CITY OF KANKAKEE

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Alderman Hunter wanted to scoot along tonight.

ALDERMAN HUNTER: indistinguishable

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Roll call, please.

CLERK DUMAS:

PRESENT: Brown; Hunter; Browne, R.; Baron (Here today.); Harris; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson; Cox (14)

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Department Heads.

CLERK DUMAS:

PRESENT: Regnier; Young; Spice; Bohlen; Power; Simms; Tyson; Banasiak; Cross; Gordon; Bertrand; Yohnka (12)

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Now, I will entertain a motion to approve the minutes of the March 21, meeting.

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

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Do I have a second?

ALDERMAN JONES: Second.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Second by Alderman Jones. Are there any corrections or additions? If not, all those in favor, aye. Opposed, same sign.

MOTION TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MARCH 21, 2011

MAYOR EPSTEIN: The minutes are approved. There are no Petitions. Under Communications, the first item on the agenda is an update, ah, by Kankakee Development Corporation. Mr. Yohnka will come forward and provide us with an update.

BILL YOHNKA: I had four quick things that I thought were important for this Council and people gathered here to know about. And, for the first, I’d like to invite Jacqueline Dugan-Roof to join me. I know it’s been.......there’s been a lot of talk and writing in the newspaper and on radio about our local Chambers of Commerce and what’s going to happen with this situation, ah, a recap. We......... you know, several.......a few years ago now, I was brought on to head our very own Kankakee Chamber of Commerce and, ah, in recent months, we’ve begun talks with Bradley-Bourbonnais and I do have to give Jacqueline some credit for saying, “Bill, this is crazy. We get along. We work together on a lot of things. We need to build some more camaraderie between all of our communities. We should be talking about coming together.” And, ah, that kind of started the conversation and after that we wanted to include the Kankakee Regional Chamber of Commerce. That hasn’t gone as well yet but, ah, we are moving forward with combining our two organizations. And, I wanted her to be here tonight because as of now she is going to be the interim director of a new entity, the Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce. And it’s a unified group and we share the members who were members of the Kankakee Chamber. Members of the Bradley-Bourbonnais Regional Chamber will now be members of this new organization. Our hope is that it will attract people from around the County, other smaller communities to–while they remain in their own community, they can be part of our larger organization. Ah, we said interim director because one of the things that we really thought was important in putting this together was that we have new leadership to guide it so it isn’t........we’re not carrying the baggage of myself. I couldn’t do it because I have Kankakee written across my forehead. You know, I think there’s.........we just need somebody who can really unite the community. So, that’s kind of the goal with that and, ah, you’ll be hearing more about that in the weeks to come. We would like to invite you on April 26, at the Hilton Garden Inn, we’ll be having a reception– appreciation reception for, ah, Chamber membership and friends and supporters to kick off this new organization. And, one of the things I’m really proud of about this, is that I think there is a new generation and I think part of other generations are part of it too, that we’re really starting to put some of this divisiveness between the communities behind us. And, I really do think it is a, ah, a good time when somebody from representing Bradley-Bourbonnais Chamber of Commerce can be in front of the Kankakee City Council and feel at home. So, ah, with that said, I am in no way saying that, ah, what we’ve done for the past several years as the Kankakee Chamber of Commerce wasn’t the right thing to do. I think it was definitely the right thing to do and I’m incredibly proud of the people that we’ve gathered around and rallied in support of our City. And, the number of things that have happened as a result of that group being active. We have the car shows on Wednesday nights that came about because people started to feel that activity and wanted to be part of it. There’s a whole list of things that have happened kind of because of this impetus. And, I’m happy to say that, really while we do Chamber things together, a lot of those things are all going to continue. So, I think we really get the best of both worlds and we’ll be able make people who are mainly familiar with Bradley-Bourbonnias feel more at home in Kankakee. I’d just like to have Jacqueline give you a brief hello.

JACQUELINE DUGAN-ROOF: Sure. Well, hello, for those of you who I do not know. I’m been in the area obviously my entire life except for school. I came back. I do currently run now what’s called the Kankakee County Chamber. But, I ran the Bradley-Bourbonnais Regional Chamber for four years as the President and CEO. So, like Bill said, I will now be doing time between our Bourbonnais office which we’re going to keep over on New Town Drive, by the Mall and then also at the train depot. So, you’ll see me more in Kankakee. So, hello, if you don’t know me, you’ll get me to know me in the next six months. Yes, I did say six months because I have been given six months to get all of this transitioned. Not sure what I signed up for, but it will be a great transition and like Bill said, at the end of that process we will be also be looking for a new leader. It will not be myself or Bill. It will be someone who can take this to the future and, ah, kind of get the Kankakee County Chamber where it needs to be and then also we have reached out to the other smaller communities already. Momence, Grant Park, Herscher. We’re trying to get Hopkins Park, we’re trying to get all of those, kind of reach out so we can get them in as well. We’re still working on some of the other chambers as I’m sure you read. But, hopefully, within my six months, I can get that done. If you need anything, you can find me just about anywhere. Call the Kankakee Chamber. I now have a voice mail set up. So, Lavonda’s taking messages for me already so we’re excited. I’m very excited to be in Kankakee and I’ve felt welcomed so far. And, hopefully, I can get to know you guys better. So, thanks for having me. Look forward to it.

