Will County Gazette

City of Crest Hill City Council met Dec. 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The regular meeting of the City of Crest Hill was called to order by Mayor Raymond R. Soliman at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 20600 City Center Boulevard, Crest Hill, Will County, Illinois.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.

Roll call indicated the following present: Mayor Raymond Soliman, City Clerk Christine Vershay-Hall, City Treasurer Glen Conklin, Alderman Scott Dyke, Alderman John Vershay, Alderman Darrell Jefferson, Alderwoman Claudia Gazal, Alderperson Tina Oberlin, Alderman Mark Cipiti, Alderman Nate Albert, Alderman Joe Kubal.

Also present were: Police Chief Ed Clark, Deputy Police Chief Ryan Dobczyk, Public Works Director Blaine Kline, City Engineer Ron Wiedeman, Interim Director of Community Development Ron Mentzer, Interim Employee Relations Manager Dave Strahl, City Attorney Mike Stiff, Attorney Mike Kelly, Deputy Clerk Karen Kozerka.

Absent were: Building Commissioner Don Seeman, Finance Director Lisa Banovetz, Interim Planner Maura Rigoni.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Mayor Soliman presented the minutes with corrections from the Regular meeting held on December 4, 2023 for Council approval per the memo dated December 18, 2023.

(#1) Motion by Alderman Jefferson seconded by Alderwoman Gazal, to Approve the Minutes from the Regular Meeting Held on December 4, 2023 with corrections per the memo dated December 4, 2023.

On roll call, the vote was:

AYES: Ald. Dyke, Vershay, Jefferson, Gazal, Oberlin, Cipiti, Albert, Kubal.

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: None.

There being eight (8) affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.

Mayor Soliman presented the minutes from the Work Session meeting held on December 5, 2023 for Council approval per the memo dated December 18, 2023.

(#2) Motion by Alderwoman Gazal seconded by Alderman Jefferson, to Approve the Minutes from the Work Session Meeting Held on December 5, 2023 per the memo dated December 18, 2023.

On roll call, the vote was:

AYES: Ald. Vershay, Jefferson, Gazal, Oberlin, Cipiti, Albert, Kubal, Dyke.

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: None.

There being eight (8) affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.

Mayor Soliman presented the minutes from the Work Session meeting held on December 11, 2023 for Council approval per the memo dated December 18, 2023.

(#3) Motion by Alderman Vershay seconded by Alderman Jefferson, to Approve the Minutes from the Work Session Meeting Held on December 11, 2023 per the memo dated December 18, 2023.

On roll call, the vote was:

AYES: Ald. Gazal, Oberlin, Cipiti, Albert, Kubal, Dyke, Vershay, Jefferson.

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: None.

There being eight (8) affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.

Mayor Soliman presented the minutes from the Work Session meeting held on December 13, 2023 for Council approval per the memo dated December 18, 2023.

(#4) Motion by Alderwoman Gazal seconded by Alderman Vershay, to Approve the Minutes from the Work Session Meeting Held on December 13, 2023 per the memo dated December 18, 2023.

On roll call, the vote was:

AYES: Ald. Oberlin, Cipiti, Albert, Kubal, Vershay, Jefferson, Gazal.

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: Ald. Dyke.

There being seven (7) affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.

Mayor Soliman asked to deviate from the agenda.

Alderman Albert congratulated and recognized the residents who put hard work and dedication into decorating their homes. There were many entries this year which made it a hard competition. The runners up were mentioned for their hard work and dedication in decorating.

Alderman Albert announced the winners, which were as follows:

Finalist - Steve and Nicole Swan at 2267 Caton Farm Road. They have a 20-foot Santa in their front yard as well lights. They won a $20.00 gift card to Fire Water.

Finalist Mickeys.

Kerwin Family at 2019 Water Tower Place received a $25.00 gift card to Third Place - Kevin Shultz and girls at 532 Elsie Avenue received a gift card to $50 gift card to Prairie Bluff Restaurant.

Second Place - Carl Ludvigsen at 1720 Raynor Avenue received a $75 gift card to Merichka's Restaurant.

First Place - Mark Puttrich at 20420 Spruce Lane received a $100 gift card to Crusade Burger Bar.

Alderman Albert congratulated all winners and thanked them for lighting up Crest Hill during Christmas.

Mayor Soliman congratulated all winners and participants and thanked them for decorating. He also wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

CITY ATTORNEY: Attorney Mike Stiff commented that there were no agenda items for discussion, but he would be happy to answer any questions.

