CITY OF KANKAKEE

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

APRIL 18, 2011      7:00 P.M.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Good evening.  I’d like to call this meeting to order.   I’ll wait ‘til we are all seated.  I’d like to ask Pastor Hazel Carroll from Open Your Heart Ministry to come forward and lead us in the prayer.

 

PASTOR CARROLL: Let us bow our heads please.  Gracious God our Father, we thank You today for bringing us into this place.  We thank You, God, for Your mercy and we thank You for Your grace.  God, we come praying and asking You for divine wisdom for the City Council as they meet tonight.  God, we pray for our Mayor, Mayor Epstein, and those that work with her.  Lord, we pray for each elected official for this year.  We ask You, God, to give them wisdom as they make decisions for the City of Kankakee.  We pray, God, for the, ah, head of each division, the Chief of Police.  Father we pray, also, for the Fire Chief, for each person that makes decisions in the Kankakee area.  Lord, we thank You.  God, may every decision that will be made tonight, God, it will be for the betterment of this City of Kankakee and for our community.  And, God, we thank You for this night.  In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Thank you very much.  I would like to ask the children from Mark Twain Primary School and from the Open Your Heart Ministry to come forward and lead us in the Pledge.

 

AARIASHA DABNEY, CORI FARLINS, J’VON HAWKINS,

JAYLA HAWKINS, AJANEI KENNEDY, JEFFREY TEAGUE, JR,.

TY’AYZIA TUCKER-FOSTER AND COREY YATES FROM MARK

TWAIN PRIMARY SCHOOL AND CHILDREN FROM OPEN YOUR

HEART MINISTRYAND ALL:                                                                      Pledge of Allegiance

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Roll call, please.

 

CLERK DUMAS:

PRESENT:   Brown; Hunter; Baron (Still here.); Harris (Here tonight.); Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson; Cox (13)

            ABSENT:   Browne, R. (1)

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Department Heads.

 

CLERK DUMAS:

PRESENT:   Regnier; Young; Bohlen; Power; Simms; Tyson; Banasiak; Cross; Bertrand; Yohnka (10)

            ABSENT: Spice; Gordon (2)

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Before we begin the bulk of the meeting this evening, I’d like to make two very special presentations.  Tonight is the last full Council meeting for two of our Aldermen.  Next meeting we will be inducting two new Aldermen as well as several incumbents.  But, I would like to say a few words tonight about two very special women who are on the Council.  I’m going to come down there and use the mic.  Rayleen and Alderman Schwade, if you would join me in the center of the room.  Tonight is a special evening.  We have two Aldermen who are leaving the Council.  They both have served very different tenures here.  One a very short period of time and one a very long time.  But, they both have something in common and that is their passion and love of the City of Kankakee as well as to the residents that they served in their respective wards.  Rayleen Harris has been on the Council a very short time–ten months, but she has been committed to the 5th Ward for almost her entire life.  She was instrumental in starting one of the first neighborhood groups, PAINS.  She has always been an advocate for the residents of her ward.  She served proudly for the ten months that she was here.  We appreciate your service to the City.  I know you’re going to continue advocating for your neighbors and residents and we truly appreciate the time you’ve been here.  We have a gift.  It is a water color of some landmarks in the City of Kankakee.  I hope that when you look at it, you’ll remember fondly your time here with us on the Council. 

 

