CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 17, 2009
7:00 P.M.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: I’d
like to call........I’d like to call this meeting to order and we’re happy to
have so many visitors with us tonight. I
would like to ask Pastor Phil Dorries from Limestone Church of the Nazarene to
come forward and lead us in prayer.
PASTOR DORRIES: Let us pray.
Father, we just come here tonight.
We all have different walks. We
all have different agendas. And, You
know each and every one of us. And,
Lord, we pray that tonight we’re just grateful that we have a country, a
community that is interested in hearing voices.
Lord, we also ask for wisdom in decisions that are being made. Every decision affects somebody. But, we pray, most of all, that those
decisions not only honoring our communities, but also honor You. Lord, we just pray that You’ll just continue
to be in everything that’s said and done tonight and give direction that needs
to be done, in a way that it benefits those that will especially be affected
with the decisions made. Lord, we just
thank You again for the privilege that we have to come into Your presence at
this time. In your name we pray. Amen.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Now
I would like to ask the youth from the Limestone Church of the Nazarene to come
forward and lead us in the Pledge.
TYRA AHRENS, TYRECE AHRENS, CORY
ENFIELD, KATIE ENFIELD, KAYTHLYN HARSHA,
A. J. WRIGHT, AND JOSHUA WRIGHT FROM
LIMESTONE CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE AND ALL: Pledge of Allegiance
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Thank
you. Thank you very much. Roll call, please.
CLERK DUMAS:
PRESENT:
Brown; Hunter; Browne, R.; Williams; Ciaccio; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman;
Jones; Schwade; Davidson; Cox (12)
ABSENT:
Baron; Faford (2)
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Department
Heads, please.
CLERK DUMAS:
PRESENT:
Kinkade; Young; Dear; Spice; Bohlen; Power; Simms; Shaw; Gordon;
Bertrand (10)
ABSENT:
Tyson; Rodriguez (2)
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Thank
you. I would entertain a motion to
approve the minutes of the August 3, 2009, City Council meeting.
ALDERMAN HUNTER: Mayor
Epstein, I’d like to defer to Alderman Ciaccio.
I understand Alderman Ciaccio that you wanted to change your vote from
Aye to Nay on page 7 (final format, page 5) at the top here where Clerk
Dumas called the roll on that property maintenance matter is that correct?
ALDERMAN CIACCIO: Yes.
ALDERMAN HUNTER: Okay. Thank you.
I move to approve the minutes with that particular correction as stated
by Alderman Ciaccio.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
by Alderman Hunter to approve the minutes with one correction or change. Do I have a second?
ALDERMAN BROWNE: Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Seconded
by Alderman Rich Browne. All those in
favor, Aye. Opposed.
MOTION TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF
AUGUST 3, 2009, WITH ONE CHANGE BY ALDERMAN CIACCIO
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Minutes
are approved. I have no Petitions this
evening. Do I have any Petitions from
the Floor? With the Aldermen’s..........hearing
none, with the Aldermen’s approval, because we have so many visitors here this
evening, I would like to move up on the agenda the Resolution for the track
club. And, I would like Alderman Glenn
Davidson to come forward and read the Resolution.
7:05 P.M.
DAVID TYSON ARRIVES
ALDERMAN DAVIDSON: I’d
like all the athletes to come up front, the coaches and the parents. Everybody
can squeeze in. RESOLUTION NO. 2009 -
26 HONORING THE ILLINOIS GOLD TRACK
CLUB. WHEREAS, the Illinois Gold Track
Club originated in the City of Kankakee in 2005 to help educate parents and
students in Kankakee and surrounding counties on the importance of exercise and
physical activity; and, the Illinois Gold Track Club, one of the largest Track
and Field Clubs in America, boasts one-hundred plus members yearly to compete
in the Amateur Athletic Union (A.A.U.) and the United States track and field
events. The Club has recently qualified
children from this community to the national level; and since its origin, the Club has had members
who have won three State Championships, one National Championship, and seven
National Runners-Up. It has also
produced one Olympic qualifier in the Long Jump Competition: Lincoln University
student and National Collegiate Athletic Association All-American Jared Randle
jumped twenty-seven feet and four inches in Philadelphia, qualifying him for
Olympic competition; and this year Illinois Gold Track Club has won the State
of Illinois Voices for Children Award through National City Bank. The Club continues to open doors for
community youth by helping provide jobs for team members through partnerships
with the Community Resource Center and the Workforce Investment Act Program
(W.I.A.); and the Illinois Gold Track Club will reach more than five-hundred
youth in 2010 with its after-school and tutoring and mentoring programs, and
plans to open up its doors to all Illinois children in order to provide
positive resources to children who are homeless, abused, or neglected, or
children who just need a positive outlet; and during the upcoming year Illinois
Gold Track Club will provide A.A.U. Basketball to its sporting portfolio. Plans also include bringing to the City of
Kankakee a Sports Festival of Games which will resemble the Olympics; and team
coaches Alonzo Cephus and Philip Turner are committed to the team. Coach Cephus has commented, “We have been
blessed with the opportunity to be of service to these young people and they
have responded in ways that are amazing.
