CITY OF KANKAKEE
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 1, 2013
7:01 P.M.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: At this time, I’d like to call the meeting to order for the Council this evening.
And, today is the third anniversary of the death of Firefighter Fouts and
unfortunately, ah, these are very difficult times for the City because when we
lose one of our own, it’s very tragic. I would ask that all of you, when we do
the prayer this evening, please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. I
would like to ask Reverend Ed Kannapel from the Gift of God Street Church
to come forward and lead us in prayer this evening.
REVEREND KANNAPEL: Heavenly Father, we come in the name of Jesus. We thank You for
Your holy spirit. Thank You for all Your blessings. And, we ask,
Lord, that you remember the responsibility the City Council of
Kankakee has, the burden of this responsibility and we pray your will
be done. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Thank you. At this time, I would like to ask the children from the Kankakee
YWCA to come forward and lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
CLERK DUMAS:
All the way up front. All the way up here. Thank you.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Okay, whenever you’re ready.
GABRIELLE DEE, ARTEMUS ERVIN, JASMINE MARTINEZ,
JAYLENE MARTINEZ, ARIANA MATTHIAS, JAHEIM
MCALISTER, JAHNI MCALISTER, JOSELYN MEDINA,
ENIYAH MILLER, ARATH SERRANO, AND YANDEL
SERRANO FROM THE KANKAKEE YWCA AND ALL: Pledge of Allegiance
ALDERMAN DAVIDSON: Mayor.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Yes, Alderman Davidson.
ALDERMAN DAVIDSON: I’d like to ask before we move forward if we could have a moment of
silence for the firefighters that lost their lives in Arizona?
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Thank you, Alderman, I think that’s very appropriate this evening. Ah, a
moment of silence, please.
Pause
Thank you. At this time we move
into the Public Comment portion of the evening. I would ask that you direct
your comments to the Mayor. Limit them to five minutes. No personal attacks
against anyone who is present or absent. If we are discussing something
City of Kankakee
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City Council Meeting
July 1, 2013
under legal review it will not be permitted. The first person to sign in Ezel
Lee.
ALDERMAN BARON:
I believe he left. He was discussing a dog issue. And, I think he
left.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Okay, thank you. Ah, Robert Ellington Snipes.
ROBERT ELLINGTON SNIPES:
City of Kankakee
Page 2
Madam Mayor, to the distinguished gentlemen and ladies of the
Council. Ah, first of all, allow me to say that, ah, ah, I have
two issues that I’d like to deal with. One, ah, I brought up
before and that was naming a building after Steve, but I learned
from my Alderman that, ah, criterias are now being set up. I
think I mentioned the Administration Center, ah, Building and
then, ah, then I looked at the library, however, because it
doesn’t have, so I thought either of those two would be fitting,
but since you have gotten that ball rolling, that’s great.
Second one is, ah, ah, again I will take my hand.........my hat
off, ah, to our Police Department. Ah, a lot of times
they........I’m out in the community and a lot of times kids are
doing what sometimes they do and then sometimes they get
outta’ hand. And, then, they get into fights and some of ‘em I
break up. Other times, we have to call the police. But, when
I have called them, they have responded. And, they respond
well. And, we’re able to, ah, kinda’ curtail a lot of things that
would happen in the community or whatever. Would that
others be watchdogs or whatever, but since I live on that side or
if I’m in the park or wherever we had that little fight out there,
you know, we came in. The most I got out of it was somebody
threw an egg on up on my car. But, that was easily washed
off. We knew who it was and, but, again, ah, we haven’t had
that incident so that’s all it took then so be it, but the, ah, work,
you know I’m a commissioner in the City of Kankakee and
that’s my area, but I look at other areas as well. But, to be able
to call upon the Police Department whether, ah, definitely the
City, for the most part. When I do the County, when I’m out
in Pembroke, they respond, but the City has responded
beautifully and I always tell people, you know, it’s a poor duck
that don’t appraise his own pond. You know I will be here in
a heartbeat if I think something is off. But, I also think due
diligence dictate that when they do something right that I need
to be here to also encourage them as well. So, I want to, again,
send that accolade to you, Mayor, to disseminate to them from
the head all the way down. Thank you.
City Council Meeting
July 1, 2013
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Thank you. Judy and Gerry Kilbride.
JUDY KILBRIDE:
Good evening, Mayor.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Good evening.
