Will County Gazette

City of Crest Hill City Council met Sept. 3.

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. Mayor Soliman asked everyone to remain standing for a moment of silence for Brent Hassert. Brent passed away on August 28, 2024, after a long battle. He was a very well-respected man not only in the City of Crest Hill but in the State of Illinois. He started his political career serving on the Will County Board in 1988 until 1993 and then was elected to the Illinois State House of Representatives representing District 85, which included Crest Hill in 1993, and he served until 2009 in which he was the Deputy House Republican Leader. In 2010, the City of Crest Hill hired Brent Hassert as their State Lobbyist and he was our Lobbyist until 2022, when his son, Josh Hassert, took over and is now our State Lobbyist. Mayor Soliman offered our condolences to his wife, Lee Ann, his children, and his grandchildren and asked for a moment of silence for Mr. Brent Hassert.

Alderperson Oberlin commented that she has known Brent since she was six (6) years old, and he was good friends with her older siblings. She stated that he was always the nicest man, and a caring individual, who never had a bad thing come out of his mouth. She expressed her condolences to his family.

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

Also present were: Interim City Administrator Tony Graff, Police Chief Ed Clark, Interim Public Works Director Mike Eulitz, Interim Director of Community Development Ron Mentzer, Attorney Mike Santschi.

Absent were: Alderwoman Jennifer Methvin, Alderman Joe Kubal, City Engineer Ron Wiedeman, Interim Finance Director Erica Waggoner, Interim Human Resource Manager Dave Strahl, Building Commissioner Don Seeman, Deputy Clerk Karen Kozerka.

Mayor Soliman commented that he received a text from Alderman Kubal, and he is excused from tonight's meeting.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Mayor Soliman presented the minutes from the Regular Meeting Held on August 19, 2024, for Council approval per the memo dated September 3, 2024.

(#1) Motion by Alderwoman Gazal seconded by Alderman Albert, to Approve the Minutes from the Regular Meeting Held on August 19, 2024, per the memo dated September 3, 2024.

On roll call, the vote was:

AYES: Ald. Dyke, Jefferson, Gazal, Oberlin.

NAYES: None.

ABSTAIN: Ald. Cipiti, Albert.

ABSENT: Ald. Methvin, Kubal.

There being four (4) affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.

Mayor Soliman commented that number two on the agenda is for informational purposes only and no action is required. This is just to inform the Council that we received and filed the draft minutes for the Plan Commission meeting held on August 8, 2024.

Mayor Soliman asked to deviate to agenda item number twelve under the Mayor's Report for the Proclamation for Constitution Week.

MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor Soliman presented the Proclamation for Constitution Week which is September 17th through September 23, 2024. Ward 3 and Ward 4 read the Proclamation.

(#2) Motion by Alderperson Oberlin seconded by Alderman Albert, to Approve the Proclamation for Constitution Week - September 17 - September 23, 2024, per the memo dated September 3, 2024.

On roll call, the vote was:

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

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: Ald. Kubal, Methvin.

There being six (6) affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.

Mayor Soliman announced that we have members from the Daughter's of the American Revolution in the audience tonight. Mayor Soliman presented the Proclamation to the members and thanked them for coming. Pat Decker thanked the Mayor and the Board members of Crest Hill for allowing them to attend tonight's meeting and accept the Proclamation and to promote Constitution Week from September 17-23 in the City of Crest Hill. She also introduced members of the local chapter of Daughter's of the American Revolution that were in attendance. Pat commented that the purpose of the mission of the Daughter's of the American Revolution is to perpetuate the memory of the Daughter's of the American Revolution and the spirit of the men and women who achieved American Independence in 1776. They promote the education of the Constitution in our schools, libraries, and city halls.

The Mayor and several Council members thanked the ladies for all they do and all their efforts.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR: Interim Administrator Tony Graff gave a report and update, which is as follows:

The Fire inspection and Testing was performed by ESSCO Engineering Systems. The next inspection will be elevator testing by KONE, Inc. The city did receive a temporary certificate from the State Fire Marshall with an extension for compliance until October 25th. KONE Inc. has scheduled the elevator inspection for October 14, 2024.

