City of Kankakee City Council met July 3.
Here is the minutes provided by the Council:
Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Good Evening I'd Like To Call The Meeting To Order. We Will Begin With Prayer – Pastor Kenneth Carr From Total Restoration Church Of The Nazarene
Pastor Kenneth Carr: (Recording Was Not Activated In Council Chambers) Microphone Was Not On. Inaudible.
If we would please bow our heads. Dear gracious father. What an honor and privilege it is to invite me to this place tonight. Because you stand only in righteousness. (Inaudible) The Board, Alderman, and Alderwoman and including our Mayor God that they will make righteous decisions. And so God as we continue on tonight the presence of God (Inaudible) As I release this word tonight Proverb 23-24 says the wicked accepts a bribe. (Inaudible) Simply means the wisdom is right in front of us. That anytime you look out up wisdom God is right there in our hands. And so tonight we ask that you would set this place in order. And father will turn this City around. And for you Glory in Jesus name we say Amen.
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Pledge Of Allegiance – Youth Total Restoration Church Of The Nazarene
Next, on the agenda, we have public comments.
Public Comments – Please give your name and direct your comments to the Mayor. Comments are limited to five minutes. No personal attacks upon City Council members, staff or other persons in attendance or absent will be permitted. In addition, discussion of matters which are currently under legal review will not be permitted.
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Jerry And Judy Kilbride (Recording Was Not Activated In Council Chambers) Microphone Was Not On. Inaudible.
Judy Kilbride:
We appreciate the opportunity tonight to come before City Council. Jerry had a vision years ago to bring a fun run to the Kankakee. After four or five years our grandson has been diagnosed with Autism. Our family decided that it was time and a good idea to see if we could raise some money and some awareness for that particular challenge. So we started the Kilbride Family Classic 5k and 2 miles walk for Autism. We are here tonight like I mentioned to say thank you to not only the City of Kankakee but the City Aldermen that are here tonight and Department heads that I would like to mention individually. The Public Works Department and Burt Dear. The Fire Department Acting Chief Damon Schuldt. And the Kankakee Police Department Acting Chief Price Dumas. We have been incredibly blessed with a very giving community. We have raised over $220,000. Most of that money going to an Autism group right here in our community to benefit lives that struggle daily with Autism. We have also had over 10,000 participants in our event which is held at Cobb Park. In our beautiful Riverview historic district. Which means we got to show off Cobb Park and the river. Not only were there 10,000 participants but they also brought a friend with them. So it really got to magnify in terms of the number of people who not only say our community but also were made aware of the challenging disorder called autism. We just can’t say thank you enough.
Jerry Kilbride:
I’d just like to make a comment. Specifically, Mr. Dear who I don’t think is here tonight. However, many years ago and I have kept in touch with him. He was on a team a Colt league that was a game short of the world series. And I was the President of the league at the time. So after when I found out that he was in the position that he is now I said when we started our event. I said you will take care of whatever our needs are. And he said you bet. So I will see Mr. Dear personally. We had some great times together. Thank you.
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Thank you, both Mr. and Mrs. Kilbride. Next up we have Roland James
Roland James: (Recording Was Not Activated In Council Chambers) Microphone Was Not On. Inaudible.
Good evening Mayor, City Council. I just have a comment on what I heard last week when I was here. (Inaudible) Hire outside for Police Chief. I am personally against that. And I am saying that from my knowledge that I have received at CSL Behring and when you hire within your own town there is an immediate connection to patrolling, to turf and to the wars that are going on. That is my comment.
Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Thank you. Next, we have Steven J. Hunter.
Steven J. Hunter: (Recording Was Not Activated In Council Chambers) Microphone Was Not On. Inaudible.
Mayor, City Council members, I am doing a little bit better compared to May 1, 2017, Mayor when you took office when I was in a walker. I graduated from a walker to a cane last Thursday. So I am pleased to be before you in this a gust room here in which I have served about 40 years. Last Saturday If I could have the Alderwomen from the first ward Alderwoman Kennedy and Alderwoman Malone-Marshall please stand so I could pay an Amish to (inaudible) for the community Homecoming affair you had last Saturday. There were a lot of folks there in which you paid Amish to the (INAUDIBLE) those individuals that have lived on the north east side and are 80 years and above. As well as some other individuals that you were given awards Sergeant Pop Collins, Jeff Jones, and yours truly. I would like to commend you on a job well done. Many of you in this room were recipients as well as came to that particular affair. Police was present, good food, good music. good comradely. Hopefully, you can continue that project with the support of the Mayor and the City Council it will continue. Thank you, thank you, thank you very much. $15 million Ricky Rockets which is going to happen on the east side of Kankakee. I’ve had discussions with Alderman Tyler Tall and Alderman Brown regarding that particular matter. And know that they have met with some of the Ricky Rockets officials and I think some locations as well too. As I have indicated that is a $15-million-dollar project. The City is going to provide liquor license and some other things to that particular company. Hopefully with the assistance of this council as well with the represent official that they will hire people that will reflect the demographics of the city. Meaning that people who look like me and reside in the city like me will have jobs here. And also regarding the contracts that are let and the subcontracts especially as well too. We do have WBE Women Business Enterprise and SBE Small Business Enterprise individuals who can do some of that work out there. Also, can provide security for that location when the work begins. I just want to encourage all of you guys that when they submit the requisite, documents and so forth that you can live with those particular matters. And that we have people who look like us and reside here in Kankakee with some of those jobs. Thank you very much.
Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Thank you. Robert S. Ellington Snipes
Robert S. Ellington Snipes:
Madam Mayor and to the distinguished members of the City Council. I want to correct something that kind of got my attention. There was a letter that was addressed was placed upon my desk addressed to individual Alderman. Someone thought I was an Alderman and thought I needed to disseminate it to all the other Alderman. I am not an Alderman. I sent it and gave it to Mrs. Kennedy and asked her if she would distribute it. I did not open it but found out there were some things in there that I would not have agreed with or even said. But since I did not write the letter. I just want you to know that I am not the one the letter. Another thing is that I will talk to you personally. I will not talk behind folk's back. I would not have signed anything that says the community. Many of you know me personally. I haven’t done that in 38 years. Won’t do it. I don’t believe some of the contents that were up in the letter I won’t do it. It was not me. I know City Clerk Anjanita Dumas. If I would have said something like that I would have had to come in and apologize. It’s not in my character. We know each other down to through the years. And you know that wouldn’t have come out of my mouth. So I dispel whatever the contents of that letter were. Whoever has a letter give it to your Alderman yourself. Cause what is in it looks like it came from me. I didn’t know what was up in it. I just passed it on. On a lighter note, you know that I stood here in the position to (INAUDIBLE) the City of Kankakee. But tonight and you are probably going to have to hold your seats for this but I do stand by the Mayor in her decision for Chief. And I will give you my foundation and the reason why. Number one I do not believe that we need to spend 15-20 thousand dollars to find a new chief. I had the opportunity to speak with the Master Sergeant of the State Police and he communicated with the Lt. Colonel of the State Police. Both individuals are from the city of Kankakee. Jamal who I helped mentor when he was here. We lost him to the State Police Department. And also Zarate who was another good officer that we lost to the State Police. We can be mad that feel bad that they wanted to go on to careers. They did not feel that they could get the promotions that they deserved. After talking with Zarate in a special conversation for about an hour and a half, I also spoke to Chief Price Dumas on yesterday. His interest in the City is in his particular heart. He is getting out to community events and all that and he is getting out to know the city. And for that, I want to applaud him and his particular efforts. And then Zarate and the LT. Colonel of the State Police was saying that they will lend their support to the management style here in the City of Kankakee. It’s time to move forward and allow him to be the chief. I do know I have heard through the grapevine that Hunt will be the Assistant Chief that will give again a great opportunity. With that being said you all have a great evening. I do have to run have a relative that has had an aneurism and they do not believe they are going to live. So I have to get to Peoria. Have a good evening.
Steven J Hunter: Mayor!
Mayor Wells-Armstrong: He’s back!
Steven Hunter:
I believe I have 45 seconds left. I would like to briefly discuss this with Alderman Brown. There are about 70,000 people travel on Route 57 every day. And countless thousands and I know we have discussed those stats Mayor who travel Court street. I’d like to see a police substation over. I want you to consider that. Since you are the chairman of the Safety Committee and the Mayor you will be making those decisions and the Chief I’d like to see a police substation over there since we use to have one at the People’s Bank of Marycrest and we use to have one at Crestview Village. I’d really like to see that over there because there is going to be a lot of activity over there.
Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Thank you, roll call
Clerk Dumas: Tetter; Brown; Curtis; Baron; Lewis; Tall; Faford; Swanson (Absent); Crawford; Osenga; O'Brien; Gall; Malone-Marshall, Kennedy (13)
Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Department heads
Clerk Dumas: Dumas; Schuldt; Kubal; Power; Simms; Piggush; Cross; Bertrand; Nelson(Absent); Schmitz Thank You
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
May I have a motion to approve the City Council meeting minutes of June 19, 2017.
