Kankakee Times

City of Kankakee City Council met July 17.

Here is the minutes provided by the Council:

Mayor Wells-Armstrong:

Good evening I'd like to call the meeting to order. Before we get started I have an announcement. In effort to be transparent and more inclusive of the community having access to what is going on in local government. We are now on Channel 4 Comcast. We are going live tonight for the first time. Public access channel 4. So I trust that everyone will be on their best behavior.

With that being said we have Prayer – Pastor Vurnice Maloney From Garden of Prayer

Pastor Vurnice Maloney:

Dear Lord, as we come tonight we come thanking you for your grace and your mercy. We come thanking you Lord God for what is happening positively in our community Lord God. As we come into the meeting we pray that you will bless us to work together as a team. And address the needs of our community. So we can see our community grow in a positive way. We pray tonight for our police department and our school department. We just pray and ask you Just lead and guide us in a plain path Father I pray for unity with our community I pray for love and patience and kindness to one another. In the Name of Jesus, we pray God. That you will be grateful and keep us grateful. To be in the land in the living and to be thankful that we have people in our community that love us and take care of us. We want to thank you for all the committee members that are active in our judicial system and even in our juvenile system and our school system God. We are working this year to be even more able to accomplish goals within our community. We love you and thank you, Lord. In Jesus name Amen.

I’d like to give an update if that is ok with the Mayor.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: In public comments.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong:

Pledge of Allegiance – Youth From Garden of Prayer Youth Center

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.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: The first person is Travis Miller

Travis Miller:

Mayor Wells-Armstrong and City Council. Those of you who do not know me and who know me know I’m a real quiet person and don’t talk a lot. But I am just here to talk about the next Police Chief of the City of Kankakee. Most of you know I have been coming to City Council now for quite some time. And some of the things I hear coming from some of our City Officials I find quite disturbing and disrespectful. To a man that has given so much of his time and so many years to public safety for a police officer of the State Police. I commend him for everything that he has done that relates to risking his life to protect not only Kankakee but also the State of Illinois and the Governor. I heard one Alderperson say the Police Chief position is the second most important position next to the Mayor. When you make a statement like that and you have all these other department heads you almost make them seem like their position is not important or it does not matter. Every position is important. And the way that I heard individuals talk about Mr. Dumas it bothers me. When we talk about he does not have supervisory experience. Most of you did not have supervisory experience. But someone gave you a chance. We are not all going to agree on this position. Most people did not agree with your position but you all were given a chance. I stand here to today to just ask that you continue to look at public safety to make sure that we have the right leadership when it comes to community policing. What I am seeing is Police Officers getting their cars communicating with our local resident that speaks volumes. For the last 10 years, I have been working at a funeral home. I’ve had to watch how families have had to come together when their sons, daughters, and family gather together at a funeral for loved ones that have been gunned down. It bothers me because. When you see police officers in the community not there to not to investigate a crime, not there to arrest someone but to show support that speaks volumes. But as a community activist, I stand behind Price Dumas as our next Police Chief. I am not saying how you should vote or how you should make your decision but I am just asking that we all we stand together and help to move this city forward. And let us not to be stagnant or refuse to move this city forward because of a position. We have so much to offer. Some of the garbage and mess I see published in the Daily Journal we have to come all together. And that is all I have to say I see some of you rubbing your head, I am going to sit down. Thank you for the opportunity

Mayor Wells-Armstrong:

Thank you, Mr. Miller. Next speaker, we have Jamyce Cleggett

Jamyce Cleggett:

