Kankakee Times

City of Kankakee City Council met February 20.

Here is the minutes provided by the Council:

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: I would like to call the meeting to order. We don’t have anyone on the agenda designated for prayer but I do see Reverend Darrell Williams. Would you come up and say a prayer for us?

Rev. Darrell Williams: May we bow our heads for prayer. Heavenly Father, we come here today to say thank you. Thank you for this opportunity to get together, thank you for the opportunity to come as one.Oh Heavenly Father for the business of the City of Kankakee Heavenly Father. Open all of our hearts, our minds and our souls that we may work, unite and understanding and love. These things we ask n Jesus Name. Amen.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Thank you. We will be led in the pledge this evening by the Boys Basketball Team Kankakee High School. This is the Varsity Team and pardon me if I mispronounce any names. Trevon Barnes, Darion Binion, Jacquan Binion, Kelvin Earley, Lavale Hill, Jordan Houston, Deylon Johnson, Lavell Mcintosh, Marqule Robinson, Andre Roberston, Corey Tharpe, Braijon Thomas, And Tj Wicks. Would you please come forward and lead us in the pledge.

In Unison: “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all”.

Public Comments

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Moving on to Public Comments. Please give your name and direct your comments to the Mayor. Comments are limited to five minutes and we will start with Dave Skelly.Dave Skelly?

Mr. Dave Skelly: Thank you Mayor. I just want to address the Council quickly about the docks you guys cleared for surplus property. For some reason that kind of grinds on me, that is one thing that I.and docks. There was a meeting about the River Walk in the Public Comments at the Library out of the 600 people 55 percent were voters. I think the docks at some point was part of the River Walk landscape. The docks you guys a currently the owners of, you have 100 or more feet of docks there. In two different Configurations.you can park eight boats at each dock. The price that you guys.is unbelievable cheap compared to $40,000.00 for something comparable to now. Just the floats alone on these docks are over $6,000.00 you guys surplus out. I would just like you to consider that I don’t know if there is a way you can go back and reverse your decision on that or not but if you can just pick them up and take them to storage at DPW or something. It wouldn’t take anything to do and I would be more than happy to help with it. I just hate to see tax money sqandered. I am on the Park District Board and I know that we do everything to reduce.and I assume you guys do the same thing. They could easily be transported over there. They can break down into 20 foot sections; they can be stacked and stored. They are 6 feet wide and extremely stabled floats or frames; everything is there so.even if you go out later as a part of the River Walk to pay for docks it’s a lot of money where its federal grant or city grant it’s still tax payer money. Either way you look at it. So, I would certainly love to talk to you about it.it is certainly important to do everything we can to save money. The Park District is going to be clearing surplus the next and they will go out for public bid and someone will come in and buy the dirt cheap.and they will then resale them for ten times the money or five times the money for sure. Anyway, these are just my thoughts on this. Thank you.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Thank you Mr. Skelly.

Ald Crawford: Mayor, I have a question for Dave. We were understanding that these docks basically had trees growing up in them, that they were destroyed. Are they destroyed?

Mr. Dave Skelly: No they are not destroyed. They started off with weeds.you can pull the weeds out I can probably do it myself in less than an hour.

Ald Crawford: So these docks are still floatable and usable?

Mr. Dave Skelly: They are definitely floatable and useable. When the boat races had them they were entered in a straight line. I think there is some confusion on that. They are configured in a straight line that is the way the boat races always started. They were starting to stagger.I have two different configurations you can use.absolutely spending no money.surplus.I checked with a couple local vendors real quick just to see how much 150 feet of docks cost you and they said $35,000.00 to $40,000.00. Thank you

