City of Zion City Council met Feb. 16.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Mayor McKinney called the meeting to order.
On call of the roll the following answered present: Commissioners Fischer, Holmes, Frierson, McDowell and Mayor McKinney. A quorum was present.
Also present: Police Chief Eric Barden, Building & Zoning Director Richard Ianson, Public Works Director Ray Roberts, City Administrator David Knabel and City Attorneys Jimmy Vasselli and Eric Stach. Fire/Rescue Chief Justin Stried was absent.
Mayor McKinney led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
AGENDA CHANGES
Agenda changes are as follows:
It was moved by Commissioner Fischer, seconded by Commissioner McDowell to remove Item 12 – Closed Session The vote on roll call was: Commissioners Fischer, aye; Holmes, aye; Frierson, aye; McDowell, aye and Mayor McKinney aye. Motion carried.
Commissioner Holmes attempted to make a motion to amend Items 9c & 9d but encountered technical difficulties. Commissioner Fischer questioned tabling items during agenda changes as opposed to tabling the items as they come up on the agenda. Attorney Vasselli stated he does not see a problem having tabled the agenda items at this time. There is nothing in Roberts Rules or the City Code that states you cannot table an item under agenda changes. He stated a Commissioner can pull up items 9c & 9d on a motion to table if preferred. Commissioner Fischer suggested contacting Commissioner Holmes and asking her to reconnect to try and resolve her technical issues.
Mayor McKinney requested a five minute recess to allow Commissioner Holmes to resolve her technical issues.
It was moved by Commissioner Fischer, seconded by Commissioner Frierson that the Council take a short recess at 7:18 pm. The vote on roll call was: Commissioners Fischer, aye; Frierson, aye; McDowell, aye and Mayor McKinney aye. Motion carried. Commissioner Holmes was unable to vote due as she did not have audio.
It was moved by Commissioner Fischer, seconded by Commissioner Frierson to reconvene the meeting at 7:45 pm. The vote on roll call was: Commissioners Fischer, aye; Frierson, aye; McDowell, aye and Mayor McKinney aye. Motion carried.
Attorney Vasselli stated two motions were made relative to some procedural matters. The majority of the motions were inaudible to most of the audience, the Commissioners and the Clerk who is by statue, is the keeper of the records of the municipality. In order to rectify the inaudibility and inability to hear what was going on, he asked that these motions be stricken from the record. Commissioner Holmes was present but did not have audio and therefore did not vote for the remainder of the meeting.
It was moved by Commissioner Fischer, seconded by Commissioner Frierson to strike the motions pertaining to Items 9c & 9d prior to the recess due to technical difficulties. The vote on roll call was: Commissioners Fischer, aye; Frierson, aye; McDowell, aye and Mayor McKinney aye. Motion carried.
It was moved by Commissioner Fischer, seconded by Commissioner Frierson to move Items 9c and 9d to agenda changes. The vote on roll call was: Commissioners Fischer, aye; Frierson, aye; McDowell, aye and Mayor McKinney aye. Motion carried.
It was moved by Commissioner Fischer, seconded by Commissioner Frierson to remand Item 9d back to the Planning & Zoning Commission for reconsideration. The vote on roll call was: Commissioners Fischer, aye; Frierson, aye; McDowell, aye and Mayor McKinney aye. Motion carried.
It was moved by Commissioner Fischer, seconded by Commissioner Frierson that Item 9c be tabled to the March 2, 2021 City Council Meeting. The vote on roll call was: Commissioners Fischer, aye; Frierson, aye; McDowell, aye and Mayor McKinney aye. Motion carried.
Attorney Vasselli clarified that a “motion to remand” signifies setting an item aside, often for procedural matters, like this matter, for additional fact finding or hearing procedural defects or reviewing procedural matters, such as what is being done here today to send it back to the Planning & Zoning Commission for additional findings and to answer additional questions. The “motion to table” is not debatable and sets the matter over for consideration by the Corporate Authorities of the City of Zion to the March 2, 2021 meeting.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Denise Lear, Zion, asked if the police will continue to ticket vehicles along 31st St. east of Lewis Ave. Additionally she commented that the City should continue to issue to tickets to vehicles parked on the street after a certain hour as a way to bring in funds. She stated in the past the City would go on private property and ticket abandon vehicles or vehicles without current license plates. She asked if the City will continue to do this.
William McNeely, Krystle McNeely, Euginia Olson and Manuel Jimenez all spoke in support of the Zoe Leadership Academy. Additional citizen comments were emailed to the Clerk prior to the meeting. These comments were read into the record and are attached to the end of these minutes.
Kate Albert, asked Attorney Stach where the answers to the questions posed at the previous Planning & Zoning meeting could be found.