Alderman Osenga: So moved
Alderman Baron: Second
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Motion made by Alderman Osenga Seconded by Alderman Baron Does anyone have any corrections, comments or concerns? Alderman Curtis
Alderman Curtis: (No Mic On) Inaudible
Mayor on page 16 in the Minutes There it says the motion to approve. I believe it should say the motion to table.
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Any other amendments? Hearing none all in favor AYE. Same sign Opposed. Motion carries.
Mayor Wells-Armstrong: There are no petitions. Moving onto communications
A) Presentation By Wanda Lewis-Fulmer - (Information Only)
Wanda Lewis-Fulmer:
Good evening my name is Wanda Lewis-Fulmer and this is my husband Larry Fulmer. We are a twofer. Sometimes. We are here this evening to thank you City of Kankakee Alderman, of course, Honorable Mayor Wells-Armstrong. We are honored for your time here. We are intending to open Auto Lab franchise here in your lovely town. We are very excited to help you create jobs and opportunities. With all due respect, my husband will talk to more about the technical side. We are very thrilled to assist you and really turning your city around. Thank you, Alderman Tetter for bringing us into Kankakee.
Larry Fulmer:
Thank you Mayor and Ladies and Gentleman of the Council we are truly honored to take a few minutes we know you have a full agenda. We are representatives of Auto Lab which is an auto complete auto care facility. It is state of the art. It is really driven by high-quality services that really leads into an industry leading warranty. It’s two years’ parts and labor and that is bumper to bumper. It is really something that is not present in the auto world. We are really excited about it. Auto Lab is also well aligned with what Wanda and I are trying to accomplish. And that really is bringing in the auto community to create jobs locally. We hire from the local employment pool. We are committed heavily to training. Our goal is that everybody that comes on board with Auto Lab facility is given the opportunity to develop their skills to not only grow to not only other skilled positions within the community but also learn those life skills that allow them to become supervisors, become management. And then our goal is that everybody that we hire has the opportunity to move in and own their own business. That really is our goal. It is not something where we just want to hire someone and use them and then put them out. We really want to invest in the community and the individuals that come on board with us. The other thing that Auto Lab is really impressive with is really community driven. And I think as you look at Wanda and I more is that we are really community driven. We really love the opportunity to work directly with the community, the community members, the community business leaders. We will involve ourselves heavily in community events. And we would love the opportunity to actually give back to the community. It’s really the community that supports us and we recognize that. And we want to participate in giving back. That is one of the things you will see is probably different than a lot of other businesses and industries that come in. We truly love having the opportunity to talk at length and detail as your schedule allows and answer any questions. In a nutshell that is what we are about.
Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Thank you. Next two items Item C the petitioners withdrew so we will just be voting on item B:
B) “Pastor’s In The Community” Is Requesting Permission To Host A Prayer Walk Starting At The Martin Luther King Jr., Park And Proceed Through The Neighborhoods On Saturday, July 15, 2017, And Saturday, July, 29, 2017, From 3:00 P.M. Until 8:00 P.M.
C) Jamyce Cleggett And Quincy Campbell Are Requesting Permission For A Street Closure Of East Birch Street Between Hobbie Avenue And Park Avenue To Host The “Kankakee County Love And Unity Festival” On Friday, August 4, 2017, Saturday, August 5, 2017, And Sunday, August 6, 2017, From 1:00 P.M. Until 6:00 P.M.
Do I have a motion to approve?
Alderwoman Kennedy: So moved
Alderwoman Malone-Marshall: Second
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Motion by Alderwoman Kennedy Seconded by Alderwoman Malone-Marshall. Any discussion? All in favor opposed same sign Motion carries.
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Moving onto Standing Committee Reports. We have
And Code Enforcement – June 15, 2017
Alderwoman Kennedy:
want to start with a slight correction we actually start at 5:30. I just want to make that correction for the record. We did discuss the new software that we are hoping to pass and purchase for the code department so they can communicate more efficiently and that software will also interface with our police department, planning, and other departments in the City. So that was one of the things that we talked about. We are just looking at some ways to get it financed and hopefully we can come up with some creative ways that we can get that financed. And that is pretty much it. Thank you.
Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Thank you, Alderman O'Brien. Now we have Economic Development - June 22, 2017
Alderman Tetter:
Thank you, Mayor. We met on the 22nd of June. Most of the meeting was dedicated to Mr. Hoekstra relocating here in the City. His trucking firm from the east of town to get closer to the infrastructure highway and etc. With that being said we have asked Mr. Hoekstra to come to the committee to explain some of the details in terms of what it is that he would want. And we are searching for ways that we can enhance his presence in the city. So during our next meeting, he will address the entire committee with his positions. We did have a discussion Director Cross discussed the EDA Grants, speaking about the technical assistance grant also further discussing the 3 million dollar grant for infrastructure. It was explained that the city can apply for both grants on its own. There were discussions regarding the developing of housing stock, this would take approximately 2-3 years for the process.
Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Thank you, Alderman Tetter.
Alderman O’brien:
(No Mic) (Inaudible)
Mayor, we have been meeting starting at 5:30 the committee members requested that we started meeting at 5:45. So there is not as much time between the end of that meeting and the City Council meeting. So we would need to re notice that. Is that correct?
Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Yes, there is a cost with that.
Alderman O’brien:
There is a cost with that? Ok, we will discuss off line.
Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Thank you, Alderman O’Brien. Alderman Brown
Alderman Brown:
Public Safety will not meet tomorrow as you know it is the 4th of July. So I just decided just to meet next month. The meeting will convene next month but it will be at Kan-Comm and we will take a tour of that location. And I have been ordered, threatened and everything to have pizza. So if I do not have pizza there I am going to get it. So I am going to have pizza there.
Alderwoman Gall:
There will be no License and Franchise meeting due to the holiday. We will meet back in August. No pizza!
Mayor Wells-Armstrong.
Thank you, Alderwoman Gall. At this time, I would like a motion to approve payment of the bills.
Alderman Faford: (Inaudible) (No Mic)
Place the money in the proper accounts and pay the bills in the amount of $709,157.80
Alderman Faford: So moved
Alderman Tall: Second
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Motion made surprisingly by Alderman Faford and seconded by Alderman Tall. Any questions or comments on any of the bills.
Alderman Tetter:
Your honor, one question checks number 72110, What was that amount for, please?
Elizabeth Kubal: (No Mic On), (Inaudible). Indian Meadows tax rebates.
Alderman Tetter:
Also Check number 72122 Tousigount Inc. what is that bill for?
Elizabeth Kubal
That is for station 4 an accident that occurred there. That is an older bill that was misplaced.
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Okay. Thank you. Roll call
Clerk Dumas: Tetter; Brown; Curtis Baron; Lewis; Tall; Faford; Swanson(Absent); Crawford; Osenga; O'brien (Aye Abstain From Check # 72087); Gall; Malone-Marshall, Kennedy (13)
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Motion carries. Next, 11 we just discussed under unfinished business with Mr. Hoekstra. So Economic Development with follow up with him.
A) Resolution Approving And Authorizing The Execution Of The Development Agreement Between Steven Hoekstra Or His Corporate Designee And The City Of Kankakee
Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Under new business, I’d like to combine
A) Ordinance Amending Chapter 32, Section 231 Entitled “Handicapped Parking” Of The Municipal Code Of The City Of Kankakee Handicapped Parking Space Established At 144 North Fourth Avenue
B) Ordinance Amending Chapter 32, Section 231 Entitled “Handicapped Parking” Of The Municipal Code Of The City Of Kankakee Handicapped Parking Space Established At 564 North Illinois Street
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Motion to suspend the rules?
Alderman Brown: So moved
Alderman Tetter: Second
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Motion made by Alderman Brown, Seconded by Alderman Tetter. Roll Call
Clerk Dumas:
Tetter; Brown; Curtis; Baron; Lewis; Tall; Faford; Swanson(Absent); Crawford; Osenga; O'Brien; Gall; Malone-Marshall; Kennedy (13)
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Motion carries Motion to place the ordinance on final passage.
Alderman Tall: So moved
Alderman Brown: Second
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Motion by Alderman Tall, Seconded by Alderman Brown. Any Discussion? Roll call
Clerk Dumas: Tetter; Brown; Curtis; Baron; Lewis; Tall; Faford; Swanson(Absent); Crawford; Osenga; O'brien; Gall; Malone-Marshall; Kennedy (13)
Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Motion Carries
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Moving on to the appointments we are just over 60 days in the new administration so I am still looking to fill vacancies. So if anyone is interested in serving please let me know. Tonight we will be making several appointments the first is the fireman pension board. Firemen Pension Board 1. Phil Hodak 2. Claudia Noe
The council should have received letters of interest and resumes on the candidate. So at this time may I have a motion to approve?
Alderman Tetter: So moved
Alderwoman Lewis: Second
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Motion made by Alderwoman Tetter, seconded by Alderwoman Lewis. Any discussion?
Alderman Baron:
If I understand are the fireman pension board and the planning board those are not compensated positions correct? Because I have some clients on the list. So as long as they are not compensated.
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Correct. They are volunteering their time. These wonderful people.
Alderman O’brien:
Mayor, are these proposed people replacing existing members of the board? Who are they?
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
They have expired I do not have the list with me?