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Thank you. Patrick Wilder

Mr. Patrick Wilder: Thank you for giving me the space to speak this evening. As a local business and property owner in Kankakee, I would like to voice my concerns regarding Auto Lab in the following area, the construction, process and the Mayor’s involvement. My first set of questions is regarding the construction of the Auto Lab store and owners., LLC from Sheridan, Illinois. So I am going to clearly say that again, from Sheridan, Illinois. They are not local at all. First question, are you using local or non-local contractors to repair the estimated $200,000.00 to $300,000.00 in repairs for the City’s Auto Lab that they are putting in the building they gave for free to? Next question, when are they paying.along with City Engineers? As of right now there were no permits for actual construction only a demo permit is actually filed. When are they.excuse me.I would like to know if the City is providing.wage even if they are not is it typical for this type of transaction typical when the city gives free.for working on.which I don’t believe has been done here. I would like to know if the City is going to require building construction so they will have two ADA bathrooms that they say they are going to have plus the additional one bathroom for the customers.systems size of the building which is kind of out.feet along with triple basin to make our water supply.on that street.R&R construction which was several millions of dollars. Is a triple basin unit there? There has been no inspections so I don’t know. I also question the process. Why is it there was no meeting, no letters sent out when any other business in the area would typically do that, Manteno does, Peotone does, Momence does? I know because I have opened several businesses in those towns. It’s a very standard process especially when there are eight other shops on that street that are all automotive repairs. You would think that they would have been notified and none of the shops were. In fact, one of the shops is 300 feet away and it is called.they weren’t notified at all until I messaged them that there is going to be competitors literally at their door steps. Another question that I have, Mayor Chasity claims that the new Auto Lab facility is going to get the $30,000.00 a year contract for the City repair vehicle maintenance. You publically said that. I just feel that that is not fair. It should be an open bid or bid process that is a very large amount of money $30,000.00 a year in vehicle maintenance and repairs. I am pretty sure that is illegal to do without a bidding process or at least that is what my sources said. So there should be some sort of bidding on that. I also think that in a reasonable way they should at least be in business for some amount of time prior to doing that kind of work.I mean vehicles such as police cars and things like that. They haven’t even done an oil change yet, it’s kind of crazy. Lastly, I have a question for the Mayor. I would like to know why the Mayor keeps shunning people with.while they may not actually live here but have property here, businesses here. She publically has done this multiple times to me and other people but she has zero issues with Auto Lab and their investors are from Sheridan, Illinois clearly not from Kankakee. I would like to know how she knows these people.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Thank you. Your time is up.

Mr. Patrick Wilder: That’s fine.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: You may have a seat. Willeum Boykin?

Mr. Patrick Wilder: You’re not going to answer my questions?

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Public Comments is not for a dialogue, it is for you to give your comments.

Mr. Patrick Wilder: That’s fine.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Thank you. Willeum Boykin?

Mr. Willeum Boykin: Hello Madam Mayor. I am back to talk about Kankakee.From June 21st, 1853 a town known as Kankakee.was voted the official government for a newly founded Kankakee County. Shortly thereafter, such City landmarks like: the Court House was established downtown. One hundred years later.fanfare.local businesses and organizations throughout the streets of that same downtown in honor of the first Kankakee Centennial Celebration. The citizens of Kankakee Area have a lot to be proud of. An extremely rich.culture and heritage, a unique natural landscape courtesy of Kankakee River and a continuing developing history of outstanding community leaders. Today, Kankakee continues as a breeding ground creative genius, growing of free arts and the cornucopia famous for its uncanny ability to materialize.trying to create. Right now there is a need to boost City pride to make information and knowledge and promote positive attitudes of gratitude.on behalf of the Kankakee Area Jaycees declare June 21st of every year to be Kankakee Day. On Kankakee Day,.enjoy the outdoors, our history and engage in community projects, get involved with local happenings, attend local events, local government, talk to local leaders.patronage local business and most importantly of all love Kankakee. We invite you all to join us in celebrating Kankakee Day on June 21st this year and every year going forward. Thank you.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Thank you. Nickey Yates.

Mr. Nickey Yates: Good Evening Mayor and City Council, citizens of Kankakee.Unfortunately my comments are not quite as festive. I have been experiencing this past weekend some individuals that are not from here.bashing the city and all this other stuff. Making disparaging comments and I just want to remind you as people who live in the City of Kankakee that is we don’t move in the direction that is com.we are going to find ourselves like areas across the country that are not looking so good right now. Specifically, I am talking about Palmer, Missouri. April 15th.first.then consequently the entire Police Department quit; they quit on him and they say it wasn’t about race. Then there is a place in Georgia, Camilla Georgia whom on November 16th, I believe that is the date they elected their first black Mayor and to this day, the City Council still won’t give him the keys to the City. So, he’s the Mayor of a small town where he doesn’t have access to his office because people have brought and continue to bring their race base, ignorant and hate filled dispositions to the community. Now I will end on that note because.we have the opportunity.we don’t have to agree with each other and there has been some stuff on Facebook that I certainly don’t agree with and I will address that.Facebook social web to make disparaging comments. I have seen comments that.you as City Council Members should be appalled.to hear what folk are calling your Mayor. I can handle it. You can call me what you like just don’t call. We have a responsibility to move beyond.whatever your agendas are they ought to be ultimately to better the City of Kankakee. Whatever rationale that anybody has what they are doing or however they are voting and all that other stuff has never happened before. The 57 years I have been here, born here, anyway 57years ago. I spent a lot of years bouncing around in the Marine Corp and all that other stuff.silly idea to come back home and stand with my community. It seems like a silly ideas right now because what I see happening here from folk walking around with their head in the air.with pride as if they got it all going on then coming in this council and not.smile. Has anybody ever been in Iraq to stand amongst folk that are presumably your counter parts? Your friends or folks you would fight and die with? But at any given time one of the.are subject to.grenade and kill somebody; that’s not a good feeling. I’m sad to say, I sometimes feel that way here at home here in Kankakee. I want yawl to come off this nonsense and enjoy June 21st.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Thank you Mr. Yates. Roll Call please, of our Alderman.

