South Cook News

City of Markham City Council met March 6

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor, Roger Agpawa called the Regular Meeting of the Markham City Council to order at 7:05p.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 

February 21, 2024 

Motion to approve minutes with any corrections by Ald. Barron, seconded by Ald. McDowell Roll Call: 4 Yes/ No/0 Absent/0 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 $856,077.18 with manual checks of $4,299.74, for a grand total of $856,077.18. Roll Call: 4 Yes/0 No/ 0 Absent/0 Abstain-Motion Carried 

SPECIAL PRESENTATION 

Lauterbach & Amen FY2023 Audit Presentation - A overview of the audit was presented with a unmodified opinion of the city's financial statement. The City's general fund income statement shows a positive update with a decrease in the fund balance over the prior year. Gratitude was expressed for their time serving the City of Markham 

Metro Strategies Group - The project aims to develop plans through a two-step process, with focus on community driven input and implementation, also identifying projects that can be funded and implemented in the near future. This will include engagement of stakeholder interviews, focus groups and community outreach to gather feedback to identify strengths, challenges and opportunities for improvement. 

CITY ATTORNEY REPORT 

WAIVE 48 HOUR READING OF ORDINANCE 

Motion by Ald. McDowell, seconded by Ald. Barron, to waive 48 hour reading of Ordinance 24-0-2384. An Ordinance of the City of Markham, Cook County, Illinois, Approving Tax Increment Redevelopment Plan and Redevelopment Project for the Second Amendment to the Interstate Crossings TIF Redevelopment Project Area 

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

ADOPT ORDINANCE 24-0-2384 

Motion by Ald. McDowell, seconded by Ald. Barron, to adopt Ordinance 24-O-2384 

An Ordinance of the City of Markham, Cook County, Illinois, Approving Tax Increment Redevelopment Plan and Redevelopment Project for the Second Amendment to the Interstate Crossings TIF Redevelopment Project Area 

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

CONTRACT AWARD 

Motion by Ald. Hampton-Houser, seconded by Ald. Bertrand Jr., to approve Contract Award of FY2024- 2026 Audit Engagements to Crowe, LLC 

Contract Award of FY2024-2026 Audit Engagements to Crowe, LLC 

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

CLERKS REPORT 

a. Business License - Avocado Theory Food Truck 

OPEN FLOOR – AVOCADO THEORY 

Motion by Ald. Hampton-Houser, seconded by Ald. McDowell, to open floor to Avocado Theory Roll Call: 4 Yes/0 No/0 Absent/0 Abstain-Motion Carried 

AVOCADO THEORY 

We have a brick and mortar located in Tinley Park, Avocados are a versatile food you can make many things from you can make ice cream, cheesecake, brownies it's endless. We have changed our menu six times over the last few years, but we constantly innovate and come up with newer items. We have two food trucks right now that are being utilized. I have an extra food truck and would like to find a spot in a parking lot here in Markham, that we can make it like a drive-up restaurant with the food truck. People just drive up, scan the QR code, place the order and we'll bring the food out. They can order food online on our website. With the food truck we can lower our prices in the community, Markham does not have many healthy food options I think this is a really good incentive to start and a new way to introduce healthier food in the City of Markham. I'm really grateful and appreciate you taking a bet on us. 

CLOSE FLOOR – AVOCADO THEORY 

Motion by Ald. Hampton-Houser, seconded by Ald. McDowell, to close floor to Avocado Theory Roll Call: 4 Yes/0 No/0 Absent/0 Abstain-Motion Carried 

APPROVE LICENSE - AVOCADO THEORY 

Motion by Ald. Hampton-Houser, seconded by Ald. McDowell, to approve business license to Avocado Theory 

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

MAYORS REPORT 

Just a few things I mentioned at the last meeting, the week of April 1, I will ask some residents to go to Springfield on a field trip to meet some of the legislators and some of the various departments. We're going to ask one person from each ward. We want to make sure they get there to share with them about things. we're trying to do. I and a few other mayors partnered to go there during the offseason. We understand why we do lobby day as a field trip, but if you really want to get some things done, you go on a day when everybody's not there. The intention is to meet with IDOT we would like them to really start writing us a check for what we've been doing. There is a meeting on Monday with IDOT and the Lieutenant Governor. 

