South Cook News

City of Country Club Hills City Council met Sept. 25.

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 James W. Ford.

1a. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 

The Pledge of Allegiance was presented by all in attendance and lead by Mayor James W. Ford.

2. ROLL CALL - PATRICIA D. HUTSON, CITY CLERK 

Alderman Lockett, Davis, Edwards, Hutson and City Treasurer Steven Burris. Also in attendance were City Administrator-Carl Estelle and the Administrative Cabinet.

Excused as absent - Alderman Spivey

3. INVOCATION - CLERGY OR DESIGNEE 

The Invocation was led by Pastor Dr. Llewellyn Dixon Jubilee Faith Community Church of Country Club Hills.

4. JOURNAL PROCEEDINGS 

Approval of Meeting Minutes:

Approval - Regular City Council Meeting Minutes for September 11, 2023 

Alderman Lockett moved for City Council approval of Regular Meeting Minutes 09.11.2023. Second, Alderman Edwards. Discussion-None.

ROLL CALL VOTE: 

Ayes: 4 Alderman Lockett, Davis, Edwards and Hutson

Nays: 0

Abstains: 0

Absent: 1 Alderman Spivey

Motion Declared Carried and Hereby Made a Part of the Original Journal of Proceedings this date.

5. COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS BY MAYOR FORD: 

Appointment Certificate Presentation to Alderman Tyrone K. Hutson 

Mayor Ford and the City Council presented Alderman Tyrone Hutson with a certificate commemorating his appointment as Alderman of the 3rd Ward.

Presentation - School District #228 Board Members "State of the District" - Mrs. Marquita Marshall Motley and Ms. Tiffeny Lott 

School District #228 Board Members Marquita Marshall Motley and Tiffeny Lott introduced themselves and shared partnership information on a community wellness clinic with Jewel Osco. The clinics will be held October 5th for Tinley Park and Hillcrest H.S.'s and October 6th at Oak Forest and Bremen H.S.'s. The clinics will feature vaccines for covid, meningitis and others. The event is open to the public and more information is available on the district website and social media pages. The board members then shared the district has recently mailed a copy of their digital news flyer regarding the status of the district to 40,000 Bremen Township residents. The newsletter features academic, academic and social highlights from each school along with a message from the Superintendent and Board President. Their plan is to mail out the newsletter every summer to recap the previous school year and share information on the upcoming year.

Alderman Lockett moved for City Council approval of the Presentation from School District #228 Board Members "State of the District" - Mrs. Marquita Marshall Motley and Ms. Tiffeny Lott. Second, Alderman Hutson. Discussion-None.

ROLL CALL VOTE: 

Ayes: 4 Alderman Lockett, Davis, Edwards and Hutson

Nays: 0 

Abstains: 0 

Absent: 1 Alderman Spivey

Motion Declared Carried and Hereby Made a Part of the Original Journal of Proceedings this date.

Alderman Edwards had a couple of questions for the Board members to be answered at a later date. He would like to know the percentage of students who graduate from each school? How many students go to college or trade school? He would like to see the parent participation at each school. He would like to know the type of scholarships received. Lastly, he would like to know how many students are at each school. Alderman Edwards then thanked the board members for their presentation. Mayor Ford then thanked the ladies for their hard work and commitment to the district.

6. CITY CLERK'S REPORT – PATRICIA D. HUTSON, CITY CLERK 

Clerk Hutson shared last Tuesday September 19th National Voter Registration Day and Voter Registrars were in the lobby of city hall along with representatives from Com-Ed and Nicor who shared money saving tips. Clerk Hutson then shared she attended the Illinois Municipal League 2023 Conference. The conference offered informative professional development sessions beneficial to municipal governments. Clerk Hutson also shared the opportunity to network with clerks, mayors, trustees and share experiences with other municipal colleagues was invaluable. Lastly, she shared she is almost complete with the codification project working with the police department and the software company.

7. CITY COLLECTOR'S REPORT – PATRICIA D. HUTSON, CITY COLLECTOR 

City Collector's Report as of August 31, 2023 

Clerk Hutson shared the Collector's Report was given to the City Council and if there were any questions to please let her know.