Front Damage Inside Clerk Windows: Only two vendors are willing to prepare a proposal to replace the cracked clerk windows. The proposals will be presented at the 9/9/2023 or 9/23/2024 Work Session.

Grand Prairie Water Commission "GPWC" (Lake Michigan Water Project): The Commission's next meeting is 9/5/2024.

STATEVILLE CORRECTIONAL CENTER - Working on the revenue impact with the potential closure of the Maximum Facility with relocating the inmates off site and the information will be provided at the 9/23/2024 Work Session.

Lockport Township Fire District Training Facility Proposed Project: Still on schedule to present the concept design. There will be a concept design review and presentation by the Fire District scheduled for the 9/9/2023 City Council Work Session. More information will be distributed before the work session meeting.

Route 66 100th Anniversary Tourism Grant Application: The application was completed and submitted to Heritage Corridor for review. There are a few revisions regarding the narrative part of the grant application working with Heritage Corridor. The revised copy will be emailed to the city council next week upon review by the Corridor. The final grant application date for the Heritage Corridor must be in by the middle of October. There will be more on the September 23rd Work Session Meeting.

The following Job Announcements were posted, and the Interim HR Director reviewed the job descriptions and created updated announcements for the following positions (the announcements have been posted on the city web site).

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER - We have received applications and will be working on prescreening and interviews, and they will be working with the Treasurer's Office with this.

BUILDING INSPECTOR - Has been posted again. The job announcement has been reposted with the deadline is 9/30/3024.

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR - They have received fifteen applications so far and there has been a lot more interest this time around.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR: The job announcement is being prepared to post on job sites and associations working with Ron Mentzer.

FINANCE DIRECTOR Recruitment: The final review has been done and the job announcement is out, and we have a first review of candidates in the next two weeks.

Mosquito Spraying by Clarke Environmental: The next spraying will be in about 2 weeks depending on the weather and data collected in the region.

Water Meter Replacement Project (ON-GOING) Non-Compliance property owners' appointments are progressing. They have been doing them on Wednesdays and Thursdays and Saturday mornings. Possibly can be completed by the end of October.

West Sanitary Sewer Treatment Project – Nothing new to report, still on schedule for the plant to be completed in 2026. Will keep everyone posted.

PLANNING COMMISSION MUNICODE PROGRAM UPDATE: The planning commission agendas are now being posted through Municode and the next step is to provide computers to the planning commission members for the agenda packets. City Clerk Vershay-Hall is working with our technology vendor and will provide an update for the 9/23/2024 Work Session.

State of Illinois Crime Lab/State Police Headquarters Project – UPDATE NOTHING NEW TO REPORT (PENDING): We believe this is on hold due to the Stateville Prison rebuild.

"COMMUNITY EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS"

WHITE OAK LIBRARY FALL FEST EVENT 9/28/2024 10 AM TO 2 PM. NEIGHBORS NIGHT OUT (Former National night out)

SEPTEMBER 4TH The Police Department will be providing more information about this event next week.

Alderwoman Gazal asked regarding the Fire Department will the residents near this facility be notified. Interim Administrator Graff commented that they will put another announcement out on the website inviting the public to come. The formal Public Hearing will notify any resident that is within that three-hundred-foot perimeter.

Alderman Cipiti asked how the relocation of Stateville and the inmates will affect Chaney- Monge School District. Interim Administrator Graff commented that we will have to follow up with them since this is a legislative act that will be impacted but they are aware of the special tax, and he will ask again.

Alderman Dyke asked if we could have the discussion of the Ford Explorers on the next Work Session Meeting. Interim Administrator Graff commented that he will find out at the staff meeting if this will be discussed again regarding the surplus of the vehicles, but the Public Works Department is using the vehicles as part of their fleet.

