City of Blue Island City Council met Aug. 22.
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 August 22, 2023.
2) Pledge of Allegiance
3) Roll Call
Roll Call indicates the following:
Present: 7 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Rita (7:03 pm) Fahrenwald, McGee
Absent: 0
Present Also: 4 Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, City Clerk
Erin Blake, City Attorney
Thomas Wogan, City Administrator
Mark Patoska, Deputy City Administrator
4) Presentation of Journal of Proceedings
Motion by Alderman Fahrenwald, second by Alderman Roll to approve the City Council Minutes from the August 8, 2023, Regular 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.
5) Public Comment
Mr. Thomas Madrigal, resident of Blue Island, praised Jamie Schultz for his hard work and dedication to the City. Reverend Contreras could not attend; however, he wanted to thank everyone who came out for the back-to-school prayer service this past weekend. Madrigal emphasized the problem with parking near Hildago.
Mission Covenant Church will conduct a car show on 8/26/23 at 12 p.m. In addition, everyone is invited to attend worship on August 27th from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for the friends and family service.
Blue Island resident expressed her discontent in regards to the overnight parking. She expressed that there was never a notification on the water bill or via mail explaining the overnight parking rules. She is happy that Alderman Rita is involved and trying to help out with the situation.
Blue Island resident echoed the same sentiment in regard to the overnight parking. She feels as though her daughter who lives in Crestwood cannot stay nor her children who reside in Indiana. Last November, she received an overnight parking ticket specifying no sticker; however, they withdrew the ticket since she had proof she had it on her car for the overnight parking.
6) Old Business
No old business.
7) New Business
a. Introduction of K9 Officer.
Jamie Schutlz, Deputy Chief of Police, introduced the seven-year-old canine "Rocko" as the new City K9 officer. He explained that Rocko is exclusively a narcotics dog with a long history in the field. He came from the Minnesota State Police where he worked for five years. Officer Miles O'Brien, who has worked in both the patrol and detective divisions, has been training with the dog.
Alderman McGee inquired about the kind of drugs that he will be able to identify. Jamie Schultz, Deputy Chief of Police, revealed that he could identify cocaine, amphetamines, marijuana, and LSD, among other drugs.
Alderman Fahrenwald asked how the K9 officer will be utilized. Deputy Chief, Jamie Schultz stated he will be assisting in traffic stops and locker searches at local schools in addition to other assignments.
b. Proclamation: Constitution Week.
The Mayor declared that he has designated 9/17/23 to 09/23/27 as Constitution Week, during which the American people will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States Constitution and reflect on the privilege to be an American.
Motion by Alderman McGee, second by Alderman Roll to approve Constitution Week.
Ayes: 7 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
Abstention: 0
There being seven (7) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
c. Proclamation: Rail Safety Week.
The Mayor declared that Rail Safety Week will occur from 09/18/23 to 09/24/23.
Motion by Alderman Johnson, second by Alderman Fahrenwald to approve Rail Safety Week.
Ayes: 7 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
Abstention: 0
There being seven (7) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
Alderman Fahrenwald stated that railways are the safest way to transport products and packaged goods and asked that everyone remember their efficiency when waiting for them to pass. Furthermore, he expressed that rail workers are always concerned with safety.
8) Mayor's Report
a. Motion for Approval of Payroll for August 18, 2023, for $419,627.07 (gross).
Motion by Alderman Carr, second by Alderman McGee to approve Payroll for August 18, 2023, for $419,627.07 (gross).
Ayes: 7 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
Abstention: 0
There being seven (7) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
b. Motion for Approval of Accounts Payable dated August 23, 2023, for $295,837.44.
Motion by Alderman Fahrenwald, second by Alderman Roll to approve Accounts Payable for August 23, 2023, for $295,837.44.
Ayes: 7 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
Abstention: 0
There being seven (7) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
c. Motion to Award Berglund Construction Co. the City Hall Restoration Project in the Amount of $498,750.00.
Motion by Alderman Montoya, second by Alderman Roll to Award the City Hall Restoration Project.
Ayes: 7 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
Abstention: 0
There being seven (7) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
d. Ordinance No. 2023-035: An Ordinance of the City of Blue Island, Cook County Illinois, Amending Title IX (“General Regulations"), Chapter 100 (“Short-Term Rentals) of the Code of Blue Island, Illinois.
Motion by Alderman McGee, second by Alderman Fahrenwald for Adoption of Ordinance No. 2023-035.
