South Cook News

City of Blue Island City Council met Feb. 27.

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 27, 2024. 

2) Pledge of Allegiance 

3) Roll Call 

4) Roll Call indicates the following: 

Present: 6 Carr, Roll, Montoya, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee 

Absent: 1 Johnson 

Present Also: 5 Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, City Clerk Jairo Frausto, Treasurer Erin Blake, City Attorney Thomas Wogan, City Administrator Mark Patoska, Deputy City Administrator 

Presentation of Journal of Proceedings 

Motion by Alderman Carr, second by Alderman Roll to approve the City Council Minutes from the February 13, 2024. 

Ayes: 6 Carr, Roll, Montoya, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee 

Nays: 0 

Absent: 1 Johnson 

Abstention: 0 

There being six (6) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried. 

Alderman Fahrenwald modified the minutes to read on page 3, letter b "...catering costs for events, such as Black History." 

5) Public Comment 

Mission Covenant Church reported that they attended the Black History ceremony and were proud that Lloyd Colar Jr. received the honor. It was a wonderful event. 

6) Old Business 

No old business. 

7) New Business 

No new business. 

8) Mayor's Report 

a. Motion for Approval of Payroll for February 16, 2024, for $412,423.75 (gross). 

Motion by Alderman Roll, second by Alderman McGee to approve Payroll for February 16, 2024, for $412,423.75 (gross). 

Ayes: 6 Carr, Roll, Montoya, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee 

Nays: 0 

Absent: 1 Johnson 

Abstention: 0 

There being six (6) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried. 

b. Motion for Approval of Accounts Payable dated February 28, 2024, for $256,776.16. 

Motion by Alderman Fahrenwald, second by Alderman Montoya to approve Accounts Payable dated February 28, 2024, for $256,776.16. 

Ayes: 6 Carr, Roll, Montoya, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee 

Nays: 0 

Absent: 1 Johnson 

Abstention: 0 

There being six (6) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried. 

c. Resolution 2024-006: A Resolution of the City of Blue Island, Cook County, Illinois Commemorating its Sister City relationship with Ripacandida, Italy. 

Motion by Alderman Roll, second by Alderman Rita for Adoption of Resolution No. 2024-006. 

Ayes: 6 Carr, Roll, Montoya, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee 

Nays: 0 

Absent: 1 Johnson 

Abstention: 0 

There being six (6) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried. 

d. Resolution 2024-007: A Resolution of the City of Blue Island, Cook County, Illinois Honoring the City of Castrolibero, Calabria. 

Motion by Alderman Roll, second by Alderman Rita for Adoption of Resolution No. 2024-007. 

Ayes: 6 Carr, Roll, Montoya, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee 

Nays: 0 

Absent: 1 Johnson 

Abstention: 0 

There being six (6) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried. 

The Mayor indicated that he will be taking a personal tour of Italy, which he will pay for entirely. The Mayor of the sister cities of Castolibero, where his father was born, and Ripacandida extended an invitation to him. 

e. Ordinance 2024-008: An Ordinance Abating the Real Estate Tax Heretofore Levied for the Tax Levy Year 2023 to Pay the Debt Service on $398,050 of the Waterworks and Sewage Refunding Bond (Alternative Revenue Service) Series 2006, of the City of Blue Island, Illinois. 

Motion by Alderman Roll, second by Alderman Fahrenwald for Adoption of Ordinance No. 2024-008. 

Ayes: 6 Carr, Roll, Montoya, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee 

Nays: 0 

Absent: 1 Johnson 

Abstention: 0 

There being six (6) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried. 

The Mayor stated that these bonds were passed many years ago, and this payment is the second to the last. 

Alderman Rita questioned whether this was a tax levy. The Mayor claimed that those were approved at the conclusion of the year. It is a bond payment that was approved in 2006. 

Alderman Roll noted that it is no longer necessary to resubmit as part of the tax levy process. The Mayor indicated that the payment is $400,000 each year. Deputy Administrator, Mark Patoska indicated that it is an annual payout that occurs around the same time. If there is insufficient revenue in the water fund, property taxes are used to supplement it. 

Alderman Rita inquired if it was a tax levy. The Mayor stated that it is an apportionment of a bond from 2006 that we have no obligation to issue. 

f. Mayor's Announcements/Comments. 

The Mayor stated Public Works has been very active in recent weeks, with more water main breaks than usual. They've done a lot to get things repaired over time. Public Works Supervisor, Michael Schroeder is having additional conversations with Travis Parry from Burke Engineering to ensure that everything is on schedule for the  summer. 

9) City Clerk's Announcements/Reports/Comments 

a. City Clerk's Announcements 

City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, wanted to thank everyone for taking part of the Black History Month with Jump Fest, Movie Night, Hot shot and luncheon. Thank you to the Blue Island Public Library, Park District, Tony Patella, Cease Fire, Bob Jackson, Reyna Alvarado and the awardees and guests for the luncheon. 

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

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

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

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

City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, stated the 4th of July parade is coming back. We encourage everyone to participate with a float, antique cars, etc. For more information, please contact the Clerk's office. 

10) Treasurer's Report 

a. 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 

City Administrator, Thomas Wogan, indicated that numerous modifications are being made to unrestricted cash amounts in each account each year, as well as overall account summaries that maintain prior decision-making. The general fund accounts for a substantial portion of operations, totaling $23.9 million and spending $19.7 million. Any areas or noteworthy increases or dips in which we have discussed with department heads have answers that vary from year to year. If you have any questions, please let me know. We need to pass it by the end of March. 

Alderman Rita asked if appropriations may be addressed at the next Committee of the Whole. The Mayor stated that we can continue on the agenda, but it must be passed by the end of March. 

13) Aldermanic Announcements/Reports/Comments 

Alderman Fahrenwald remarked that some residents have complained about the poor quality of the audio at the meetings. 

Alderman Roll indicated that he is working on improving the visual point aspect to make it easier to navigate. He will prepare it for the next Committee of the Whole and be available for discussion. 

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 Rita, second by Alderman Roll to enter Executive Session. 

Ayes: 6 Carr, Roll, Montoya, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee 

Nays: 0 

Absent: 1 Johnson 

Abstention: 0 

There being six (6) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried. 

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

Ayes: 6 Carr, Roll, Montoya, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee 

Nays: 0 

Absent: 1 Johnson 

Abstention: 0 

There being six (6) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried. 

The Mayor stated possible imminent litigation. 

15) Motion for Adjournment 

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

Ayes: 6 Carr, Roll, Montoya, Rita, Fahrenwald, McGee 

Nays: 0 

Absent: 1 Johnson 

Abstention: 0 

There being six (6) Affirmative Votes, the Mayor declared the motion carried. 

The meeting was adjourned 7:57 p.m. 

The next regular meeting of the City Council is scheduled March 12, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

https://blueisland.org/wp-content/uploads/government/city-council/city-council-agenda-minutes/City-Council-Minutes-02-27-2024.pdf