Alderman O’brien:
But none is current?
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Correct. Roll call
CLERK DUMAS: Tetter; Brown; Curtis; Baron; Lewis; Tall; Faford; Swanson(Absent); Crawford; Osenga; O'Brien; Gall; Malone-Marshall; Kennedy (13)
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Motion carries. The next appointment is: EMERGENCY TELEPHONE SYSTEMS BOARD
This position has traditionally been held by our Police Chief so I am appointing 1. Price Dumas
Alderman Tetter: So moved
Alderman Brown: Second
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Motion made by Alderman Tetter and seconded by Alderman Brown. Roll call
Clerk Dumas:
Tetter ; Brown; Curtis; Baron; Lewis; Tall (Naye); Faford(Naye); Swanson(Absent); Crawford(Naye); Osenga(Naye); O'brien; Gall; Malone-Marshall, Kennedy (9 Aye-4 Naye – 1 Absent)
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Motion carries. Before I make the next appointment given the highly unusual vacancies that occurred in Kankakee Police leadership I am guided by both the state statute and as well with the Kankakee Municipal code in the following. I would first like to thank Robin Passwater for his willingness to step in as Deputy Chief as identified by this administration. Therefore, pursuant to municipal code section 27-58.1 which govern the appointment of Deputy Chief. I hereby appoint:
Deputy Police Chief 1. Willie Hunt
The Deputy Chief shall perform the powers and the duties of the Chief of Police when the Chief of Police is unable to perform these powers and duties. The Deputy Chief shall possess the powers and execute the duties in case of a temporary absence or disability of the Chief of Police. Further pursuant to state statue because LT. Passwater resigned as Chief he shall revert to the established LT. rank he held prior to his appointment as acting Chief.
So I am asking for a motion to appoint him again as acting Police Chief.
Alderman Brown: So moved
Alderwoman Kennedy: Second
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Motion made by Alderman Brown and seconded by Alderwoman Kennedy. Discussion
Alderman Curtis:
As the process goes forward with the Police Chief I assume that LT. Hunt would have the opportunity to apply for that position if he is accepted as Deputy Chief?
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Yes Roll call
Clerk Dumas: Tetter ; Brown; Curtis: Baron; Lewis; Tal; Faford; Swanson(Absent); Crawford(Naye); Osenga(Naye); O'brien; Gall; Malone-Marshall, Kennedy (11 Aye – 2 Naye -1 Absent)
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Motion carries. There are six candidates that were submitted. I did receive an e-mail from William Sole he is withdrawing his candidacy he is opening two antique stores in Dwight and he is swamped and he didn’t want to make the commitment and not be able to fulfill it. So we have 5 (five) candidates for the planning board. They will have staggered terms, Cliff, did you want to speak to that?
Cliff Cross:
The Planning Commission requires that there are 13 (thirteen) active members on that board. They act as a dual committee both as planning commission and zoning board of appeals. That’s why it’s such a large committee they actually make recommendations to the Mayor and Council and also make formal decisions associated with variances and appeals of decisions and so forth. The current board membership I believe has 5 (five) vacancies. And they are staggered terms for the 13 (thirteen) members. 4 (four) of the members will serve 3 (three) year terms, another 4 (four) members of the board will serve 2 (two) year terms. And the remaining 5 (five) will serve a 1 (one) year term. So with these appointments, they fit in the current format of the planning board. And then we can re-evaluate the terms that they each had. And then the Mayor can request the appointment based on those staggered terms for future planning board members.
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Thank you. Any questions?
Alderman Curtis:
Are the current existing planning members still going to continue to be on the board?
Cliff Cross:
My understanding is based on their term requirements yes. If their term is expired than obviously the Mayor will sit down with me and she will tell me who she wants on the board. And then we will set the new staggered terms for the newest members based on requirements.
Alderman Curtis:
But what we are voting on tonight is not replacing any planning members we are just adding correct?
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
So if someone has a 3 (three) year term for example and their term is not up until next year they will not be replaced.
Alderman Curtis:
That’s what I am saying we are not replacing anyone we are just adding to vacant spots.
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Correct. Any other questions, or discussion? Do you want to vote on them separate or all together? All together okay.
Planning Board
1. Elisabeth Dunbar
2. Beverly Hood
3. Terrance A. Hooper
4. Dave Robinson
5. Deb Terrill
May I have a motion to approve?
