City of Blue Island City Council met June 13.
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 7:00 p.m. on June 13, 2023.
2) Pledge of Allegiance
3) Roll Call
4) Roll Call indicates the following:
Present: 6 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Fahrenwald, McGee
Absent: 1 Rita
Present Also: 5 Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, City Clerk
Jairo Frausto, Treasurer
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 May 23, 2023, City Council meeting.
Ayes: 6 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0 Absent: 1 Rita
Abstention: 0
There being six (6) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
Alderman Fahrenwald made a correction on page 5, item "g" to read "Alderman Fahrenwald stated he is not in favor of the VISIM proposal as submitted.”
5) Public Comment
Mark Kuehner called for justice for William Burruss, who was fatally shot by Blue Island police on June 1, 2023. He expressed his belief that the police officer involved should be fired and charged with murder. He also noted that in Blue Island and neighboring municipalities, there are several cases related to police shootings of black people.
Michael Wolf urged the city to promptly provide body camera footage to the public, presuming they were in use during the Burruss incident to foster transparency.
A retired hospital worker from Blue Island stated that racism in society must be eradicated. He noted that hospital workers were concerned about racist cops. He found it concerning that a person can die while sleeping in a car, thus, he felt it necessary for the community to band together to stop racist cops from scaring black and brown workers.
Brian Escolito politely requested further information about the systematic racial problems in the community.
Don Gross indicated that these public speakers would not be present demanding answers regarding the Burress incident, if the City would release the video footage of the incident. Gross also noted his belief that the Illinois State Police shouldn't be used as a cover for City of Blue Island's failure to produce the body cam footage.
A former teacher from Morgan Park High School suggested that Blue Island, like California, could reduce killings with the support of social services.
Tom Ricci argued that the town should be the first to step up and do justice for Burruss.
Blue Island resident, Simone, remarked that as an African American she does not feel safe with calling the police to protect and serve her. She also expressed concerns for the police department's ability to protect and serve those suffering from mental illness. She requested that Blue Island provide a plan of action to deal with these issues and greater transparency.
An unidentified public speaker informed City Council that these public speakers would be back and she expects the City of Blue Island to engage in a thorough investigation and demonstrate leadership.
An unidentified speaker expressed his concern about how he has to explain to his young son and daughter that they may not be safe because of their skin color when dealing with the police and what a daunting subject that is to address. He wanted the City to consider this and approach a solution to racism with openness.
6) Old Business
No old business.
7) New Business
The Mayor declared that June 1st was a historic day for the City of Blue Island because the City, for the first time, upgraded their paramedic services to ALS, advanced lifesaving services. In order to save lives and keep residents safe, the City made a significant investment in the Fire Department and this ALS upgrade. The Mayor noted that these services will greatly improve the emergency services provided to residents. The Mayor thanked Fire Chief Haywood and the firefighters for working together to get ALS service started. He also noted his appreciation for all the work they have done and continue to do for the City.
a. Fire Department Swearing In.
The Mayor swore in:
Joseph Olson - Battalion Chief
Adam Staszewski - Battalion Chief
Thomas Zelinski - Battalion Chief
Timothy Best - Lieutenant
Joseph Pinnick - Lieutenant
Bennett Scott - Firefighter
Evan Dykstra - Firefighter
8) Mayor's Report
a. Motion for Approval of Payroll for May 26, 2023, for $413,065.45 (gross).
Motion by Alderman McGee, second by Alderman Carr to approve Payroll for May 26, 2023, for $413,065.45 (gross).
Ayes: 6 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 Rita
Abstention: 0
There being six (6) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
b. Motion for Approval of Payroll for June 9, 2023, for $434,185.27 (gross).
Motion by Alderman Fahrenwald, second by Alderman Roll to approve Payroll for June 9, 2023, for $434,185.27 (gross).
Ayes: 6 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 Rita
Abstention: 0
There being six (6) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
c. Motion for Approval of Accounts Payable dated June 14, 2023, for $723,653.98.
Motion by Alderman Roll, second by Alderman Carr to approve Payroll for June 14, 2023, for $723,653.98.
Ayes: 6 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 Rita
Abstention: 0
There being six (6) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
d. Motion to Approve a Manual Check to Mail Managers in the amount of $3,273.96.
Motion by Alderman Fahrenwald, second by Alderman Montoya to approve Manual Check to Mail Managers in the amount of $3,273.96.
Ayes: 6 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 Rita
Abstention: 0
There being six (6) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
e. Motion to Approve a Manual Check to Hutt & Schimanowitz, P.C. Trust Account in the amount of $15,333.34.
Motion by Alderman Fahrenwald, second by Alderman Montoya to approve Manual Check to Hutt & Schimanowitz, P.C. Trust Account in the amount of $15,333.34.
Ayes: 6 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 Rita
Abstention: 0
There being six (6) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
f. Resolution No. 2023-015: A Resolution of the City of Blue Island, Cook County, Illinois, Authorizing and Approve a Settlement Agreement relating to 2019 L 002008.