ALDERMAN HARRIS:           Thank you so much.  I want to thank everybody for all of your support.  Something I never EVER expected to do, and I hope I did a good job.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Alderman JoAnne Schwade.  If you look up alderman in the dictionary, it should say JoAnne Schwade.  She has always had such a commitment for the residents of the 2nd Ward.  Her dedication, her knowledge, her experience, her true compassion and passion for the City as well as her ward, I think, is just unsurpassed.  I can thank her for getting me into politics.  I thank her better some days than others.  She has been instrumental in so many things.  Ah, the designation of the Historic District, she has started a beautification program that started in the 2nd Ward and has expanded to other wards in the City.  She has served on numerous committees, she’s on the board of KRMA.  I don’t know what she hasn’t done in the 20 years that she has served the City of Kankakee.  She has more energy than anyone I know.  She can leave tonight, go to Colorado and be back in the morning and not even break a sweat.  She is perpetual motion, but she is also one of the most passionate and compassionate people I know and her dedication to the City is unparalleled.  So, we will miss you.  The gift we have for JoAnne is a replica of the stained-glass windows that are currently in the Frank Lloyd Wright home in her ward and I hope you will remember us fondly when you look at that.  And, again, we appreciate your service to the City.  After the Council meeting this evening, there is a reception for both Alderman Schwade and Alderman Harris and I hope you will all attend. 

 

 

ALDERMAN SCHWADE:     Thank you all so, so much.  I’ve really made a lot of friends and it’s been an honor to serve.  At first they couldn’t talk me into running to replace Rosalyn Lind who had moved away and now they can’t get rid of me.  So, thank you very, very much. 

 

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    I will now entertain a motion to approve the minutes of the April 4, 2011, meeting.

 

ALDERMAN HUNTER:         Mayor Epstein, hearing no objections from my colleagues, I move they be approved as recorded. 

 

ALDERMAN OSENGA:         Second.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Motion by Alderman Hunter, seconded by Alderman Osenga to approve the minutes.  Are there any additions or corrections?  Hearing none, all those in favor, aye.  Opposed, same sign. 

 

MOTION TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 4, 2011

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    The minutes are approved.  Petitions.  You have in your packet the minutes of the March 15, Planning Board Meeting.  They are informational.  Moving onto Communications, the first item is information.  Actually, the first two items are informational and the third item is a thank you note from Alderman Ciaccio’s family thanking us for allowing them to have their reception and visitation here in the Council Chambers.  Items D, E, F, G and H, I think can be combined.  There is an issue with item D.  I have spoken to Alderman Davidson.  We will not be approving a closing of the alley behind the Majestic Theatre.  We will speak to the people who are holding the music fest and make sure that we have a couple of orange cones that are available prior to them loading or unloading their equipment.  But, other than that, for safety sake, there’s really no way that we should close that alley.

 

ALDERMAN HUNTER:         I would therefore make a motion to approve the request of items E, F, G and H.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Yes.  Motion by Alderman Hunter to approve E, F, G and H.  Is there a second?

 

ALDERMAN DAVIDSON:    Second.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Second by Alderman Davidson.  All those in favor, aye.  Opposed, same sign.

 

 

 

 

CHAREMON ERVING IS REQUESTING A NOISE PERMIT AND STREET BLOCKAGE

OF THE 500 BLOCK OF EAST BOURBONNAIS STREET FROM THE ALLEY TO THE CORNER OF HARRISON AVENUE FOR A BIRTHDAY PARTY ON FRIDAY,

APRIL 29, 2011, FROM 4:00 P.M. UNTIL 7:00 P.M.

 

KANKAKEE JAYCEE LITTLE LEAGUE IS REQUESTING PERMISSION TO HOST

A TAG DAY ON FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2011, WITH A RAIN DATE OF SATURDAY,

MAY 14, 2011

 

KANKAKEE CHARGERS SEMI-PRO FOOTBALL LEAGUE IS REQUESTING

PERMISSION TO HOST A TAG DAY ON SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 2011, WITH A

RAIN DATE OF SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2011

 

SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH’S PRAISE DANCE MINISTRY IS REQUESTING

PERMISSION TO HOST A TAG DAY ON SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2011 WITH A

RAIN DATE OF SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2011

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    They are approved.  Public Safety Committee.  Alderman Hunter.

 

ALDERMAN HUNTER:         Mayor Epstein, just one action item that requires the consideration of the Council and that’s at the bottom of the, ah, minutes.  The Committee approved a request from Bill Yohnka regarding the closure of South Schuyer.  Bill Yohnka’s here. indistinguishable , Bill?

