City of Markham City Council met Aug. 4.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
City Clerk, Leslie Trimuel called the Regular Meeting of the Markham City Council to order at 7:10 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Prayer led by Ald. McDowell. Roll Call was taken by City Clerk, Leslie Trimuel.
ROLL CALL: ALDERMAN PRESENT
Alderman Rondal Jones
Alderman William Barron
Alderwoman Wanda McDowell
ABSENT:
Alderman Breanna Hampton
ALSO PRESENT:
Attorney Ross Secler
Attorney Steven Miller
Attorney Michelle Broughton-Fountain
Treasurer, Belinda Richardson
Finance Director, Christina Fischer
CITY CLERK
The Mayor is not present so the Council needs to vote to appoint a temporary Chair for this meeting. Motion by Ald. Barron, seconded by Ald. McDowell to appoint Alderman Jones as the Mayor Pro Temp for this meeting. Ald. Brianna Hampton-Hauser is absent tonight.
Roll Call: 2 Yes/0 No/1 Abstain/1 Absent/Motion Carried
ACTING CHAIRMAN
Now, I'd like to read have the legal department read the statement of findings of in-person Meeting unfeasibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
LEGAL DEPARTMENT
(ATTORNEY MICHELLE)
Statement and findings of in person meeting unfeasibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On behalf of the Acting Chairman read aloud in its entirety the Re-Proclamation Declaration regarding the action taken in passage of Ordinance 20-O-2272 by the Council due to the unfeasibility of in person meetings due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
Roll Call: 0 Yes/0 No/0 Abstain/0 Absent
Clerk stated minutes will be available for approval at the next Regular City Council meeting.
AUTHORIZATION OF CLAIMS
Motion by Ald. Barron, seconded by Ald. McDowell, to adopt Authorization of Claims and Accounts Bill list, totaling $488,703.20 Grand total with manual checks of $0 included for a total of $488,703.20 Roll Call: 3 Yes/0 No/1 Absent/Motion Carried
ACTING CHAIRMAN
SPECIAL PRESENTATION None
CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Mr. Chairman, members of the Council and members of the public with respect to the City Attorney's report it appears under with respect to 8a, I read it as follows there's a proposed resolution approving the extension and renewal of the Re proclamation and declaration of continued local state of emergency within the city of Markham and approving the mayor's determination regarding modifications to in person meetings in response and the COVID 19 pandemic August 4, 2021.
ADOPT RESOLUTION
21-R-647
Motion by Ald. Barron, seconded by Ald. McDowell, to adopt Resolution 21-R-647. RESOLUTION APPROVING THE EXTENSION AND RENEWAL OF THE RE-PROCLAMATION AND DECLARATION OF CONTINUED LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY WITHIN THE CITY OFMARKHAM AND APPROVING THE MAYOR’S DETERMINATION REGARDING MODIFICATIONS TO IN-PERSON MEETINGS IN RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC dated August 4, 2021. Motion by Ald. Barron, seconded by McDowell
Roll Call: 3 Yes/0 No/1 Absent-Motion Carried
CITY ATTORNEY:
Next we have a resolution authorizing execution of an agreement on water tower painting services between the city of Markham and Era Valdivia Contractors. If you remember, at the last meeting we had the full discussion concerning the water tower. And the fact that there had been at least two proposals, and one who could not provide one, or could not be reached. It was the determination at that time that this matter be continued to this evening. Just to recap, what we talked about at the last meeting, there were actually two companies that have provided proposals with respect to the application of paint and other services connected with our water tower. You chose one at that time, and at least I shouldn't say chose, but at least we liked what it was they had to say, especially like the price compared to the other one. I think it was almost three times as much. So this evening, this has to be taken up. Again, we did read the bids at the last meeting. It was understood that one was preferable to the other, at this point, it's just presented to you again this evening, and I understand that there may be an amendment to it as well.
ALDERMAN JONES
I would like to make the motion for Resolution Number 21-R-648 authorizing the execution of the agreement to perform water tower painting services between the city of Markham and Era Valdivia Contractors, with the notation of holding off on anything as far as painting except for the logo and sticker for now to for the for the meeting, a conversation.
CITY ATTORNEY
Just to reiterate with respect to this, again, a proposed resolution authorizing execution of a contract to paint our City water tower between the City of Markham and Era Valdivia Contractors Inc., located here 16313 South Kedzie Parkway in Markham to get on this list. So that's the chairman's desire for Motion.
ALD. JONES
ADOPT RESOLUTION
21-R-648
Motion by Ald. Jones, seconded by Ald. Barron to adopt resolution 21-R-648
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A CONTRACT TO PAINT CITY WATER TANK BETWEEN THR CITY OF MARKHAM AND ERA VALDIVA CONTRACTORS, INC. (16313 S. KEDZIE PARKWAY, MARKHAM, IL 60428)
Roll Call: 3 Yes/0 No/1 Absent-Motion Carried
CITY ATTORNEY
To make it very clear that you're approving the contract, but the signage will be dealt with by majority vote as Council at a later date. This is designed to get on their list so that you will be ready to go with this next spring. And just let me indicate to the public the amount of bid was $374,800. The other one was in excess of a million, if I remember correctly. So therefore the Era Valdivia Contractors contract was accepted. One didn't submit one at all. Okay. That’s all I have.
ACTING CHAIRMAN:
Okay, goes down to number nine City Clerks Report.