Motion by Alderman Montoya, second by Alderman McGee for Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-015.
Ayes: 6 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 Rita
Abstention: 0
There being six (6) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
g. Resolution No. 2023-016: A Resolution of the City of Blue Island, Cook County, Illinois, Authorize and Approve an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City and MWRD for the Green Alley Project in Blue Island, Illinois.
Motion by Alderman Carr, second by Alderman McGee for Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-016.
Ayes: 6 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 Rita
Abstention: 0
There being six (6) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
Alderman Fahrenwald asked how the alleys to be benefited by the project are selected. The Mayor stated they are selected by MWRD based on the severity of flooding issues. The City submitted close to 20 alleys, and MWRD chose six.
Alderman Johnson inquired about the appropriateness of entering into another IGA with MWRD, considering the City's past experience with the government agency.
h. Resolution No. 2023-017: A Resolution of the City of Blue Island, Cook County, Illinois, to Authorize and Approve a Proposal between the City and Alliant Insurance Services for vehicle insurance.
Motion by Alderman Fahrenwald, second by Alderman Johnson for Adoption of Resolution No. 2023-017.
Ayes: 6 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 Rita
Abstention: 0
There being six (6) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
i. Mayor's Announcements/Comments.
The Mayor noted, as previously stated, the State of Illinois Liquor Commission affirmed the City's liquor license revocation for Ravens and The Vault. In addition, the Circuit Court recently affirmed the City's revocation of Raven and the Vault's business licensure. The company has 35 days to appeal the Court's decision.
The Mayor stated that the engineers are working on a street bid that would be ready by next week. They plan to construct 30 more blocks on the same timeline last year. He noted that 75 blocks were completed last year.
The Mayor stated that the alleyways were bid on and authorized by council, and that construction will begin at the end of June or early July. This year, 30 alleys will be completed, in addition to the 10 finished last year.
The Mayor notified the Council that a meeting on LED lighting for State and County roads such as Broadway and Western will be held tomorrow at 7:30 a.m.
The Mayor informed everyone that a community newsletter will be sent this week, outlining some highlights as well as providing information regarding bulk pickup.
The Mayor reminded everyone that the Fourth of July Fireworks will take place on 7/1/23, beginning at 4 p.m. with crafts and vendors and ending at 9 p.m. with fireworks.
9) City Clerk's Announcements/Reports/Comments
a. City Clerk's Announcements
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, informed the City Council that Mission Covenant Church is having their father's day service on 6/18/23 from 10:30 am until 11:30 am.
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, informed the City Council that the Pentecostal Church is having family youth night on 6/19/23 at 7 pm.
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, informed the City Council that the Meadows Golf Course is offering Junior Golf on Tuesdays.
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, informed the City Council that Mission Covenant Church is having their motorcycle blessing on 6/25/23 at 10:30 am.
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, informed everyone that the City is sponsoring a Community Garage Sale August 4-6th. Sign up for the same must be accomplished by 6/26/23 in the Clerk's office.
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, announced that TGIF started and that every Friday there would be music in the park, vendors, and a farmers' market.
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, encouraged residents to set 7/1/23 aside for Fireworks at the Falls. There will be food, crafts, inflatables, music, and beer garden from 4 pm until 10 pm.
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, informed the City Council that City vehicle stickers are on sale.
The Mayor reminded everyone that the fireworks are illegal and violators will be punished.
10) Treasurer's Report
a. Motion to Approve the May 31, 2023 Treasurer's Report.
Motion by Alderman Montoya, second by Alderman Carr for May 2023 Treasurer's Report.
Ayes: 6 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 Rita
Abstention: 0
There being six (6) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
b. City Treasurer's Announcements/Reports/Comments
No report.
11) City Attorney's Report
a. Attorney's Announcements/Comments
No report
12) City Administrator's Announcements/Reports/Comments
a. City Administrator's Announcements/Comments
No report
13) Aldermanic Announcements/Reports/Comments
Alderman Johnson stated he spoke to Bishop Franklin at 139th and Western and he wanted to invite the Aldermen to visit. The Mayor asked Alderman Johnson to schedule a date and time.
Alderman Montoya asked what streets will be blocked off for July 1st. The Mayor stated Chatham, Irving, Grove and Fulton for the majority of the day.
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 Fahrenwald, second by Alderman Roll to go into Executive Session.
Ayes: 6 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 Rita
Abstention: 0
There being six (6) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Alderman Johnson, second by Alderman McGee to resume regular meeting.
Ayes: 6 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 Rita
Abstention: 0
There being six (6) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
The Mayor stated that they discussed possible litigation on workers compensation.
15) Motion for Adjournment
Motion by Alderman Fahrenwald, second by Alderman Carr to adjourn the regular meeting.
Ayes: 6 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 1 Rita
Abstention: 0
There being six (6) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned 8:21 p.m.
The next regular meeting of the City Council is scheduled June 27, 2023, at 7:00 p.m.
https://www.blueisland.org/wp-content/uploads/government/city-council/city-council-agenda-minutes/City-Council-Minutes-06-13-2023.pdf
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