CONSENT AGENDA
It was moved by Commissioner Fischer, seconded by Commissioner McDowell that the Minutes be approved as follows:
(a) APPROVAL OF MINUTES: a Regular Meeting held on February 2, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. and approval but not release of Closed Session Minutes of a meeting held on February 2, 2021 at 7:54 p.m.
The vote on roll call was: Commissioners Fischer, aye; Frierson, aye; McDowell, aye; and Mayor McKinney, aye. Motion carried.
It was moved by Commissioner Fischer, seconded by Commissioner McDowell that the Bills be approved as follows:
(b) BILLS: Vouchers 136702 through 136821 drawn on Huntington National Bank, N.A. Total: $784,258.99
The vote on roll call was: Commissioners Fischer, aye; Frierson, aye; McDowell, aye and Mayor McKinney, aye. Motion carried.
It was moved by Commissioner Fischer, seconded by Commissioner McDowell that the Proclamation be approved as follows:
(c) PROCLAMATION: “A National Day of Racial Healing”
The vote on roll call was: Commissioners Fischer, aye; Frierson, aye; McDowell, aye and Mayor McKinney, aye. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION/IDOT/MAINTENANCE OF STREETS & HIGHWAYS
A memo (21-DOC-11) was received from Director Roberts recommending approval of a resolution required by IDOT to perform work within IDOT rights of way. Director Roberts stated the resolution allows the City to install or maintain their utilities without having to issue a surety bond for each permit. It also allows the City to do emergency work by verbal approval if necessary. The resolution will be effective for two years. Staff recommends and requests approval.
It was moved by Commissioner McDowell, seconded by Commissioner Fischer that a Resolution (21-R-2) be passed as required by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) allowing work to be performed within IDOT rights-of-way. The vote on roll call was: Commissioners Fischer, aye; Frierson, aye; McDowell, aye and Mayor McKinney, aye. Motion carried. Resolution passed.
ABATING TAX/GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS - SERIES 2012
Administrator Knabel stated when the City issues bonds they are required to provide collateral for the financing. The Bonds are written stating the City will set aside the money for the next year’ principal and interest in a separate escrow account. If this is done the taxes can be abated, which means you do not levy for them. If this is not done then the City would be required to levy additional funds to cover the debt service so the bank would have collateral in their bonds. Due to the fact that the funds had been set aside in December in accordance with the bond agreement, he is now requesting abatement of the principal and interest amount from the 2020 tax levy.
It was moved by Commissioner Fischer, seconded by Commissioner Frierson that an Ordinance (21-0-6) be passed abating the tax heretofore levied for the Year 2020 to pay the principal of and interest on $2,500,000 Taxable General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source), Series 2012, of the City of Zion, Lake County, Illinois. The vote on roll call was: Commissioners Fischer, aye; Frierson, aye; McDowell, aye and Mayor
McKinney, aye. Ordinance passed.
ABATING TAX/GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS - SERIES 2017
It was moved by Commissioner Fischer, seconded by Commissioner McDowell that an Ordinance (21-0-7) be passed abating the tax heretofore levied for the Year 2020 to pay the principal of and interest on $3,140,000 Taxable General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source), Series 2017, of the City of Zion, Lake County, Illinois. The vote on roll call was: Commissioners Fischer, aye; Frierson, aye; McDowell, aye and Mayor McKinney, aye. Ordinance passes.
2020 ALLEY/ROAD PROGRAM/BURKE ENGINEERING/ADVERTISE FOR BIDS
A memo (21-DOC-12) was received from Director Roberts requesting approval of a proposal from Christopher Burke Engineering for Engineering Services and request permission to advertise for bids for the Fiscal Year 2022 Road Program. Director Roberts stated the proposal is providing the engineering design and preparation of bidding documents for the resurfacing and/or reconstruction of approximately 18-20 blocks of City streets. He stated Staff requests and recommends approving the proposal for Engineering Services from Christopher Burke Engineering for a cost of $69,000 and to advertise for bids.
It was moved by Commissioner McDowell and seconded by Commissioner Fischer to accept the proposal of Christopher Burke Engineering Services for Engineering Services and request permission to advertise for bids for the 2022 Road Program. The vote on the roll: Commissioners Fischer, aye; Frierson, aye; McDowell, aye and Mayor McKinney, aye. Motion carried.
SUPPLEMENTAL RESOLUTION/IDOT STREET & HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE BY MUNCIPALITY
A memo (21-DOC-13) was received from Director Roberts requesting approval of a MFT supplemental resolution for $69,000. Director Roberts stated the increased funding request is for the Fiscal Year 2022 Road Program Engineering. Approval of the increase allows the design engineering and project bid process to be completed within Fiscal Year 2021. He stated Staff requests and recommends approving the supplemental resolution for the expenditure of $69,000 from the MFT Fund.
