CITY OF KANKAKEE

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

OCTOBER 6, 2008      7:01 P.M.

 

 

MAYOR GREEN:       I’d like to call the meeting to order please.  I’d like to ask Alderman Coleman if she’d open our meeting with a prayer.

 

ALDERMAN COLEMAN:     Heavenly Father, we come before You tonight and ask You to look down upon us and grant us victory over the problems in this community.  Forgive us for those mistakes we’ve made, but bless us, Lord, to be tuned into what You’re saying and what You want.  We ask You to bless the Mayor and every person in this Council, to listen to You and be obedient before we have a disaster.  Lord, we’ve had so many warnings, but yet, we’ve been thankful and we’ve been blessed.  So, bless us to continue, Lord, to give You the glory and to stand before You in honesty.  In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Alderman Swanson, would you lead us in the Pledge?

 

ALDERMAN SWANSON AND ALL:           Pledge of Allegiance

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Thank you.  Roll call.

 

CLERK DUMAS:

PRESENT:   Brown; Hunter; Epstein; Baron; Williams; Ciaccio; Swanson; Hearn; Linneman; Diersen; Jones; Schwade; Coleman; Cox (14)

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Department Heads.

 

CLERK DUMAS: 

PRESENT:  Kinkade; Young; Doyle; Bohlen; Power; Simms; Tyson; Shaw; Nolan; Gordon; Fuerst (11)

            ABSENT:   Spice; Leshen (2)

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Thank you.  You have the minutes of the September 15, 2008, meeting.  I need a motion to approve.

 

ALDERMAN HUNTER:         Hearing no objections, I move they be approved as recorded.

 

ALDERMAN HEARN:           Second.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion by Alderman Hunter, a second by Alderman Hearn.  Alderman Diersen.

 

ALDERMAN DIERSEN:        On the bottom of page eight, an Ordinance Amending Chapter 34 of the Municipal Code of the City of Kankakee for the Municipal Solid Waste Utility, it’s indicated that I voted aye.  I was not here.

 

ALDERMAN HUNTER:         I stand corrected with that deletion. 

 

ALDERMAN HEARN:           So will I.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Okay, with a motion and a second and with the correction, all in favor, AYE.  Opposed, same sign. 

 

MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 15, 2008, CITY COUNCIL MEETING

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion carries.  Petitions.  Are there any Petitions from the Floor?  Hearing none, we’ll move into Communications.  Ah, we have several Communications.  First of all, we’ve got a presentation by the Muscular Dystrophy Association to the Kankakee Firefighters Local 653 for their participation in the Fill the Boot Campaign.  Is somebody here for the Muscular Dystrophy?  If you’d like to come up to this microphone at the rear, please.

 

MD LADY:      Good evening everybody, I just want to first of all say thank you so much for having me here tonight on behalf of MDA to represent the Kankakee Union indistinguishable presentation today for their efforts.  I want to start out by mentioning that our IAFF Firefighters Association has raised over $600,000.00 in the State of Illinois this year combined with their effort.  And, more importantly, indistinguishable this year they have more than tripled their collections from last year which is a phenomenal result as far as I’m concerned.  indistinguishable sixteen firefighters out on the corners and they have raised a total of $3,872.00 this year.  This is Chris Salazor and Damen Schuldt from the Fire Department and they were on the corners.  They had the opportunity to meet our family.  These are the Huberts and I would like to give them an opportunity to speak with you briefly about Fill the Boot.

 

MRS. HUBERT:          Good evening.

 

MR. HUBERT:            Hi folks, thanks for having us.  We were contacted earlier about the boot drive this year.  The Kankakee Firefighters were having it and we couldn’t have been happier to be a part of it.  We want to thank the City Council, Chris, you and the guys and everybody there at the Fire Department thank you so much because it’s.............little Luke here has a Muscular Dystrophy called Duchenne’s Disease and it is a very terrible disease.  It is something that will indistinguishable by the time he’s somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 or 12 years old.  And, then it just starts to go downhill from there.  But, in the meantime, I’m not going to sit around and just watch this happen.  We are going to be an active part of the Muscular Dystrophy Association making every effort to try and save our son’s life because that’s what parents would do.  But, we do want to thank you so much for letting us be a part of this and, Chris, again.

 

MRS. HUBERT:          Without the Fire Department and the City’s help in allowing the department to stand on the corner and collect.  There were several people in the department that put forth a lot of effort and gave of their own time and it will make a difference for Luke and many other children with Muscular Dystrophy and without their help, we could not do anything for Luke and many of the other families.  So, thank you very much.

 

7:08 P.M.   Attorney Leshen arrived

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Great.  Thank you.  B and C are just Communications.  D, E, F and G are requests.  You can do them en masse if you’d like. 

 

ALDERMAN HUNTER:         Move to approve.

 

ALDERMAN WILLIAMS:     Second.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion by Alderman Hunter, seconded by Alderman Williams to approve D, E, F and G.  All in favor, AYE.  Opposed, same sign.  

 

AQUINAS CATHOLIC ACADEMY IS REQUESTING STREET CLOSURE ON

HICKORY STREET FROM INDIANA AVENUE TO THE ALLEY FOR THEIR NINTH ANNUAL HAUNTED HOUSE ON THE FOLLOWING DATES AND TIMES: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2008, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2008, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2008, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2008, AND SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2008, FROM 6:00 P.M. UNTIL 11:00 P.M.; FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2008, FROM 6:30 P.M. UNTIL 9:30 P.M.;

AND FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2008, FROM 7:30 P.M. UNTIL 11:30 P.M.  

