By Jude Coyle
This is a continuation of the January 24th meeting, previously published in the FORUM 2/1 issue.
City Attorney Jim Brosnahan presented two issues to the Council. 1) an ordinance to provides handicap parking at 12252 Ann St. 2) a resolution authorizing the City to apply for a Cook County block grant, $300,000, to rebuild streets on Gruenwald, Orchard and Collins, between Western and Greenwood Avenues. Both were agreed to.
Alderman Ostling Chairman, Public Health and Safety Committee reported in November, the Fire Department handled 280 fire and EMS calls–were reimbursed $37,797.97 for medical services, and paid $3,590.81 in processing fees. In December, they handled 299 fire and EMS calls, received $24,980.99 in medical reimbursements and paid $33,530.65.
In November, the Police Department answered 2,117 calls, issued 1,492 citations, and collected $50,408.87 fees and fines. The Detective Division handled 379 cases.
In December, the Police Department answered 2,140 calls, issued 1,139 citations, and collected $51,546.96. The Detective Division handled 39 total cases.
In November they paid $92,0644 from Federal Asset Forfeiture Fund for 3 new vehicles, which should be on the street in March. South Suburban Emergency Response Team awarded SWAT officer of the year 2011 to Thomas Padron. He was also awarded Sniper of the Year. Officer Erik Stahmer was awarded Trainer of the Year and promoted to Team Leader. Corporal Rzab assisted the South Suburban Crime Task Force in a homicide investigation in Chicago Heights in November. Detective Sepessy assisted the Markham Police with a homicide while Corporal Rzab assisted Riverdale in December. Corporal Rzab was promoted to North Team Supervisor.
Alderman Stone reported on behalf of the Community Development Committee. Several ‘corner stores’ were brought before the Council in September to address complaints. Recommendations were made then, and inspections have been made since. The owners of Jim’s Grocery at 2216 Des Plaines has brought the building into compliance. The Corner Store, 12458 Maple, hours were reduced to 7PM. The problems have decreased and repairs have been made. The Bread and Bottle, 2213 W. 119th Street, was instructed to shorten their closing to 9PM and keep an armed guard between noon and 7PM. Again, problems decreased. The Committee voted to maintain the changes at both locations.
Dr. Martin Lower, DDS, is moving his dental office from 13000 Maple to 13122 Western. This was approved.
Pallets are piled so high at M&M Pallets, they are tilting. The owner was instructed to erect an 8 foot wooden fence, have the parking lot and loading areas paved and landscaped. Pallets should not be piled any higher than 8 feet. He is to appear at the next meeting with a plan to cover these concerns.
El Nogal International, Inc., will share the premises with Blue Star Jewelry (already in place), at 12720 Western. El Nogal handles money orders, money transfers, mailings, etc. The Committee voted 3 to 3 about issuing the license. Alderman Stone asked the Council to break the tie. They voted 7 to 7, with Alderman Natalino, Buckner-Cheatle, Spizzirri, Patoska, Rita, Ruthenberg and Ostling voting aye. Mayor Peloquin voted aye, allowing El Nogal a business license.
Maricela Albor, De Beaute Fleurs Studio, 13810 Seeley, will sell floral arrangements using both silk and live flowers. The Committee approved.
It was announced that the TGIF Picnics have been scheduled from 6/8 to 10/10. DDE’s Halloween Halls of Terror will take place in October & Senior Pumpkin Painting will be 10/24. The Pumpkin Lighting ceremony and Scarecrow judging will be held in October–Christmas Light Parade on 12/1. The Senior Christmas Luncheon will be held on 12/3. Mary Poulsen and Mike Janko are working together on Drivin’ the Dixie in June.
Assistant Fire Chief Mark Luety thanked retiring Chief Bob Copp for his dedication and years of service–they worked together for 26 years..
The meeting ended at 7:55. The next meeting will take place on 2/14, at 7PM at the East Annex.
Alderman Mark Ruthenberg was not present at the January 10, 2012 City Council Meeting.