JUDY KILBRIDE:
Council gentlemen and ladies. Ah, we’re so pleased again with the
opportunity to say publicly, thank you to the City of Kankakee, to the parks
department and certainly to all the community that came together to support
our Run for Autism. You’ll see in my hand, the poster that we had out this
year and this is our family. Four grandchildren, one of whom has autism and
has been with that diagnosis nearly 16 years. So, we’ve walked that road.
We hope that and we know that with the wonderful financial support that we
gained from our event, that we will be able to continue the mission that we
have and that’s to seek out and give information and help to those families.
You’ve heard these statistics before, but the one in 88 children in the United
States that are being diagnosed with autism can’t wait. So we need to
continue our mission and we thank you for your help in doing that.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: You’re welcome. Thank you.
GERRY KILBRIDE: Also, your honor.......
MAYOR EPSTEIN: She let you talk tonight, Gerry.
GERRY KILBRIDE: Pardon me?
MAYOR EPSTEIN: She’s letting you talk tonight.
GERRY KILBRIDE: Very unusual. But I would like to thank the, ah, Department of Public
Works, especially the Assistant Public Works Superintendent. I think his
name is Mr. Bert Dear. Ah, and I believe that most of what he learned
discipline-wise and in terms of his ability to move on came when he was a
member of the Benoit Colt League. So, I want him to be aware of that and
please pass that onto him, if you will.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: We will. Thank you.
JUDY KILBRIDE:
Thank you again.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Thank you. Reverend Dave Robinson.
REVEREND ROBINSON:
City of Kankakee
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Good evening to Mayor.
City Council Meeting
July 1, 2013
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Good evening.
REVEREND ROBINSON:
Council members, City officials. I want to get this up so I don’t have to
bend down. Ah, I want to preface my comment by saying that I’ve
lived in Kankakee for 12 years and I don’t intend moving anywhere. I
think it’s a great City. Some folks think I’m crazy. I can afford to
live here. I will not buy a house on the river which would not allow
me to live here because I would not be able to pay the taxes. That’s
meant to be funny. So, one of the things I’ve pushed at the school
district is for uniforms to be part of our policy at the high school and at
different school levels so that it cannot address distractions in the
classroom and in the hallways. So, that’s my pet peeve as it relates to
the school district. The thing that I’m looking at right now as I prayed
last week and I’m praying for favor on this City. That somehow God
will bless us where we least expect. And, the two areas I have
concern about and I’d like more information on. One is the south
suburban airport. I’m not quite sure how much information this
Council has. I was at a meeting recently and, I’m not being critical
here, I’m just saying I was looking around for representatives from the
Kankakee Council and I’m not sure if anyone was there. It was a very
important meeting. A lot of senators were there, state representatives
were there and a lot of movement has been taking place. And, I know
if that comes, it’s going to help our City. So, I’m asking the Mayor
and other officials for a little more information on that. And, then the
other thing that’s happening is, ah, Exit 312. Ah, where it’s at as it
relates to progress. I know that surveyors have been on the ground.
IDOT is moving ahead. IDOT made the presentation at Governors
State on---what day it was–Wednesday. IDOT officials were there
and they were talking about the progress they are making with the
south suburban airport. So, I’d like to know how it’s going to impact
us, what are we doing to get a piece of the pie when Extension 312
begins? How are we going to be employed as members of the
community in this particular area? So, those two things are my
concern and I trust that we can get some information flowing to the
public as it relates to these activities that are going to benefit this City
that I love called Kankakee. Thank you. Appreciate it.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: James Stokes.
JAMES STOKES:
City of Kankakee
Page 4
Yes, ma’am. Good evening Mayor. City Council, madam Mayor. Just a
couple things. Ah, Alderman Davidson, thank you for acknowledging the 19
firefighters that passed away, or died, in Arizona. Thank you for that. That
was one of the reasons that I wanted to sign in to make sure wanted that
City Council Meeting
July 1, 2013
everyone acknowledged that. It’s not a easy job, but a job is a job and
whatever job you may have, do it to the best of your ability. Also, Mayor,
thank you for acknowledging the Fouts.........the Frank Fouts family. You
know he died as a firefighter two years ago. We went out to his gravesite and
paid our respects collectively as a bunch of other firefighters from not only in
town, but outside our community this Sunday. I want to personally thank the
Police Department, I know the Chief is not here. But, ah, Sgt. Adamson,
right? Is that right, or Lieutenant?
COMMANDER ADAMSON:
JAMES STOKES:
Commander.