Clerk Dumas: Present: Tetter, Brown, Curtis, Baron, Lewis, Tall, Faford, Crawford, Osenga, O’Brien, Gall, Malone Marshall, Kennedy. Absent: Swanson (13) Present (1) Absent

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Department Heads.

Clerk Dumas: Present: Dumas, Bruno, Kubal, Power, Piggush, Nelson, Bertrand, Beasley, Schmitz, Dunbar, Thank you.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Moving on to minutes of the City Council meeting February 5th, 2018 may I have a motion to approve?

Ald Tetter: So move.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Motioned by Alderman Tetter.

Ald Lewis: Second

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Seconded by Alderwoman Lewis. Any corrections? All in favor.

Council: Aye.

Communications Doug Morris Is Requesting Permission To Host The Run For Autism 5k Run/2 Mile Walk At Cobb Park On Sunday, June 17, 2018, Starting At 8:00 a.m. And Ending At 10:30 a.m.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: The minutes are approved. We have no petitions. Moving on to communications. Doug Morris is requesting permission to host the Run for Autism 5K/2 Mile Walk at Cobb Park on Sunday, June 17th, 2018 starting at 8:00 a.m. and ending at 10:30 a.m. Doug are you here? You can come forward and tell us about the event.

Mr. Doug Morris: Thank you Mayor and Council, it’s nice to be here. I am proud to be here to represent the Run for Autism.race record of the event. This is a beautiful legacy event that found its way to the Riverview historic area for the past 22 years. This event brings runners, walkers, families, within Kankakee and some.we are fortunate in this City to have the Merchant Street.to step forward and accept responsibility for this event. Personally in my heart.Run for Autism by the Kilbride family. I just want to show.this year and going forward.Kankakee County. Spectrum they submit art work competing to be featured on front of the Run shirt. So the art will be on the T-Shirt every year done by one of the kids in the local schools. As the 5K Racer, the overall winner but in this case there will be an.downtown where all the art work will be on display. The Kilbride Family does endorse us. I know they have appeared before you many times for City services you provide, inspire and distribute information, via City Website and.functions and all the other events supported in the past. I know they are grateful for your support and me of course. We are grateful for the support and we would like for you to continue to support us as runners and walkers, as volunteers and as donors.anyway you care to associate yourself with us.team. A special thank you to Mike O’Brien for his assistance over the years as part. Lastly, all proceeds from the event will remain in Kankakee to fund the gallery and other aids directly to help persons of Autism. Thank you so very much. Go to our website.runforautism.com.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: What is the charge Mr. Morris? Fee.is there a fee associated?

Mr. Doug Morris: The cost is $25.00 so if you would come to the website.we really just got the website up and running with registrations.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Thank you. May I have a motion to approve?

Ald Gall: I so move.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Motion made by Alderwomen Gall.

Ald Baron: Second

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Seconded by Alderman Baron. Any discussion? All those in favor?

Council: Aye

Presentation And Acknowledgement Of Black History Month By Teresa Haley, President Of The Illinois State Naacp Chapter

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Opposed same sign.motion carries. Next on the agenda we have a presentation and acknowledgement of Black History Month by Teresa Haley, President of the Illinois State NAACP Chapter. Ms. Haley are you here?

Mr. Theodis Pace: Madam President.I mean Madam Mayor,

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Being Mayor is.enough.

Mr. Theodis Pace: Madam Mayor I am so use to talking about the NAACP, Madam President is on her way she will be here in about ten minutes.