Alderwoman Gazal commented that at the last meeting she questioned our Lobbyist Josh Hassert regarding the parcel for an outdoor gun range. Mr. Hassert stated that the Illinois General Assembly passed a bill with a House amendment that will have the language regarding the transfer of the property, and nothing was mentioned about the gun range. She stated it does not name the City of Crest Hill in the bill, neither. She stated that this is another negative surprise to Crest Hill; another shady transaction to Crest Hill by the State of Illinois. Transparency with land conveyed by the State Department of Corrections to any taxing entity placing tax on another bill that had absolutely nothing to do with all the area within Crest Hill, especially to the city's future. Transparency must be at the front with any transaction that has to do with land in the City of Crest Hill. She commented that these questionable land transactions keep occurring on the property that was owned by the State Department of Corrections. There was no consideration for Crest Hill. The Lockport Township, Will County Forest Preserve have all been subject to land transactions with the State of Illinois Department of Corrections without notice to the City of Crest Hill. Crest Hill is a landlock, every parcel in this city is essential to this city's future and its ability to provide services to its residents.

Alderwoman Gazal stated that she will formally support a motion or a movement by this city to demand transparency and demand consideration when conveyance is being given to all these taxing bodies who will maintain the ability of the city to recall or reclaim any taxes to the property being given away. She commented that when a property is being given to other taxing bodies the city loses their ability of taxation which affects the city's future.

She commented that the mayor stated this was all preliminary at the last meeting and it is not preliminary. She stated she was given a tax bill that states this property was quickly claimed to Lockport Township Fire District and this bill was sponsored by many senators and one being our local Senator John Connor, who is now a judge. She commented that she also learned that Mayor Soliman met with Lockport Township fire District. She commented that we need to act now. Also, she wants the city to prepare an ordinance that will give the city the ability to accept or reject the use of a gun range in Crest Hill.

Alderman Jefferson commented that the residents in ward two are finding out about this and do not like this. He commented that there is already a gun range in District 5, and he can hear it when they practice at his house, and he lives on Tahoe Lane. He feels we need to take any steps possible since this affects the tax paying residents.

Attorney Mike Stiff commented that he spoke with Josh Hassert and learned that there were two House Amendments to the original Senate Bill, and it was the second House Amendment that added the information and the transfer of this property. He stated that one of the things Alderwoman Gazal suggested is to find a way to challenge this. He has confirmed that the second house amendment was included in the final legislation which was signed and passed. He noted that the legislation does not refer to the Lockport Fire Department or reflect anything about the potential use as a gun range. It states that the real property shall be used by the Lockport Township Fire Protection District for a training center and if the Lockport Township Fire Protection ceases to exist and the real property is used for any purpose other than a training center or if an attempt is made to sell the property, then the property shall revert back to the State of Illinois without any further action.

He also commented that any plans will still need to come before the Crest Hill Plan Commission since the property is in Crest Hill and will still need to come before the Council once it goes through the Plan Commission and if the zoning does not provide for a firing range this will have to go thorough the process like any other special use.

Alderwoman Gazal commented that we still need to investigate into preparing an ordinance to protect the city and the residents, putting something in place stating there needs to be a distance from residential areas.

Mayor Soliman responded to the meeting comment and stated that in that meeting was Lieutenant Izquierdo from the Lockport Township Fire Department and Chief John O'Connor, and our Building Commissioner Don Seeman and Steve Gulden who was our interim City Administrator at the time and it was all preliminary and was just a wish list with no plans.

Mayor Soliman also commented that he did talk to Fire Chief John O'Connor the very next day and let him know that there was concern. The Fire Chief stated that they still did not have an architect to draw the plans but as soon as they get architect plans and know more, they will have more of a discussion of what they are thinking. He also asked him if he would be able to attend a meeting to answer any questions the Council may have, and he stated they would come and answer any questions.

Alderwoman Gazal commented that she disagrees with the mayor, especially since he met with them and did not say anything to the Council. She commented that it is disturbing that it is a done deal and Crest Hill knows nothing about it and the mayor keeps commenting that it is preliminary when we can be acting.

Mayor Soliman commented that the land was given to them, and he is not even sure if their Fire Board is even in agreement with this.

Attorney Stiff asked Mayor Soliman in that meeting if it was made clear to them that they must come to us regarding zoning and any approvals. Mayor Soliman commented that they were asking about special use and zoning, but we did not have anything permanent that they wanted to discuss. He stressed that it was just the infancy stages of a discussion.