 

BILL YOHNKA:         I can do that.  Really, I appreciate your support of that and what I think this will do is really connect the Farmer’s Market to the businesses on the other side of the street.  Many could use the support and it would help, not only those businesses, but others in the downtown area and give us an opportunity to expand indistinguishable interactive opportunities for young people and it would be a real nice community gathering so we can do some other special things throughout the year.  I know concerns were raised about fire access to that area and I totally intend to work with Chief Young indistinguishable  

 

ALDERMAN HUNTER:         indistinguishable comments of Mr. Yohnka and his acquiesces to the concerns of the Fire Chief.  They will interface and make this particular issue work.  I would move to approve of Mr. Yohnka’s request.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Motion by Alderman Hunter to approve.  Seconded by Alderman Osenga.  Any questions?  All those in favor, aye.  Opposed, same sign.

 

MOTION TO APPROVE CLOSURE OF SCHUYLER AVENUE FOR THE

FARMER’S MARKET

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    The motion carries.  Is that all, Alderman?

 

ALDERMAN HUNTER:         That’s all.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    License and Franchise.  Alderman Carl Brown.

 

ALDERMAN BROWN:          Just a couple things.  Ah, the Com Ed came in and did a audit of the services they provide and it’s in the minutes.  What we did, we asked him to file a copy of that report with the City Clerk’s office so that, basically, you can go in and take a look at that.  Ah, and also, speaking of Com Ed, if you look, there’s a House Bill called HB14.  And, what HB14 entails is that every  year, the investment they’ve put into a community that they would go to the ICC and ask for the reversment of those investments.  In other words, instead of waiting eight years or four years to raise the rates 20 to 40 to 50%, ah, whatever that is, they would go in and actually try to recover their investment for that single year.  ICC would still have controlling interest in that and it would still take nine months to get it approved.  So, ah, they asked us to come to the Council with approval of the idea, or the principle of saying that basically that’s not a bad idea to look year to year instead of waiting four to five years to do a rate increase.  So, with that, we said that basically we would bring it to the Council as something that we will approve the principle, but not necessarily the rates.  So, that’s what that is.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Thank you, Alderman.  Is that all?

 

ALDERMAN BROWN:          That’s all I have.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Okay, thank you.  Alderman Baron.  Budget.

 

ALDERMAN BROWN:          Oh, may I say one comment?

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    I’m sorry.  Of course.

 

ALDERMAN BROWN:          I would also like to thank Rayleen Harris for serving on the License and Franchise Committee.  She is one of the most dedicated person, easy to get along with person I ever met in my life and I want to tell you, I will miss you.  Thank you so much for serving on my committee.

 

ALDERMAN HARRIS:           Thank you.  I”m going to tell my husband how easy I am to get along with.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Thank you, Alderman. 

 

ALDERMAN BROWN:          You’re welcome.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Alderman Baron, Budget.

 

ALDERMAN BARON:           Ah, Mayor, the one action item consists of an Ordinance that appears later in the agenda, if we could deal with it now.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Yes, let’s do it now.

 

ALDERMAN BARON:           We, ah, the Budget Committee approved changing the statute under which we accrue the budget from the appropriation process to the budget process.  And part of the budget process is to appoint a Budget Officer.  And, we have an Ordinance that would appoint the Comptroller as the Budget Officer for no additional compensation.   And, if there are no other questions, I would move that we would Suspend the Rules that would interfere with the passage of the Ordinance appointing the Budget Officer.

 

ALDERMAN HUNTER:         Second, Your Honor.

 

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

 

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE:   Brown; Hunter; Baron; Harris; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson; Cox (13) 

            ABSENT:   Browne (1)

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Motion carries.

 

ALDERMAN BARON:           I spoke to Attorney Bohlen before the meeting and, ah, there’s some sentiment that we should come back with an additional Ordinance that actually adopts the budget process.  And the main thing about the budget process it that it allows for an amendment of the budget in an easier fashion during the year and it really conforms with what we do.  So it’s a more accurate way to go about it.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    So we will bring that Ordinance at the next meeting?