They're coming to the area to talk about some of the infrastructure around the area. I have seen more things in the Southland on 157, and the Bishop Ford they're giving a little bit more attention to this area than I've ever seen, it's making a difference because all the mayors are fussing about it so it's starting to take root. The Treasurer's Department will be reaching out to us about a budget. I really have to attribute a good audit to good management. It comes from all of us here and trickles into the rest of the city with what they're doing running their departments. You all see the bill list; they just buy what they have to buy. Look where we're at, it's just us being good stewards of what we have. So, we'll continue that. I'm going to be working this summer a lot more with Community Relations and housing, that's still a big, big issue. I always say it's by somebody who lives here, those are the things that change communities. If there's something going on in the community, good or bad, it belongs to us. Maybe somebody came to visit, somebody who lives here. We have got to make sure that we continue to stay on track in dealing with community relations. The old adage that we're city fathers, mothers, on the diocese s is true, we'll continue to push that down to the rest of the departments and the people that work here reminding about public service. I've always said, from where I sit, we tell residents a lot of times what they don't want to hear, something that doesn't belong here, it was allowed at one point. We are continuing to go in a different direction. Last month, I met with the police department, the time was right to make sure that what's being said from leadership is what we want them to carry out on the street. I stated that about community relations, how things work with housing and things of that sort, that if we're calling the police on an issue at a property or a home or a business or anything else, we need to be proactive about building and housing code enforcement. I can only imagine how you all feel sometimes like, whoever lives in that house need to move. I'm a resident of the Fourth Ward, I'm going to complain to my Alderman. I'm part of the block club, and I sit on the block club with Alderpersons. I'm also a resident and I get upset about things just like anybody else. I just wanted to mention that because it illustrates the human aspect of all of us, I know we're in leadership and we have a responsibility, but I'm not different from anybody else. I understand what we need to do, I know what my responsibility is as a resident. I wanted to say the summer is going to be for me is to further Community Relations and working with these departments to continue to make Markham better. Mr. Champion has called many departments into the office, we're heading towards another year it's going to be different, and more is expected for us to continue to get better. 

DERRICK CHAMPION – CITY ADMINISTRATOR 

A quick update on a couple of projects, the new Dunkin Donuts is really making some major progress. Thorton Gas Station will break ground next month. The city is applying for the 2024 Invest In Cook Grant which is due March 22, 2024, for installation of new sidewalks along 167th Street from California to Pulaski. The city is applying for the 2024 CDBG grant for removal and replacement of inoperable water main valves on Plainview, the deadline for that is March 22. The city was recently awarded another $50,000 grant from the Illinois EPA for land surveys. To date the city has been awarded a total of $120,000. The city will be launching an inspection program of the water service lines to identify the remaining piping materials. The programs involve entering homes and performing a stress test with incoming water service lines to identify material composition. This test should take no more than 15 minutes. notices to the remaining properties where inspection will be performed will be coming out soon. There will be three options for residents to book appointments. You will receive a notice via mail, then on our social platforms. Also, the MWRD launched a comprehensive study of the Belaire neighborhood to address flooding issues. The study will involve understanding the causes of flooding and developing solutions to address it. We're still meeting with stakeholders, department heads, and will have some follow-up meetings. We have to go before Planning and Zoning we will be reaching out to our council members and our departments. Also, we're working with our library and as you all know we've put in capital request via our lobbyists, we're looking to get some line items to help you know with infrastructure as well. We are aware that our infrastructure is failing but we are receiving funding, like Markham has never seen before. Last but not least, I want to mention the Nature Conservancy, there was no mention of some of the natural infrastructure that's already here. The prairie serves as a natural. 

MS. WILLIAMS 

Listening to the climate resiliency report, talking about national infrastructure, because the prairies are here in Markham, speaking on flooding being the biggest issue, the prairies soak up billions of gallons of water, it keeps a lot of water from going into homes and the streets. I think that in talking about the climate resiliency process to include that, so residents also realize it's already something here, it's yours. I want to thank you for connecting us once again, to be a part of that process. 

ALDERMANIC REPORTS 

ALD. BARRON 

I'd like to mention last Saturday at the library was very nice. I was really surprised with the turnout. The black history celebration was also very nice and well attended here at City Hall. Everybody please be safe, with the change to daylight savings time, it's usually a bad time for accidents. We've been so lucky that most of that has been up north. I always feel that's not always going to stay the same. So, you know when you hear that siren, take heed, because one of these days that'll that's going to be by us. And we were having them on seasonably warm winter and when you can go from almost one day to below freezing the next day. That is a recipe for disaster. Okay. I actually enjoyed the cold weather that we had a month ago because I think it helped cut down the flu. I think we need a certain amount of cold weather to kill some Germans and everything else but it has been enjoyable. So that's it. 