BILL YOHNKA: Item two. I promise to make these quick. At the Farmer’s Market this year, there’s going to be something new happening. One of the new things is that we’ve gotten the approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture is who we have to go through–but to accept LINK cards at the Farmer’s Market this year. And, this is something that’s been going on in Chicago for just a couple of years. It goes on in other cities and is really something, ah, that we’re pushing right now and I think this is really positive that, ah, people who are using their LINK card will be able to buy local nutritious foods at our Farmer’s Market and, ah, support our local farmers as well. So, I think that’s something that, ah, I really have to thank the staff of the Kankakee Public Library for helping with the research and getting some of those things done. Another thing I wanted all the Aldermen to know about and take back to their wards is, you’ll see around our community some new awnings going up outside of some buildings–some businesses. The Salvation Army was a great example. That one went up today. Mason’s Novelties on Schuyler looks wonderful. Went up the other day. Laurie’s Diner has a new awning. And, how this is going, how this is working, is that KDC is overseeing this–the downtown development district and we’re partnering with the City and CDA, with Cliff Cross’ office, in creating an incentive for people and business owners– property owners where downtown, if their building is downtown, we’ll pay, downtown will pay 25%. The CDA through Block Grant Funding will pay 50% and they’ll pay the other 25% of the cost of that. Now, we really are pushing this so there’s a real change. But, it’s not limited just to downtown. That’s why I wanted to make sure everyone knew about it because while we can’t spend those downtown Special Service dollars outside of that district, we can use the Block Grant Funding for that. And, ah, it’ll cover 50% of a new awning. So, I........it’s really, I think when we drive by some areas, there are some places that are kind of an eyesore, but could really be cleaned up without as much expense as we might think. And, this is one way I think we can do it. I wanted to let people know about that so if you have any questions about that, please ask me and, ah, finally the last thing we have is, on Saturday, we’re doing our Spring Into Action Citizen Cleanup and clearing some confusion, we’re actually cleaning up the City, not the citizens. It meets at 9:00 at the gazebo at the Farmer’s Market and we fan out from the gazebo and we put people in teams and it really is a very organized effort. Zac from the GIS Department helps us out with maps. Public Works helps out providing places to put the garbage. But, ah, really, if you can dedicate some time or you want to spread that word, I’ve included a flyer for that. But, it is a very nice morning. Want to make sure everyone’s motivated, fed and their spirits are kept in good form. So, thank you for the time.

ALDERMAN HUNTER: What time is that?

BILL YOHNKA: April 26. That’s ah........

JACQUELINE DUGAN-ROOF: 5:30 P.M.

BILL YOHNKA: She’s the Director now. So, she’s the one with the answers.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Thank you, Bill. Any questions? There are lots of great things going on downtown and in the community so it’s nice to get an update. And, the Farmer’s Market, I believe, I don’t know if we’ve decided.............

BILL YOHNKA: April 30.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: April 30. But, do we know for sure are we closing Schuyler?

BILL YOHNKA: Oh, I, we need to talk more about that. I would really like that.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: We’re hoping to close Schuyler Avenue for the Farmer’s Market this year. We have lots of merchants that are very excited who would like to participate. We also thought we would have more activities for children and so just from the hours of the market, ah, I think we are going to be closing Schuyler Avenue to expand the market. I think it’s something..... we have a lot of people who come downtown. We have a lot of opportunity and I think we should make the most of it. So....

ALDERMAN HUNTER: We heard that that’s coming before the Public Safety Committee.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: I believe we need the approval of the Public Safety Committee.

ALDERMAN HUNTER: Yeah, I heard that it’ll probably be okay.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Okay. Good. Thank you.

ATTORNEY BOHLEN: The Fire Chief is for it.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Moving on. Item B. You’ll notice there’s a letter of congratulations. The building that we are in this evening has received the silver rating– Leeds Certified Silver. That is a monumental occasion. We will be having a plaque–we will receive a plaque. We will have it framed and we will hang it in this building as well as the plaque that we receive for the Green Certification of the Administration Building. Item C is information. Item D, E and F, I think could be combined.

ALDERMAN HUNTER: Yes, and it will take a voice–not a voice, but a roll call because we’re going to allocate $250.00 for the Junteenth Celebration. Move items D, E, and F with allocation of $250.00. Motion to approve.