8. CITY TREASURER'S REPORT - STEVEN BURRIS, CITY TREASURER 

City Treasurer's Report as of August 31, 2023

Treasurer Burris shared the bank balance as of August 31, 2023 was $18,326,169.30. He shared there was revenue collected in the amount of $2,265,035.06. Treasurer Burris then shared the accounts payables distribution was $1,328,068.55. He then shared the bank balance as of September 1, 2023 was $17,935,067.26.

9. COMMITTEE REPORTS: 

Finance, Insurance, & Risk Management - Alderman Lockett, Chairman (Committee Meeting - 09.25.2023 6:45PM) 

Approval - Accounts Payables as of September 25, 2023 

Alderman Lockett moved for City Council approval of vouchers in the amount of $781,617.25 for 09.25.2023 as funds are available. Second, Alderman Davis. Discussion - None

ROLL CALL VOTE: 

Ayes: 4 Alderman Lockett, Davis, Edwards and Hutson

Nays: 0

Abstains: 0

Absent: 1 Alderman Spivey

Motion Declared Carried and Hereby Made a Part of the Original Journal of Proceedings this date.

Law, Ordinance, Government Operations & Contract -Unassigned

(Committee Meeting - TBA)

No Report

Public Works and Utilities - Alderman Davis, Chairman

(Committee Meeting - TBA)

Alderman Davis thanked public works for installing the speed bumps on Marycrest Dr. and 187th St. He then shared he received a positive response and he gets requests for more speed bump installations.

Economic Development & Planning, Zoning & Development - Alderman Spivey, Chairman (Committee Meeting - 09.27.2023 7:00PM) 

No Report

Education, Parks and Recs-Alderman Edwards, Chairman (Committee Meeting - TBA)

Alderman Edwards shared that Hillcrest H.S. Career Day was canceled and he's waiting for a reschedule.. He then shared he sees a lot of improvements in his ward as far as tree cuts, sidewalks and streets and his ward looks better. Lastly, he will put more money in the budget next year for more sidewalk and street repairs.

Mayor Ford shared EDC Committee has a meeting scheduled for September 27th at 7:00pm

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, Edwards and Hutson

Nays: 0

Abstains: 0

Absent: 1 Alderman Spivey

Motion Declared Carried and Hereby Made a Part of the Original Journal of Proceedings this date.

11. PUBLIC PORTION OF MEETING 

Rodney James, resident, thanked Mayor Ford and Alderman Edwards and everyone for the street repairs near his home.

Leroy Barnes, resident, shared the Mexican Day Parade was a wonderful success. The parade was led by a 2004 corvette followed by the police and fire departments, beautiful dancing horses and dancers. He also shared everyone was hospitable and the parade was very orderly. Mr. Barnes then shared at the end of the parade, at 183rd and LeClaire, there was freshly cooked chicken and food for everyone. He shared there were ponies for children to ride, trampolines fun activities for all. Lastly, he shared that Mr. Cortez was very appreciative and grateful for the opportunity to have the parade.

Alderman Lockett also shared the Black Beauty Pageant Princesses were also in the parade.

Hosea Gray, resident, shared he read the old meeting minutes and there were complaints about the grass cutting. He turned in a complaint form about grass cutting and did not receive a response so he turned in another complaint and was told there is a new building department personnel. He was also told that the building department cannot force resident to cut their grass. Mr. Gray then shared there are ordinances in place to help with this. He would like to know if the building department is going to do a better job to help keep the city beautiful so it does not affect the neighbors and maintain the property value. Mr. Gray then shared he also put in a complaint form about the process for replacing the 3rd ward alderman, he didn't get a response and so he looked it up. He saw the abandonment ordinance was passed and he like a response to his complaint. Mr. Gray agreed with the questions Alderman Edwards asked the school board members. He shared good test scores attract new homeowners that want a good place to stay. He congratulated the school board members on the increase in their test scores. Mr. Gray read the budget online and shared as the city needs money he was concerned there was $10,000 listed for the liquor commissioner. He shared the city hired a city manager but there has been no replacement staff for the building department and public works. He then shared the city is losing money on the theater. He then shared with all the acts and radio personalities he thinks the city will lose $2 million dollars. He then shared if the city is losing money you can't justify raises. Mr. Gray asked what law enforcement was doing to patrol the areas that need speed bumps. He then asked the alderman what were his plans for the 3rd ward because there are streets and lighting in need of repair.