Presentation By The Kankakee City Police Department Acknowledging The Promotion Of Steven B. Hunter From Patrolman To Sergeant

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Okay. We will move on to Item C which is a presentation by the Kankakee City Police Department acknowledging the promotion of Steven B. Hunter from Patrolman to Sergeant.

Chief Dumas: As the Mayor said, I would like to take this time to honor Mr. Steven Hunter from Patrolman to Sergeant. Steve joined the Kankakee Police Department in August of 1999. He is in his 19th year. In my 13 years I had the honor of working with Mr. Hunter who I think is one of the better officers of the department.they are all good but he has worked in the Detective Bureau with Commander Robin Passwater has nothing but good things to say about him on the job and I would like to congratulate you on becoming Sergeant of the Police Department. If you have any family members that want to come up and start taking pictures they can do that. We are going to let your wife do the honors.

Sergeant Hunter:.I had three agendas. One is I am going to say something. I want to say thanks. The next thing on my agenda is to say. my third agenda was trying to get this uniform on. So I got with two agendas. I would like to thank Chief Dumas and Deputy Chief Hunt for believing in my professionalism and allowing me the opportunity to be up here today. I would like to say thank you to the City Council and Mayor for having me here on the agenda. I would like to thank the City of Kankakee, the people that I serve. I will make sure I serve the City with honor. Thank you.

Standing Committees Public Safety – Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Is Ms. Haley here? Not yet? Sergeant Hunter we are truly proud of you. Thank you for your service. Moving on to standing committee reports. Public Safety will be Alderman Brown.

Ald Brown: Thank you Mayor. The Fire Department report was submitted by Chief Bruno. The bills total $33,382.09 and the highlights of those bills are Holohan bill for firehouse furnace and generator. Going forward, personnel will handle these type of repairs instead of going to outside vendors. One of the things that we have talked about the most is tuition reimbursement. It is dwindling done and it is a part of contract negotiations. The other part is the $2,000.00 to rent the Schuyler Avenue property that used to be $1500.00 that was an increase. Overtime for the month is in the amount of $2,223.14. The ambulance calls is high as it’s ever been with a total of 446 calls for the month. Last month they gave a presentation about the response and calls. You also see the structure fires that were reported in the amount of $23,010.00 for the month and the Explorer Cadet program does not have a graduation date as of yet but it will be coming soon. On the Police side, the bills for the month are $46,096.12. The highlights include CDS Technologies which are the microphones for the officers to wear of their shirts and keep in the car, as well as, they had testing, study guides, orientation and assessments; these are budgeted items that are budget every three years.also the bills for January $17,177.07and highlights are The Lidar equipment is hand held radar to determine speed. Overtime for that month total $18,319.72 which is up by $262.42, the traffic citations are 139 and the breakdown listed. Next month or.they will have a yearly statistic of crimes and they will present that to this body. We did have an action item on the agenda which is the Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Kankakee and the Housing Authority. I had issues with that because in the past they had problems with the background checks and we want to make sure that does not occur. When I talked to Commander Regnier, he said that when Randy McGill took over the Housing Authority we have not had any more issues with that. The contract presented is the same as in previous years except one item and that is we used to get $25,000.00 now we will only get $24,000.00 but it is okay and I wanted to make sure you knew that. It was motioned by Alderwoman Swanson and seconded by Alderwoman Lewis that we approve the Intergovernmental agreement and bring it back to the City Council and Mayor. After that the meeting was adjourned until March 6th, 2018 at 5:30 P.M. Thank you.

License And Franchise – Thursday, February 8, 2018

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Thank you Alderman Brown. Next we have the License and Franchise Committee Report and I will turn it over to Alderwoman.

Ald Brown: Oh.Oh Mayor?

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Hold on.Alderman Brown has more.

Ald Brown: I have to make one correction. It’s on the top of my list and I missed it. Alderman Curtis was listed not present on the list and he should have been present. Let the record reflect that Alderman Chris Curtis was present at the meeting.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Okay, Thank you. Moving on to the License and Franchise Committee Minutes we will go to Alderwoman Stacy Gall.

