Title
Agenda Initiative - Independent Investigation of Single Family Homes Purchased and Sold by the Village
History
Per the Village Code, any individual Trustee can request that an initiative be placed on the Committee of the Whole agenda by instructing the Village Manager, either verbally or in writing, before noon on the Friday preceding the meeting, to place an item on the Committee of the Whole agenda. Village/Legal staff time is restricted until after at least three (3) Trustees vote to move the 'Agenda Initiative' forward.
Agenda Initiatives include (1) the expenditure of money; (2) modifications to the Village Code; (3) formation/modification of Village policies; (4) the introduction of an ordinance or resolution; (5) the formation/modification of committees; (6) budget changes and/or (7) the appropriation of Village/Legal staff time.
Proposed Initiative
Trustee Milani requested an independent investigation of single family homes purchased and sold by the Village.
At the January 4, 2021, Committee of the Whole meeting, the proposed initiative from Trustee Milani was approved directing staff to investigate the various properties and their history, including why the Village purchased the homes, what had to be done in order to sell the properties and what was the rationale behind the purchases.
Additionally, at the January 18, 2021, Board of Trustees meeting, the Board gave direction to staff to obtain three (3) proposals from independent law firms to further investigate the property transactions under question.
The investigation into this matter should include the following components:
-Identify any rules or Village ordinances, practices and procedures that were not followed; if any.
-Identify any potential criminal actions for which a complaint should be filed.
-Identify all Village property transactions.
- Provide a summary of the actions taken between the acquisitions and sales of these properties
- Provide any recommended procedural changes to ensure complete transparency moving forward.
- Provide any recommend procedural changes to ensure best practices are followed for property acquisitions and sales.
Four qualification proposals were received. (summary attached).
In addition, all documents regarding these property transactions should be placed on the website for full transparency.
At the February 1, 2021, Board of Trustees meeting, action on this matter was postponed to the February 15, 2021, Board of Trustees Meeting. At the February 15, 2021, Board of Trustees meeting, this matter was tabled.
(Original Motion)
I move that we take from the table the motion to accept the proposal for Special Counsel Legal Services for the investigation of properties purchased and sold by the Village of Orland Park from Hervas, Condon & Bersani, P. C.;
And,
To authorize the Village Manager to execute a professional services agreement with Hervas, Condon & Bersani, P. C., subject to Village attorney review.
Financial Impact
Village and Legal staff time
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to accept the proposal for Special Counsel Legal Services for the investigation of properties purchased and sold by the Village of Orland Park from Aronberg Goldgehn;
And,
To authorize the Village Manager to execute a professional services agreement with Aronberg Goldgehn, subject to Village attorney review.