South Cook News

City of Country Club Hills City Council met Feb. 26.

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 7:04PM. The meeting was called to order by the Honorable Mayor James W. Ford. 

1a. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 

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

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

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

3. INVOCATION – CLERGY OR DESIGNEE 

The Invocation was led by Leroy Barnes. 

4. JOURNAL PROCEEDINGS 

Approval of Meeting Minutes: 

Approval - Meeting Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting January 22, 2024 

Alderman Lockett moved for City Council approval of Regular Meeting Minutes January 22, 2024. Second, Spivey. Discussion-None. 

ROLL CALL VOTE: Ayes: 5 Alderman Lockett, Davis, Spivey, Edwards and Hutson 

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: 

Mayor Ford shared his appreciation to the Cultural Arts Commission, city staff, all of the Aldermen and all who stepped up to assist with the 2024 Black History Expo Event. He also shared it was a great event with wonderful music and entrepreneurs. 

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

Clerk Hutson shared information on the recent Voter Registration drive and thanked the deputy registrars Anese and Juanita for their assistance. Clerk Hutson then shared all information regarding Voting options i.e. early, mail-in, polling locations is on the city website and in the lobby of City Hall. She also shared there have been some recent changes by Cook County eliminating precinct 70, combining the voters with precinct 40, City Hall will now host precinct 40 and 51 for Ward 3. The changes in Ward 2 will be that Sykuta School will host as the polling place on the Clarence entrance side. Clerk Hutson then thanked Assistant Director Kuta and his staff Mike and Mark for assistance with shredding for the annual Records Disposal approved by the State of Illinois. Clerk Hutson also that Hillcrest Baptist church has a legal assistance clinic at the church on the first Saturday of the month. 

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

City Collector's Report as of January 31, 2024 

Clerk Hutson shared the Collector's Report is in the Aldermen's packet and to please let her know if there are any questions. 

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

City Treasurer's Report as of January 31, 2024 

Treasurer Burris shared the bank balance as of $20,389,966.39, revenues of $1,664,852.05, disbursements of $2,436,547.20 and a current balance of $19,618,271.24. Treasurer Burris shared he recently had IMRF training with the city's HR representative. 

9. COMMITTEE REPORTS: 

Finance, Insurance, & Risk Management - Alderman Lockett, Chairman 

(Committee Meeting - March 4, 2024 at 6:30pm) 

Approval - Accounts Payables as of February 26, 2024 

Alderman Lockett moved for City Council approval of vouchers in the amount of $1,735,908.94 for February 26, 2024 as funds are available. Second, Alderman Hutson. Discussion - None 

ROLL CALL VOTE: Ayes: 5 Alderman Lockett, Davis, Spivey, Edwards and Hutson 

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 - Alderman Hutson, Chairman (Committee Meeting - TBA) 

Alderman Hutson shared his next committee meeting will be held March 5th at 7:00pm 

Public Works and Utilities - Alderman Davis, Chairman (Committee Meeting – TBA) 

Approval - Community Development Block Grant Program Resolution 2024 

Alderman Davis moved for City Council approval of the Community Development Block Grant Program Resolution 2024 (R-4-24). Second, Alderman Hutson. Discussion - None 

ROLL CALL VOTE: Ayes: 5 Alderman Lockett, Davis, Spivey, Edwards and Hutson 

Nays: 0 

Abstains: 0 

Absent: 0 

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

Alderman Davis shared his next committee meeting will be held March 11th at 6:00pm. 

Economic Development & Planning, Zoning & Development - Alderman Spivey, Chairman (Committee Meeting – TBA) 

Alderman Spivey shared there will be a Chicago Style Hot Dog restaurant coming to the location previously occupied by Frank and Lou's in Coopers Grove. 

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

Alderman Edwards shared his committee just met and there were some concerns shared during the meeting about Hillcrest H.S. He then shared he is working with New Roots program and looking forward to the event March 19th and 20th. 

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 Spivey. Discussions - None 

ROLL CALL VOTE: Ayes: 5 Alderman Lockett, Davis, Spivey, Edwards and Hutson 

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 

Ms. M. Smith-Weaver, resident since 1986, shared she is vested in education she is concerned about the state of Hillcrest H.S. and the decisions that impact students. She was very concerned about the plan to discontinue Friday night football games and replacing them with Saturday games. She shared this will impact the opportunity for scouts to see the student athletes and student athletes who work on Saturdays may not be able to play in the games. 

Clifton Graham, resident, shared he recently attended the SD#144 Superintendents meeting and the focus needs to be on students. He also shared reparations should be a concern in the Southland and encouraged everyone to seek information on the Democratic National Convention coming to Chicago in August. 

Nick Tedeshi, resident, shared his concern for the need for speed bumps and the recent drag racing in the 1st Ward during early mornings and late nights. He also shared there a need for additional lighting near 17781 near Country Club Lane. 

Rev. Mitchell Johnson, a pastor with Hillcrest Baptist church, offered information on funded community based programs including parent mentoring and stipends. He offered to share more information after the meeting. 

12. MOTION TO CLOSE FLOOR TO THE PUBLIC 

Alderman Hutson moved to close the floor to the public. Second by Alderman Edwards. Discussion - None 

ROLL CALL VOTE: Ayes: 5 Alderman Lockett, Davis, Spivey, Edwards and Hutson 

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 thanked everyone for coming out. He shared the city has removed the speed bumps for the winter and they will be reinstalled in the spring. He directed his comment to Mr. Graham, he met with the Superintendent of 228 and did not receive a call back. He has a grandson there and he is disappointed. He shared he will work with Ms. Weaver to compile a list of demands for a better school. 

Alderman Spivey thanked Mike Kuta for replacing the light at 186th Pl and street repairs. He then thanked the Commissioners and the Javon Watson Experience for the wonderful Black History Expo. 

Alderman Lockett asked for a moment of silence for Events Coordinator, Doreen Purvis's Mother who recently passed away along with the owner of Home of the Hoagie, who recently lost his father. He them reminded everyone the weather is changing and to drive safely. 

Alderman Davis thanked Rev. Mitchell for sharing his program information and complimented the Black History Expo. 

Alderman Hutson thanked Mike Kuta for placing signage off Cicero near 179th and 181st to prevent the trucks driving through looking for Dart Solo. He also thanked public works for replacing potholes and lastly thanked the Commissioners, city staff, who came out on a Saturday, and the Mentoring Program for helping with the success of the Black History Expo. Lastly, he shared if you see something say something. Alderman reminded everyone his Committee meeting will be held March 5th at 7:00pm. 

Mayor Ford shared he understands the concerns regarding Hillcrest, but they have a separate Board and parents need to get involved to utilize all resources available. 

Clerk Hutson shared the Illinois Tollway will be coming to Country Club Hills March 20th as they are implementing the DZ-Pass sticker to replace the transponders. She shared there will be additional information in the monthly water bill. 

14. ADJOURNMENT 

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

ROLL CALL VOTE: Ayes: 5 Alderman Lockett, Davis, Spivey, Edwards and Hutson 

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 7:35pm

https://countryclubhills.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/City_Council_Minutes_2024_02_26_pdh.pdf