Will County Gazette

City of Crest Hill City Council met Jan. 20.

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 remembrance for Martin Luther King. Mayor Soliman commented that Martin Luther King was a gentleman who brought non-violent change to the United States of America. These were much needed changes, and we are honoring his legacy for bringing much needed peace and we extend our condolences to his family and thank him for all his sacrifices.

Mayor Soliman also asked for a moment of silence for all the people who have lost their lives and homes to the California fires and to keep those impacted and the First Responders in our prayers.

Roll call indicated the following present: Mayor Raymond Soliman, City Treasurer Glen Conklin, City Clerk Christine Vershay-Hall, Alderman Scott Dyke, Alderwoman Claudia Gazal, Alderperson Tina Oberlin, Alderman Mark Cipiti (7:21p), Alderman Nate Albert, Alderman Joe Kubal.

Also present were: Interim City Administrator Tony Graff, Police Chief Ed Clark, City Engineer Ron Wiedeman, Interim Public Works Director Julius Hansen, City Attorney Mike Stiff.

Absent were: Alderwoman Jennifer Methvin, Alderman Darrell Jefferson, Finance Director Glenn Gehrke, Community and Economic Development Director Patrick Ainsworth, Interim Human Resource Manager Dave Strahl, Interim Community Development Director Ron Mentzer, Building Commissioner Don Seeman.

Mayor Soliman asked to deviate to the Mayor's Report, agenda item number nine.

MAYOR'S REPORT: Approve a Resolution Honoring Jason F. Opiola on his Retirement as Deputy Chief of the City of Crest Hill Police Department per the memo dated January 20, 2025. The Resolution was read by the Council.

(#1) Motion by Alderman Albert seconded by Alderperson Oberlin, to Approve a Resolution Honoring Jason F. Opiola on his Retirement as Deputy Chief of the City of Crest Hill Police Department per the memo dated January 20, 2025.

On roll call, the vote was:

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

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: Ald. Methvin, Jefferson, Cipiti.

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

Resolution #1276

Jason Opiola approached the podium and accepted the resolution. Mayor Soliman thanked Jason and his family for all his hard work, dedication, and his loyalty to the City of Crest Hill.

Jason commented that it was not an easy decision, and all the relationships and friendships meant so much to him. He also thanked his family for sticking by him and he knows that they will sleep a little easier at night with his decision. He then thanked Police Chief Ed Clark for his friendship and mentorship, and said he will miss him.

Standing ovation was given to Jason Opiola.

Alderman Dyke thanked Jason for all he has done for the community and residents.

Alderwoman Gazal thanked Jason for his service.

Alderperson Oberlin thanked Jason and wished him well.

Alderman Albert thanked Jason for his leadership in the Police Department and thanked him for his friendship and is sad to see him go.

Alderman Kubal thanked Jason for his service and wished him and his family the best of luck.

PUBLIC HEARING: Conduct A Public Hearing with Respect to an Alternative Water Source Distribution System Improvements-Amended PEID per the memo dated January 20, 2025.

(#2) Motion by Alderperson Oberlin seconded Alderman Albert, to Open a Public Hearing with Respect to an Alternative Water Source Distribution System Improvements-Amended PEID per the memo dated January 20, 2025.

On roll call, the votes was:

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

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: Ald. Cipiti, Methvin, Jefferson.

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

The Public Hearing opened at 7:15 p.m.

Engineer Wiedeman commented that the Public Hearing is being held for the modifications to the plan which is to amend the Preliminary Environmental Impact Determination which is the PEID.

If comments are not provided here tonight, they can be sent to Chris Covert, Project Manager, Infrastructure Financial Assistance Section, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Bureau of Water, 1021 North Grand Avenue East, P.O. Box 19276, Springfield, Illinois 62794-9276 or Ronald J Wiedeman P.E., City Engineer, at City of Crest Hill 20600 City Center Boulevard Crest Hill, IL 60403, or email: rwiedeman@cityofcresthill.com. For further information, contact Chris Covert, IEPA project manager at 217-782-2027.