It goes to show that with hard work and dedication many positive things
are possible”; and NOW, THEREFORE BE IT
RESOLVED, by Mayor Nina Epstein and the City Council of Kankakee, do hereby
honor the Illinois Gold Track Team members and their coaches and parents for
their accomplishments and for the championship qualities they have exemplified. Adopted this 17th day of August,
2009.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: I
will entertain a motion to approve the Resolution.
ALDERMAN DAVIDSON: I
so move.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
by Alderman Davidson.
ALDERMAN BROWN: Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Seconded
by Alderman Carl Brown. All those in
favor.
RESOLUTION HONORING THE ILLINOIS GOLD TRACK CLUB
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
is approved. The Resolution is approved.
ALONZO CEPHUS: Before
we go I want to give you guys a gift from Illinois Gold Track Club. I appreciate you. Mayor, to you, a planning book to help her
plan this beautiful City. And, you guys,
ink pens to write down what she’s planning.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: All
right. Moving on, I am going
to.........we will go to Communications.
And, with the Aldermen’s approval, I believe we can combine A, C, D, E,
F, G and H into one motion.
ALDERMAN HUNTER: I
so move.
ALDERMAN JONES: Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
by Alderman Hunter, seconded by Alderman Jones to approve items A, C, D, E, F,
G and H. All those in favor. Opposed.
KANKAKEE NOON LIONS CLUB IS REQUESTING PERMISSION TO
HOLD
A TAG DAY ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2009, WITH A RAIN DATE
OF
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2009, FOR THEIR ANNUAL CANDY DAY
JOE ARMENISE IS REQUESTING A NOISE PERMIT AND STREET
BLOCKAGE
OF THE ALLEYWAY BETWEEN THE 1400 BLOCK OF WEST
MERCHANT
STREET AND WEST STATION STREET ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6,
2009,
FROM NOON TO 10:00 P.M.
KANKAKEE JAYCEES ARE REQUESTING PERMISSION TO HOLD A
TAG
DAY ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2009, WITH A RAIN DATE
OF
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2009
MELODY PRESSWOOD IS REQUESTING A NOISE PERMIT AND
STREET
BLOCKAGE OF THE 400 BLOCK OF SOUTH ROSEWOOD AVENUE FOR
A
BACK TO SCHOOL BLOCK PARTY ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 22,
2009,
FROM 12:30 P.M. TO 7:00 P.M.
KIWANIS CLUB OF KANKAKEE IS REQUESTING PERMISSION TO
HOLD A TAG
DAY ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2009, FOR THEIR ANNUAL
PEANUT DAY
THE COMMUNITY ARTS COUNCIL OF KANKAKEE COUNTY IS
REQUESTING
STREET BLOCKAGE OF THE 100 BLOCK OF NORTH SCHUYLER
AVENUE ON
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2009, FROM 8:00 A.M. UNTIL 6:00
P.M. FOR THEIR
FALL ART STROLL
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS ST. VIATEUR’S COUNCIL 745 IS
REQUESTING
PERMISSION TO HOLD THEIR ANNUAL “TOOTSIE ROLL CANDY
DAY”
ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2009
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
carries. Item B. With regret, we have a resignation from
William Cantrell, resigning from the City of Kankakee Police Pension Board
effective August 5. Do I have a motion?
ALDERMAN HUNTER: Move
to accept with regret.
ALDERMAN WILLIAMS: Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
made by Alderman Hunter, seconded by Alderman Hank Williams to approve the
letter with regret. All those in favor,
aye. Opposed, same sign.
LETTER OF RESIGNATION FROM WILLIAM H. CANTRELL, CITY
OF
KANKAKEE POLICE PENSION BOARD MEMBER, EFFECTIVE AUGUST
5, 2009
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
carries. Item I is an information only
item. I think some of you may have read
in the newspaper that the cornerstone on the Administration Building had a name
that was spelled in error. The old
cornerstone had been destroyed when the building was being renovated and what
should have been Wheeler was Weller. Thank goodness we were able to change an l
to an e rather simply, so the family was very appreciative. There are still descendants here of Mr.
Wheeler. And, we did make that
correction and they did send us a thank you note. Ah, Standing Committees. Public Safety, Alderman Hunter.
ALDERMAN HUNTER: Ah,
briefly, I think the minutes are self-explanatory. I would just like to mention that the Fire
Department is pursuing additional soft monies in the form of grants. The Police Department, we were pleased with
the crime stats in terms of indistinguishable indistinguishable Also, the Police and Fire Commission
conducted testing and you have the information which is cited in the
minutes. Additionally, ah, as I
indicated earlier, the department is seeking grant monies with the assistance
of U. S. Representative Deb Halvorson in terms of bringing additional funds to
the City for the Police Department.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: License
and Franchise. Alderman Carl Brown.
