South Cook News

City of Markham City Council met Feb. 7.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor, Roger Agpawa called the Regular Meeting of the Markham City Council to order at 7:07p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Prayer led by Ms. Williams. Roll Call was taken by City Clerk, Leslie Trimuel.

ROLL CALL: ALDERMAN PRESENT 

Alderwoman Wanda McDowell 

Alderman Breana Hampton-Houser 

Alderman William Barron 

ALSO PRESENT: 

Alderman Joseph Bertrand Jr. 

Attorney Steven Miller 

City Treasurer, Belinda Richardson 

City Administrator, Derrick Champion 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR 

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING 

January 17, 2024 

Motion to approve minutes with any corrections by Ald. Barron, seconded by Ald. McDowell Roll Call: 3 Yes/0 No/0 Absent/1 Abstain-Motion Carried 

AUTHORIZATION OF CLAIMS 

Motion by Ald. Hampton-Houser, seconded by Ald. Bertrand Jr., to adopt Authorization of Claims and Accounts Bill list, totaling $860,376.36 with manual checks of $2,500.00, for a grand total of $862,876,36. Roll Call: 4 Yes/0 No/ 0 Absent/0 Abstain-Motion Carried 

SPECIAL PRESENTATION 

The Barry Family was recognized for their exceptional contributions to the community through their extraordinary holiday decorations and presented with a plaque by Ald. McDowell and a gift card by Mayor Agpawa. A special thank you by their neighbor Steve was given and thanking them for being special neighbors. 

Presentation for Black History Month by District 152 1⁄2 Students bringing a spiritual hymn to the Council and audience. 

CITY ATTORNEY REPORT 

ADOPT RESOLUTION 

24-R-713 

Motion by Ald. Barron, seconded by Ald. Hampton-Houser, to adopt Resolution 24-R-713 

A Resolution Concerning the Purchase of a Municipal Vehicle for the City of Markham from The Village of New Lenox 

Roll Call: 4 Yes/0 No/0 Absent/0 Abstain-Motion Carried 

WAIVE 48 HOUR READING OF ORDINANCE 

24-0-2383 

Motion by Ald. Barron, seconded by Ald. McDowell, to waive 48 hour reading of Ordinance 24-0-2383 An Ordinance Authorizing the Execution of a Collective Bargaining Agreement Between the City of Markham and The Illinois Council of Police 

Roll Call: 4 Yes/0 No/0 Absent/0 Abstain-Motion Carried 

ADOPT ORDINANCE 

23-0-2383 

Motion by Ald. Barron, seconded by Ald. McDowell, to adopt Ordinance 24-0-2383 An Ordinance Authorizing the Execution of a Collective Bargaining Agreement Between the City of Markham and The Illinois Council of Police 

Roll Call: 3 Yes/0 No/0 Absent/1 Abstain-Motion Carried 

CLERKS REPORT 

No report. 

MAYORS REPORT 

I don't know if I should be fooled by the weather or not, or if the groundhog did something or whatever, but it's going to be 60 in another day or so, I don't know if it's going to snow after that. But anyway, let's just tell everybody to be careful. I know that all the departments talk about these things every day, just be ready, should the weather change. We will be prepared to go out there and do what we need to do. This is Black History Month, I was able to share with the block club, and we could share with our residents, one of the things I want to share somebody called me and asked me about giving them a statement about black history of who was influential to me in black history. I looked around at all the things that we have on the walls around here every year, I really want to compliment Ald. McDowell, who does a lot of hard work putting this display together. 

We have some of the kids come from the schools and a lot of seniors come out throughout the building every year. Someone asked me about all the people I would choose from, I just shared it the other night my heroes are local. I can appreciate and know all too well what a lot of leaders did for us to get where we are in black history itself from the bigger movements, but a lot of those places started locally. Even in our community, we talked about Miss Cannon, I mean, she's 95 and she was my fourth or fifth grade schoolteacher. She's done so much in government in the community and she's just one of those heroes for me and I think that we all can think about who they are locally to us. I know that I'm really taking that in and we'll see more of that in this room next year. I think some of you might know that I had the whole ancestry thing done and found my father after 60 years, it was really a miracle. I wasn't really going to talk about that but what it did, I had a breakdown of my background, I'm mixed up with 32% of me is Nigerian, also Indian. I'm mixed up with everything else and that's why I act the way I do, but that's okay. I really would encourage anybody that if you don't know all your history or roots or ancestry to do just do your ancestry. I have a first cousin I met my brother and my sister. 