CLERK REPORT:
I have two business licenses this evening to present for approval:
A. Business License – Mr. Craves Concession Treats-N-Eats
B. Business License – On the 9 Sports Bar and Grill
ALD. BARRON
Madame Clerk, I don’t have a copy of the second one, the Sports bar, but I’m fine as long as everything has been signed off on.
ALD. MCDOWELL
Everything has been signed off.
OPEN FLOOR
Motion to open floor by Ald. Jones, seconded by Ald. McDowell - to Mr. Craves Concession Treats-N-Eats Roll Call: 3 Yes/0 No/1 Absent/Motion Carried
MR. CRAVES TREATS-N-EATS
This is David's Spight for Mr. Craves Concession Treats-N-Eats.
I have a 7X12 van serving retro type food. First like to say thank everybody for having me out. But basically we trying to be on 167th and Dixie Highway where there’s not very much food as a reasonable price. Pretty much retro type food stuff that we all kind of grew up on. So I make something like a turkey Colby which is something that you can't get out here. I mean, I hate that you have to go to the city to get one. But I bring stuff like that into my little trailer. Eventually, I'm hoping to put a brick and mortar up.
ALD JONES
Oh, nice. Okay, so how long have you been in business?
MR. CRAVES TREATS-N-EATS
I've been in business about 3 years, I've worked alongside the Department of Cook County Public Health in the field of the trailer. Yes. So we started three years ago. We started from buying a trailer to electrical everything that goes in the public health department is actually a part of all concrete fields down to the plant so it's no joke when I when I say it's a process. It's very expensive for me when it turned out pretty small, but it is what it is. From licensing in the state of Illinois, to taxes for my village everything is done.
ALD. JONES
Okay. I have no further questions. Anybody have any questions?
ALD. BARRON
Mr. Spight where will you be set up?
MR. CRAVES TREATS-N-EATS
On 167th on the gravel rocks on the northeast corner across the street from the Markham Skating Rink.
ALD. JONES.
That’s all I have. Ald. McDowell any questions?
ALD. MCDOWELL
No, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mr. Dave this week. So no, I don't have any questions.
CLOSE FLOOR
Motion by Ald. Barron, seconded by Ald. McDowell to Mr. Craves
Concession-Treats-N-Eats
Roll Call: 3 Yes/0 No/1 Absent-Motion Carried
GRANT LICENSE
Motion to grant License
Motion Ald. McDowell, seconded by Ald. Barron
Roll Call: 3 Yes/0 No/1 Absent-Motion Carried
OPEN FLOOR
Motion to open floor by Ald. Barron, seconded by Ald. Jones to On the 9 Sports Bar & Grill Roll Call: 3 Yes/0 No/1 Absent-Motion Carried
ALD JONES
We have a representative online on zoom. You see, can you state your name for me?
ON THE 9 SPORTS BAR & GRILL
My name is Ernest Sutton.
ALDERMAN JONES
Alright, could you tell me about your business?
ON THE 9 SPORTS BAR & GRILL
Sure. First of all, thanks for having me tonight. It's a pleasure to be here. Our intent is to open a Sports Bar and grill over 30 in mature crowd. But this is the Sports Bar grill open that will have TVs, food, pizza and operate till two o'clock in the morning. And again, hopefully attract, we will attract that mature crowd. And that's what we're trying to do.
ALD. JONES
Okay, Ald. Barron this is your Ward, any questions? Any concerns?
ON THE 9 SPORTS BAR & GRILL
I don't, I'd be more than happy to sponsor this.
ALD JONES
Thank you so much. What is your capacity? Mr. Sutton?
ON THE 9 SPORTS BAR & GRILL
66 Okay. And the location is the old OK Corral, right next door to the Weenie Wagon. That’s whys why we call it On the Nine because we are on 159th.
ALD. JONES
Okay, all right. Sounds good. Sounds good. You know, so what about security? You have that under control, you know, far as you know, safety?
ON THE 9 SPORTS BAR & GRILL
Well, yes, our plan is to have two armed security guards. We've, I have experienced working with a couple companies. I managed City Life off of 83rd and Cottage Grove for four or five years. And so a there are a couple companies that I've worked with out there. And we plan to have someone at the door checking IDs because we want to be 30 and over. We also understand that a lot of the incidents that happen usually, or a lot of times, it's a younger crowd, and we want to stay away from that. So that's the first thing and then we'll have security guards inside and then circumventing around the parking lot and the building to make sure we don't have people loitering and things of that nature.
ALD. JONES
Wonderful. I love it. You know and how do you plan on giving back to the community. I know you open this facility will attract business. How do you see yourself of giving back?
ON THE 9 SPORTS BAR & GRILL
Well, yeah, absolutely a good thing about me and my partner, we are from Markham. I'm 50 years here in Markham, my mom still lives in Country Aire. That's where I was raised and I still live in Markham. My partner grew up in Canterbury. I'm also the former head football coach at Hillcrest. So I understand how important it is to give kids something to do. And I've mentioned that Markham right now today needs a soccer program, or whether it's a club or something, it needs something to get our kids active and doing something else besides playing video games and looking at cell phones. And so it's our plan to help sponsor and even I'm willing to volunteer my time to even help set up and run something like that. As you know, being a former head football coach at Hillcrest. I think I've got some experience to help in that avenue as well.
ALD. JONES
Thank you so much. Ald. McDowell any questions, any concerns?
ALD. MCDOWELL
No. All right. Not at this point.