Alderman Dyke commented that on Oakland Avenue there is a bus lot with many buses in disrepair with missing doors, windows, and have not moved in a few years and asked if we could reach out and find out what is going on at First Student. Interim Administrator Graff commented that he would talk with the Building Department and have them look.

CITY ATTORNEY: Attorney Mike Santschi commented he had no agenda items but would answer any questions.

Alderwoman Gazal asked if the referendum could be placed on the next agenda for discussion. Attorney Santschi stated that he would have it on the next agenda.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT: Interim Public Works Director Mike Eulitz requested to Approve Vissering Construction Change Order #5 with an Addition of $36,428.00 per the memo dated September 3, 2024. These are for modifications for the West Treatment Plant.

(#3) Motion by Alderwoman Gazal seconded by Alderperson Oberlin, to Approve Vissering Construction Change Order #5 with an Addition of $36,428.00 per the memo dated September 3, 2024.

On roll call, the vote was:

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

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: Ald. Kubal, Methvin.

There being six (6) affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.

Interim Public Works Director Mike Eulitz requested Approval of Pay Request #19 and #20 from Vissering Construction Inc. with Direction to Send it to the IEPA for Approval and Disbursement for a Total Amount of $2,830,038.38 per the memo dated September 3, 2024.

(#4) Motion by Alderperson Oberlin seconded by Alderman Albert, to Approve Pay Request #19 and #20 from Vissering Construction Inc. with Direction to Send it to the IEPA for Approval and Disbursement for a Total Amount of $2,830,038.38 per the memo dated September 3, 2024.

On roll call, the vote was:

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

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: Ald. Kubal, Methvin.

There being six (6) affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.

Alderman Dyke asked if they could cut the culvert by the Old City Hall. He also asked if there was any news on getting the one side cut on Oakland Avenue. Interim Public Works Director Eulitz commented that he would look into that.

Alderman Dyke also thanked Interim Director Eulitz for putting up the No Truck signs but he has noticed that there are a few streets left and asked to replace the one that is on Center Street and Theodore because it is faded.

Alderman Cipiti asked if we could do a survey to see if these signs are helping the truck traffic issue to be able to see if it was worth spending the money. Interim Director Eulitz commented that he would think it would be easier for the police to issue a citation when the signs are there. Chief Clark commented that they are still issuing citations with the signs there, but he feels the issue is the truck drivers are putting their routes in the GPS and follow that through town and not paying attention.

Alderwoman Gazal asked for an update on the cameras for the Public Works Department. Interim Director Eulitz commented that they have quotes for the cameras at the Public Works Department and the East Treatment Plant and entry level devices. At this point, he commented that he believes we have a grant for that but would like that verified.

CITY ENGINEER: Mayor Soliman presented City Engineer Ron Wiedeman's request to Approve a Resolution Approving an Agreement for Wilcox Storm Sewer Improvement and Street Resurfacing by and Between the City of Crest Hill, Will County, Illinois, and H. Linden & Sons Sewer and Water for an Amount of $733,716.00 per the memo dated September 3, 2024.

(#5) Motion by Alderman Dyke seconded by Alderwoman Gazal, to Approve a Resolution Approving an Agreement for Wilcox Storm Sewer Improvement and Street Resurfacing by and Between the City of Crest Hill, Will County, Illinois, and H. Linden & Sons Sewer and Water for an Amount of $733,716.00 per the memo dated September 3, 2024.

On roll call, the vote was:

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

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: Ald. Kubal, Methvin.

There being six (6) affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.

Resolution #1258

POLICE DEPARTMENT: Police Chief Ed Clark requested to Approve an Ordinance Authorizing the Sale and/or Disposal of Certain Personal Property that is No Longer Necessary or Useful for the City's Public Purposes per the memo dated September 3, 2024. This is for ten shotguns and the sale of these will be used to offset the cost in the purchase of the 9mm guns.

(#6) Motion by Alderperson Oberlin seconded by Alderman Dyke, to Approve an Ordinance Authorizing the Sale and/or Disposal of Certain Personal Property that is No Longer Necessary or Useful for the City's Public Purposes per the memo dated September 3, 2024.