 

KANKAKEE NOON LIONS CLUB IS REQUESTING PERMISSION TO HOLD THEIR ANNUAL “CANDY DAY” ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2008, WITH A RAIN DATE OF SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2008

 

GEORGIA CAMPBELL IS REQUESTING STREET CLOSURE OF THE ALLEY

SHARED BY THE 100 BLOCK OF NORTH EIGHTH AND NORTH NINTH AVENUES

ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2008, FROM 3:00 P.M. TO 8:00 P.M. FOR A KIDS’

HALLOWEEN PARTY

 

KNIGHTS OF COLOMBUS ST. VIATEUR’S COUNCIL 745 IS REQUESTING

PERMISSION TO HOLD THEIR ANNUAL “TOOTSIE ROLL CANDY DAY” ON

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2008

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion carries.  Next, is Standing Committees.  Public Works.  Alderman Brown. 

 

ALDERMAN BROWN:          Information is contained in the packets.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Thank you.  Planning and Code.  Alderman Epstein.

 

ALDERMAN EPSTEIN:         We have one action item.  Would you like to do it now or would you rather wait?  It’s the purchase of the three new vehicles.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       That’s under New Business.  You can do it now if you’d like.  It doesn’t matter.

 

ALDERMAN EPSTEIN:         We had spoken in our Code meeting and we had asked Mr. Shaw to go out for bid to acquire three new Ford Rangers and that is under our New Business item that we will purchase those for $11,578.74 each from Geiser Ford, Inc.  I would like to make a motion to approve that purchase.

 

ALDERMAN SWANSON:                 Second.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion by Alderman Espstein, seconded by Alderman Swanson to approve the purchase of three new vehicles for Code from Geiser Ford, Inc.  Any questions?   Roll call. 

 

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE:  Brown; Hunter; Epstein; Baron; Williams; Ciaccio; Swanson; Hearn; Linneman; Diersen; Jones; Schwade; Coleman; Cox (14)

 

RECOMMENDATION TO AWARD THE BID OF $11,578.74 PER TRUCK TO GEISER

FORD INC. FOR THE PURCHASE OF THREE LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS WITH

EXTENDED CABS FOR THE CITY OF KANKAKEE PLANNING AND BUILDING

SAFETY DEPARTMENT

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion carries.  Anything else, Alderman?

 

ALDERMAN EPSTEIN:         No.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Budget Committee.  Alderman Baron.

 

ALDERMAN BARON:           We have several action items for you tonight.  The first one is the request by a business in Eastgate Industrial Park by the name of Millennium Technical Services to enter into a TIF agreement with the City.  They’ve been there for several years and have improved the property and there is TIF money generated by their efforts.  They are asking for the City to enter into an agreement reimbursing 70% of the TIF money.  Not all the real estate taxes, but the money generated by their improvement to them.  They are bidding on a job and this will make them competitive and will hopefully provide 25 new jobs for the City.  The TIF agreement, as I said, would be for 70% of the annual TIF taxes, would begin this year and extend the life of that TIF which is another two-three...........

 

MAYOR GREEN:       I believe it expires in 2011.

 

ALDERMAN BARON:           Okay, so that’s the extent of their request.  I would move that we, ah, approve the TIF Redevelopment Agreement between Millennium Technical Services and the City.

 

ALDERMAN HUNTER:         Second that, Your Honor.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion by Alderman Baron, seconded by Alderman Hunter to approve a TIF Redevelopment Agreement between the City of Kankakee and MTS Technology.  I’m going to add one point to that.  When they moved into the industrial park on the east side, they did not make a request at that time.  And, because of the expansion and growth of the firm, they have come back and asked for it and when we had the Budget Meeting, Comptroller Spice agreed that this.........that we had sufficient funds to do this, so that’s the reason the request is coming forward tonight.  Any other questions?  Roll call. 

 

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE:  Brown; Hunter; Epstein; Baron; Williams; Ciaccio; Hearn; Linneman; Diersen; Jones; Schwade; Coleman; Cox (13)

            ABSTAIN: Swanson (1)

 

MOTION TO APPROVE TIF REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN

MTS AND CITY OF KANKAKEE

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion carries.

 

ALDERMAN BARON:           The second item is a proposal that was presented to us from a firm by the name of AM Audit to perform an audit on the City’s utility taxes.  The receipt of utility taxes and the funds and the monies that we receive in exchange for rights-of-way access to utilities.  Interesting niche that they’ve carved out, but for other communities they’ve been able to determine what.........sometimes utility taxes aren’t totally.....aren’t assessed properly.  Sometimes the private utilities themselves don’t extend the tax.........don’t bill everybody that should be billed.  And, they go in and scour the records and, if somebody should be added, they’re added.  That would increase the revenue of the City and, according to our agreement with them, would increase their revenue.  It’s a contingent fee and it’s 50%.  Fifty percent of new money that they create for that year and the two following years.  Then once they’re on the tax roles thereafter, the City gets 100%.  And, as I said, this is for utility taxes and for billing the utility for rights-of-way access.  Like I say, an interesting niche.  They do it.......they have an extensive portfolio of other communities in northeastern Illinois where they’re done this and they do generate money.  And, it doesn’t require any additional funds from us except the percentage for two years at what they find.  So, I would move that we authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to enter into an agreement with AM Audit for the provision of the services that I’ve just described.

 

ALDERMAN HUNTER:         Second that, Your Honor.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion by Alderman Baron and a second by Alderman Hunter to enter into an agreement with.........is it A.........what’s the name of the company?  I’m sorry.