CLOSE FLOOR
Motion to close floor by Ald. Barron, seconded by Ald. McDowell Sports Bar & Grill Roll Call: 3 Yes/0 No/1 Absent-Motion Carried
GRANT LICENSE
Motion by Ald. Barron, seconded by Ald. Jones to grant license to On the 9 Sports Bar & Grill Roll Call: 3 Yes/0 No/1 Absent-Motion Carried
ACTING CHAIRMAN:
Alright at this point we are moving to the Mayors Report with Derrick Champion.
MAYOR’S REPORT
(City Administrator, Derrick Champion)
Greeting everyone. Can everybody hear me? Yes. Good. Good. Let me just start with some of the city activities, just wanted to talk about the police hiring. That process is going well. We are definitely looking forward to adding to our police force. So the committee is going through that process right now. So we're excited about that. In regards to public works, we are chugging along around the city. Just want to give kudos to those guys that are out there on the daily and keeping cloverleaf clean. When you get the opportunity, please make sure you go down that way on 159th towards I-57. These are really immaculate, let me just say that we get complimented on it all the time, we will be adding some casual laborers to Public Works at some point. As you know that there's always some turnover in regards to the Building and Housing, we are adding another body to that area as well. So some changes in that area, because we know how important a Building and Housing area is, so we want to make sure that we bring individuals into that area that add some value to the city. So we're looking forward to, to that. I don't know if we mentioned already, but I want to thank the Council for approving the new fire truck that we have been kind of displaying around the city. So kudos to all the Council Members for getting that done. I think it's going to definitely be a value added for the city. So excited, really excited about that. Want to talk about a couple activities that are coming up, we have a Back to School event, that's going to be August 14 at 10am at City Hall. So please mark your calendars, we will have information on our website and social platforms. So please make sure that you visit that we also have a Jazz in the Park event that's actually coming up that same week. Looking at the information now it's going to be Friday, August 13, at 16053 Richmond Avenue at Rosener Park, so make sure that you mark your calendars for that as well. Once again, Friday, August 13, at 6pm at 16053 Richmond Avenue. I also want to talk about Amazon, just real quick, I know that some of the Council members have been having individuals calling about what's the status on the hiring event in jobs. I am participating in a Amazon community partner conversation tomorrow. And just to, kind of go over some of the agenda, we will be talking about Amazon's mission and commitment to neighborhoods, which is very important. And I'm just going to pause parenthetically pause there for a moment just to talk about Amazon in just a minute, because as you all know that Amazon is the tenant Ryan Company is a general contractor in Markham. And we have Schnell properties, who is the developer and land owner of that building. One of the things that we've been working on and under the Mayors vision and leadership, and just a side note, tomorrow will mark my official one year anniversary, of being hired at the City of Markham. So I want to take the time out to thank the Council for passing ordinance number 2277. Last year, August 5th at approximately 7:36 and 36 seconds pm., so I really, really appreciate that I did mark it on my calendar. So I'm grateful for that, So Amazon, Ryan Companies that's know when the Mayor allowed me, you know, to come into Markham and be a City Administrator. I knew that there were going to be some challenges, and I have to tell you, I think my past experience working at the State of Illinois in the Illinois Comptroller's Office, at the Department of Commerce, as Business Development Manager, as well as Deputy Director of the Office of Minority Economic Empowerment, when I got here last year, one of the main things that was really pressing City Hall was the MBE engagement on the Amazon site. And I have to tell you, my first week here, my second day on August 6th, the Mayor said welcome to the City Markham, again, the Amazon project, anything dealing with Amazon you’re the point person for it. So from that point, I know the city hall was getting inundated with the word, you know, enough black contractors on that particular site. So one of the things that the Mayor did for me was to put me in contact with all of the leadership from those particular companies, Amazon, Schnell and Ryan Companies, and I'd needed to have a few questions answered and one was you know about the project labor agreement, the minority spin for ethnicity report. Do you report companies that were being represented on that site? Because I wanted to do a thorough background on how come there wasn't enough representation from black contractors on that site. And I have to tell you, when I got here, I found out that there was a $44.4 million minority spend on this particular project. And most of that minority spend most of that went to a Hispanic owned company to supply steel. So when I took over there was probably about $1.4 million that was remaining for certain scopes of work. That being signage, there was miscellaneous carpentry, some IDOT road work, there was final clean, and there was a couple other items as well as scopes of work that were available. So the one thing that I did, I had to engage Ryan companies. And I have to tell you, they really stepped up to the plate, because one thing that I wanted to make sure is that we were doing our part from the Mayor's Office to make sure that there was an MBE engagement. And I am really proud to say that they were able to break up some of those contracts to get an electrical company, Livewire, black owned, they actually have a Darryl Martin branding. So all the all the Amazon signage that you see in the region, is done by a black owned company, Darryl Martin brandings. And really excited about that we were able to get some HVAC work contractors on that particular site as well. And more importantly, Ryan Company, they joined these black organizations like a black contractors own as an they joined NIMAC which is National Association of Minority Contractors or something like that. But they actually join these organizations, so now they're setting up a pipeline and making sure that they get individuals, black contractors, pre-registered and pre-qualified for other jobs that they have in the region. Several of those contractors that have gone through this portal already, they have already received other opportunities outside of just the Amazon facility. So just wanted to let you all know that is a big deal. Some of the work that's been done around Markham, with Ryan companies redeveloping our firehouses. Last week, they actually sponsored a barbecue at the Firehouse, and they kind of showcased some of the work that was being done, it is not completed yet. I was on the phone this afternoon with some of their leadership, talking about just trying to set a date for some of the park improvements. We have a few parks that are being improved or redeveloped by Ryan Company. So we want to make sure that individuals understand that these are great community partners, and we're really excited and enthusiastic that they're pouring into our community. I know I talked about Amazon's future engineering program, because they have a great program. And I have to tell you that they are definitely focused on our schools, because one of the things that I mentioned was when our schools do better, our communities do better. So I'm really excited. There's a lot of great things happening, just kind of stay tuned. But from the MBE engagement standpoint, we had to really hold their feet to the flame. And I have to tell you that these stakeholders actually stepped up to the plate. So I'm really happy about that. Another thing moving right along, I wanted to complete the conversation that we're having tomorrow with Amazon and their workforce development area, as well as skills for Chicago land, which is the actual workforce agency that Amazon has kind of contracted out to kind of put their arms around what this job hiring event is going to look like. So we're going to talk about the upcoming launches and employment opportunities tomorrow. They want to know how to partner and they're also going to talk about upcoming events for job seekers. So we are looking forward to having a conversation with Amazon tomorrow in regards to the hiring event. Now that particular building will be taken over by Amazon officially I was told this afternoon, somewhere around the third week of August, Amazon will be a full time tenant in that particular building. I think that is it from my standpoint. One other thing Council, I would like you to know the Mayor and I talked about this, we would like to put up a billboard, I guess, right by at least some signage up there to welcome Amazon to Markham again. So if you all would be willing to do that we just want to welcome them officially with a sign on 159th and Dixie Highway. That concludes my report for this evening.
