City of Oakbrook Terrace City Council met Jan. 27
City of Oakbrook Terrace City Council met Jan. 27
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
Mayor Paul Esposito
City Clerk Michael Shadley
City Council Members:
Ward 1: Alderman Charlie Barbari and Alderman Eric Biskup
Ward 2: Alderman Michael Sarallo and Alderman Dennis Greco
Ward 3: Alderman Bob Rada
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Esposito called January 27, 2026, Regular and Committee of the Whole Meeting of the City Council to order at 7:00 PM.
II. ROLL CALL
Roll call indicated the following City Council members in attendance:
Present: Barbari, Sarallo, Biskup, Greco, Rada, and Mayor Esposito
Absent: None
Also in attendance: City Administrator: T. Walker, and City Attorney M. Holmes.
III. MAYOR ESPOSITO LED THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
IV. ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
None
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - CHANGES OR CORRECTIONS
Meeting Minutes of January 13, 2026.
VI. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
None
A motion to approve the Regular City Council Meeting Minutes from January 13, 2026 was made by Alderman Barbari and seconded by Alderman Greco. The motion carried.
VII. ACTION ITEMS/CONSENT AGENDA
1. Payment of City Bills: January 27, 2026, in the amount of $452,777.60.
2. Salt Storage Facility Pay Request #3 and Final.
3. Motion to Consent to the Nomination of Geza Petro as Alderperson in Ward 3.
4. Motion to Consent to the Nomination of Frank Siciliano as Police Commissioner.
Motion to approve the Action Items/Consent Agenda of the January 27, 2026, Regular City and Committee of the Whole Payment was made by Alderman Sarallo seconded by Alderman Rada. Roll Call.
Ayes: Barbari, Sarallo, Biskup, Greco, and Rada
Nayes: 0
Absent: 0
Mayor Esposito administered the oath of office to Geza Petro who was thereby sworn in as Alderman for Ward 3.
Mayor Esposito administered the oath of office to Frank Siciliano who was thereby sworn in as Police Commissioner.
VIII. ITEMS REMOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA None
IX. RECESS TO COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Motion to recess to the Committee of the Whole portion of the meeting was made by Alderman Greco and seconded by Alderman Rada. An acclamation vote was taken.
X. MAYOR ESPOSITO
Mayor Esposito expressed appreciation to the Aldermen who attended the MLK Unity Breakfast and to Dan Wagner from Inland for organizing the event.
The Mayor welcomed both Geza Petro, Alderman for Ward 3 and Frank Siciliano, Police Commissioner in their new sworn positions.
The Mayor provided an update on the vacant properties formerly occupied by Big Lots and Party City. The former Party City location is close to securing a lease with a clothing retailer. The Big Lots space presents a greater challenge due to its larger size of approximately 30,000 sq ft. Additionally, Home Depot, which shares the parking lot, enforces restrictions on the length of time vehicles may park there. The City will continue efforts to identify an appropriate business to occupy the space.
District 88 will host their 4th annual Pickleball Tournament at Willowbrook High School on 2/28. Contact the Mayor if you are interested in participating.
The Mayor acknowledged C. Ward and the Public Works team for their efforts in keeping the streets plowed during the recent deep freeze.
XI. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
1. Villa Park Library - Sandra Hill presented an update on an agreement.
Sandy discussed recent and upcoming library renovations, including the addition of a study room, expansion beyond the building to encourage outdoor activities, and redesign of the checkout desk to create more interior space. The curb at the front plaza drop-off area will be removed to improve accessibility for elders. Lockers, like those used by Home Depot, will be installed to provide 24/7 service, and a book drop will be added off the front plaza. Construction is scheduled to begin in March and conclude in June.
Sandy reported that libraries faced significant challenges this past year due to Baker & Taylor, a major book vendor, going out of business. As a result, the SWAN system contracted with a new vendor, the Palace Project. Sandy noted that a gradual shift is being made from print materials to e-audio books.
The library currently has 198 active accounts for Oakbrook Terrace residents, an increase from 150 accounts the previous year.
The Mayor thanked Sandy and affirmed that the City supports the Villa Park Public Library 100%. The Mayor found it encouraging that residents are using the library. In May there will be an increase in cost for single families from $316.29 to $329.35 and for rentals from $259.13 to $270.50. The City will absorb 95% of the cost. Residents will pay a flat fee of $20.00.
Alderman Barbari thanked Sandy for her dedication over the last 50 years.
Alderman Biskup asked whether the increase is an annal adjustment, Sandy replied yes.
Alderman Greco asked whether a library card is required to access digital services. Sandy replied digital services are free for those who have a library card.
2. York Township Food Pantry - Presentation by Tim Murray.
The subject matter was previously addressed at the 11/11/25 City Council Meeting regarding the concerns of food pantry depletion and challenges of SNAP. Council discussed a donation toward a 501C.
Tim discussed the hardships currently facing the food pantry due to several factors, including the government shutdown, during which no state funds were disbursed; steady unemployment at 4.4%; and low food inventory, particularly during the first quarter. He also noted that SNAP benefits are being reduced, with some recipients losing benefits as of February. Under a new rule, recipients must work at least 80 hours per month to qualify for SNAP benefits, and many will need time to adjust to this change. SNAP provides nine meals for every one meal supplied by a food pantry, and as benefits end, York Township will be expected to provide food for individuals who lose SNAP assistance.
York Township's role in providing human services is to support residents' needs. Pantry recipients are permitted to visit once every other week and receive up to 50 pounds of food per visit. In December, 352 families were served, a number expected to increase by approximately 25% once SNAP benefits cease. The pantry operates with one paid staff member and relies on volunteers for the remaining support. Financial assistance is being sought, as every $1.00 donated provides approximately $8.00 worth of groceries, with all funds dedicated solely to food procurement. In 2025, the pantry served an average of 335 families per month, or approximately 807 individuals each month. Overall, $25,681.72 was spent in 2025, resulting in the purchase of 45,300 pounds of food at an average cost of $0.56 per pound.
