City of North Chicago Public Safety Committee met Sept. 21.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
Alderman Mayfield called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Absent: Fisher
I. DISCUSSION OF SENIOR CITIZEN CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR PROGRAM:
Fire Chief, Dell Urban explained the City received a grant for of $2,500 to purchase carbon monoxide detectors (250) available October 01, 2020. It would be offered free to qualified Senior Citizens (65+) and one per household. She encouraged the aldermen to inform their constituents.
Also, smoke detectors were provided free per scheduled appointment, installed up to (10) and no requirements. It would also be posted on the City’s Facebook page.
Alderman Markham questioned if it was to be posted on the North Chicago Facebook page; Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans that Public Safety Committee Meeting stand adjourned.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
The meeting adjourned at 7:36 p.m.
Alderman Evans called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Absent: Fisher
I. REVIEW/DISCUSSION REGARDING CURRENT CITY CODE FEE SCHEDULE, PROPERTY MAINTENANCE FOR ALLEY RIGHTS-OF-WAY AND VARIOUS OTHER ROADWAY LOCATIONS ACROSS THE CITY INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO DEAD-ENDS AND CULD’SACS:
Public Works Director, Ed Wilmes explained there was discussion of cost associated with property maintenance, grass cutting, alley rights-of-way and various other roadway locations across the City including yet not limited to dead-end and culd’sacs. He suggested amending the ordinance allowing the inspector to cite tall grass in the alley ways.
Attorney Simon explained that amending the city code, would allow the City another tool ensuring the homeowners maintaining their property area in front and backyard. The Mayor agreed. He suggested allowing the contractors initially maintain the alley way and the remaining responsibility of the homeowner.
Alderman Evans clarified were many elderly individuals in the City and was unfair. He suggested holding the department responsible in cleaning the alleyways. The Mayor disagreed, he stated it was the responsibility of the property owners to maintain it excluding the discarded items left.
Alderman January questioned the footage from property line with owner’s responsibility in vacated areas in the alleys; Attorney Simon briefly explained. She directed same question to Mr. Wilmes and he explained the current ordinance wasn’t definitive of the alley maintenance and elaborated further. Alderman January asked if owners were aware of the footage requirement. She was concerned of trash left in the alley ways of numbered vacant properties and neglected. She agreed that the City should maintain it.
Mr. Wilmes mentioned one of the contractors managed the vacant properties.
Alderman Markham questioned clarification if the inspector could issue fines for alley uncleanliness; Mr. Wilmes explained that current ordinance wasn’t clear and the inspectors didn’t venture in that area as there were other related issues.
Attorney Simon explained that once ordinance was amended, they could respond to complaints, find problem properties proactively. He had concerns with the inspector enforcement.
Alderman Evans expressed his disappointment with continuing outsourcing the jobs. Mr. Wilmes stated there weren’t any mechanics for the department equipment. Alderman Evans disagreed.
The Mayor had strong concerns of additional duties required.
Senior City Planner, Nimrod Warda explained that inspectors had difficulty in defining the property line especially with older homes and pavement markings weren’t exact in alleyways. It was more challenging for the Inspectors and Public Works employees in their decision. The proposal would allow a smoother transition.
Mr. Wilmes explained the landscaper assigned to the scattered sites also managed the alley frontage.
Alderman Evans strongly expressed they were the city alleys and the public works department had the equipment needed.
The Mayor suggested to amend the ordinance concerning the management of the landscape including the alleys. Alderman Evans and Mr. Wilmes agreed.
Alderman Allen suggested a plan with seasonal employees in the following year.
Alderman January agreed with Alderman Evans. There was needed discussion and some plan.
Alderman Evans added to be more mindful of the city vehicles in the alleyways. The Mayor stated that landlords should be held responsible and the seniors who have registered with the City were reflective by the water bills.
Alderman Mayfield suggested further discussion with what was entailed.
Alderman Markham stated were less alleys in the 5th ward. There were more landlord complaints received with the frontage of the homes.