DERRICK CHAMPION – CITY ADMINISTRATOR 

I just wanted to give you some updates on a couple of projects and some of the things going on around Markham. I'm going to start with Dunkin Donuts, the new location has several parking stalls with a drive- through, they anticipate a 12-week construction for the project. Next up is Thornton gas station, the construction is anticipated to begin this spring in early April or early May so we're still going through some things with MWRD. That the anticipated schedule for the project is going to be approximately four to six months. Minor changes are being finalized as required by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. Mayor, we have an opportunity for our urban and community forestry grant which we will be applying the funding it ranges between $25,000 to $150,000. We are planning to plant trees. This is a bit of funding that we can tap into. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Green Infrastructure Grant has an opportunity, the city will apply for to convert existing alleys to permeable pavement. The project will be in the Belaire neighborhood just north of 159th Street, which will definitely help with flooding. The next one is Water Reclamation District provide feedback on our pre application submitted last fall, the deadline for this application is on March 22 this year, and the Cook County Building Resilient Communities Program. We just had our first municipal workshop on January 29th. There were a lot of department heads in the meeting. The program is to develop a climate resiliency plan that will address climate related issues. The program is completely funded by Cook County Environmental Sustainability Department. Markham is one of five communities that was funded with the $60 million program. Once we get through planning and design which is a fifth of implementation project. Lastly the city is planning on having discussions with Pace to partner in applying for an investment cook grant opportunity, the goal for this finding, designing and installing style sidewalks along 162nd Street, more information will come. Markham has a lot of good funding out here and has been targeted to receive a lot. 

MAYOR AGPAWA 

They took the fence down by Thorton, do you know about that? 

DERRICK CHAMPION 

That's correct, our engineer is working with MWRD to go over some sewer requirements. 

MAYOR AGPAWA 

The infrastructure grant that's in Belaire, is that additional? 

DERRICK CHAMPION 

This is an addition. 

ALDERMANIC REPORTS 

ALD, BARRON 

Last Friday, we had a spaghetti dinner to help people in need. I put a lot of people together to make this happen. Ms. Starks is the person that made me think about us needing to do more. She pointed out to us how we are rich we just don't think about that. But we're very fortunate, the people that are trying to come into this country are trying to provide their family with a better life. The event was a huge success. With the help of the mayor and all the city workers, we had over 240 bags of clothing that were donated to a distribution center at 2500 W. Bradley which is right next to WGN studios. They were very eager to receive it. We sent three huge truckloads and the guys in Public Works really did a wonderful job. We had the support of the City Council, Administrator, City Attorney, everybody saw it was a community project and I can't thank them enough. They did a wonderful job; I thank everybody that helped. I thought it spoke very well of Markham as a whole. We had a lot of help with that project, I was happy to be a small part of it. Beginning the 17th of February, the VFW fish fry will be every Friday night for the next seven weeks. We've got a real estate tax bills, I'm going to say it until I'm blue in the face but everybody should look into filing an appeal to their taxes. That's the only way that we're going to get Cook County's attention. I've been fighting on my own for years with little success, I reached out to a service which was fairly inexpensive who helped I expected a much bigger decrease than I actually got so I think it's working. Also, Public Works has done an outstanding job, I don't even know how many water main breaks we had, but I know on one day alone, we had five and then of course we see this with Dixmoor on TV, most of our water breaks have been fixed without us shutting off the water system. So, we're very fortunate that we didn't have to come to a boil order. Sometimes it happens so fast that we can't put it out there on Code Red. I just want to point out if anyone wants to be a member of that notification contact, City Hall and we'll take your information to get texts or a phone call. Thank everybody for their support. 

MAYOR AGPAWA 

Thank you, did a great job, it is greatly appreciated what you do for everyone in community support. 

ALD. HAMPTON-HOUSER 

Good evening residents that are present here this evening. I want to say Happy Black History Month. The mayor made a pertinent point regarding whom he admires as an individual who should be recognized. I agree with him on Mrs. Cannon. I feel my dad is well, he's my black history hero as well. Having the opportunity to be raised in a community to start a business in the city of Markham where he hired hundreds of individuals from the city of Markham to look up today and see so many individuals who have approached my dad and approached us as a family at one time or another when it came to landscaping. They used to laugh at my dad like oh my god, he's doing landscaping, but I admire my dad to no end because of his raising his family to the point where we have outstanding landscapers today who actually came to us to find out how to actually get started and they are successful to this day. When I see them, they always say I loved Mr. Hampton and Sons landscape. My hero is my dad, who set a trend in the city of Markham to allow other individuals to move forward with their entrepreneurship this way. I also want to say in April you will be receiving via mail my newsletter for the month of April. In that letter, will be a lot of pertinent information. Ald. Baron, my accolades to you. I appreciate you moving forward with the migrants making sure that we do our part for the city of Markham. I wasn't able to make it there, but I know everything was successful I want to congratulate you for doing that. 

ALD. MCDOWELL 

City Council and the residents I am, sad to announce the passing of Sarah Bryant. The late mother Bryant's baby daughter, mother, Bryant was 100 years old she died last year, and her baby daughter just passed so just keep the family in prayer. That service was Saturday, we were able to show our support here in Markham. Ald. Barron, the event last Friday was excellent, to see the people come in love and bring clothing for those that are in need. It was a great turnout. Also, please don't forget we're in our Black History Month, please take time out to come to City Hall from 9 to 5 to see the hallways and the Council Chambers. There's more upstairs. Parents take time out we are inviting students to come over to look at them and learn a little bit more about our culture. Also, on February 24 at 11 o'clock Tastes of Markham will take place at the library. Please come out and support our library that starts at 11 o'clock. There will be plenty of food for our community and cultural cuisine, please come out and support our library. 