Attorney Stiff commented to the mayor that we need to make it very clear to them that they need to come to us for any approvals.

Alderman Dyke stated to the mayor that he feels that the Council just wanted to hear from him informing them that there was a meeting with the Fire Protection District. He commented that when we do not find out until afterwards and the Council questions what other meetings are being held that the Council does not know about until they get the mayor's blessing to hear the information.

Alderperson Oberlin commented that there are eight officials who were elected by the city to represent them, and they cannot represent them with full capacity when they do not have information.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR: There were no agenda items for discussion.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT: Public Works Director Blaine Kline requested Approval of Pay Request #11 from Vissering Construction Inc. with Direction to Send it to the IEPA for Approval and Disbursement for a Total Amount of $1,125,265.68 per the memo dated December 18, 2023.

(#5) Motion by Alderperson Oberlin seconded by Alderman Jefferson, to Approve Pay Request #11 from Vissering Construction Inc. with Direction to Send it to the IEPA for Approval and Disbursement for a Total Amount of $1,125,265.68 per the memo dated December 18, 2023.

On roll call, the vote was:

AYES: Ald. Cipiti, Albert, Kubal, Dyke, Vershay, Jefferson, Gazal, Oberlin.

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: None.

There being eight (8) affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.

Public Works Director Blaine Kline requested to Approve a Resolution Approving an Agreement for Chemical Feed System Upgrades By and Between the City of Crest Hill, Will County, Illinois and Strand Associates, Inc. per the memo dated December 18, 2023.

(#6) Motion by Alderperson Oberlin seconded by Alderman Cipiti, Approving an Agreement for Chemical Feed System Upgrades By and Between the City of Crest Hill, Will County, Illinois and Strand Associates, Inc. per the memo dated December 18, 2023. On roll call, the vote was:

AYES: Ald. Jefferson, Gazal, Oberlin, Cipiti, Albert, Kubal, Dyke, Vershay.

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: None.

There being eight (8) affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.

Resolution #1193

Director Kline asked Attorney Stiff if he needs to add in the cost in the amount of $34,200.00 in the previous motion. Attorney Stiff commented to include the $34,200.00 in the previous motion and recall the roll again.

(#7) Motion by Alderperson Oberlin seconded by Alderman Cipiti, Approving an Agreement for Chemical Feed System Upgrades By and Between the City of Crest Hill, Will County, Illinois and Strand Associates, Inc. in the amount of $34,200.00 per the memo dated December 18, 2023.

On roll call, the vote was:

AYES: Ald. Jefferson, Gazal, Oberlin, Cipiti, Albert, Kubal, Dyke, Vershay.

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: None.

There being eight (8) affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED. Resolution #1193

Public Works Director Blaine Kline requested to Approve a Resolution Approving an Agreement for Corrosion Control Treatment Study By and Between the City of Crest Hill, Will County, Illinois, and Cornwell Engineering Group in the amount of $284,000.00 per the memo dated December 18, 2023.

(#8) Motion by Alderwoman Gazal seconded by Alderperson Oberlin, to Approve a Resolution Approving an Agreement for Corrosion Control Treatment Study By and Between the City of Crest Hill, Will County, Illinois, and Cornwell Engineering Group in the amount of $284,000.00 per the memo dated December 18, 2023.

On roll call, the vote was:

AYES: Ald. Albert, Kubal, Dyke, Vershay, Jefferson, Gazal, Oberlin, Cipiti.

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: None.

There being eight (8) affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.

Resolution #1194

Alderman Dyke asked Director Kline who would be responsible for picking up a mattress on Broadway heading north. Director Kline commented that he would look into getting that picked up.

CITY ENGINEER: City Engineer Ron Wiedeman commented that there were no agenda items for discussion, but he would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT: Interim Community Development Director Ron Mentzer requested to Approve a Resolution Approving a Revised Project Review Fee Schedule for Commercial Flagpole Variation Applications per the memo dated December 18, 2023. He commented that the fee Reza had paid was $1,000.00 and they asked for this to be reduced or waived.

(#9) Motion by Alderman Cipiti seconded by Alderwoman Gazal, to Approve a Resolution Approving a Revised Project Review Fee Schedule for Commercial Flagpole Variation Applications per the memo dated December 18, 2023.

On roll call, the vote was:

AYES: Ald. Kubal, Dyke, Vershay, Jefferson, Gazal, Oberlin, Cipiti, Albert.

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: None.

There being eight (8) affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.

