Lake County Gazette

City of Zion City Council met Feb. 4

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor McKinney called the meeting to order.

On call of the roll the following answered present: Commissioners McDowell, Frierson, Fischer and Mayor McKinney. A quorum was present.

Also present: Finance Director Kris Conway, Building & Zoning Director Richard Ianson, Public Works Director Ray Roberts, Fire Chief Justin Stried, Police Chief Eric Barden, City Administrator David Knabel and City Attorney Eric Stach.

Mr. William Bremner led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

AGENDA CHANGES

It was motioned by Commissioner McDowell, seconded by Commissioner Fischer to approve the agenda as presented. The vote on roll call was: Commissioners McDowell, aye; Frierson, aye; Fischer, aye and Mayor McKinney, aye. Motion carried.

CITIZEN COMMENTS

Mary Lou Hiltibran, Zion ESDA Director, gave a monthly report of the recent activities that ESDA performs in assistance to the City. She invited those who wish to serve as a volunteer with ESDA to go to the City’s website and fill out an application.

COMMISSIONER APPOINTMENT

City Commissioner Jacqueline Holmes has tendered her notarized resignation, effective immediately. Mayor McKinney took a moment to recognize her service and contributions to the City of Zion and thanked Commissioner Holmes for her dedication and commitment to our community.

Due to her resignation, a vacancy has been created in the office of City Commissioner. Under the Illinois Municipal Code, specifically Section 3.1-10-50, it is the Mayor’s duty to appoint a qualified individual to fill this vacancy, with the advice and consent of the City Council. After careful consideration, the Mayor announced his appointment of Beverly Stackhouse to serve as the next City Commissioner for the City of Zion. May McKinney stated that Ms. Stackhouse is a well-respected member of our community, and he believe she brings the knowledge, experience, and dedication necessary to serve our residents effectively. He said that Ms. Stackhouse has demonstrated her commitment to public service and has the qualifications required under Illinois law to assume this office. Mayor McKinney is confident that she will work diligently alongside this Council to address the needs of our city.

It was motioned by Commissioner Fischer, seconded by Commissioner McDowell to approve the appointment of Beverly Stackhouse as Commissioner to fill the remaining term of Jacqueline Holmes. The vote on roll call was: Commissioners McDowell, aye; Frierson, aye; Fischer, aye and Mayor McKinney, aye. Motion carried.

At this time, Mayor McKinney administered the oath of office to Beverly Stackhouse.

CONSENT AGENDA

(a) APPROVAL OF MINUTES: a Regular meeting held on January 21, 2025 at 7:00pm.

It was motioned by Commissioner Frierson, seconded by Commissioner McDowell to approve as presented. The vote on roll call was: Commissioners McDowell, aye; Frierson, aye; Fischer, aye; Stackhouse, aye and Mayor McKinney, aye. Motion carried.

(b) BILLS: Vouchers 147601 through 147661 drawn on Huntington National Bank, N.A. Total: $998,503.55. It was moved by Commissioner Fischer seconded by Commissioner McDowell to approve as presented. The vote on roll call was: Commissioners McDowell, aye; Frierson, aye; Fischer, aye; Stackhouse, aye and Mayor McKinney, aye. Motion carried.

(c) PROCLAMATION: Special Recognition of 211 Day: It was motioned by Commissioner Frierson, seconded by Commissioner McDowell to approve the proclamation as presented. The vote on roll call was: Commissioners McDowell, aye; Frierson, aye; Fischer, aye; Stackhouse, aye and Mayor McKinney, aye. Motion carried.

211 is an important service that is available 24/7, 365 days a year to connect community members with information and resources related to food, housing, mental health, and other health and human services. The speaker emphasized that 211 is open to anyone in need and encouraged the community to utilize this service if they have any questions or need to make connections to various support services.

ORDINANCE/VEHICLE EXTRACTION EQUIPMENT PURCHASE

A Memo (25-DOC-7) was received from fire Chief Stried requesting the approval of the purchase of specialized battery-powered vehicle extraction equipment from Jefferson Fire & Safety, Inc as presented for a total cost of $28,343.

This equipment was approved as part of the Capital Projects Fund for FY25. Much research and training has been conducted on battery-powered equipment, and price quotes have been obtained from multiple manufactures of similar equipment. Holmatro has proven to be the best option, and is what we have been working with at the Zion Fire & Rescue Department for many years. Fire Chief Stried also requested that City Council waive the bid process and recognize this a single-source vendor of this specialized equipment. The only local/regional vendor of this Holmatro equipment is Jefferson Fire & Safety, Inc.

