Kankakee Times

City of Kankakee City Council met May 1.

Here is the minutes provided by the Council:

Mayor Epstein: Good evening. I’d like to welcome you all to city council. This is a very historic evening. But I am going to quickly talk to you about the procedure for tonight because it is a bit unusual. I will call the meeting to order as I just did, and we will go through several items on the agenda that are this administrations items. At the completion of that part of the agenda I think there are some acknowledgements, and then you are going to hear me gavel. At that time, I will make a motion to adjourn Sine Die that means the day is dead. After that I would like your indulgence that is going to take a few minutes to get organized because at that time we will have the judges come forward and we will swear in the new alderman, city clerk and of course the Mayor. Then at that time she will take her seat and she will call the meeting to order again. That will begin the order of the new administration. So there is a very prescribed order to the agenda this evening and so we just ask for your indulgence because there are some housekeeping things that need to be done after the swearing in. So I have called the meeting to order at this time I’d like to ask Pastor Scott Paisly from Calvary Baptist Church to come forward and lead us in prayer.

Pastor Scott Paisly: Let us pray together. Our gracious father we are thankful for this time as it is a historic night for our city. Our father we pray that you will take over this transition in leadership and our community. We thank you for Mayor Epstein and her faithful service through the years. We pray father that the days ahead will be good ones for her and her family. That will be full of health and joy and blessings. We pray for our new Mayor Chasity Wells-Armstrong. Father we pray that you granted her the strength that she needs. Help her father as she steps into this role to adjust. Help her to not be overwhelmed. We are thankful that when we need wisdom we can turn to you father because you give wisdom liberally. And we pray for each one that serves our city. And we pray for the new ones that are taking on wards in our city. For each one that serves here we thank you for their willingness to do that. We pray for our new Mayor. We pray that her home will remain strong. We pray for her marriage and her family and we pray that they will be a haven and an oasis and the burdens and the demands of this job that she will be able to rest and find comfort there. Father we simply ask for your hand and your mercy on our city, our new Mayor and everyone that has a hand in it and work well together. We ask for you continued help in Jesus name we pray Amen.

Mayor Epstein: Thank you. At this time the Council will lead the Pledge.

City Council And All: Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Epstein: Thank you. Prior to Roll call there is a change on the agenda. The item under old business is being pulled for the agenda. So we will make that change at this time. Roll Call.

Clerk Dumas:

Present: Tetter; Brown; Curtis; Baron; Wells-Armstrong; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Crawford; Osenga; O’Brien; Gall; Kennedy; Davidson (14)

Mayor Epstein: Department Heads.

Clerk Dumas:

Present: Passwater; Perkins; Kubal; Bohlen; Power; Simms; Tyson; Cross; Bertrand; Yohnka; Schmitz (10 present 1 absent)

Mayor Epstein: Moving on to approval of the minutes. I will entertain a motion to approve the minutes of the April 17, 2017, meeting.

Alderman Osenga: So moved, Mayor.

Alderman Crawford: I’ll second it.

Mayor Epstein: Motion by Alderman Osenga, seconded by Alderman Crawford. Are there any additions or corrections to the minutes? Hearing none, all those in favor, aye. Opposed, same sign.

Motion To Approve City Council Meeting Minutes Of April 17, 2017

Mayor Epstein: The minutes are approved. Moving on we have a list of resignations and retirements of department heads under this administration. They are:

Clifford Cross, Code Official And Planning And Zoning Director

Clifford Cross, Director Of Community Development Agency

Elizabeth Kubal, City Comptroller

Christopher Bohlen, Corporation Counsel

L. Patrick Power, Assistant Corporate Counsel

L. Patrick Power, City Treasurer

Phillip Perkins, Acting Fire Chief (Retired)

Larry Regnier, Chief Of Police (Retired)

Bill Yohnka, Director Of Economic Development

I will entertain and motion to accept those resignations.

Alderman Swanson: So Moved

Alderman Davidson: Second

Mayor Epstein: Motion by Alderman Swanson, seconded by Alderman Davidson, all those in favor, aye. Opposed, same sign. The resignations are approved. There are no petitions.

Under Communications, we have several items. I will briefly describe them and then I would like to do them at one time if that is ok with the Alderman. On The Rox this is an annual request that they have an outdoor noise permit so they can host live bands on Friday nights through September 30, 2017. Emit Simpson is requesting a noise permit for an event to be held at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park. The Art Council is requesting a street closure for the annual Strawberry Jazz Festival. James Choy is requesting permission for two sidewalk sales at his location on 1650 E. Court Street. Do I have a motion to approve the request?