Mayor Peloquin asked 7 new firefighters to step forward to be pinned with their badges. Salvatore DiNolto, full time, Robert Wooten, Henry O’Hagan, William Kirby, Christopher Gustavson, Joseph Guarascio and John Duffy (all part time) Rich Hitchcock of Hitchcock Design Group introduced a 2-part plan to develop the area between 135th St., Sacramento, and the Metra tracks–53 acres area where Acme Refining, plans to expand, Hitchcock hopes to make the entire area into a recycling/industrial site and discussed opening a primary entrance to Acme off of 137th and a secondary entrance off of 135th St.
Plans include reclaiming 14 tax delinquent properties, roads, landscaping, water retention plans for the flood plane adjacent to the property, work on Midlothian Creek and the surrounding area. City representatives are meeting with Robbins, hoping to include them. A Brownfield grant will help to pay for the study required before final plans are made. Asked about red dust that now covers the area, Hitchcock said that he can’t guarantee this work will solve the problem, although he is certain the dust will decrease. Acme Refinery is a $350,000,000 company.
Hank Pott of Allied Waste discussed changes to their new contract. By April or May, residents will be issued new 65 gallon recyclables containers–in a different color They will bee picked up on the same day, but every other week. Experience shows that residents recycle more as the new containers hold more. This will not include E-Waste (electronics) although Allied is trying for a solution. Asked about how this will benefit Blue Island financially, Mayor Peloquin explained that the City no longer separates and turns in recyclables. Allied does. Pott explained that markets for each recyclable fluctuates widely—i.e., one type of paper, might make money, but at the same time the price paid to recycle plastic might be low enough to offset any profit. Allied recycles in many communities, doing it in bulk helps to absorb losses caused by huge price differences.
Fire Chief Robert Copp will retire effective February 8th. Assistant Chief Mark Luety turned down the offer to replace Chief Copp. In his place, Mayor Peloquin recommended Alsip’s Assistant Fire Chief Terry Burczyk. Aldermen spoke up about hiring from within our community. Alderman Janko asked did we have no qualified individuals here. Although Mayor Peloquin had earlier provided them with a copy of Burczyk’s resume, councilmen felt that 2-days was not sufficient time to study this problem. Mayor Peloquin felt that Burczyk’s education and work history was stronger. After some intense discussion, the Council voted to table this item until the next meeting. All agreed with the exception of Aldermen Johnson and Natalino voted no.
Mayor Peloquin asked the Council to approve his appointment of Alderman Mark Patoska as his alternative representative to JAWA, which would be the board responsible for bringing water in from Hammond. Asked if there is any more news on this matter, Mayor Peloquin said that he spoke to the administration in Alsip about joining in, but nothing else.
City Attorney Brosnahan presented four matters to the Council. First, was an ordinance implementing handicap parking restrictions for 2837 W. 140th St., 2912 Everett St., 2336 W. 122nd St. and 12252 Artesian. Another rescinded ‘resident parking only’ restrictions all over Blue Island. Next an ordinance granted a zoning variance to the property located at 12001 Gregory. And finally there was a resolution declaring Blue Island a supporter of work site breastfeeding for City employees. All passed.
The Judiciary Committee is discussing the following issues; house party request forms,placards restriction (which turned over to the Municipal Services Committee), and types of vehicles which can be parked on residential streets.
Superintendent of Water Joe Werner told the Municipal Services Committee that the technology updates on the water system are complete. He will be meeting with the MWRD about drainage improvements along the CSX tracks and about the foul odor on the southwest side of the Canal. The sewer collapse in front of the Blue Kangaroo on Vermont has been repaired. The Water Department is seeking reimbursement from Cook County.
Public Works Superintendent Ken Stachulak reported that Senate Bill 2306 became active on January 1st prohibiting disposal of E-refuse, i.e. computers, and electronics. He is planning 2 E-disposal days at the Wireton Road facility and will update the Committee. He has received new portable crosswalk stop signs to be used at schools and other events. An ESDA truck has been converted to transport them. This was paid for by a grant.
In other business, the Mayor stated that demolition could begin on the two vacant properties at 119th and Vincennes. Also he stated that formation of another TIF district was in the works.