ALDERMAN JONES: Second.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion by Alderman Hunter to approve items D, E and F with a $250.00 donation to the Juneteenth Celebration. Seconded by Alderman Jones. Are there any questions? Roll call, please.

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE: Brown; Hunter; Browne, R.; Baron; Harris; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson; Cox (14)

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION COMMUNITY COMMITTEE IS REQUESTING STREET BLOCKAGE OF EAST MERCHANT STREET FROM NELSON AVENUE TO GORDON AVENUE ON SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 2011, FROM 7:30 A.M. UNTIL 9:30 P.M. FOR THEIR “JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION 2011”

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION COMMITTEE IS REQUESTING PERMISSION TO HOST A PARADE ON SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 2011 FROM 10:00 A.M. TO NOON

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION COMMITTEE IS REQUESTING SPONSORSHIP OF THEIR SECOND ANNUAL JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION $250.00

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion carries. Standing Committees. Building and Code. Alderman Swanson.

ALDERMAN SWANSON: I was unable to attend, so Alderman Hunter conducted the meeting.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Alderman Hunter.

ALDERMAN HUNTER: Self-explanatory.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Okay, thank you. Report of Officers. Do I have a motion to approve the bills?

ALDERMAN FAFORD: I move we place the money in the proper accounts and pay the bills in the amount of $1,058,552.77.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion by Alderman Faford, seconded by................

ALDERMAN BROWNE: Second.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Alderman Rich Browne to approve the bills. Are there any questions? Roll call.

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE: Brown; Hunter; Browne, R.; Baron; Harris; Tall; Faford; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson; Cox (13)

ABSTAIN: Swanson (1)

REPORT OF OFFICERS APPROVAL OF BILLS - $1,058,552.77

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion carries. Moving onto New Business. The first item is a recommendation to award the contract in the amount of $960,352.59 to........

ALDERMAN HUNTER: Motion to approve.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: ........Kankakee Valley Construction. This is the beginning of our overlay program. We did not do an overlay last year due to City finances. Are there any...............motion by Alderman Hunter to approve the recommendation.

ALDERMAN JONES: Second.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Seconded by Alderman Jones. Are there any questions?

ALDERMAN BROWN: Not a question, but I think if ought to be made clear that basically the reason that the bid’s a little over the engineer estimate is because of the price of gas and oil and all that kind of stuff so I think we need to be conscious of the fact that basically oil prices are going to affect a lot of things we’re going to do this year. I just want to make that known.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Thank you, Alderman. Roll call, please.

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE: Brown; Hunter; Browne, R.; Baron; Harris; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson; Cox (14)

RECOMMENDATION TO AWARD THE CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF

$960,352.59 TO KANKAKEE VALLEY CONSTRUCTION FOR THE

2011 STREET OVERLAY PROJECT

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion carries. The next item on the agenda is a special Ordinance authorizing the ceding of our private activity bonding authority to the Will Kankakee Regional Development Authority. Do I have a motion to Suspend the Rules?

ALDERMAN BARON: I’d so move.

ALDERMAN HUNTER: Second.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion by Alderman Baron to Suspend the Rules, seconded by Alderman Hunter. Roll call.

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE: Brown; Hunter; Browne, R.; Baron; Harris; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson; Cox (14)

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion carries. Motion to place this Ordinance on its Final Passage and Pass.

ATTORNEY BOHLEN: I so move.

ALDERMAN HUNTER: Second.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion by Alderman Baron, seconded by Alderman Hunter. Any questions? Roll call.

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE: Brown; Hunter; Browne, R.; Baron; Harris; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson; Cox (14)

SPECIAL ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CEDING OF PRIVATE

ACTIVITY BONDING AUTHORITY WITH WILL KANKAKEE

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion carries. The next item on the agenda is a recommendation to approve a proposal by the Lakota Group for what I’m calling the West Downtown District Plan. The cost will be shared by Provena St. Mary’s Hospital, the Park District, the Housing Authority, as well as Mercy Developers. There is a correction in the Lakota proposal. It is St. Rose Church, not St. Rita’s. There is no St. Rita’s in Kankakee.

ALDERMAN HUNTER: They’re sisters, you know.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Ah, I think this is the first step in the redevelopment of an area that is sorely needed. The Provena Hospital along with Mercy Partners are in the process of going for a grant for tax credits to build a senior living center on what I’m calling the campus of Provena. I think that should be an impetus to start a redevelopment of that neighborhood. It’s the last river front property along the river in Kankakee. It should be recreational. It should be accessible to the residents and I think that it’s time that we have a plan so we know where we’re going in the redevelopment of that neighborhood. I would ask for a motion to approve.

ALDERMAN TALL: I would so move.

