South Cook News

City of Markham City Council met Sept. 18

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor, Roger Agpawa called the Regular Meeting of the Markham City Council to order at 7:08p.m, with the Pledge of Allegiance. Prayer led by Ms. Williams. Roll Call was taken by City Clerk, Leslie Trimuel. 

ROLL CALL: ALDERMAN PRESENT Alderman Brenna Hampton-Houser

Alderman Joseph Bertrand Jr. 

Alderwoman Wanda McDowell 

Alderman William Barron 

ALSO PRESENT: Attorney Steven Miller 

City Treasurer, Belinda Richardson 

City Administrator, Derrick Champion 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR 

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING 

September 4, 2024 

Motion to approve minutes by Ald. Barron, seconded by Ald. McDowell, with corrections as needed. Roll Call: 4 Yes/0 No/0 Absent/0 Abstain-Motion Carried 

AUTHORIZATION OF CLAIMS 

Motion by Ald. Hampton-Houser, seconded by Ald. Bertrand Jr., to adopt the Authorization of Claims and Accounts Bill list, totaling $27,034,546.63 with manual checks of $7,076.25 for a grand total of $27,041,622.88 

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

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS 

Mayor Agpawa presented 2024 recipients for the Southland Regional Mayoral Black Caucus Scholarships for Timothy Lee James Jr. and Nathaniel James to their mother as they are away at college. 

CITY ATTORNEYS REPORT 

WAIVE 48 HOUR READING OF ORDINANCE 24-0-2395 

Motion by Ald. Hampton-Houser, seconded by Ald. Bertrand Jr. to waive 48 hour reading of Ordinance 24- O-2395 

An Ordinance Amending Chapter 112, "Alcoholic Liquor" of Title XI, "Business Regulations,” Of the Code of Markham and the Business License Fee Ordinance 

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

ADOPT ORDINANCE - 24-0-2395 

Motion by Ald. Hampton-Houser, seconded by Ald. Bertrand Jr. to adopt Ordinance 24-0-2395 

An Ordinance Amending Chapter 112, "Alcoholic Liquor" of Title XI, "Business Regulations.” Of the Code of Markham and the Business License Fee Ordinance 

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

ADOPT RESOLUTION – 24-R-724 

Motion by Ald. McDowell, seconded by Ald. Hampton-Houser to adopt Resolution 24-R-724 

A Resolution declaring Scrivener's Affidavit filed with the Cook County Clerk on November 29, 2022 (Document Number 2233325075) void 

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

CLERKS REPORT 

BUSINESS LICENSE BEAUTY JUNKIE STUDIOS 

OPEN FLOOR - BEAUTY JUNKIE STUDIOS 

Motion by Ald. McDowell, seconded by Ald. Barron to open floor to Beauty Junkie Studios Roll Call: 4 Yes/0 No/0 Absent/0 Abstain-Motion Carried 

BEAUTY JUNKIE STUDIOS – 

Services to be offered are hair, lashes, nails and esthetician services. 

CLOSE FLOOR - BEAUTY JUNKIE STUDIOS 

Motion by Ald. McDowell, seconded by Ald. Barron to close floor to Beauty Junkie Studios Roll Call: 4 Yes/0 No/0 Absent/0 Abstain-Motion Carried 

APPROVE LICENSE - BEAUTY JUNKIE STUDIOS 

Motion by Ald. McDowell, seconded by Ald. Barron to approve business license to Beauty Junkie Studios 

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

BUSINESS LICENSE – HABIBI SHAWARMA INC. (FOOD TRUCK) 

OPEN FLOOR - HABIBI SHAWARMA INC. (FOOD TRUCK) 

Motion by Ald. Hampton-Houser, seconded by Ald. Bertrand Jr. to open floor to Habibi Shawarma Inc. (Food Truck) 

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

HABIBI SHAWARMA INC. (FOOD TRUCK) 

Food offerings include shawarma, rice and shawarma balls. 

