South Cook News

City of Blue Island City Council met Feb. 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 February 13, 2024. 

2)  Pledge of Allegiance 

3)  Roll Call 

Roll Call indicates the following: 

Present: 5 Carr, Roll, Johnson (7:03 pm), Fahrenwald, McGee 

Absent: 2 Rita, Montoya 

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 Fahrenwald, second by Alderman McGee to approve the Committee of the Whole Minutes from the January 10, 2024. 

Ayes: 4 Carr, Roll, Fahrenwald, McGee 

Nays: 0 

Absent: 3 Johnson, Montoya, Rita 

Abstention: 0 

There being four (4) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried. 

Motion by Alderman Carr, second by Alderman Roll to approve the City Council Minutes from the January 23, 2024. 

Ayes: 5 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Fahrenwald, McGee 

Nays: 0 

Absent: 2 Montoya, Rita 

Abstention: 0 

There being five (5) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried. 

5) Public Comment 

Shawn Hallinan, an Intergovernmental Officer from the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, gave basic brief public service information, explaining that in 2023, the Call Service Center began to provide Cook County with quick access to help without having to visit a court building. They have assisted 226,000 people since their inception in June, with an average wait time of one minute, over 200 languages, and qualified interpreters available at (312) 603-5030. The Call Service Center also expunges criminal records, giving people the opportunity to restart their life, and they are making significant progress in making it easier to erase people's criminal records. Finally, they have a domestic abuse center that offers legal assistance, known as Safe Heaven, and they can be reached at (708) 232-4084. 

Mission Covenant Church indicated that they were reviewing the redevelopment program and that they specified that "no inhabitants shall be replaced." When asked if this was due to expansion, the Mayor responded that it was. 

Pastor Christopher Brown from the Upper Room Church wanted to reintroduce themselves, greet everyone, and offer assistance in the community. 

Residents claim that an empty property on 127th Street is being used as a garbage dump, where weeds grow throughout the summer, and where neighbors do not feel safe. There was also nervousness about the water bill, as one of the residents stated that she received two bills for the same month. 

6) Old Business 

No old business. 

7) New Business 

No new business. 

8) Mayor's Report 

a. Motion for Approval of Payroll for February 2, 2024, for $420,608.13 (gross). 

Motion by Alderman McGee, second by Alderman Fahrenwald to approve Payroll for February 2, 2024, for $420,608.13 (gross). 

Ayes: 5 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Fahenwald, McGee 

Nays: 0 

Absent: 2 Montoya, Rita 

Abstention: 0 

There being five (5) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried. 

b. Motion for Approval of Accounts Payable dated February 14, 2024, for $1,083,770.51. 

Motion by Alderman Roll, second by Alderman Fahrenwald to approve Accounts Payable dated February 14, 2024, for $1,083,770.51. 

Ayes: 5 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Fahenwald, McGee 

Nays: 0 

Absent: 2 Montoya, Rita 

Abstention: 0 

There being five (5) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried. 

Alderman Fahrenwald noted that he is not accustomed to paying such high catering costs for events, such as Black History. He is not opposed, but he does not understand the reasoning. The Mayor mentioned that they always cater from different locations on Blue Island each year, but we can talk further. 

c. Resolution 2024-001: A Resolution of the City of Blue Island, Cook County, Illinois, to Authorize and Approve a Settlement Agreement and Release in Case Number 19-CH-11225. 

Motion by Alderman Roll, second by Alderman McGee for Adoption of Resolution No. 2024-001. 

Ayes: 5 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Fahenwald, McGee 

Nays: 0 

Absent: 2 Montoya, Rita 

Abstention: 0 

There being five (5) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried. 

d. Resolution 2024-004: A Resolution of the City of Blue Island, Cook County, Illinois, to Authorize and Approve a Purchase and Sale Agreement for 2418 James Street. 

Motion by Alderman Carr, second by Alderman Roll for Adoption of Resolution No. 2024-004. 

Ayes: 5 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Fahrenwald, McGee 

Nays: 0 

Absent: 2 Montoya, Rita 

Abstention: 0 

There being five (5) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried. 

e. Resolution 2024-005: A Resolution of the City of Blue Island, Cook County, Illinois, Supporting a Class 8 Real Estate Tax Assessment Classification Application by Blue Island Management, LLC for the Property located at 2418 James Street. 

Motion by Alderman Fahrenwald, second by Alderman McGee for Adoption of Resolution No. 2024-005. 

Ayes: 5 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Fahrenwald, McGee 

Nays: 0 

Absent: 2 Montoya, Rita 

Abstention: 0 

There being five (5) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried. 

Alderman Fahrenwald noted that he used to work near this building and is pleased to see that they are doing something. This is the final time he will vote yes on a Class 8 real estate classification though until a financial analysis is required with the application. The Mayor noted that the City is creating a lengthy application at this time, which has been reproduced from other cities. Fahrenwald stated that he disapproves of charging a fee with this application. Alderman Johnson said that Thornton is pricey when taking into account the various townships. 