 

ALDERMAN BARON:           Yes.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Okay. 

 

ALDERMAN BARON:           The other non-action review of the budget items, real briefly, review of the sales tax–this month’s sales tax–continues to show a decrease.  This month for 19.2% down from the comparable month we had last year.  There are obviously still issues with our friend the State that, hopefully, will be resolved with the pending legislation and, if not, then by the potentially pending litigation.  As far as income tax goes, our friend the State owes us from January 1, of this year on for income tax which is clearly established that should be coming to us.  That currently is in the amount of $530,000.00 and as always, it affects cash flow.  That’s about it.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Alderman, when you made the motion, the Ordinance to Suspend the Rules for the Budget Officer, we need to go now and place it on its Final Passage and Pass.

 

ALDERMAN BARON:           I would so move.

 

CLERK DUMAS:        Thank you.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Alderman Baron has made the motion, seconded by........

 

ALDERMAN HUNTER:         Rayleen.

 

ALDERMAN HARRIS:           Second.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Alderman Harris to place this Ordinance on its Final Passage and Pass.  Are there any questions?  Roll call.

 

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE:   Brown; Hunter; Baron; Harris; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson; Cox (13) 

            ABSENT: Browne (1)

 

ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE BY CREATING

A NEW ARTICLE TO CREATE THE POSITION OF BUDGET OFFICER AND ADOPT

THE BUDGET SYSTEM

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Thank you.  Moving onto Report of Officers, I will entertain a motion to approve the payment of the bills. 

 

ALDERMAN FAFORD:         I move we approve the Report of Officers, place the money in the proper accounts and pay the bills in the amount of $538,187.27.  No, make that 20¢.

 

ALDERMAN TALL:   Second.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Motion by Alderman Faford, seconded by Alderman Tall to pay the bills.  Any questions?  Alderman Jones.

 

ALDERMAN JONES:             I’d like to know why there’s a check for Blue Cross/Blue Shield for $178,393.  And it’s check number, ah, 61334.

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Alderman, Blue Cross/Blue Shield is going to be our new insurance provider for the City of Kankakee.  In order to establish the contract we had to make a payment to them in that amount in order to start the process.  They started open enrollment today for the employees of the City.  So, that’s sort of our first payment to them. 

 

ALDERMAN JONES:             Okay.  Okay.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Any other questions?  Roll call.

 

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE:   Brown; Hunter; Baron; Harris; Tall; Faford; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson; Cox (12) 

            ABSTAIN:   Swanson (1)

            ABSENT:   Browne (1)

 

REPORT OF OFFICERS APPROVAL OF BILLS - $538,187.20

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Motion carries.  We have no Old Business.  Moving onto New Business.  Item A has already been discussed in the Budget Report and we’ve acted upon it.  Item B is our MFT Street Maintenance Program for rock salt and equipment rental.  Mr. Tyson.  Would you like to speak to that?

 

DAVE TYSON:           What this is, it’s our annual appropriation of funds like we did last year.  We’re renting most of our equipment now back and paying for it through  motor fuel tax which is an eligible fund.  That’s a good portion of it, plus we did pick up the salt this year to replenish the supply for DPW and so that’s what the two programs are for.  It’s for material, for salt and for the equipment rental.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Thank you.  Are there any questions? 

 

ALDERMAN HUNTER:         Motion to approve. 

 

ALDERMAN BROWN:          Second.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Motion by Alderman Hunter, seconded by Alderman Brown to approve the Street Maintenance Program.  Roll call, please.

 

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE:   Brown; Hunter; Baron; Harris; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson; Cox (13) 

            ABSENT:    Browne (1)   

 

2011 MFT STREET MAINTENANCE PROGRAM SECTION 11-00000-00-GM –

GROUP 1 – ROCK SALT AND GROUP 2 – EQUIPMENT RENTAL

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Motion carries.   The next item on the agenda is an Ordinance amending Chapter 21 of the Municipal Code of the City of Kankakee establishing a business license.  Do I have a motion to Suspend the Rules?

