City of Lockport Committee of the Whole Met Jan. 20.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
REGULAR MEETING of the Committee of the Whole of the City of Lockport, Illinois was held in the Board Room, 3rd Floor, of the Central Square Building, 222 E. Ninth Street, Lockport, Illinois. Mayor Steve Streit called the Meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
MEETING MODIFICATION DUE TO COVID-19: The meeting of this public body will be held pursuant to Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation issued on January 8, 2021 and Tier 3 Resurgence Mitigations Plan for Region 7 (Will and Kankakee) and Executive Order No. 2021-01. Due to Governor's Disaster Proclamation due to COVID-19 and the Mayor's determination that an in-person meeting conducted under the Illinois Open Meetings Act is not practical or prudent because of the disaster, pursuant to Subsection (e) of 5 ILCS 120/7 (OMA), members of the City Council will be participating in the meeting through a video and audio access using the virtual meeting platform, Zoom. The Mayor, essential members of City staff, and City of Lockport Media/TV/Livestream Contractor for live televising of the meeting may be physically present in the Board Room, but pursuant to the Tier 3 Mitigations Plan and CDC guidelines, no more than 10 people will be allowed in the Board Room at any one time. Anyone in excess of 10 people will be asked to wait in another room with live feed to the meeting until the agenda item for which the person or persons would like to speak on is being discussed or until the open floor for public comments. Any individual appearing in-person shall be required to cover their noses and mouths with a face-covering unless speaking at the podium. Public comments can be emailed in advance of the meeting to bbenson@lockport.org, or individuals without email access may call 815-838-0549 ex. 2111. Any public comments emailed in advance of the meeting may be read during the open floor public comment period, but such reading will not exceed the time limit of five (5) minutes.
PLEDGE TO THE FLAG – Mayor, Steve Streit
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Mayor, Steven Streit
Alderwoman, Renee Saban
Alderman, Larry Schreiber (remote, via Zoom)
Alderwoman, Christine Bergbower
Alderman, Darren Deskin
Alderman, JR Gillogly
Alderwoman, Joanne Bartelsen
Alderwoman, Catherine Perretta
Alderman, Mark R. Lobes (remote, via Zoom)
ABSENT: NONE
ALSO PRESENT: City Clerk, Kathy Gentile
City Attorney, Sonni Choi Williams (remote, via Zoom)
City Administrator, Ben Benson (remote, via Zoom)
Chief of Police, Terry Lemming
Finance Director, Lisa Heglund
Director of Public Works, Brent Cann
Director of Community & Economic Development, Lance Thies
Communications Manager, Amanda Pazdan (remote, via Zoom)
Jeff Prah, Zoom support
PRESS PRESENT: Cathy Wilker, LCTV
INVOCATION – Pastor Ernest Jones, Christ Vision Community Church
LIAISON REPORT
1. Fall Property Recognition Awards, presented by the Beautification Committee a. Thunder Hill - Monica and David from HOA Board
b. Laurie Tumino, 522 Tonelli Trail
2. Winter Property Recognition Awards, presented by the Beautification Committee
a. Angela Shedor, 16733 Ottawa Drive
b. Eric Schlottman, 16534 W. McKenzie
c. Alison Wolz, 2006 S. Hamilton
d. Bogden Dudek, 15244 S. Douglas Parkway
3. Alderman Deskin – grand opening of Lock & Mule was held Thursday, 1/19. At the event Alderman Deskin met Manager of Holiday Inn Express, which plans to open on March 1, 2021. Employment opportunities are available at Holiday Inn Express.
4. Alderman Perretta – raised the topic of body cameras. City Administrator, Ben Benson, updated Council that the Crime Act passed this past week, in the State, and mandates the City to have body cameras by 2025.
5. City Administrator, Ben Benson, updated Council regarding the IEPA Lead and Cooper Legislation. No specific mandate has been defined to replace lead pipes until 2038 or so; the City will be looking at a program to replace the lead services.
6. City Administrator, Be Benson, updated Council regarding legislation that passed both houses, which allows the retailers of alcohol/liquors to make third-party deliveries to homes.
