CITY OF KANKAKEE
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 7, 2010
7:03 P.M.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: I
would like to call the meeting to order and ask Rev. Israel Anchan from St.
Paul’s Episcopal Church to come forward and lead us in prayer.
REVEREND ANCHAN: Let
us pray. Gracious God, Lord of the
universe, bless us all who have gathered here this evening. We have come in your presence with humble
hearts and minds. You have created this
amazing world, You have given us days and nights to live for; You have given us
minds to make decisions and to understand with, and hearts to feel with; we are
blessed to have the freedom to use these gifts.
Lord, we praise You and thank You for those who have gathered here for a
special purpose. In our limited wisdom
and knowledge, we comprehend that You are omniscient, omnipotent and
omnipresent. We call You by different
names such as Lord, God, El-shaddai, Adonai, Yahweh, Almighty, Allah,
Parmeshwar, and so many more. But
whether we are religious or not, whether we believe in You or not, we still
need Your help, guidance and protection in our daily life. Lord, today, as its faithful citizens, we are
here to support and encourage each other’s work for the City of Kankakee. We thank You for our Mayor, Nina Epstein, for
her good work in the development of our City.
We also thank You for all the heads of the departments and staff members
involved in the yeoman service of our City at large. Give us good wisdom and knowledge to fulfill
our responsibility with sincerity and love.
Lord, without Your guiding hand and Your watchful guard, all our work
for progress and safety would be in vain.
O Lord of the universe, please bestow on us the spirit of peace, love,
charity, modesty, obedience, and sincerity while we do our work for the people
of Kankakee County. Lord, give us the
right mind to attempt great things for our City. Today, as we discuss various things according
to our agenda, lead us all in one spirit and one mind, so that whatever is
discussed yields decisions that are of the people, for the people and by the
people. Once again, we commit our Mayor,
the office staff and all responsible personnel who partake in the good work of
uplifting and developing Kankakee City and its people’s affairs. We commit this meeting in Your precious hands
and seek Your presence in our midst to move forward on all matters smoothly and
strongly. In God we trust and pray. Amen.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Thank
you. I would like to ask the girls from
Girl Scout Troop #333 to come forward and lead us in the Pledge.
JESSICA GATHING, KARA JONES, SARAH
LANOUE, FROM GIRL SCOUT TROOP #333 AND ALL: Pledge of Allegiance
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Thank
you. Roll call, please.
CLERK DUMAS:
PRESENT:
Hunter; Browne, R.; Baron; Tall; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones;
Schwade; Davidson; Cox (11)
ABSENT: Brown; Ciaccio, Faford (3)
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Department
Heads, please.
CLERK DUMAS:
PRESENT:
Regnier; Young; Spice; Bohlen; Power; Simms; Tyson; Banasiak; Cross;
Gordon; Bertrand; Yohnka (12)
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Thank
you. It’s my understanding that Alderman
Brown is under the weather and in the hospital, so please take a minute and
remember him in your prayers and we hope him a speedy recovery.
ALDERMAN HUNTER: He’s
in St. Mary’s, room 219, I think.
Alderman Browne and I have visited him and he’s responding to
treatment.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Thank
you, Alderman Hunter. I’d like–before we
do the minutes–I’d like to amend the agenda.
We’re adding another item to the New Business. It’s parking lot bids for the restriping and
resealing of the City-owned parking lots.
I believe that Nancy passed it out and it’s on your desk. Do I have a motion to approve the minutes of
the May 17, 2010, meeting?
ALDERMAN HUNTER: I
so move.
ALDERMAN BROWNE: Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
made by Alderman Hunter, seconded by Alderman Rich Browne. Are there any corrections or additions to the
minutes? Hearing none, all those in
favor, aye. Opposed same sign.
MOTION TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MAY
17, 2010
MAYOR EPSTEIN: The
minutes are approved. Next item
on the agenda are minutes from the Planning Board. These are information only. We will move onto the application by Jazzy
Jeneque’s. Ah, Planning Board Case
PB10-05. Do I have a motion to approve
the Findings and Recommendations of the Planning Board?
ALDERMAN TALL: So
moved.
ALDERMAN JONES: Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
made by Alderman Tall, seconded by Alderman Jones to approve the Findings and
Recommendations. Roll call, please.