On roll call, the vote was:

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

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: Ald. Methvin, Kubal.

There being six (6) affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED. Ordinance #1994

Police Chief Ed Clark requested Approval to Purchase Glock 45 MOS 9mm Pistols and Red Dot Holosun Sighting System per the memo dated September 3, 2024. This would be the amount of $24,702.28. This cost will be covered by CPAT and Drug Asset Forfeiture money.

(#7) Motion by Alderman Albert seconded by Alderwoman Gazal, to Purchase Glock 45 MOS 9mm Pistols and Red Dot Holosun Sighting System per the memo dated September 3, 2024.

On roll call, the vote was:

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

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: Ald. Methvin, Kubal.

There being six (6) affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.

Chief Clark announced Neighbors Night Out on September 4, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Chief Clark thanked everyone who has volunteered and all the businesses for their donations and contributions. This will be a great Community Celebration. There will be a bounce house, touch-a-truck, face painting, reptile show, and a helicopter will be landing.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT: Interim Community Development Director Ron Mentzer requested to Approve an Ordinance Authorizing the Annexation of Certain Territory to the City of Crest Hill, Will County, Illinois (PINS: 06-03-25-421-028 and 06-03-25-421-029) per the memo dated September 3, 2024. These are vacant parcels located at the northwest corner of Caton Farm Road and Plum Street. The property owner has satisfied all the requirements of Resolution #360.

Mayor Soliman asked if there were any questions from the Council. There were none.

Mayor Soliman asked if anyone in the audience would like to speak for or against the request for Mr. Prado and the annexation. Let the record reflect that no one has approached the podium.

(#8) Motion by Alderperson Oberlin seconded by Alderman Albert, to Approve an Ordinance Authorizing the Annexation of Certain Territory to the City of Crest Hill, Will County, Illinois (PINS: 06-03-25-421-028 and 06-03-25-421-029) per the memo dated September 3, 2024.

On roll call, the vote was:

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

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: Ald. Kubal, Methvin.

There being six (6) affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED. Ordinance #1995

Interim Community Development Director Ron Mentzer requested to Approve an Ordinance Rezoning Certain Property Annexed to the City of Crest hill by Ordinance #1995 Dated September 3, 2024 from Will County R-3 to Crest hill Single Family Residence District R-1B and Approving the Front Yard Setback Variance from 30 Feet to 20 Feet with the Respect to the Real Property Located at Plum Street and Caton Farm Road (Application of Raphael Prado) in the City of Crest Hill per the memo dated September 3, 2024.

Mayor Soliman asked if there were any questions from the Council. There were none.

Mayor Soliman asked if anyone would like to speak for or against the request of Mr. Prado for the rezoning and setback variation request. Let the record reflect that no one has approached the podium.

(#9) Motion by Alderman Albert seconded by Alderwoman Gazal, to Approve an Ordinance Rezoning Certain Property Annexed to the City of Crest hill by Ordinance #1995 Dated September 3, 2024 from Will County R-3 to Crest hill Single Family Residence District R-1B and Approving the Front Yard Setback Variance from 30 Feet to 20 Feet with the Respect to the Real Property Located at Plum Street and Caton Farm Road (Application of Raphael Prado) in the City of Crest Hill per the memo dated September 3, 2024.

On roll call, the vote was:

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

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: Ald. Kubal, Methvin.

There being six (6) affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED. Ordinance #1996

Mayor Soliman and the Council have welcomed the Prado Family into the City of Crest Hill.

Interim Community Development Director Ron Mentzer requested to Approve an Ordinance Approving Multiple Variations to the Crest Hill Zoning Ordinance with Respect to Certain Real Property (Application of Scott McFedries - 1940 Sybil Drive) in the City of Crest Hill per the memo dated September 3, 2024. This is for four separate structures that were constructed without a permit.

Mayor Soliman asked if there were any questions from the Council. There were none.

Alderwoman Gazal commented that this will pass with or without her vote, but she must stand up for her resident that had the same situation, and they did not grant him his variation and he had to move his slab, shed, and pay penalties.