Commander Adamson, just want to thank you for all that you always have
done. Professionalism and all of that. Just want to thank you. And, the
Chief reflects the same thing. I thank you. We did have a murder in our
community, in our ward. And, the way you guys handled it, got on it time
and time again, you workin’ with what you got. We understand that and we
want to say thank you. Thank you for that. Ah, Public Safety is definitely a
essential and I think we got one of the finest Public Safety Departments in the
whole wide world. And, I want to say thank you. The fireworks are comin’
up. I don’t know how much prevention programs we have displayed through
our departments to try to get that preventative type word out in terms of fire
crackers and this type of thing and so we want to just gratefully say we need to
focus more on some preventive measurements prior before the 4th of July.
And, happy 4th of July everybody in the house. Probably won’t see you ‘til
next City Council meeting and then we want to go right into the Music Fest.
Most like we will see you there. We’re gonna’ try to make every effort to be
there. It’s a lot going on in July. But, just to take a spin off that Music Fest.
I said it once, I said it twice and I come up again to say again, the Music Fest
is a wonderful thing. It’s a wonderful thing. We should do it and I’m glad
that we are doin’ it. Yes, I was out there the first year. I look forward to the
next year and then the following year to come. But, I also believe that when
we have kids and parents and the parents are drinking around young kids, it’s
not a good thing. I think it should be done in the privacy of our own homes
or these establishments. If these establishments is havin’ problems inside
their bar or just outside their bar, this sets up the same type atmosphere.
Everyone cannot handle their alcohol. So, I just want to briefly say that I am
all for the Music Fest. I said it time and time again, but I want to make sure
that you all understand I am not for the alcohol. And, Mayor, City Council
men I really thank you for allowing me to speak. Thank you so much.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Thank you.
Roll call.
7:16 P.M.
City of Kankakee
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City Council Meeting
July 1, 2013
CLERK DUMAS:
PRESENT: Tetter; Brown; Curtis; Baron; Thompson; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga;
Linneman; Gall; Stokes; Davidson; Cox (14)
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Department Heads.
CLERK DUMAS:
PRESENT: Adamson; Young; Spice; Power; Simms; Tyson; Cross; Gordon; Bertrand;
Schmitz (10)
ABSENT: Bohlen; Banasiak; Yohnka (3)
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Thank you. I will entertain a motion to approve the minutes of the June 17,
2013, meeting.
ALDERMAN OSENGA:
Mayor, I make a motion we approve the minutes of June 17, meeting
but I do have........I did find one mistake here on page 16.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Do you have a correction?
ALDERMAN OSENGA:
Nothing major.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Okay.
ALDERMAN OSENGA:
It says, Attorney Bohlen made a motion. I think it should be Alderman
Baron. I know they look alike. And, you know, they’re both lawyers,
so I could see how that could easily happen.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: So we have one correction. Baron should be the speaker instead of Bohlen.
ALDERMAN OSENGA:
Right.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Okay, do I have a second?
ALDERMAN LINNEMAN: I’ll second it. But, there’s another thing, too.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Okay, Alderman.
ALDERMAN LINNEMAN: It says.........on page 11, that you gave the Budget report. I think
Alderman Baron gave the Budget Report.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Alderman Baron, again.
ALDERMAN LINNEMAN: Luck and notoriety.
City of Kankakee
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City Council Meeting
July 1, 2013
MAYOR EPSTEIN: So we have a motion and a second. We have two corrections. Nancy did
you get both corrections?
NANCY SMITHBERG:
Well, I want to make sure. Where it says, Mayor Epstein, ah, Budget
Alderman Baron. And, then it should say Alderman Baron there?
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Yeah.
NANCY SMITHBERG:
After that. Okay. They look alike, too.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: All those in favor of approving the minutes with those two corrections, aye.
Opposed, nay.
MOTION TO APPROVE CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JUNE 17, 2013
MAYOR EPSTEIN: The minutes are approved as corrected. There are no Petitions. Moving onto
Communications, I’m going to combine A through E. There is one correction
on A, the time should be 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M., not 11:00 A.M. until 1:00
P.M. So we have a correction of time and I would like a motion to approve
items A through E.
ALDERMAN TETTER:
Mayor, I make a motion to approve Communications items A through
E.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion by Alderman Tetter. Is there a second?
ALDERMAN OSENGA:
Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Second by Alderman Osenga. Ah, are there any questions?
ALDERMAN BARON:
Mayor, could I........
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Alderman Baron.
ALDERMAN BARON:
I have a comment on Communication in paragraph C.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Yes.