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Hunter;
Browne, R.; Tall; Linneman; Jones; Davidson; Cox (7)
NAY: Baron; Swanson; Osenga; Schwade (4)
ABSENT: Brown; Ciaccio; Faford (3)
FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
PB10-05: AN
APPLICATION BY JAZZY JENEQUE’S RE-SALE SHOP
REQUESTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW FOR
OUTDOOR
DISPLAY AND MERCHANDISING AT THE PROPERTY COMMONLY
KNOWN
AS 245 EAST RIVER STREET
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
carries. We now move onto the Ordinance
that is granting a conditional use permit for this establishment. Do I have a motion to Suspend the Rules?
ALDERMAN JONES: Motion
to Suspend the Rules.
ALDERMAN TALL: Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
made by Alderman Jones, seconded by Alderman Tall to Suspend the Rules of this
Ordinance. Roll call.
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Hunter;
Browne, R.; Tall; Linneman; Jones; Davidson; Cox (7)
NAY:
Baron; Swanson; Osenga; Schwade (4)
ABSENT:
Brown; Ciaccio; Faford (3)
ORDINANCE GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW
FOR
THE ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATION OF A “RE-SALE SHOP
WITH
OUTDOOR DISPLAY AND MERCHANDISING AT THE PROPERTY
COMMONLY KNOWN AS 245 EAST RIVER STREET
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
carries. Do I.......
ALDERMAN HUNTER: No. Motion to place this Ordinance on First
Reading.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: I’m
sorry, the motion failed because we need a 2/3 majority.
ALDERMAN HUNTER: Motion
to place this Ordinance on its First Reading.
ALDERMAN JONES: Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
made by Alderman Hunter to place this on its First Reading. Seconded by Alderman Jones. Roll call.
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Hunter;
Browne, R.; Tall; Linneman; Jones; Davidson; Cox (7)
NAY: Baron; Swanson; Osenga; Schwade (4)
ABSENT: Brown; Ciaccio; Faford (3)
FIRST READING
ONLY
ORDINANCE GRANTING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW
FOR
THE ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATION OF A “RE-SALE SHOP
WITH
OUTDOOR DISPLAY AND MERCHANDISING AT THE PROPERTY
COMMONLY KNOWN AS 245 EAST RIVER STREET
MAYOR EPSTEIN: The
motion carries. It will be on our agenda
for next month.....the next meeting.
Moving onto Communications. There
are several. I would like to ask the
Item A and B are information only for the Aldermen. The next set of Communications, I believe we
could combine C, D, E and F, G, J and K.
ALDERMAN HUNTER: I
so move.
ALDERMAN BROWNE: Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
by Alderman Hunter to combine the aforementioned Communications. Seconded by Alderman Rich Browne. All those in favor, aye. Opposed, same sign.
VICTORY LANES AT 1801 WEST STATION STREET IS
REQUESTING A NOISE
PERMIT FOR A PATIO PARTY ON FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2010,
FROM 5:00 P.M.
UNTIL 11:00 P.M.
MG 44 GALLERY AT 295 SOUTH FIFTH AVENUE IS REQUESTING
A NOISE
PERMIT FOR A FLAG DAY CELEBRATION ON MONDAY, JUNE 14,
2010,
FROM 11:30 A.M. UNTIL 2:00 P.M.
SHAWNTAIE R. BOYD OF 529 NORTH DEARBORN AVENUE IS
REQUESTING
A NOISE PERMIT AND A STREET BLOCKAGE OF THE 500 BLOCK
OF NORTH DEARBORN AVENUE (FROM MULBERRY STREET TO 529 NORTH DEARBORN
AVENUE) FOR A BIRTHDAY PARTY ON SATURDAY, JUNE 19,
2010, FROM
7:00 A.M. UNTIL 7:00 P.M.
GERALD AND JUDY KILBRIDE ARE REQUESTING PERMISSION TO
HOLD
THE KILBRIDE FAMILY CLASSIC 5K ROAD RACE AND TWO MILE
WALK
FOR AUTISM THROUGH THE RIVERVIEW AREA ON SUNDAY, JUNE
20, 2010,
FROM 8:00 A.M. UNTIL 9:45 A.M.
TIAFEIA ARNOLD OF 564 NORTH ILLINOIS AVENUE IS
REQUESTING STREET BLOCKAGE OF THE 500 BLOCK OF NORTH ILLINOIS AVENUE FROM CEDAR
STREET TO SPRUCE STREET FOR A FOURTH OF JULY
NEIGHBORHOOD BLOCK
PARTY ON JULY 3, 2010 AND JULY 4, 2010 FROM 12:00 P.M.