Alderman Brown: So moved, your honor.

Alderwoman Tall: Second.

Mayor Epstein: Motion by Alderman Brown, seconded by Alderman Tall. Any questions? All those in favor, aye. Opposed, same sign.

Mayor Epstein: Okay. Thank you. Moving onto the Report of Officers. Do I have a motion to pay the bills?

Alderman Faford: Your honor, I move we approve the Report of Officers, place the money in the proper accounts and pay the bills in the amount of $150,110.22.

Alderman Tall: Second.

Mayor Epstein: Motion by Alderman Faford, seconded by Alderman Tall. Are there any questions on any of the bills? Roll call.

Clerk Dumas:

Aye: Tetter; Brown; Curtis; Baron; Wells-Armstrong; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Crawford; Osenga; O’Brien; Gall; Kennedy; Davidson (14)

Report Of Officers Approval Of Bills - $150,110.22

Mayor Epstein: Motion carries. We have moved the item off under Unfinished Business. Now we move onto Acknowledgments

Alderman Baron: Hello, I’m Dennis Baron and I’m one of the Sixth Ward Aldermen. We are here tonight for two reasons. One is to congratulate swear-in and welcome our new mayor, Chasity Well-Armstrong and I am fortunate to be the first do so, So Congratulations and welcome soon to be Mayor Wells-Armstrong- I speak for all of us in saying that we truly look forward to working with you. But before our new Mayor is sworn in, I’d like to say a few words on the behalf of the City Council in regard to Mayor Nina Epstein. In her eight years as Mayor, we have had the chance to watch Mayor Epstein lead on so many levels and in so many ways. First on a regional level Our Mayor, without asking or intending to do so, became the face and the voice of Downstate Illinois in opposing the attack by the City of Chicago and the RTA to take a larger share of sales tax revenue. Not just in the local media, but in the Chicago media as well, she represented us in a convincing, literate and rational manner. She made us all look good. Secondly on a county level. In an economy that saw several units of local government struggle to pay their bills, Mayor Epstein modeled how a responsible leader deals with awful economic conditions. In a series of difficult moves she made the City of Kankakee the envy of other units of local government. Also, on several occasions, I had the opportunity to accompany Mayor Epstein to the bi-monthly county Mayor’s dinner meeting, I saw first – hand how the other Mayors looked to her for guidance and advice on all kinds of topics. Our Mayor was the source of information and wisdom. Third on a city level serving all of the resident of the City of Kankakee. To really understand what the Mayor has been able to do, I’d like to put her 8 years in perspective. 8 years ago tonight in this room, in May 2009, Nina Epstein was sworn in as Mayor. We may forget, but in May 2009, the world and our country were at the beginning of the Great Recession, living through the worst economic circumstances experienced during the lifetimes of anyone here tonight. For the 6 months before May of 2009, the national economy was losing 800,000 jobs per month, national housing market had collapsed and major institutions and entire industries were failing. We were truly on the brink of collapse. Kankakee, like every other city and town in this country, was decimated. Our local housing market was in a free fall, unemployment locally soared, foreclosures shuttered all too many homes the recession was attacking our city. Like the rest of the Midwest, Kankakee was slower to emerge from the grip of the recession that the rest of the country. Also, adding insult to injury during Mayor Epstein’s term, the State Government stopped governing, stopped passing budgets, and stopped paying its bills on time. Other local governments upon whom we are dependent were not fairing too well either. So if Mayor Epstein has made any one big mistake during her term, it was exhibiting bad timing, (sort of like starting to become a Cubs fan in 1909). But in what could have been a catastrophe, because of national and state conditions, Mayor Epstein led us through this mess: Giving us 8 balanced budgets. Stopping the free fall of the values of our homes. Attracting many new residents and homeowners to our City. Turning downtown into a thriving and lively city center, befitting the City’s role as hub of Kankakee County. Keeping our bond rating high while the state and other units of local governments fell. Establishing a badly needed savings account, a reserve. And generally, leading us through what could have been the worst 8 years of the last century, and she did it with style and grace. It’s a mark of success that we can say Mayor Epstein left the City better than she found it. As residents, we have all benefited from this. Finally, Mayor Epstein has been a leader of elected City officials. On behalf of the City Council Members of the City of Kankakee and the City Clerk, who are in this room and who have been in this room at some time in the last 8 years, it’s been a pleasure and an honor serving with you these 8 years. As council members, we are a diverse group, and we represent different constituencies yet you have clearly brought us together. Handful of votes on the council floor have been unanimous or nearly unanimous, and that’s a good thing for those for us who live in the City. Serving with Nina Epstein has made us feel proud to be elected public officials of the City of Kankakee. Mayor Epstein’s 8 years will not be judged by whether she was a good politician, it will be judged by the fact that she was a true public servant. Really Quick this a is a gift from the City Council and a limited edition from the Dennis Baron Collection.