 

ALDERMAN SWANSON:     I would so move.

 

ALDERMAN SCHWADE:     I second it.

 

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

 

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE:   Brown; Baron; Harris; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Schwade; (9)

            NAY:   Hunter; Jones; Davidson; Cox (4)        

            ABSENT:   Browne (1)

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Motion carries.  Do I have a motion to place this Ordinance on its Final Passage and Pass?

 

ALDERMAN HUNTER:         No, you need ten don’t you?

 

ATTORNEY BOHLEN:          You need ten.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Oh, I’m sorry.

 

ATTORNEY BOHLEN:          So, you have a motion to  put it on its First Reading.

 

ALDERMAN HUNTER:         First Reading.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    First Reading.  Do I have a motion to place it on its First Reading?

 

ALDERMAN BARON:           I so move.

 

ALDERMAN SCHWADE:     I second it.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Motion by Alderman Baron, seconded by Alderman Schwade.  Any discussion?  Roll call, please.

 

ALDERMAN DAVIDSON:    Mayor.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Alderman Davidson.

 

ALDERMAN DAVIDSON:    The only discussion that I have is that we spent a lot of time in License and Franchise talking about this particular Ordinance and there’s no doubt in anybody’s mind that it’s necessary.  Absolutely necessary, especially in light of the building that burnt down on East Court Street.  The concern that my constituents are having is the cost.  We originally talked about a $15 to $25, then it went from $75 to another number and now it’s at $125 and $100.  Other than that it would be no issue at all.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    I appreciate your comments, Alderman.  We tried to set the cost to reflect the time that it’s going to take to do the inspections.  Ah, and really, that number I think is very conservative, quite frankly, when you think of the man hours that it takes to do the inspections and in many cases, reinspections of the properties.  It’s very time consuming.  There’s also the cost of implementing and administering the program.  The Clerk’s office is going to be very busy, the Fire Department is going to be charged with doing the inspections.  Ah, I don’t think it’s an unreasonable cost, but I certainly share your concerns and would be happy to revisit the cost of the license.  Any other questions?  Roll call.

 

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE:   Brown; Baron; Harris; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Schwade; (9) 

            NAY: Hunter; Jones; Davidson; Cox (4)

            ABSENT:   Browne (1)

 

FIRST READING

ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 21 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE

CITY OF KANKAKEE BUSINESS LICENSE

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Motion carries.  That is the First Reading.  We will place it on its Second Reading at the next Council meeting.  Item D.  Ordinance declaring certain property surplus of the City of Kankakee–the Environmental Services Utility Board and also Item F is also declaring property surplus from the Adjudication.  I think we can combine both of those.  Do I have a motion to Suspend?

 

ALDERMAN TALL:   So moved. 

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Do I have a second?

 

ALDERMAN OSENGA:         Second.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Second from Alderman Osenga to Suspend the Rules that would interfere with the passage of the Ordinances D and F.  Roll call. 

 

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE:   Brown; Hunter;  Baron; Harris; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson; Cox (13)  

            ABSENT:    Browne (1)

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

 

ALDERMAN TALL:   So moved.

 

ALDERMAN OSENGA:         Second.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Motion by Alderman Tall, seconded by Alderman Osenga.  Any questions?  Roll call. 

 

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE:   Brown; Hunter; Baron; Harris; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson; Cox (13) 

            ABSENT: Browne (1)

 

ORDINANCE DECLARING CERTAIN PROPERTY SURPLUS OF THE CITY OF

KANKAKEE – ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES UTILITY BOARD - AND

AUTHORIZING THE SALE THEREOF

 