Alderman Tall: So moved
Alderwoman Gall: Second
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Motion made by Alderman Tall and seconded by Alderwoman Gall. Roll call
Clerk Dumas: Tetter; Brown; Curtis; Baron; Lewis; Tall; Faford; Swanson(Absent); Crawford; Osenga; O'Brien; Gall; Malone-Marshall, Kennedy (13)
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Motion carries. Under item 13 we are going to skip A because we have an executive session and after some discussion, there will be more understanding what is going on with that particular issue. So we will skip that for now and comeback to it. Under Item B we have:
B) Resolution Approving And Authorizing The Execution Of The Development Agreement Kwlf, Llc (“Developer”) And The City Of Kankakee (“City”) – Wanda Lewis-Fulmer
So that was the presentation you heard tonight to develop the area in the First Ward. May I have a motion to approve?
Alderman Kennedy: So Moved
Alderman Malone-Marshall: Second
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Motion made by Alderwoman Kennedy. Seconded by Alderwoman Malone-Marshall. Any discussion?
Alderman O’brien:
Is the property that the City purchased last fall at the tax sale?
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Yes
Alderman O’brien:
This is the building and one lot north, but not the property on the corner there correct?
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Correct. They will develop it by the end of the year. The plan is to have a ribbon cutting by the end of the year.
Alderman O’brien:
And the agreement provides that the City gives them this property.
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Correct. We are currently generating zero on this property so they are going to develop it.
Alderman Brown:
How long do they have before they can sell it? They cannot sell it in like 5 (five) years or 4 (four) years, can they?
Pat Powers:
There are no restrictions regarding when they can sell it. If they do not follow through by bringing it up to code and establishing the franchise on the premises there is a provision that is a breach of the contract and then it reverts back to the City.
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Any other further discussion? Roll call.
Clerk Dumas: Tetter; Brown; Curtis; Baron; Lewis; Tall; Faford; Swanson(Absent); Crawford; Osenga; O'Brien; Gall; Malone-Marshall, Kennedy (13)
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Motion carries. Welcome to Kankakee. Next, item we have: A) Resolution Authorizing The Execution Of The Sales Contract With Fire Service, Inc., People’s Bank Of Kankakee County And The City Of Kankakee For The Purpose Of The City Of Kankakee’s Fire Department Purchasing An Ambulance
And I will turn that over to Acting Chief Schuldt.
Acting Chief Schuldt: (No Mic On, Inaudible)
Thank you, Mayor, 4-wheel drive. It’s a company called Wheeled Coach located in St. John Indiana. We have researched several companies that make ambulances we felt that this was the best deal for us. The total cost is one hundred and sixty thousand dollars ($160,000.). I have talked to a number of other sales man, fire departments, I went to a conference last weekend they had a trade show there. I talked to a number of people. Most ambulances similar to this are going for one hundred and eighty thousand dollars ($180,000.00) so I feel we are getting a bargain on this. Plus, I really didn’t want to go through another entire summer without a new ambulance. We own 3 (three) ambulances. We operate 2 (two) at a time. We do have some ambulances that have twenty-one thousand (21,000) hours on them and if you know anything about fleet management that is a tremendous amount of hours. If you can tell by the Public Safety minutes are starting to cost a lot of money with repairs. So this will cut down on some of that as well hopefully. And just a real service to our community. I do not want an ambulance to break down on a critical call to either get to the patient or to get to the hospital. So it is critical that we receive this ambulance. And this is not
a Cadillac ambulance. It is basically a stripped down model with very few options we are keeping everything as basic as we can and try to cut the cost down as much as possible. Any questions?
Alderman Osenga:
Does this come with all the bells and whistles inside or are you guys going to buy a bunch of other stuff?
Acting Chief Schuldt:
That’s everything. We are budgeted to buy a stretcher. They are kind of pricey but it has already been approved and is in the budget. We are also approved in the budget to by radios. We are going to install that ourselves instead of having the factory do that. It will be cheaper for us to do it. There is also a provision for some supplies because we are not getting rid of an ambulance so we are going to have to stock it with band-aides and collars and some back boards and things like that. But we are budgeted for that as well. Same thing with the decals that are on the side. We are doing very minimal there are a few requirements for that. The star of life that is on the roof, that blue star of life that you usually don’t see that comes from the factory already. That is good for the price. We have to put a couple of those on the side along with our name and the ambulance number. We are having a local company do that. Because that can be cheaper than having the dealership do it as well.
Alderman Curtis:
So we will be keeping all 4 (four) ambulances?
Acting Chief Schuldt:
Yes, that is the plan for now. When an ambulance gets that many hours and miles on it, unfortunately, they are not worth a whole lot. I don’t see a reason to get rid of them. We are going to use them for backup.
Alderman Curtis:
The second question is this money coming out of capital versus the operating budget, where is this money coming from?