Good evening Mayor, my name is Jamyce Cleggett I am here on behalf of the Festival that was named the Love and Unity. The festival was to bring about love and unity within our community which pastor prayed about in her prayer. Our community is divided. We understand we are all of aware of the situation that has occurred in our city in the last week in result we have changed our name which reachers present uplifting community culture and collaboration. It’s time for us to come together. Not only as a community Alderman and Alderwoman not only to help the Mayor in our current state of trying to support the Police Chief, also come together to support the community. The North side of Kankakee is the falling by the wayside. And as a result that is why we wanted to come together at Pioneer Park. We wanted to bring about 20,000 pounds of food we give food for those who are hungry, we wanted to give school supplies for those in need. We have a church that is presenting 400 school supplies from grades kindergarten through 12th grade. We want to turn our city out. I am tired of the negative connotation. I grew up in the city. And I am very proud to still be a resident of Kankakee. I do not want to leave our city and I would encourage each and every one of you to step forward and come together with our Park district that has now partnered with our festival. We have EX-Alderman Stevie Hunter, we have Reverend Clark and Pastor Prude. We are trying to do some great things in our city. And behalf of our festival I am asking that our city joins, the Police Department joins, the Fire Department joins, that all of you Alderman and Alderwomen join. That we come together as a community and let’s get our community up off the ground and get it moving. Encourage everyone to come together. Thank you.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong:

Thank you Jamyce. I just want to commend you with moving forward with the festival I think it was wise to change the name. It was unfortunate what happened but we need to focused on the vision for the community which is the kids. And coming together and being united. So I want to thank you for that. You and I have already talked. You do have some support from the city. And we will iron that out in the next couple of days. I just want to say we have wonderful festivals in our community. Strawberry Fest and Merchant Street Fest. We have wonderful festivals we don’t want to take away from those. But we do want to make sure we are meeting everyone’s needs. We want to add to the festivals that we support. So we are going to add to and I believe this is a good start. You didn’t give us the date

Jamyce Cleggett: (No Mic Inaudible) August 4, 2017

Mayor Wells-Armstrong:

This is a big task you are taking on. You have done a good job and I just want you to know that. Thank you again. Next up we have Brenda A. Nowak.

Brenda Nowak:

Hi there, my name is Brenda Nowak I’m with the Northern Illinois Anglers Association. I’m here to bring awareness to our September 16, 2017, event. Starts at Kankakee State Park and goes through the state line of Momence. Last year we collected 25 tons of garbage. We pulled out 52 tires, air conditioners out of the river. So I am trying to get this out there. I need sponsors and volunteers. I need people to come out and help because this is a very big thing and we do it from 8:00a.m.-1:00 p.m. And we have 8 points. So I handed you all out the information about me. I’m the new chair person. I’m just trying to go a little further than we have in the past years. So if anyone would like to do that, schools. They can give me a call and we will place you in designated areas to help clean the river. We will give out patches and t-shirts to volunteers. That is what our goal is this year. Thank you so much for listening.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong:

Thank you for coming. Last but not least we have Pastor Vurnice Maloney.

Pastor Vurnice Maloney:

Mayor, Garden of Prayer would just like to inform the community of what we have done over the summer. We would like to give the good news of what we have been doing. So many times we hear about the negative going on. This year most grateful for unity is really supporting us out in Aroma Park. We can’t say that just Aroma Park is supporting us but Kankakee has really been good to us. The school board is really supporting is really supporting us. And we are just having a good time. We have 68 children enrolled in summer camp. And we have seven (7) jobs for young people. As far as our Teen reach we still have it and it is still moving on. Carol and I are still pushing it along for our young people. And several of our students went to the upward bond program and we have two (2) students off to college. We took our Fashion show took to Miller Center. Hats off to our seniors. They really, really enjoyed that. Please keep us in prayer because it is a great job to make sure that our children are taken care of.

One other thing to Home for homeless children. We have four (4) students have jobs in the community. We also have one (1) went off to college. Thank you so much for all that you do to support Garden of Prayer.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong:

Ok, the procedure for public comments is that you sign up before the meeting. Before the meeting. I am asking you to please disrupting the meeting.

Resident: No Mic Inadiuable

Mayor Wells-Armstrong:

I’m going to ask you to stop speaking right now you are disrupting the meeting.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Thank you, roll call

Clerk Dumas:

Tetter; Brown; Curtis; Baron; Lewis; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Crawford (Absent); Osenga; O'brien (Absent); Gall; Malone-Marshall, Kennedy (12)

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Department heads

Resident: No Mic Inaudible

Mayor Wells-Armstrong:

You are out of order. Please escort him out. Please escort him out. I apologize

Clerk Dumas:

Dumas; Schuldt; Kubal; Power; Simms; Piggush; Cross; Bertrand; Nelson; Schmitz; Costanza Thank you

Mayor Wells-Armstrong:

May I have a motion to approve the City Council meeting minutes of July 3, 2017.