Mayor Epstein: I did not know I was going away with so many gifts.

Alderwoman Wells-Armstrong: These are from me. I want to thank you for your public service. Public service is not easy. It is a huge sacrifice on your family and I know personally that your husband is disabled and that cannot be easy to be the care taker of someone who is disabled. I know that you have worked hard and done your best and I am thankful for that. So, she has come in at 7:30a.m. this week to meet with me as we continue to work with transition and I want to thank you for that as well. And I listen well she does not like red flowers, yellow is her favorite color so take note of that. I hope that I can call you if I need you. And I wish you the best.

Mayor Epstein: Thank you. I gave my farewell comments last council meeting because truly in my mind the evening belongs to the new Mayor and her administration. I have forgotten how bad things were Dennis so thanks. It’s like childbirth easy to forget when it’s all over. It’s been an honor and a pleasure to serve. I have been at council meetings for 16 years because I was an alderman for 8. So I am not sure what is on television on Monday night. But I guess I will find out. We have met and the transition will be complete in a few minutes. I wish the Mayor and the new alderman all the best. It is our city, I was born and raised here and I know you were and it only behoots all of us. That we remain successful because as much as we have gotten done there will never be a time when there is not more to do. So again thank you all for being here tonight.

Mayor Epstein: Okay, So at this time I would like to make a motion to adjourn Sine Die

Alderman Brown: So moved

Alderman Kenndy: Second.

Mayor Epstein: Motion by Alderman Brown, seconded by Alderwoman Kennedy. Any questions about that? Any questions? All those in favor, aye. Opposed, same sign. We are adjourned Sine Die

Judge Drew: Swearing in of the alderman. I will address the new alderwoman Cherry Marshall. She is retiring from corrections after 27 years and she is here because she wants to serve her community. We have Stacy Gall, Larry Osenga, James Faford, Tyler Tall, Chris Curtis, and Fred Tetter. Everyone raise your right hands. I (state your name) have been elected into the office as alderman or alderwoman in the City of Kankakee, in the county of Kankakee, in the state of Illinois, do solemnly swear or affirm that I will support the constitution of United States of America, and the constitution of the State of Illinois and I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of alderman to the best of my ability. Congratulations.

Judge Drew: Moving right along. May we please have the family of City Clerk Anjanita Dumas Step forward. I have the pleasure of swearing in City Clerk Anjanita isn’t she beautiful and you see how posed and graceful she is. She has been in the City Clerk’s office since she was in her early 20’s. 22 to be exact. In 2001 she won, 4 years later she ran again won that election came back in 2009 and 2013 and won those elections. And here she is her 5th term in office. I said Anjanitia what is that RMC after your name? She said oh that means that I am a registered municipal clerk. She is the first in the area to have that added to her name. I Anjanitia Dumas have been have been elected into the office as City Clerk in the City of Kankakee, in the county of Kankakee, in the state of Illinois, do solemnly swear or affirm that I will support the constitution of United States of America, and the constitution of the State of Illinois and I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of City Clerk to the best of my ability. As I always have. Congratulations.

Judge Drew: So you all know what is coming next. She is lovely, she is gorgeous, she is talented, she is capable, she is victorious. So now is the time to swear in the Mayor. Judge Kathy Elliot will have that honor.

Judge Elliot: Vincent Clark has brought two bibles. It is my pleasure and honor to swear in Chasity. Her and I have been friends for 15 years. We have met several times for coffee and we are fellow social workers. I am so honored to swear her in today. I Chasity Wells-Armstrong have been have been elected into the office as Mayor in the City of Kankakee, in the county of Kankakee, in the state of Illinois, do solemnly swear or affirm that I will support the constitution of United States of America, and the constitution of the State of Illinois and I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of Mayor to the best of my ability.