 

ALDERMAN BARON:           AM Audit.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       AM Audit.  Any questions?  Roll call.

 

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE:  Brown; Hunter; Epstein; Baron; Williams; Ciaccio; Swanson; Hearn; Linneman; Diersen; Jones; Schwade; Coleman; Cox (14)

 

MOTION AUTHORIZING MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO ENTER INTO

AGREEMENT WITH AM AUDIT ON CONTINGENCY BASIS

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion carries.

 

ALDERMAN BARON:           Our third item is a proposal by a private firm by the name of Andres–or Andres–A-N-D-R-E-S –Medical Billing Service.  Ah, this.....we would be basically outsourcing from the City the ambulance billing.  Currently, or until now, it’s been done in the Adjudication office.  As we know, the Adjudication office has had a reduction with the retirement of Karen Campbell.  The plan is not necessarily to replace that position right not, but yet......... but to outsource this function.  They charge 7% of the amount collected.  Not the amount billed, but the amount actually collected.  And, what they do, is they prepare and mail the ambulance bills.  That’s something we would no longer have to do.  They would do it.  They would also advise us on technical matters dealing with what’s billable and things that may be useful to our relationship with billing insurance companies and the current Medicaid rates.  So, ah, again, that would be no up-front money.  It would be 7%.  Rather than pay a salary for somebody doing it, it would be an independent contractor–would not have to pay benefits on that and would probably be a benefit.  It would be a one-year contract.  We could get out after a year.  So, we’re not, ah, if it doesn’t work out, we can get out of that deal.  But, ah, based on that then I would move that we authorize the City Clerk and the Mayor to enter into the agreement with Andres Medical Service for billing of ambulance services.

 

ALDERMAN HUNTER:         Second.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion by Alderman Baron and seconded by Alderman Hunter.   What’s the length of the contract?  One year?

 

ALDERMAN BARON:           Well, I think it’s.....

 

ALDERMAN SCHWADE:     Six months I thought he said.

 

ALDERMAN BARON:           Okay.  All right.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Is it six?

 

UNKNOWN:  Six.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       It’s six months.

 

ALDERMAN EPSTEIN:         And, then is it renewable?

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Yes, we can.

 

ALDERMAN EPSTEIN:         At the same percentage?

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Yes.  Or less, we hope.  They’re sitting in the back, that’s the reason I said that.

 

ALDERMAN BARON:           Oh, hello.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       It’s a six-month.  It’s really a trial for us to see if it works.  That’s really what we’re doing.  And, I will make a point and in sitting down and talking to these folks, ah, the majority of the fire departments in the County that have ambulance service, this company does the billing.   Any other questions? 

 

UNKNOWN:  Collection will still be done here?

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Collections will still be done here at the City.  But this is the billing portion.  Roll call. 

 

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE:  Brown; Hunter; Epstein; Baron; Williams; Ciaccio; Swanson; Hearn; Linneman; Diersen; Jones; Schwade; Coleman; Cox (14)

 

 

MOTION TO APPROVE AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY OF KANKAKEE AND

ANDRES MEDICAL BILLING FOR AMBULANCE BILLING SERVICES

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion carries. 

 

ALDERMAN BARON:           The cost to repair the 1999 Chrysler Concorde which is currently being used by Deputy Chief King in the Fire Department exceeds indistinguishable so it’s been recommended to us that we not pursue that course of action and buy a new vehicle.  The new vehicle being proposed would be bought at the State bid price of $18,392.00 from the provider of vehicles at the State bid price and that is from Orland Park.  Thomas Dodge, Orland Park.  The vehicle being considered is a 2008 Dodge Charger Sedan which meets the Chief’s specifications and would come out of the Fire budget.  It would be out of capital.  It would be indistinguishable line item under the Fire budget because indistinguishable    So, I would move that we approve the purchase of this 2008 Dodge Charger Sedan from Thomas Dodge in Orland Park at the State bid price of $18,392.00 to replace this ‘99 vehicle.

 

ALDERMAN HUNTER:         Second it, Your Honor.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion by Alderman Baron, seconded by Alderman Hunter.  Is there a question?

 

ALDERMAN JONES:             Is there no Dodge dealership in Kankakee County that we could have gotten the purchase of the car from?

 

MAYOR GREEN:       It’s a State bid and they have.........Thomas Dodge has the State bid.

 

ALDERMAN JONES:             Okay.  All right.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Any other questions? 

 

ALDERMAN JONES:             Thank you.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Roll call. 

 

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE:  Brown; Hunter; Epstein; Baron; Williams; Ciaccio; Swanson; Hearn; Linneman; Diersen; Jones; Schwade; Coleman; Cox (14)

 

MOTION TO PURCHASE 2008 DODGE CHARGER AS REPLACEMENT

VEHICLE FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion carries. 

 

ALDERMAN BARON:           It was originally thought that the City should indistinguishable Phase One of the design and engineering for the bicycle walking trail that starts at the River Road Park and extends all the way out to the State Park would be $50,000.00.  Well, as it turns out, that’s a little short of actually being our share indistinguishable is now $55,000.00.  Our partners in this, the Kankakee Valley Park District and Community College and the Villages of Bradley and Bourbonnais are also having a proportionate increase so we’re not the only ones that are supporting this disproportionately.  So, and, so I would move that we authorize the increased cost to the City.  It’s an additional $5,000.00 for Phase I of this project which is very positive for the lifestyle in our community.  To come from the same source that the original $50,000.00 came from.  And, that’s a motion.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       You’re making that in the form of a motion?