Attorney Simon suggested registering as a senior citizen. Mr. Wilmes added identifying methods through senior citizen water discounts. Those who weren’t seniors should maintain both the front and back of their homes. Mr. Simon explained the existing ordinance that only related to overgrown weeds, grass and plants exclusive of trash. It could affect visibility, public safety and the city aesthetics. Echoing Mr. Warda, the distance was inconsistent as not all alleys were engineered the same and the property line was unapparent.
Alderman Markham suggested the ordinance wording was inclusive of the senior citizen stipulation.
This will be placed on the next Council Agenda, October 05, 2020.
II. DISCUSSION REGARDING THE STATUS OF STAFFING FOR THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT, POSSIBLE OPTIONS OF RECRUITING/TRAINING/LICENSING WATER OPERATORS AND MAINTENANCE STAFF / DEVELOPMENT OF A MASTER OPERATIONS MANUAL:
Mr. Wilmes explained the water plant was currently operating with a skeleton crew. There was turnover of employees when retired. He suggested a master manual protocol for efficient operations when recruiting, training and licensing additional water operators and maintenance technician. Properly staffing was very critical.
Alderman Allen questioned clarification. Mr. Wilmes explained the proposal and costs.
Alderman January stated the City had invested cost with former Water Forman, Dave Soto; Mr. Wilmes explained that he provided the standard operation procedures at the Water Plant and were organized as the Master Operational plan. She questioned if the City ever collaborated with the Navy for a manual and various memberships for assistance that was more effective. Mr. Wilmes stated the City had reached out to others regularly partnering with water communities. The SOP’S written needed to consolidate into an operations manual. She clarified it was never completed and suggested collaborating with other surrounding areas for efficiencies and cost effective. She strongly disagreed with contracting to a private company, willing to volunteer her services. The city investment, focus, maintaining the water plant and upgrading the water plant was needed.
Alderman Evans suggested directing the Public Works Director’s effort in developing a master operations manual vs. outsourcing contractors. The employees were very capable.
III. DISCUSSION OF ORDINANCE AMENDMENT 12-12-10 –ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES: (CODIFIED AND UNCODIFIED)
Alderman Evans suggested an ordinance amendment by reducing the 1st offence fees for the enforcement and penalties. Attorney Simon referenced to section 6-1-4. He explained initially as a general rule, a notice of violation was issued to the property owner. He elaborated further with what was entailed with the $150 fees direct and indirect costs to enforce the ordinance for city reimbursement for their services. Mr. Evans stated that he was informed differently. He disagreed
Alderman January questioned attorney costs when needed city involvement; Attorney Simon stated was $195 per hour.
Alderman Evans questioned why police weren’t permitted to issue citations on private property Attorney Simon explained that the state law provisions to the City abating the nuisances. Tall grass was defined as such. A notice was issued allowing time to resolve the issue. He couldn’t speculate without the facts. Alderman Evans questioned if the complaint was issued, why couldn’t the police officers have issued a citation for inoperable vehicles and were allowed on the premises. Attorney Simon advised him to direct the City emphasizing enforcement of it.
Alderman Allen directed question as their suggestion; Alderman Evans elaborated further. Alderman Allen clarified that the existing ordinance need to be enforced.
IV. REVIEW/DISCUSSION WORK ORDER FOR DESIGN ENGINEERING AND BIDDING SERVICES FOR 16TH STREET AND KEMBLE AVENUE TRANSMISSION MAIN:
City Engineer, Steve Cieslica explained the work order for design engineering and bidding services for 16th Street and Kemble Avenue transmission main. It was an ITA Loan Interest Project and explained the directions of the roadway. Alderman Allen questioned if 16th Street was to be attended to following the project; Mr. Cieslica acknowledged it was.
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Runnels that Public Works Committee Meeting stand adjourned.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January Nays: None
Absent: None
The meeting adjourned at 9:13 p.m.
https://www.northchicago.org/vertical/Sites/%7B52959CF2-969E-41D9-A9CF-CF0A11D0BEA9%7D/uploads/COM.9.21.20.pdf
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