The Mayor remarked that as a former Calumet tax assessor, taxes are 20-30% higher in Thornton and are assessed by township, of which Blue Island has four. 

f. Mayor's Announcements/Comments. 

The Mayor added that four houses are being demolished, one of which was completed on January 20th, and the remaining three will be completed this week and the next week. The residence in question is one of many that have numerous concerns. We are addressing maintenance issues; however, some are easier than others, especially if taxes are paid and we receive pushback from owners. This process could take years. 

The Mayor notified the council that the streetscape on Olde Western is going as planned. The electricians are placing lights on the light poles. Light poles will arrive in March. 

The Mayor informed us that phase 1.5 will relocate the project to the north side of the canal, making it more pedestrian friendly, and will last for many years. Travis Parry is working on phases 2 and 3, for which the City has obtained funds from the county, state, and federal governments; however, building will not begin until 2027, which means that the City must work within the constraints of the budget. 

The Mayor claimed that they held the grand opening of BUB Café. He went there over the weekend and was pleased to see so many people inside. 

The Mayor noted that the 60-plus alley initiative will begin on April 1st, and some of them have already been marked. 

The Mayor informed the Council that there are many more initiatives in the works; unfortunately, he is unable to disclose them further. 

The Mayor claimed that the website is ready to launch; they are simply waiting for the appropriations to be authorized. 

The Mayor informed the Council that they had been awarded a big grant to repair the facility, to fix the roof, air conditioner, and make it ADA accessible, with the goal of finishing by the end of the year. 

9) City Clerk's Announcements/Reports/Comments 

a. City Clerk's Announcements 

City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, praised everyone who attended the Black History Jump Fest at the John D. Rita Recreation Center on Friday. She stated that it was unfortunate that Alderman Johnson defeated her in one of the games. 

City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, invited everyone to celebrate Black History Month at the John D. Rita Recreation Center, 2822 141st Place, Blue Island, IL, with Movie Night on 2/16/24 from 5 to 8 p.m. and a Hot Shot Contest on 2/23/24 from 5 to 8 p.m. All events are free. 

City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, announced that the office is now taking Hometown Heroes applications until 4/1/24. 

City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, encouraged everyone to visit the Flower Sale on May 11th, 18th, and 25th at York and Western. 

City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, informed everyone that the Community Clean Up will take place on 4/27/24. 

City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, informed everyone that TGIF will begin on June 14th and end on August 24th. 

City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, informed everyone that the Community Yard Sale will take place on July 26th, 27th, and 28th. 

City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, informed everyone that the Health Fair will take place on 9/28/24 at the Blue Island Beer Company. 

10) Treasurer's Report 

a. Motion to Approve January Treasurer's Report. 

Motion by Alderman Carr, second by Alderman McGee for January 2024 Treasurer's Report. 

Ayes: 5 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Fahrenwald, McGee 

Nays: 0 

Absent: 2 Montoya, Rita 

Abstention: 0 

There being five (5) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried. 

b. City Treasurer's Announcements/Comments 

No comment. 

11) City Attorney's Report 

a. Attorney's Announcements/Comments 

No comment. 

12) City Administrator's Announcements/Reports/Comments 

a. City Administrator's Announcements/Comments 

No comments. 

13) Aldermanic Announcements/Reports/Comments 

Alderman Johnson praised Thomas Wogan, Mark Patoska, and Public Works for coming out and demolishing a residence that was situated between two others without creating any disruption. 

Alderman McGee also wished to thank everyone for demolishing a residence on 119th Place. It's no longer a nuisance. 

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; and pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(6) to discuss employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of certain employees. 

Motion by Alderman Fahrenwald, second by Alderman Roll to enter Executive Session. 

Ayes: 5 Carr, Johnson, Fahrenwald, Roll, McGee 

Nays: 0 

Absent: 2 Rita, Montoya 

Abstention: 0 

There being five (5) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried. 

Motion by Alderman Fahrenwald, second by Alderman Carr to Reconvene. 

Ayes: 5 Carr, Johnson, Fahrenwald, Roll, McGee 

Nays: 0 

Absent: 2 Rita, Montoya 

Abstention: 0 

There being five (5) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried. 

The Mayor stated the City Council discussed possible litigation and employment matters. 

15) Motion for Adjournment 

Motion by Alderman Fahrenwald, second by Alderman Roll to adjourn the regular meeting. 

Ayes: 5 Carr, Roll, Johnson, Fahrenwald, McGee 

Nays: 0 

Absent: 2 Rita, Montoya 

Abstention: 0 

There being five (5) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried. 

The meeting was adjourned 7:57 p.m. 

https://blueisland.org/wp-content/uploads/government/city-council/city-council-agenda-minutes/City-Council-Minutes-02-13-2024.pdf