Mayor Soliman asked if anyone in the audience would like to speak for or against the request for Mr. & Mrs. McFedries for multiple variations located at 1940 Sybil Drive. Let the record reflect that no one has approached the podium.

(#10) Motion by Alderman Cipiti seconded by Alderperson Oberlin, to Approve an Ordinance Approving Multiple Variations to the Crest Hill Zoning Ordinance with Respect to Certain Real Property (Application of Scott McFedries - 1940 Sybil Drive) in the City of Crest Hill per the memo dated September 3, 2024.

On roll call, the vote was:

AYES: Ald. Oberlin, Cipiti, Albert, Jefferson.

NAYES: Ald. Gazal, Dyke.

ABSENT: Ald. Kubal, Methvin.

There being four (4) affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.

Ordinance #1997

Alderman Jefferson commented that he voted yes with a caveat that the resident in Ward 2 can come back to the Council and get the same chance.

Interim Community Development Director Ron Mentzer requested to Approve an Ordinance Amending Chapters 1.20, 1.24, and 1.28 or the Code of Ordinances of the City

of Crest Hill, Illinois per the memo dated September 3, 2024. This would be for the City's Administrative Citation Administrative Hearing process and the sections of the City Code that govern that process.

(#11) Motion by Alderman Albert seconded by Alderman Dyke, to Approve an Ordinance Amending Chapters 1.20, 1.24, and 1.28 or the Code of Ordinances of the City of Crest Hill, Illinois per the memo dated September 3, 2024.

On roll call, the vote was:

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

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: Ald. Kubal, Methvin.

There being six (6) affirmative votes,

Ordinance #1998

MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor Soliman commented that he received a request from the Government Liaison for the Chicago Payroll Chapter to support a Proclamation for National Payroll Week. Mayor Soliman requested to Approve a Proclamation for National Payroll Week per the memo dated September 3, 2024. The Council read the proclamation.

(#12) Motion by Alderman Dyke seconded by Alderwoman Gazal, to Approve the Proclamation for National Payroll Week per the memo dated September 3, 2024.

On roll call, the vote was:

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

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: Ald. Methvin, Kubal.

There being six (6) affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.

CITY CLERK: City Clerk Christine Vershay-Hall requested to Approve an Application for a Block Party for Loch Lane - Pat Rowe per the memo dated September 3, 2024. This is for Saturday, September 14, 2024. They would like to close off the east side of Loch Lane to Abby Lane and Abby Lane to Prestwick.

(#13) Motion by Alderman Albert seconded by Alderperson Oberlin, to Approve an Application for a Block Party for Loch Lane – Pat Rowe per the memo dated September 3, 2024.

On roll call, the vote was:

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

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: Ald. Methvin, Kubal.

There being six (6) affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.

City Clerk Christine Vershay-Hall requested to Approve an Application for a Block Party for Durness Court – Stieber & Albert per the memo dated September 3, 2024. This is for Sunday, September 8, 2024. They would like to close off Durness Court to Caton Farm Road.

(#14) Motion by Alderperson Oberlin seconded by Alderwoman Gazal, to Approve an Application for a Block Party for Durness Court - Stieber & Albert per the memo dated September 3, 2024.

On roll call, the vote was:

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

NAYES: None.

ABSTAIN: Ald. Albert.

ABSENT: Ald. Methvin, Kubal.

There being five (5) affirmatives votes, the MOTION CARRIED.

CITY TREASURER: City Treasurer Glen Conklin requested to Approve the list of bills issued through September 3, 2024, in the Amount of $993,160.29 per the memo dated September 3, 2024.

(#15) Motion by Alderperson Oberlin, seconded by Alderman Dyke, to Approve the list of bills issued through September 3, 2024, in the amount of $993,160.29 for Council approval per the memo dated September 3, 2024.

On roll call, the vote was:

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

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: Ald. Kubal, Methvin.

There being six (6) affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.