ACTING CHAIRMAN: Thank you so much, now to new business.
ALD. HAMPTON - ABSENT
No report.
ACTING CHAIRMAN:
Thank you so much. All right, Ald. Woman Wanda McDowell.
ALD. MCDOWELL
Good evening Council. Mr. Champion, on behalf of the council, we are just happy to have you on board. You've been here with us just a year and have did a fantastic job for our residents here in our city. So we just want to thank you and continue to keep up the good work that you're bringing forth in our city. Second of all, on a sad note, we had one of our residents in the 2nd Ward. Mr. Larry Scott lost his wife, Margaret Scott, who is one of the black club members. Mrs. Scott was very instrumental in writing African American books she passed on today. So I ask you all to remember Larry Scott and the Scott family in their hours of bereavement, and that's basically my report. Thank you so much.
ACTING CHAIRMAN:
Thank you so much. All right, Ald. Barron.
ALD. BARRON
The Fourth Ward also experienced the loss of Mike Valhusen. Mr. Valhusen was a retired railroad worker, and 60 year resident of Markham, his four sons all grew up here. They were members of Markham volunteer fire department. I believe that the one son Chris went on to be a full time Harvey fireman. They were involved in a lot of community events. Mike and his wife Cookie were longtime election judges. They were down at the Markham library for years. They were also active in many Community Ventures. It's a loss to the Fourth Ward to the city of Markham. So my condolences to the Valhusen family. I know that the Mayor Agpawa grew up with one of the boys. Also, I can't say enough about the work that's being done as far as grass and picking up branches and everything by the Public Works Department, grass cutting, these guys are doing a phenomenal job. And then it brings me to a subject that I think is going to come back and bite us, this COVID-19 is not going away. And I think we're going have to make some tough decisions going forward. I did note the Governor had a press conference today that I missed, but I'll read about it tonight. But I think the big thing is going to be our children going back to school, and from what I understand the state absolutely wants them to go back to school, because the grade testing, the school testing for the end of last school year was terrible. So I think they want to get these kids back in. I think it's going to lead to all kinds of challenges and you can’t make somebody get vaccinated, I understand that but this thing is not going away. As a matter of fact, on the Fourth of July weekend, we were at less than 1%, we were at a half a percent for positivity, right. And two days ago, we're at 4.4. And I understand today it's, 4.8, and that is, you know, I don't want to sit here and push the panic button, but it's something that we're going to have to be very aware of. I see a lot of businesses that I've been to, they've already put up the sign requesting that you wear a mask when you're in a store, I think I think we need to all be wearing a mask. Probably everywhere other than maybe our home. That's said, Mr. Champion on your first anniversary, you're welcome addition to the City of Markham. It's been my pleasure to work with you for this past year. I look forward to more adventures and more challenges going forward. And the last thing to talk about is Amazon. Amazon has been a much needed shot in the arm for this community. I can't believe I hear from people that I know that I wouldn't even have any idea that Amazon built a warehouse here. But apparently they do know because they've called me or sent me an email or a text. The thing that impresses me the most about Amazon is their willingness to work with the local communities. I mean that is huge. I mean, and I, might be wrong, I could be corrected, but I don't think Amazon has really asked us for anything. But they have approached us with different ideas about, you know, well, I know they helped us with the Christmas decorations were which were just over the top. They've just been involved in this community, and I know that they're going to be involved in other things, public safety and our local school district. So welcome to Amazon. I would be more than happy to sponsor us putting a sign up. I know that's Ald. McDowell's ward now, I'm not going to stress it too much, but I'll be I'll be more than happy to be with you Ald. McDowell on that. I think that it's been one of the best things to hit the City of Markham in many, many years. And I've lived here for over 60 years, and I just think it's huge, and I I'm happy to be associated with that is the end of my report.