ALDERMAN BARON:
City of Kankakee
Page 7
It’s a request for a noise permit and a street blockage in an area on
Meadowview Avenue on July 4, from noon ‘til 10:00 P.M. for the
purpose of children playing. And, Alderman Curtis and I have talked
about that. We’re going to ask that that not be approved to the extent
of the closure of the street. But, we’re going to ask that it be approved
as to the noise permit.
City Council Meeting
July 1, 2013
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Okay, Alderman, I think what I’d like to do then is, ah, with your permission,
I’d like to vote on that item separately.
ALDERMAN BARON:
That’d be great.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: And, so, we will be, if it’s all right with motion and the seconder that we
would do items A, B, D and E. Alderman Tetter, does that meet with your
approval?
ALDERMAN TETTER:
Yes, it does.
ALDERMAN OSENGA:
Yes.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Okay, so Alderman Baron, if you’ll just hold a moment and we will do items
A, B, D and E. All those in favor, aye. Opposed, same sign.
CIVIL RIGHTS AGENDA IS REQUESTING PERMISSION TO HOST A “RALLY
FOR EQUALITY” ON FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2013, FROM 5:00 P.M. UNTIL 7:00 P.M.,
BEGINNING ON MERCHANT STREET, GOING FROM SCHUYLER AVENUE
TO INDIANA AVENUE, PROCEEDING NORTH ON INDIANA AVENUE TO COURT
STREET, AND ENDING IN FRONT OF THE COURTHOUSE AT 450 EAST COURT STREET
RIVERVIEW HISTORIC DISTRICT IS REQUESTING STREET BLOCKAGE OF THE
900 BLOCK OF SOUTH GREENWOOD AVENUE TO PARK PLACE; PARK PLACE TO
THE 900 BLOCK OF SOUTH COBB BOULEVARD; SOUTH COBB BOULEVARD TO
EMORY STREET; AND EMORY STREET BACK TO SOUTH GREENWOOD AVENUE
ON THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2013, FROM 9:00 A.M. UNTIL 1:00 P.M. TO HOST A KIDS
BIKE RIDE
KANKAKEE PUBLIC LIBRARY IS REQUESTING STREET BLOCKAGE OF MERCHANT
STREET FROM SCHUYLER AVENUE TO DEARBORN AVENUE ON SATURDAY,
JULY 13, 2013, FROM 6:00 A.M. UNTIL 12:30 P.M. FOR THE LIBRARY’S FAMILY
FUN DAY
TYJUAN HAGLER FOUNDATION IS REQUESTING PERMISSION TO HOST A TAG DAY
ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2013, WITH A RAIN DATE OF FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2013
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Those items are approved. Alderman Baron, now would you like to address
your issue on item C?
City of Kankakee
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City Council Meeting
July 1, 2013
ALDERMAN BARON:
Mayor, I would move that we approve the noise permit for the 4th of
July for the affected area but, deny the closure of the street.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Ah, we have a motion by Alderman Baron. Do I have a second?
ALDERMAN CURTIS:
Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion by Alderman Baron, seconded by Alderman Curtis that the request for
Communication item C that we approve the noise permit, but we do not
approve the street closure. Are there any questions?
ALDERMAN BROWN:
I just have one.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Alderman Brown.
ALDERMAN BROWN:
Have anyone made contact with Mr. Criswell? Have they talked with
him personally about this matter?
ALDERMAN BARON:
No, he didn’t approach either one of us. Alderman Curtis did, in fact,
inspect the property, the area today, and found that, as you can see by
the application, there’s four properties listed and three people have
signed–they’re requiring everybody to sign now. And, frankly, the
reason is for to allow children to play and if we start, I don’t know, I
mean I don’t think we should close streets for kids to play.
ALDERMAN BROWN:
I’m not questioning the reason, I’m just askin’, did you make contact
with him?
ALDERMAN BARON:
No.
ALDERMAN STOKES:
I got.....
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Alderman Stokes.
ALDERMAN STOKES:
Just to piggy back off, when we speak about the 1800 block of
Meadowview Avenue, I think it’s very essential not to close that street
down for safety purposes. If there......you know, that happens to be
basically a street on its own like.........so just to throw my little.....I.... I
agree. And, thank you, Alderman, for that. Thank you.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Any other discussion? We have a motion and a second to approve the permit
with the noise, but deny the street closure.
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Tetter; Brown; Curtis; Baron; Thompson; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga;
City of Kankakee
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City Council Meeting
July 1, 2013
Linneman; Gall; Stokes; Davidson; Cox (14)
ALFRED CRISWELL IS REQUESTING A NOISE PERMIT AND STREET BLOCKAGE
FROM THE CORNER OF MEADOWVIEW AVENUE TO 1895 MEADOWVIEW AVENUE
ON THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2013, FROM 12:00 NOON UNTIL 10:00 P.M. FOR A FOURTH
OF JULY EVENT
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion carries. Thank you. Moving onto Standing Committees. Building
and Code. Alderman Tall.
