Will County Gazette

City of Lockport Committee of the Whole met February 21.

Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:

Mayor Pro Tem, Darren Deskin called the Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Pledge To The Flag – Mayor Pro Tem, Darren Deskin

Invocation – Pastor Ernest Jones, Christ Vision Community Church

Roll Call

Present: City Clerk, Kathleen Gentile

Alderwoman, Renee Saban

Alderwoman, Christina Bergbower

Alderman, JR Gillogly

Alderman, Jason Vandermeer

Alderman, Darren Deskin

Alderwoman, Joanne Bartelsen

Alderwoman, Catherine Perretta

Alderman, Jim Petrakos

Absent: Mayor, Steve Streit

Also Present: City Administrator, Ben Benson

Chief of Police, Terry Lemming

Finance Director, Lisa Heglund

Director of Public Works, Brent Cann

City Attorney, Sonni Choi Williams

LTHS Intern, Andrew Smigelski

Press Present: Cathy Wilker, LCTV

Sarwat Ahman, Free Lance Reporter, Joliet Herald News

John Depaolis, Free Lance Reporter, Lockport Legend

Mayor’s Report:

Liaison’s Reports:

1. Alderwoman Catherine Parretta presented information on a Police Department quarterly topics. April 19 meeting, held at the new Police community room, will cover the topic of Scams.

2. Mayor Pro Tem, Darren Deskin, provided an update on State Street:

a. The Roxy Grand Opening was held tonight. The sprinkler system is not yet complete, and is planned to be installed as the waterline is added during the State Street construction project.

b. Brent Cann shared information on the status of the State Street project. Minor work has taken place, but the full project is not yet occurring. Official project signage will be posted February 27, and is required to be posted for a week before the work can begin. Temp lighting will be installed March 5, as the kick off for the project. After a week, the water main work is scheduled to begin March 14.

3. Alderman JR Gillogly and Chief of Police Terry Lemming presented an update on malfunctioning railroad gates. The road salt caused an issue with the circuits. CN was contacted; during the next rebuild, CN will install better drainage. No quick fix to the issue; it occurs only when road salt is used. The issue occurred twice, and will be monitored.

4. Alderwoman Joanne Bartelsen presented the awards for the City Beautification Committee Fall and Winter contests. Joann introduced members of the Committee and recognized their contributions and help to select and photograph the winners. Contributions were given to the Committee as awards, from local businesses and vendors, including Hollingsworth, Jewel, Port Noir, Aurelios, Vegan Café, Naked Sprouts, Embers, Public Landing, Sizzles, Whizzy Puffs. All winners received a prize and a yard sign to proudly display their award. All residents present agreed to have their address shared, for the announcement of winners.

a. Fall Award Winners:

i. Thunder Hill Association:

1. Jim and Dorothy Armbruster

2. Al and Lucia Bofinger

3. Susie and Eric Homerding

ii. Jason Hall residence – 1045 7th Street

iii. Nolan residence – 527 Read

iv. Greg Pattison – 519 Read

v. Michael Rogan – 1059 7th Street

vi. Noelle Skalnik – 1024 Glenmore Circle

vii. Debra Jenkins – 16047 Red Cloud

viii. Haley Beron – 16065 Red Cloud

ix. John Economos – 1101 Darin

x. Theresa Rigoni

xi. John Schultz residence – 625 Washington

xii. Dennis and Edith Jorsch – 16704 McDonald

xiii. Eric Homerding – 16166 Blackhawk

xiv. Jason Rogers – 16138 Red Cloud

xv. Randy Brock – 16221 Blackhawk

xvi. Brian Leonard – 16158 Red Cloud

xvii. Lockport Police department

xviii. Charlotte and Mark Robin

b. Winter Award Winners:

i. Brubaker residence – 500 Washington

ii. Ruane and Ceponis residences – 16705 and 16709 Oneida

iii. Kristyn Vinicky – 16605 Delaware Drive

iv. Cosme residence – 126 S. Jefferson

v. Dragosh residence – 1210 Darin

vi. Durling residence – 1320 Newbridge

vii. Loughlin – 1206 Porter Place

viii. Palexogopoulos residence – 1106 Cleveland

ix. Adcock residence – 558 12st Street

x. Rakowski – 704 Glenmore Street

xi. Harnick residence – 1316 Tralee

xii. Jennifer Deblecourt – 1320 Tralee

xiii. Richard and Sonya Bojar – 1331 Keywest

xiv. Lullo residence – 1243 Keywest

xv. Andrew and Mary Gliwa – 17162 Osage Court

xvi. Nicole Vantholen – 16550 Lakeside Drive

xvii. Perkins residence – 213 14th Street

xviii. Renas residence – 1328 North Street

xix. Rodriguez residence – 1024 Glenmore Street

xx. Schlottman residence – 16534 W. McKenzie

xxi. Tobin residence – 1318 Foxford

xxii. Mark Sharp with Edward Jones – 109 E 9th Street

xxiii. Vantholen residence – 16550 Lakeside Drive

xxiv. Richared & Annette Pahl – 16443 Springview

Upcoming landscaping/decorating contests will be held for Spring/Summer. The committee is seeking additional committee members and nominations for the upcoming contests.

Staff Reports:

Ordinance No. 18-012/Water Rate Change

City Administrator, Ben Benson, presented the summary of water-related CIP details. The CIP included a shortfall; staff is recommending water surcharge increase to occur in June and December.

A discussion among the Council ensued, related to process and fines for delinquent accounts, and possible escalation of charges for habitual non-payment.

Action: Add to Consent Agenda on March 7, 2018 City Council Meeting.

Ordinance No. 18-013/Municipal Gasoline-

City Administrator, Ben Benson, summarized the CIP ten year plan and staff review of revenue options. Municipal tax would add money for CIP, for all residents and non-residents that purchase gas within the City of Lockport. Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.

Discussion among the Council ensued on returns for reporting of revenue. The tax is on the purchaser, and not on the gas station. The tax reporting form is a formality; auditing will occur to receive the appropriate amount from stations. Ordinance will be modified to include a daily penalty for delay in paperwork from the gas stations.

Action: Add to Consent Agenda on March 7, 2018 City Council Meeting.

Ordinance No. 18-015/Amending Chapter 10 of Lockport Code of Ordinances, specifically adding Section 10.18 Adopting the existing Code of Ordinances as a Home-Rule Unit.

City Attorney, Sonni Williams, presented an update on the Ordinance for Home Rule. Lockport was confirmed to be a Home Rule community officially in June of 2017.

Action: Add to Consent Agenda on March 7, 2018 City Council Meeting.

Squad Car Camera System Purchase/Resolution No. 18-011-

Chief of Police Terry Lemming, presented the update on the squad car camera systems. Several of the cameras are replacing old cameras. Research was done on comparable systems and vendors. Multiple bids were received; Watchguard is the vendor recommended. DUI funds and federal forfeiture funds are proposed to be used to purchase these cameras. The goal is to replace and add cameras on all squad cars. Thin other these cameras typically last 6-8 years. Discussion among the Council ensued on pricing, and whether pricing options are available thru purchasing co-op or other programs.

Action: Add as Action Item on March 7, 2018 City Council Meeting.

Adjournment:

Motion By Gillogly, Seconded By Saban, To Adjourn The Committee Of The Whole Meeting At 7:33 P.M. Voice Vote On The Motion:

Ayes - Saban, Petrakos, Vandermeer, Deskin, Perretta, Bergbower, Gillogly, Bartelsen

Nays - None

Absent - None

Abstain - None

8 Ayes, 0 Nay, 0 Absent, 0 Abstain – Motion Carried

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