ALD. JONES
Thank you so much. Now for my report, I have to piggyback off of what Ald. Baron was saying, you know, I really appreciate Amazon coming into the city. I'm really appreciate a service day where they came out and supported us on service day, I really appreciate that. I mean, the yellow and black was really impressive. I met, we actually have five signs on me now we have five signs, the ones there's an expressway, I saw them laying down with taking the fence down, I grabbed them and I took them Public Works. So speak with Todd because he has five of the signs that we can use, we can actually put them around Markham. But once again, I really appreciate Amazon for coming in. I believe it's a nice anchor store because it attracts other businesses Amazon will be a great addition to the City of Markham. Also will be a great addition is Plum Creek. Thank you, Mayor, thank you, Derrick Champion for working with me for this last piece for Plum Creek, the Supportive Living Center that's coming in on 155th and Turner. So we actually did a couple of things as far as adding the grant into the bill. Thank you, Derrick Champion for your over-sight, and help on that. You know, I can't speak enough about Derrick Champion, I told you before that you are the champion, you know, you've been a champion so far. So keep up the good work, you know, and especially with this ordeal with our Mayor, you've really stepped in to keep us open and understanding what's going on in our community. And I really appreciate that. All shout out Pastor McCollum, it was just breathtaking. That's the McCollum’s, one of our contractors. He had his 22nd year wedding anniversary, and it was just magnificent, all white. It was absolutely beautiful. So congratulations to Pastor McCollum and his wife. Also, last but not least, you know, for the past two meetings, I've been discussing about the removal of a name on the Senior Building. You know, I'm still in support of that, I don't know that the Council had changed their mind. But I haven't heard any feedback for the past two weeks. It's been over four weeks now, and I would love the name of David Webb were removed off that building. I think it's very important that his name is gone before he begins the sentence on September 21st, so if there's any way that we can put up a resolution to the Council to get his name removed?
CITY ATTORNEY
That's how you named it, so that's what you'd have do to a resolution.
ACTIING CHAIRMAN
Okay, so do I put that on the floor now? Do I give it to you? What steps would you take?
ATTORNEY MILLER:
Well, if you're going to do it in that way to remove it, you certainly would like to have a vote. And then at that particular point, decide what you want to rename. Okay, so it's two-step process, you probably first want to take a vote to see if that is the decision of the Council. All right, yeah. Wait till next week, say that. Only two hammers out here. So you might want to, okay, might want to wait. Alright, so I went to the next meeting, to present it to the floor. So let's be the third meeting, that we have talked about this. So hopefully I have your support in this endeavor. And that ends my report.
ACTING CHAIRMAN
Now I'm going to public session
Motion to open the floor to the Public by Ald. Barron, seconded by Ald. McDowell
Roll Call: 3Yes/0 No 1 Absent/Motion Carried
ATTORNEY MILLER:
Mr. Chairman and members of the Council voted with the public. Let me make this announcement, pursuant to the city resolution 20-R-587 All persons desiring to make public comments may make them live in person or via email submission to the City Clerk's Office by 4pm on the day of the meeting all public comments received via email in compliance with the city's previously that people's we read during the public session portion of the City Council meeting, as at this time it would be appropriate to ask the City Clerk's Office. At this time it would be appropriate to ask the City Clerk, if there are any public comments that were received this evening via email or whether or not there are any members of the public attending in person at City Council Chambers.
CLERK:
Yes they have, I see 4 hands.
CITY ATTORNEY
Is any member of the public going to speak, also have they checked in at this point?
CLERK
Yes, they already have okay. I see more hands for people to speak.
CITY ATTORNEY
So would you like to jump first and then read the comments or you want to bring them first public? It's up to you have you want to do it but at this point, you do have the Yes. Those that were submitted to your office correct.
CLERK
We can go with the people that are signed up to speak.
PATRICIA MCKINNEY
Good evening. I know we spoke of the Name and taken down from the Markham Senior Building Living Complex. What is the status of that now?
ACTING CHAIRMAN
Well, I'm going wait to until the next Council meeting. But we have everyone here so we can make a vote on it. We can pass it. I have been bringing it for the past two meetings. We just so happens that Ald. Bri Hampton is not here today.
PATRICIA MCKINNEY
It’s an embarrassment to the community and also is he supposed to return the money that he took.
ACTING CHAIRMAN
He does have restitution to pay.
PATRICIA MCKINNEY
And what concerns me is, I live on 154 and Millard, and at the end of our street, there's no outlet. So we have a turnaround. But our turnaround consists of parking on the east and west-side of the street. They kind of carved a little space for the bigger truck to get around, we have a new resident at the end of the block, who probably doesn't know about it, he thinks he has an extra driveway. He will park in his truck with a trailer hitch and last Thursday, the garbage could not be picked up on the west-side of the street because the garbage truck cold not turn around. So when he picked up on our side, the east side, he had to back out. I don't know if he ever got to the west-side or not, but I did call it in. And code enforcement. And the police are a mile. And I asked if they could talk to him and they knew he probably doesn't know. So is there any possible way that we can either have a sign posted down there? Or have some kind of no parking painting in those two makeshift driveway for the turn around?
ACTING CHAIRMAN
That's a good question. We can consider.
PATICIA MCKINNEY
My third question is, we have a lot of people parking in the grass, in the Fourth Ward, what they do is they push back their grass, throw some gravel, and follow the driveway. Is this allowable, can people do that? I mean, I have one specific neighbor that has pushed all the way to their front yard. They can parallel park four or five cars in that spot. It seems like more and more are pushing their grass back. They're throwing some type of gravel, sometimes not even gravel, but by parking on that grass that wore the grass out, and they follow that drive. So who I asked to come check that out?
ACTING CHAIRMAN
I believe that we actually have an ordinance on the books. So we can send out Building and Housing, then we also send out the police to write a ticket because there's no parking on grass or gravel.