ALDERMAN TALL:
Yes. The minutes are self-explanatory.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Okay. Thank you.
ALDERMAN BROWN:
Mayor.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Alderman Brown.
ALDERMAN BROWN:
Ah, under Committee Reports, there will not be a License and
Franchise Committee meeting this month because of the.......the
Thursday falls on 4th of July. But, I am requestin’ that the committee
members meet, or come to the Code meeting scheduled for, ah, July
18, because we gonna’ be discussing the business license in that
committee and it’s.......we would like to try to get as many License and
Franchise Committee members there so we can have a discussion so
when we do have a meeting next time, we can hopefully bring that to
the chambers real fast.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Thank you, Alderman. July 18, Code meeting. Alderman Brown is
requesting License and Franchise Committee members to attend that Code
meeting.
ALDERMAN BROWN:
Right.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Okay. Thank you. Approval of the bills. Do I have a motion to pay the
bills?
ALDERMAN FAFORD:
Your honor, I move we approve the Report of Officers, place the
money in the proper accounts and pay the bills in the amount of
$1,256,076.19.
ALDERMAN TALL:
Second the motion.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion by Alderman Faford, seconded by Alderman Tall. Are there any
questions?
City of Kankakee
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City Council Meeting
July 1, 2013
ALDERMAN STOKES:
I have a question on one.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Alderman Stokes.
ALDERMAN STOKES:
Can we........the number would be 65340. I’d like to see that invoice
if possible.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Okay.
ALDERMAN STOKES:
And, then, ah, that should do it Mayor. And, I thank you.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Okay. We have a motion and a second. Any other questions? Roll call.
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Tetter; Brown; Curtis; Baron; Thompson; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga;
Linneman; Gall; Davidson (12)
ABSTAIN: Stokes (From the bills.) (1)
PRESENT: Cox (1)
MOTION TO APPROVE REPORT OF OFFICERS APPROVAL OF BILLS - $1,256,076.19
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion carries. Moving onto Unfinished Business, we completed tonight the,
ah, Budget Hearing and we did a first reading on the proposed budget for
fiscal year 2014 and now tonight we need to pass it on second reading. Do I
have a motion to place this on second reading?
ALDERMAN BARON:
So moved.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Do I have a second?
ALDERMAN TETTER:
Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Second by Alderman Tetter to place the Ordinance adopting the budget on
second reading. Are there any questions? Roll call
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Tetter; Brown; Curtis; Baron; Thompson; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga;
Linneman; Gall; Davidson (12)
NAY: Cox (1)
ABSTAIN: Stokes (From the bills.) (1)
SECOND READING
ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
City of Kankakee
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City Council Meeting
July 1, 2013
BEGINNING MAY 1, 2013, AND ENDING APRIL 30, 2014
MAYOR EPSTEIN: The motion carries. Moving onto New Business, I’d like to.........we have
Handicapped Parking Ordinances. I would like to combine A, B, C, D and E.
Do I have a motion to Suspend the Rules?
ALDERMAN SWANSON: I so move.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion by Alderman Swanson. Do I have a second?
ALDERMAN DAVIDSON: Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Second by Alderman Davidson to Suspend the Rules that would interfere with
the passage of these Ordinances. Roll call.
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Tetter; Brown; Curtis; Baron; Thompson; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga;
Linneman; Gall; Stokes; Davidson; Cox (14)
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion carries. Motion to place these Ordinances on Final Passage.
ALDERMAN SWANSON: I so move.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion by Alderman Swanson.
ALDERMAN DAVIDSON: Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Second by Alderman Davidson. Are there any questions? Roll call.
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Tetter; Brown; Curtis; Baron; Thompson; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga;
Linneman; Gall; Stokes; Davidson; Cox (14)
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 32, SECTION 231 ESTABLISHING
HANDICAPPED PARKING AT 1430 SOUTH FOURTH AVENUE
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 32, SECTION 231 ESTABLISHING
HANDICAPPED PARKING AT 685 NORTH DEARBORN AVENUE
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 32, SECTION 231 ESTABLISHING
HANDICAPPED PARKING AT 671 NORTH INDIANA AVENUE
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 32, SECTION 231 ESTABLISHING
HANDICAPPED PARKING AT 683 NORTH INDIANA AVENUE
City of Kankakee
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City Council Meeting
July 1, 2013
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 32, SECTION 231 ESTABLISHING
HANDICAPPED PARKING AT 1130 WEST MERCHANT STREET - TWO (2) SPACES
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion carries. The next item on the agenda is an Ordinance amending the
City Code of Kankakee by liquor.......eliminating the Liquor License #12 at
2222-28 E. Maple Street. This facility was the Greater Kankakee Elks Lodge.