City Treasurer Glen Conklin presented the regular and overtime payroll from August 12, 2024, through August 25, 2024, in the amount of $248,237.77 per the memo dated September 3, 2024.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: There was no unfinished business.

NEW BUSINESS: There was no new business.

COMMITTEE/LIAISON REPORTS: There were no committee/liaison reports.

CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS: Alderman Jefferson extended his condolences to the Hassert Family.

Alderperson Oberlin wished Treasurer Glen Conklin a Happy Birthday.

Alderman Albert extended his condolences to the Hassert Family especially Lee and Josh. He commented that Brent Hassert has served our area well with a large park named after him and a street in Bolingbrook. May Brent Hassert rest in peace.

PUBLIC COMMENT: George Kast, a resident at 2039 Watertower Place, approached the podium and was happy that we claimed this Constitutional Week. He commented that he had tried to give paperwork to the Building Department, Maintenance Department, and the Police Department regarding the Constitution of the United States because the City of Crest Hill is violating citizens' rights. The city wants residents along Gaylord to maintain city property with no pay which is a violation of the 13th Amendment. The residents are threatened by putting liens on their property for not maintaining city property work for free. He commented that all three departments would not listen to him about the 13th Amendment and did not want a copy.

Mayor Soliman commented that there are several easements and parkways throughout the City of Crest Hill. All the homeowners are asked to maintain that easement and parkway by the City of Crest Hill and 99.9% of them do maintain the easements and parkways. We have done this for many years, and we should not have, and we are in a position now where we hire many college students to help us cut grass and maintain the properties that we were maintaining but now these student workers have returned to school. We are asking for the homeowner's cooperation to cut that property for us. The weeds are grown up and we would like some cooperation in helping maintain the grass and weeds. He then asked who is going to pay when their lawnmowers break cutting that property or if they get hurt cutting that property.

Alderwoman Gazal asked if we could have a discussion at the next Work Session regarding this topic and go over the law and discuss this since it is past the three minutes.

Attorney Santschi commented that it could be placed on the agenda and discuss and give staff the opportunity to investigate the claims being made. Alderwoman Gazal commented that she would like to know if the city can force people to do that and the legal aspect of this. She also asked if the resident chooses to not do this, what legally can the city do something.

Alderman Albert commented that the gentleman is talking about a parkway that is behind his house behind his fence. He stated that this is a unique situation and asked who maintains the property on the east side of Gaylord Road. George commented that he has seen the city cut that. Alderperson Oberlin commented that she knows several homeowners on that side who cut that themselves.

Alderman Albert commented that we have been maintaining that property and we need to continue that. There are homeowners who maintain it, which is great, but the moment they stop the city must start maintaining it again. Alderwoman Gazal commented that we cannot force people to do that, and some people do not have the money, time, or equipment to even do it. George commented that some residents do not have an exit in the back of their fence and would have to walk around the block to cut this mentioned parkway.

Christian Ortiz, a resident at 2014 Watertower Place, commented that under the Illinois Municipal League Crest Hill is a Non-Home Rule Municipality and according to that the city cannot make the homeowner maintain the front or the back and he has case law to prove this. He also commented that the Mayor is sitting here asking the residents to do a favor for the city, but it is followed by a threat. He also commented that inspectors are handing him tickets with a letter about a lien being placed on their property, so what kind of favor is that. He then commented under the color of law the Mayor cannot use his authority to make us do something that is illegal. He was upset that there was no call or discussion and just a threatening letter.

Attorney Santschi commented that the final disposition for the Ordinance on 1940 Sybil Drive was four (4) AYES votes and two (2) NAYES and there were not enough votes to pass the ordinance it would require five (5) AYES votes to pass. He then commented that this will require the Mayor to vote. Mayor Soliman voted AYES and Motion still CARRIED for Ordinance #1997.

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

(#16) Motion by Alderman Dyke seconded by Alderman Albert, to adjourn the September 3, 2024, Council meeting.

On roll call, the vote was:

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

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: Ald. Kubal, Methvin.

There being six (6) affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:18 p.m.

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