UNTIL 8:00 P.M.
KANKAKEE PLOWMEN SEMI-PRO FOOTBALL TEAM IS REQUESTING
PERMISSION TO HOST A TAG DAY ON SATURDAY, JUNE 12, 2010
THE MEN’S MINISTRY OF MORNING STAR MISSIONARY BAPTIST
CHURCH IS
REQUESTING A NOISE PERMIT AND STREET BLOCKAGE OF EAST
MERCHANT
STREET WEST OF SCHUYLER AVENUE AND THE NORTH PARKING
LOT, INCLUDING
THE FOUNTAIN AREA, FOR “REAL MEN COOK” IN CELEBRATION
OF FATHER’S DAY ON SATURDAY, JUNE 19,
2010, FROM 10:00 A.M. UNTIL 10:00 P.M.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Now
we will deal with Item H. It is with
deep regret that we have the resignation/retirement of Chief Michael
Kinkade. Chief Kinkade has been a part
of this City and its Police Department for, actually, his entire career. He has done an incredible job in every level that
he has assumed in the Police Department.
He will be very difficult to replace.
I commend him for his efforts. I
think the last meeting he presented the crime statistics and the report from
the Police Department and I think by anyone’s measure, they were stellar in the
accomplishments that this Police Department has achieved as well as under the
leadership of Chief Kinkade. He will be
sorely missed. Do I have a motion to approve
the resignation/retirement?
ALDERMAN HUNTER: Madam
Chair, I rise to move to accept, with regret, the letter of resignation of
Police Chief Mike Kinkade. In making
that particular motion I’d like to echo the comments made Mr. Kilbride as well
as the Chair regarding Mike Kinkade. One
can only think back to 1993, Chief Regnier, when I think we had approximately
26 murders during that summer. Ah, I
think people throughout this community were afraid to go out in public by
virtue of the fact of murders happening almost every week. As a consequence of those circumstances, the
Chief, then Doster, and Mike Kinkade, Larry Regnier and Carole Franke and
others moved to mobilize the Police Department as well as the citizens
throughout the City in order to coalesce in terms of dealing with the crimes
that were quite frequent throughout all the communities. Since that time, I think all of us can, as
Aldermen and City officials, can raise our heads high when we review the crime
stats that were presented at the last, or two Council meeting ago. All of us were really quite proud. Oftentimes, ah, in our Public Safety
meetings, we’re quite proud, as well, when we hear the different initiatives
have been taken by the Police Department and, also, those individuals who are
interfacing with our neighborhood groups.
As a consequence of the, ah, neighborhood groups being developed
throughout every neighborhood in the City, crime has dissipated. People are no longer afraid to, ah, be
involved in various activities with their friends and families. So, I would like a second on my motion to
echo the same comments that I made regarding the motion.
ALDERMAN BARON: I
will second that motion, Alderman Hunter.
And, I do echo those comments and we’ll miss Chief Kinkade
professionally and as a friend.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Thank
you. Motion made by Alderman Hunter,
seconded by Alderman Baron. All those in
favor to accept the resignation with regret, say aye. Opposed, same sign.
LETTER OF RESIGNATION FROM CITY OF KANKAKEE CHIEF OF
POLICE MICHAEL P. KINKADE, EFFECTIVE JUNE 18, 2010
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
carries. Moving onto Item I, equally, we
have another resignation from Assistant Chief Ernest King from the Fire
Department. Ah, Assistant Chief King
also feels that it’s time after putting in 29 years in the Kankakee Fire
Department to retire. Again, he has been
an extraordinary person in the department.
He has served us well for many, many years. We will be equally sad to see him leave. It’s very hard when you’re used to seeing the
same faces here. I sat on the Public
Safety Committee for eight years. Ah, it’s
very hard to think that we will have new people in some of these
positions. And, again, we wish him well
in his retirement. All of these people
deserve to spend some quality time with their families after giving so much of
their lives and their time to the City of Kankakee. A motion to accept with regret, Assistant
Chief Ernest King’s retirement.
ALDERMAN HUNTER: As
Chairman of the Public Safety Committee, Madam Chair, I move to accept with
regret the Assistant Fire Chief’s resignation effective June 26, 2010. To make some comments about Ernie King, it’s
kind of personal I think. Many of us
have tried to talk Ernie out of resigning.