Alderman Baron: So Moved

Alderman Tetter: Second

Mayor Wells-Armstrong:

Motion made by Alderman Baron Seconded by Alderman Tetter

Does anyone have any corrections, comments or concerns?

Hearing none all in favor Aye. Opposed same sign. Motion carries.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong:

Minutes are approved. There are no petitions we have none. Moving onto communications we have a presentation from our Executive Director of the Library Steve Bertrand on behalf of the Merchant Street MusicFest.

Communications:

A) Presentation By Steve Bertrand On Behalf Of The “Merchant Street Music Fest” (Information Only)

Steve Bertrand:

Good evening Mayor, members of the City Council and residents of the City. I am here to talk about Merchant Street Music Fest. Most of this will be a recap for most of you. Because everything is going to go pretty much as you are used to. I just want to go through a few facts to refresh most of you. As each of the Alderman has Envelope in front of them an invitation to sponsor a night at the Depot. on July 27, 2017, from 5:00-7:00. There will be live music and food. If you are not going to attend you can give to a friend or whatever. We are not going to check ID’s or anything. Lastly, there is a letter in there that has all the directions and everything is specific to the Alderman. Any questions call Allison or I we will try to clarify anything that may not be clear. The festival starts on July 28 Friday from 5:00- 11:00 on Saturday 2:00-11:00, from 2:00-5:00 kids zone. The library will be hosting games and face painting and everything the library is good at. Kids 10 and under will be able to get in for free. The library sponsor kid zone. If the child gets in for free during that time. They will be able to stay the entire time for that free price. After 5:00 they would have to pay the normal fee to get in. We are still hitting everyone up for the volunteers. We are doing pretty well Vicki coordinating volunteers. We especially need volunteers on Saturday. No one really likes to work Saturday because that is when the best bands are. But we can fill a few spots on Friday. Vicki at the Library is coordinating the volunteers. So if you or you have a friend that would like to volunteer we would appreciate that a lot. You can call the Library and ask for Vicki. It is $5.00 to attend cash only, no credit cards or checks or anything like that. There are three gates. There are 36 bands and 13 food vendors. Of Friday evening we have Anthony Oreo is the Country performer. The first time we will have a country performer as the headliner. And then Color Me Bad will be our headliner on Saturday. They will be on at 9:40. Then on Wednesday, July 26, 2017, there will be a pull out in the Daily Journal that will have a complete lineup of all the bands and play times. I have a collection of Michael Costanza original posters Suitable for framing. You can pick one up from me so you can post it and get the word out. So that is kind of the basics. Does anyone have any questions? Look forward to seeing you at MusicFest.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong:

Thank you, Steve. Item B may need action. But if no one has any objections I would like to combine C, D, E, F, and G.

C) Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church Is Requesting Permission To Host Their Annual “Vacation Bible School Parade” On Saturday, July 22, 2017, From 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. (Please See Attachment For Parade Route)

D) Kankakee Events Partnership Is Requesting Permission For A Street Closure Of The 100 Block Of South Schuyler Alley And The 200 Block Of South Schuyler Alley And Merchant Street From Schuyler Avenue West To The Train Depot For The “Merchant Street Music Fest”, To Be Held On Thursday, July 27, 2017; Friday, July 28, 2017; Saturday, July 29, 2017; And Sunday July 30, 2017, From 6:00 a.m. Until Midnight

E) Zion Gate Missionary Baptist Church Is Requesting Permission For A Street/Alley Closure (Please See Attachment For Description) For Their Annual “Church Picnic”, On Saturday, August 12, 2017, From 11:00 a.m. Until 6:00 p.m.

F) Community Church Of Holiness Is Requesting A Street Closure Of The Alley Behind The Church For Their Annual “Gospel Fest”, On Saturday, August 12, 2017, And Sunday, August 13, 2017, From 9:00 a.m. Until 10:00 p.m.