ALD. HAMPTON-HOUSER 

Good evening mayor, residents in the City of Markham. I humbly appreciate Black History Month, again, Alderlady McDowell, you did such a great job, each year gets better and better. I'm truly looking forward to seeing bigger and more prosperous next year. With your tenacious spirit, I'm pretty sure you're going to make sure that happens. So, I humbly appreciate your due diligence in bringing it to the City of Markham. I appreciate you so much for that. Also, the Taste of Markham had a lot of awesome food. I got an opportunity to taste some fantastic food, it was an awesome event. I'm pretty sure next year we are going to expound on that a little bit more. There were a lot of vendors there. So, I thank you for just spearheading that and bringing new ideas to the City of Markham in moving forward with those endeavors. My hat goes off to the Markham Public Library. I just want to say St. Patrick's Day is coming up, ditto on Ald. Baron, please be careful out here during any holidays. 

ALD, MCDOWELL 

I want to thank everybody who came out in supporting our first Black History Program which was fantastic. We could not have done it without everyone helping. I hope that everybody enjoyed and learn a lot, Black History is really, really important. It never stops and we are blessed that we were able after all the years that they fought for us to finally be designated for us which was a blessing. My dad was watching the news the other day and they were talking about taking black history out of the school, we're still fighting every day. We have to start off at home teaching our kids about our history. Black history is every day. Thank you, Mayor, the City of Markham has never done anything like this all these years and it was just absolutely fantastic. I thank you for allowing the students to be able to do something for Black History. Yes to the Dress is coming up, but I won't say too much about it, our director from the library will speak to that. Congratulations to our director, and our President from the library who is doing a fantastic job, the Tatse of Markham was wonderful. 

ALD. BERTRAND JR. 

I received a text message at seven o'clock this morning, that we were tearing up concrete and replacing the sidewalk, Thank you. I want to say thank you because we started that process, we identified issues and they've been addressed. There are a lot of trees that were removed, and we needed to have some time between them before they can take those out. I was cringing all winter, but they were used to it at that house, they navigated around it. Those are the issues that we need to be focused on, a lot of them love the area, Belaire and Country Aire need those types of things to be done. I also want to say that I met with the Conservancy regarding some of the issues of flooding issues, and then overflow, I mentioned that I wanted to talk to them about what they could do from their side of the line, and they have made a commitment to check. I don't know if I reported it to public works but the church building in the back is full of graffiti. I don't know if the city does that, Cook County used to clean those buildings. They used to have a blaster. 

MAYOR AGPAWA 

I spoke to the pastor over there. We're just trying to figure out what it was saying, we'll have to do something about that. 

ALD. BERTRAND JR. 

But I'm grateful for the fact that it's been identified and it's going to be something we're working with. I got a real blessing today on the Conservancy. 

MOTION TO OPEN FLOOR TO PUBLIC 

Motion by Ald. Barron, seconded by Ald. Hampton-Houser., to Open Floor to the Public. 

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

JANICE PALMER 

Thank God Mayor and Ald. McDowell, I received your newsletter all about the wonderful things you have done, I do appreciate it. My neighbors have been elated with what's been going on our block. Finally, those broken rails have been replaced with new ones. So much has been done in Markham, and I appreciate it. I would like to be a part of this Climate Resiliency Program My neighbor has been feeding stray cats for about two years now. At the end of fall there were litters of kittens literally just all over the block. I called the city to have animal control come out and I found out today that we don't have animal control anymore. I was given the number to the County Animal Control when I called them, I was told they don't deal with cats. I have cats that scared me half to death walking into my yard because immediately behind me is a vacant house, she's feeding the cats there. The cats are eating and living in the vacant house behind me along with the possums and raccoons. I've been cutting the shrubs down behind the easement and along the house and I've been dragging the shrubs to a pile but now the pile is so big. I'm sure that there's something living under those branches. Okay, so that was my main concern here tonight. Want to let you know my neighbor who is hearing impaired feels so included because he feels recognized and feels heard. I appreciate that I can see them doing a little more in the community as far as picking up things and trying to take care of their property a little more because they feel like the city is in tune. 

MAYOR AGPAWA 

I think this might be the year that we reinstall animal control. We were trying to work through that, but it's just really gotten out of hand. We will be addressing that this year in one way or another. Give the address to Alderlady and we'll get the debris off that property, I think this could be one of the houses that we have cited for demolition. Don't you go pick it up, just call us and we'll say we'll take care of it. 

EUGIE THOMPSON 

I wanted to tell you to have them come to the black club meetings. They talk with a lot of seniors and young people there. The street on Winchester should have been torn up originally, but it's kind of patched up. I know you were saying that the people were going to the renters, because I think they murdered someone across the street. 