MAYOR’S REPORT
1. Lockport Police Officer Recognition for Exemplary Service - Chris Neyhart
ITEMS RECOMMENDED TO BE PLACED ON THE AGENDA FOR CONSENT OR ACTION AT THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CA-1. License Agreement with Highland Ridge Apartments, LLC. for the Maintenance and Limited Use of Two Parcels Owned by the City of Lockport on 143rd Street, Adjacent to the Highland Ridge Development
City Administrator, Ben Benson, presented the Staff report on the License Agreement for the maintenance and limited use of two parcels. The parcels were conveyed to the City. The City had planned to convey the property to the Park District. The Park District decided to not accept the parcels, and have decided to opt for other property around the Highlands. This leaves the City with two plots; Highland Ridge has agreed to maintain the property and indemnify the City for the use of the City property. The Highland Ridge Apartments will not own the property, but the City will not need to maintain it.
DIRECTION: Add to the Consent Agenda on the February 3 City Council Meeting
CA-2. Renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding Between IDNR, City of Lockport, Main Street Lockport, and Illinois State Museum Society
City Administrator, Ben Benson, presented the Staff report for the renewal of memorandum with Main Street Lockport, and Illinois State Museum Society. The State of Illinois is paying 100% of the rent. Requesting approval of an extension of 2 years.
DIRECTION: Add to the Consent Agenda on the February 3 City Council Meeting
AT-1. Amendment to Chapter 70 of the City Code Prohibiting Trucks from Driving Over the Curb or Sidewalk Within a Block of the Intersection of State Street and 9th Street
City Attorney, Sonni Choi Williams, presented the details on the amendment to Chapter 70 of the City Code. Trucks have been driving over the curbs and sidewalks and causing costly damage to the newly renovated curbs and sidewalks in the historic downtown. Of the damage that has occurred, several cases remain outstanding and cost for damages remains unpaid. The Ordinance will add a fine for any violation.
Discussion among the Council ensued. Questions raised about enforcement. The fine is intended to penalize drivers that cause damage and then drive away. The City cameras in downtown Lockport have captured damage to properties. Signage will be posted in downtown Lockport to communicate the ordinances in downtown Lockport. The corners are ADA approved by IDOT, the design is supposed to provide safe passage for pedestrians. Examples were shared, that shows the truck tire marks encroach on the pedestrian areas. The City has had discussions with IDOT to rerouting IDOT truck traffic or limiting the size of the trucks allowed in the downtown. Any IDOT changes would be long-term changes and nothing near-term. The City Attorney will modify the verbiage of the Ordinance will be modified to specify that the fine would be specific to drivers that drive-off without reporting damage.
DIRECTION: Add as an Action Item on the February 3 City Council Meeting
AT-2. Amendment to Chapter 111 (Intoxicating Liquor) of the City's Code of Ordinances for Deputy Local Liquor Control Commissioner and Appointment of Alderman Lobes to Serve as Deputy LLCC
City Attorney, Sonni Choi Williams, presented an Amendment to appoint a deputy liquor control commissioner. The Mayor is the Liquor Control Commissioner; in the event that the Mayor is not available, the Deputy would be able to function in the same capacity as the Mayor.
DIRECTION: Add to the Consent Agenda on the February 3 City Council Meeting AT-3. Amendment to the Development Agreement for Clover Ridge Townhomes (Phase III)
City Attorney, Sonni Choi Williams, presented the amendment to the development agreement that the City and the Developer agreed to. The approval of the plan and plat has been completed. The City has negotiated with the Owner to freeze the permits for 5 years; encourages the Owner to complete the development. Provision that with the plan and plat was approved in April there was concern about the property to the East of the development site. The agreement will include wording to ensure that the connection to the adjacent property site.
DIRECTION: Add to the Consent Agenda on the February 3 City Council Meeting PD-1. Request to Purchase Four Ford Police Interceptor Utilities
Chief of Police, Terry Lemming, presented the request to purchase 4 Ford Interceptors. The total for the vehicles will not exceed $140,000. 2 of the 4 vehicles will go to Emergency Management.
DIRECTION: Add to the Consent Agenda on the February 3 City Council Meeting
PW-1. MFT Resolution for Maintenance of Streets and Highways by Municipality Under the Illinois Highway Code
Director of Public Works, Brent Cann, presented the MFT resolution. Requesting to allocate dollars for annual crack filling, resurfacing, salt, potential resurfacing, and paving for 2021 appropriations. Concerns raised about blacktop in ThunderHill; Brent will investigate.
DIRECTION: Add to the Consent Agenda on the February 3 City Council Meeting PW-2. Release of the Bond for GG Temple
Director of Public Works, Brent Cann, presented the request for bond release. The release will been contingent upon a warranty bond.