G) Kiwanis Club Of Kankakee Is Requesting Permission To Host Their Annual “Peanut Day” Tag Day On Friday, September 22, 2017

Do I have a motion to approve?

Alderwoman Gall: So Moved

Alderwoman Malone-Marshall: Second

Mayor Wells-Armstrong:

Motion by Alderwoman Gall Seconded by Alderwoman Malone-Marshall. Any discussion? All in favor; opposed; same sign Motion carries. Now we will go to item B. Thank you for your patience. We have a presentation by Joseph Kankar.

B) Presentation By Joseph Kankar To Promote Tourism (Information Only)

Joseph Kankar:

Good evening Mayor, City Council Members. My name is Joseph Kankar. I represent the Kankakee County Visitors Bureau. For those of you who do not know it is an intergovernmental agreement to promote tourism. I’d like to give you a brief synopsis of that. I will let Staci Wilken the Executive Director speak and then answer any questions you may have. Currently, the City of Kankakee is partied to an intergovernmental agreement that expires in 2018. Under that agreement, the municipalities that are partied to it defer the imposition of hotel tax in favor of the county tax. The county tax levies the tax collects the revenue turns it over CVB uses it to promote tourism. Amongst the municipalities at large. Really this is a novel way to go about using tax revenue. Because otherwise the municipalities would impose that tax and would be limited to using it to promote tourism within their own boundaries. This agreement recognizes this, of course, there is still spill over to tourism when municipalities such as yourself border other areas and we all benefit from it. The new agreement informed is a little bit different. The concept is the same. It’s a little bit more formal but also recognizes that the employees of CVB work for the betterment of the communities at large. So this really sets up the opportunity for CVB to be a participating (Inaudible) for purposes of IMRF and allowed the employees of the CVB to qualify for IMRF participation. Staci Wilken.

Staci Wilken:

Thank you, Mayor and Council members. To mirror what Mr. Kankar has said it’s a great opportunity for us to provide some longevity for our employees. We understand that as a small organization we will never pay or be paying top dollar we won’t be high-level salary but to offer our employees a benefit such as IMRF pension will really increase the time that they spend with us and also be able to save for their retirement while they are there. It’s really important for us to be an extension of your marketing and to be able to provide our employees with the same thing and benefits. So thank you for your consideration.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong:

At this time, I am going to have our corporate council speak to the matter. He has done some research to give us some consideration to the request.

Attorney Powers:

We have six (6) members to this agreement. How many of them have signed up for this new agreement?

Joseph Kankar:

Manteno has, Bourbonnais was on their second reading tonight. I understood it was going to pass. Their meeting was the same night as yours. So I do not know specifically if that passed.

Attorney Powers:

The only real difference I see is apparently the participation of IMRF. Is that fair to say what the change is? Is that correct?

Joseph Kankar:

That is correct. It’s a little bit more formal and the other agreement was I think a page and a half. But yes, that is correct. Attorney Powers:

Have you anticipated what the additional expense would be to the operation because of the operation of IMRF?

Joseph Kankar:

Yes, so if you the City of Kankakee for example. There 2015 audit year IMRF contribution was 15.68 I believe. If you took that to the three (3) employees that would qualify under the 1,000 hours’ standard it would roughly be $21,000.00 a year. For CVB participation. Now that the revenue from the hotel tax and well as the grants that we receive there is a coverage there of roughly 37 times that. So we have more than enough money to put that money into.

Attorney Powers:

What’s the ratio between grants and the levy for the tax?

Joseph Kankar:

Total hotel revenue, the 17 audit has not been done yet. But it was projected around 654 hotel tax revenue and 125 for the grants.

Attorney Powers:

You know I do have a problem with section 5.4 and basically, the municipalities are responsible for all of the intergovernmental agreements. Which includes responsibilities to the IMRF.

Joseph Kankar:

Right under the pension code, it’s actually required. If we are going to be an instrumentally of what is required. Now like I said before we have more than enough money to contribute to that every year. So you guys are 89% funded so let’s just for example. Kankakee is. I do not expect anything less for the CVB frankly. And so if there is any issue about nonpayment, first of you should be noted that all of the board members are appointees of the units of government that is participating. So the board members are not presumably going to do anything in the determent of the appointing agency. But second of all, there is enough money there and und the pension code the board of trustees goes to us first. Second, they go to a grant. They take away from a grant. Third, they would come to you. But it is unlikely to happen.