PATRICIA MCKINNEY
Okay, and I understand that a lot of new ordinances are being created. And is the department personnel being educated, on new ordinances that come out?
DERRICK CHAMPION
We don't because everything is on our website Ald. Jones. I don't as far as ordinances, we don't normally pass those out like people would normally it is public knowledge. So those are on the website. And no, so to answer your question, no. Okay, now, the department personnel that are affected by the new ordinances are being trained. So let me just say this, so our department heads those individuals, when there's new ordinances or whatever, they are educated on those ordinances. We have meetings that we are engaged with our leadership of the city so they are educated on any ordinance that they responsible for..
PATRICIA MCKINNEY
Are business trucks allowed to park in residential driveways?
PATRICIA MCKINNEY
When you see a business truck, parking in a driveway where you know you have a quote truck, or run a business, are you allowed to park that tow truck in the driveway?
CITY ATTORNEY
This has come up over the years in terms of individuals who own their own business everyone from Handy Maid and she's got a vehicle all the way up to a truck like what you’re talking about. The problem you've got is, we certainly don't want the extended trucks, obviously, because the problem you're just talking about, being able to back out because the streets are narrow, that creates a problem, you don't want to ride in somebody else's yard. I'll have to check and see if there's an issue concerning that is outstanding you brought to our attention now, because I've haven’t heard of this in a while, this did come up some years ago about whether or not an individual who has a business can actually park his truck there. Because here's the other problem, you have a lot of police officers from different towns who live here and they park their cars, we have Sheriff's police, Cook County Sheriff's, and, quote unquote, that's their job, so how do you differentiate?
I've have to look and see. Have we ever discussed this and ever put this in writing indicating that a business truck can't park there, it may be something we have to deal with in terms of size, because I know it's going to be a problem with some of the smaller streets trying to turn around. But let's take a look at that and see. That's a fair question, let me find out.
ACTING CHAIRMAN
So a business car is like a police car, a food truck, you know, ambulances.
PATRICIA MCKINNEY
So maybe when they are created, you can look into weight inside of what can and cannot be parked in a driveway. We take four parking spaces, that's not for residents, that a business. A tow trucj would take four parking spaces.
CITY ATTORNEY
Okay, well, but their parking in their own driveway.
PATRICIA MCKINNEY
Is the business registered with the city? Is it okay for residents to have they have their business truck parked in the driveway, no matter what size?
CITY ATTORNEY
Well, well, it goes back to a question and you raise a fair point again, about the weight. Because we do have weight limits on the side streets, so if the truck is over that that's problem, you know, so we also have this.
ACTING CHAIRMAN
And then also, you know, you can reach out to the police department, you might have more detailed information in that got a contact person's name, her name is Sherry Thomas, you can call the City of Markham phone number, her extension is 261. Like those people parking on the street, and on the grass, you can actually reach out to the police department, and that extension is 261 and again, Miss Thomas.
PATRCIA MCKINNEY
Okay. All right. Okay, yeah, one more question. The status of the grant for new Street. How is that coming along? Weren't there supposed to be grants that were applied for?
DERRICK CHAMPION
I can answer that. Yes. So we have been approved with our Community Development Block Grant. I have more information as far as the start of any projects, I will let you know in the in the near future, but we have been approved for our Community Development Block grants and getting some street pavement paving done.
ACTION CHAIRMAN
Thank you so much. Thanks for coming out.
CLERK
Okay, that was the first email I received and she spoke in person. So we'll move to the next one. The next Jerome Cooper.
JEROME COOPER
Okay, is it correct me if I'm wrong there zoning law here in the Fourth Ward. I’ve lived here for 53 years.
CITY ATTORNEY
It's a combination of single family homes that they get in turn out for business. Okay, now you confuse me because you're saying the Fourth Ward I know you've got a commercial zone.
JEROME COOPER
Correct. But looking at the zoning map. All the businesses being run over there in the north end of the Fourth Ward should not be. They're not filed with the city and are zoned for single family housing. It's not a business district.
CITY ATTORNEY
I agree. I've got to look at the map. But once you bring it up, I hear what you're saying. You're saying that this Reza is weaken his arm? Yes. R-1, R-2, R-3 but you've got C-1, C-2 and C-3 operating over there. Okay, good. We'll have to check that out. What's the address and area, because that's Ald. Barron’s ward. What you said Millard?
JEROME COOPER
You can take a ride over you'll see there's a lot of businesses run out of homes.
CITY ATTORNEY
Well, that goes to licensing. I see Mr. Champion, shaking his head that that's where Police Department as well as the Building Department comes in.
JEROME COOPER
We're having a problem with the police department being followed. They are being asked to educate me a lot of part-timers are filling in or not educated. You're sending warnings out just like the particular one she brought up about the garbage truck. I'm surprised Homewood Disposal didn't call the city. He said I don't like backing up down the street because I struggle while these kids are playing but that guy was warned at 15446, with the trailer. He moved it after police left its back and has been sitting there for a week, it's still sitting there. Okay. So people respond with tickets not warnings.
My e-mail addresses several issues that need answers.
CLERK
Ald. Barron was the North End Fourth Ward left out of volunteers cleaning up abandoned houses?
DERRICK CHAMPION
We only had him for two hours. And we tried to spruce up parks. We tried to spruce up some abandoned properties. But this is just one of many events that are going to be on the slate. Okay this wasn't a one and done, Amazon is here. They are willing and able, and they will be out to all four wards consistently throughout the year.