ALDERMAN BROWN: The
minutes are contained in the booklet, however, I would like to make one
statement on the next meeting. Ah, we
will be discussing compliance because I think it came up as an issue so at the
next meeting we have asked legal counsel to be present because we’re going to
be discussing compliance and who’s the ultimate responsibility for making sure
that people are in compliance.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Thank
you. Ah, Budget meeting. Alderman Hunter was the Chairperson in the
absence of Alderman Baron.
ALDERMAN HUNTER: Briefly,
ah, ladies and gentlemen, we’ll be asking for one action item to be moved upon
which are reflected in the minutes. We
called the Budget meeting to order with duly constituted quorum. There were some public comments made by two
individuals with respect to monies that were reported that we had in our City
coffers as well as some issues regarding, ah, quorum in terms of Open Meetings
Act. The, ah, Budget meeting was
recessed for the public hearing. There
were various comments made regarding the appropriations for the next fiscal
year. Those comments were made by Mayor
Epstein and comments by Comptroller Jim Spice and some of the committee members
made the comments as well, too. That
particular, ah, those matters were..........were addressed. That particular public hearing was
adjourned. We reconvened the Budget
Committee meeting. After some
discussion, there was a motion made and seconded to refer this matter for
consideration at the next Council meeting which is tonight. So, in other words, the Budget Committee made
a recommendation to tax the corporation quotas for this fiscal year in the
unanimous manner. I don’t think there’s
anybody with adverse comments regarding that particular matter. Therefore, I would move that we pass the
budget for 2010, excuse me, 2009–2010 and I would move to Suspend the Rules.
ALDERMAN SCHWADE: I
second it.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: There’s
a motion by Alderman Hunter to Suspend the Rules, seconded by Alderman
Schwade. Roll call.
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Brown;
Hunter; Browne, R.; Williams; Ciaccio; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones;
Schwade; Davidson; Cox (14)
ABSENT: Baron; Faford (2)
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
carries. Is there a motion to put this
item on its Final Passage and Pass?
ALDERMAN HUNTER: I
so move, Mayor Epstein.
ALDERMAN SCHWADE: I
second it.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
by Alderman Hunter, seconded by Alderman Schwade to put this motion on its
Final Passage and Pass. Is there any
discussion? Alderman Jones.
ALDERMAN JONES: I
just have a question of where do you find what contractual services like the
lobbyists, Larry Nolan and Clifford Cross in the budget?
ALDERMAN HUNTER: It’s
not in there.
ALDERMAN JONES: I
wasn’t sure where you find it.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: There’s
a line item in there that........and Mr. Nolan is not a contracted....he does
not work for the City of Kankakee so he’s not in there.
ALDERMAN JONES: Oh,
okay. I must have been misinformed.
ALDERMAN HUNTER: You
weren’t referring to Cornerstone were you?
ALDERMAN JONES: The
lobbyists.
ALDERMAN HUNTER: Yeah,
that.....that’s been pulled back.
ALDERMAN JONES: That’s
not on there. But, Mr. Cross.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Mr.
Cross is still our City Planner. He is
paid a monthly stipend to appear at our Planning meetings and that includes his
travel also.
ATTORNEY BOHLEN: It’s
in the Planning Department.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: It’s
in the Planning Department budget. You’ll
find it in that. Each department has its
own budget.
ALDERMAN JONES: Okay.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: In
the budget booklet. And, you would find
it in the Planning and Code Department.
Mr. Spice.
JAMES SPICE: The
consultant that you’re asking about, there was a partial year payment to them
before we did get that suspended. And,
that’s on page 32. It’s under Consulting
Expense.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Are
there any other questions? Hearing none,
roll call, please.
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Brown;
Hunter; Browne, R.; Williams; Ciaccio; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones;
Schwade; Davidson; Cox (12)
ABSENT:
Baron; Faford (2)
ORDINANCE MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR CORPORATE PURPOSES
FOR
THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING MAY 1, 2009 AND ENDING APRIL
30, 2010
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
carries. Ah, we’ll move onto the Report
of Officers. Do I have a motion to pay
the bills?
ALDERMAN WILLIAMS: Mayor,
I move to approve the Report of Officers, place the monies into the proper
accounts and pay the bills in the amount of $232,488.97.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
by Alderman Williams to approve the Report of Officers. Seconded by.
ALDERMAN CIACCIO: Sam
Ciaccio.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Seconded
by Alderman Ciaccio. Are there any
questions? Hearing none, roll call,
please.