 

ALDERMAN BARON:           Yes.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Is there a second?

 

ALDERMAN WILLIAMS:     Second.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion by Alderman Baron, seconded by Alderman Williams.  Questions?  Alderman Epstein.

 

ALDERMAN EPSTEIN:         Do you have any idea when this project, or Phase One, will be completed?

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Dave, didn’t we estimate two years? 

 

DAVID TYSON:         Yes.  Right now it is, the project is out to the State of Illinois for the project development to be approved.  If they get it back, we’re still hoping to letting that this fall and if we let it this fall, we’re hoping to be able to do the winter work over the winter, finish the project in the spring, early summer of next year.

 

ALDERMAN EPSTEIN:         Will we see the design phase prior to the indistinguishable?

 

DAVID TYSON:         Yes, I can actually show you the design phase of it right now if you want to see it.  We have it in our office and if you want a set of plats, I’d be more than happy to send them to you.

 

ALDERMAN EPSTEIN:         Okay.  Thank you.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       And, when we originally started through this process, we knew it was going to come out of two different budget years, so we’ve allocated–this budget year we’ll allocate $27, 250.00 and May of ‘09 we’ll allocate $27,250.00.    There’s been a motion and a second.  Roll call. 

 

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE:  Brown; Hunter; Epstein; Baron; Williams; Ciaccio; Swanson; Hearn; Linneman; Diersen; Jones; Schwade; Coleman; Cox (14)

 

MOTION TO SUPPORT INCREASED COSTS NECESSARY TO COMPLETE

PHASE I OF BICYCLE AND WALKING PATH

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion carries.

 

ALDERMAN BARON:           And, finally, the Comptroller’s postage meter is going to be decommissioned by the United States Postal Service in January 2009.  So, he is making the proposal that we enter into a new–that we lease rather than purchase–that we lease a postage meter from Neopost/Hasler for a 63-month period, is the suggestion of the Comptroller, at the cost of $420.00 per month.  And, because it’s being decommissioned by the United States Postal Service we have to do something.  So, I would move that we authorize the Mayor and City Council to enter into the lease for the 63-month period at the cost of $420.00 per month. 

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Is there a second?  No mail’s going out unless you do it.

 

ALDERMAN SCHWADE:     I second.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion by Alderman Baron, seconded by Alderman Schwade.  Any questions? 

 

ALDERMAN SCHWADE:     This may be a stupid question, but do people........could you buy one? 

 

MAYOR GREEN:       You could.

 

ALDERMAN SCHWADE:     Instead of spending $26,460.00?

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Can’t buy them. 

 

ATTORNEY BOHLEN:          You have to lease them.  You have to lease postage meters.

 

ALDERMAN SCHWADE:     Oh, you have to lease them.  Oh, my gosh.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       It’s called a monopoly.

 

ALDERMAN SCHWADE:     Oh, yeah.  Okay.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Any other questions?

ALDERMAN SCHWADE:     I’d like to get into that business.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       How do I get into that business?  Roll call. 

 

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE:  Brown; Hunter; Epstein; Baron; Williams; Ciaccio; Swanson; Hearn; Linneman; Diersen; Jones; Schwade; Coleman; Cox (14)

 

MOTION TO APPROVE LEASE OF  NEW POSTAGE MACHINE

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion carries. 

 

ALDERMAN BARON:           That is it.  Thank you.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Thank you.  Next, is the Report of Officers. 

 

ALDERMAN WILLIAMS:     I move to approve the Report of Officers, place the monies into the proper accounts and pay the bills in the amount of $2,584,579.33. 

 

ALDERMAN CIACCIO:        Second.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion by Alderman Williams, seconded by Alderman Ciaccio to approve the Report of Officers, place the money in the proper accounts and pay the bills in the amount of $2,584,579.33.  Any questions on any of the bills?  Roll call. 

 

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE:  Brown; Hunter; Epstein; Baron; Williams; Ciaccio; Swanson; Hearn; Linneman; Diersen; Jones; Schwade; Coleman; Cox (14)

 

REPORTS OFFICERS APPROVAL OF BILLS - $2,584,579.33

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion carries.  Next, Unfinished Business, there is none from the Chair.  Is there any from the Floor?  Under New Business, then, the first item is the Street and Utility Right-of-Way Ordinance.  Mr. Tyson, would you like to just speak to this Ordinance if you wouldn’t mind, please?  Can you move up to the mic?

 

DAVID TYSON:         Okay, what this Ordinance is, it’s an Ordinance that establishes specifications of how any utility companies, contractors or anybody is going to repair our streets if they make cuts in the street.  It requires them to get a permit from the City of Kankakee.  There is a fee attached to that.  It specifies the length of time that they’re given to be able to repair the street if they make a cut into it.  In other words, they can’t open up, make a sewer repair and then not replace the street for a period of six months.  Ah, they’re given the options.  If it’s a residential cut it’s a lot less fee than it is if it’s for a contractor or utility.  There is a maximum fee for a utility that they can buy a yearly permit.  And then this allows, this gives the City money also to be able to pay to have inspections done and to make sure our streets are put back together, number one, promptly and then number two, properly.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Any questions of Mr. Tyson?  What’s the desire of the Council?  You want to put it on First Reading or do you want to Suspend the Rules? 

 

ALDERMAN HUNTER:         Suspend the Rules.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Are you making that motion, Alderman?