Citizens address the Council
- Willie Scott said that he finds it terrible that not one of the new firefighters is an African American. “We support the community, but we are not represented.” He has addressed the Council for the last 22 years. Mayor Peloquin replied, “I have never refused.” He went on to say that the City has to follow federally mandated guidelines when hiring police and firefighters.
- If no African Americans apply, he can’t hire them. Scott said that he would take this to the federal level. Fire Chief Copp explained that he has documentation showing what is required of every level of firefighter from recruit to chief.
• Ron Young asked about future public meetings concerning JAWA and if they would be published. Mayor Peloquin replied that scheduled public meetings are reported in the Southtown. Asked why not in the FORUM, Mayor Peloquin said that it is only published once every two weeks. Young is continuing to research the cost of water in other towns. One town takes its water from a river at at cost of approximately $1,793,000,000 to process the water, filtrate, and maintain the facility annually. They charge $3.90 per 1,000 gals. Beloit charges $23.43 per 1,000 gallons. Garbage pickup is not included. Young encouraged the Mayor to investigate alternatives as rates will continue to rise, while at the same time cautioning him. Some of the towns that would join us have had problems in the past paying their water bills.
The meeting ended at 8:50.Sub-Committee Meeting Schedules:
Finance Committee:
February 14, 6:15PM, East Annex
Judiciary Committee:
February 7, 5PM, East Annex
Municipal Services:
February 7, 7PM, East Annex
Community Development:
February 17, 6:30PM, East Annex
Public Health and Safety: February 20, 6:30PM, Lower Level Police StationThis is a partial report of the meeting of Tuesday, January 24th. The remaining report will be presented in the next FORUM issue on February 22nd.
At the last meeting the appointment of Terry Vrshek to the position of Fire Chief was tabled. Mayor Donald E. Peloquin asked Aldermen to take this off the table and vote on it. The vote confirmed the appointment. Immediately after Mr. Vrshek was sworn in and pinned by his wife with his new badge.
The Council next approved three contracts: The Professional Firefighters’ Union contract requires the City to maintain a staff of 18 firefighters and 3 officers. Prior contracts required 15 firefighters and 3 officers. Also, the Telecommunicators’ Union. The next was the Allied Waste renewal. Details are in the last report. All three were approved.
Engineer Tom Nagle discussed next year’s CDBG project, to replace Maple from 119th to 123rd Street. The estimate is $471,000. Also, sewer repairs have been estimated to cost $160,000.
Also, the sidewalk replacement program for the 1st, 6th and 7th Wards went out to bid in 2008.The winning contractor agreed to stick with the bid.
Jewel closed with Sav-A-Lot on the property at 127th and Vincennes. Jewel will approach Walgreens next.
Several of the Suburban Mayors and Managers Association, including members in the northern suburbs, wrote Chicago about lowering or holding water rates. Chicago replied that they have to replace cribs, which were built in the 1800’s, thousands of miles of pipes and the steam engines that run them. Price hikes will remain. Hammond also plans to raise rates, which would bring them up to 50% or 60% of what Chicago’s are. With that in mind, the Alsip Village Board voted to join JAWA. Mayor Peloquin promised to approach Midlothian next. He plans to discuss this on Channel 4 with Aldermen Janko and Patoska and 2- 3 residents.
December 2011 Meeting Notes
Alderman Buckner-Cheatle did not attend the 12/13/2011 Blue Island City Council Meeting.
Mayor Donald E. Peloquin asked for a moment of silence to remember former Alderman and Calumet Township President Rose Rita.
Mayor Peloquin asked the Council to approve his selection of Bob Adams as Building Commissioner as of 1/3. He is a life long resident, and owns a construction company. David Mindeman stepped aside in order to help Mayor Peloquin in his bid for the Statehouse. He asked that Jeff Atwell is approved to take the open position on the Zoning Board. Both were approved.
Chicago is increasing water rates by 25% as of January 1st. The base rate will be $2.00. Another increase of 15% or a base rate of $2.51 is expected on 1/1/2013. The next increase will be 15% for a base rate of $2.88 on 1/1/2014. The next increase is again 15% and expected on 1/1/15, bringing the base rate to $3.31. More increases are expected in the future. With that in mind, Water Superintendent Joe Warner plans to upgrade water meters again. They will operate more cheaply, and should pay for themselves in no time. Information will be posted on the water bill. The City will renew the Allied Waste contract, which is tied into the water bill.
