City of Markham City Council met March 4
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
Mayor Roger Agpawa called the Regular Meeting of the Markham City Council to order at 7:02p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Prayer led by Ms. Williams. Roll Call was taken by City Clerk, Leslie Trimuel.
ROLL CALL: ALDERMAN PRESENT Alderwoman Brenna Hampton-Houser
Alderwoman Wanda McDowell
Alderman Joseph Bertrand Jr.
Alderman William Barron
ALSO PRESENT Treasurer Belinda Richardson
Attorney Steven Miller
Derrick Champion
PUBLIC SESSION
Motion by Ald. Hampton-Houser, seconded by Ald. Bertrand Jr., to Open Floor to the Public Roll Call: 4 Yes/0 No/ 0 Absent/0 Abstain-Motion Carried
CHRISTAL BEYER (SUMMARY)
Good evening, Mr. Mayor, City Council, and Markham residents. I would like to talk about Mango Languages, a digital resource available through the Markham College Library. Alzheimer’s is a condition that affects memory, thinking, and daily functioning. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent it, research shows that keeping the brain active and challenged can help maintain cognitive health as we age. That is where Mango Languages comes in. Learning a new language is one of the most powerful workouts you can give your brain. When you study vocabulary, practice pronunciation, and build sentences, your brain forms new neural connections. This helps strengthen memory, improve attention, and support problem solving skills.
Using Mango Languages regularly engages several parts of the brain at once including listening, speaking, reading, and comprehension. This mental stimulation supports what scientists call cognitive reserve, which is the brain’s ability to adapt as it ages. A stronger cognitive reserve has been linked to a lower risk of dementia or delayed symptoms. Another benefit is consistency. Mango Languages is accessible, self-paced, and easy to use. Just 10 to 15 minutes a day can provide meaningful mental exercise, and over time that daily practice helps keep the mind active and engaged.
Beyond brain health, learning a new language also brings joy and confidence. It opens doors to new cultures, travel experiences, and conversations with others. That sense of accomplishment and connection supports overall wellbeing. While no single activity can guarantee the prevention of Alzheimer’s, challenging your brain through language learning is a positive step toward protecting cognitive health. So, I encourage you to start a new language, stay curious, and keep your mind moving forward, all available through your library.
MOTION TO CLOSE FLOOR TO PUBLIC
Motion by Ald. Hampton-Houser, seconded by-Ald. Bertrand Jr., to Close Floor to Public.
Roll Call: 4 Yes/0 No/ 0 Absent/0 Abstain-Motion Carried
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 18, 2026
Motion by Ald. Barron, seconded by Ald. McDowell, to approve minutes of February 18, 2026,
Regular Council Meeting.
Roll Call: 4 Yes/0 No/0 Absent/0 Abstain-Motion Carried
AUTHORIZATION OF CLAIMS & ACCOUNTS
Motion by Ald. Hampton-Houser, seconded by Ald. Bertrand Jr., to adopt the Authorization of Claims and Accounts Bill list, totaling $924,614.14 with manual checks of $12,363.59 for a grand total of $936,977.7318ytt
Roll Call: 4 Yes/0 No/0 Absent/0 Abstain-Motion Carried
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
APPROVE RESOLUTION 26-R-766
Motion by Ald. Hampton-Houser., seconded by Ald. Barron, to approve Resolution 26-R-766
A Resolution Authorizing the City of Markham’s Participation in the 2026 Program Year, Cook County Community Development Block Grant Program-Water Main Replacement Phase II.
Roll Call: 4 Yes/0 No/0 Absent/0 Abstain-Motion Carried
APPROVE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
Motion by Ald. McDowell, seconded by Ald. Barron to approve Settlement Agreement – lesha Taylor for case 25-CV-70.
Roll Call: 4 Yes/0 No/0 Absent/0 Abstain-Motion Carried
CLERK REPORT – (NO REPORT)
MAYORS REPORT – (SUMMARY)
Good evening. Our community meetings at the beginning of each month have been very successful, and they continue to be a good way to share important information with the community. We will continue holding them. Moving to the item on the agenda regarding the confirmation of appointments to the municipal library board of trustees, I would like to share a few brief remarks with my colleagues on the council and members of the public. Each term I have the opportunity to appoint trustees to the library board, just as I make other appointments throughout city government. This process is happening a little later than usual, but it is still appropriate as we move forward following the election and continue working within our municipal library structure.
Some of the current trustees were inherited from the previous administration. Others are individuals I know or have spoken with serving on the board. One additional appointment was recommended to me by the librarian and was recently put in place. Tonight, I am bringing these appointments forward so they can be properly confirmed as required. As I have mentioned before, I try to be upfront with the council about my intentions when making appointments, just as I do with department heads. At the same time, I respect the council’s role and your judgment when these matters are brought forward for consideration. I do not take that responsibility lightly. The appointments that were made earlier were temporary, and they are now before you for confirmation. Since August, when some of these individuals began serving, there have been some changes in the structure and dynamics at the library, and we are continuing to move forward with that process.