ALDERMAN HARRIS: Second.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion by Alderman Tyler Tall, seconded by Alderman Rayleen Harris. Any questions? Roll call, please.

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE: Brown; Hunter; Browne, R.; Baron; Harris; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson; Cox (14)

RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE THE PROPOSAL FROM THE LAKOTA

GROUP FOR THE WEST DOWNTOWN DISTRICT PLAN

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion carries. Thank you. The next is an Ordinance establishing a handicapped parking space at 1017 N. Schuyler Avenue. A motion to Suspend the Rules.

ALDERMAN DAVIDSON: So moved.

ALDERMAN COX: Second.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion by Alderman Davidson to Suspend the Rules, seconded by Alderman Cox. Roll call.

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE: Brown; Hunter; Browne, R.; Baron; Harris; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson; Cox (14)

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion carries. A motion to place this Ordinance on its Final Passage.

ALDERMAN DAVIDSON: Make a motion to put on Final Passage.

ALDERMAN COX: Second.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Thank you. Motion by Alderman Davidson, seconded by Alderman Cox to place this Ordinance on its Final Passage and Pass. Are there any questions? Roll call.

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE: Brown; Hunter; Browne, R.; Baron; Harris; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson; Cox (14)

ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 32, SECTION 231 ESTABLISHING

HANDICAPPED PARKING SIGN(S) AT 1017 NORTH SCHUYLER AVENUE

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion carries. The next item on the agenda is an Ordinance declaring certain property surplus for the City of Kankakee and the Kankakee Fire Department. You should have two Ordinances. One was in your book, there should have been one on your table. Ah, surplussing a total of three items. Do I have a motion to Suspend?

ALDERMAN HUNTER: I so move.

ALDERMAN OSENGA: Second.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion by Alderman Hunter, seconded by Alderman Osenga to Suspend the Rules that would interfere with the passage of these Ordinances. Roll call.

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE: Brown; Hunter; Browne, R.; Baron; Harris; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson; Cox (14)

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion carries. Motion to place this Ordinance on its Final Passage.

ALDERMAN HUNTER: I so move.

ALDERMAN OSENGA: Second.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion by Alderman Hunter, seconded by Alderman Osenga. Are there any questions? Roll call.

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE: Brown; Hunter; Browne, R.; Baron; Harris; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson; Cox (14)

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 FIRE DEPARTMENT –

AND AUTHORIZING THE SALE THEREOF

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion carries. The next item on the agenda is the Ordinance providing for the issuance of General Obligation Bonds totaling $5,000,000.00. It has been the policy for probably the last ten or twelve years that every couple of years we go out for bonds in order to complete the infrastructure projects that we have. $5,000,000.00 sounds like a lot of money, but unfortunately it doesn’t seem to go as far as it used to. I’m very pleased to announce that the City has maintained its A bond rating. No small feat in these challenging economic times. We had several telephone conversations that we had to explain the steps that we we’ve taken to balance the budget last year and what we plan to do this year. Cities all over the country are facing challenging times and I think we should be proud of the fact that we were able to maintain an A bond rating in light of some of the financial problems that we’ve had to face. But, we have faced them and we’ve dealt with them head on. Ah, Brenda Huston and Bob Vail are here and they would be happy to just give you a brief summary of this bond issue. We will be refunding a small issue. We will be doing some restructuring and then doing the $5,000,000.00 issue.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Hi.

BRENDA HUSTON: Good evening everyone.

NANCY SMITHBERG: Could they use the mic, please?

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Oh, could you use the mic, please? It records, also.

BRENDA HUSTON: It records. Okay, can you hear me now?

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Yes.

BRENDA HUSTON: Okay. The City had three successful negotiated bond sales today. Two of them were handled by Bernardi and Bob Vail will talk about those. The third was a small refunding and Baird negotiated that one. That issue resulted in a savings of about $25,000.00, but the more important thing, I mean $25,000.00 is important savings, is always important but, ah, the issues were structured in such a way that your tax rate year by year will stay stable. You don’t want to go from, say, these are horrible numbers, from six to five to four to five to nine. You and your residents, you know, want to be able to feel like every year they’ll be paying about the same. So, that was really, really important thing. It really isn’t, ah, a whole heck of a lot I can say because your Mayor really explained what went on with the calls with the rating agency and with others who were involved. In today’s economic, ah, world there are a lot of questions that have to be answered. And, ah, to get your A rating back again with the stable designation indicates how well they answered all the questions and not only that, how well the City is managing its finances. So, if anybody has any questions on that, I’d be happy to take them.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Thank you, Brenda, very much.

BRENDA HUSTON: Bob.