ALD. BERTRAND JR. 

Good evening. Council neighbors and friends. Thank you for the work, Ald. McDowell it's growing from last year. I remember coming in and looking at some of this it takes a lot to put this together on the back end. Ald. Barron, I also want to thank you for what you did last Friday, I was in attendance, it was great. I'm grateful that we've been able to do something for the migrants as they're going through the change in life. I want to wish a happy Valentine's Day; I was told that it was not just for ladies. 

I know we've got projects coming, I'm interested in talking because some of the stuff going on in Bel Aire dealing with some of the flooding issues that come off of the prairies, I will be hopefully reaching out to the Conservatory to find out if there is funding to deal with the flood type issues. I don't know if we've looked into that side. I'm guessing but it might be some funding out there so we can look into it. 

I would just like to mention one of the people I forgot was NBC Channel 5 was out. They spent quite a bit of the afternoon with us, they interviewed the mayor, but what was really special is the reporter actually grew up here. It's Regina Waldroup. I just thought that was special having her here. She knew a lot of people. 

MOTION TO OPEN FLOOR TO PUBLIC 

Motion by Ald. Barron, seconded by Ald. Hampton, to Open Floor to Public. Roll Call: 4 Yes/0 No/0 Absent-Motion Carried 

ATTORNEY LARRY SRYCZEWSKI 

Good evening, I'm here on behalf of 163rd and Dixie Highway LLC. In 2008 we entered into a redevelopment agreement with the City Council at that point in time, all he had to do was pay the taxes which he has. Subsequent to this, since 2001 and 2002, my client has not received any monies whatsoever and according to the developers' note is 90% of the income in increments. For 2001, 2002 first and second installment, amount of the taxes was $854,735. My client is due 90% of that, which is $769,262.61. We have submitted paperwork to the appropriate individuals pursuant to the redevelopment agreement. The redevelopment agreement does call note if we are lacking some documentation, we should receive notice within 30 days. He has not received any notice whatsoever. My client is patient, but it is a substantial amount of money. We've done everything according to the redevelopment agreement, we are talking over three quarters of a million dollars. It just keeps on growing, we're looking forward to payment to my client. We've done everything we're supposed to, there's been no objections from the city officials with respect to our invoices or tax bills, they're paid in full. 

MAYOR AGPAWA 

We received some documentation from your office. I can look into this and make sure that we get back to you right away. 

PATRICIA NICHOLSON 

My water was shut off January 24, I've been calling your office and the building department. I spoke to Ald. Hampton on Monday, regarding the water, my family and I don't have any water. I have called the office at least five times, asking what the situation was? They initially told me it was because of the name that was on the property, everything they asked of me I gave it to them. However, Robert in the building department denied it and said he will not accept the deed. So therefore, until these now they're telling me that we went from January 24 to contact them to tell them what to do with the water to last Thursday. I spoke to Ald. Hampton, we're waiting on the city of Markham attorneys to say when the water will be turned on, in the meantime I'm without water. 

MAYOR AGPAWA 

I don't know all the circumstances but once we end the meeting, we can touch base with you. 

DERRICK CHAMPION 

Miss Nicholson had emailed me, and I responded back to her. Miss Nicholson gave me her view on exactly what transpired, I immediately called Rob to get more insight on what's going on he will get in contact with her and give her an update on what's happening. 

MAYOR AGPAWA 

My office is still working it out with Robbie to get it settled. I will find out in the morning what's going on. 

CHRISTAL BEYER 

The Taste of Markham will be held Saturday, February 24, from 11am to 1pm. We want to invite you to come out if you are able, there will be lots of great food for you and fun things to do, also giveaways galore. It will be a great time. Happy Black History Month. 

ALD. HAMPTON-HOUSER 

Ms. Spears asked me on her behalf to make this little acknowledgment, we have a Markham resident, Shameka Leach for her community service efforts receive a free trip to go to the Superbowl, she was named the 2023 Bears fan of the year. 

CHIEF JACK GENIUS 

On behalf of the Police Department, we appreciate the goodwill honesty of you and the city council in providing a contract in a timely manner. My memory goes quite far back. I don't think there's been an agreement without turmoil that it ended up in for a long time. This time it was negotiated by the parties. I know the police are happy. I see them doing their job. I hope that every one of you will say that the crime is really down. You remember a year and a half ago, people shot. We had a few murders, houses shot up, like every two weeks. We don't have that anymore; it is way down. We'll never be able to get rid of it, but we've really put a clamp on it. But I wanted to thank you personally. The way you negotiated and the way that you treat the department is greatly appreciated. Thank you. 

MOTION TO CLOSE FLOOR TO PUBLIC 

Motion by Ald. Hampton-Houser, seconded by Ald. Bertrand Jr., to Close Floor to Public Roll Call: 4 Yes/0 No/0 Absent-Motion Carried 

ADJOURNMENT 

Motion by Ald. Hampton-Houser seconded by Ald. McDowell to adjourn at 7:54p.m. 

Roll Call: 4 Yes/0 No/0 Absent-Motion Carried 

https://www.cityofmarkham.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02072024-253