City of Country Club Hills City Council met Aug. 28.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
1. CALL TO ORDER - JAMES W. FORD, MAYOR
A Regular Meeting of the City Council, City of Country Club Hills, Cook County, State of Illinois, was held in the City Hall 4200 W. 183rd Street at 7:07PM. The meeting was called to order by the Honorable Mayor Pro-tempore Vincent Lockett.
1a. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was presented by all in attendance and lead by Mayor Pro-tempore Vincent Lockett.
2. ROLL CALL – PATRICIA D. HUTSON, CITY CLERK
Alderman Lockett, Davis, Spivey, Edwards and City Treasurer Steven Burris. Also in attendance were City Administrator-Carl Estelle and the Administrative Cabinet.
Excused as Absent - Mayor James W. Ford
3. INVOCATION CLERGY OR DESIGNEE
The Invocation was lead by Pastor Anthony Tiller of the Jeremiah Temple Church of Country Club Hills.
4. JOURNAL PROCEEDINGS
Approval of Meeting Minutes:
Approval - City Council Meeting Minutes for August 14, 2023
Alderman Davis moved for City Council approval of Regular Meeting Minutes 08.14.2023. Second, Alderman Edwards.
Discussion-None.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes: 4 Alderman Lockett, Davis, Spivey and Edwards
Nays: 0
Abstains: 0
Absent: 0
Motion Declared Carried and Hereby Made a Part of the Original Journal of Proceedings this date.
5. COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS BY MAYOR FORD:
Approval - Swearing-in Environmental Commissioner - Cecelia Murphy
Alderman Davis moved for City Council approval of the R Swearing-in Environmental Commissioner - Cecelia Murphy. Second, Alderman Spivey.
Discussion-None.
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes: 4 Alderman Lockett, Davis, Spivey and Edwards
Nays: 0
Abstains: 0
Absent: 0
Motion Declared Carried and Hereby Made a Part of the Original Journal of Proceedings this date.
Mayor Pro-tempore Lockett asked Mrs. Cecelia Murphy to come forward for the swearing in. City Clerk Patricia Hutson proceeded to have Mrs. Murphy to raise her right hand and repeat the oath while surrounded by the members of the Environmental Commission. After the swearing in was complete Environmental Commission Chairperson Jennifer Braun-Denton shared the history of the Environmental Commission and how it encourages residents to keep their homes and properties beautiful as a representative of the City of Country Club Hills. She also shared the 2023 Beautification Awards Program has resumed and residents should watch their mailboxes for awards notifications and invitations to the ceremony in October.
6. CITY CLERK'S REPORT - PATRICIA D. HUTSON, CITY CLERK
City Clerk Patricia Hutson read a summary regarding the 60th Anniversary on the March on Washington and the momentous speech from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. originally named Normalcy Never Again until Mahalia Jackson told Dr. King to tell them about the dream Martin while standing at the podium. Clerk Hutson reminded everyone of the fight for democracy, social justice and civil rights continues and that the anniversary is not a commemoration but a continuation. Clerk Hutson shared National Voter Registration Day is Tuesday September 19th and voter registrars along with Com-Ed and Nicor will be in the lobby of City Hall from 9am to 2pm with energy saving tips and information for residents. Clerk Hutson shared she attended the First Day of School Celebration along with Mayor, first responders and staff at Sykuta and it was a wonderful event. Lastly, Clerk Hutson shared that City Hall will be closed Monday September 4th in observance of the Labor Day Holiday and will resume regular hours Tuesday September 5th at 8:00am.
7. CITY COLLECTOR'S REPORT – PATRICIA D. HUTSON, CITY COLLECTOR
City Collector's Report as of July 31, 2023
City Collector Patricia Hutson shared her report information was given to the Aldermen and asked to please let her know if they had any questions.
8. CITY TREASURER'S REPORT - STEVEN R. BURRIS, CITY TREASURER
City Treasurer's Report as of July 31, 2023
City Treasurer Steven Burris shared the Treasurer's Report as of July 31, 2023. Treasurer Burris shared the balance as of July 31, 2023 was $14,050,912.80, the July Revenues were $860,874.86 and the expenses were $1,260,883.83. The balance as of August 1st was $14,911,787.66. Lastly, Treasure Burris thanked the Police Department on the way they handling of juveniles at the movie theater to make sure they children were safe and not causing a disturbance.
9. COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Finance, Insurance, & Risk Management - Alderman Lockett, Chairman (Committee Meeting – TBA)
Approval - Accounts Payable Vouchers as of August 28, 2023
Alderman Davis moved for City Council approval of vouchers in the amount of $662,589.01 for 08.28.2023 as funds are available. Second, Alderman Edwards. Discussion - None
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes: 4 Alderman Lockett, Davis, Spivey and Edwards
Nays: 0
Abstains: 0
Absent: 0
Motion Declared Carried and Hereby Made a Part of the Original Journal of Proceedings this date.
Approval - The Purchase a 2023 Ford Escape and a 2021 Ford Escape
Alderman Davis moved for City Council approval of the Purchase a 2023 Ford Escape and a 2021 Ford Escape for the Code Enforcement Department. Second, Alderman Edwards. Discussion - None
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes: 4 Alderman Lockett, Davis, Spivey and Edwards
Nays: 0
Abstains: 0
Absent: 0
Motion Declared Carried and Hereby Made a Part of the Original Journal of Proceedings this date.
Law, Ordinance, Government Operations & Contract
(Committee Meeting – TBA)
No Report
Public Works and Utilities - Alderman Davis, Chairman
(Committee Meeting – TBA)
No Report
Economic Development & Planning, Zoning & Development – Alderman Spivey, Chairman
(Committee Meeting – TBA)
No Report
Education, Parks and Recs-Alderman Edwards, Chairman
(Committee Meeting – TBA)
Alderman Edwards shared he attended the First Day of School at Southwood and it was a great event. Alderman Edwards also shared he will attend Career Day at Hillcrest H.S. September 21st between the 4th and 7th periods. He shared that he recently attended a Football game Friday night. He then shared there will be free haircuts at Hillcrest Tuesday September 12th during the 1st period. He then shared he will have an unofficial Committee meeting September 21st at 5:30pm. Lastly, Alderman Edwards shared during a meeting with the Principal of Knob Hill the school will have safety drills with Police and Fire to be scheduled in the coming month.
10. MOTION TO OPEN THE FLOOR TO THE PUBLIC
Alderman Edwards moved for City Council approval to open the floor to the public. Second by Alderman Davis.
Discussions - None
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes: 4 Alderman Lockett, Davis, Spivey and Edwards
Nays: 0
Abstains: 0
Absent: 0
Motion Declared Carried and Hereby Made a Part of the Original Journal of Proceedings this date.
11. PUBLIC PORTION OF MEETING
Theaster Shelton, resident, shared his strong objection with the recently installed speed bumps on Ravisloe. He shared it lowers the property value. Mr. Shelton shared his concern that we allow kids to take over the community and we need to stand up to the criminal kids. He wanted to know where the Police are and why aren't they doing their jobs by preventing these speeders and disrupters. He also shared these kids are very disrespectful and out of control. He said this can't be blamed on Bush or Trump.
Kevin Hylton, resident, shared his concern with the parkway maintenance near his home. He shared the cutting and edging by the contractors is inconsistent, there is trash in the cuts and clipping are left in the streets and sidewalks. Mr. Hylton shared as the city is preparing for Beautification Awards the city itself needs to do better because the current maintenance is not a good representation of the city. He shared we need better rules and regulations for mainlining the parkway by our contractors. Lastly, he asked the city to terminate the contract and get an appropriate contractor.
Ms. Amatullah Abdullah, resident, shared her displeasure with the occupants of a rental property near her home. She shared she has made complaints regarding the cleanliness and overall property maintenance. She shared she spoke with someone in the Building Department about the renters bringing traffic, dog grooming, suspicious activity, selling dogs, inoperable vehicles and allowing sections 8's to live next to her. She does not understand why the city allows landlords to not maintain their property. She shared she has filed complaints. Ms. Abdullah then shared the speed bumps have been installed which is decreasing her property value and she has a list of concerns. Lastly, she shared she is fed up. Alderman Lockett shared he would like a copy of her list of concerns after the meeting is over to have them addressed with the Building and Police Departments.