The Mayor thanked Tim for helping Council understand the operations of the York Township Food Pantry.
Alderman Petro has visited the food pantry and expressed appreciation for Tim and the many roles he fulfills.
Alderman Barbari inquired where donations come from. Tim replied, Jewel and Aldi.
Aldermen Sarallo and Biskup acknowledged Tim for his well delivered presentation.
Alderman Greco asked whether any retroactive funds were received following the shutdown. Tim responded that the Township does not receive any of the funds back. He explained that while 1% of real estate taxes go to the Township, the funds are diluted by the time they reach the food pantry. Alderman Greco expressed concern about using Oakbrook Terrace residents' tax dollars to support the food pantry without their direct input and asked whether there were alternative ways to help, such as organizing a food drive.
Alderman Rada says the increase in food prices has affected many families and the SNAP benefits do not cover the increase. Rada is in favor of a cash donation.
Angela, the food pantry's only paid employee, has been with the organization for over 15 years and manages its day-to-day operations. She spoke about clients who are anxious and uncertain about how they will provide food for their families.
The Mayor suggested to Council they provide a monetary donation of $10,000 and in the future engage the residents of Oakbrook Terrace with a community food drive. The majority of Council was in agreement.
3. Ordinance Authorizing and Approving a Vacant Land Contract by and between Lynda
Robinette, Successor Trustee of the John C. Robinette Trust and Cheryl Robinette, Executor of the Estate of Thomas A. Robinette and the City of Oakbrook Terrace.
At the September 9, 2025 City Council Meeting, NAIFF Hiffman and Panatoni presented a timeline of the project of what they would like to build on the 23 acres. In December, the Mayor had a meeting with Jason Robinette and learned they are in the process of clearing the property. Plans were submitted to M. Headley, Community Development, and they will need to go in front of the planning and zoning board.
Robinette would like to sell parcel of property located at 07560 Rt. 83 right off of Frontage Road, to the City for $2,500 for approximately 100 sq. ft. Currently there are 3 billboards on property and are stacked (not digital). At some point, they are requesting that the billboard be converted to digital. The additional access points may encourage bigger businesses to move in.
Alderman Petro abstained from comment.
Alderman Biskup asked if the City can buy the property without any contingencies. Water will be serviced by the Village of Villa Park. Biskup agrees to move forward with the purchase.
Alderman Sarallo, Barbari, Greco and Rada agreed to move ahead with the parcel purchase.
In the future, Jason Robinette will come before council to address the timeline of the project.
Moved to the next consent agenda.
XII. COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS
Alderman Petro said it is a privilege to serve the City and looks forward to working with the mayor and fellow Aldermen.
Alderman Sarallo welcomed Alderman Petro and thanked the Public Works and Police Department for their efforts during the recent inclement weather. Alderman Sarallo also asked whether the City could host a battery recycling day with a drop-off location at City Hall.
Alderman Barbari congratulated Alderman Petro and Frank Siciliano and thanked Craig and Public Works Department for their hard work.
Alderman Biskup welcomed Alderman Petro and Frank Siciliano and expressed appreciation to the Public Works team for clearing the streets, as well as to the Police Department for their dedication to protecting the community.
Alderman Greco welcomed Alderman Petro and Frank Siciliano and thanked the Public Works Department. Alderman Greco also questioned the timing of the payment of the Historical Society. T Walker responded that the payment would be included in the next accounts payable run.
Alderman Rada welcome to Alderman Petro and stated that he is awaiting the traffic report for Meyers Road. He also noted that the Travel and Convention Bureau is exploring alternate funding options.
XIII. CITY ATTORNEY
Congratulations to Alderman Petro and Frank Siciliano.
XIV. CITY CLERK
Welcome Alderman Petro.
XV. CITY ADMINISTRATOR
City Administrator T. Walker welcomed Alderman Petro and Frank Siciliano. In preparation of the upcoming budget workshop on 2/17 at 6:00 PM, Administrator Walker asked council to advise her of their expectations of what they would like to see in the workshop.
XVI. RECONVENE THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Motion to reconvene the City Council meeting was made by Alderman Greco and seconded by Alderman Barbari. Motion approved via an acclamation vote.
XVII. RECESS TO EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion to recess to Executive Session was made by Alderman Rada and seconded by Alderman Sarallo.
Ayes: Barbari, Sarallo, Biskup, Greco, Rada and Petro
Nayes: 0 Absent: 0
XVIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Closed Session pursuant to Section 2(c)(1) of the Open Meetings Act to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific city employees.
XIX. RECONVENE THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Motion to reconvene the City Council meeting was made by Alderman Rada and seconded by Alderman Greco. Motion approved via an acclamation vote.
XX. NEW BUSINESS
An Ordinance Reappointing Chief of Police and to Approve and Authorize the Execution of an Employment Agreement for the City of Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.
A motion to approve an Ordinance Reappointing a Chief of Police and to Approve and Authorize the Execution of an Employment Agreement for the City of Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois was made by Alderman Barbari and seconded by Alderman Sarallo. Roll call.
Ayes: Barbari, Sarallo, Biskup, Greco, Rada and Petro
Nayes: 0
Absent: 0
XXI. ADJOURN
Motion to adjourn was made by Alderman Rada and seconded by Alderman Petro at 8:37 PM.
Acclamation vote was made with all Ayes. Motion carried unanimously.
https://www.oakbrookterrace.net/sites/default/files/fileattachments/city_council/meeting/20172/1.27.26_signed_minutes.pdf