South Cook News

City of Markham City Council met June 4

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Roger Agpawa called the Regular Meeting of the Markham City Council to order at 7:07p.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 McDowel!

ALDERMAN ABSENT Alderman William Barron

ALSO PRESENT Belinda Richardson

Attorney Steven Miller

Derrick Champion

APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING May 7, 2025

Motion by Ald. McDowell, seconded by Ald. Hampton-Houser, to approve minutes of May 7, 2025, Regular Council Meeting.

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

APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING May 28, 2025

Motion by Ald. McDowell, seconded by Ald. Hampton-Houser, to approve minutes of May 28, 2025, Special Council Meeting.

Roll Call: 3 Yes/0 No/1 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 $923,965.97 with manual checks of $-0- for a grand total of $923,965.97

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

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

Markham Library

Rashad Robinson, a young man recognized for his excellence and service. the library director, and other community members present Rashad with a Youth Excellence in Leadership Award. Rashad shares his journey, including his work at the library and his plans to join the U.S. Army. The council and community members express their pride and support for Rashad.

School District 152 1/2

Dean Barnett provides an update on the school district, including recent elections and the performance of the district. The district's focus on providing quality education and its plans for infrastructure improvements are discussed. Plans for a new Performing Arts Center and other facility upgrades are detailed, including the involvement of local contractors and the community. Plans for a new Performing Arts Center and other facility upgrades are detailed, including the involvement of local contractors and the community.

ADOPT RESOLUTION 25-R-742

Motion by Ald. McDowell, seconded by Ald. Hampton-Houser, to adopt Resolution 25-R-742

A Resolution concerning the donation of a city of Markham municipal vehicle to the Village of Lynwood

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

APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL

Motion by Ald. Bertrand Jr., seconded by Ald. McDowell, to Approve a proposal from OMNIA Partners/Garland/DBS, Inc for roof restoration and replacement at City Hall, Police Station and Fire Station

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

CLERK REPORT

BUSINESS LICENSE - CANTEEN VENDING - NOT PRESENT

CANTEEN VENDING - ALD. HАMPТON HOUSER

Ald. Hampton-Houser spoke with the business owner Brandon Del Prado, they have vending machines Amazon and Raco Steel wishing to renew their vendor license.

APPROVE BUSINESS LICENSE

Motion by Ald. Hampton-Houser, seconded by Ald. McDowell, to approve business license to Canteen Vending

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

BUSINESS LICENSE –DIP Nº DOUBLE ICE CREАМ (МОВILE LICENSE) OPEN FLOOR

Motion by Ald. Hampton-Houser, seconded by Ald. McDowell, to open the floor to Dip N' Double Ice Cream.

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

DIP N' DOUBLE ICE CREAM

Donnie Staten - represented his mother stating this is a gourmet baseball themed food truck carrying flavors of chocolate, strawberry cheesecake, etc. and sorbet of various flavors.

Ald. Hampton-Houser - He is aware the city's position of not driving through neighborhoods and willing to work city events, unless there is an approved for a block party event which they will remain stationery.

CLOSE FLOOR

Motion by Ald. Hampton-Houser, seconded by Ald. Bertrand Jr., to close the floor to Dip N' Double Ice Cream.

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

APPROVE BUSINESS LICENSE

Motion by Ald. McDowell, seconded by Ald. Bertrand Jr., to approve business license to Dip N' Double Ice Cream.

Roll Call: 2Yes/0 No/1 Absent/1 Abstain-Motion Carried

BUSINESS LICENSE - BEECHY'S RV OPEN FLOOR

Motion by Ald. McDowell, seconded by Ald. Hampton-Houser.,to open the floor to Beechy's RV

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

BEECHY'S RV

Miriam Beechy - We are currently providing RV storage and also truck rental, landscapers also rent the property.

Mayor Agpawa - I spoke with Ald. Barron who is in favor a granting a business license. My question is what type of surface are the rental spots on, is it paved?

Miriam Beechy - No it is not, to do that would increase taxes which we are trying to offset.

Mayor Agpawa - That will be an issue, as we are enforcing city wide paved surfaces. You would need to develop a plan that would be a condition of your license. You will need to consider that at some point.

Miriam Beechy - We are trying to be financially responsible.

Mayor Agpawa - Council, we will table this, to see what the future will be there, Ald. Barron is supportive but will tell you it would have to be done at some point.

CLOSE FLOOR

Motion by Ald. Bertrand, seconded by Ald. Hampton-Houser, to close the floor to Beechy's RV.

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

TABLED BUSINESS LICENSE

Motion by Ald. Bertrand, seconded by Ald. MeDowell, to table business license to Beechy's RV.

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

BUSINESS LICENSE - UNLIMITED MARIAL ARTS ACADEMY

OPEN FLOOR

Motion by Ald. McDowell, seconded by Ald. Bertrand Jr., to open the floor to Unlimited Martial Arts Academy.

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

UNLIMITED MARIAL ARTS ACADEMY

Steven C. White - I have martial art experience of over 27 years, moving towards becoming a Grand Master.

We are looking at having a Martial Arts Academy here in Markham. We are proposing a five-year lease with two five-year options, to have a long-standing commitment to Markham, bringing structure, discipline and respect to the students under our direction. I have a strong commitment to the City of Markham.

Ald. McDowell - I was very impressed after speaking with you, he has a location in Lansing and want to open a second location here is Markham. This will be wonderful for the Children here to have something to do.

