lissa Levy, Pure Slovin, Schechter, Kimani Levy, Robinson, Iverson
Absent: None
Nays: None
MOTION CARRIED
Closed Session
The Closed Session started at 9:21 pm.
Present were Mayor Tennes, Clerk Desai, Trustees Iverson, Kimani Levy, Lissa Levy, Robinson,
Schechter and Pure Slovin. Also present were Manager Lockerby, Assistant Manager Wyatt and
Corporation Counsel Elrod.
The meeting ended at 10:48 pm.
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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