For clarity, these are trustees serving in a municipal library system, and I wanted to ensure we are all clear about their role and responsibilities. I am now seeking action from the council. The clerk has the list of names and will read them. Council members are familiar with most of the individuals, but if there are any questions, you may ask them as the names are called before the vote. I would also like to ask that one name be tabled for tonight. That is Ms. Gwen Smith. I will bring her appointment back for consideration at a later date. I will ask the clerk to assist us by calling the names so we can proceed with the motion and roll call vote.
OFFICIAL CONFIRMATION APPOINTMENT OF MUNICIPAL LIBRARY TRUSTEES
PATRICIA HOGAN
Motion by Ald. McDowell, seconded by Ald. Barron, to appoint Library Trustee Patricia Hogan.
Roll Call: 4 Yes/0 No/0 Absent/0 Abstain-Motion Carried
GLENDA TEMPTON
Motion by Ald. Hampton-Houser, seconded by Ald. McDowell, to appoint Library Trustee Glenda Timpton.
Roll Call: 4 Yes/0 No/0 Absent/0 Abstain-Motion Carried
AISHA HUISAR
Motion by Ald. McDowell, seconded by Ald. Barron, to appoint Library Trustee Aisha Huisar.
Roll Call: 1 Yes/3 No/0 Absent/0 Abstain-Motion Failed
LATISHA FRANKLIN
Motion by Ald. Bertrand Jr., seconded by Ald. Hampton-Houser, to appoint Library Trustee Latisha Franklin.
Roll Call: 0 Yes/3 No/0 Absent/1 Abstain-Motion Failed
BRENDA KAY BOYKINS-MONTGOMERY
Motion by Ald. Hampton-Houser, seconded by Ald. Bertrand Jr., to appoint Library Trustee Brenda Kay Boykins-Montgomery.
Roll Call: 0 Yes/3 No/0 Absent/1 Abstain-Motion Failed
ANNIE REED
Motion by Ald. McDowell, seconded by Ald. Hampton-Houser, to appoint Library Trustee Annie Reed.
Roll Call:1 Yes/2No/Absent/1 Abstain-Motion Failed
GWENDOLYN SMITH
Motion by Ald. McDowell, seconded by Ald. Barron to Table appointment of Gwendolyn Smith.
Roll Call: 4 Yes/0 No/0 Absent/0 Abstain-Motion Carried
MAYOR AGPAWA
Council, I would like to make one last statement before I turn things over to Mr. Champion. I will need to revisit some matters regarding the Library Trustees. At the moment, they cannot operate with two members down, so I will need to get back with the council relatively soon about this. This matter falls under my report and my authority, not under the council’s report, and I wanted to make that clear. We will return to this issue shortly because we need to ensure the board can continue to function.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR – DERRICK CHAMPION
The city was notified through Senator Tammy Duckworth’s office of a 1.5 million grant towards the East Side Water Main and Lead Service line project. This is a big win for the city as it will reduce the amount of funding needed from the IL EPA for this project. Next steps will be a notification from the EPA Region 5 office in Chicago to begin the disbursement process.
ALD. JOSEPH BERTRAND JR. – (NO REPORT)
ALD. BARRON – (SUMMARY)
Good evening. We had a very good block club meeting last night with quite a few people in attendance. The interaction and discussion were very positive. We are evaluating the tree removal program as we move into the spring and fall seasons. We are also looking at repairing several streets.I have quite a few on my list, and I know there are others throughout the ward as well. The VFW will have fish frys on Friday nights during Lent from 3:30 to 7:00 p.m., the public is welcome. looks like we may have a rainy weekend ahead, but hopefully we are turning the corner on winter; it has been a brutal season. Public Works has been working to patch the many potholes that have developed. We have also had several water breaks recently, which some residents may have experienced, but our crews have done a great job responding to them.
ALD. HAMPTON-HOUSER – (SUMMARY)
Thank you, Mayor, and thank you to everyone here tonight. I just want to say that we had an excellent Black History program this year. It gets better every year, and I want to give special thanks to Alderman McDowell, the Mayor, and everyone who participated in making it such a successful event. So, thank you all very much. I also want to mention that there have been sightings of coyotesin my ward, especially on the east side from Wood Street over to Park Avenue. One was spotted in my backyard, which was a little frightening. If you have small animals or pets, please be careful and keep a close eye on them. Coyotes are on the move, and while it may seem unusual to us, it is natural behavior for them. Please be mindful and keep your pets safe.
ALD. MCDOWELL – (SUMMARY)
Good evening, Mayor and residents present tonight. I want to mention that across the street from ournew Thaddeus Goodloe Fire Station, there is a pothole where the new park is being developed. As many of you know, Fire Station #3 is now named Thaddeus Goodloe Fire Station, and the family is very excited. Mr. Goodloe dedicated many years of service to the fire department here in the City of Markham, and we are proud to recognize him. However, the pothole across the street near the park is sinking and needs attention. It may also require rebuilding the storm drain underneath. Ald. Barron- Congratulations to Alderlady McDowell for doing a wonderful job decorating the city for Black History Month.
ADJOURNMENT Motion by Ald. McDowell., seconded by Ald. Barron to adjourn at 7:33p.m.
Roll Call: 4 Yes/0 No/0 Absent-Motion Carried
https://www.cityofmarkham.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03042026-317
