South Cook News

City of Blue Island City Council met June 25

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 June 25, 2024. 

2) Pledge of Allegiance 

3) Roll Call 

Roll Call indicates the following: 

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

Absent: 1 Rita 

Present Also: 4 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 Johnson, second by Alderman Roll to approve the City Council Minutes from the June 11, 2024, City Council meeting. 

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

Nays: 0 

Absent: 1 Rita 

Abstention: 0 

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

5) Public Comment 

Forest Board Update: Valerie Kehoe stated that they submitted and were chosen for the Urban and Community Grant Award, which is a matching grant from Illinois Natural Resources. Last summer, the City performed an inventory of 360 trees and planted 4,500 trees. The City's management plan for its trees is comprehensive and projects how the City should manage its tree canopy. The Forestry Board also amended the City's tree ordinance and earned a $24,000 matching grant. This award will help to preserve and prune 450 trees, and 200 trees will be removed with the assistance of Public Works. In the coming months, an arborist will provide training to Public Works, the Forestry Board, and other community members. In addition, the National Fish and Wildlife Federation provided a third grant, providing the City with 115 tree donations and awarding a Stewardship for more tree planting in the second round. Mr. Omera noted that he would be reaching out to the community in July and August, to assist with canvassing to identify where trees are required. He requested that if a resident wants a tree in their yard, to contact the Urban Forestry Board. In October, the third ward will have trees planted. Green Care through CRTI maintenance on trees including pruning and mulching will take place on 7/19, 8/2, 8/6, 8/30, and 9/13/24. Additionally, the Forestry Board will have a table at the TGIF events. 

Mission Covenant Church thanks the Mayor, City Clerk, Chief of Police, and Deputy Chief for coming to the Blessing of the Motorcycles. On June 30th, they will have a friends and family gathering. They are delighted to take part in the 4th of July Parade. On July 26th, they are having a neighborhood yard sale, and on July 27th they will host a back-to-school block party. 

Mr. Stevo thanked everyone for their service and requested that the City attorney clarify each resolution on the agenda. He also noted that he wants the hospital to reopen. He also asked why the City Administrator spoke about the shooting at the Salvation Army instead of the Mayor, noting the City did not elect the City Administrator. 

6) Old Business 

No old business. 

7) New Business 

No new business. 

8) Mayor's Report 

a. Motion for Approval of Payroll for June 21, 2024, for $410,527.02 (gross). 

Motion by Alderman Carr, second by Alderman Fahrenwald to approve Payroll for June 7, 2024, for $410,527.02 (gross). 

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

Nays: 0 

Absent: 1Rita 

Abstention: 0 

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

b. Motion for Approval of Accounts Payable dated June 26, 2024, for $334,485.87 (gross). 

Motion by Alderman Fahrenwald, second by Alderman Roll to approve Accounts Payable dated June 26, 2024, for $334,485.87 (gross). 

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

Nays: 0 

Absent: 1 Rita 

Abstention: 0 

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

Resolution 2024-022: A Resolution of the City of Blue Island, Cook County, Illinois, Authorizing and Approving a Settlement Agreement Regarding 2930 Edison. 

Motion by Alderman McGee, second by Alderman Roll for Adoption of Resolution No. 2024-022. 

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

Nays: 0 

Absent: 1 Rita 

Abstention: 0 

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

d. Resolution 2024-023: A Resolution of the City of Blue Island, Cook County, Illinois, Authorizing and Approving a Proposal from Trane for HVAC Maintenance Services at the Blue Island Police Station. 

Motion by Alderman Johnson, second by Alderman Montoya for Adoption of Resolution No. 2024-023. 

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

Nays: 0 

Absent: 1 Rita 

Abstention: 0 

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

e. Ordinance 2024-031: An Ordinance of the City of Blue Island, Cook County, Illinois Amending Chapter 77 “Residential Parking” of the Code of Blue Island, Illinois. 

Motion by Alderman Roll, second by Alderman Montoya for Adoption of Resolution No. 2024-031. 

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

Nays: 0 

Absent: 1 Rita 

Abstention: 0 

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

f. Ordinance 2024-032: An Ordinance of the City of Blue Island, Cook County, Illinois Amending Chapter 150 "Building Regulations/Construction" of the Code of Blue Island, Illinois. 