CLOSE FLOOR - HABIBI SHAWARMA INC. (FOOD TRUCK) 

Motion by Ald. Hampton-Houser, seconded by Ald. Bertrand Jr. to close floor to Habibi Shawarma Inc. (Food Truck) 

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

APPROVE LICENSE - HABIBI SHAWARMA INC. (FOOD TRUCK) 

Motion by Ald. Hampton-Houser, seconded by Ald. Bertrand Jr. to approve business license to Habibi Shawarma Inc. (Food Truck) 

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

BUSINESS LICENSE - CENTRAL TRUCK REPAIR LLC 

OPEN FLOOR - CENTRAL TRUCK REPAIR LLC 

Motion by Ald. McDowell, seconded by Ald. Hampton-Houser to open floor to Central Truck Repair LLC 

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

CENTRAL TRUCK REPAIR LLC 

Services offered are maintenance, alignments, and balancing. 

CLOSE FLOOR - CENTRAL TRUCK REPAIR LLC 

Motion by Ald. McDowell, seconded by Ald. Barron to close floor to Central Truck Repair LLC Roll Call: 4 Yes/0 No/0 Absent/0 Abstain-Motion Carried 

APPROVE LICENSE – CENTRAL TRUCK REAPIR LLC 

Motion by Ald. McDowell, seconded by Ald. Barron to approve business license to Central Truck Repair LLC 

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

BUSINESS LICENSE - DLC PROPERTIES 

OPEN FLOOR – DLC PROPERTIES 

Motion by Ald. McDowell, seconded by Ald. Barron to open floor to DLC Properties for property located on Sherwood 

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

DLC PROPERTIES – DAVID CANNON 

The focus is rentals and investments, has 40 properties in the City of Markham. 

QUESTIONS/DISCUSSION 

Ald. McDowell - You stated these are both rental properties you are presenting? 

David Cannon – Yes, some properties will be sold, the primary focus is to give people a chance at the American dream of being in a house, because a lot of people cannot afford to purchase. 

Mayor Agpawa - We will address each property separately. Mr. Cannon the City Council has information about some of the work you do. One of the reasons we have licensing is to try to have some regulatory oversight with what we're doing in the community with businesses and have ordinances to make sure they're running well. You have worked with us, but the Council can address what they want to address, I don't vote but it is concerning the condition of some of the properties and activities that happen at those properties received from all departments. We have the data, with you wanting to add more, we already had a lot of things to deal with. If you have 40 properties and someone else has the same amount, then we have about 1,000 rentals, which is a lot for a city to deal with. We now have 7-8 Code Officers where we had three previously to deal with the issues. Business has to be done better, with what we are seeing in a few places with your business. The Council can address you, however as the Mayor, I can tell you this is not what we want to keep doing. It's an investment for you but it's work for us, which is not always pleasant for some of the neighbors and taxpayers here. We have different activities and issues with some of the properties, the Council can address them. 

Ald. McDowell - Are you familiar with our Crime Free Housing. 

David Cannon - Yes 

Ald. McDowell - Are all your properties registered with our Crime Free Housing and your tenants have all signed the agreement? 

David Cannon - Yes that I'm aware with the exception of one tenant. 

Ald. McDowell - Do you have a property manager? 

David Cannon - I manage my own properties. 

Ald. McDowell – I am a little disturbed, we're using a lot of manpower, which is our police, I have the packet of police calls that have tied up the manpower here in the city for your rental properties. 

David Cannon - I believe that's for one property, 

Ald, McDowell – Absolutely not. 

Mayor Agpawa - No it's more than that, I would say that you know what she is referencing. We don't want to get to the point of enforcing Crime Free Housing. This is information you may obtain, pertaining to your properties, which you should know going on at your properties, which could turn into enforcing Crime Free Housing. Garbage cans out, parking problems, etc. there's a list of different things. You stated it's a American dream but for some it's a nightmare for some who live with it. All of it can't be wrong on the reports. You need to deal with it, you only had a couple of us speak, I'm sure the rest of the body could say just as much. For you to have a business relationship with us, it needs to be good business. 