North in the Fourth Ward needs outlook on several problems from code enforcement, police patrol, speeding 155th, blowing stop signs, zoning issues businesses run out of homes zoned for single family occupancy, suspected drug trafficking going on for years on Millard 154th block infrastructure outlook (sewers, streets, ditches, etc.). Welcome answers from Ald. Barron, Mr. Champion at Chief White.
All right. I want to I want to address the businesses running out of homes just so everybody knows, we are currently working on an ordinance in regards to home based businesses. So stay tuned. We will be introducing that in the near future at the City Council. So we are aware of that. And I'm just going to put it out here we that it’s, it's public knowledge that there were a lot of PPP loans that were applied for Markham appears to have over 1000 businesses, we are going to hold individuals accountable. If they are having home based businesses that have not been registered with the City of Markham. So it gets just kind of stay tuned, we are working on it.
ALD BARRON
Another similar, some of the problem we have is, I'll give you an example of, there's a there's a repair guy from Johnson Controls. And they have their own individual service vehicles that they bring home because they respond in the morning from their home. And even they're not registered as the vehicles aren't registered in Markham so there's no violation, I think the only problem that we're going have to look at, is we have a lot of landscaping services, and most of these vehicles, even though they're not working at their home, they are parking their work vehicles in the neighborhoods, most of them, I don't believe are in violation of the five ton weight limit. If the vehicles are legally parked, I am aware of some of the ones we're working on some of the houses where the one lady was pointing out that they put some gravel down and they were parking on the gravel, that's not considering all while their surface any longer. So it's going to either have to be asphalt, or it's going to have to be concrete. So we're going to have to issue warning tickets to get the residents attention on maps. And we also have an ordinance under the international builder’s code, you can only have 40% of the space in your front yard, dedicated for a driveway. So these people that are parking an excessive amount of vehicles in the front of their house, that's going to be a problem. I think some of it is, some of these families are quite large, and that's why you have excessive amount of vehicles, but it's going to be something that we're going to have to address in the very near future.
JEROME COOPER
This is for Quintina Brown, is has come to our attention, Fourth Ward forgotten North section that our park at 157th and Millard is lacking a lot of equipment that other parks have for children. Please give an explanation.
DERRICK CHAMPION
I have been in contact with our Park Director, Quintina Brown. Just so everybody knows we are working on grants. Like I mentioned earlier we are working with our community partners to spruce up our parks, so we are aware. That's one of my focuses and then trying to identify funding opportunities working alongside with our lobbyists, but we are working to get our parks spruced up with starting with about two or three parks right now. But every park that has a need will be addressed in the city of Markham within the coming months.
JEROME COOPER
You may want look at the pictures, they came to trim the trees. If you look at the pictures he took the turn the weeds up the sticks where the kids play after the cut them, the sticks are about eight to 12 inches with a razor sharp edge. So make sure that that's addressed. They need to rake I mean, the child falls, we're all will be paying for it, hopefully nobody get hurt.
DERRICK CHAMPION
I will make sure that is addressed Mr. Cooper.
BRENDA BERRY
I just wanted to thank the Village they did come over and they started working on the ditches in my Ward and I appreciate that. Thank you, and they have some more to do. But they have started and is the good and I appreciate that that you did listen, helping us out in that area. Well, you always do think but I appreciate that. And that's all I just want to say. Thank you so much.
MS. C. DAVIS
I want to piggyback off. Ms. Berry, thank you so much for addressing our concerns. I'd like to thank the Mayor, because we still contact him. It's just such a blessing that we're just not being heard, but things are happening and things we need taken care of for us. And also, I’d like know, across from the BP what's been done over that area because the trees are being removed, I don’t want animals in my house.
ACTING CHAIRMAN
There’s going to be a Buddy Bear Carwash. A lot of businesses are coming in that area, which is good. So hopefully it will help with taxes and things like that will help. Also, you know, actually, a lot of vacant houses being bought up.
MS. C. DAVIS
I'm so grateful for that. Because I've been here 35 years. I don't plan to go anywhere. I love the City of Markham, I love how it's being run now. Because the previous administration you know, it's just a mess. And now everybody is more focused, I'd like to thank you personally for helping out my neighbors because during this pandemic, but a lot of families have struggled. And if we look at people like well, you can't keep up with us, you need to go instead of stepping in and saying, you know what, you are residents here, and we want to help, and when it is no big I’s, and little you’s or anything, and we all in this together. So I'm grateful for that. Also, you didn't just send out a crew one time you send around a second time, get it done, right. And I appreciate that so much love to the City Council members, the Mayor for all the hard work and I hope everything gets resolved because we need his leadership. And I appreciate having a team now. You know, it's important to have a team and a good I'm very, very grateful.
ACTING CHAIRMAN
100% that's what I like to you know, walk and reach out to the Mayor and reach out to Derrick Champion to get things resolved. You know, it takes so much pressure off of me like Mr. Champion and the Mayor to the listen, you know and wants to do what's right.
John Thompson is the position, Mr. Champion is in now?
ACTING CHAIRMAN
Yes. Yes.
MS. C. DAVIS
We've been in a pandemic so everything slows down. So I'm like, Okay, so I'm very thankful. Thank you, Mr. Champion. I will be contacting you should I need you.
DERRICK CHAMPION
You're so welcome. I'm at extension 337 if you need to reach out.
MS. C. DAVIS
Okay, that's all now.
MS. JONES
My main concern is about George’s, we had about four shootings last month the liquor store over there. I’ve been calling 911. First of all, there were six shots in the parking lot. My daughter is on the first floor I’m on the second floor, we really afraid we get down on the floor. The businesses that are causing trouble, what can we do? My main concern is how we can keep it safe?