It was motioned by Commissioner McDowell and seconded by Commissioner Fischer that an Ordinance (24-O-8) be passed Authorizing and Approving the purchase of essential equipment in the Fire/Rescue Department (Vehicle Extraction Equipment from Jefferson Fire & Safety, Inc.) as presented. The vote on roll call was: Commissioners McDowell, aye; Frierson, aye; Fischer, aye; Stackhouse, aye and Mayor McKinney, aye. Motion carried.

DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS PROPERTY/POLICE DEPARTMENT

A Memo (25-DOC-8) was received from Police Chief requesting the following vehicles in the Police Department be declared as surplus property due to the cost of repair or to maintain:

- 2006 Honda Accord VIN 1HGCM56866A008927 REG L781329 PD SILVER Mileage 169,561

- 2003 Chevy Tahoe VIN 1GNEK13Z13J107564 REG 575480 BLACK Mileage 131,773

- 2011 Honda Pilot VIN 5FNYF4H99BB048421 REG CM92490 Mileage 110,936

Staff will work with Public Works and Administrator Knabel to either set a minimum bid amount if sold or otherwise dispose of legally.

It was motioned by Commissioner McDowell and seconded by Commissioner Frierson that an Ordinance (25-O-9) be passed Authorizing and Approving be passed authorizing and approving the disposal of surplus property for 2006 Honda Accord VIN 1HGCM56866A008927 REG L781329 PD SILVER Mileage 169,561, 2003 Chevy Tahoe VIN 1GNEK13Z13J107564 REG 575480 BLACK Mileage 131,773 and 2011 Honda Pilot VIN 5FNYF4H99BB048421 REG CM92490 Mileage 110,936. The vote on roll call was: Commissioners McDowell, aye; Frierson, aye; Fischer, aye; Stackhouse, aye and Mayor McKinney, aye. Motion carried.

DEPARTMENTAL COMMENTARY

Director Ianson reminded residents with sump pumps that they must discharge water only on their own property and not onto neighboring properties, public sidewalks, or streets—especially during this time of year when ice buildup is a concern.

Director Roberts said that City signs are being built at the school and are expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Fire Chief Stried clarified that that the vehicle extraction equipment is also known as the jaws of life. He added that the equipment is much lighter and with better technology. He also reminded residents to be careful when using space heaters.

Police Chief Barden Barden mentioned that about a week ago, there was a Dollars & Sense meeting where community members had a number of questions. He said that it was a good opportunity to discuss concerns and provide solutions. He encouraged residents to always call the non-emergency number (847 872-8000) if they have any questions, as the city is happy to answer them. Police Chief Barden also announced that the city will be preparing software, essentially an app, that will allow residents to call or text the police department directly to report any concerns or share information. Police Chief Barden stated that this new technology is an example of how the city is trying to utilize advancements to make things easier and more accessible for community members and residents.

Administrator Knabel announced that the County denied City of Hope’s application for property tax exemption. He also stated that The CEJA (Climate and Equitable JOBS) Act was amended to ensure 75% of the funds ($10.8 million) go toward property tax reduction. Residents will start to see savings on the 2026 tax bills. Administrator Knabel highlighted this as a historic achievement that will boost economic competitiveness and provide financial relief, particularly for seniors.

Commissioner McDowell highlighted Zion's historical connection to South Africa, tracing back to 1904 when Zion's founder, John Alexander Dowie, sent a representative to start a movement there. This movement has since grown into one of the world's largest religious movements, with around 20 million followers in southern Africa. Zion continues its presence in the region, operating 60 Bible schools and collaborating with 3,000 pastors and church leaders. McDowell also conveyed greetings from Zion’s South African counterparts to the council meeting.

Commissioner Frierson attended the fire department's annual Open House event in the past. He encouraged others to attend this family-friendly event to see the work the fire department does. He noted positive feedback about the new Dollar Tree store, wished everyone a happy Black History Month, and clarified that recent property tax adjustments will primarily affect tax rates rather than just property values. He also expressed appreciation for efforts to contest the City of Hope’s property tax exemption, emphasizing the importance of continuing that work.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

February 18 6:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Zion Township Board Meeting

Zion City Council Meeting

March 4 7:00 p.m. Zion City Council Meeting

March 18 6:00 p.m. Meetings cancelled due to Early

Voting at Zion City Hall

ADJOURN

There being no further business to come before the Council at this time, it was moved by Commissioner Frierson, seconded by Commissioner McDowell and unanimously approved the meeting be adjourned at 7:39 p.m. Motion carried. 

https://www.cityofzion.com/meetings/citycouncil/minutes/2025/020425.pdf