David Cannon - I'm willing to work with the city. 

Mayor Agpawa - You need to work with what you have. 

David Cannon - If there's any problems, no one has called me. 

Mayor Agpawa - Mr. Cannon, you don't know there's problems at your properties? We should not have to call you, it's your business. 

David Cannon - I don't live in the properties. 

Mayor Agpawa -- You own it and are responsible for what you put here and should know what goes on in your businesses. 

David Cannon -- I do good business. 

Mayor Agpawa - Maybe we need to do better business. 

David Cannon - If the police get a call I should be informed. 

Mayor Agpawa - Maybe we can work that out with you, however it's up to you to see what's going on with your properties. This is not new some of the dates go back a few years. We can give you the reports, it's public record. 

David Cannon - I want to be proactive if there's an issue with tenants, I should be informed, 

Mayor Agpawa - You should be informed by your tenants; it is not the city's responsibility to call you about your business. 

Derrick Champion – You must do a better job screening your applicants, we are using a lot of taxpayer dollars. 

Mayor Agpawa -Our manpower can be used elsewhere instead of managing your properties. 

CLOSE FLOOR - DLC PROPERTIES 

Motion by Ald. McDowell, seconded by Ald. Barron to close floor to DLC Properties for Sherwood and Wolcott properties 

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

DENY LICENSE BUSINESS LICENSE - DLC PROPERTIES – SHERWOOD PROPERTY Motion by McDowell, seconded by Ald. Barron to deny business license for the Sherwood property to DLC Properties 

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

DENY BUSINESS LICENSE – DLC PROPERTIES – WOLCOTT PROPERTY 

Motion by Ald. McDowell, seconded by Ald. Barron to deny business license to DLC Properties for the Wolcott property 

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

BUSINESS LICENSE - BOBBY SMITH 

OPEN FLOOR - BOBBY SMITH 

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

BOBBY SMITH 

Seeking a business license for home on California previously occupied by a family member, we are noe looking to provide a decent home for a professional tenant. 

Ald. Hampton-Houser - The property looks very nice; it has been well taken care of. 

Ald. McDowell - The property looks good, please find out about our Crime Free Housing before you rent. You had some issues in court last week, make sure you know the laws of the city. 

CLOSE FLOOR – BOBBY SMITH 

Motion by Ald. Hampton-Houser, seconded by Ald. Barron. to close floor to Bobby Smith 

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

APPROVE LICENSE – BOBBY SMITH - CALIFORNIA PROPERTY 

Motion by Ald. Hampton-Houser, seconded by Ald. Barron to approve business license to Bobby Smith 

for property located on California. 

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

MAYORS REPORT 

The budget was previously passed to obtain the light up signage to be placed in front of City Hall, with information on events, etc. in the city. Mr. Barry passed away; services are tomorrow. Mr. Barry and I have been here a long time. His saying to any and everybody was "don't ask what Markham can do for you, but what can you do for Markham?” He always stated we should participate in our community. Another pillar that passed was Mother McCullom, Pastor McCollum's mother, keep them in prayer. Ms. Rosie Hall passed away, she was part of the Block Club and was a prayer warrior. I plan to attend their services. 

CITY ADMINISTRATOR – DERRICK CHAMPION 

If you are a business or plan to start one, Markham will partner with the Department of Commerce with information on grants, access to capitals as well as other information. Markham is one of four communities awarded a grant to fight Climate Resiliency and address some of the flooding issues. There will be another meeting in October with the stakeholders. Service line inspections will continue through the end of the year. Markham will meet with Cook County to discuss a proposed plan to assist with a water leak survey. We will continue to find grants and opportunities to deal with this acute issue. A event will be coming up in the old Dunkin Donuts location in Canterbury, there will be a pop-up, Atlanta based Slutty Vegan which is a healthy option restaurant and one of the fastest growing black chains will be here September 27,28,29. If they become permanent it will be the first in the region. Please check our social platforms. 