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Brown;
Hunter; Browne, R.; Williams; Ciaccio; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Schwade; Davidson; Cox (11)
ABSTAIN:
Jones (1)
ABSENT:
Baron; Faford (2)
REPORT OF OFFICERS,
APPROVAL OF BILLS $232,488.97
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
carries. Moving onto Unfinished
Business. The Ordinance Amending Chapter
8 of the City of Kankakee Property Maintenance Code. This is the second reading.
ALDERMAN HUNTER: Mayor
Epstein, by virtue of some concerns that have been represented by various
parties, I move this matter be referred to the Code Committee tomorrow at 5:15
P.M.
ALDERMAN SWANSON: Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
by Alderman Hunter, seconded by Alderman Swanson to move this item to the Code
Committee meeting tomorrow night at 5:15.
Is there any discussion on this matter.
Roll call.
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Brown;
Hunter; Browne, R.; Williams; Ciaccio; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones;
Schwade; Davidson; Cox (14)
ABSENT: Baron; Faford (2)
MOTION TO REFER BACK TO CODE COMMITTEE MEETING
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 8, SECTIONS 8-16 AND 8-17
OF THE
CITY CODE OF THE CITY OF KANKAKEE – PROPERTY
MAINTENANCE
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
carries. Moving onto New Business. Item A.
We have a Change Order No. 6 from Heritage Development and Construction
in the Amount of $36,909.19 for the Administration Building. That item, if you need Mr. Simms to speak to
it, I think you all knew that we had water issues in this building, in the
lower level and this was to correct that problem.
ALDERMAN HUNTER: Mayor,
I make a motion to approve.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
by Alderman Hunter, seconded by.......
ALDERMAN SCHWADE: I
second it.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Alderman
Schwade to approve, ah, this change order.
Is there any discussion?
ALDERMAN BROWN: I.........I
have some concerns. I thought the last
time, the last change order that we received, we talked about, ah, there can’t
be any more. I mean we have dealt with
water, we have dealt with the doors, we are dealing with so many other things
and I think it’s time now that we’ve got to live what we got. I mean, I understand the water issues because
I understand that can mess up things, but sooner or later these change orders
got to stop.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Well,
I believe, ah, Alderman Brown that this issue was something that needed to be
mitigated. It was a mess down there and
they had to trench out the concrete floor.
If you need more specifics, Mr. Simms, do you want to explain the
process?
RICHARD SIMMS: Right,
there’s actually three components to this final change order. The final one, the $10,000.00 early
completion warranty, was removed from the last change order on my
recommendations. The contract you had
was an incentive for every day that they completed it early, there was a
$1,000.00 incentive and the reason we did that is ‘cause we were paying $500.00
+ per day rent over in the building where the Police Department had
relocated. So the net effect was about
$500,000.00 cost. And, the reason we did
that, some of you may know how much delay we incurred on the Administration
Building and we didn’t want that to happen on the Public Safety Building. The other item is the new door in the
evidence room–actually the evidence room and the lab. When the Police Department had their
certification inspection, one of the areas that the group that came through was
concerned about was the fact there was no separation between the lab evidence
and the evidence office. And, we talked
to the contractor and they said it would not be that difficult to put a door
in. That was not part of the original
contract and the Police Chief said it would be necessary to satisfy that group
if you wanted to get your certification which I think everybody was in favor of
getting. And, then the first item was
the basement trench, ah, that problem has just crept up. Some of you may know, we did a complete
survey of the building. We drilled holes
all the way around the building to monitor the water. We have a drain system that’s about equal
with the floor, all the way around the building and it still came up. We really don’t have an explanation whether
there was some kind of natural spring that occurred. We don’t know, but in any case it has
apparently captured the problem. But, we
didn’t have much choice. It was either
that or the evidence storage area and the, ah, exercise room wouldn’t have been
usable. So, that was not in the original
contract. We felt like we needed to fix
it and there’s certainly an obligate.........we’re obligated, I believe, to
address the cost.
ALDERMAN HUNTER: I
know that Alderman........with all due respect Mayor, ah, I knew that the last
change order, I know, Alderman Brown voiced his concerns as well, too, but I
think some of those........this particular change order has probably been
mitigated by virtue of what you just indicated, that the $1,000.00 a day has
been removed.
RICHARD SIMMS: Well,
the $1,000.00 incentive was in the original agreement. We removed it until now and, like I said, it’s
not really a net $1,000.00 because we were paying about $550.00.........
ALDERMAN HUNTER: .....for
rent.....
RICHARD SIMMS: For
rent. And, so that the net effect was a
small incentive to get the building done on time. Because, as you’ll recall, we were almost six
to eight months late on the Administration Building because we had no
penalty. Now, this....this particular
agreement read both ways. If they had
been 10 days late, they would have had a $10,000.00 penalty. So, it was an incentive to get it done on
time. We thought it was a good move and
also got City Council backing, you know, position you are now.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Alderman
Brown, does that answer your question?