Director Mentzer wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

POLICE DEPARTMENT: Police Chief Ed Clark requested to Approve a Resolution Approving an Agreement to Purchase Motorola V700 Body Worn Camera Systems By and Between the City of Crest Hill, Will County, Illinois and Motorola Solutions per the memo dated December 18, 2023. He commented that they have concluded that Motorola product was the better fit for the Crest Hill Polic Department being compatible with other systems they have and use, and this purchase will cost $146,000.00.

(#10) Motion by Alderperson Oberlin seconded by Alderman Albert, to Approve a Resolution Approving an Agreement to Purchase Motorola V700 Body Worn Camera Systems By and Between the City of Crest Hill, Will County, Illinois and Motorola Solutions per the memo dated December 18, 2023.

Alderperson Oberlin asked if the body cameras can be shut off. Chief Clark commented that they can be shut off and the reason being there are some situations where they are mandated to turn off the cameras, but our policy will guide the officers and they will know when to have them on and when to have them off and if they violate that policy there will be a disciplinary process.

On roll call, the vote was:

AYES: Ald. Dyke, Vershay, Jefferson, Gazal, Oberlin, Cipiti, Albert, Kubal.

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: None.

There being eight (8) affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.

Resolution #1196

Police Chief Ed Clark requested to Approve a Resolution Approving the Job Description for the Position of Police Department FOIA Audio/Visual Specialist and Authorizing the Advertising, Selection, and Hiring of a Police F.O.I.A. Audio/Visual Specialist at a Salary not to Exceed $62,500.00 Annually per the memo dated December 18, 2023.

(#11) Motion by Alderwoman Gazal seconded by Alderman Dyke, to Approve a Resolution Approving the Job Description for the Position of Police Department FOIA Audio/Visual Specialist at a Salary not to Exceed $62,500.00 Annually per the memo dated December 18, 2023.

On roll call, the vote was:

AYES: Ald. Vershay, Jefferson, Gazal, Oberlin, Cipiti, Albert, Kubal, Dyke.

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: None.

There being eight (8) affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.

Resolution #1197

Chief Clark informed Council that they are in the process of hiring another police officer and hope to have the process complete by the end of the calendar year.

Alderperson Oberlin asked how long the body camera footage would need to be held. Chief Clark commented that it is mandated, and he believes it is ninety days for regular storage of the data but if it has to do with evidence then they will have to hold it longer. Attorney Stiff commented that there are instances when the footage is flagged and once flagged, the footage can never be destroyed.

Alderwoman Gazal asked if we could post on the website and social media about snow falls.

Alderman Jefferson asked if there is an ordinance regarding picking up behind their animals. It was stated there is an ordinance regarding picking up behind their animals. Alderman Jefferson commented that there are many complaints from residents regarding owners of animals not picking up after their animals on Borio. Attorney Stiff commented he will send the ordinance to Alderman Jefferson.

MAYOR: Mayor Raymond Soliman requested to Approve a Liquor License for Lenny's Gas N Wash Division and Weber, LLC-16664 Weber Road per the memo dated December 18, 2023. Mayor Soliman commented that this is for a packaged liquor license and the owner was at the work session last week to answer any questions. He also commented that all paperwork is in order, and he recommends approval for the packaged liquor license. There does need to be a vote but there does need to be a vote by the City Council to create the liquor license. Mayor Soliman asked the City Council to raise the number of liquor licenses in the City of Crest Hill from ten (10) to eleven (11).

Mayor Raymond Soliman requested to Approve an Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinance for the City of Crest Hill Regarding Alcoholic Beverages per the memo dated December 18, 2023.

(#12) Motion by Alderwoman Gazal seconded by Alderman Jefferson, to Approve an Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinance for the City of Crest Hill Regarding Alcoholic Beverages per the memo dated December 18, 2023.

Mayor Soliman asked if there are any questions or comments.

Alderman Albert commented that he stated at the last meeting he would vote against this, and the reason was that he does not like that a liquor license is tied to gaming in the State of Illinois and feels those two things should be separated. He also commented that he is voting for it since gas stations have packaged liquor sales, but he hopes at some point the city or the state can consider separating the two licenses.

On roll call, the vote was:

AYES: Ald. Oberlin, Cipiti, Albert, Kubal, Dyke, Vershay, Jefferson, Gazal.

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: None.

There being eight (8) affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.