Elizabeth Kubal:
This was part of the budget that was passed. Out of the ambulance fees that are being generated, it was worked that there was a transfer at the end of the budget. If you check the packets. We talked about it briefly but I do not think we went into great detail. So right now there are seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000.) that will go from a transfer from the general fund to the capital fund to pay for this. For 2 (2) years this will be in next year’s budget as well.
Acting Chief Schuldt: I have pictures here as well if you want to see them. If you want to look at them after the meeting.
Alderman Faford:
We had an ambulance with a 12 lead EKG this ambulance will not have one?
Acting Chief Schuldt:
Yes, it will. That is a portable piece of equipment that will be transferred from one ambulance to another. Those are expensive and we will currently use the one that we have.
Alderman Brown:
I want to commend Acting Chief Schuldt for doing that for two years, finding and innovative way to pay for that because we know that it is expensive. And our equipment is deteriorating year after year. I commend you for going out and finding a new piece of equipment.
Acting Chief Schuldt:
Thank you, I appreciate that.
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
He did work very hard at cutting costs and being mindful of ways to save money. I also want to thank Elizabeth as well for that as well. We have had several meetings about this.
Acting Chief Schuldt:
I want to thank Elizabeth and the Mayor they both have been very supportive of this through the budget process. So thank you to the both of you.
Alderman Curtis:
One more question. People’s Bank is involved in this are they providing a loan. Is that what they are doing?
Elizabeth Kubal: (No Mic On Inaudible)
Alderman Curtis:
It’s just a 2 (two) year term.
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Correct. May I have a motion to approve?
Alderwoman Kennedy: So moved
Alderman Tetter: Second
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Motion made by Alderwoman Kennedy. Seconded by Alderman Tetter. Roll call
Clerk Dumas: Tetter; Brown; Curtis Baron; Lewis; Tall; Faford; Swanson (Absent); Crawford; Osenga; O'Brien; Gall; Malone-Marshall, Kennedy (13)
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Motion carries. You get an ambulance. We do have an executive session. And for new comers that mean you all have to leave the chambers. You are welcome to come back because we will have some discussion after this. And Alderman comments. But at this time I need a motion to go into executive session.
Alderman Brown: So Moved
Alderman Tetter: Second
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Motion made by Alderman Brown, Seconded by Alderman Tetter. All in favor, Aye. Opposed same sign. Motion carries.
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
We are back in open session. Thank you for being patient.
Alderman O’brien:
We need a motion to get out of the executive session.
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
All in favor opposed same sign Motion carries
We are returning to 13-A on the agenda
A) Resolution Approving And Authorizing The Execution Of The Intergovernmental Agreement Between The City Of Kankakee And The Village Of Aroma Park Transferring A Force Main Sewer Line, Repayment Of Prior Maintenance Costs And Grant Of Easement For Use Of Kankakee Services To Access The Treatment Plant
May I have a motion to approve?
Alderman Curtis: So moved
Alderman Lewis: Second
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Motion made by Alderman Curtis. Seconded by Alderwoman Lewis. Any discussion? Roll call
Clerk Dumas: Tetter; Brown; Curtis; Baron; Lewis; Tall; Faford; Swanson(ABSENT); Crawford; Osenga; O'Brien; Gall; Malone-Marshall, Kennedy (13)
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Motion carries Next, we have Alderman comments?
Alderman Brown:
I think Robert Snipes spoke to it. And I just want to make it clear that anyone puts anything in my box and there is not a name on it I am ripping it up. I just want to make sure everyone knows that. I didn’t blame anyone; I did not call anyone out. I just want everyone to know that if anything goes in my box. I am ripping it up.
Alderman Crawford:
Where are we on the search for the Police Chief? Are we going through the Police Chief Association?
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
As I stated during the last meeting the director is out until July 5, 2017. Today is July 3, 2017. So I will give him time to get back in the office. And I will give him a call. I have will have to find out what that assessment looks like? What does the cost look like? Then I will relay that information to council. I have no idea what that will cost. I know the fire department search cost almost $20,000.00. So I do not know at this time I do not know at this time what that will cost.
Alderman Crawford:
Are we able to use any police funds that they got from drug busts?
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Forfeiture funds? I’m not sure. Elizabeth has been very busy with vehicle stickers. I will talk to Elizabeth to see what is available. What pot of money, how much money? That kind of thing.
Alderman Osenga:
Since there is so much discussion regarding the Chief position. I would ask you as Mayor to put together a blue ribbon committee consisting of a diverse group of Alderman here. To work closely with the Police Chief Association and the Mayor office in search of the chief of police. This is a very important leadership role brought before the whole City Council for approval. We need transparency and open discussion regarding the appointment of the chief
Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Thank you for your comment.