ALDERMAN BROWN: Well,
I’m glad to know that they indistinguishable the certification.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Yes,
it did.
ALDERMAN BROWN: Because
that.......that speaks volumes ‘cause we’ve invested too much money in this
certification process to let that stop.
So, I’m glad with that. I still
have that concern. I’m just voicing
that. I just want to let you know that I’m
going to voice that concern too.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: I
appreciate your comments. And, I
believe, Alderman–excuse me–Chief Kinkade, we were notified that you did
receive the certification. Is that
correct?
CHIEF KINKADE: We
received the ILEAP certification which is the Illinois Law Enforcement
Accreditation Program. We’re still in
the process with the CALEA which is the national. But, we did receive word by email.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: I’m
sorry to digress, but.....
ALDERMAN BROWN: Good
news.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: So,
excuse me. Do I have a motion and a
second? Roll call, please.
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Brown;
Hunter; Browne, R.; Williams; Ciaccio; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones;
Schwade; Davidson; Cox (12)
ABSENT: Baron; Faford (2)
CHANGE ORDER NO. 6 FROM HERITAGE DEVELOPMENT AND
CONSTRUCTION,
INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $36,909.19 FOR ADMINISTRATION
BUILDING
REMODELING OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER (0649)
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
carries. The next item is a
recommendation which comes from the Utility Committee to purchase a new Vac-Con
through the suburban purchasing cooperative program. Mr. Simms can certainly explain to you what
this piece of equipment does. It’s very
costly and, ah, we also have one that, I believe, KRMA has agreed to purchase.
RICHARD SIMMS: Correct.
This is a kind of a unique circumstance.
In the past, we had always written specification and you’ve seen these
big pieces of equipment with the big hose in the front. It’s called.......the brand name of the one
we have is called a Vactor. This
particular company is now competing with the Streator company and this group is
out of Manteno. And, what it was, we
were notified that DuPage County and Will County had joined together and formed
a purchasing cooperative. They bid out
all kinds of vehicles and equipment for the year and when we started
investigating replacing our old Vactor, the company from Manteno indicated that
they were the low price in this purchasing cooperative and they were willing to
give us the price even though we were not in the cooperative. However, the City attorney suggested that
since we weren’t in it really, we couldn’t circumvent the normal process and so
the City Council would have to take this before them and waive the
formality.............not formality.........waive the requirement of
bidding. In our case, we’re taking
advantage of somebody else’s bidding and they’re honoring that price. Both pieces of equipment would be fine. There wasn’t a big difference in price, but
the one we’re specifying saves us a little bit.
Subsequently, we got a price from a dealer who said that the old piece
of equipment’s worth about $15,000.00.
And that was taken to KRMA and asked if they’d like to buy it because
the problem with it, it’s not roadworthy the way it needs to be. Well, KRMA never takes it off of their plant
site and so the KRMA board is considering purchasing that from the City so that
discounts your price a further $15,000.00.
So we’re asking City Council to honor this price which is associated
with the joint purchasing program of DuPage and Will Counties.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Also,
because we did not go through the formal bid process we will need a
three-fourths majority to pass this item.
ALDERMAN BROWN: Now,
this was recommended in Committee to bring to the full Council board then?
MAYOR EPSTEIN: That’s
correct.
ALDERMAN BROWN: Now
have we worked out an agreement where........which chassis this will be on,
whether it’s going to be on the Peterbilt or whether it’s going to be on the
International, right? All of that’s
included in here. Is that correct? Okay.
With that understanding, I’d like to make a motion that we purchase that
equipment.
ALDERMAN HUNTER: I’ll
second that lower bidder.........local bidder.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
made by Alderman Brown, seconded by Alderman Hunter to approve the bid in the
amount of $260,000.00. Roll call,
please.
ALDERMAN BROWN: You
got a question.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Oh,
I’m sorry. Any questions? Alderman Schwade.
ALDERMAN SCHWADE: Right,
Mayor. Is the life expectancy 20
years? This other one was 20 years
MAYOR EPSTEIN: I
couldn’t answer that.
RICHARD SIMMS: I’m
sorry.
ALDERMAN SCHWADE: Is
the life expectancy about 20 years? Or
you can’t really say I suppose.
RICHARD SIMMS: Well,
unfortunately, this piece of equipment’s on the road every day of the
week. I would say 20 years would be too
long. I mean, you can always rebuild the
equipment, but what happens is the truck body itself doesn’t last long. Although, Bert does a good job keeping his
going that long, we haven’t had that success.
ALDERMAN SCHWADE: I
just wondered because this was an ‘88 or ‘89.
Thanks.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Alderman
Davidson.