 

ALDERMAN HUNTER:         Yes.  I move we Suspend the Rules that would interfere with the consideration and passage of this Ordinance at this time.

 

ALDERMAN BARON:           And, I’ll second it.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion by Alderman Hunter, seconded by Alderman Baron to Suspend the Rules that would interfere with the passage of this Ordinance.  Roll call. 

 

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE:  Brown; Hunter; Epstein; Baron; Williams; Ciaccio; Swanson; Hearn; Linneman; Diersen; Jones; Schwade; Coleman; Cox (14)

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion carries.  Is there a motion to put this Ordinance on its Final Passage and Pass?

 

ALDERMAN HUNTER:         I so move.

 

ALDERMAN BARON:           Second.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion to Alderman Hunter, seconded by Alderman Baron.  Questions?

 

ALDERMAN SCHWADE:     If they have a yearly permit, do they still have to notify someone to let them know what.......where they’re working?

 

DAVID TYSON:         Yes.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Any other questions?  Roll call. 

 

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE:  Brown; Hunter; Epstein; Baron; Williams; Ciaccio; Swanson; Hearn; Linneman; Diersen; Jones; Schwade; Coleman; Cox (14)

 

STREET AND UTILITY RIGHT-OF-WAY ORDINANCE

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion carries.  Next, is a Change Order Number One from Heritage Development for $91,640.74.  This is for the Administration Building remodeling for the Public Safety Center.

 

ALDERMAN HUNTER:         Motion to approve.

 

ALDERMAN SWANSON:                 Second.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion by Alderman Hunter, seconded by Alderman Swanson.  Any questions?  Roll call.

 

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE:  Brown; Hunter; Epstein; Baron; Williams; Ciaccio; Swanson; Hearn; Linneman; Diersen; Jones; Schwade; Coleman; Cox (14)

 

CHANGE ORDER NO. 1 FROM HERITAGE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION COMPANY IN THE AMOUNT OF $91,640.74 FOR THE ADMINISTRATION

BUILDING REMODELING OF THE PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion carries.  Next, is the recommendation to authorize the Mayor and City Council to approve funding of $5,000.00 to overlay the circle drive of Small Memorial Park.  And, let me preface this by......this is the circle drive that goes through Small Park.  That’s where they recently put in the memorial for those service men, etc. that have passed away from this County.  Or have served overseas.  And, when we were there, one of the things I noticed that was in such deplorable shape and the Park District simply does........did not have enough money to get it done so I spoke with Mike Mulcahy from Kankakee Township.  We talked to the Park District and I talked to the Historic....... Larry, your Board, what is it?

 

LARRY NOLAN:        The Museum Board.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Museum Board.  If we all went together and did this project, I thought it would be something we could do.  This is not within our domain.  This is not our road, but to me, it’s something that’s a part of our community.  And, the City and the Township have agreed to put in $5,000.00.  The remainder of the cost will be paid for by the Park District and by the Museum.  And, I think, ah, that you even decided to widen that circle drive so it’s easier for buses and things to get in and out of there.  Ah, where will we take this?  We’d have to take this out of our Capital Budget.  Alderman Diersen.

 

ALDERMAN DIERSEN:        I move that we approve the funding of this $5,000.00 for that project.

 

ALDERMAN HEARN:           I’ll second it.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion by Alderman Diersen, seconded by Alderman Hearn.  Any questions?  Before I do, Dave, what do you estimate the total cost of the project to be?  You don’t have to come up.  Just.......

 

DAVID TYSON:         It was originally estimated the total cost to be $25,000.00.  It looks like it’s going to come in slightly higher than that.  The actual price indistinguishable.  The cost is probably going to be closer to $30,000.00 now. 

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Yeah, but we’ve agreed.  You know, we’re not going to go any higher than five.  I can tell you the Township and the City won’t so it’s going to be the Park District and museum will have to come up with the difference.  And, Larry, your Board did talk about doing some additional work, correct?

 

LARRY NOLAN:        Yes, we did.  And, the Board has approved it.  We’ve found money to do the additional work.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Good.  Okay.  Any other.........any questions?  Roll call. 

 

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE:  Brown (I think this is a good example of government working together.); Hunter; Epstein; Baron; Williams; Ciaccio; Swanson; Hearn; Linneman; Diersen; Jones; Schwade; Coleman; Cox (14)

 

RECOMMENDATION TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL TO

APPROVE FUNDING $5,000.00 TO OVERLAY THE CIRCLE DRIVE OF SMALL

MEMORIAL PARK FOR THE PARK’S PARKING LOT IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT,

TEI JOB NO. E08113

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion carries.  Next, is the recommendation to award the bid of $278,000.00 for the road reconstruction on Cobb Boulevard between Beckman Park and the Kankakee Country Club.  This is something we had intended to do last year.  It did not get done.  Ah, it’s being bid out and we’re asking for your approval.  This was in the Capital Budget for last year.

 

ALDERMAN EPSTEIN:         I’ll make a motion that we approve this recommendation.

 

ALDERMAN BARON:           Second it.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion by Alderman Epstein, seconded by Alderman Baron.  Any questions? 

 

ALDERMAN DIERSEN:        What is actually going to be done?

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Ah, the roadway–if I’m correct–the roadway’s going to be rebuilt and curb and gutter pans will be put in because none of that’s in existence now. 

 

ALDERMAN BARON:           Sidewalks.

MAYOR GREEN:       And sidewalks.  That area floods quite a bit down in that area.  From the park as you go back to the east.  It should eliminate that, too.  Yes, Alderman?