BOB VAIL: Hello again, everybody. I am Bob Vail with Bernardi Securities. I’ll basically reiterate a lot of what the Mayor and Brenda said. The two issues we underwrote, the first issue was to fund your ongoing capital improvement plan. Approximately $5 million. Second issue was a small refunding issue, basically restructured in a way to keep your bond tax levy the same which is basically $1.63 tax rate. And, ah, what we’re trying to do is level that off continuously so all your bond payments come back at that $1.63 approximately. We’re not really assuming any growth so we’re being very conservative when it comes to the tax rate and we restructure these issues in that way. The two issues that we did, the capital improvement plan issue has a final maturity of 2025. That total net interest rate came back at 4.72% and then the small refunding issue, which is a little bit shorter, that has a final maturity of 2020. That came back at 4.3%. And, then just to reiterate what the Mayor and Brenda had stated about your rating, a lot of our issuer clients have seen their ratings decrease. In this economy a lot of the revenue streams, income taxes, sales taxes have dropped dramatically. Growth isn’t really increasing and we’ve seen a fair amount of our issuer clients get down graded, so I think you definitely should be commended that you’re a stong A rating. And, your financials and your outlook and your conservative approach is definitely basically comprised in you keeping that A rating. So, I just wanted to commend you on that as well and answer any questions you might have?

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Are there any questions? Thank you very much, Bob. Appreciate it. Okay, we have the first item is the Ordinance. Do I have a motion to Suspend the Rules?

ALDERMAN BARON: I would move that we would Suspend the Rules that would interfere with the passage of the Ordinance that would authorize the issuance of the bond issue.

ALDERMAN HUNTER: I would second that, Your Honor.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion by Alderman Baron, seconded by Alderman Hunter. Roll call.

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE: Brown; Hunter; Browne, R.; Baron; Harris; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson; Cox (14)

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion carries. A motion to place this Ordinance on its Final Passage.

ALDERMAN BARON: I would make that motion.

ALDERMAN HUNTER: I will second it.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion by Alderman Baron, seconded by Alderman Hunter. Are there any questions? Roll call.

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE: Brown; Hunter; Browne, R.; Baron; Harris; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson; Cox (14)

ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION

BONDS, SERIES 2011A, GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS,

SERIES 2011B, GENERAL OBLIGATION REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES

2011C, OF THE CITY OF KANKAKEE, KANKAKEE COUNTY, ILLINOIS,

AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF ONE OR MORE BOND ORDERS,

A DEPOSITARY AGREEMENT AND AN ESCROW AGREEMENT AND

PROVIDING FOR THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF A DIRECT ANNUAL

TAX FOR THE PAYMENT OF PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST ON SAID BONDS

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion carries. The next item on the agenda is the approval of the Preliminary Official Statement regarding the general obligation bonds. Do I have a motion to approve?

ALDERMAN BARON: I would move that we approve the Preliminary Official Statement.

ALDERMAN HUNTER: I would second that Your Honor.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion by Alderman Baron, seconded by Alderman Hunter to approve the Preliminary Official Statement regarding the General Obligation Bonds Series 2011A, 2011B and 2011C. Roll call, please.

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE: Brown; Hunter; Browne, R.; Baron; Harris; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson; Cox (14)

PRELIMINARY OFFICIAL STATEMENT REGARDING $5,000,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2011A; $405,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION

REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES 2011B; $1,330,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION

REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES 2011C

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion carries. Thank you very much.

ALDERMAN BARON: Mayor before we leave this topic.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Alderman.

ALDERMAN BARON: Mayor, I’d just like to point out the significance. There’s a very important external agency here that’s noticed what we’ve done in the last twelve months. And, as you recall, we’re still feeling the repercussions from it, it was a pretty painful process. Ah, but this is exactly why the Mayor made the recommendations that we do what we did and, ah, exactly why Mr. Bohlen carried this out. This was a significant savings that we’ve made. And you heard him say, there’s............we could have easily, easily gone down on bond grades which would have cost a whole lot of money which meant that we couldn’t make as many improvements as we’re making as a result of this. I don’t know. I think this is a pretty important moment. I’d just like to compliment the administration on what we’ve been through and we’re........looks like we’re going to be doing the same sort of responsible thing again.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: I agree, Alderman ‘cause in the phone conversations that we had, and there were several, ah, the questions were not just about last year, but quite frankly they were what are our plans for this year because they see that, you know, by no means are we out of the woods financially. And, so we had to reiterate our plans to possibly restructure. Sadly, we had to do some layoffs. We were very conservative in our estimates as far as our projected growth. We did not project any growth, I believe, for two years in our tabulations as far as the bond issue goes. I was adamant that we maintain the level of the tax levy ‘cause we didn’t want to burden our residents. But, at the same time, we must continue this infrastructure project because we know the City is old. We have many needs and when people come to look here for businesses, commercial, industrial, the one thing that they look at is, have you maintained your infrastructure? And, quite honestly, the bond people also look to that because that is an investment in the future of the City. And, communities that don’t invest in their future, sadly have no future. So, thank you, I appreciate those comments. Moving onto the next item. We do have an Ordinance, ah, I’m going to call it clarifying and restructuring of the Police Department. We will now have, I think we’re just clarifying, a Police Chief, one Deputy, two Commanders, five Lieutenants, which is a reduction, fifteen Sergeants and 49 Patrolmen. Chief Regnier, did you want to speak to this?