Attorney Powers:

Well, I understand that but what bothers me is this hotel tax. You say it is enough along with the grants you are able to fund the entire operation and you anticipate that it will cover the additional costs for IMRF. The problem I have is I guess I am old enough to know that things do not always work out.

Joseph Kankar:

Well if I can, as a safeguard to that if I could. if for example, we did not pay it which I do not think is going to happen. But if we didn’t pay it in this agreement the county withholds the county tax and uses it to pay the liability rather than give it to us.

Attorney Powers:

Well, I am not sure that I agree with that. If you read 5.4 if you run out of enough money through the hotel tax the municipality general fund stands behind this.

Joseph Kankar:

There are distributions every month through the council. So if there is not one this month there is going to be one next month. It says there in the paragraph in the event of failure of (Inaudible) by the corporation be county shall be in the authorization to withhold from hotel tax revenue collection amounts corresponding to such liability claim for the benefit of the units of government. And such amounts should be applied to the payment. For reimbursement for the prior payment of the corporations IMRF obligation. So even if there is payment.

Attorney Powers:

Read the next sentence.

Joseph Kankar:

The corporation should be obligated to fund any unfunded net IRMF liability to the greatest extent possible prior to its dissolution which sources of revenue as it may have at its disposal. Meaning if we are 95% funded we have to come up to 100% at the time of our dissolution.

Attorney Powers:

Then jump up here to the middle it says: And the failure to levy the county hotel tax and the expiration and determination of this agreement and in the event of failure or deficiency by the corporation which would be our group resulting in secondary liability or claim against units of government which is us. The government for the corporation IMRF while the corporation is in existence the county authorized shall be in withhold from the hotel tax. Well, I can’t find the section. Units from the local government shall be secondarily responsible for all IMRF contributions and liability of the corporations. And the units of local government agree that shall assume and share responsibility for the corporations IMRF obligations and liabilities.

Joseph Kankar:

Absolutely, It’s secondarily responsible now if you. so, for example, we didn’t make a contribution one year. Let’s assume that contribution is 21,000 like I said before. In the offhand of that, it’s split. So the City of Kankakee is not 100% responsible for that. So let’s say it’s $4,000. The next month you get that money back. When the hotel tax revenue comes in.

Attorney Powers:

Anyway, I am not quite sure I agree with that. I see the municipality potentially being responsible for IMRF obligations if the corporation that is to say the group can’t pay it. And it’s not limited, not limited to the hotel tax.

Joseph Kankar:

No, No I never said that. I said you recoup it from the hotel tax. If the offhand chance is you have to pay it. The county will essentially act as an intercept. It’s an intercept agreement where the county is going to intercept it and give it back to you opposed to us the next month. The next month you get your money back.

Attorney Powers:

And it’s not limited to the hotel tax

Joseph Kankar:

I do not see it that way. It’s not limited to the hotel tax

Attorney Powers:

That’s all I have

Mayor Wells-Armstrong:

Staci, I can appreciate your position as the Executive Director to wanting to provide your employees with benefits. However, given cities position, everyone knows we have an issue with Illinois Department of Revenue. And I think that is why our attorney Mr. Powers is so concerned with unforeseen circumstances. We take very seriously our judiciary responsibilities to the residents of the city. And so I want to see if the Council wants to table this matter or if I can refer it to the committee. I see some nodding of the head so we are going to refer this Budget Committee Alderman Dennis Baron chairs this committee. He can do some further consideration and research on this matter. Is everyone in agreement that we will refer this to the budget committee. Alderman Dennis Baron chairs this committee. This is open to the public. 5:30 here in this building. At least half of the council will be there. Along with any of the public as well.

Thank you, both.