Ald Gall: Thank you Mayor. We had a short meeting. As you recall we were expecting one to fourteen inches of snow. So we did have a representative from Aqua with us to give us an update. After a.of projects, Aqua plans on taking it easy this year. The expansion has been up and running since the end of November. We are going to take another tour to see how it is operating. We haven’t received any information.regarding a rate increase she may know more by our next meeting. There is a meter program.as last year. If they.in your area.you will get a letter in the mail; call and make an appointment. We also discussed the enforcement of the Business License looking to see if all businesses are cooperating. Thank you.

Budget – Monday, February 12, 2018

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Thank you Alderwoman Gall. Moving on to the Budget Committee, Alderman Baron.

Ald Baron: Mayor and City Council, our meeting on /Monday, February 12th was routine. We talked about revenues and expenditures in compliance to the budget. The surprises and highlights, are first of all the income tax that we receive from the State of Illinois, the disbursement for January was received in the month of January so.secondly our expenditures are in line. In fact, they are well within line. There is nothing with Police and Fire.they are well within control. We are at 75 percent of the budget year in January and things are in good shape as far as compliance with the budget. Finally, our regularly scheduled March Budget meeting is no longer going to take place on Monday March 12th but rather on Wednesday March the 7th at 5:30 p.m. in the training room. I encourage everybody not just the.everybody is welcome.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Thank you Alderman. I believe Ms. Haley is here from the Illinois State NAACP Chapter so I will go ahead and turn it over to you.

Mr. Theodis Pace: Mayor, President Teresa Haley President of Illinois State conference NAACP.across the State of Illinois to present today.

Ms. Teresa Haley: Good evening, It is Black History Month. When I came through the door, I was really surprised and I was impressed to see so many people here tonight. Especially the young people; the Basketball team. As I go around the state of Illinois talking about what it means in terms of the NAACP; as you all know it’s the oldest, the boldest, the most loved, the most hated Civil Rights Organization in the world. But we are proud of who we are and we are proud of our heritage. The NAACP is just not about black folks. It’s about all folks. As I look around this room tonight, I see all folks represented. When you are discriminated against, it doesn’t matter about your color, your creed or any of that. It’s about justice, it’s about fairness. Often times we realize that Black History Month that it is just us. It is the shortest month; it is the coldest month and tonight it is the rainiest day. I am so pleased to be here traveling from Springfield. I had to work today; we saw two major incidents or accidents on the highway.we were delay and we actually went ten miles an hour so after we got through that.I said.we will get there as soon as we can. I just wanted to highlight Black History Month and first of all to say thank you to your Mayor. You have your first black Mayor, let’s give her a hand. That determination, that will power to succeed and make a difference in your hometown really makes a difference. But we are also proud of Chasity; your Mayor because she belongs to the NAACP as well. She served as a Vice President for Kankakee. She also served as the Education Chair. She has done a lot for you in your community and that is really what the NAACP is all about. We want to make sure we remain relevant. How can we do that? By including our young people. They are not our future they are our present. Look at these young people in the back of the room. They are here tonight so let’s give them a hand. On our conference call with all State Presidents around the Country we talk about what can we do different that we haven’t done and for Black History Month, we thought it would be nice to go to Kankakee, to go to Aurora and to go to Waukegan. So, I started here with you first to honor our Black Mayor, our New Black Mayor. Let’s give her a hand for.Achievement, Chasity Wells- Armstrong, Kankakee Mayor. This certifies a certificate is presented for your Outstanding Achievement in becoming the First Black Mayor of Kankakee /Female presented during Black History Month on this 20th day of February, 2018 by your truly the youngest State President of the NAACP.

Reports Of Officers Approval Of Bills - $170,992.91

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Thank you for traveling all the way from Springfield. That is a horrific drive. I really appreciate this. We will move on to the Report of Officers. If I may have a motion to approve the bills?

Ald Faford: I move that we approve the report of officers, place the money in the proper accounts and pay the bills in the amount of $170,992.91.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Motion made by Alderman Faford.

Ald Malone Marshall: Second.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Seconded by Alderwoman Malone Marshall. Any discussion?

Ald Crawford: Yes.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Alderman Crawford

Ald Crawford: I have a question on bill #73080.

Elizabeth Kubal: Mayor, may I? That bill is for Vincent Williams and it’s for.matters it’s our lobbyist line.

Ald Crawford: So is he our new lobbyist then?

Elizabeth Kubal: Umm hmm.

Ald Crawford: Do we have a contract with him?

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Yes.

Ald Crawford: Thank you

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: You’re welcome. Any other discussion.questions? Okay, Roll Call Please.

