City of Blue Island City Council met Aug. 8.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
1) Call to Order
The Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Blue Island was called to order by Mayor Bilotto at 7:06 p.m. on August 8, 2023.
2) Pledge of Allegiance
3) Roll Call
Roll Call indicates the following:
Present: 6 Carr (7:08 pm), Roll, Johnson, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee
Absent: 1 Montoya
Present Also: 4 Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, City Clerk
Erin Blake, City Attorney
Thomas Wogan, City Administrator
Mark Patoska, Deputy City Administrator
4) Presentation of Journal of Proceedings
Motion by Alderman McGee, second by Alderman Roll to approve the City Council Minutes from the July 20, 2023, Regular City Council meeting.
Ayes: 5 Roll, Johnson, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 2 Carr, Montoya
Abstention: 0
There being five (5) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
5) Public Comment
Mr. Bloom, a Blue Island resident, expressed his concern about high-speed vehicles driving down Walnut Street. The high-speed drivers have put residents in considerable danger, including the death of Penny, a Blue Island fixture, among others. He wonders if the speed monitors are effective, if data is collected, and how it is useful. He suggests speed tables and/or speed bumps to help our community feel safe, especially during the back-to-school season. Second, the amount of wires on the ground makes it impossible for people to travel across various parts of the city. Third, the AT&T parking lot seems like an eyesore due to poor maintenance of their property.
A Blue Island resident experienced floods that reached her husband's knees, causing significant damage. She had to replace her furnace, hot water tank, and sump pump. She filled out and returned the paperwork issued by the city for all flood victims. She contacted FEMA, and also Tom Wogan by email and phone, but has not received any definitive answer on whether or not aid will be provided.
Mission Covenant Church thanked everyone who came out and helped organize National Night Out. They had a fantastic time. She also mentioned seeing speeders cut through the Dollar Tree to evade the 127th light. She also inquired about the date and time of the Neighborhood Watch Meeting. Alderman Fahrenwald remarked that they are usually held on the third Wednesday of each month. The next meeting will be held on August 16th at 7 p.m. in the East Annex.
Mr. Allen Stevo requested that the City Clerk incorporate Mr. Bloom's entire speech in the minutes.
6) Old Business
No old business.
7) New Business
No new business.
8) Mayor's Report
a. Motion for Approval of Payroll for August 4, 2023, for $412,835.95 (gross).
Motion by Alderman Fahrenwald, second by Alderman Carr to approve Payroll for August 4, 2023, for $412,835.95 (gross).
Ayes: 6 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 Montoya
Abstention: 0
There being six (6) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
b. Motion for Approval of Accounts Payable dated August 9, 2023, for $1,104,604.02.
Motion by Alderman McGee, second by Alderman Roll to approve Accounts Payable for August 9, 2023, for $1,104,604.02.
Ayes: 6 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 Montoya
Abstention: 0
There being six (6) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
c. Motion to Award National Power Rodding the 2024 Sewer Cleaning and Televising Program project in the amount of $213,255.00.
Motion by Alderman Johnson, second by Alderman Roll to Award 2024 Sewer Cleaning and Televising Program to National Power Rodding.
Ayes: 6 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 Montoya
Abstention: 0
There being six (6) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
The Mayor stated the entire City of Blue Island will have exact data they need for a five year plan.
d. Motion to Award Calumet City Plumbing and Heating the Water Meter Upgrade Program --Phase 1 Commercial project in the amount of $1,553,810.31.
Motion by Alderman Fahrenwald, second by Alderman McGee to Award the Water Meter Upgrade Program Phase 1 to Calumet City Plumbing and Heating.
Ayes: 6 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 Montoya
Abstention: 0
There being six (6) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
The Mayor stated that there was only one bidder for this project and that the City intended to review the line items within in the bid to determine if there were opportunities for cost savings.
The Mayor noted that there are 6,500 meters in the city, 800 of which are commercial. He explained that instead of a person having to wait for a large bill, if 1,000 gallons of water are used excessively, it will automatically notify the City of a potential leak.
Alderman Fahrenwald was perplexed as to why there was only one bidder. He questioned how hard Burke Engineering worked to increase the number of bidders? The Mayor that most communities do not go out to bid for this service because it is very specialized; therefore, there are not many companies that perform the work needed. In addition, the City may have been able to attract additional bidders with a bigger project; but the City did not want to take a loan and preferred to instead spread costs out over two or four years.
City Administrator Thomas Wogan remarked that the project was not large enough to attract bidders.
Supervisor of Public Works, Michael Schroeder, remarked that we are not Naperville, Orland Park, or other cities that bid all at once, buy in bulk, and keep materials on-site. Financially, it is preferable for the City to have an accurate read and a better handle on water usage allocation while also meeting EPA standards.
Alderman Rita asked how many phases it would take to complete the entire project. Michael Schroeder stated there are five phases, and this initial phase is the most expensive phase.
Alderman Roll noted that the tiny size of the project could dissuade others from submitting a bid, which could lead to a problem in pursuing a job with a scope that is too narrow.