Ayes: 7 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
Abstention: 0
There being seven (7) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
e. Ordinance No. 2023-036: An Ordinance of the City of Blue Island, Cook County Illinois, Amending Title VII (“Traffic Code”), Chapter 71 ("Speed Restrictions") of the Code of Blue Island, Illinois.
Motion by Alderman Carr, second by Alderman Rita for Adoption of Ordinance No. 2023-036.
Ayes: 7 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
Abstention: 0
There being seven (7) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
Alderman Johnson noted that the school zone in his Ward makes the block a one- way, which blocks mailboxes and driveways for residents, and people cannot come and go. He asked that the City keep an eye out for that particular school.
f. Ordinance No. 2023-037: An Ordinance of the City of Blue Island, Cook County Illinois, Amending Title V (“Public Works”), Chapter 52 (“Water and Sewers”) of the Code of Blue Island, Illinois.
Motion by Alderman Roll, second by Alderman Fahrenwald for Adoption of Ordinance No. 2023-037.
Ayes: 7 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
Abstention: 0
There being seven (7) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
Alderman Fahrenwald requested that the City Attorney clarify the ordinance's language.
City Attorney, Erin Blake, stated the language at issue "all water shall be furnished by the City, but installation charges be paid by the plumber" was pre-existing language. She asked for and received clarification from Michael Schroeder, the Public Works Superintendent regarding the same.
Alderman Roll stated the residents have one month to install and remove meter.
Michael Schroeder, Public Works Superintendent, noted that only licensed plumbers who are registered with the City can undertake the work. The City cannot allow more than one month due to their contract. He believed that one month is enough time to schedule an appointment.
g. Mayor's Announcements/Comments.
The Mayor notified the City Council that the Olde Western streetscape project is on track.
The Mayor informed City Council that Hitchcock and Burke Engineering met for the second phase of the streetscape since it is a process dealing with IDOT and will be grant funded.
The Mayor mentioned that the water meter commercial exchange meeting has not been set.
The Mayor stated that Gallagher has not provided an exact start date for the 2023 Road Program; however, they will be able to finish the project before any snow falls.
9) City Clerk's Announcements/Reports/Comments
a. City Clerk's Announcements
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, stated that Blue Cap will have their Rose Walk on 9/9/23.
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, notified the City Council that the Guildhaus is preparing a 5k run/walk on September 24th.
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, notified everyone to save-the-date for the Health Fair on 10/7/23 at the John D. Rita Recreation Center from 10 am until 2 pm.
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, notified everyone to save-the-date for Movie on the Green at The Meadows Golf Club at 7 pm on 10/7/23.
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, notified everyone to save-the-date for the scarecrow event on 9/12/23 at York and Western.
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, notified everyone to save-the-date for the Day of the Dead event on 11/2/23 on York and Western.
City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, notified everyone to save-the-date for the Christmas Light Parade/Kringle Mart on 12/2/23.
10) Treasurer's Report
a. City Treasurer's Announcements/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
City Administrator Thomas Wogan indicated that FEMA will make direct contact with residents and that he has seen some FEMA investigators in town. He encourages residents, particularly senior citizens, to apply. An email was sent to each applicant to notify them regarding specifics. The information has also been shared on social media.
City Administrator, Thomas Wogan, stated the City is pushing for the audit to be ready by September 30th.
13) Aldermanic Announcements/Reports/Comments
Alderwoman Rita wanted to start a conversation on the third ward's parking restrictions near the Metra parking lot, as well as overnight parking, permit parking, and trailer parking on private property.
Alderman Johnson cordially invited everyone to the Harvest Garden Soiree at Memorial Park this Thursday at 5 p.m., which will include yoga and food served by chefs.
Alderman Fahrenwald inquired whether the City would have cooling centers due to the heat. Both the Mayor and the City Administrator noted that the cooling centers were advertised on social media and are located at the golf course, police station, library, Salvation Army, Recreation Center, Memorial Park, and Calumet Township.
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 Rita, second by Alderman Fahrenwald to go into Executive Session.
Ayes: 7 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
Abstention: 0
There being seven (7) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Alderman Johnson, second by Alderman Roll to resume regular meeting.
Ayes: 7 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
Abstention: 0
There being seven (7) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
The Mayor stated that the City Council discussed possible litigation.
15) Motion for Adjournment
Motion by Alderman Rita, second by Alderman Fahrenwald to adjourn the regular meeting.
Ayes: 7 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Montoya, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee
Nays: 0
Absent: 0
Abstention: 0
There being seven (7) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned 7:38 p.m.
https://www.blueisland.org/wp-content/uploads/government/city-council/city-council-agenda-minutes/City-Council-Minutes-08-22-2023.pdf
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