Clerk Dumas: Ayes: Tetter, Brown, Curtis, Baron, Lewis, Tall ( I vote yes on all except for check #73080 in the amount of $5,000.00), Faford, Crawford (I also vote on all of them except check# 73080 until I can see the contract), Osenga (same thing I vote on everything except for #73080 for $5,000.00), O’Brien (aye although I abstain from # 73045), Gall, Malone Marshall, Kennedy (13) Ayes (0) Nays

Motions And Resolutions Resolution Recognizing And Honoring The Kankakee High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team As The 2017-2018 Kankakee Holiday Tournament Champions

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Motion carries. We have no unfinished business; no new business and no appointments. Moving on to Motions and Resolutions. Item A is a resolution recognizing and honoring the Kankakee High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team as the 2017-2018 Kankakee Holiday Tournament Champions, please come forward. Okay so, everybody knows people like to slam Kankakee. I want you all to know we are very proud of you, very proud of you. What you all did to come together as a team on the court, I want to see you continue to do that in the classroom and in your community. You understand?

Team: Yes Mam.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Okay. Do you all understand the purpose of a resolution? Thank you for being honest. Ms. Anjanita is our City Clerk and she going to teach us very quickly the significance of a resolution.

Clerk Dumas: Thank you Your Honor. Typically, when we pass a resolution on behalf of the City of Kankakee, we are identifying action and items or events that occur within our City. As we go through our resolutions we have the opportunity, the honor and the privilege to have your resolution read into the archived of our City of Kankakee minutes. Those minutes that we record tonight are observed in the historical archive, they are retained in the history of Kankakee forever. So therefore, if your children’s children were to research your name in the minutes of the City of Kankakee they can always find out the great work that you’ve done during your time and tenor with the Kankakee High School. Congratulations!

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: What I want to say to you all tonight is you have started your legacy. You are going in the City of Kankakee archives forever. Resolution No. 2018 - 06 Recognizing And Honoring The Kankakee High School Boys’ Varsity Basketball Team As The 2017-2018 Kankakee Holiday Tournament Champions. Does everyone have a resolution? Whereas, The 2017- 2018 Kankakee High School Boys’ Varsity Basketball team is off to the best start they have had in almost two decades. Currently sitting at 11 wins and 4 loses. Kankakee Kays began the season by defeating Herscher, Bishop McNamara, and Bradley- Bourbonnais in the Olivet Nazarene University Turkey Tournament, gaining the All-City Championship for the first time since 2010; and Whereas, on December 29, 2017, Kankakee defeated Bremen of Midlothian, Reavis of Oak Lawn and Peoria Central, which gave Kankakee the victory of winning the Kankakee Holiday Tournament for the first time in fifteen years; and Whereas, in the Turkey Tournament Coach Chris Pickett was named Kankakee Holiday Tournament’s most outstanding Coach for this year. We admire the dedication and time Coach Pickett has invested in these young men; and Whereas, along with Assistant Coach Daniel Jenkins, Assistant Coach Jerry Wills, Assistant Coach Adrian Stewart, and Assistant Coach Alan Ford, Manager Ta’lyn Robertson and Manager Ke’Asia Kennedy, each were instrumental in the success of this team. Whereas, these talented young men have demonstrated quality team performance with precision throughout the season and have earned the team a well- deserved reputation of exceptional sportsmanship. Their hard work is displayed on the court and in the classroom demonstrating their passion for the sport of basketball. Whereas, the victories have already surpassed the amount of total wins from the 2016-2017 season. We would like to acknowledge the 2017-2018 Kankakee High School Boys’ Varsity Basketball Roster: Trevon Barnes, Darion Binion, Jacquan Binion, Kelvin Earley, Lavale Hill, Jordan Houston, Deylon Johnson, Lavell Mcintosh, Marqule Robinson, Andre Roberston, Corey Tharpe, Braijon Thomas, and TJ Wicks. Therefore, Be It Resolved, by Mayor Chasity Wells-Armstrong and the City Council of the City of Kankakee, Illinois, do recognize and celebrate with the Kankakee High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team on their great accomplishments this season. The superior ethic of all the players and coaches have brought great honor to the City of Kankakee. The City of Kankakee extends gratitude for their contributions and we applaud their hard work, dedication, and teamwork. Adopted this 20th day of February, 2018. Do I have a motion to approve this resolution?

Ald Kennedy: So move.

Ald Tall: Second.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Motioned by Alderwoman Kennedy and seconded by Alderman Tall. All in favor?