ALDERMAN DAVIDSON: This
process that we’re doing now it actually circumventing our normal way of
bidding. This isn’t going to be
something that we do on a regular basis unless it proves to be beneficial to
us.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: That’s
correct. And, actually, the consortium
that these two counties put together was a phenomenal idea because they had all
kinds of vehicles on there that they went through the formal process. And, we were fortunate that the dealer is
certainly, even though we were not a part of that consortium, is willing to
provide us this vehicle for the exact same price that was in the bid
process. So, we’re not really
circumventing, it’s just that we’re taking advantage of this consortium in
order to purchase something that is a very competitive price. But, this is a very unusual
circumstance. I can’t remember the last
time we did something like this.
ALDERMAN HUNTER: I
don’t know. Maybe Simms could tell you.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Alderman
Williams.
ALDERMAN WILLIAMS: Is
this vehicle.........maybe Mr. Simms could address this. Does it include rust proofing, like
undercoating rust proofing?
RICHARD SIMMS: Yes,
that’s standard on this equipment.
Right.
ALDERMAN WILLIAMS: Okay.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Any
other questions? Hearing none, we have a
motion and a second on the Floor. Roll
call, please.
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Brown;
Hunter; Browne, R.; Williams; Ciaccio; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones;
Schwade; Davidson; Cox (12)
ABSENT: Baron; Faford (2)
RECOMMENDATION TO PURCHASE A NEW VAC-CON THROUGH THE
SUBURBAN PURCHASING COOPERATIVE JOINT PURCHASING
PROGRAM
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
carries. Items C, D and E pertain to
surplus items.
ALDERMAN HUNTER: Motion
to Suspend the Rules that would interfere with consideration and passage of
these Ordinances at this time. C, D and
E.
ALDERMAN WILLIAMS: Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
made by Alderman Hunter, seconded by Alderman Ciaccio to Suspend the
Rules. Oh, I’m sorry. Was it Williams? I’m sorry, Alderman Williams.
ALDERMAN WILLIAMS: Well,
we look alike, I guess.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: I
didn’t hear the other comments, but excuse me.
Ah, seconded by Alderman Williams.
Roll call.
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Brown;
Hunter; Browne, R.; Williams; Ciaccio; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones;
Schwade; Davidson; Cox (12)
ABSENT: Baron; Faford (2)
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
carries. Motion to place these
Ordinances on their Final Passage and Pass.
ALDERMAN HUNTER: I
so move.
ALDERMAN WILLIAMS: Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
by Alderman Hunter, seconded by Alderman Williams. Is there any discussion? Hearing none, roll call, please.
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Brown;
Hunter; Browne, R.; Williams; Ciaccio; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade;
Davidson; Cox (12)
ABSENT: Baron; Faford (2)
ORDINANCE DECLARING CERTAIN PROPERTY SURPLUS OF THE
CITY
OF KANKAKEE – CITY CLERK’S OFFICE - AND AUTHORIZING
THE SALE
THEREOF
ORDINANCE DECLARING CERTAIN PROPERTY SURPLUS OF THE
CITY
OF KANKAKEE – KANKAKEE FIRE DEPARTMENT - AND
AUTHORIZING
THE SALE THEREOF
ORDINANCE DECLARING CERTAIN PROPERTY SURPLUS OF THE
CITY
OF KANKAKEE – KANKAKEE POLICE DEPARTMENT - AND
AUTHORIZING
THE SALE THEREOF
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
carries. Next item, item F, is the
Establishment of a Handicapped Parking Sign at 943 S. Sixth. Do I have a motion to Suspend the Rules?
ALDERMAN SWANSON: I’d
like to make a motion to Suspend the Rules that would interfere with the
passage of this Ordinance.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
by Alderman Swanson, seconded by..........
ALDERMAN BROWNE: I’ll
second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Alderman
Browne to Suspend the Rules. Roll call.
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Brown;
Hunter; Browne, R.; Williams; Ciaccio; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade;
Davidson; Cox (12)
ABSENT: Baron; Faford (2)
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
carries. A motion to place this
Ordinance on its Final Passage?
ALDERMAN SWANSON: I
so move.
ALDERMAN BROWNE: Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
by Alderman Swanson, seconded by Alderman Rich Browne. Any discussion? Hearing none, roll call, please.
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Brown,
P.; Hunter; Browne, R.; Williams; Ciaccio; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones;
Schwade; Davidson; Cox (12)
ABSENT:
Baron; Faford (2)
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 32, SECTION 231
ESTABLISHING A
HANDICAPPED PARKING SIGN AT 943 SOUTH SIXTH AVENUE
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
carries. We’ve already passed the budget
which is item G. We’ll move onto item
H. I think all of you are aware of the fact
that the property across the street from the Administration Building was
purchased by the City and we are going to turn that into a parking lot as well
as the lot that we already are using.
And, the bids were opened this morning and, ah, Mr. Tyson, would you
like to discuss the bids?