ORDINANCE DECLARING CERTAIN PROPERTY SURPLUS OF THE CITY OF

KANKAKEE – ADJUDICATION DEPARTMENT - AND AUTHORIZING THE SALE THEREOF

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Motion carries.  The next item on the agenda is an Ordinance amending Chapter 2 of the City Code of the City of Kankakee, the Comptroller.  This Ordinance would establish the position of an Assistant Comptroller in the Comptroller’s office.  This Comptroller is the only Department in the City of Kankakee that does not have a second in command or a back up.  I think it’s imperative that we have a succession in place in case Mr. Spice, who I know is getting close to retirement.  The other duty that would be–this person would be responsible for, we do not have a joint purchasing program in the City of Kankakee.  Right now, all of our departments purchase all of their supplies and printed materials separately.  I think there could be cost savings– tremendous cost savings if we implement a joint purchasing program.  We need someone who would investigate and implement that.  Right now, the Utility pays $50,000 to the Comptroller’s office for fiscal to work on their budget.  So, there is a cost borne by the Utility towards the General Fund for that position.  I think it’s imperative that we have a reorganization of the Comptroller’s office.  It’s one of the few departments that we have not looked at.  We combined several other departments last year when we were looking at the fiscal problems that the City was having.  And, I think it’s time to do a reorganization of that department.  Any questions?  Do I have a motion to Suspend?

 

ALDERMAN HUNTER:         Before we motion to Suspend or however we’re going to do it, would you also consider one of the responsibilities of that position to interface with other Villages and Municipalities as we have done with the Fire Department when we bought another fire engine jointly?

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Absolutely.  You know, we just don’t seem to have the adequate manpower there to do this and as we look at reorganizing that department, I think there’s going to be a multitude of duties and responsibilities for this person. 

 

ALDERMAN HUNTER:         Ah, what she’s saying and what I’m saying is that there may be other forms of government that we might talk with them regarding software example or other kind of purchases to be able to get a better rate if indeed we bought en masse.  So indistinguishable looking at some period of time ago we talked about this, but we never pulled it off.  But, it’s justified.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    I would entertain a motion to Suspend the Rules.

 

ALDERMAN BROWN:          Alderman Jones has a question.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    I’m sorry.  Alderman. 

 

ALDERMAN JONES:             After seeing that we let go of firemen and office workers, and one is from his own office.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    That’s correct.

 

ALDERMAN JONES:             Okay.  And, you’re going to be hiring somebody to do this.  Where’s the money going to come from?  That’s my question.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Well, Alderman, I think that’s an appropriate question.  You know, when we look at the different departments, we did have layoffs.   We certainly regret that we have to do that.  But, I need to look at how the City functions as a whole.  And, you know that we’ve combined departments.  We have Mr. Cross that is doing the work of two department heads.  When we laid off a clerical person in Mr. Spice’s department, it was with the understanding there’s also a part-time person who’s working there that will be laid off.  We need someone with different qualifications in order to expand the functions of that department.  And, right now, that’s why I’m calling it a reorganization.  And, the money, I do not plan to post or hire this job until we complete this fiscal year and I have a budget intact that will allow for the expenditure of this person.  Any other questions?

 

ALDERMAN BARON:           If I could just observe.  It seems like it was last twelve months– eighteen months that have been so many questions that in putting together the budget and dealing with her revenue with the State of Illinois, with the sales tax situation which is a huge source of revenue to the City of Kankakee.  And, it seems that it’s appropriate to go with one more.  It seems like the need is more for an additional professional in that office and one less clerical.  And, it’s money that seems to be well spent.  We’re talking about millions of dollars in terms of just sales tax.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    You have to understand that that office is the heartbeat of the City’s financial situation and the person who the job description would require a degree in accounting, as well as municipal experience.  This person is going to do a multitude of responsibilities including some clerical functions because that’s the broad base of that Assistant Comptroller’s position.  I also expect that person to work with each of the other Department Heads and become very familiar with how the Police Department operates and its financials, the Fire Department, CDA.  This person needs to have a well-rounded base on how this City functions, ‘cause quite frankly, ah, there is no second in command in that office.  And, if something should happen to Mr. Spice, I think it would be very detrimental to the City and I understand that it’s difficult at a time when we are laying off people, but again, we’re charged here with looking at the entire picture and, ah, I think that  there are many times that you have decisions that you have to make and it’s sort of a reallocation of funds for this particular position. 

