Blue Island City Council

by Judy Coyle

Aldermen Linda Dertz and Rose Rita did not attend the April 8, 2008 City Council Meeting.

Mayor Donald E. Peloquin explained that he had received a letter from the U.S.E.P.A. The City will soon enter into negotiations about two assessment grants. He thanked City Planner Jodi Prout.

On Saturday April 11th, the University of Wisconsin men's rowing team will face off against the University of Minnesota team at Fay's Point. Competition begins at 9AM.

Brendan Houlihan of Cook County Property Tax Board of Review spoke about the appeals process. Homeowners and businesses located in the Worth Township part of Blue Island may file for a reassessment until May 2nd. Residents are instructed to call 312/603-3644 or to log onto WWW.cookcountyboardofreview.com for more information. Mayor Peloquin said that he met with the Chamber of Commerce and with State Representatives Bob Rita, Bobby Rush, Jesse Jackson, Jr., Monique Davis and Kevin Joyce about keeping St. Francis Hospital open. They later held a press conference.

Mayor Peloquin turned the meeting over to Fire Chief Bob Copp. Lt. Joe DiNovo officially retired after 31 years with the Fire Department. DiNovo began his career on February 12, 1976. He thanked everyone, including his family for putting up with him while performing his duties. He said he had received a great education and met great people. Chief Copp thanked him for his dedication, and also for his recent efforts in securing grant money that resulted in the purchase of a new pumper. Lt. DiNovo's daughter pinned him with a new badge.

Chief Copp next called Betty Nagle to the podium She was most instrumental in helping to secure grants for the purchase of new fire fighting equipment. He presented her with a gift. “It's a necklace with a fire engine charm,” she explained. “It's a standing joke. There is a difference between a fire truck and an engine.” City Clerk Pam Frasor read requests from local groups. St. Donatus will celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart on June 1st. They asked permission to have music from 9AM to 9PM. DDE Football asked if they can tag on May 9th from 6 to 8PM. Hometown Productions, a company that creates maps, is soliciting business. Clerk Frasor didn't feel this was necessary as the Chamber produces one. She asked to table this until she is able to check with the Chamber. The Council agreed.

Attorney Peter Murphy presented two issues to the Council for their approval. First was an ordinance placing a 'handicap parking only' sign at 12326 S. Western. Secondly he brought a resolution authorizing the Chief of Police to accept additional funds from Cook County's Project J.A.G. (Justice Assistance Grant.) This is a program allowing for law enforcement officers to implement gang and drug prevention programs and to educate young people. Blue Island usually participates in this program, and an additional $3,000 recently became available. The Council agreed to both measures.

Alderman David Mindeman chairs the Finance Committee. He asked the Council's permission to sign the contract with Seldon Fox and Associates, Ltd., to complete the annual audit. It will cost $33,000 for an audit of the City, and $4,250 for an audit of the Library. This was approved.

The Municipal Services Committee is chaired by Alderman Mark Ruthenberg. He asked the attorney to draft an ordinance to place a 'handicap parking only' sign at 2208 123rd St. The residents at 11922 Maple asked for help from the Water and Sewer Department because tree roots clogged their sewer. They were instructed to have the sewer televised. Removing the tree doesn't always do the job. Superintendent Stachulac reported that the Public Works Department is continuing to fill potholes. E.Z. Patch will be available again on April 15th.

Alderman Leticia Vieyra chairs the Community Development Committee. At the March 12th meeting, Clerk Frasor opened bids for the sale of three lots on 139th Street. CKC Development bid $44,455, and Central States Automatic Sprinklers, Inc. bid $30,000 in cash. The Committee recommended that the Council accept the Central States Automatic bid for $30,000. The Council agreed. Two homes, located at 2557 York and 12944 Maple have applied for landmark status. Also, she will pass on information to the attorney so that he may draw up an ordinance limiting construction time to Monday through Saturday, 8AM to 7PM and Sunday 9AM to 5PM. Recently, questions have arisen over A.A. Midwest, located at 13033 California. It is listed on their business license as a distribution center, but has recently begun dismantling engines. They purchased the property next store, a rental company, and surrounded the property with a 12 foot security fence topped by three lines of barbed wire. Ordinances limit fence height to 8 feet. According to Alderman Gerald Hall, they were told to seek a variance, but decided to build the fence first. Alderman Carmine Bilotto said that several residents have called him because they are concerned with spillage into the creek behind the building. Alderman Vieyra suggested holding a public hearing, and Alderman Mike Janko asked about a way to more clearly define what is expected out of new businesses. Mayor Peloquin promised to send Building Commissioner Kieran Griffin to the premises, and also to have the owner meet with the Council about the variance. The fence might have to come down.

Alderman Marcia Stone, Chair of the Recreation Committee, reported that it was agreed that outside organizations wishing to use the Rec Center for non sports related activities should meet with the entire Committee before permission is given to hold an event.

Citizens were invited to speak.

Carol di Pace Greene said that 50 truckloads of dirt was delivered to the property on Orchard. The contractor wasn't present, and the dirt was left in a pile outside of the fence. She is concerned that this is a danger to neighborhood children. Mayor Peloquin said that he asked the contractor to provide a complete financial package for completing this project. Mrs. Greene said the I.E.P.A. is looking for a report from the City Engineer about the progress of the land elevation restoration. Mayor Peloquin replied that he hasn't heard from the I.E.P.A.

This past Sunday, LaGuardia Sharkley's daughter was involved in a fight at Hart Park. Her daughter is 13 and the other girl is 21. Her daughter was hospitalized. The police promised her that the other girl would be caught, and indeed she was arrested. She made bond quickly. Ms. Sharkley was concerned because a statement was taken from the other girl, but not from her daughter. Police Chief Doug Hogland agreed to meet with her after the meeting.

It came to an end at 7:45PM. The next meeting will be held on April 22, at 7PM, at the East Annex.

Meeting Schedule:

Finance: 4/22/08, 6PM, East Annex

Judiciary: Special Meeting pertaining to discuss making the position of Mayor full time: 4/30/08, 5 PM, East Annex. The regular meeting will be on 5/6/08, 5PM, East Annex

Public Health and Safety: 4/15/08, 6:30PM, Lower Level of Police Department

Municipal Services: 4/1/08, 7PM, East Annex

Community Development: 5/6/08, 7PM, East Annex