DAVID TYSON: Yes. We did open the bids. We bid it in three phases. We had a base bid and two alternates. The base bid is to do the..........basically,
just do the parking lot with regular asphalt and regular concrete. Alternate one is to do the stamped concrete
for the walk similar to what we did over by the new City Hall and so that way
then everything would blend together.
So, our initial recommendation is to award the base bid and alternate
one. Alternate two can be something you
as the Aldermen can decide upon. What
this is, is for an additional $80,000.00, we can stamp the asphalt so it looks
like the bricks and, again, will match exactly what was done over by the new
City Hall. And, it will be the same
carried across the street. We bid it
this way so that you could actually see what it cost, number one, to do it and
if you did want to save money, you’re welcome to save money if that’s what you
would choose to do. Our recommendation
is to definitely award the base bid and alternate one for the price it came in
at. I think, alternate two would
be.....would look very attractive to keep the two parking lots consistent, but
again, that’s totally up to the Council’s pleasure.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: And,
the parking lot design will be very similar to the design that we have across
the street here. It will include a rain
garden.
DAVID TYSON: Right. That’s correct.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: And,
ah, so it’ll be very, very attractive and continue our rehabilitation,
actually, of many parts of the downtown area.
I’ll entertain questions.
ALDERMAN HUNTER: Let
me be clear. You’re saying the base bid
would indistinguishable alternate
bid number one.
DAVID TYSON: I
would go with alternate one and alternate two ‘cause I think it would be smart
to keep everything consistent.
ALDERMAN HUNTER: Be
consistent. Okay.
DAVID TYSON: But,
I wanted to let this Council know what it cost to have the patterned asphalt
put in there.
ALDERMAN HUNTER: For
all three of those. I understand. Basically, alternate bid one and two. Second Ward?
ALDERMAN SCHWADE: Okay.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: I
think we should clarify that the funding for this project is from our
infrastructure bond money. This
certainly does not come out of general funds.
Sometimes, there’s a misconception of what general fund pays for as well
as what our infrastructure work pays for and this is all coming out of bond
proceeds that were specifically targeted for infrastructure. Alderman Schwade.
ALDERMAN SCHWADE: No.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Did
you have a comment?
ALDERMAN SCHWADE: No. I was just still thinking. Okay, I move that we accept the base bid,
the alternate bid number one and alternate bid number two to the low bidder,
Kankakee Valley Construction Company to improve the parking lot and sidewalk
across the street from the Administration Building and do you want me to give
the amounts?
MAYOR EPSTEIN: We’ll
add those to the motion. Motion has been
made by Alderman Schwade.
ALDERMAN JONES: Second
it.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Seconded
by Alderman Jones to approve the base bid, alternate bid one and alternate bid
two for the reconstruction of the parking lot area as well as–I think everyone
understands it also includes the lot that we purchased that had the car–gas
station shop–on it. So, it’s both of
those pieces of property.
ALDERMAN HUNTER: Just
had a question, Dave. Is Kankakee Valley
going to do the entire project or do they have subs?
DAVID TYSON: Ah,
they will have subs to do–especially do the stamping paving and that, but yes,
they will be the general contractor on it.
We’ll ask them to divulge all their subs at a preconstruction meeting.
ALDERMAN HUNTER: Okay. You know where I’m comin’ from?
DAVID TYSON: Yes,
sir.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: There’s
a motion by Alderman Schwade, seconded by Alderman Jones. Are there any other questions or
discussions? Roll call.
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Brown;
Hunter; Browne, R.; Williams; Ciaccio; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones;
Schwade; Davidson; Cox (12)
ABSENT: Baron; Faford (2)
RECOMMENDATION TO AWARD THE CONTRACT FOR THE BASE BID
FOR
TYSON ENGINEERING PROPOSED CITY HALL IMPROVEMENTS,
PHASE II,
TEI JOB NO. E07118, IN THE AMOUNT OF $228,397.10, AND
THE ALTERNATE
BID 1 WORK IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,468.80 TO KANKAKEE
VALLEY
CONSTRUCTION COMPANY; AND TO REVIEW ALTERNATE BID 2
FOR
THE STAMPED ASPHALT AND MAKE A DETERMINATION WHETHER
THIS ALTERNATE SHOULD ALSO BE APPROVED
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
carries. Earlier in the meeting, we
accepted the resignation of Mr. Cantrell from the Police Pension Board. I would like to appoint Alderman Larry Osenga
to replace Mr. Cantrell on that board.
We have checked; it is not a conflict of interest for him to take that
appointment. I would need a motion to
approve the appointment.
ALDERMAN LINNEMAN: I
would move that we approve that appointment.
ALDERMAN WILLIAMS: Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: And,
seconded by Alderman Williams.
ALDERMAN HUNTER: Unanimous
second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: By
Alderman Williams. Roll call.
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Brown;
Hunter (Question of the Corporation Counsel.
Most to Table is always in order, right?
ATTORNEY BOHLEN: Always in order.
