City Council News

by Jude Coyle

Aldermen Rose Rita and Russell Dale Elton did not attend the January 26, 2010 City Council Meeting.

Mayor Donald E. Peloquin explained that Alderman Marsha Stone has found several old Journals of Proceedings of City Council meetings with incorrect dates. There were four in 2001. City Clerk Pam Frasor noted that this was an easy mistake to make as the typist didn’t change the date on the template when typing the new Journal. Noting that there could be more mistakes later, Mayor Peloquin suggested that other Journals should be inspected, and then all changes be made at the same meeting. The issued was tabled.

Mayor Peloquin next turned the meeting over to Fire Chief Bob Copp, who introduced Sue Shaller, the EMS Coordinator at Metro South. She spoke about the Code 90 Committee and research that indicated that the optimal time to treat someone with a cardiac episode is ninety minutes. Because many people wait for symptoms to pass, time becomes critical. By allowing EMT’s the ability to conduct EKG’s in the ambulance on the way to the hospital, and faxing the results directly to the Cath Lab, can save fifteen minutes. If the patient were in cardiac distress, he wouldn’t have to stop in the emergency room, but could be directed to the Cath Lab. According to State law, this form of advanced life source is allowed, although few communities are taking advantage of it. She suggested this to Chief Copp, who encouraged it. Blue Island, Calumet Park, Dixmoor, Alsip, Merrionette Park and Garden Homes will be recipients of portable EKG machines to be used in their ambulances, putting these communities on the cutting edge. Total cost comes to $208,000. Metro South Hospital and the Dr. Luke Pascal Endowment Fund will cover it.

February is Heart Month. There will be classes at Metro South Hospital.

Brochures are available from IDOT about the I-57 interchange. A public meeting will be held in at the Posen Community Center on February 4th, from 4-7PM.

Mayor Peloquin asked the Council to approve the renewal of the maintenance contract with Motorola for the 911 Center equipment. It is approximately $6,000 more than last year. This carried with Aldermen Mike Janko and Dexter Johnson abstaining. Mayor Peloquin said that the 911 Center has recently changed over to the 800 megahertz radio system. Calls will no longer be broadcast over police ban.

Alderman Domingo Vargas asked Mayor Peloquin about the status of the old Jewel Property. Mayor Peloquin assured him that negotiations continue. Asked about the 119th Street property, Mayor Peloquin responded that there is flying dumping going on. The building on the Thompson property has been demolished, and the City is working on having other buildings demolished as well. There is some interest in the property, although nothing will be done until everything is down. Alderman Vargas said that the lights are flickering and there has been tagging under the bridge on 127th Street. Mayor Peloquin referred the tagging to the Police Department who will call the County about clean up. Alderman Vargas also asked that someone contact Great Northern Lumber. The west entrance is again blocked by snow and lumber, making it impossible for emergency vehicles to enter. Mayor Peloquin promised to address this.

Alderman Johnson asked how the 119th Street Property was accessed. Mayor Peloquin replied that it is considered vacant property as it can be renovated until the buildings are down and the rubble cleaned up. Alderman Johnson mentioned the EPA. Mayor Peloquin responded that the City is examining property they own for EPA issues as well.

Alderman Gerald Hall asked about Cloverhill Pastry-Vend LLC, which is purchasing the old Parco property. He had heard that if they can’t get the 6(b) classification, they will go elsewhere. Mayor Peloquin said that Cloverhill has to purchase the property in order to receive the 6(b) classification, which is a property tax incentive program.

City Clerk Pam Frasor asked the Council to approve a bid from Colortone for $4,926 for City stickers. The City will again use the big BI logo.

Clerk Frasor opened a bid earlier on a 1979 Thunderbird Aqua with trailer. The Decker Brothers bid $200. There isn’t an engine, all emergency equipment had been removed and it is taking up too much space. The Council approved the sale.

Attorney James Brosnahan asked that the Council approve two ordinances. One rescinds handicapped parking from 12938 Mozart. The second places a handicap parking at 2252 Collins. The Council approved both.

Alderman Janko of the Municipal Services Committee reported that his Committee has conducted a study concerning parking laws at 12640 Maple. They can’t change the parking about the church located there, but will look into alternatives. He also reported that Greg Lochow of the Chamber of Commerce has created a parking committee to address the difficulties about Metro South and Moraine Valley. Lastly, Mr. Janko and the Historical Society will host a meeting on Saturday February 27th at 10:30 about the Drive Dixie.

Alderman Jan Ostling chairs the Public Safety Committee. In December, the Fire Department received 221 emergency calls in December, 2009. One hundred and nine were treated. There was 132 total hours in service, 287 man hours in service, 5.1 average minutes call to patient contact, 322 total fire rescue and emergency medical service. One new fire fighter was hired, and will attend the Academy in March for six weeks. This brings the full staff to 21.

The Police Department issued 746 parking citations in December, 513 moving citations, answered 2,137 call and made 283 traffic stops. Eighty seven cases were assigned to six detectives, and 135 assigned and self indicated cases were resolved. The Detective Division made 21 arrests, including 7 felonies, 13 misdemeanors, 1 arrest warrant and 7 juvenile arrests. Weather permitting, the second red light camera will be installed at 127th and Gregory. Information about installing red light cameras at railroad crossings will be available soon. Officer Erick Stahmer was awarded the South Suburban Emergency Response Team Command Award of Excellence. Sergeant Kevin Sisk will attend the Police Executive Role in the 21st Century Course in Joliet. Classes are three days a month, during February, March and April.

The meeting ended at 7:30PM.

Committee Meetings:

Finance Committee: February 2nd, 6PM, East Annex

Judiciary Committee: February 2, 5PM, East Annex

Municipal Services Committee: February 2, 6PM, East Annex

Community Development Committee: February 2, 7:30PM, East Annex

Recreation Committee: February 3rd, 6:30 PM,

Public Health and Safety Committee: February 17, 2010, 6:30PM, lower level of Police Department