Council: Aye

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Motion carries. Congratulations!

Lavell Mcintosh: My name is Lavell McIntosh, tomorrow we have our last home game against Rich East and we would like to see everyone there.5:00p.m. for Junior Varsity and 7:00p.m. for Varsity.

Coach Chris Pickett: We want to as a group thank you all for having us here. There are some really good people in Kankakee who helped us get this together. Really what you have here is a group that what you see is coming together. These young men work hard on the court.academically as we mentioned,,, again, we want to thank you all for having us. This is real honorable.I am at a loss for words but we thank you all for having us. This group deserves this and \ right now we are at 17 and 5. We recently received the number one seat for our region in the State of Illinois for the highest ISHA playoffs a week from tonight which is \ Tuesday in Morris Illinois so hopefully we can keep this ball rolling. Thank you all.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: I just want to encourage you all to stay focus. There will be nay sayers out there; people that talk against you and make up things on you. Stay focused. Stay focused and work together. Lift one another up and I am going to do my part to lift you up but you all do your part as well. Okay?

Team: Yes Mam.

Resolution Between The City Of Kankakee And The Department Of Transportation – Pertaining To District 111 Entrance Access For (2) Two Schools

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: I will be checking in on you. Okay moving on, we have a resolution between the City of Kankakee and the Department of Transportation pertaining to District 111 entrance access for two schools and I will defer to Neil our City Engineer.

Niel Piggush: This is Kankakee School District’s 111 application for a permit reviewed by our office on behalf of the City as well as IDOT District 3 which is.City pass the resolution as a part of the application.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: May I have a motion to pass the resolution?

Ald Lewis: So move

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Motioned by Alderwoman Lewis,

Ald Brown: Second

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Seconded by Alderman Brown. Any discussion? All in favor?

Council: Aye.

Resolution Authorizing The Mayor To Certify The Abatement Of Bond Levies For Bonds Preveiously Issued Under The City’s Full Faith And Credit (General Obligation) And To Authorize The City Clerk To Deliver The Certifications To The Clerk Of Kankakee County

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Opposed same sign, motion carries. Finally we have resolution authorizing the Mayor to certify the abatement of bond levies for bonds previously issued under the City’s Full Faith and Credit general obligation and to authorize the City Clark to deliver the Certifications to the Clerk of Kankakee County and I will defer to Elizabeth at this time.

Elizabeth Kubal: Thank you Mayor. As you all know in February we have to certify with the County Clerk’s Office which are our general obligation bond abatements that have to be made. Which means we have representation from one of our other funds, mostly the TIF funds and different ones.and also ESU bonds.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Thank you Elizabeth. Any Questions or discussion?

Clerk Dumas: Ayes: Tetter, Brown, Curtis, Baron, Lewis, Tall, Faford, Crawford, Osenga, O’Brien, Gall, Malone Marshall, Kennedy (13) Ayes (0) Nays

Banking Resolution Reflecting The Current Officers Of The City Of Kankakee

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Motion carries. Finally we have a banking resolution reflecting the current officers of the City of Kankakee. This was requested by Midland Bank related to our Kankakee Home Buyers Incentive Program and I will go ahead and defer to Elizabeth.

Elizabeth Kubal: Thank you Mayor. The Midland Bank.formal stating that.this has been our current status.transition of the last year. This is their formality not ours but it seemed like a very simple thing to do. To be able to pass a resolution and meet the requirements of the program they are assisting they City of Kankakee with.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Thank you Elizabeth. May I have a motion to approve the resolution. Are you making a motion Alderman Crawford?

Ald Osenga: So Move.

Ald Crawford: No I have a question.

Ald Brown: Second.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: I don’t know who made the first motion.

Clerk Dumas: Osenga did.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Motioned by Alderman Osenga. Seconded by Alderman Brown. Any questions or discussions. Alderman Crawford?

Ald Crawford: Are the requirements the same in this on as the last.for the, for the.money that they are going to be handing out?

Elizabeth Kubal: The details of that program I think we have discussed in other places. This is strictly the financial piece of it. They just need to know who’s signature they will be expecting. We will have to open signature cards as we do for all accounts but they needed an additional resolution.

Ald Crawford: Okay.okay. Thank you.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Any other discussion.questions? Roll Call Please.