Ordinance #1970

Alderman Albert asked if we have a time frame of when the pipeline will be corrected and the road improvement on Division in front of the Gas N Wash will be complete. Mayor Soliman commented that it would be the Spring / Summer of 2025. Engineer Wiedeman commented that he was told sometime in 2024 and Kinder Morgan is in control. Alderman Albert commented that we need to light a fire to get these things done.

Mayor Soliman welcomed Gas N Wash to the City of Crest Hill. Lenny, the owner of Gas N Wash introduced Alex and commented that if he is ever unavailable, Alex can be contacted as well. He also thanked Crest Hill for having Gas N Wash and commented that he is happy to be a part of Crest Hill. Alex commented that they take feedback very seriously. They have a Kinder Morgan representative, and they were initially told the work would be done by the end of 2023, but they have moved that date back until 2025 but hoping to get this done in 2024. They are excited to get access on Division opened as quickly as possible. He also commented that the car wash is a big part of what they do. There will be free carwashes and free membership for the first month the first week they are open.

Alderman Albert asked if the extension of the median on Weber will be done soon. Alex commented that it will be happening this spring. Alderman Albert asked if there is anything we can do to help move Kinder Morgan faster. Alex commented that if they can get a Kinder Morgan representative out and assign a time that will expedite the process.

Alderman Cipiti asked what steps they will take to deter overnight truck parking. Alex commented that there will be signage and people on duty to inform them and they cannot park there and to get them to move. Alex commented that there are no spaces to park, and they are more for local traffic.

Mayor Soliman wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

CITY CLERK: City Clerk Christine Vershay-Hall requested Approval of Autumn Ridge Townhome Association to Use the Community Room in 2024 per the memo dated December 18, 2023. She commented that the dates requested would be January 18, 2024, April 18, 2024, July 18, 2024, and October 17, 2024.

Alderman Albert asked how this works and if anyone stays here while the meeting is going on. Clerk Vershay-Hall commented that the Police Department and Public Works are notified, and they work it out together and unlock and lock the doors.

(#13) Motion by Alderwoman Gazal seconded by Alderman Jefferson, to Approve Autumn Ridge Townhome Association to Use the Community Room in 2024 per the memo dated December 18, 2023.

On roll call, the vote was:

AYES: Ald. Oberlin, Cipiti, Albert, Kubal, Dyke, Vershay, Jefferson, Gazal.

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: None.

There being eight (8) affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.

City Clerk Christine Vershay-Hall wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year. She also commented that she sends her deepest condolences to Alderwoman Gazal for the loss of her father.

CITY TREASURER: Interim Employee Relations Manager Dave Strahl requested to Approve a Resolution Approving a Software Module Purchase and Support Agreement By and Between the City of Crest Hill, Will County, Illinois, and Civic Systems, LLC per the memo dated December 18, 2023.

Alderman Cipiti asked Manger Strahl what this system would do that we do not do. Manager Strahl commented that this will get us away from the manual timeclock, and employees can clock in and out and supervisors can approve time through this system and not be the manual way of paper that we use now.

Alderman Dyke commented that his concern would be cell phone clock-in. Manager Strahl commented that it would not be universal and done on a needed basis mostly for Public Works and the Building Department.

(#14) Motion by Alderperson Oberlin seconded by Alderman Cipiti, to Approve a Resolution Approving a Software Module Purchase and Support Agreement By and Between the City of Crest Hill, Will County, Illinois, and Civic Systems, LLC per the memo dated December 18, 2023.

On roll call, the vote was:

AYES: Ald. Albert, Kubal, Dyke, Jefferson, Gazal, Oberlin, Cipiti.

NAYES: Ald. Vershay.

ABSENT: None.

There being seven (7) affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.

Resolution #1198

City Treasurer Glen Conklin requested Approval of the list of bills issued through December 13, 2023 in the amount of $835,132.72 for Council approval per the memo dated December 18, 2023.

(#15) Motion by Alderperson Oberlin seconded by Alderman Jefferson, to Approve the list of bills through December 13, 2023 in the amount of $835,132.72 per the memo dated December 18, 2023.

On roll call, the vote was:

AYES: Ald. Gazal, Oberlin, Cipiti, Albert, Kubal, Dyke, Vershay, Jefferson.

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: None.

There being eight (8) affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.

City Treasurer Glen Conklin presented the additional payroll for Police Retro from November 20, 2023 to December 3, 2023 in the Amount of $14,275.01 per the memo dated December 18, 2023.

City Treasurer Glen Conklin presented the regular and overtime payroll from November 20, 2023 through December 3, 2023 in the amount of $261,300.17 per the memo dated December 18, 2023.