The City plans to go out to bid on the Emergency Repair Program announced in October. Canal St. is left. MFT funds will be used on parking. Mayor Peloquin has applied to State Senator Emil Jones for more funding.
Metro South has been sold to Community Health Services of Tennessee for $120,000,000. They own about 120 other hospitals and are responsible for adding several clinical facilities, such as psychology and sleep clinics, to each new purchase. Before the sale goes through, the Illinois Health Facility Board must approve it. They meet on 2/12. Asked if the tax breaks will move with the sale, Mayor Peloquin replied that a TIF check for $650,000 will be held up until the sale is complete.
Mayor Peloquin said that dip in the roadbed in front of the Blue Kangaroo on Vermont is IDOT’s responsibility, although they haven’t done anything. It has to be addressed, so the City will go out to bid.
After Treasurer Carmine Bilotto passed out the Treasurer’s Report and Alderman Mark Patoska read the Finance Committees report of that evening, about payroll and accounts payable, Alderman Mike Janko asked why there was a discrepancy between the Treasurer’s report and the report from the Golf Course. It was a matter of a couple of thousands of dollars. Mayor Peloquin promised to look into it. It was probably created by a time lapse between the reports.
Attorney James Brosnahan asked the Council to consider several issues.
- First is the issuance of general obligation bonds through the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Program. The bonds will be issued through Fifth Third Bank in the amount of $1,100,000, and will pay the wrongful death settlement to the family of Antonio Manrique.
- The next three ordinances defined, developed and adopted TIF District #6. It is bounded by the property line of the former Jewel Store to the west, Vincennes Avenue to the east, 127th Street (Burr Oak Street) to the south and Olive Street to the north.
- The next item was an amendment to Ordinance #2650, which regulates the licensing of peddlers and solicitors. It is illegal for any person to engage in commercial solicitations, peddling, fund solicitation of any kind prior to 10AM or after 4PM between November and April 30th, or 10AM and 6PM between May 1st and 10/31.
- The next item is an amendment to ordinance #90-212, which establishes policy rules and regulations concerning contributions by the City for medical and hospitalization insurance for certain retired employees. This refers to non-union employees working 40 hours a week, and have twenty years of service in and are at least 55 years old. Supplemental insurance is to be deleted.
- The next places handicap parking restrictions at 2204 W. 121st Street and 2416 Collins Street.
- The next ordinance provides for the sale of property owned by the City. Brian LaGiglia bid $603.10 for a 1987 Ford F800F and a 1989 Ford E350 ambulance. Aldermen Nancy Thompson and Dexter Johnson voted no.
- The next is a resolution authorizing the City to enter into an agreement with the South Suburban GIS Consortium at a cost of $7372.80. The Consortium is part of the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association. The fee covers the cost of the software. These are computerized maps that will allow every department in the City to track issues, such as streets, water, trees, projects, etc. can be mapped out and updated as needed.
- The last item was a recommendation from the Zoning Board of Appeals, concerning the application of Jeffrey A. Atwell, requesting a variation for a fence at 12001 Gregory. According to code, fences are not allowed in front yards. This is a corner lot. The fence would separate the property along the western boundary from the alley. Mr. Atwood requested permission to use wood or a wood composite. Instead Alderman Jan Ostling requested an amendment allowing him to use PBC instead.
All matters were approved by the Council.
Alderman Domingo Vargas reported on behalf of the Judiciary Committee. They are working on new recommendations limiting live music at yard parties to no later than 10:30 on weekends. That includes the use of car stereos. They are also discussing signage (sandwich boards) and placards, sizes and a fee structure that would include non-profit organizations. Restricting parking for second division vehicles, work vehicles and trailers used by landscapers were again discussed. Also discussed, was establishing a line item on the budget as well as a fee that can be set aside and used for bridge repairs.