CHIEF REGNIER: With the reduction in our staffing, the elimination of the one Lieutenant spot, it’s a cost saving measure for us.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Thank you. Do I have a motion.........

ALDERMAN HUNTER: Ah.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: ........to approve?

ALDERMAN HUNTER: Yes you do.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Excuse me, to Suspend the Rules?

ALDERMAN HUNTER: Yes. You have a motion to Suspend.

ALDERMAN OSENGA: I’ll second.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion by Alderman Hunter, seconded by Alderman Osenga to Suspend the Rules.

ALDERMAN DAVIDSON: Mayor Epstein.

ALDERMAN HUNTER: You can’t now.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: As soon as we do this, Alderman, we’ll do questions. Roll call.

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE: Brown; Hunter; Browne, R.; Baron; Harris; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson; Cox (14)

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion carries. Motion to place this Ordinance on its Final Passage.

ALDERMAN HUNTER: Move to place this Ordinance on its Final Passage and Pass.

ALDERMAN OSENGA: Second that.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion by Alderman Hunter, seconded by Alderman Osenga. Questions?

ALDERMAN DAVIDSON: I was under the understanding, ah, we went through this same type of thing, I think, last year or several months ago. I thought we were going to stay at the number of twelve Sergeants. I thought that’s what we were trying to get down to instead of fifteen.

ATTORNEY BOHLEN: We are. In response, we’re doing this one at a time, so that when the next vacancy occurs, it will not be filled. Right now, there are sixteen Sergeants–or will be sixteen Sergeants as of May 1. Correct?

CHIEF REGNIER: Ah, it’ll be fifteen.

ATTORNEY BOHLEN: Fifteen. Fifteen as of May 1. So, the direction is, yes we will keep going, but we will do it by attrition, not by reducing anybody in the Department.

ALDERMAN DAVIDSON: So, our current numbers are, right now, are we looking at promoting any time soon, or?

CHIEF REGNIER: There are two promotions pending as of May 1. For Sergeants. Two Sergeants

ALDERMAN DAVIDSON: And, that’ll take us to what number at that time?

CHIEF REGNIER: Fifteen.

ALDERMAN DAVIDSON: Fifteen. Then, from that point we’ll start.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Yes.

ATTORNEY BOHLEN: The same with Lieutenants. There are now six Lieutenants, even though we’re saying in the future there will be five. The six are grandfathered in, meaning they’ll stay on until there’s attrition, either by retirement, promotion or otherwise.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Any other questions? Alderman Jones.

ALDERMAN JONES: At 29 Patrolmen, how many Patrolmen will be on the beat on morning, afternoon and evening shifts?

CHIEF REGNIER: It varies from shift to shift right now. We have 49 Patrolmen total on the Police Department. Ah, their allocation, I can’t tell you how many are on each shift right off the top of my head, but we never run with less than five beats filled.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Any other questions? Roll call.

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE: Brown; Hunter; Browne, R.; Baron; Harris; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson; Cox (14)

ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 27, ARTICLE IV OF THE CITY

CODE OF THE CITY OF KANKAKEE

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion carries. Moving onto Motions and Resolutions, we have quite a few this evening. The first one is a Resolution, an IDOT highway permit for new sidewalk at the Community Resource Center and two Metro bus stops.

ALDERMAN HUNTER: What about.........we didn’t do I, did we?

CLERK DUMAS: Yes, we did.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Yes, we combined.

ALDERMAN HUNTER: Oh, I see. We did, yeah, we did.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Moving onto Resolutions. Do I have a motion to approve the first Resolution?

ALDERMAN HUNTER: I so move.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion by Alderman Hunter.

ALDERMAN DAVIDSON: Second.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Seconded by Alderman Davidson to approve the Resolution for the permit for the new sidewalk at the Community Resource Center and the Metro bus stops. Roll call.

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE: Brown; Hunter; Browne, R.; Baron; Harris; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson; Cox (14)

RESOLUTION AND IDOT HIGHWAY PERMIT FOR NEW SIDEWALK

AT COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER AND TWO METRO BUS STOPS,

TEI JOB NO. E10027

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion carries. The next item is a Resolution declining City funding and maintenance and participation in a bicycle/pedestrian path along Illinois 17.

