City of Markham City Council met May 1.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Mayor Roger Agpawa called the Regular Meeting of the Markham City Council to order at 7:17 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance, Prayer led by Ald. Howard. Roll Call was taken by City Clerk, Jennifer Coles after newly elected and re-elected Alderman/Alderwoman were sworn in;
ROLL CALL: ALDERMEN PRESENT
Alderman Rondal Jones
Alderman William Barron
Alderwoman Brenna Hampton
Alderwoman Wanda McDowell
ALSO PRESENT: Attorney, Steven Miller
Treasurer, Belinda Richardson
WARD I SWEAR IN
Clerk Coles read aloud the election results and winner for Ward 1 Alderman, Brenna Hampton. Alderwoman Brenna Hampton was sworn in and then thanked all for their support and is ready to serve.
WARD 2 SWEAR IN
Clerk Coles read aloud the election results and winner for Ward 2 Alderman, Wanda McDowell. Alderwoman Wanda McDowell was sworn in using her father's bible and then thanked all for their support and is ready to serve.
Mrs. Lofton from the Markham Block Club congratulated both Alderwomen Hampton and McDowell and presented both with flowers.
WARD 3 SWEAR IN
Clerk Coles read aloud the election results and winner for Ward 3 Alderman, Rondal Jones, Alderman Rondal Jones was sworn in to serve his 5th term and thanked all for their support, special thanks to former Alderwoman Dudeck for mentoring him during her tenure.
WARD 4 SWEAR IN
Clerk Coles read aloud the election results and winner for Ward 4 Alderman, William Barron. Alderman William Barron was sworn in and then thanked all for their support and is excited for the next 4 years.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING APRIL 17, 2019
Motion by Ald. Jones, seconded by Ald. Barron, to approve Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting held April 17, 2019 with necessary corrections and/or deletions.
Roll Call: 3 Ayes/0 Nays/1 Abstain (McDowell)
AUTHORIZATION OF CLAIMS
Motion by Ald. Hampton, seconded by Ald. Barron, to adopt Authorization of Claims and Accounts Bill List $254,949.98 manual checks $500.00 totaling $255,449.98.
Roll Call: 4 Ayes/0 Nays
SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Mayor Agpawa presented Alderman Lofton a plaque and resolution thanking him for his recent service as Alderman for Ward 1.
Mayor Agpawa presented Alderman Howard a plaque and resolution thanking him for his 16 years of service as Alderman for Ward 2.
CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT
1 Litigation
CITY CLERK'S REPORT
None
MAYOR'S REPORT
Good and exciting evening. Heard the same thing from those taking their seats tonight. They love Markham so they'll serve from the heart. They have a passion for it and excites him. Working on water issues. The Aldermen have been beating the pavement. Talk with the Aldermen all day and night about moving the City forward. Very proud and encouraged as the season warms. Cracking down on what's not accepted. Call the police when necessary. If you haven't seen the police in your area, call. No hanging in front yards, take them in the back, there's noise and nuisance ordinances. Focus on rental enforcement, grass cutting for seniors started today. We'll get out and get caught up. Working on areas with the Development department regarding drainage issues. Will need to revisit what we can do to resolve this and will do a lot as a unified group.
NEW BUSINESS
ALD JONES
Clean up week reminder for May 13th through May 17th. Glad the Mayor spoke about the rain issues.
ALD BARRON
4th Ward has had issues for years with the open ditch drainage. Reached out to MWRD to see what assistance we can get. Going to strengthen the culvert ordinance. Has issue with residents filling in their culverts. It's going to be a busy summer. We don't water sitting for days and become an issue for mosquitos. Welcome to the two new Alderwomen.
ALD. HAMPTON
Thank everyone for allowing her to sit on the Council. It will be a pleasure to work with everyone. Coming out with boxing gloves on, there's lots to do. Looking forward to working in Ward 1 to get things done. Clean up week is coming. Thank Mr. Lofton and appreciate his service. Ready to rock and roll.
ALD. MCDOWELL
To all residents, if you see something, say something. There's water being illegally turned on, cars parked where they don't belong. Thanks to all for allowing her to sit in the seat. Let's get busy, Howard and Miller addressing things he'd drilled them about.
OPEN FLOOR TO PUBLIC
Motion by Ald. Barron, seconded by Ald. Jones, to open floor to public.
Voice Vote: 4 Ayes/0 Nays
SPEAKING OF VARIOUS
Debra Williams - The Nature Conservancy - Congrats to the new Alderwomen. Would like to invite them over for a chat and chew. TNC is working to make the prairies part of the City not just places in the City. They are also sponsoring a Youth Intern Program for ages 14 through 18. Deadline to get application in is Friday. They'll learn a lot especially about the prairies and how they help with flooding.
Janet Rogers - Came to support Alderwoman McDowell. Also represents South Cook County Mosquito Abatement. Located on 155th and Dixie Highway. Will come out and spray for free. You pay for mosquito abatement on your taxes. (708)333 4120.
CLOSE FLOOR TO PUBLIC
Motion by Ald. Barron, seconded by Ald. Hampton, to close floor to public. Voice Vote: 4 Ayes/0 Nays
EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 8:33 P.M.
Motion by Ald. Barron, seconded by Ald. Jones, to request for Executive Session at 8:33 p.m. for litigation per the open meetings act section 2.c.11.
Roll Call: 4 Ayes/0 Nays
RETURN TO REG. SESSION AT 8:42 P.M.
Motion by Ald. Barron, seconded by Ald. Jones, to return to regular session at 8:42 p.m.
Voice Vote: 4 Ayes/0 Nays
CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT Cont.
LITIGATION
Motion by Ald. Barrón, seconded by Ald. Hampton, to settle litigation for case 19 L 03292 with $5,000 for attorney fees and court costs.
Roll Call: 4 Ayes/0 Nays
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Ald. Barron, seconded by Ald. McDowell, to adjourn at 8:43 p.m.
Voice Vote: 4 Ayes/0 Nays
https://cityofmarkham.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05012019-75
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