ALD. BARRON 

We are working with a lot of dead trees close to the streets that fall every time we have a storm. We will continue to trim them. We are catching up with grass cutting. With it being dry we have had quite a few water-main breaks with the ground shifting. 

ALD. HAMPTON-HOUSER 

I want to send my condolences to Mr. Barry, Pastor McCollum and Ms. Rosie Hall, all are in my prayers. We are making good strides throughout the entire city, doing repairs, sidewalks, trees and solving issues and concerns. I want to thank the residents for being patient as they see the impact of the accomplishments. 

ALD, MCDOWELL 

State Rep. Will Davis is presenting a recycling program Saturday Sept. 24th from 9 to 12 in East Hazel Crest. If you have not registered your dog, this information is for landlords as well for tenant with dogs, they must be registered. 

ALD. BERTRAND JR. 

I have seen great progress regarding speed bump installation in the 3rd Ward. We are also doing trees in the ward; I'm taking the time to identify them. I want to thank Public Works regarding the sidewalks in ward that were trip hazards. The Red Cross thanking us for having them come out, 50 homes were serviced with smoke detectors. 

MOTION TO OPEN FLOOR TO PUBLIC 

Motion by Ald. Barron, seconded by Ald. Bertrand Jr., to Open Floor to the Public. Roll Call: 4 Yes/0 No/0 Absent-Motion Carried 

DEBORAH WILLIAMS (SUMMARY) 

Daniel Mish spoke for the Nature Conservancy regarding the Nature Festival on October 5th. Ms. Williams thanked Daniel and his commitment to working with her. She stated there are five prairies in Markham which is the Prairie State. The desire is to be a part of the city, not just in the city. Attendance has grown from 2018 to present being in partnership with the city, Ms. Williams is the coordinator for the event and the Community Engagement Specialist at the Indian Boundaries Prairies. Her desire is to see more participation of Markham residents. 100 trees will be received from MWRD, 50 will be set aside for Markham residents and will be available to take home to plant. 

LARRY GRYCZEWSKI 

Larry Gryczewski, Attorney for 163rd Dixie Highway LLC inquired about the Settlement Agreement on behalf of his client. He was looking for the check and a copy of the fully executed agreement. The mayor apologized for the delay and stated he would follow-up. 

EUGIE THOMPSON 

Ms. Thompsons concern was the speed bumps are too high for low cars and damaging the cars. They do come in handy for speeders. The mayor stated we get less complaints. It is difficult to figure out because cars are different heights. The company will be contacted to see if there's a resolution. 

CHRISTAL BEYER 

Ms. Beyer announced the upcoming reopening celebration of the Markham Library, there are new PC's, iMac computers, high speed internet and a new business center. There are digital resources for entrepreneurs and students. Live tutoring is also available online for students K to 12 and thru college. Resume services are available as well. There will also be a laptop giveaway. 

VERNON BROOKS 

Mr. Brooks concern is traffic on Park Avenue and Wood Street. Previously there wasn't truck traffic from 159th to 167th Park. They are turning from 159th. He thinks there should be truck routes for trucks coming from South Holland with needing to turn left on Park, they should go to Dixie Highway. If they are going to 1294 they can keep straight. He wanted to address it and has been for years. Hopefully in the future something can be done. The mayor stated there are some things that need to be done on Park Avenue. 

KENNETH GAUNTY 

Mr. Gaunty commended the mayor and council on the efforts regarding rental properties. He had a issue that came up with mail coming to his home which should not have. The mail is for people unknown to him and would like to protect himself. It was suggested to put it back in the mailbox for the postal worker to take back. The mayor suggested making a police report to have on file to defend yourself. Also notify your alderman and his office to make a note of it. 

MOTION TO CLOSE FLOOR TO PUBLIC 

Motion by Ald. Barron, seconded by Ald. McDowell to Close Floor to Public. 

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

ADJOURNMENT 

Submitted by: 

Motion by Ald. Hampton-Houser, seconded by Ald. Bertrand Jr., to adjourn at 8:27p.m. 

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

https://www.cityofmarkham.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09182024-272