A couple years ago–several years ago–he was contemplating retiring as well
and I think that, if I’m not mistaken, Corporation Counsel as well as Don
Green, yours truly, as well as many individuals who are seated here as Aldermen
and public officials, talked him out of, ah, retiring. Most recently, Ernie lost his father and that
may have been that which pushed him over the edge to resign. He has done a marvelous job, an impeccable
duty to the fire service. Those comments
have been made by Chief Young and I think I echo those sentiments as well,
too. He has some large shoes to fill and
I wish Ernie godspeed and all that is positive in his.......through his life’s
course throughout the upcoming years. So
I move, as I indicated, to accept with regret, this resignation.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Thank
you, Alderman Hunter. Do I have a second?
ALDERMAN TALL: Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Seconded
by Alderman Tall to accept Assistant Fire Chief Ernest King’s resignation. All those in favor, aye. Opposed, same sign.
LETTER OF RESIGNATION FROM CITY OF KANKAKEE ASSISTANT
FIRE
CHIEF EARNEST KING, EFFECTIVE JUNE 26, 2010
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
carries. Standing Committees. Planning and Code. Alderman Swanson.
ALDERMAN SWANSON: Information’s
in the packet.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Thank
you. Budget, Alderman Baron.
ALDERMAN BARON: Mayor,
we’re not asking for any formal action.
There’s no request from the Budget Committee for any formal action,
however, Comptroller Spice did present the monthly financials and, briefly, the
highlights–and I’m not going to say lowlights–the significant things presented,
including number one, the sales tax, continued to decrease last month. The gross sales tax figures have decreased
3.3%. It’s not a great sign as going
into the next fiscal year. Obviously,
nothing that we can control. Ah, second
significant item is the other tax revenue for the year has decreased except
for, and, this is a highlight, ah, gas and natural gas utility tax which was
$168,000.00 over budget and that’s because we adopted the Ordinance at the
suggestion of our consultant that we capture all third party contracts for
natural gas–both residential and commercial–with out........with non-State of
Illinois suppliers. And, that continues
to result in to be the highlight of the tax revenue. And the third is that, ah, I’ll just read
the last two sentences of this item “however, the bottom line as of this report
is that expenditures are exceeding revenues by over $1.8 million. In other words, the City’s General Fund could
experience a deficit of nearly $1.8 million for the fiscal year ending April
30, 2010. So, I’m not asking for
approval on that report. I’m just
passing along the bad news and don’t kill the messenger.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Thank
you, Alderman Baron. Ordinance
Committee, Alderman Swanson.
ALDERMAN SWANSON: The
information.....the minutes are in the packet, but I did want to mention that
we will not be having an Ordinance meeting for June.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Okay. Thank you.
Moving onto the Report of Officers.
Do I have a motion to approve the bills?
ALDERMAN SWANSON: I’d
like to make a motion to approve the Report of Officers, place the money in the
proper accounts and pay the bills in the amount of $2,534,170.11.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
made by Alderman Swanson. Do I have a
second?
ALDERMAN OSENGA: Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Alderman
Osenga. Are there any questions? Hearing none, roll call.
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Hunter;
Browne, R.; Baron; Tall; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Schwade; Davidson; Cox
(10)
ABSTAIN:
Jones (1)
ABSENT: Brown; Ciaccio; Faford (3)
REPORT OF OFFICERS APPROVAL OF BILLS - $2,534.170.11
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
carries. Moving onto New Business. The first item under New Business is an
Ordinance establishing a moratorium on hiring and promotions in the City of
Kankakee. I would like to place this
item on its First Reading. Do I have a
motion to approve?