Pastor Ralph Andrew Tolbert, retired Chief of Police, resident, shared he took her daughter to the movie theater and what he saw was disturbing. He shared, from what he was told, there were threats at the theater and the youth were locked out. When he arrived he didn't see any fighting but Police with sirens blaring, and officers on loud speakers yelling at children. Mr. Tolbert shared he has video footage and wasn't sure when Treasurer Burris was there but his observations were different. He shared he was not bashing the Police Department but he wasn't sure if our officers have the training to handle situations like this. He shared that one of the officers brought out the dog out and it was a reminder of the 60's when dogs and firehouses were released on blacks. Mr. Tolbert then shared the actions were unnecessary and it upset his daughter and made her angry. He then shared an officer flagged him and told him that his daughter gave the officer the finger. He told the officer he will deal with his daughter. Mr. Tolbert the asked his daughter to repeat what the officer said and his daughter shared that the officer called her a M..F..B.. and laughed. Mr. Tolbert shared he made a complaint and went to the station to talk to the Chief but the Chief was in a meeting and then ultimately left the building. While Mr. Tolbert was waiting his daughter needed to use the restroom and it was not open for use. He shared as the police station is a warming center we need to have it open. Pro- tempore Lockett advised Mr. Tolbert that his time was up. Mr. Tolbert then requested 3 minutes for his daughter. Mayor Pro-tempore Lockett told Mr. Tolbert he understood everyone has a clear picture of the situation and because a juvenile is involved it would be best to have a private meeting with the Chief to discuss the matter. Mr. Tolbert and Mayor Pro-tempore Lockett had ongoing discussions about this subject matter and investigate it. Mr. Tolbert was then given an opportunity to let his daughter speak and Mr. Tolbert began to speak on behalf of his daughter. Attorney Frazier interjected this it is a matter of a sensitive nature we need to have this discussion privately. Alderman Davis attempted to talk to Mr. Tolbert. Chief Galvin offered to meet with Mr. Tolbert and his daughter and they left the council chambers.
12. MOTION TO CLOSE FLOOR TO THE PUBLIC
Alderman Davis moved for City Council approval to open the floor to the public. Second by Alderman Spivey.
Discussions - None
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes: 4 Alderman Lockett, Davis, Spivey and Edwards
Nays: 0
Abstains: 0
Absent: 0
Motion Declared Carried and Hereby Made a Part of the Original Journal of Proceedings this date.
13. ALDERMANIC REPORTS
Alderman Edwards shared he gets emails and text daily from citizens who want speed bumps. He shared the speed bumps are needed near schools. He shared although they may slow down the first responders a bit they are helpful. Alderman Edwards then asked Ms. Abdullah to send him her list of concerns via text or email and he will forward them to the building department and the city cannot tell people who can live where. Lastly, he shared Ward 1 has new sidewalks and tree trimming and he was thankful.
Alderman Spivey thanked the 4th Ward residents. He then shared he will sponsor students from SD#160 for the HBCU where Central State University vs Mississippi Valley. Alderman Spivey addressed Mr. Hylton's concerns by saying he will help address the mowing of the right of way with public works. He then shared he attended the AKA event at the theater and it was well attended. Lastly, Alderman Spivey thanked everyone who attended the Back to School Parade Event.
Mayor Pro-Tempore Lockett asked for a moment of silence for Earic Watkins, a fantastic former SD#160 employee who recently passed after a long illness. He then reminded everyone that the City of Country Club Hills and Rich Township have partnered to provide transportation for seniors and if needed to call 708-748-4433 for more information. Lastly, he reiterated that a child's concerns are sensitive and need to be addressed at a private police matter.
Alderman Davis shared he sympathizes with Mr. Tolbert however, there is decorum and he was allowed time to speak and we have to keep decorum at all times as residents and city council members. He then shared the mowing issues are beyond public works and has been going on for several years. He thanked Jerry who was the public works director when this started. Alderman Davis shared he is surprised he has not received more calls about the mowing because everyone sees it. He continues to receive calls about the cuts. Alderman Davis shared we need to make all of our contractors more accountable. He shared there is a dirt problem with Semmer Landscaping who promised that the dirt would be gone but it's still there. He shared they had several commitments for companies to take the clay dirt that have fallen through. Semmer shared if they can't get a company they will remove the dirt pile themselves. Alderman Davis also shared Semmer fills the flower beds and he had to beg them to take care of the flower bed. He shared these companies get paid a lot of money and we a better plan and we need to hold them accountable for service to the city. Aldermen then shared residents need to be accountable as well by cleaning up their dog waste. He addressed the speed bumps are asked for by residents and he understands the concerns from both sides. Lastly, he thanked his wife for representing him at the First Day of School at Southwood and invited everyone to the Food Giveaway at Cornerstone Christian Church tomorrow 4101 Flossmoor Rd at 10am.
14. ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Edwards moved for adjournment. Second by Alderman Davis.
Discussion - None
ROLL CALL VOTE:
Ayes: 4 Alderman Lockett, Davis, Spivey and Edwards
Nays: 0
Abstains: 0
Absent: 0
Motion Declared Carried and Hereby Made a Part of the Original Journal of Proceedings this date.
The meeting adjourned at 7:59pm
https://countryclubhills.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/City_Council_Minutes_2023_08_28.pdf
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