 

ALDERMAN EPSTEIN:         When I spoke with Mr. Tyson prior to the meeting, I believe he mentioned Justine.  Or indistinguishable to the Country Club?

 

DAVID TYSON:         It’s just basically from Cobb Park on the south side–I’m sorry, from Beckman Park on the south side to the City limits or to the Kankakee Country Club’s private drive.  On the north side it goes from Justine indistinguishable there on Justine.  It’ll pick up just immediately east of that on Cobb Boulevard and then over to Chatham Circle where it will tie into the curbs there and then complete it out indistinguishable. 

 

MAYOR GREEN:       That’s the area that flooded all time, correct? 

 

DAVID TYSON:         Yes.  Yes.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Any other questions?  Roll call. 

 

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE:  Brown; Hunter; Epstein; Baron; Williams; Ciaccio; Swanson; Hearn; Linneman; Diersen; Jones; Schwade; Coleman; Cox (14)

 

RECOMMENDATION TO AWARD THE BID OF $278,579.23 TO KANKAKEE

VALLEY CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. FOR THE ROAD RECONSTRUCTION

ON COBB BOULEVARD BETWEEN BECKMAN PARK AND KANKAKEE COUNTRY

CLUB, TEI JOB NO. E07125

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion carries.  Ah, next is declaring a piece of property surplus in the Department of Public Works.  Dennis, what was the final price we arrived at on this?

 

DENNIS DOYLE:       I believe it’s $8,500.00.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Yeah, I think so.  Thank you.  That’s what I was looking for.  This is a backhoe.  You know we bought a new one.  This is the one we’re declaring surplus.  The Village of Sun River Terrace has asked us if they could buy it from us.  And, in order to do that, we first must declare it surplus.  The estimated value of the unit when we had an appraiser look at it, was between $8 and 9,000.00 so we split the difference and said we would sell it for $8,500.00.  The Mayor of Sun River Terrace and their Board is in agreement for that so we would certainly like to do that. 

 

ALDERMAN BROWN:          Motion to Suspend the Rules that would interfere with the passage of this Ordinance.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion by Alderman Brown.  Is there a second?

 

ALDERMAN SWANSON:     Second.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Second by Alderman Swanson to Suspend the Rules that would interfere with the passage of this Ordinance.  Roll call.

 

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE:  Brown; Hunter; Epstein; Baron; Williams; Ciaccio; Swanson; Hearn; Linneman; Diersen; Jones; Schwade; Coleman; Cox (14)      

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion carries.  Is there a motion to put this Ordinance on its Final Passage and Pass? 

 

ALDERMAN BROWN:          Motion to put this Ordinance on Final Passage and Pass.

 

ALDERMAN SWANSON:     Second.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion by Alderman Brown, seconded by Alderman Swanson to put this Ordinance on its Final Passage and Pass.  Roll call. 

 

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE:  Brown; Hunter; Epstein; Baron; Williams; Ciaccio; Swanson; Hearn; Linneman; Diersen; Jones; Schwade; Coleman; Cox (14)

 

ORDINANCE DECLARING CERTAIN PROPERTY SURPLUS OF THE CITY OF

KANKAKEE – DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS – AND AUTHORIZING THE

SALE THEREOF

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion carries.  Next, is an Ordinance for Surplus Property at the Kankakee Municipal Utility.  Is there a motion?

 

ALDERMAN HUNTER:         I’ll make that.  What is this?

 

MAYOR GREEN:       It’s listed on the second page.  It’s all.........we need........you know, we must declare it surplus.  We’re going to use it for the electronic waste recycling.  But, we’ve got to declare it surplus. 

 

ALDERMAN HUNTER:         Suspend the Rules.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion by Alderman Hunter to Suspend the Rules that would interfere with the passage of the Ordinance.  Is there a second?

 

ALDERMAN SCHWADE:     I second it.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Second by Alderman Schwade.  Roll call.

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE:  Brown; Hunter; Epstein; Baron; Williams; Ciaccio; Swanson; Hearn; Linneman; Diersen; Jones; Schwade; Coleman; Cox (14)

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion carries.  Next, is an Ordinance amending Section Two of the Kankakee.....

 

ATTORNEY BOHLEN:          We need Final Passage and Pass.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Oh, I’m sorry.

 

ALDERMAN HUNTER:         Move this Ordinance be put on Final Passage and Pass.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion passes........motion by Alderman Hunter to put it on its Final Passage and Pass.  Is there a second?

 

ALDERMAN WILLIAMS:     Second.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Second by Alderman Williams.  Roll call. 

 

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE:  Brown; Hunter; Epstein; Baron; Williams; Ciaccio; Swanson; Hearn; Linneman; Diersen; Jones; Schwade; Coleman; Cox (14)

 

ORDINANCE DECLARING CERTAIN PROPERTY SURPLUS OF THE CITY OF

KANKAKEE – KANKAKEE MUNICIPAL UTILITY– AND AUTHORIZING THE

SALE THEREOF

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion carries.  Next, is an Ordinance amending Chapter Two of the Kankakee Municipal Code.  This is being proposed by the administration.  This is a change in salary for the elected officials.  And, in essence, what this Ordinance does, this will be effective April 30, of next year, 2009.  It establishes the compensation of the Mayor from $26,000.00 to $50,000.00.  It establishes the compensation of the City Clerk from $30 to $38,000.00.  It establishes the compensation of the Aldermen which is a per meeting amount at this time plus per diems for committee meetings to a flat $10,000.00 a year and it establishes a compensation for four Chairmen of the Budget, Public Works, License and Franchise and Public Safety Committees to be $1,000.00 each.    Also, built into this is an automatic increase in pay of 1 ½% per year or the cost of living, whichever is less.  The last time the Aldermen’s compensation was increased in this City was in 1988.  The last time that the Mayor’s compensation was increased was 1981 and the Clerk–2000 was when the Clerk’s salary was increased.  So, I’m recommending this Ordinance.  It will take effect with the next election which is May 1, 2009.   It’ll apply for all the Aldermen except the seven who are not up for election.  They will stay at their same salary.  So, I’m looking for a motion.