ALDERMAN HUNTER: Mayor
Epstein, before we, ah, contemplate taking action on this particular matter, as
you have seen this evening, there is some concern and unreadiness regarding
this particular matter. You have the
power and authority and the position as being the CEO and Chief Executive
Officer of this City, to mandate this without having legal authority adopted by
the City Council. Ah, there may be some
issues, some disputes regarding what some of these speakers have indicated here
this evening, but that probably speaks to, maybe our lack of communication to
leadership in community-based organizations as well as the ministerial
community regarding what the circumstances are regarding the issues of public
safety. Specifically, this whole matter
of the, ah, Police Chief, potential action regarding filling that position, the
hierarchy in the Police Department as well as the number of lieutenants
available, the intent of the administration to promote the next applicant or
candidate, for promotion on the Lieutenant’s list. Ah, I think that probably speaks to the
challenges that we have in the City, that we should probably take with utmost
vim and vigor, dealing with issues of race in human relations as we did in 1993
when we fought a tremendous amount of crime that plagued every neighborhood in
the City of Kankakee. I maintain that
there should be meetings with the leadership in community organizations as well
as the ministerial alliance regarding what this whole circumstance is
about. And, we would not, in the year
2010, have to be confronted with issues of race as it relates to law
enforcement in the City of Kankakee. A
couple Council meetings ago, I know that I rose to address the situation
regarding Sgt. Willy Hunt who is a very outstanding individual who came to the
City of Kankakee police ranks during the 1990s.
And, I indicated back, during that particular period of time, that he
was the next candidate to be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Additionally, this particular individual who
happens to be an African-American, possesses a bachelors degree. He also possesses a masters degree and he
has, I can’t remember how many, hours towards his Ph.D. We should applaud his efforts in terms of
improving his knowledge in terms of law enforcement as well as just life in
general in other courses that he has pursued.
That is an amazing achievement and probably the highest achievement that
anybody has ever achieved in the ranks of the Kankakee Police Department. I think I’m honored to have known him. We brought him in through the lateral entry
program which this particular City Council adopted some years ago. That has been the avenue by which we have
hired any number of minorities in the ranks of the Police Department. That particular Ordinance also provides for
lateral entry for the Fire Department. I
would ask the Mayor to hold up from dealing with this particular matter until
appropriate meetings could be held with leadership as I indicated earlier,
churches, community-based organizations as well as concerned citizens who are
concerned and tax payers in this fair City.
I don’t think that by voting on this particular matter will enhance the
relationship with the City of Kankakee and the community who has expressed some
concerns about, ah, the situation and law enforcement, specifically, the Police
Department. So, I would ask that you
initiate an action that would pull together those individuals who I indicated
and have a heart-to-heart discussion about issues of human relations as well as
affirmative action as well as an open access of opportunity that this City
subscribes to.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Thank
you, Alderman Hunter, for your comments.
Is there a motion to put this on its First Reading or would you prefer
to Table it?
ALDERMAN HUNTER: No,
I don’t think that I want to get into a Tabling. That’s an adverse action. What I’m saying to you, I think is it’s
incumbent upon you as the CEO to interface with those groups who sometimes have
misconceptions about what is going on with the City as it relates to the Police
Department. I think it’s only fitting
and proper that we do so. In addition
to, not only having those individuals that I’ve referenced, ah, that we also
would have members of the Police and Fire Commission to be a part of that
particular august group.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Alderman
Hunter, as I move forward to replace Chief Kinkade, part of the process will be
to involve the community and I think at that time we can certainly clear up any
misconceptions. I think Mr. Bohlen went
very far tonight to clear up some of the misconceptions that are out there as
far as the hierarchy in the Police Department and the method of promotions.
ALDERMAN HUNTER: By
virtue of the people who.............can I have people stand who are concerned
about the Police Department in the City of Kankakee? Would you please stand? I think that kind of epitomizes–that’s more
than 50% of the audience here today. Ah,
I think it’s only fitting and proper that you listen to those individuals who
are tax payers and who voted to.........some of which probably voted you into
office. We have to have an open, ah,
open administration that would listen to the citizens and their particular
perceptions and their concerns. I think
it’s only fitting and proper we do so.
A couple weeks won’t hurt this particular situation.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: I
agree. I would be happy to hold
meetings. Right now the Ordinance is on
the First Reading which would certainly allow us time to speak to the community
and to dispel some of the misconceptions that are out there.
ALDERMAN HUNTER: I
think it would be a positive overture, Mayor Epstein, if you would hold that
particular matter until the next Council meeting, if anything. By virtue of the fact that those individuals
who stood up, who represent a vast majority of the cross section of this City,
doctors, we have members present of the NAACP, we have various churches
represented here. You have various
Executive Directors of, ah, community-based organizations, KCCSI. Additionally, there are other organizations
represented here as well, too. And, can
I see if you would stand if you agree with what I’m proposing at this
point? Would you please stand? I think it’s only fitting and proper that you
do so, Mayor.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Thank
you. Are there any comments from any of
the other Aldermen?