Treasurer Conklin wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Alderman Jefferson asked where we are with creating job descriptions for the staff. Manager Strahl commented that there are job descriptions already in place and they are dated from 2019. Alderman Jefferson commented that he would like to come to City Center and review the job descriptions. Manager Strahl stated that he could email them to him. Alderperson Oberlin asked if he could email the descriptions to all the City Council. Manager Strahl commented that he can do that.

NEW BUSINESS: There were no new business items on the agenda.

COMMITTEE/LIAISON REPORTS: There were no Committee/Liaison reports on the agenda.

COUNCIL COMMENTS: Alderperson Oberlin wished everyone a Merry Christmas. She also gave her deepest sympathy to Alderwoman Gazal for the passing of her father.

Alderman Cipiti congratulated all the winners in the Holiday Lighting contest and commented that they all looked very good.

Alderman Albert congratulated all the winners of the contest and wished everyone a Merry Christmas.

Alderman Kubal wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

Alderman Dyke congratulated all winners and thanked them for decorating. He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year. He also gave his condolences to Alderwoman Gazal.

Alderman Vershay wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and he hopes 2024 brings more progress to the City of Crest Hill and our Country and hopes everyone is safe and healthy.

Alderman Jefferson wished everyone a Happy Holiday season. He also gave his condolences to Alderwoman Gazal for the loss of her father, and he wants everyone to know he admires her passion.

Alderwoman Gazal wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. She also commented that if you have family enjoy them because life changes quickly.

PUBLIC COMMENT: Linda Dyke, a resident on Kelly Avenue, wanted an update on the house located on Wilcox. She stated that she is going to FOIA all police calls to that house, get a petition, and go door to door and sue the city. She commented that she is tired of coming home and finding someone digging in her garbage. She stated that the last time she found someone digging in her garbage she told that person she was going to run them over if they did not move. She stated that she pays taxes and wants something done regarding the crime at that house. Chief Clark commented that he would look into this.

Mayor Soliman informed the Council that there was a need for an executive session on Personnel 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1), Collective Bargaining 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2), and Litigation 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11).

(#16) Motion by Alderperson Oberlin seconded by Alderman Jefferson to go into executive session on Personnel 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1), Collective Bargaining 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2), and Litigation 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11).

On roll call, the vote was:

AYES: Ald. Kubal, Dyke, Vershay, Jefferson, Gazal, Oberlin, Cipiti, Albert.

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: None.

There being eight (8) affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.

Executive Session 8:15 p.m.

(#17) Motion by Alderperson Oberlin seconded by Alderman Cipiti, to reconvene from the executive session on Personnel 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1), Collective Bargaining 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2), and Litigation 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11).

On roll call, the vote was:

AYES: Ald. Dyke, Vershay, Jefferson, Gazal, Oberlin, Cipiti, Albert, Kubal.

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: None.

There being eight (8) affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.

Reconvened 11:03 p.m.

A request was made for an Approval of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Metropolitan Alliance of Police, Chapter 15, Patrol, and the City of Crest Hill to define Holidays.

(#18) Motion by Alderman Jefferson seconded by Alderman Albert, for Approval of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Metropolitan Alliance of Police, Chapter 15, Patrol, and the City of Crest Hill to define Holidays.

On roll call, the vote was:

AYES: Ald. Vershay, Jefferson, Gazal, Oberlin, Cipiti, Albert, Kubal, Dyke.

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: None.

There being eight (8) affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.

A request was made for an Approval of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Metropolitan Police, Chapter 16, Sergeants, and the City of Crest Hill to define Holidays per the memo dated December 18, 2023.

(#19) Motion by Alderman Albert seconded by Alderman Jefferson, for Approval of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Metropolitan Police, Chapter 16, Sergeants, and the City of Crest Hill to define Holidays per the memo dated December 18, 2023.

On roll call, the vote was:

AYES: Ald. Cipiti, Albert, Kubal, Dyke, Vershay, Jefferson, Gazal, Oberlin.

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: None.

There being eight (8) affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.

There being no further business before the Council, and no action needed from the executive session, a motion for adjournment was in order.

(#20) Motion by Alderman Dyke seconded by Alderman Vershay, to adjourn the December 18, 2023 Council meeting.

On roll call, the vote was:

AYES: Ald. Jefferson, Gazal, Oberlin, Cipiti, Albert, Kubal, Dyke, Vershay.

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: None.

There being eight (8) affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:06 p.m.

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