Alderman Curtis:

(No Mic Inaudible)

Mayor Wells-Armstrong:

Moving Onto Standing Committee Reports. We Have

And Budget Committee – June 15, 2017 Alderman Baron

Alderman Baron:

At the last meeting which was July the 10, 2017. You have your minutes in front of you but I would just like to highlight a couple things. First, in this era that we are watching state government so closely. The state is one month behind with the payment of income tax owed to the City. Sometimes it creeps up to two months. Which is about where it has been. We are ok. Comptroller stated that as of the meeting (now I have not heard anything since then) Kankakee County Treasurer had not released the first property tax distribution as of yet but we are expecting it any time now. Oh! Thank God. So that is good news we have received the first distribution of the real estate taxes. Third, just to bring us up to date. The vehicle sticker process has generated $396,821.35 in the month of July which is where the City should be. So we are on target. Fourth, Basically the expenditures are in line but there are few of the salary line items were over due to retirements being entitled to their buy out. That is something that is virtually impossible to predict. So some of those line items are in access. And finally, we discussed the Illinois Department of Revenue and the sales tax reallocation situation and I think that has been adequately covered. I’m not directly involved in that law suit. I do know that as of last week we filed the suit and of course, those are big dollars and we responded instantly.

Pat Powers:

(No Mic Inaudible)

Mayor Wells-Armstrong:

We will be scheduling a meeting tomorrow.

Thank you, Alderman Baron. Anyone else?

Alderman Faford:

(No Mice Inaudible) Rescheduled for Tuesday, August 1, 2017.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong.

Thank you, Alderwoman Faford. At this time, I would like a motion to approve payment of the bills.

Alderman Faford:

I would move that we approve the report of officers; place the money in the proper accounts and pay the bills in the amount of $249,913.24

Alderman Faford: So Moved

Alderman Tall: Second

Mayor Wells-Armstrong:

Motion made by Alderman Faford and seconded by Alderman Tall. Any questions or comments on any of the bills.

Roll Call

Clerk Dumas: Tetter; Brown; Curtis Baron; Lewis; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Crawford(Absent); Osenga; O'Brien(Absent); Gall; Malone-Marshall, Kennedy (12)

Mayor Wells-Armstrong:

Motion carries. Item 11 was the unfinished business we have already taken care of it and it has been referred to the Budget Committee.

Resolution Authorizing The Execution Of The Intergovernmental Agreement Between The County Of Kankakee, City Of Kankakee, City Of Momence, Village Of Bourbonnais, Village Of Bradley And The Village Of Manteno To Promote Tourism

Mayor Wells-Armstrong:

Under new business,

A) 2017 Motor Fuel Tax Street Maintenance Program Section 17- 00000-00-GM, Group IV – PEI Job No. 17083.0301

I will turn that over to our City Engineer.

Neil Piggush:

Thank you, Mayor. In front of you tonight you have a culmination of the work that we have been doing for the last month, month and a half. Meeting with Alderman and Alderwoman from each perspective ward rating the streets. Coming up with a street maintenance program for the year. Misc. sidewalk and curb removal, street patching, manhole adjustments. I think I have sent maps out of all proposed improvements to the perspective representatives. I think we have come to an agreement on that. So tonight we have a resolution for the amount of $600,080.00 for the proposed street maintenance program.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong:

May I have a motion to approve

Alderman Tetter: So Moved

Alderwoman Swanson: Second

Mayor Wells-Armstrong:

Motion made by Alderman Tetter, Seconded by Alderwoman Swanson.

Roll Call

Clerk Dumas:

Tetter; Brown; Curtis; Baron; Lewis; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Crawford(Absent); Osenga; O'Brien(Absent); Gall; Malone-Marshall; Kennedy (12)

Mayor Wells-Armstrong:

Motion carries

Mayor Wells-Armstrong:

Moving on to the appointments

Appointments

Planning Board

1. Arthur E. Lax - Two Year Term

The council should have received letters of interest and resumes on the candidate. So at this time may I have a motion to approve? I just want to say I am really pleased with members of the community stepping up to engaged and Mr. Lax has had a business in our community for several years. In addition to living in the City of Kankakee. So at this time, I am appointing him to the planning board for a 2-year term. May I have a motion to approve?