Alderwoman Kennedy:
I just wanted to make sure that everyone is aware that tomorrow between 11:00 and 4:00 across the street from the Salvation Army We will be providing lunch for women and children that are staying and housed at the Salvation Army right now. Between 11:00-4:00 if you are not busy just come out maybe help serve or bring a bag of chips or something. Thank you
Alderman Curtis:
Mayor, I have a couple. The first one I think Pete is on vacation. I think several of us are having troubles with their computers. Sometimes we are not getting our meetings or agendas until Sunday. This one I got on Friday night. But two weeks ago I was not able to access or download anything I didn’t get mine until Monday morning. Not trying to throw anyone out, but I think Dennis got his on Sunday. Some people are getting them some are not, it is all over the board. We are not getting on Thursday or Friday like discussed. We are not getting it until the weekend time when we do not want to bother one another. If we could look into that. The second thing I would like to discuss. Some of the things we did tonight are good things. The ambulance the Auto Lab. I think those are all positive things. But they were the first I heard of any of these was when I opened up my computer this weekend. I just wonder why some of this is not going through budget or public safety. Or why Auto lab was not on Economic Development. I’m not trying to throw anyone under the bus. But I just think some of this should be discussed. (INAUDIBLE) It’s difficult to discuss three hours before council meetings, I think they should be going through committees. Instead of talking about them 48 hours prior.
Alderman Tetter:
In regards to piggyback off my colleague here. There was written notice given and provided during old administration for this particular group. Relocation here and there was a lot of discussion on that. I do agree moving forward that any and all types of expenditure of money. I think we should do better on that. I would like to commend you Mayor on your efforts in transparency. I just think that this is another example that democracy is not a perfect science. I think we are doing a pretty good job. We are getting our feet up under us. The discussion is good. Debate. I do think that some of this going forward should be more transparent and made available for us. So it eliminates some of the tactics or stunts on the council floor.
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Regarding the ambulance, I thought it was clear in our budget meeting. I thought that was clear. We did have a special budget meeting, I think it was May 22, 2017, in addition to our regular budget meeting. That we were purchasing an ambulance. I thought that was clear. So, if it wasn’t I take responsibility for that. I do reach out to several council members before every council. Again, I have asked you to reach out to me as well if you have questions about things. I try to track as many of you down as I can. That works both ways. There are things that are being looked at or drafted. Potential ordinances that I am not aware of either. One was the golf carts. No one talked to me about golf carts and that was in the paper. So I think we need to be mindful of that. I do make an effort to reach out to you all before every council meeting. So, I am asking in a public forum that you all do the same thing. I do believe in transparency. I am not trying to hide anything. I want people to believe in their government and trust in their government. And know that they have people here serving them for the right reasons. I will address the computer glitch. That is not purposeful at all. We do everything we can to get you the information you need. I moved the date up to try to get things to you sooner. To give people opportunities to ask questions if needed. But I will follow up with Pete on that. Anjanita works really hard with me and Carolyn trying to get this information out. The Auto Lab was an agreement that happened in the previous administration. This was something being carried over. Again I will take note of that as we move forward.
Alderman Curtis:
The ambulance was news to me and I usually attend the budget meeting. I think they are good things do not get me wrong. They are both positive things. It’s a lot to take in on an 8- hour notice
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Well, again we talked about the ambulance at the budget meeting in May. I will take your notes
Alderman Crawford:
We did try to get with the Mayor’s office to bring up the golf cart ordinance and we did it twice. I do not know why Carolyn canceled. Canceled the appointment in May and again in June. Then at that point, we decided to bring it to the ordinance to get it passed or reviewed. Then bring it to council.
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Ok, so when you call the office to make an appointment please be sure to be as detailed as possible. One meeting I think said Alderman concerns that are really vague. Then I received a call from Secretary of Transportation and they wanted me down there before session ended. So, I remember that meeting being canceled. Try to give Carolyn as much information as possible. As you can see I have been busy dealing with significant issues in the City. I am here you can contact me. I will email you at 10:00 at night. If we need to talk after hours, I will make myself available. But please try to give Carolyn as much information as possible to we know how to prioritize.
Alderman Crawford:
Maybe we will just email it and go from there.
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Any other comments? Hearing none. May I have a motion to adjourn
Alderman Tall: So Moved
Alderwoman Lewis: Second
Mayor Wells-Armstrong:
Motion by Alderman Tall, Seconded by Alderwoman Lewis. All in favor opposed same sign We are adjourned 7:45p.m.
http://www.citykankakee-il.com/City%20Council%20Minutes/ccm2017/07-03-17MIN.pdf
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