Motion by Alderman Fahrenwald, second by Alderman Roll for Adoption of Resolution No. 2024-032. 

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

Nays: 0 

Absent: 1 Rita 

Abstention: 0 

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

g. Resolution 2024-024: A Resolution of the City of Blue Island, Cook County, Illinois, Authorizing and Approving Purchase and Sale Agreements for 3127 141st Place and 2845 141st Place. 

Motion by Alderman Roll, second by Alderman McGee for Adoption of Resolution No. 2024-024. 

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

Nays: 0 

Absent: 1 Rita 

Abstention: 0 

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

h. Mayor's Announcements/Comments. 

The Mayor stated that he had multiple calls about property tax bills and spoke with several mayors in the area regarding the same. The Cook County Treasurers Association increased property taxes by 40-50%; wherein previously a resident would pay $1,000; but now is paying $5,000. 

The Mayor commended the Police Department and Administration for their actions on Friday. He noted that there was a repass at the Salvation Army, wherein a retaliatory gang shooting occurred. The City has met with the Salvation Army and is planning to adopt ordinances and resolutions in the near future to address the renting of banquet rooms at non-profit facilities. For the time being, Salvation Army agreed not to rent its rooms for any purpose. 

City Clerk's Announcements/Reports/Comments 

a. City Clerk's Announcements 

9) City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, encouraged everyone to attend the Beloved Community Center grand opening this Thursday, 6/24/24 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. 

City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, reminded everyone to purchase their city stickers. She noted the last day to purchase stickers is on 6/30/24. 

City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, told everyone that the deadline for submitting applications for the Fourth of July parade is this Friday. 

City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, reminded everyone to register for the Community Garage Sale. 

10) Treasurer's Report 

a. City Treasurer's Announcements/Comments 

No report. 

11) City Attorney's Report 

a. Attorney's Announcements/Comments 

No report. 

12) City Administrator's Announcements/Reports/Comments 

a. City Administrator's Announcements/Comments 

City Administrator. Thomas Wogan, informed the City Council that at 3:30 p.m., there was a repass service for a young lady who had been killed in the prior weeks. A drive-by shooting of the service occurred at the Salvation Army that was believed to be gang-related retaliation, with patrons of the repass also carrying firearms. There were three to four injuries and no fatalities. Between the shooting and the arrival of the first casualty at the hospital, word of an active shooter at a daycare spread throughout the media, causing a media frenzy. The Mayor was not immediately available, and the Chief of Police had scheduled a day off. The City Administrator commended the whole police department for their efforts. On Monday, two Salvation Army lieutenants, in charge of protecting the property, agreed to shut down the rentals for the time-being while the City had discussions regarding the licensing of non-profit rental facilities. 

City Administrator, Thomas Wogan, noted that at the July 9, 2024 meeting, the Aldermen would receive an update regarding the economic viability of the property at 119th Vincennes. 

13) Aldermanic Announcements/Reports/Comments 

Alderman Fahrenwald commended Valerie Kehoe for the Forestry Board update, which has made significant progress under her leadership, as well as Mike Schroeder from Public Works, who he noted attends all of the meetings. 

Alderman Johnson added that he has received numerous calls about the mobile homes on Division due to the lights being out and suspicious activity. 

City Clerk, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, asked everyone to attend the John D. Rita Center on 6/29/24 from 11 a.m. until dusk for Blue Island Blues and Barbeque. 

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. 

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

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

Nays: 0 

Absent: 1 Rita 

Abstention: 0 

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

Motion by Alderman Roll, second by Alderman Johnson to Reconvene. 

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

Nays: 0 

Absent: 1 Rita 

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 Fahrenwald, second by Alderman Carr to adjourn the regular meeting. 

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

Nays: 0 

Absent: 1 Rita 

Abstention: 0 

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

The meeting was adjourned 8:05 p.m. 

The next regular meeting of the City Council is scheduled July 9, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

https://blueisland.org/wp-content/uploads/government/city-council/city-council-agenda-minutes/City-Council-Minutes-06-25-2024.pdf