As many of you know, our liquor licenses are site specific. This location has
not had a liquor license since 2008 and we feel it is prudent to retract that
liquor license. I remind all of you that even though we retract liquor licenses,
and there are three of them on the agenda this evening, it does not preclude the
City from granting a liquor license for a new establishment that may want to
come into town. So, I need a motion to Suspend the Rules that would
interfere with the passage of this Ordinance.
ALDERMAN BROWN:
I.....I would make that motion half-heartedly. I would like to Suspend
the Rules that would interfere with the passage of that Ordinance.
Half-heartedly.
ALDERMAN COX: Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Half-heartedly. And, who........we had a second. Alderman Cox, whole
heartedly maybe, will second the motion. Roll call.
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Tetter; Brown; Curtis; Baron; Thompson; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga;
Linneman; Gall; Stokes; Davidson; Cox (14)
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion carries. Motion to place the Ordinance on Final Passage and Pass.
ALDERMAN BROWN:
Motion to place the Ordinance on Final Passage and Pass,
half-heartedly.
ALDERMAN COX: Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion by Alderman Brown, seconded by Alderman Cox. Questions? Roll
call.
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Tetter; Brown; Curtis; Baron; Thompson; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga;
Linneman; Gall; Stokes; Davidson; Cox (14)
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 4, SECTION 4-13 OF THE CITY CODE OF THE
City of Kankakee
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City Council Meeting
July 1, 2013
CITY OF KANKAKEE BY ELIMINATING LIQUOR LICENSE NUMBER 12 AT THE
LOCATION OF 2222-28 EAST MAPLE STREET, KANKAKEE, ILLINOIS
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion carries. Thank you. The next item is the exact same situation for the
liquor license at 698 N. Schuyler. There has not been a license at that
location since 2008. Do I have a motion to Suspend the Rules?
ALDERMAN DAVIDSON: So moved.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion by Alderman Davidson. Do I have a second?
ALDERMAN TETTER:
Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion by Alderman Tetter. Roll call.
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Tetter; Brown; Curtis; Baron; Thompson; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga;
Linneman; Gall; Stokes; Davidson; Cox (14)
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion carries. A motion to place the Ordinance on Final Passage.
ALDERMAN DAVIDSON: So moved.
ALDERMAN TETTER:
Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion by Alderman Davidson, seconded by Alderman Tetter. Any
questions?
ALDERMAN BROWN:
Is this The Landing?
MAYOR EPSTEIN: No. This is Poor Folks Country Club.
ALDERMAN BROWN:
What?
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Poor Folks Country Club on North Schuyler.
ALDERMAN BROWN:
Okay. Gotcha.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Any other questions? Roll call
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Tetter; Brown; Curtis; Baron; Thompson; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga;
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City Council Meeting
July 1, 2013
Linneman; Gall; Stokes; Davidson; Cox (14)
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 4, SECTION 4-13 OF THE CITY CODE OF THE
CITY OF KANKAKEE BY ELIMINATING LIQUOR LICENSE NUMBER 48 AT THE
LOCATION OF 698 NORTH SCHUYLER AVENUE, KANKAKEE, ILLINOIS
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion carries. The next liquor license is at 575 S. Schuyler, The Landing
Bar and Grill. Do I have a motion to Suspend the Rules?
ALDERMAN THOMPSON:
ALDERMAN STOKES:
So moved.
Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion by Alderman Thompson, seconded by Alderman Stokes to Suspend
the Rules. Roll call.
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Tetter; Brown; Curtis; Baron; Thompson; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga;
Linneman; Gall; Stokes; Davidson; Cox (14)
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion carries. Motion to place the Ordinance on Final Passage.
ALDERMAN THOMPSON:
ALDERMAN STOKES:
Motion to put it on Final Passage.
Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion by Alderman Thompson, seconded by Alderman Stokes. Are there
any question?
ALDERMAN COX: Mayor, do you know of anybody that’s interested in that place?
MAYOR EPSTEIN: No, the building is in foreclosure and I believe McColly Bennett is listing it,
the last that I was aware, Alderman.