CLOSE FLOOR

Motion by Ald. McDowell, seconded by Ald. Hampton-Houser, to close the floor to Unlimited Martial Arts Academy.

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

APPROVE BUSINESS LICENSE

Motion by Ald. McDowell, seconded by Ald. Bertrand Jr., to approve business license to Unlimited Martial Arts Academy.

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

BUSINESS LICENSE – BADILLO GENERAL CONSTRUCTION OPEN FLOOR

Motion by Ald. McDowell, seconded by Ald. Bertrand Jr., to open the floor to Badillo General Construction.

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

BADILLO GENERAL CONSTRUCTION

Carmen Badillo - We had extra vehicles we could not park where we stay. We decided to use the back part of the property which has a welding company and a warehouse. We've done all the work the city has required.

It is not used as a business, it is our personal property, we are looking to park our personal vehicles there, we obtained the property for parking. We were told it needs to have asphalt.

CLOSE FLOOR

Motion by Ald. McDowell, seconded by Ald. Bertrand Jr., to close the floor to Badillo General Construction.

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

APPROVE BUSINESS LICENSE

Motion by Ald. McDowell, seconded by Ald. Bertrand Jr., to approve business license to Badillo General Construction.

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

BUSINESS LICENSE – HIZLI ENTERPRISES, INC. (DBA STEVES AUTO)

OPEN FLOOR

Motion by Ald. McDowell, seconded by Ald. Hampton-Houser, to open the floor to Hizli Enterprises, Inc. (DBA Steves Auto)

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

HIZLI ENTERPRISES, INC. (DBA STEVES AUTO)

Mustafa Alia - I moved here to downsize the business, I continue to work with the city and the police department. We have no issues that come to mechanic shop, we cooperate with police, with local codes, and we try our best to avoid any types of problems with stolen vehicles, trying to solve problems instead of being a part of it. We don't allow any type of misconduct. I downsized because it's just me in the shop. I work on every car, I check it, I hand it back to the customer.

CLOSE FLOOR

Motion by Ald. McDowell, seconded by Ald. Bertrand Jr., to close the floor to Hizli Enterprises, Inc. (DBA Steves Auto)

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

APPROVE BUSINESS LICENSE

Motion by Ald. McDowell, seconded by Ald. Bertrand Jr., to approve business license to Hizli Enterprises, Inc. (DBA Steves Auto)

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

MAYORS REPORT

No report.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR - DERRICK CHAMPION

Five completed with the paving of Sherwood Avenue yesterday. There are still a few items left to finish the project such as restoration of all disturbed grassy areas and the installation of pavement markings and speed bumps. The contractor plans to begin that work next Tuesday. We anticipate project closeout by June 19, 2025.

Construction for the MWRD alleyway projects north of 159th Street behind the BP Gas Station started 2 weeks ago. Project is progressing well. Project is anticipated to be completed by early August. The MWRD will be having a ribbon-cutting event with City officials after the project is completed. I am currently working on this and will provide details as we get closer.

The city was notified by the MWRD last week of being selected for the 2nd round of funding through the MWRD G.I. Partnership program. This project will be built upon Phase 1, which is currently in construction to replace 2 additional alleyways with permeable pavers to alleviate flooding in the area. The engineering design would be paid for by the County under the Climate Resiliency program with no cost to the city.

Davey Group began with the tree inventory/data collection in Ward 1 on Monday. They anticipate this task taking about 4 weeks to complete the entire city-wide inventory. Once completed, they will begin work on the urban management plan for the city. This work is being paid for with a grant in the amount of. $272,000.

The city applied for a $2.5 million grant through IDOT to repave roadways within the city. Decisions would be made in late Summer of 2025.

The city is working with Cook County to install EV Charging stations at City Hall and library. This is all being paid for with a grant at no cost to the city.

ALD. HАМРТОN-HOUSER

Good evening, Mayor Council, and all who are present with us this evening, just very, briefly, I'm just really excited about the tree equity grant program that's coming out, that is out at this present time, or whatever. I'm looking forward as well as many of our residents to seeing some new trees in our community, root friendly trees in our community, and some colorful trees in our community. I just want to say Happy Father's Day.

ALD. MCDOWELL

No report.

ALD. BERTRAND JR.

No report.

MOTION TO OPEN FLOOR TO PUBLIC

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

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

DORIS LEWIS MAYES (SUMMARY)

Ms. Mayes requested to have her water remain on until June 30th, a court order was issued February 11, 2025, with 120 days to vacate the property. Due to the court order the water must be turned off June 12, 2025. Mayor Agpawa stated we cannot go against the court order.

JANICE PALMER (SUMMARY)

Ms. Palmer expressed her thanks for the sidewalks on Sherwood. She also expressed thanks for her neighbor Rashad as he prepare to go the U.S. Army, stating his diligence in work ethics and education.

MELANIE SPEARS (SUMMARY)

Ms. Spears expressed thanks to her Alderlady for the signs posted for children playing.

CHRISTAL BEYER (MARKHAM LIBRARY)

Ms. Beyer thanked all who participated in the green initiative at the library, assisting with planting around the building. Ms. Beyer also invited all to the event on June 14, 2025, at the library.

MOTION TO CLOSE FLOOR TO PUBLIC

Motion by Ald. McDowell, seconded by Ald. Bertrand Jr., to Close Floor to Public.

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

ADJOURNMENT Motion by Ald. Hampton-Houser, seconded by Ald. McDowell to adjourn at 8:48p.m.

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

https://www.cityofmarkham.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06042025-294