ALDERMAN SCHWADE:     I so move.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       To Suspend the Rules?

 

ALDERMAN SCHWADE:     Oh, yes.  I move that we Suspend the Rules that would interfere with the passage of this Ordinance. 

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Is there a second?

 

ALDERMAN JONES:             Second.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion by Alderman Schwade, seconded by Alderman Jones to Suspend the Rules that would interfere with the passage of this Ordinance.  Roll call. 

 

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE:  Brown; Hunter; Epstein; Baron; Williams; Ciaccio; Swanson; Hearn; Linneman; Diersen; Jones; Schwade; Coleman; Cox (14)

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion carries.  Is there a motion to put this Ordinance on its Final Passage and Pass?

 

ALDERMAN JONES:             I move.

 

ALDERMAN SCHWADE:     I second it.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion by Alderman Jones, seconded by Alderman Schwade to put this Ordinance on its Final Passage and Pass.  Any questions?  Alderman Diersen. 

 

ALDERMAN DIERSEN:        Your Honor, I think now what the Aldermen are entitled to is to miss two meetings and then after that they are docked. 

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Um huh (affirmative).         

 

ALDERMAN DIERSEN:        Is there going to be anything in this $10,000.00 annual fee that will dock them for missing meetings.  

 

MAYOR GREEN:       No.  And, I think, really, the docking of an Alderman, if you’re not attending the meetings, I think the people correctly to dock you are the voters.  If you run for elected office and you’re elected, you should serve.  And, that means attending the meetings.  And, if you don’t, then I think it’s up to the voters then to do that.  Also, I did........Comptroller Spice is not here tonight.  We did...... he and I did talk about this before I came through with this proposition and he is in complete agreement with what we’re doing.  Ah, we’ve.......when you look at the compensation of this City Council and the Mayor and the Clerk, we have let it go far too long.  In my opinion it’s time to do it.  And, that’s why I’m recommending it be done.

ALDERMAN HUNTER:         Wasn’t there another rationale for taking a look at our sister communities.  With Bradley and  Bourbonnais.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Well, we did look at our sister communities and most of the sister communities, if they........they all have an administrator.  We don’t.  And, to be perfectly honest with you, the job of the Mayor in this City is full-time.  It’s not a part-time job.  And, I think it needs to be treated as such and whomever he or she might be, who is in that office should be compensated accordingly.  Again, any time in the future, this body can make those changes.  You can change it, you can change to an administrator.  You can do whatever you so desire.  But, ah, I will say this, if a community this size and when you look at communities our size, to hire an administrator alone, you’re going to be paying $100,000.00 plus.  So, that’s the rationale.  Any other questions?  Roll call. 

 

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE:  Brown; Hunter; Baron; Williams; Ciaccio; Swanson; Hearn; Linneman; Diersen; Jones; Schwade; Coleman; Cox (13)

            ABSTAIN: Epstein (1)

 

ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER TWO OF THE KANKAKEE MUNICIPAL CODE

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion carries.   The Chair has no Appointments tonight.  Motions and Resolutions.  We have two.  We have a Resolution for recognizing the thirty-year anniversary of the Garden of Prayer Youth Center.  Is there a motion to approve this Resolution?

 

ALDERMAN COX:    Mayor Green, so moved.

 

ALDERMAN COLEMAN:     Second.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion by Alderman Cox, seconded by Alderman Coleman.  All in favor, AYE.  Opposed, same sign. 

 

RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE THIRTY-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE

GARDEN OF PRAYER YOUTH CENTER

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion carries.  Next, is a Proclamation celebrating the “Lights On After School” on Thursday, October 16.  Is there a motion?

 

ALDERMAN HUNTER:         I so move.

 

ALDERMAN BROWN:          Second.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion by Alderman Hunter, seconded by Alderman Brown.  All in favor, AYE.  Opposed, same sign. 

 

PROCLAMATION CELEBRATING “LIGHTS ON AFTER SCHOOL”

EXECUTIVE SESSION  PERSONNEL PENDING LITIGATION

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion carries.  Anything else from the Floor?  Alderman Hunter.

 

ALDERMAN HUNTER:         Yeah, Mayor Green, I had New Business from the Floor.  I  was requested by a Trustee from my church yesterday.  Right now we have at 805 N. Evergreen a couple of handicapped parking spaces.  They wanted those spaces removed and those transferred around to 975 E. Willow.  So, my motion is to suspend the Ordinance that establishes two handicapped parking spots at 805 N. Evergreen.  So, therefore, I move to Suspend the Rules that would interfere with consideration and passage of this Ordinance at this time.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Can I ask you to hold up one second?  We have one more and we just put them both together.  Same thing. 

 

ALDERMAN HUNTER:         No problem.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Alderman Schwade.

 

ALDERMAN SCHWADE:     Just before the meeting, there was a request from the owner of the Homestead.  He has a full row of handicapped parking and he would like to rescind two of the parking spaces.  The east parking spaces in front of the Homestead.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       To the east on Jeffery Street.  Is there a second?