Alderman Mike Janko reported on behalf of the Municipal Services Committee. They voted to eliminate the current statute concerning resident only parking. They also asked for handicap parking spots at 2837 W. 140th St., 2912 Everett, 2336 W. 122nd St. and 12252 Artesian. Director of Golf Jerry Vidovic reported that irrigation systems were prepped for winter and holes have been graded and seeded. Superintendent Joe Warner reported that catch basin cleanings were completed. Equipment is arriving for booster pump station upgrades. The Vincennes and Highland stations should be upgraded soon. Data recording equipment will be upgraded, too. Hydrant testing has been completed and delinquent water accounts have been reduced He is working with CSX and MWRD at California and Union Streets to handle storm water run off from the RR right of way. He is working with Robinson Engineering to identify an area bordered by 119th and Longwood Drive and 122nd and Vincennes to provide catastrophic storm relief. This area has been identified by Robinson as “low grade”. He is seeking grants for previous paving and rain barrels. Phase 2 water testing has been completed, as required by the EPA. Meter replacement is ongoing. Superintendent Ken Stachulac reported that all equipment has been converted for snow removal. Leaves to be picked up now must be placed in yard waste containers and placed on the parkway. There is 500 tons of salt in the dome, and a total of 900 on site. The Union Street and the Deer Pointe projects are done, and the 16 block resurfacing and 7th ward sidewalks should be done soon. He is hoping for funding for tree replacement. IDOT will be working on the Western Avenue bridge. They will not close the bridge entirely. They will be adding bike lanes.
Residents addressed the Council:
- Rochelle Orozco called Rose Rita a friend and a leader. On behalf of Watch Group 37, she asked to use the Council Room for this year’s Black History Night, on 2/17/12. Mayor Peloquin promised her that this was all set. She then wished both Alderman Nancy Thompson and Mayor Peloquin ‘Happy Birthday.’
- Willie Scott reported to be confused by the resident only parking situation. Alderman Janko said that the issue is confusing, particularly around the train stations, and for that reason is trying to develop a system that is more fair to the people who actually live in the area.
- Ron Young spoke on the subject of water rates and the JAWA project. Talking to people in his Ward, he said elicited emotional responses. Some have complained that their water bills reflect using 2000 gallons one month and 7000 the next. He felt that most didn’t understand the charges for garbage and sanitary services. Before participating in JAWA and building a water treatment plant, he wanted to properly study the issue and the need to establish a base line of what our current costs are. Considering the announced rate increases for Chicago water, he wanted to know how this will impact our community and how the cost of building and operating a water treatment plant and the cost of water purchases from Hammond will compare. He offered several dollar amounts, which he later promised to investigate further and supply in a letter to the FORUM. He suggested that Blue Island residents should be educated to understand the billing system. 2. He pointed out how several neighboring communities have mismanaged their funds. For that reason, any coalition Blue Island would be part of should have elected officials with rigid and transparent public oversight. 3. He suggested appointing Blue Island residents to a committee to work with the Administration in studying this proposal. 4. Because this project can bring both benefits and harm to our community, he requested public meetings on the subject, but with more advance notice and better advertising. “It is unseemly to announce any public meeting with only 48 hours notice, and a small type written announcement. It is just not right,” he said.
- Carole di Pace Greene expressed her concern that our participation in JAWA (Joint Action Water Agency) might not be cost effective. This is where Blue Island would join a coalition of communities to purchase raw water from Hammond. A water plant would have to be built somewhere in this area at a cost of approximately $200,000,000. Before jumping into this, she wanted it studied. Mayor Peloquin promised her it would be, and that the City hadn’t committed themselves to anything yet. There were no final numbers, and they had yet to decide the route the water would take, where the water plant would be.
- Kevin McKenny said that both this year and last, his water bill reflected one month where his bill exceeded 2000 gallons. He said he didn’t buy the explanation that his toilet might be running. He was concerned about a ticket his wife was given at Washington and 119th Street because she parked there everyday and she is a resident. Asked if it had to do with parking in a residential only parking space, he replied that the ticket said she parked within 30 feet of the corner. That, he was told, was a different violation that had nothing to do with parking in a ‘residential only’ parking space.
The meeting ended at 8:20PM. January meetings are scheduled for January 10th and 24th, at 7PM, in the East Annex, City Hall.