ALDERMAN COX: Thank you.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: And, they have not had a license since 2009 when we revoked their license
because of major issues at the location. Any other questions? Alderman
Stokes.
ALDERMAN STOKES:
City of Kankakee
Page 15
Mayor, from my understanding, it’s only for that location, just like the
rest of these we went through?
City Council Meeting
July 1, 2013
MAYOR EPSTEIN: That’s correct.
ALDERMAN STOKES:
It’s only for that location. If there is another business that would like
to go there, they just reapply?
MAYOR EPSTEIN: That’s correct. And, then it comes to the Council to establish and allow
another liquor license at that location.
ALDERMAN STOKES:
Thank you.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Okay. Roll call.
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Tetter; Brown; Curtis; Baron; Thompson; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga;
Linneman; Gall; Stokes; Davidson; Cox (14)
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 4, SECTION 4-13 OF THE CITY CODE OF THE
CITY OF KANKAKEE BY ELIMINATING LIQUOR LICENSE NUMBER 60 AT THE
LOCATION OF 575 SOUTH SCHUYLER AVENUE, KANKAKEE, ILLINOIS
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion carries. The next item on the agenda is an amendment to Chapter 24
of the City’s Chronic Nuisance Ordinance. Ah, Mr. Power has asked that this
be placed on first reading because there are several minor amendments that he
would like to make to the Ordinance and then we would put it on final reading
at the next Council meeting. This is come..........these changes have come
about because we are receiving a large number of neighbors and residents in
the City complaining about dogs. And, on a lot of issues. Ah, we felt that it
would be appropriate to amend the Chronic Nuisance Ordinance to include
this as one of the criteria that we could use if we had to to, ah, put a little teeth
in this issue as far as dealing with either a rental or, quite frankly, a private
residence. We don’t seem to get a lot of cooperation and this may change a
few people’s minds and how we handle dogs in the community that are not,
ah, as friendly or the people are not following the Ordinances that we have on
the books. So, I would ask for first reading only tonight.
ALDERMAN SWANSON: I’d like to make that motion.
ALDERMAN CURTIS:
Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion by Alderman Swanson, seconded by Alderman Curtis to place this
Ordinance on first reading. Any questions?
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City Council Meeting
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ALDERMAN COX: Mayor.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Alderman Stokes. Alderman Cox, excuse me.
ALDERMAN COX: Why don’t you have Mr. Power to expound on the whole thing?
MAYOR EPSTEIN: You would like Mr. Power to respond?
ALDERMAN COX: All the changes.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Sure, Pat.
ATTORNEY POWER:
We had a committee meeting and Alderman Cox was there at that
meeting and, ah, the purpose was to add in, as the Mayor already
explained, several more bases to pursue in the Chronic Nuisance. The
reason I asked that this be placed on first reading is because although I
included in there one of the causes indistinguishable there’s another
section, harboring and possessing a dangerous dog, specifically. Ah,
and, I think it’s important that be put in there because really that’s the
thrust.....one of the main things we’re looking for here. And, the
definition of a dangerous animal under our Ordinance, oddly enough,
doesn’t include a dangerous dog. It has a separate definition for a
dangerous dog. So, I want to modify that so it does cover the
purpose.......one of the major purposes that we’re modifying this
Ordinance. And, that’s my oversight. I should have spotted that
before, but I didn’t spot it.
ALDERMAN COX: Also, an Ordinance for walkin’ in the street. Ah, people walkin’ in the street.
ATTORNEY POWER:
Yeah, but that’s not part........
MAYOR EPSTEIN: That’s not part of this.
ATTORNEY POWER:
The Chronic Nuisance.........
ALDERMAN COX: But, we also discussed...........
ATTORNEY POWER:
Oh, yeah, but that was a separate subject. That’s correct.
ALDERMAN COX: Have you informed the Police Department to enforce that law?
ATTORNEY POWER:
City of Kankakee
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I have not talked to them about it.
City Council Meeting
July 1, 2013
ALDERMAN COX: Have you talked to them Mayor about it?
MAYOR EPSTEIN: I have not. I will be happy to do so.
ALDERMAN COX: Will you? Thank you.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: You’re welcome. We have a motion and a second for first reading. Any
other questions? Roll call.
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Tetter; Brown; Curtis; Baron; Thompson; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga;
Linneman; Gall; Stokes; Davidson; Cox (14)
FIRST READING
ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 24, SECTION 24-31 OF THE CITY CODE OF
THE CITY OF KANKAKEE (CHRONIC NUISANCE)
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion carries. We will bring that back to you at the next meeting in July.