 

ALDERMAN COX:    Mayor.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Alderman.

 

ALDERMAN COX:    Ever since Mr. Spice has been in Kankakee he has did a wonderful job.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    I agree with you Alderman and this is not a reflection on Mr. Spice.  This is simply, we need to have a plan.  And, I think that it’s prudent for us to do it sooner rather than later to be quite frank.  This is no reflection on him at all.  Motion to Suspend the Rules?

 

ALDERMAN BARON:           I would so move.

 

ALDERMAN HUNTER:         Second.

 

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

 

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE:   Brown; Hunter; Baron; Harris; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson; Cox (13) 

            ABSENT:   Browne (1)

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Motion carries.  I would entertain a motion to place this Ordinance on its Final Passage and Pass.

ALDERMAN BARON:           I’d make that motion.

 

ALDERMAN HUNTER:         Second.

 

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

 

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE:   Brown; Hunter; Baron; Harris; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson; Cox (13) 

            ABSENT:    Browne (1)

 

ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 2 OF THE CITY CODE OF THE CITY OF

KANKAKEE (COMPTROLLER)

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Motion carries.  There are no appointments this evening.  The first item under Motions and Resolutions.  As you all know, the City’s fiscal year is ending April 30.  We will not have a budget passed and in place by the end of April.  This is a Continuing Spending Resolution in order for us to keep paying our bills until we’re able to pass a budget which I hope to bring to you in the month of June.  Do I have a motion to approve the Resolution?

 

ALDERMAN BARON:           I’d so move.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Motion by Alderman Baron.

 

ALDERMAN SCHWADE:     I second it.

 

ALDERMAN HUNTER:         Mayor Green, how should I vote on this?  Vote aye?  He said aye.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    He said aye?  Okay.  I could have used him a few minutes ago.  Seconded by Alderman Schwade to approve the Continuing Spending Resolution.  All those in favor, aye.  I’m sorry, roll call.

 

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE:   Brown; Hunter; Baron; Harris; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson; Cox (13) 

            ABSENT: Browne (1)

 

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXPENDITURE OF CITY FUNDS CONSISTENT

WITH FISCAL YEAR 2010-2011

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Motion carries.  The final item on the Motions and Resolutions agenda is a Resolution authorizing our intervention in the pending assessment appeal of Armstrong World Industries.  Do I have a motion to approve?

 

ALDERMAN COX:    So moved.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Motion by Alderman Cox.

 

ALDERMAN DAVIDSON:    Second.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Second by Alderman Davidson.  Any questions?  Roll call.

 

CLERK DUMAS:

AYE:   Brown; Hunter; Baron; Harris; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga; Linneman; Jones; Schwade; Davidson; Cox (13) 

            ABSENT:   Browne (1)

 

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING INTERVENTION IN THE PENDING ASSESSMENT

APPEAL OF ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Motion carries.  We will not need an Executive Session this evening.  Aldermen’s comments or questions. 

 

ALDERMAN SCHWADE:     Mayor, I have a flyer if anybody is interested.  There’s going to be a presentation on Sustainable Planning –Building A Smart Community–on Tuesday, April 26, in the library.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Thank you.  Anyone else?  Alderman Swanson.

 

ALDERMAN SWANSON:     There will not be an Ordinance Meeting.  There is no reason for an Ordinance Meeting for next Tuesday, the 26th. 

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Okay, thank you.  Any others?  I will entertain a motion to adjourn.

 

ALDERMAN TALL:   So moved.

 

ALDERMAN COX:    Second.

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    Motion by Alderman Tall, seconded by Alderman Cox.  All those in favor, aye.  Opposed? 

 

MOTION TO ADJOURN CITY COUNCIL MEETING

 

MAYOR EPSTEIN:    We are adjourned.  Reception downstairs in the Public Safety room.  Thank you.

                                                                                                                                                7:36 P.M.