Roll Call of New Council.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: I would like to call this meeting to order

Clerk Dumas: Present: Tetter; Brown; Curtis; Baron; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Crawford; Osenga; O’Brien; Gall; Kennedy; Marshall (13)

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Next item is new business. And we have:

Ordinance Amending Chapter 32, Section 231 Rescinding Ordinance No. 2010-40: Handicapped Parking At 557 South Fourth Avenue. May I have a motion to suspend the rules?

Alderman Tall: So moved

Alderwoman Kennedy: Second

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Motion by Alderman Tall, seconded by Alderwoman Kennedy. Are there any questions on any of the bills? Roll call.

Clerk Dumas:

Aye: Tetter; Brown; Curtis; Baron; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Crawford; Osenga; O’Brien; Gall; Kennedy; Malone-Marshall (13)

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Motion carries.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Items B & C if there are no objections I would like to combine those.

Alderman Brown: I would move that we join items B & C

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Thank you. Moved by Alderman Brown

Alderman Tetter: Second

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Motion by Alderman Brown, seconded by Alderman Tetter. Roll call.

Clerk Dumas:

Aye: Tetter; Brown; Curtis; Baron; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Crawford; Osenga; O’Brien; Gall; Kennedy; Malone-Marshall (13)

Alderman Brown: I make a motion to put the two ordinance of final pass and pass.

Alderman Tetter: Second

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Motion by Alderman Brown, seconded by Alderman Tetter. Roll call.

Clerk Dumas:

Aye: Tetter; Brown; Curtis; Baron; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Crawford; Osenga; O’Brien; Gall; Kennedy; Malone-Marshall (13)

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: The Ordinance Declaring Certain Property

Surplus Of The City Of Kankakee – Kankakee Police Department – And Authorizing The Sale Thereof Has Been Pulled From The Agenda.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: The next item is for informational purposes only. Comed Notification Of Filing With The Illinois Commerce Commission Regarding Updated Delivery Charges Increase

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Now we will move on to appointments. You should have an updated list of standing committee assignments. Let’s remove KARMA out of that right now and just go over standing committees.

Alderman Brown: Motion to approve standing committees.

Alderman Tetter: Second

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: We have a motion to approve standing committees with the exception of KARMA board. Motion by Alderman Brown, seconded by Alderman Tetter. Roll call.

Clerk Dumas:

Aye: Tetter; Brown; Curtis; Baron; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Crawford; Osenga; O’Brien; Gall; Kennedy; Malone-Marshall (13)

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Next on the agenda we need a motion to approve the appointments to the KARMA board.

Alderman Crawford: Motion to table

Roll call.

Clerk Dumas:

Aye: Tetter (Naye); Brown(Sustain); Curtis(Aye); Baron (Sustain); Tall(Aye); Faford(Aye); Swanson(Aye); Crawford(Aye); Osenga( Aye); O’Brien(Naye); Gal (Naye)l; Kennedy(Naye); Malone-Marshall(Naye) (6 Aye’s 5 Nay’s 2 abstentions)

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Next we have department heads enclosed in your packets are resume’s and letters of interests. 2017-2018 Standing Committee Appointments

Department Heads

Tomora Nelson – Code Official

Clifford Cross - Director Of Community Development Agency/City Planner

Elizabeth Kubal, City Comptroller

Richard Simms – Superintendent Of Environmental Services Utility

L. Patrick Power – Corporation Counsel

L. Patrick Power – City Treasurer

Alderman Brown: I make a motion that we approve the appointments of the department heads in mass with the exception of the KARMA members.

Alderman O’Brien: Second.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Motion by Alderman Brown, seconded by Alderman O’Brien. No discussion? Roll call.

Clerk Dumas:

Aye: Tetter; Brown; Curtis; Baron; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Crawford; Osenga; O’Brien; Gall; Kennedy; Malone-Marshall (13)

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Next items is to approve the appointment of Carmen Lewis - Fifth-Ward Alderwoman. Information on her appointment is also enclosed in the packet. May I have a motion to approve the appointment?

Alderman Tall: moved.

Alderwoman Kennedy: Second.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Motion by Alderman Tall, seconded by Alderwoman Kennedy. Roll call.

Clerk Dumas:

Aye: Tetter; Brown; Curtis; Baron; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Crawford; Osenga; O’Brien; Gall; Kennedy; Malone-Marshall (13)

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: We will take a moment now to swear in Carmen Lewis as 5th ward Alderwoman.