ALDERMAN SCHWADE: Mayor
Epstein, I think that, ah, economically, this probably should have been done
three or four years ago. If we had the
foresight. I think other cities had done
this and just economically, this is not a racial situation. For Kankakee it is economic. And, I do think that the Sargeants, above all
people, realize that we have to watch things, with their situation with
the.........I think that was part of it, that, ah, what they wanted.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Alderman
Jones.
ALDERMAN JONES: Are
you not going to be hiring garbage men for the DPW and will this not stop them
from being hired and now you have a Chief that you want to hire and would that
not stop you from hiring the Chief?
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Actually,
we are out to bid for our garbage collection, so we have made no decision and
if you’ll read the moratorium, it says by the vote of the Council and with the
approval of the Mayor, we can hire and we can promote. So, there is a clause in there that allows
us, in case, if a fireman should leave, I think you are all aware of the fact
that we need to hire firemen because of the SAFER grant. If we don’t maintain our proper staffing
levels, the City would have to repay nearly $300,000.00 to the Federal
government because of the grant. So, we
added a clause in there that said, by the vote of the Council and with my
approval, that we could hire people because obviously none of us know what the
next twelve months will bring as far as staffing.
ALDERMAN HUNTER: Mayor
Epstein, I move to recess for ten minutes.
ALDERMAN JONES: Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
by Alderman Hunter, seconded by Alderman Jones to recess. All those in favor, aye. Opposed.
MOTION TO RECESS FOR TEN MINUTES
7:32
P.M.
TEN MINUTE RECESS
7:43
P.M.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: We
will come back from our ten minute recess.
I apologize to the community for taking so long. We will pull this item from the agenda. We will schedule a meeting of community
leaders and the item will reappear on the agenda at the next Council meeting. Moving onto the next item. We have an Ordinance that is an amendment to
the Utility–the Environmental Services Utility budget that was presented
several months ago. The amended budget
reflects the incorporation of the Department of Public Works into the
Environmental Services Utility. Because
of that incorporation, we needed to amend the Utility’s budget. Do I have a motion to Suspend the Rules?
ALDERMAN BARON: I
would so move.
ALDERMAN TALL: Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
by Alderman Baron, seconded by Alderman Tall to Suspend the Rules. Roll call.
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Hunter;
Browne, R.; Baron; Tall; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson;
Cox (11)
ABSENT:
Brown; Ciaccio, Faford (3)
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
carries. Do I have a motion to place
this Ordinance on its Final Passage and Pass.
ALDERMAN BARON: I
move we place this Ordinance on its Final Passage.
ALDERMAN OSENGA: Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
by Alderman Baron, seconded by Alderman Osenga to put this Ordinance on its
Final Passage. Are there any
questions? Roll call, please.
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Hunter;
Browne, R.; Baron; Tall; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson;
Cox (11)
ABSENT:
Brown; Ciaccio, Faford (3)
BUDGET AND ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS ORDINANCE FOR THE
KANKAKEE ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES UTILITY, KANKAKEE COUNTY, ILLINOIS FOR
THE FISCAL YEAR 2010-2011
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
carries. The next item on the agenda is
a Recommendation to award the contract to Bisaillon Excavating for the
Kensington Avenue Lift Station. Mr.
Tyson is here if you have any questions.
Do I have a motion to approve the Recommendation?
ALDERMAN SWANSON: I
so move.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
by Alderman Swanson, seconded by..........
ALDERMAN TALL: I’ll
second it.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Alderman
Tall to approve the award. Any
questions? Roll call.
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Hunter;
Browne, R.; Baron; Tall; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson;
Cox (11)
ABSENT:
Brown; Ciaccio, Faford (3)
RECOMMENDATION TO AWARD THE CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF
$161,585.10
TO BISAILLON EXCAVATING, INC., FOR THE KENSINGTON
AVENUE LIFT STATION REPLACEMENT AND REROUTING, TEI NO. E07029
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
carries. The next item on the agenda is
an Ordinance establishing a handicapped parking space at 171 N. Myrtle. Do I have a motion to Suspend the Rules that
would interfere with passage of this Ordinance?
ALDERMAN DAVIDSON: I
so move, Mayor.
ALDERMAN COX: Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
made by Alderman Davidson, seconded by Alderman Cox to Suspend the Rules. Roll call.