The last item on the agenda is an Ordinance, ah, amending the City Code
that.........for designation of how do we name honorary street names. If you
remember, we did have a committee of Alderman Osenga, Alderman
Davidson, and Alderman Faford. They have come forth. They met with
Counsel Pat Power and have drafted this Ordinance. Ah, Alderman Osenga
would you like to just go through the criteria briefly?
ALDERMAN OSENGA:
Sure. Instead of somebody just coming here and wantin’ to name a
street, we wanted to have a reason for naming the street. So, we came
up with the criteria here, ah, and it’s kind of self-explanatory. You
have some contribution to the community, be it historical, political,
cultural, educational, artistic, athletic, economic fabric of the City.
You know, we want it to be something important that you’ve done to,
you know, for the City. Ah, we want at least 60% of the people on
that street, whether it may change a street name with the honorary
street, to understand what’s being done and then sign that it’s okay to
have this done. Ah, we want to review this every ten years. Once,
we name the street, that street designation, we just don’t want to go on
forever. Every ten years it would be reviewed by the.......probably the
Ordinance Committee to decide if we want to continue this. And, ah,
the people must reside within the Kankakee community. You know,
we don’t want to name a street after somebody that lives in Arizona.
We want somebody here. And, it’s pretty self-explanatory.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Okay. Are there any questions? Okay. I’m going to ask for a motion to
Suspend the Rules.
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City Council Meeting
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ALDERMAN TETTER:
So moved.
ALDERMAN OSENGA:
Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion by Alderman Tetter, seconded by Alderman Osenga to Suspend the
Rules that would interfere with the passage of the Ordinance. Roll call.
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Tetter; Brown; Curtis; Baron; Thompson; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga;
Linneman; Gall; Stokes; Davidson (13)
NAY: Cox (1)
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion carries. A motion to place the Ordinance on Final Passage.
ALDERMAN DAVIDSON: So moved.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: So moved by Alderman Davidson. Do I have a second?
ALDERMAN TETTER:
Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Second by Alderman Tetter. Any questions? Alderman Brown.
ALDERMAN BROWN:
Mayor, I’m not sure by me gettin’ this tonight, I’m not sure whether
we need to look at this a little bit more. Ah, I understand it’s
self-explanatory. We did this and I agree with most of the things on
here, but I didn’t have a chance to just look over it and take it all in.
And, I would like to see if we’re going to vote on these, they be in our
packets and not get it on the floor, because that way I have a chance to
sit down and think about it.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Alderman. We’re on the second round of voting for this Ordinance, but let’s
just say as with any Ordinance, amendments can always be made.
ALDERMAN BROWN:
That’s true.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Especially after we have made........it’s been implemented for a while, there
might be some amendments so at this point I would respectfully ask for us to
continue the vote.
ALDERMAN BROWN:
Okay.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: And, then, if down the road we feel.
ALDERMAN BROWN:
City of Kankakee
Page 19
I didn’t make a motion that we Table anything.
City Council Meeting
July 1, 2013
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Okay.
ALDERMAN BROWN:
I just want to make that. And, you’re right. And, you’re right.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: I respect your comments. Thank you. Ah, any other questions? Roll call.
CLERK DUMAS:
AYE: Tetter; Brown; Curtis; Baron; Thompson; Tall; Faford; Swanson; Osenga;
Linneman; Gall; Stokes; Davidson (13)
NAY: Cox (1)
ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING CRITERIA FOR
HONORARY STREET NAME DESIGNATION
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion carries. There are no Motions and Resolutions. We will not need an
Executive Session. I ask that you........I had promised that from the
Aldermanic Retreat, that I would provide you with a recap of that retreat.
That was in your books tonight. Ah, we do have a retreat scheduled for the
Department Heads next Monday, July 8. I have, in preparation for that
retreat, they’ve all received the comments from the Aldermanic Retreat. I
asked for them to take a look at those before we meet because obviously it will
be up to many of them to, ah, implement some of the things that we would like
to.......to do in the City. So, again, thank you for coming to the retreat and for
your time and your comments. Do I have a motion to adjourn?
ALDERMAN SWANSON: So moved.
ALDERMAN TALL:
Second.
MAYOR EPSTEIN: Motion by Alderman Swanson, seconded by Alderman Tall. All those in
favor, aye. Opposed, same sign.
MOTION TO ADJOURN CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MAYOR EPSTEIN: We are adjourned. Thank you.
7:40 P.M.
City of Kankakee
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