Clerk Dumas: Ayes: Tetter, Brown, Curtis, Baron, Lewis, Tall, Faford, Crawford, Osenga, O’Brien, Gall, Malone Marshall, Kennedy (13) Ayes (0) Nays

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: We do not have a need for an Executive Session. Moving on to Alderman Comments. Alderman Crawford?

Ald Crawford: I have watched the basketball team three different times now and I watched them at the Thanksgiving Tournament Holidays a couple weeks ago.them boys when they first started playing.they were a disaster and as they progressed through the year they have gotten better and better. Not only do they have a Coach that taught them how to play the game. They also have taught them lessons of life and they have matured leaps and bounds. Coaches, great job!

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Thank you Alderman Crawford.

Ald Crawford: Secondly, I want to invite everybody here this Sunday at 3:00p.m. at Smitty’s Bar. Myself and Larry are going to be Throwing a little going away party for Cliff Cross, he’s leaving us and going to Texas. So everybody here are more than welcome to come.Thank you.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Thank you. Alderwoman Kennedy?

Ald Kennedy: My principle at Avis Mr. Larue Fitch wanted me to take a moment to thank everyone on City Council, members, the public, Police Department and Fire Department that came to support the Community Mentoring Day. This was an idea Mr. Fitch wanted to help to partner students with Mentors.Oh an our City Clerk. As a matter of fact, she was so excited that she came the day before. It really impacted the children positively to the point where the children are asking to do it again and the mentors are wanting to know when they can come back; how can they get back into the building? We really have to lock some people out because they want to be here every day. Which is great because the kids need to understand that.really care about them and want to help them along.\ the way. So, I want to say to take a moment to say thank you and Mr. Fitch wanted me to take a moment to say thank you to the community. So Thank you.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Thank you. Alderwoman Kennedy. Any other comments? Alderman O’Brien?

Ald O’brien: Thank you Mayor. Mayor I want to publicly thank Doug Morris for taking on the Race for Autism which is a Kilbride Family Classic that is a race that has been in our community for twenty one years.the Kilbride family.stepping away after all those years understandably and concerned it may not happen again because of the gallery.we are very grateful and thankful and look forward to bigger and better things ahead. So thank you Doug.Thank you

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Thank you. Alderman O’Brien. Anybody else? Alderman Curtis?

Ald Curtis: I would just like to comment since we have kind of been on Basketball Teams. Two Days ago.Kankakee Bishop McNamara and Bradley Bourbonnais Girls Basketball Teams were each Regional Champions. That’s pretty cool that both are.community to do that. On Thursday night, both.Kankakee High School are going to play each other to get in the Super Session on Monday. Congratulations to both Bishop McNamara and Kankakee Girls Basketball Varsity Teams. Either way we are Kankakee.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Anybody else? I have an announcement; you kind of stole my thunder Alderman Curtis. AS you all know, I have been raising money through the community not tax payers funds but raising money through business owners, stake holders, council members and others who care about our youth for African American Civic Leader Scholarship and I created the Scholarship for Black History Month. When you look at statistics on our young black males in particularly there is a need there. I wanted to meet that need. So, I sent a letter out and asked people if they would consider making a contribution and we have raised enough money to award four $2000.00 Scholarships. I wanted to do something impactful so I contacted KCC and asked them if we send a kid to school for a Semester would are we looking at and it is about $2000.00 so that’s why I chose the amount of $2000.00 because I want this to be impactful. As Alderman Curtis stated, we have some phenomenal kids in the community and our Lady Kay’s from the high school.Kankakee High School and the Lady Irish from Bishop Mac are excelling in their programs and so they play Thursday night at 7:00P.M. February 22, which is the date I scheduled the Scholarship Presentation. We has tears today of some of the students calling and we don’t want any of that. So I am postponing the Scholarship Presentation. I decided to do that today, I believe until April 12th and I am asking that everybody in the community go out and our kids. These are our kids and it means a lot to them.\ to see us there supporting them. I am asking that you all do that. So as Alderman Curtis stated, Congratulations to all our lady athletes. I don’t have anything else. The game will be at Rich East. With that being said may I have a motion to adjourn?

Ald Osenga: So move.

Ald Crawford: Second.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Motioned by Alderman Osenga. Seconded by Alderman Crawford. All those in favor?

Committee: Aye.

Mayor Wells-Armstrong: Opposed same sign. We are adjourned.

https://citykankakee-il.gov/perch/resources/city-council-mtg-minutes-february-20th-2018-meeting.pdf