ACTING CHAIRMAN
Great, that's good. You say that last meeting we just created and we passed an audit for lateral transfers, we are actually bringing in more policemen, this something that Mayor and Aldermen Barron have spearheaded to get this lateral transfer going where they are actually hiring more police officers. You know, and I think that's going do a great deal. Also, if you do have the concerns for the police department, please contact Sherry Thomas, her extension is 261 you can call her directly extension 261, so those issues can be resolved. Alderwoman Wanda do want to you have any questions or you want to say anything.
ALD. MCDOWELL
No she’s fine, I was glad that you gave her that information because Miss Jones has contacted me in regarding to the shooting over at the bar. So we are going to have a hearing regarding the incident, correct, Mr. Champion in regarding to what took place this weekend at that bar.
DERRICK CHAMPION
That's correct.
MS. JONES
We really can't go to sleep until two o'clock until they stop playing music, but we a little a little help. We as resident know we really want to party have a good time, but we won't live and it's taking a while. Okay, and then just one last thing. Wait, one last thing, they cut the trees down last year but the not come for 10 weeks. But besides that, that's about it. This is my first meeting and I will try to make every meeting from now on.
ACTING CHAIRMAN
Derrick Champion she was saying can the weeds be cut down through the Public Works over by the townhomes.
DERRICK CHAMPION
Miss Jones, and you know, you've been in my office. So anything that you need, you know how to reach out, and I definitely will make sure to get over there.
KEITH MALONE
Now, this is my first meeting, I did have my agenda. But it's quite broad. So the main concern that I have right now is on the corner on the corner. 163rd, there’s a lot of young kids hanging on corner. And it's causing a whole lot of havoc, we did have police come out at least three times in the past two weeks. And it's just a bad situation. They are very disrespectful towards homeowners and that needs to be thing needs to be addressed. Now the fact that he was hanging on the corner again today it’s not a good thing. The other thing is there's lot of speeding on 163rd Street it is crazy, we need some type of control over that. Then we have people parked on the wrong side of the street. You know, it's a lot of traffic in and out all the time. It wasn't like that last year. And then the other thing that I want to mention the people that have section eight tenants, I believe that the home owners should be accountable for the those living in them because people are doing whatever they want this is not good.
And you know, I was grilling some stuff last week and has a young guy addressed me and they, about seven teenagers discarded waters bottles was drinking water and whatever on the parkway. So I wanted to see if he would pick it up in just a minute. So I went over there, and I picked it up myself and said I’m going throw this in the garbage for. The kid said what you say? And I said, now, you got a question me about picking up your garbage. That's a bit much. And I'm 61 years old, 40 years ago it would have been different. But I kept my composure. And they don't live on the block, it’s the house on the corner that has young girls, and they congregate. I got pictures today, It's going to turn into something real bad, so when my neighbor across the street from me came out they were threatening him like they were going to kill him. They stated we are coming back. They came back the same night, they are not scared and it's bad, I have a two year old, my house is right on the corner by the young ladies, and so you know I don’t want to do something I just want to keep it with the police.
ACTING CHAIRMAN
The great thing about it is once again, we passed an ordinance last week. Ald. Barron and Derrick Champion, spearheaded it we are actually bringing in more police officers. Also, if you have any concerns, please call Sherry Thomas at extension. 261, it's very important that you let her know. So this can get resolved, They could have strategy that gets it resolved. But we are bringing in more policemen, whatever is needed. Your safety and security are very important to this Council and to the Mayor.
So thank you for your concerns, sir, just know that the City of Markham, the Mayor, I know Ald. Barron is part of the process as well, but we're really looking forward to adding more officers to our police force, or department. So just kind of stay tuned. And if there's any issues that you're experienced, like Ald. Jones indicated, please feel free to reach out and send a note over.
KEITH MALONE
Okay. Now I know what the procedure so keep track and I will appreciate it.
CLERK
I have another email. The attorney is going to take care of that one.
ATTORNEY MICHELLE
We do have an email that was Thomas H. Joseph. He was here to record a conversation and made his comments directly to the Mayor. They had good conversation about the issues and concerns in those comments. They both decided that I should read the comments they reached from that conversation. The issue was regarding the new real estate transfer tax at the junction the City will not charge any more fees associated with the new real estate transfer tax ordinance, they will not only do that, but they will be turned over for further verification with the legal department as well if that necessary they will repeal that in the next two weeks nonetheless, they will get a resolution regarding the comments he made within 30 days. And that has place today respond to their comments regarding the real estate tax practice attending their interest rate changes.
CLERK
And I have one more informational email to the residents of the City of Markham. Good evening, Mayor Agpawa, the City Markham, City Council and the Markham residents, tax bill update. 1) Per the Cook County Treasurer. It is anticipated that the second installment bills will be mailed out to residents later this month of August. The anticipated due date is October 1st, 2021. For tax appeals for homeowners who are 65 years of age or above born after 1955 will be later this month in August. Cook County has not given us the date as of yet. At Thornton Township in South Holland, we are doing pre filing for you. We will do your application and it will be ready to process as soon as Cook County Treasurer's Office gives us the date to file please contact 708-596- 6040 extension 3139 or 3143 with any questions or visit Thornton Township 333 East 162nd Street, South Holland Illinois, Monday through Friday from 9 to 4. If you are a homeowner, it is very important that you do your property tax appeal every year. At some point they will agree with you and lower your taxes. Do not pay or...
https://www.cityofmarkham.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08042021-173
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