Mayor Ford then shared the $10,000 was not in the budget for him as the liquor commissioner. He shared he receives $1.00 as her has over his 8 years in office. Mayor shared wants to be sure residents receive the right information.

Sharon Dyer-Washington, resident, thanked the Country Club Hills Police for coming when called and catching the culprits that were breaking into her car. She wanted to share her appreciation.

Mayor Ford thanked Ms. Dyer-Washington and shared the Chief and the department were thankful for her comment as well.

Nancy Switzer, resident, expressed her extreme elation that 171st place has finally been paved. She then shared she found it interesting that the gentlemen found the budget because she has looked and cannot find it. She then shared in maritime would the captain is responsible for the ship and she would think that applies here as well. Ms. Switzer then shared that nobody ever returns phone calls. She shared her neighbor was blown off by public works and now she has to push back her closing. She shared her neighbor called public works four times and someone picked up, laughed and then hung up. Ms. Switzer shared she has spoken to the water department and nobody calls back. She does not understand why someone else can't respond when others are on vacation and why this municipality runs the way it does.

Earl Powell, shared he is a parent of a Hillcrest student. He then shared after hearing the report from SD#228 that Hillcrest H.S. is the redheaded stepchild in the district. He shared there are resources for 5 full time police officers and 7 full time security members. He shared in regards to Homecoming he felt his child's rite of passage was cancelled. He shared his daughter is a straight "A" student and should not be punished for the 5% bad apples with behavioral problems. Mr. Powell shared for those who cannot participate in society they should not be allowed to cause chaos at the schools. He then shared the improvements at Bremen, Oak Forest and Tinley are not comparable to Hillcrest.

Dwyer Williams, resident, shared he too would like to know how the vacancy for the 3rd Ward Alderman was done. He wanted to know if anyone was contacted. He shared he was sure Mayor Ford interviewed Mr. Hutson, but it looked suspicious that he replaced the 3rd ward alderman without an election. He shared Mr. Hutson ran three times and lost three times. He shared it could have been extended an arm to the 3rd ward.

Mark Pointer, resident, asked what is the city's long-term intent for speed bumps? He understood the speed bumps in place will be removed for the winter. He then asked what is the process for spring. Do resident have to request again or are they reinstalled at the same location.

Mayor Ford shared he would hope the residents will work with the city on safety concerns by working with the city on safety concerns. He shared the city will remove the speed bumps and install them in the spring based on conversations with the aldermen per resident requests.

12. MOTION TO CLOSE 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, Edwards and Hutson

Nays: 0

Abstains: 0

Absent: 1 Alderman Spivey

Motion Declared Carried and Hereby Made a Part of the Original Journal of Proceedings this date.

13. ALDERMANIC REPORTS 

Alderman Edwards shared he will have an unofficial meeting October 19th at 5:30pm. He will discuss how he can help the schools. He shared the city issues a warning and then a ticket for tall grass. He shared the tickets stay with the house and must be paid before the house is sold. He then shared they will get updates and the Country Club Hills Theater didn't lose $2million because it was budgeted for a certain amount. Alderman Edwards then addressed the speed bumps. He shared the aldermen met with the police department to discuss potential problem areas to determine what streets were in need. He then shared they are installed in the spring and summer and removed in the fall. He also shared that he advocates for safe passage for children's safety to walk to school and wants to help stop the speeding. Lastly, Alderman Edwards shared the $10,000 in the budget was for legal fees for court appearances if needed.

Alderman Lockett shared how he knew Mr. Powell as a young man back in his car salesman days. Also, he mentioned that it was a shame that Young Mr. Mitchell lost his life and his mom lost her son. He also shared it was a shame that those who were shooting robbed the students of their opportunity to enjoy a high school homecoming. He shared who would think when parents send their child to a school event that they may never return. Alderman Lockett then shared that Country Club Hills has a very fine police department. He shared at the press conference it brought tears to his eyes to see how emotional the Chief and the police force were regarding the loss of Mr. Mitchell. Alderman Lockett then shared that anyone impacted by the flooding in Cook County from June 29 - July 2nd go to fema.gov to file a claim. He shared he had damage, filed his claim and received his check for repairs. Lastly, Alderman Lockett shared Saturday September 30th 12pm to 10pm there will be a House Musical Festival at the Country Club Hills Theater. The tickets are $25.00 through eventbrite or can be purchased at the door. The DJ's are Mike Dunn, Dee Jay Alicia, Boolumaster, DJ Lil' John, Sundance, Mikey Calvin, Hula Mahone, Mel Gentry, Wil Jakz and M.C. Lady Alicia.