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Hunter;
Browne, R.; Baron; Tall; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson;
Cox (11)
ABSENT: Brown; Ciaccio; Faford (3)
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
carries.
ALDERMAN BARON: Mayor,
I know it’s not on the agenda, but could I include a handicapped Ordinance for
606 S. Elm which would have the same terms as what we just passed except that
it would add to the word handicapped and residential. We’ve had a situation arise with that
particular spot. It’s already a
handicapped spot. I talked to the, ah,
City Attorney Power about this, so we’d like to.........
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Do
a handicapped/residential?
ALDERMAN BARON: That’s
correct.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Okay.
ALDERMAN BARON: I
would move that we would Suspend the Rules that would interfere with passage of
that Ordinance.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Alderman
Baron, do you mind if we finish the other one?
We were right in the middle.
ALDERMAN BARON: Oh,
I didn’t know that. I was so ready to go
with that. Okay. I’m sorry.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Okay,
so let me, ah, ask for a motion to complete the Ordinance that we just did.
ALDERMAN DAVIDSON: So
moved.
ALDERMAN COX: Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
made by Alderman Davidson, seconded by Alderman Cox. Roll call.
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Hunter;
Browne, R.; Baron; Tall; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson;
Cox (11)
ABSENT:
Brown; Ciaccio, Faford (3)
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 32, SECTION 231
ESTABLISHING A
HANDICAPPED PARKING SIGN AT 171 NORTH MYRTLE AVENUE
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
carries. You were about a minute too
late to combine them. Ah, so now we
would like to Suspend the Rules that would interfere with the establishment of
a handicapped/residential parking space at 606 S. Elm.
ALDERMAN BARON: That’s
correct.
ALDERMAN HUNTER: Hang
on, hang on, hang on, hang on, hang on, hang on. We’ve got a motion to Suspend the Rules. And the next action should be taken to move
this Ordinance be placed on Final Passage.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: We
did. We just did it.
ATTORNEY BOHLEN: We
had two votes.
ALDERMAN BARON: I
sort of missed one, too.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Alderman
Baron, I’ll have to ask Alderman...........Alderman Powers, I’m not sure he
wants to be an Alderman..........Corporation Counsel Powers, it’s either
handicapped or residential.
ATTORNEY BOHLEN: It’s
either one. Choose which you want.
CORPORATION COUNSEL POWER: Well, here’s the problem.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: I
think I’m going to be sorry I asked.
CORPORATION COUNSEL POWER: When there’s handicapped visitors visit the neighbors around
the area and, of course, park in the handicapped area and, of course, park in
front of this person’s house and this person can’t use it. And, I thought by making it both residential
and handicapped....
MAYOR EPSTEIN: It
would stop them? I doubt it.
CORPORATION COUNSEL POWER: It would stop that aren’t residents from using the
front. That was my solution.
ALDERMAN BARON: And
I made sense to me.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Except
we don’t have anything the complies with that.
So, ah, maybe we could encourage the neighbors to also apply for
handicapped parking signs. But, they’re
just visiting?
ALDERMAN BARON: They’re
just visiting, right.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: I
really do hesitate to use the Council to solve neighborhood issues like
this. Should we just leave it as a
handicapped parking space?
ALDERMAN BARON: We
can do that. Life can go on. I’ll withdraw my motion.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Thank
you. Ah, next we have an
Appointment. Tom Kapusta. We have an opening on the Historic
Preservation Committee because Dr. David Debono has moved out of the
community. It is my recommendation and
Mr. Cross’s that we appoint Mr. Kapusta to fill that vacancy. Do I have a motion to approve?
ALDERMAN SCHWADE: I
so move.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
by Alderman Schwade. Seconded by........
ALDERMAN OSENGA: Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Alderman
Osenga to approve this appointment. All
those in favor, aye. Opposed, same sign.
APPOINTMENT OF TOM KUPUSTA TO THE HISTORIC
PRESERVATION
COMMITTEE AS REPLACEMENT FOR DAVID DEBONO’S PREVIOUSLY
VACATED TERM THROUGH JANUARY 1, 2011
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
carries. I had passed out on your
desk..........we have a.......the City owns several parking lots in the City
obviously. And, they are in desperate
need of resealing and striping. KDC
solicited bids. The lowest bid is
$21,272 from Mondy Asphalt and Cement Paving.
This will be paid for out of the downtown TIF. Do I have a motion to approve?