ALDERMAN HUNTER: On second thought, I’ll vote aye.); Browne, R.; Williams; Ciaccio; Swanson; Linneman; Jones; Schwade;
Davidson; Cox (11)
ABSTAIN: Osenga (1)
ABSENT: Baron; Faford (2)
LARRY OSENGA – APPOINTMENT TO REPLACE WILLIAM CANTRELL
ON
THE CITY OF KANKAKEE POLICE PENSION BOARD
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
carries. The final item on our agenda
this evening is a Resolution to object to a special use permit that is being
heard by the Zoning Board. Case #09-12. Mr. Cross, our Planner, has written this
objection. It is not consistent with the
zoning that we would have in the area that is being requested. And, we need the Resolution passed by the
City Council that would be forwarded to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
ATTORNEY BOHLEN: This
is on Rt. 17 East. It’s within a mile
and a half of the boundaries of the 7th Ward as well as the City of
Kankakee. It’s on the..........just off
of the frontage road. There’s a group of
houses about a mile east of town and there..........this is a storage shed that
they want to convert to the motorcycle club.
ALDERMAN BROWN: Motion
to approve this action.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
by Alderman Brown, seconded by........
ALDERMAN HUNTER: Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Alderman
Hunter to approve the Resolution objecting to this request. All those in favor, aye. Opposed, same sign.
ALDERMAN DAVIDSON: I
have a question.
RESOLUTION TO OBJECT TO THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT CASE #
ZBA
CASE 09-12 – KANKAKEE COUNTY ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
MAYOR EPSTEIN: It
is unanimous. I’m sorry. Alderman Davidson.
ALDERMAN DAVIDSON: I’m
just.......I’m curious as to why they were objecting to it, specifically.
ATTORNEY BOHLEN: According
to the City Planner, if we were to extend planning in.......the reason we have
the right to object is it’s within a mile and a half of our limits. The idea is that eventually the City will
grow to that extent. The City Planner
looked at it and said is this consistent with the kind of zoning that we can
typically do for this particular area?
And, it’s not consistent with either the zoning of the County. That’s why they need a special use
permit. Nor is it consistent with what
the plan would be for the City if we were to expand there. And, that’s why, to avoid it being
grandfathered in in the event of an annexation, this at least establishes the
City’s position.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Thank
you. Okay. The Resolution carries. I have.............are there any comments by
Aldermen? Or questions? Alderman Jones.
ALDERMAN JONES: Mayor
I’d like to thank the City for their
support of the block party, the Back-To-School Block Party in front of
Steuben School. We had a great
turnout. We were able to provide school
supplies. We also provided them with hot
dogs, brats, corn on the cob, potato chips, pop and water. And, I’d like to thank the Fire Department
for the Safety House that came out that day.
And the Police Department for the DARE car. The kids really enjoyed it. We, ah, had the Country Fruit Market donated
their little tractor that we were able to give them tractor...........ah, train
rides around. Amtrack came out and they
gave out coloring books for the black history.
They provided little hats for the kids. I’ve got pictures
that I’ll pass them around.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Thank
you.
ALDERMAN JONES: It
was a great day and I would like to thank everybody that took part in it. Thank you.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Thank
you. And, Alderman Davidson, how were
the haircuts?
ALDERMAN DAVIDSON: First
of all, I, too, would like to thank the City and all of the supporters for that
particular event. It took place today. I guess in some respects it was a
success. We did about 160 kids. A lot less than what I would have wanted, but
every kid left out with a smile on his face.
So, in that respect it was a success so I’d like to thank everyone
for coming out and supporting that particular event. And, I had about 19 barbers which is the most
that we’ve ever had and regardless of the numbers, they were still supportive
and they’re wanting to come back next year and continue this event
because they think it’s a very worthwhile event.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: And,
they’ll look very sharp when school starts.
ALDERMAN DAVIDSON: Definitely.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Thank
you.
ALDERMAN DAVIDSON:
Thank you.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Alderman
Brown.
ALDERMAN BROWN: I
do have one concern. I discussed that
with you earlier. Are you going to
address that or should I do it?
MAYOR EPSTEIN: You
can address it. I will address it later.
ALDERMAN BROWN: You
will address it later?
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Um
huh (affirmative).
ALDERMAN BROWN: Well,
there’s no sense in both of us addressing it.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Okay.
ALDERMAN BROWN: If
you’re going to take care of it.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Yes,
I will.
ALDERMAN BROWN: Okay.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Thank
you. Hearing no other comments, do I
have a motion to adjourn?
ALDERMAN HUNTER: I
so move.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: A
motion by..........I didn’t see who..........Hunter.
ALDERMAN SWANSON: Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: And,
seconded by Alderman Swanson. All those
in favor. Opposed.
MOTION TO ADJOURN CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MAYOR EPSTEIN: We
are adjourned. Thank you.
7:46 P.M.