Alderwoman Kennedy: So Moved

Alderwoman Malone-Marshal: Second

Mayor Wells-Armstrong:

Motion made by Alderwoman Kennedy, seconded by Alderwoman Malone-Marshall. Any discussion?

Roll call

Clerk Dumas:

Tetter; Brown; Curtis; Baron; Lewis; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Crawford (Absent); Osenga; O'Brien (Absent); Gall; Malone-Marshall; Kennedy (12)

Mayor Wells-Armstrong:

Motion Carries. Welcome to the planning board Mr. Lax. The next group of members that you see is for is for information only. Alderman Curtis had mentioned during the last meeting just requesting clarification about who was on the planning board and the terms. So I provided that information for you. Indicating the five members who will serve five years, the four members who will serve 2 years and the four members with one-year terms. As you can see we still have a few vacancies on the Planning Board. So again we are looking to be inclusive in this community and get people involved. Sometimes people just need to be asked to serve. And so please spread the word that we are looking to fill some of our boards. Mayor Epstein prior to transition made some appointments. So those people Alderman Curtis for clarification are remaining on the board. If there are any questions at this time I will go ahead and answer them. So I hope this clears some things up.

Five (5) Members Who Serve Three (3) Year Terms - May 1, 2017 – April 30, 2020

1. Loretto Cowhig

2. Willie Ames

3. Chip Rorem

4. Deb Terrill

5. Terrance Hopper – Appointed July 3, 2017 – (Replaced Carole Franke)

Four (4) Members Who Serve Two (2) Year Terms – May 1, 2017 – April 30, 2019

1. Barry Mccracken

2. Edwin Eckhardt

3. Beverly Hood – Appointed July 3, 2017 – (Replaced Marsha Lloyd)

4. Arthur E. Lax – Pending Approval

Four (4) Members Who Serve One (1) Year Term – May 1, 2017 – April 30, 2018

1. Elizabeth Dunbar – Appointed July 3, 2017

2. Dave Robinson – Appointed July 3, 2017

Mayor Wells-Armstrong:

No motions or resolutions. We do not have an executive session this evening. Now I will open the floor to Alderman Comments.

Alderman Tetter:

(No Mic Inaudible)

Yes, Mayor just for economic development. We will have that meeting. It’s important, the MusicFest is going on. But it is important we have a matter going on that we have to resolve. So that will be on the 27th. We are going to try to make this happen as quickly as possible. Lastly, I would also like to commend or comment there were some calls made from residents about the uptick of crime. And shortly thereafter there was an effort made by local law enforcement agencies to sort of put to bed those issues. I just wanted to commend all those individuals that were involved in that. Actually, there were some seniors that were concerned about their safety. I’ve seen him out now four different times now in the community. Thank you

Mayor Wells-Armstrong:

Thank you, Alderman Tetter. I’ll add to that. I really want to commend our Law Enforcement community they arrested 18 drug dealers this past week. And that took a huge collaborative effort from not only the City of Kankakee PD, KAMEG and our States Attorney’s office. Everybody working together. Public Safety is a huge priority to this entire community. It affects all of us. Gangs, Drugs, and Guns effect all of us. I want to thank you all for your service Chief I think you have done a great job. In terms of leading in terms of what community policing looks like. I know you Deputy Chief and I believe SGT. Hartman was at a candlelight vigil for a mother who lost her 13-year-old child due to gun violence. They had a vigil for him a week ago. Our Chief was there, our Deputy Chief was there and SGT. Hartman was there. And it was beautiful to see people coming out to support that mother. And also to see people hold hands in a circle on E. Chestnut. (in the hood as some people would refer to.) and praying for that mother, and praying for all the kids that were there that were mourning the loss of this child. I just want to thank all of you and encourage you to stay focused on our common vision which is making Kankakee a safer place for everyone.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong:

Any other comments? Hearing none. May I have a motion to adjourn

Alderwoman Swanson: So Moved

Alderwoman Lewis: Second

Mayor Wells-Armstrong:

Motion by Alderwoman Swanson, Seconded by Alderwoman Lewis. All in favor Aye; opposed; same sign

We are adjourned

http://www.citykankakee-il.com/City%20Council%20Minutes/ccm2017/07-17-17MIN.pdf