ALDERMAN HUNTER: Motion
to approve. This is a minority vendor
too, isn’t it?
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Yes.
ALDERMAN HUNTER: Motion
to approve.
ALDERMAN JONES: Second
it.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
by Alderman Hunter, seconded by Alderman Jones to approve the parking lot
resealing and striping. Roll call,
please.
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Hunter;
Browne, R.; Baron; Tall; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson;
Cox (11)
ABSENT:
Brown; Ciaccio, Faford (3)
MOTION TO APPROVE BID BY MONDY ASPHALT/CEMENT PAVING
COMPANY
FOR RESEALING AND RESTRIPING OF CITY-OWNED PARKING
LOTS
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
carries. The next two items are two
Resolutions. Both are intergovernmental
agreements. One is between the City and
the Kankakee Valley Park District to provide security services–police
services. The rate was set at the exact
same dollar amount that we charge Metro for the same services. The other intergovernmental agreement is
between the City and the Village of Grant Park so they can avail themselves of
our Administrative Adjudication process.
Do I have a motion to approve both of these Resolutions?
ALDERMAN HUNTER: I
make a motion.
ALDERMAN SCHWADE: I
second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
by Alderman Hunter, seconded by Alderman Schwade to approve the two
Resolutions. All those in favor,
aye. Opposed, same sign.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN
INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF KANKAKEE AND THE KANKAKEE
VALLEY PARK DISTRICT FOR THE PROVISION OF CERTAIN POLICE SERVICES
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN
INTERGOVERNMENTAL
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF GRANT PARK AND THE
CITY OF
KANKAKEE REGARDING THE ADMINISTRATIVE ADJUDICATION
PROCESS OF
THE CITY OF KANKAKEE ON BEHALF OF GRANT PARK
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
carries. We will need a very brief
Executive Session this evening. Are
there any Aldermen comments or concerns.
ALDERMAN BROWNE: Mayor.
ATTORNEY BOHLEN: We
want to talk about that very briefly and then we’ll come out.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Alderman
Browne.
ALDERMAN BROWNE: I
just wanted to mention that, ah, as I spoke with you, on August 30, ah, the
willingness of a member from the City of Geneva has agreed to come down and
speak to this group about committee of the whole and she’s willing to
come down as a City Administrator and discuss the City–I’m sorry–the Committee
of the Whole concept for the City Council.
So, I just throw that out there to let you know and more information
will be coming.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Thank
you. Any other comments?
ALDERMAN HUNTER: Real
quick. I think Carole Franke passed
these out or the Clerk’s Office passed these out regarding Local Gang Awareness
Presentation tomorrow at 6:15 in these Chambers here. Okay.
Encourage everybody to come as she indicated. Did you threaten me or ask me?
CAROLE FRANKE: Pardon
me?
ALDERMAN HUNTER: Did
you threaten me or ask me?
CAROLE FRANKE: I
asked you.
ALDERMAN HUNTER: She’s
encouraging everybody to come.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Any
other comments? Motion to go into
Executive Session.
ALDERMAN SWANSON: So
moved.
ALDERMAN OSENGA: Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
by Alderman Swanson, seconded by Alderman Osenga to go into Executive
Session. Thank you. To discuss Collective Bargaining. All those in favor, aye. Opposed, same sign.
MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION PERSONNEL PENDING LITIGATION
7:53
P.M.
8:29
P.M.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: We
are now back in Open Session.
ALDERMAN HUNTER: Mayor
Epstein, I move that we approve the variance agreement between the City of
Kankakee and the International Association of Firefighters Local 653 for the
provisions therein.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
by Alderman Hunter to accept the proposal of concessions by the Kankakee Fire
Department.
ALDERMAN SWANSON: I’ll
second it.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Seconded
by Alderman Swanson. Are there any
questions or concerns? Roll call.
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Hunter;
Browne, R.; Baron; Tall; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson;
Cox (11)
ABSENT: Brown; Ciaccio; Faford (3)
MOTION TO APPROVE VARIANCE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY
OF KANKAKEE AND THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIREFIGHTERS LOCAL 653
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
carries. Do I have a motion to adjourn?
ALDERMAN OSENGA: So
moved.
ALDERMAN DAVIDSON: Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion
by Alderman Osenga, seconded by Alderman Davidson. All those in favor, aye.
MOTION TO ADJOURN CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MAYOR EPSTEIN: We
are adjourned.