ALDERMAN HUNTER: Can you explain that?

MAYOR EPSTEIN: There’s reconstruction, Mr. Tyson, do you..........there’s reconstruction on 17 that’s planned.

DAVE TYSON: Right.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: And, part of it could accommodate a bicycle/pedestrian path, but there would be funding involved and each municipality has to decide if they would proceed to fund a portion of that and if not, they needed to decline.

DAVE TYSON: Right. What it is, is the bike path is not contiguous with any other bike path and we just have a small portion of 17 which is going basically from our west limits out to the railroad tracks near Limestone Road. So, the majority of this is either in the County or in the Village of Limestone. Both of them are declining by the same Resolution that they did not want to have the bike path, so by virtue if we pass this, we only a few hundred feet of bike path that doesn’t attach to anything anywhere, so at this time it is our recommendation not to spend the money for it.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Any questions? Okay. Motion to approve the Resolution? Alderman Hunter, I think you had a...........Alderman........?

ALDERMAN HUNTER: Yeah, so moved.

ALDERMAN LINNEMAN: Second.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Second by Alderman Linneman. Roll call, please.

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE: Brown; Hunter; Browne, R.; Baron; Harris; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson; Cox (14)

RESOLUTION DECLINING CITY FUNDING AND MAINTENANCE

PARTICIPATION OF BICYCLE/PEDESTRIAN ACCOMMODATIONS

ALONG ILLINOIS 17 IN THE CITY OF KANKAKEE

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion carries. The next is a Resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign the engagement letter for bond counsel to act on the City’s behalf for the sale of bonds. Do I have a motion to approve?

ALDERMAN BARON: I make a motion that we hire the lawyer.

ALDERMAN HUNTER: Second.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion by Alderman Baron, seconded by Alderman Hunter. Roll call.

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE: Brown; Hunter; Browne, R.; Baron; Harris; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson; Cox (14)

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN ENGAGEMENT LETTER

FOR BOND COUNSEL TO ACT ON CITY’S BEHALF FOR SALE OF BONDS

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion carries. The next is a Resolution authorizing the execution of a lease with KAMEG.

ALDERMAN HUNTER: Motion to approve.

ALDERMAN SCHWADE: I second it.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion by Alderman Hunter, seconded by Alderman Schwade to approve the lease. Roll call.

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE: Brown; Hunter; Browne, R.; Baron; Harris; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson; Cox (14)

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE LEASE WITH

KANKAKEE AREA METROPOLITAN ENFORCEMENT GROUP (KAMEG)

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion carries. The next Resolution is to authorize the execution of an intergovernmental agreement between the Kankakee Valley Park District and the City regarding administrative adjudication of Ordinance violations.

ALDERMAN HUNTER: I so move.

ALDERMAN BROWN: Second.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion by Alderman Hunter, seconded by Alderman Carl Brown. Questions? Roll call.

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE: Brown; Hunter; Browne, R.; Baron; Harris; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson; Cox (14)

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE

INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN KANKAKEE VALLEY

PARK DISTRICT AND THE CITY OF KANKAKEE – REGARDING

ADMINISTRATIVE ADJUDICATION OF ORDINANCE VIOLATIONS

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion carries. The next item is a Resolution authorizing the execution of an agreement between the Kankakee Community Development Agency and a grant for KDC. I think Mr. Yohnka alluded to that, that the City through the CDA is funding a portion of what we’re calling the enhancement program downtown. Mr. Cross, did you want to speak to the specifics?

CLIFF CROSS: Yes, madam Mayor. Quick correction to this just to clarify it. If you go to page 11, actually under attachment number one on the narrative, if you look under the second paragraph or the second subheading under request, I just want to make sure we’ve got this covered. If you start at the third sentence it reads, To do this, the grant will provide a 25% reduction up to$10,000 in the eligible costs of any restoration project. The 25% portion will be paid upon verification of the project............ If I understood Mr. Yohnka correctly tonight, he wants to make sure that the City can provide a 50% match if needed. So, I would need to rewrite that. To do this, the grant will provide a 50% reduction up to $10,000 in the eligible costs of any restoration project. The 50% portion will be paid upon verification of the project being completed and after verification that the owners and KDC have 50% of the costs paid. Just to clarify to make sure under the narrative.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Okay. Thank you.

BILL YOUNG: And, that maxes out at $3,000.

CLIFF CROSS: The beauty of this is this will not only cover the awning program, but it will cover the facade program for any painting so I think the $10,000 is a good number to stop that at. We do want you to keep it under $5,000 on the canopies so we don’t have a bid process we have to follow. I think that $10,000 is where we want to keep that for that.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Thank you for the clarification. Do I have a motion to approve?

ALDERMAN SCHWADE: I so move.