 

ALDERMAN HUNTER:         I’ll incorporate that into yours.

 

ALDERMAN SCHWADE:     Thank you.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Okay.  We can make that........it’ll be two, ah, separate Ordinances though.

 

ALDERMAN SCHWADE:     Right.

 

ALDERMAN HUNTER:         Well.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Okay.  We’ll do that then.  Corporation Counsel says we can do it in one Ordinance so there’s a Suspension of Rules.  A motion made by Alderman Hunter.

 

ALDERMAN SCHWADE:     And a second.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Second by Alderman Schwade to make the changes on.......what’s the address?

 

CLERK DUMAS:        975 E. Willow.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       975 E. Willow and the 100 block of West Jeffery.  Roll call. 

 

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE:  Brown; Hunter; Epstein; Baron; Williams; Ciaccio; Swanson; Hearn; Linneman; Diersen; Jones; Schwade; Coleman; Cox (14)

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion carries.  Is there a motion to put this Ordinance on its Final Passage and Pass?

 

ALDERMAN HUNTER:         So moved.

 

ALDERMAN SCHWADE:     I second it.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion by Alderman Hunter, seconded by Alderman Schwade to put this Ordinance on its Final Passage and Pass.  Roll call. 

 

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE:  Brown; Hunter; Epstein; Baron; Williams; Ciaccio; Swanson; Hearn; Linneman; Diersen; Jones; Schwade; Coleman; Cox (14)

 

MOTION TO REMOVE TWO HANDICAPPED PARKING SPOTS AT

805 N. EVERGREEN AND ADD TWO HANDICAPPED SPOTS AT

975 E. WILLOW STREET

 

MOTION TO REMOVE TWO EASTERN-MOST HANDICAPPED PARKING

SPOTS IN THE 100 BLOCK OF WEST JEFFERY STREET

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion carries.  Any other business?  Any Aldermanic comments?  Alderman Williams.

 

ALDERMAN WILLIAMS:     Mayor Green, last year about this time, I brought up the issue reference to the south alley of 1100 W. Greg Street and Mr. Tyson went over there with me and there was some things that homeowners had to get put in place before they could do excavation of the alley.  And, we had to get a piece of machinery, also, of which we have now.  And, I just wanted to know from Mr. Tyson is there any time line when we could look forward to having that work completed?

 

DAVID TYSON:         Mayor, I’m sorry, I didn’t hear where the address was?

 

ALDERMAN WILLIAMS:     It was the south alley–1100 W. Greg where the tree root is tearing the alley up.

 

DAVID TYSON:         Right.  By the YMCA in that area.  The work is scheduled, but I have not been given a time line by KVCC.  We have asked them to go in there and indistinguishable that part of the alley out and repair it.  I’ll call them tomorrow and have them get a hold of you to give you a time frame on it.

 

ALDERMAN WILLIAMS:     Okay.  Thank you.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Any other questions?  Alderman Jones.

 

ALDERMAN JONES:             Mayor, this past weekend we had a block party at the 500 block of South Wildwood and I just wanted to thank, ah, the Party Guys for– the DJ called the Party Guys–for providing the music which gave the entertainment for all the kids in the neighborhood to come out and dance and they really had a good time.  I’d like to thank the Fire Department for bringing out the Safety House and the great car and the donations from Aqua Illinois, Huot Oil and Ultra Foods.  I’d also like to thank the candidates who showed up.  Debbie Woodruff, Laurie Gadbois, Judge Albrecht and Tim Schmidt for coming out to our event.  And, we were, ah, registering voters that day.  It turned out to be a great time and the kids really enjoyed dancing.  None of ‘em wanted to go home that evening.  It was a good time for all.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Any other comments?

 

ALDERMAN COLEMAN:     Ah, Mayor, regarding the incident we have confronted with at 1162 N. Chicago.  It hasn’t gotten better.  It’s gotten worse.  And, I’ve lost two cars because of it which I’ve had repaired.  But, that’s a big expense on my part.  Ah, I’m asking that the police not forget that area and not forget what we’re confronted with.  It’s really getting ridiculous.  It’s totally out of hand.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       I believe....

 

ALDERMAN COX:    The neighbors has complained to me for years.  There’s been a murder there.  Drug dealing.  And, the neighbors are just catchin’ hell.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Alderman, Attorney Bohlen just said to me that we’re going into court and ask for closure of that property.

 

ATTORNEY BOHLEN:          Going to ask for an eviction.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Under the Nuisance Abatement Ordinance.

 

ALDERMAN COLEMAN:     Thank you.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       So we will do that.  Hopefully, that’ll solve the problem. 

ALDERMAN COLEMAN:     It’s dangerous, very dangerous.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       And, actually, when you.......when we know that’s going to happen, I think it would be apropos if you can get any of the neighbors to come to the court that day.

 

ALDERMAN COLEMAN:     Okay.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       That would help.  Any other comments or questions?

 

ATTORNEY BOHLEN:          We’ll let both of you know.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       We do not have a need for an Executive Session so I’ll entertain a motion to adjourn.

 

ALDERMAN WILLIAMS:     So moved.

 

ALDERMAN SWANSON:                 Second.

 

MAYOR GREEN:       Motion by Alderman Williams, seconded by Alderman Swanson.  All in favor, AYE.  Opposed, same sign. 

 

MOTION TO ADJOURN CITY COUNCIL MEETING

                                                                                                                                                7:55 P.M.