City of Chicago Heights City Council met Sept. 18.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Gonzalez called the regular meeting of the Chicago Heights City Council to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor: David Gonzalez Present
Council:
1st Ward Renee Smith Present
2nd Ward Sonia Perez Present
3rd Ward Wanda Rodgers Present
4th Ward Christopher Baikauskas Present
5th Ward George Brassea Present
6th Ward Vincent Zaranti Present
7th Ward Kelli Merrick Present
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
COMMUNICATIONS
Alderman Smith announced that her next ward meeting would be held on October 7 at 6:00 p.m. at Barack Obama School.
Alderman Perez announced that her next ward meeting would be held on September 23 at 7:00 p.m. at Garfield School.
Alderman Rodgers announced that her ward meeting scheduled for September 19 was rescheduled to Thursday, October 17 at 6:00 p.m. at the Chicago Heights Park District.
Alderman Baikauskas announced that his next ward meeting would be held on Monday, September 23 at 7:00 p.m. at Roosevelt School.
Alderman Brassea announced that his next ward meeting would be held on Wednesday, September 25 at 7:00 p.m. at Calvary Assembly Church.
Alderman Zaranti announced that his next ward meeting would be held in coordination with Park District Commissioner Straczek on Thursday, September 26 at 7:00 p.m. at Commissioners Park.
Alderman Merrick announced that her next ward meeting would be held on Thursday, October 10 at 7:00 p.m. at the Chicago Heights Park District.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Charles Dieringer, a resident of the City, addressed the council on the use of drones, dead trees, storm water issues, and a recent power outage in the sixth ward.
Lorena Varela, on behalf of Communidad en Accion de Illinois and St. Paul Church, thanked the City for all of its assistance in the Mexican Independence Day Parade.
Kimberly Bentley, a resident of the City, addressed the council on problems she was having at the apartment complex where she lived. Mayor Gonzalez responded that the City planned to call a meeting with the property management, and welcomed Ms. Bentley to attend.
Leon Bell, a resident of the City, offered pictures to confirm Ms. Bentley's statements.
Mayor Gonzalez thanked Lorena Varela for spearheading the Mexican Independence Parade, for which he received great comments on. The Mayor made an inquiry about dead tree removal in Serena Hills, to which cos Zerante responded.
REPORT OF CHIEF OF STAFF - KAREN ZERANTE
None
REPORT OF THE CORPORATION COUNSEL-T.J. SOMER
None
1. MINUTES: MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 4, 2019
Alderman Perez moved, and Alderman Merrick seconded, a motion to approve the minutes.
Ayes: Smith, Perez, Rodgers, Baikauskas, Brassea, Zaranti, Merrick
Nays: none
Abstain: none
Absent: none
Motion to approve carried.
2. BILLS: APPROVAL OF FIRST RUN OF SEPTEMBER 2019.
Alderman Perez moved, and Alderman Baikauskas seconded, a motion to approve the bills.
Ayes: Smith, Perez, Rodgers, Baikauskas, Brassea, Zaranti, Merrick
Nays: none
Abstain: none
Absent: none
Motion to approve carried.
3. ORDINANCE #2019 -_15__: AMENDING CHAPTER 43 OF THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES REGULATING THE WATER RATE FOR ANNUAL USE IN EXCESS OF ONE HUNDRED MILLION GALLONS.
Alderman Rodgers moved, and Alderman Perez seconded, a motion to approve the ordinance.
Ayes: Smith, Perez, Rodgers, Baikauskas, Brassea, Zaranti, Merrick
Nays: none
Abstain: none
Absent: none
Motion to approve carried.
Mayor Gonzalez explained that under the amendment the Mayor and City Treasurer would negotiate the rate of the excess water usage.
4. ORDINANCE #2019 - 16 : AMENDING CHAPTER 11 OF THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES
REGULATING VACANT PROPERTY REGISTRATION.
Alderman Rodgers moved, and Alderman Merrick seconded, a motion to approve the ordinance.
Ayes: Smith, Perez, Rodgers, Baikauskas, Brassea, Zaranti, Merrick
Nays: none
Abstain: none
Absent: none
Motion to approve carried.
Corporation Counsel Somer explained that the new vacant property registration ordinance would enhance the City's ability to access information on its numerous vacant properties, and would enhance the possibility for revenue generation. Discussion on the matter was held.
5. ORDINANCE #2019 - 17 : AMENDING CHAPTER 39 OF THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES REGULATING VEHICLE FUEL TAXES.
Alderman Brassea moved, and Alderman Merrick seconded, a motion to approve the ordinance.
Ayes: Smith, Perez, Rodgers, Baikauskas, Brassea, Zaranti, Merrick
Nays: none
Abstain: none
Absent: none
Motion to approve carried
Corporation Counsel Somer reported that the State recently adopted a fuel tax increase within the State; the new law provided for a.03 cents per gallon home rule motor fuel tax as well. Brief question on the matter.
6. RESOLUTION #2019 - 68 : APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH IDOT AUTHORIZING FUNDING AND IMPROVEMENTS FOR CHICAGO ROAD AT THORN CREEK OVERPASS.
Alderman Rodgers moved, and Alderman Merrick seconded, a motion to approve the resolution.
Ayes: Smith, Perez, Rodgers, Baikauskas, Brassea, Zaranti, Merrick
Nays: none
Abstain: none.
Absent:
Motion to approve carried.
COS Zerante explained the project, which involved the culvert north of Bloom High School. Mayor Gonzalez noted that project cost was a $952,200, of which the City's share would be $ 6,440.00. Discussion on the matter was held.
7. RESOLUTION #2019- __69_: APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH PROPERTY REGISTRATION CHAMPIONS, LLC FOR MANAGEMENT OF A VACANT PROPERTY REGISTRATION SYSTEM.
Alderman Zaranti moved, and Alderman Baikauskas seconded, a motion to approve the resolution.
Ayes: Smith, Perez, Rodgers, Baikauskas, Brassea, Zaranti, Merrick
Nays: none
Abstain: none
Absent: none
Motion to approve carried.
Mayor Gonzalez made opening comments on the matter. Alderman Baikauskas stated that he had researched the matter, and found that many municipalities used the company for the management of their vacant properties. Fees for service would be assessed on the property
owners, with zero cost to City. Stan Urban of ProChamps was present and addressed the city council. Discussion on the matter was held.
ADJOURNMENT
At 6:50 p.m. Alderman Merrick moved, and Alderman Perez seconded, a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Ayes: Smith, Perez, Rodgers, Baikauskas, Brassea, Zaranti, Merrick
Nays: none
Abstain: none
Absent: none
Motion to adjourn carried.
https://www.cityofchicagoheights.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09182019-205
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