ALDERMAN SWANSON: Second.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion by Alderman Schwade, seconded by Alderman Swanson. Questions? Roll call.

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE: Brown; Hunter; Browne, R.; Baron; Harris; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson; Cox (14)

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE CITY OF KANKAKEE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANT AGREEMENT – KDC DOWNTOWN RESTORATION AND RENOVATION PROGRAM

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion carries. The next two items are Proclamations recognizing the month of April as Child Abuse Prevention month......

ALDERMAN BROWN: Motion to approve.

ALDERMAN BROWNE: Second.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: .....and April 29, as Arbor Day. Motion by Alderman Brown, seconded by Alderman Rich Browne to approve both Proclamations. All those in favor, aye. Opposed, same sign.

PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING THE MONTH OF APRIL 2011 AS CHILD

ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING APRIL 29, 2011 AS ARBOR DAY

MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION

MAYOR EPSTEIN: They are approved. There will be no Executive Session tonight. I will entertain a motion to adjourn.

ALDERMAN BROWNE: So moved.

ALDERMAN SWANSON: Second.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: By Alderman Rich Browne and seconded by Alderman Swanson.

ALDERMAN DAVIDSON: Mayor.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Oh, I’m sorry. Excuse me, we have a question by Alderman Davidson.

ALDERMAN DAVIDSON: Under Alderman Comments.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Yes.

ALDERMAN DAVIDSON: I just wanted to make the comment that, ah, I see all the improvements that are going on around town. I’m kind of saddened that the First Ward has been declared years ago slum and blight and it seems to me that there is nothing going on, there’s nothing in place to help with improvements. As I ride around my community, I see the houses continue to be torn down, the buildings are torn down. Vacant lots are everywhere but I haven’t heard of anything going on as far as building up that particular community. And, it just continues to sadden me and I don’t know what we’re going to do, if anything to help the community.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Well, Alderman, it’s a difficult situation because, quite frankly, ah, we have tried repeatedly through our CDA and through other efforts to obtain money from the federal government. I’m sure you can imagine the cost involved of that. The vacant lots, we would love to have a program that we would be able let a developer have those in order to redevelop housing. You have to remember that many times when we take down a home, we do not own that home. Nor do we own the land. We lien the property. Sadly, this foreclosure crisis that has affected this entire nation and this community have made new housing, I don’t see many communities having any new housing being built ‘cause there’s such a backlog of housing that’s already sitting on the market. Tonight, before I came to Council meeting, the real estate magazine was in the paper tonight and if you look through it, there’s just page after page after page of houses on the market. Some at incredible prices. I want to assure you that the City will do everything we can. We do not neglect any ward. I think the First Ward has benefitted by some wonderful rehabbing of the downtown area, especially the area north of Schuyler. We plan to redevelop in conjunction with KDC what I call the Paramount parking lot. Redesign that and make that much more attractive to investment in that neighborhood. We always are careful when we do our overlay and our streets and sidewalk program that we include every single ward and we try to allocate that money equally. So, again it’s a challenge. It’s one that we aren’t neglecting, but I can assure you that we will do everything we can in order to build up every ward in the City, not just the First Ward.

ALDERMAN DAVIDSON: Well, I was under the understanding that the Lakota Group, in their initial plan, some of that was coming north of Court Street. Do we still know if that’s gonna’ take place or has that a long-range goal.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Those are all long-range goals. The only reason that I even moved forward with this Lakota Proposal for that area by St. Mary’s Hospital, was because of the Senior Living Center that Provena and Mercy Housing Authority want to build there. I thought this was a great opportunity to sort of jump-start that. Ah, it’s very hard for municipalities to carry the burden. Because we have a developer in Mercy Housing that is willing to build this assisted living center through the use of tax credits, that’s really a private developer coming in and putting their investment in the City. Because they chose that location, it afforded us the opportunity, well, let’s see what else we can so. I know there are some people interested in doing some similar things in the First Ward, ah, it’ll take a lot of time. This project has been in the talking stages for two years now. So, it’s just going to take time for all of this to sort of work its way out. Any other questions?

ALDERMAN TALL: Just briefly.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Alderman Tall.

ALDERMAN TALL: Just briefly, giving honor to the late Sam Ciaccio, I’d just like to say, you know, I’m going to miss him. It was nice having him here sitting next to me, but you know, at the end of every meeting, Sam would always, Steve it’s time to go home. So I would repeat, it’s time to go home.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: Thank you. I will entertain a motion to adjourn.

CLERK DUMAS: We already did that.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: I think we did that. Alderman Swanson, seconded by.....

NANCY SMITHBERG: Rich Browne did it.

MAYOR EPSTEIN: All in favor, aye.

MOTION TO ADJOURN CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MAYOR EPSTEIN: We are adjourned

7:51 P.M.