Alderman Davis shared congratulations to Ms. Lott on her school board appointment and to Mr. Lott that is a school board issue. He then shared he encourages resident participation and was surprised that no one came to the meeting to address the tax assessments. Alderman Davis shared he recently received his and was very concerned. He shared he has received calls from many residents regarding their taxes. He shared next year there will be a significant increase and it will not be the city's fault. He encourages residents to voice their concerns. He then shared his disappointment with the lack of response and follow through from departments and department heads. He shared when he contacts a department head it is because it's a concern from a resident. Alderman Davis then addressed Mr. Gray regarding the grass cutting and the current vendor will not be renewed. He then shared that Semmer, new company, has not removed the dirt pile as promised. Alderman Davis and Mayor Ford had ongoing conversation about the dirt pile, tickets issued to Semmer and the lack of action regarding this matter.

Alderman Hutson shared, to the residents of the 3rd Ward, the alderman seat was abandoned as of the end of February 2023. He shared the Mayor did have a committee to interview those interested in filling the aldermanic seat. He then shared he has come to meetings and had yet to see a 3rd ward resident address the fact that their alderman was not coming to meetings vs an alderman who is present and at meetings. Alderman Hutson then shared his appreciation to Asst. Director Kuta and the public works team for cleaning up the bern area on 181st between Cicero and Lavergne. The area had overgrown bushes, weeds and dumped tree limbs that were in need of removal. Alderman Hutson also shared he and his wife have walked Churchill Downs, Fawn Ridge and High Meadows subdivisions to identify sidewalk trip hazards and streets in need of repair. He will submit a spread sheet listing those areas he has identified to public works to start the repair process. He then shared he visited and met with residents homes on 4600 block of 175pl regarding overgrown trees, flooding, bushes etc. in an area that is behind 175th St. underneath the I-80 expressway. He shared there is also a stream in that area which the city public works area will work in collaboration with IDOT to get the area maintenanced. Alderman Hutson shared he has been working on a sinkhole problem on the 5000 block of 179th St. behind six homes. He has been in communication with this project as a resident prior to his appointment. Lastly, Alderman Hutson shared he has never stopped serving his fellow residents with or without a title, three wins or three loses.

Alderman Davis shared this past week the city was represented the Illinois Municipal League for professional development sessions with himself, department heads, the alderman and the clerk. He shared it was insightful and appreciates the investment the city makes.

Mayor Ford shared the seat had been vacant since February and it was a long time. He shared there were five members of the 3rd ward who were interested and some were in the audience. Mayor then shared by Ordinance has the ability to appoint a replacement with the council's consent. So he decided to establish a committee, interview and the outcome was the selection of the proper candidate which was Mr. Hutson. He would like to see the elected officials establish a partnership with the residents. Mayor shared we are in the office daily and information is available. He encouraged anyone who has a concern to ask and not to wait for a council meeting to come in with misinformation. He shared we are here to represent you and will assist in answering questions. He shared it is our responsibility to correct information that is shared on channel 4. Lastly, he shared he has been in office for 8 years and would like a better working relationship with the public. Mayor also shared the Community Partnership Meetings are scheduled for Wards 1,2 and 3 on October 18th and Wards 4 & 5 October 19th at 6:00 pm with all departments.

Clerk Hutson shared Mayor Edwards meeting may conflict with his unofficial meeting. Alderman Edwards shared he will move his meeting to the following Thursday.

14. ADJOURNMENT 

Alderman Edwards moved for adjournment. Second by Alderman Hutson. Discussion - None

ROLL CALL VOTE: 

Ayes: 4 Alderman Lockett, Davis, Edwards and Hutson

Nays: 0

Abstains: 0

Absent: 1 Alderman Spivey

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/2023/10/City_Council_Minutes_2023_09_25.pdf