Alderman Johnson asked about sprinkler systems, specifically whether or not sprinklers needed to be cleaned every year or all at once. Supervisor of Public Works stated that sprinkler cleaning is not the City's responsibility.
Alderman Fahrenwald wondered whether or not Calumet would approve the deletion of certain line items within the bid. The Mayor stated that if no agreement can be reached, the City will rebid with new terms.
e. Mayor's Announcements/Comments.
The Olde Western project encountered certain difficulties, which were resolved with the assistance of Michael Schroeder. While the streets are open, the sewers and meters must be updated. The contractor has been checking in on the project on a daily basis.
The Mayor invited everyone to attend the 118th Annual Saint Donatus carnival this weekend.
The Mayor reminded everyone that the Labor Day Fireworks display will take place on 9/2/23 at the Falls.
Vacant properties in the City are being demolished, and future properties may also be available for purchase. This is important because there have been numerous businesses interested in renting Western Avenue storefronts.
The Mayor mentioned that he talked with State Railroad about redeveloping 30-45 acres that he believes they were unaware they held.
The Mayor mentioned that Travis Parry from Burke Engineering is in the process of submitting for Phase 2 of the Western Avenue streetscape because the first two streets took a couple of years to be approved.
The Mayor stated that street resurfacing will begin soon. Last year they worked up to December.
The Mayor assured everyone that the alleys went off without a hitch despite the heavy rain.
9) City Clerk's Announcements/Reports/Comments
a. City Clerk's Announcements
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, thanked everyone for coming out for National Night Out.
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, thanked everyone who participated in the city- wide garage sale even though it rained.
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, congratulated the Lyric Theatre on their first year anniversary.
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, congratulated Costeno Spices on their grand opening on 8/5/23 at 2969 Everett Street.
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, invited everyone to a porch concert at 12905 Greenwood at 7 pm.
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, invited everyone to Bethel Church's back-to- school prayer service this Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at 12700 Sacramento.
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, informed everyone that Shred Day is 8/19/23 from 9-11 am at 12921 Western Ave.
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, invited everyone to the Blessing of the Waters on 8/27/23 at 3 pm.
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, encouraged everyone to attend the 118th Annual Saint Donatus Carnival.
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, invited everyone to the Fireworks at the Falls on 9/2/23 beginning at 4 pm.
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, notified everyone to save-a-date for a Health Fair on 10/7/23 at the John D. Rita Recreation Center from 10 am until 2 pm, Movie on the Green at The Meadows Golf Club at 7 pm, and Day of the Dead on 11/2/23 on York and Western.
10) Treasurer's Report
a. Motion to Approve the City of Blue Island's July 2023 Treasurer's Report.
Motion by Alderman Roll, second by Alderman Carr to approve the July 2023 Treasurer's Report.
Ayes: 6 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 Montoya
Abstention: 0
There being six (6) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
The Mayor noted that the bottom line is improving and the City has been in better financial shape since he's been on council.
b. City Treasurer's Announcements/Comments
No report.
https://www.blueisland.org/wp-content/uploads/government/city-council/city-council-agenda-minutes/City-Council-Minutes-08-08-2023.pdf
a. Attorney's Announcements/Comments
No report.
12) City Administrator's Announcements/Reports/Comments
a. City Administrator's Announcements/Comments
City Administrator, Thomas Wogan, stated the expenditure report distributed to the Aldermen is up to date as of the the end of June 2023.
13) Aldermanic Announcements/Reports/Comments
Alderman Fahrenwald indicated that he agrees with Mr. Bloom regarding the high speed drivers and that perhaps there should be a stop sign at every intersection. He too has noted that there are a lot of cables on the ground. He is empathetic to all the flood victims, but he advised looking into sewer backup insurance to assist pay for the furnace, installing battery backups, planting plants around the house, and taking responsibility for our own education.
Alderman Carr expressed gratitude to the Police and Fire Departments for a successful National Night Out. She also voiced concern over residents not acquiring dog tags for Blue Island's pets. She stressed that if the owner does not claim the pet, the dogs will be put down.
Alderman Johnson noted that everyone in the first ward was grateful for the work done on the alleys. He also wanted to thank everyone who came out for the cookout at the Community Garden.
14) Adjourn to Executive Session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11) to discuss litigation that has been filed and is pending before a court or an administrative tribunal and actions of probable or imminent litigation.
Motion by Alderman Rita, second by Alderman Fahrenwald to go into Executive Session.
Ayes: 6 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 Montoya
Abstention: 0
There being six (6) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Alderman Roll, second by Alderman Rita to resume regular meeting.
Ayes: 6 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 Montoya
Abstention: 0
There being six (6) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
The Mayor stated that they discussed possible litigation.
15) Motion for Adjournment
Motion by Alderman Johnson, second by Alderman McGee to adjourn the regular meeting.
Ayes: 6 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 Montoya
Abstention: 0
There being six (6) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned 8:15 p.m.
The next regular meeting of the City Council is scheduled August 22, 2023, at 7:00 p.m.
https://www.blueisland.org/wp-content/uploads/government/city-council/city-council-agenda-minutes/City-Council-Minutes-08-08-2023.pdf
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