Clerk Dumas: At this time I ask you to raise your right hand and repeat after me

I Carmen Lewis have been have been elected into the office as Alderwoman in the City of Kankakee, in the county of Kankakee, in the state of Illinois, do solemnly swear or affirm that I will support the constitution of United States of America, and the constitution of the State of Illinois and I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of Alderwoman to the best of my ability. Congratulations.

Mayor Well-Armstrong: While everyone is going back to their seats we will get ready for a presentation from Alderman Emeritus Steve Hunter. We had another copy of the agenda printed and we didn’t want you to think we skipped over you. We would like to give you the floor at this time.

Alderman Emeritus Steve Hunter:

I was getting worried there for a second. I am here on a 3 hour pass from my therapy and I need to be back by 8:00. I want to congratulate you Mayor Chasity Wells-Armstrong. I have been in these chambers for over 40 years and I have seen everything from successes to problems. And by the virtue of all the different people that are here tonight that they want you Mayor to succeed. When you succeed the City succeeds. I think we owe her a round of applause. When you succeed that means that there is economic development. When you succeed there is more housing development. There is a diversity here and there are a number of things that are going to transpire under your administration and we are pleased to have that happen. You are a young lady, we hope to see some new and innovative things happen from your office. We would hope that all the Council would support you. You are a team and when she succeeds you all succeed. It is amazing that what has transpired on April the 4th. That people from all over the city and called to tell me about the new Mayor. I was pleased to say that I knew who she was. All of us 27,000 citizens owe her a debt of gratitude, work with her. Everyone in this city can contribute positive feedback be mindful to that. With that I would like to make a presentation that comes from all of the citizens in the neighborhoods of Kankakee. I would like Brian and Claudia Noe and Majority leader Alderman Carl Brown to escort our new Mayor down here. Mayor I would just like to say that this sway here is a memento of all the different citizens of Kankakee. We want you to succeed because we want to succeed. This is just a reflection of our Nations flag and the diversity of people that support you. Alderman Brown is African American, Brian and Claudia are white and there were several Hispanics that supported you. You did not just receive the black vote. On the behalf of the citizens of Kankakee Congratulations.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong:

I just want to thank everyone for being here it really means a lot to me. All though people doubted me we did this. We did this. And this was a win for all of us. Because I am going to work for all of us. I know some people are afraid right now because I think outside of the box. It’s not going to be the same as it has always been. I think it is so important to open up opportunities for people and allow their voices to be heard. So I want all of you to know that I take this seriously, I do not take this lightly and being the first African American I know how serious this is. I am aspired by the people that I meet at gas stations and grocery stores that tell me they are praying for me. I need you to keep praying for me. And I need you guys that worked to get me continue to work with me. Because I love this community, this is my home and we are going to be better. Thank you.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Next on the agenda we have a Proclamation Recognizing May 7th Through May 13th, 2017 As Municipal Clerks Week

Alderman Brown: It is my pleasure to move on the motion to honor Clerk’s week she deserves it.

Alderwoman Kennedy: Second.

Resolution Amending Resolution 2017-08: Acceptance Of A Grant From The Illinois Housing Development Authority’s Abandoned Residential Municipal Relief Program Mayor Wells-Armstrong:

Next we have Resolution Amending Resolution 2017-08: Acceptance Of A Grant From The Illinois Housing Development Authority’s Abandoned Residential Municipal Relief Program. Cliff would you like to add anything to that?

Cliff Cross: Many of you are probably familiar with this grant. This actually came before you last month. Due to the change in the administration we will not be closing on this until the later part of this month. This is one of our grants programs that allows us to take properties and allows us to maintain them.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Motion by Alderman Brown, seconded by Alderman O’Brien. Any questions? All those in favor, aye. Opposed, same sign.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Motion passes. There is no executive session. Do we have an Alderman Comments?

Alderman Kennedy: I just want to say welcome to our new Mayor and our new council Members.

Alderman O’Brien: I would just like to echo Alderwoman Kennedy. Welcome and congratulations. I look forward as working as a group and doing good things together.

Alderman Brown: I will save my comments until next meeting.

Mayor Epstein: Any other comments? Okay, now motion to adjourn.

Alderwoman Swanson: So moved.

Alderwoman Gall: Second

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Motion by Alderman Swanson.

Alderwoman Gall: Second.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Seconded by Gall. All those in favor, aye. Opposed.

Motion To Adjourn City Council Meeting

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: We are adjourned.

http://www.citykankakee-il.com/City%20Council%20Minutes/ccm2017/05-01-17MIN.pdf