DIRECTION: Add to the Consent Agenda on the February 3 City Council Meeting PW-3. Release of the Letter of Credit for Heritage Crossing Building 5
Director of Public Works, Brent Cann, presented the request for bond release. The release will been contingent upon a warranty bond.
DIRECTION: Add to the Consent Agenda on the February 3 City Council Meeting PW-4. Release of the Letter of Credit for Prologis Phase 1, Including Buildings 1 and 2
Director of Public Works, Brent Cann, presented the request for bond release. The release will been contingent upon a warranty bond. The City has requested some landscaping changes; the property Owner has satisfied those requests.
DIRECTION: Add to the Consent Agenda on the February 3 City Council Meeting PW-5. Release of the Bond for Prologis Building 3
Director of Public Works, Brent Cann, presented the request for bond release. The release will been contingent upon a maintenance guarantee.
DIRECTION: Add to the Consent Agenda on the February 3 City Council Meeting
PW-6. Authorize Task Order to Christopher Burke Engineering Ltd. for Design and Construction Engineering Services for the 2021 Resurfacing Program
Director of Public Works, Brent Cann, presented the details for the Task Order for the 2021 Resurfacing Program to complete the design and inspection for a total cost of $69,280. The improvements are planned for roads in Willow Walk for 2021 resurfacing. MFT funds have been allocated.
Alderman Deskin addressed Council, to recommend that PW-1 for 5th to 9th Street Water Main project, on tonight’s City Council Agend, came in under budget. Recommending that the remaining funds should be spent to complete all roads in Willow Walk. Discussion among the Council ensued.
DIRECTION: Add to the Consent Agenda on the February 3 City Council Meeting
PW-7. Authorize Task Order to Chamlin & Associates, Inc. for Design Engineering Services for the Kelvin Grove Rear Yard Water Main Replacement Project
Director of Public Works, Brent Cann, presented the report on the Task Order for the Kelvin Grove Rear Yard. The proposed project combines several projects in the CIP. The majority of work in the parkways do extend across the street. This project is exclusive to water main work covering 8th, Holly, Maple and Milne to ensure water main in the front yard.
Discussion among the Council ensued. Request to clarify what streets need to be completed in that area.
DIRECTION: Add as an Action Item on the February 3 City Council Meeting PW-8. Purchase of Versalift Bucket Truck
Director of Public Works, Brent Cann, presented the request to purchase a bucket truck. The City’s existing bucket truck motor stopped functioning. The truck is heavily used for work throughout the City, for maintenance, and electrical work. This is a State purchased bid/price, for a new vehicle.
DIRECTION: Add to the Consent Agenda on the February 3 City Council Meeting
PW-9 Purchase of a 2021 Ford F-450 Service Truck
Director of Public Works, Brent Cann, presented the request to purchase a new service truck. DIRECTION: Add to the Consent Agenda on the February 3 City Council Meeting
NEW BUSINESS
1. Alderman Gillogly – requested update on the status of the quiet zone. Does the work meet the spec for the quiet zone or does more work need to be done? What work remains on the Chevron property? Can Chevron be removed from the quiet zone list.
a. The improvements do NOT yet comply for quiet zone. Additional safety devices and horn are needed and are not expected to be complete for another year or so.
b. The Chevron property cannot be removed from the quiet zone list.
2. Alderman Gillogly – requested an update on the round-about.
a. This is a property for which the City will be pursuing grants and opportunities for funding. Staff had investigated several different configurations to improve visibility and turning options
b. Signal was not warranted based on the traffic study.
3. Alderman Deskin – Several projects have been completed significantly under-budget. Requesting an engineering perspective report that shows the impact of the savings, by being fiscally responsible, and pulling projects forward, and avoiding inflation costs.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
1. Kris D’Alessio – landlord in the City of Lockport. Raised concerns about the new ProChamps program for rental properties. Asked questions about how many properties are vacant, how many houses are in disrepair, violating ordinances. Recommends that the City should reconsider the program, and not focus on the landlords.
a. Mayor Streit provided insight that the City has had no way to identify rental properties. The ProChamps program helped to get an inventory of both rental properties and vacant properties, and unkempt properties.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion By Gillogly, Seconded By Saban, To Adjourn The Committee Of The Whole Meeting, At 8:45 Pm.
Roll Call Vote On The Motion:
Ayes - Gillogly, Schreiber, Bergbower, Deskin, Lobes, Bartelsen, Perretta, Saban
Nays - None
Absent – None
Abstain – None
8 Ayes, 0 Nay, 0 Absent, 0 Abstain – Motion Carried
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