It was moved by Commissioner McDowell, seconded by Commissioner Frierson that a Supplemental Resolution (21-R-3) be passed for Improvement by Municipality Under the Illinois Highway Code appropriating $69,000.00 of additional Motor Fuel Tax funds for the 2022 Road Program. The vote on roll call was: Commissioners Fischer, aye; Frierson, aye; McDowell, aye and Mayor McKinney, aye. Motion carried. Resolution passed.
DEPARTMENTAL COMMENTARY
Director Ianson stated with the recent cold weather there has been an increase in frozen water pipes. He provided some tips to the residents to help with this issue: Turn on the cold water and let water trickle from faucets, open cabinet doors to get additional heat to the plumbing pipes, and disconnect outside garden hoses so water will not back up into the pipes.
Director Roberts stated they have received almost 14 inches of snow over the last day and a half. He heard a prior citizen comment talk about cars parked on the streets. He would like residents to remove those cars. They hinder the capabilities of Public Works to efficiently plow the streets. There are times that they cannot get down streets to plow because of the parked cars. The police have been ticketing vehicles parked on the street. Next week the temperatures are expected to rise and sump pumps will be running. He asked that residents not discharge their sump pumps into the alley or onto a public right-a-way. Mayor McKinney thanked the Public Works Department for all their hard work in making sure the streets and alleys are clear. He received a phone call from the Cancer Treatment Center thanking the Public Works Department for clearing the streets so patients were able to get to the hospital for treatment.
Administrator Knabel stated he appreciates the patience of the public for the technical issues that have occurred during the meeting. He stated over the past few years he started a series called “Dollars & Sense”. This is a monthly meeting that has covered various topics such as explanation of tax levies, Public Works, Police and general City operations. This has been put on hold during the pandemic but will resume in March via Zoom. He stated information will be forthcoming on the City’s Facebook page and website which will indicate the date, time and topic.
Chief Barden acknowledged former Chief Kirk Henderson for his 29 years of dedicated service to the Zion Police Department. Chief Barden was appointed to Chief on February 12th. Moving forward they will be completing the department’s transition to his command and will be working to fill the vacated positions. He stated they have been ticketing and removing vehicles by having them towed. He understands it may be difficult to shovel the vehicles out but the alternative will be towed vehicles. Mayor McKinney stated the requirements for street parking is on the City’s website. Street parking is prohibited from 2:00 am to 6:00 am. Chief Barden stated when a snow storm is in effect, no street parking is allowed but encouraged residents to call the Police Department for requests for overnight parking.
Commissioner Fischer reminded residents to continue to follow mask and social distancing procedures. He stated the vaccine is coming but they are still a long ways off in getting back to normal. He asked citizens to support local businesses. He asked that if residents see someone in need that they offer to help clear driveways. Commissioner Fischer asked Director Roberts if there have been any issues with main breaks. Director Roberts stated they have not have had any main breaks thus far. Commissioner Fischer asked with warmer weather predicted would they be more prevalent. Director Roberts stated he does anticipate that to be the case.
Mayor McKinney again apologized for the extended delay during the meeting due to technical difficulties. He stated although unfortunate things like this do happen.
The following were topics of discussion:
Mayor McKinney has received some calls regarding COVID vaccinations in Zion. He is working with the Lake County Health Department to try and set up a vaccine pod but it is a complicated process. He will be reaching out to other taxing bodies for assistance. North Chicago has a vaccine pod that is run through Abbvie which is in their community. Zion does have the Cancer Treatment Center and the Park District that may be available facilities. One of the issues that would have to be addressed before they can get a pod is having volunteers that are available for an 8 week period. They have been in touch with the Lake County Health Department and will be working the other taxing bodies to see if it can happen here. The biggest issue right now has been the lack of supply of the vaccine.
Near the end of 2020 Ms. Lear was asking how lighting could be improved within the City. Mayor McKinney will be meeting with ComEd to address the lighting issue. They will be looking at getting the current bulbs replaced with LEDs. In addition to discussing lighting, they will also be discussing safety concerns.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
March 2 7:00 p.m. Zion City Council Meeting
March 16 6:00 p.m. Zion Township Board Meeting 7:00 p.m. Zion City Council Meeting
Mayor McKinney thanked the public for voicing their concerns about children in the Community as it is also important to the Council. He assured the public that they are being heard and the Council is trying to resolve the issues with Zoe Life Academy.
ADJOURN
There being no further business to come before the Council at this time, it was moved by Commissioner Frierson, seconded by Commissioner Holmes and unanimously approved the meeting be adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Motion carried.
https://www.cityofzion.com/meetings/citycouncil/minutes/2021/021621.pdf
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