MAYOR AGPAWA 

There was a shooting there, the guy died. I can at least say that much that we have an ordinance, that deals with trouble at properties. The police and the building department are working with the landlord about whether they're staying there or not. Let's just put it that way, there's an ordinance that supports when people have problems that are drastic, or even less we can give them a visit. The police and the building department are certainly doing their due diligence to investigate. That's different from what the housing issue is there. That's an open law that the police are investigating other matters there. No one should have to live across the street from any of that, none of us are happy about that. It goes right to the point about who lives here. You don't have to put yourself out at a meeting, you call one of us and tell us or call my office. Nine chances out of 10, you won't have to anyway, but you can raise our antennas quicker at that address. That happens all the time. You can respond to the Alderperson or respond to my office; we will help you it can be done off the record. 

CRISTAL BEYER 

Good evening, I'd like to give a big thank you to everyone who came out and supported our first ever Taste of Markham in honor of Black History Month. As much as we do want to have events outside in summertime, this was specifically to honor Black History Month. Public Libraries have a long history of doing different events for Black History Month. I wanted something that was like an intersection between cultures and cuisine. I was so overwhelmed by all the support. Ms. Williams connected us with the most wonderful desserts they donated that we all enjoyed. Thank you all so very much for supporting that event. Alderman, Mr. Mayor, everyone, thank you so much. We're gearing up for our next big event, which is Say Yes To The Dress, hopefully everyone has received mailers. If anyone in the room, anyone watching from home would like to sign up their child, we can register you over the phone or we can register you online. This is going to be a huge event to give away free dresses, shoes, handbags and jewelry to young ladies in the community attending spring dances, or prom. The dresses are all free residency in Markham is not required, we just really want to make sure we have everyone registered and organized. It is on Saturday March 16 from 11am to 3pm here at City Hall. We thank Ald. McDowell and the Mayor for allowing us to have this event here in the city so that we have more space to be able to put out on the beautiful gowns. 

MAYOR AGPAWA 

I wanted to mention I did meet with the Block Club president, Mr. Loughlin I felt as the mayor it was just time for one of the groups in town that has persevered through the years to keep communication with the community as a conduit to what's happening in the city and work with him from the city standpoint, he asked all to get on board with helping them grow their group. We can't politically be involved from that standpoint, but we can support that just as much as we support the library, park district or anything else, the only thing that we would be really supporting is just the information part of it to get involved with your community group. The idea was to give more notice to the east side block club and then help them provide a space on the west side on a separate day to have a block club. They would help the new block club facilitate so that group would grow a new group on the west side of Markham. We just helped them on their way to do whatever they do. But I just think that the community effort and just like Miss Eugie mentioned, we have a lot of people that are going over there. They probably would get more people out if they had something on the West side. We did reach out to the VFW Terry and said that he would give them space to do something over there and a lot of people probably would come. So, we can talk about it even more later. 

I just wanted to make mention of it since Miss Eugie brought it up, I think that's how communities do much better. I do want to encourage you Ms. Eugie and your family on Winchester that things are moving along we're going to do everything in our power with anything that goes wrong in the neighborhood. We want to know about it and deal with it. If it were me, I would be steaming mad and want something done about it. You let us know what's going on, that's what we're here for. 

DERRICK CHAMPION 

There was a Senate Bill 3680 that deals with crime free housing, and that limits local authority. I did oppose the bill yesterday and just like most of the Southland did it would have eliminated ordinance regarding crime free housing, Senator Karina Villa is the sponsor. 

MAYOR AGPAWA 

This platform is just as good as the block club dimension if not better. I asked who the sponsor in that foolishness, because it takes the teeth out of kicking somebody out who just killed somebody. That's what they do, so that's why I'm saying it's worth this extra minute to tell everybody in the room to talk to your legislators about these crazy things they do without calling us. They just make a decision and say well, we're going to make a new law and get rid of something. That means that we have no authority to get you out if you do anything. You have to call your reps, our local Rep. is State Representative Will Davis, we have Napoleon Harris as our Senator. But it could be just that much more of a headache to try and do it, but we still have other mechanisms to try to move people out that are a nuisance to the community. But saying something in crime speaks a little bit louder than just saying it's a nuisance. It just makes it that much harder for you to get bad residents out of communities. We don't apologize for wanting to do that. But wait till you have a problem, at or by your house, and see how you feel when it happens. That's what you can tell somebody so don't tell me I should apologize for making a law like that or supporting a law that puts people out. Don't apologize, because if you want me to apologize, I'm not doing it. If it has anything to do with me sitting here, then I'm not the person to sit here. So that's how I feel about so. 

MOTION TO CLOSE FLOOR TO PUBLIC 

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

ADJOURNMENT

https://www.cityofmarkham.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03062024-255