Alderwoman Gazal commented that she received a text from Alderman Jefferson stating he is stuck in traffic and is out of town and will not make the meeting. She also commented that Alderman Cipiti commented that he will be running late as well.

Chris Covert, the project manager, thanked everyone for having him here tonight. He explained that when you go for federal money you have to go through environmental clearances with agencies and then present it to the public. There are five different loans that these covers. He gave a presentation showing the watermain and what is still included in the project. He showed slides of what the facility would look like.

Engineer Wiedeman explained that the documents are at the Clerk's Office if anyone would like to review these, or they can reach out to him or Chris Covert at the numbers above.

Mayor Soliman asked if anyone in the audience would like to speak for or against this and there were none.

Mayor Soliman then asked for a motion to close the public hearing.

(#3) Motion by Alderperson Oberlin seconded by Alderwoman Gazal, to Close a Public Hearing with Respect to an Alternative Water Source Distribution System Improvements- Amended PEID per the memo dated January 20, 2025.

On roll call, the vote was:

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

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: Ald. Methvin, Jefferson.

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

The Public Hearing was closed at 7:23 p.m.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Mayor Soliman presented the minutes from the Regular Meeting Held on January 6, 2025, for Council approval per the memo dated January 20, 2025.

(#4) Motion by Alderwoman Gazal seconded by Alderman Dyke, to Approve the Minutes from Regular Meeting Held on January 6, 2025, per the memo dated January 20, 2025. On roll call, the vote was:

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

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: Ald. Methvin, Jefferson.

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

CITY ATTORNEY: Attorney Stiff requested to Approve an Ordinance Amending Section 12.36.020 (Settlement) of Chapter 12.36 (Mailboxes of Title 12 (Streets and Sidewalks)) of the City of Crest Hill Code of Ordinances per the memo dated January 20, 2025.

(#5) Motion by Alderman Cipiti seconded Alderperson Oberlin, to Approve an Ordinance Amending Section 12.36.020 (Settlement) of Chapter 12.36 (Mailboxes of Title 12 (Streets and Sidewalks)) of the City of Crest Hill Code of Ordinances per the memo dated January 20, 2025.

On roll call, the vote was:

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

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: Ald. Methvin, Jefferson.

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

Ordinance #2011

Alderwoman Gazal gave a reminder that she wants the Community Room discussion on the next work session meeting agenda. Interim Administrator Graff commented that he would discuss this with the Clerk's Office and find out who would be using this room, which we believe it would be non-profit uses. He also commented that we need to look into the insurance part of it.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR: Interim City Administrator Tony Graff requested Consideration of Cameras in the Workplace Policy Employee Handbook Addition (Revised per Discussion - January 13, 2025) per the memo dated January 20, 2025. He commented that all concerns have been captured in the changes to the resolution.

(#6) Motion by Alderwoman Gazal seconded by Alderperson Oberlin, to Approve a Resolution for Consideration of Cameras in the Workplace Policy - Employee Handbook Addition (Revised per Discussion - January 13, 2025) per the memo dated January 20, 2025.

On roll call, the vote was:

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

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: Ald. Methvin, Jefferson.

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

Resolution #1277

He commented that for informational purposes White Oak Library has a referendum on their ballot and asked if the Council would like him to reach out to the library and see if they would like to give a presentation.

The Fire District turned in their documents but a couple more are needed, and the Plan Commission hearing will be on February 13, 2025, if the documents come in and there is enough time for the publication.

The attorney is working on preparing a letter to send to the company to request damage reimbursement from the BL Duke fire. They are also working on getting grants for radio communications.

Interim Administrator Graff commented that two conditional offers for the Building Inspector positions were given; one is a full-time position and the other is a part-time position.

The City Administrator recruitment has provided a schedule, and they will discuss this at the next work session meeting.

They are still working on replacing water meters.

He then commented that none of the businesses who were in default on their Places for Eating Taxes showed up to their administrative hearing. Interim Administrator Graff commented that they will discuss with the attorney the next steps to authorize the city attorney to file a civil suit against the businesses.

He mentioned that we received the extension and payment for the old City Hall, and this will be on the March Plan Commission date.

Alderman Dyke asked if we can reuse the banners from the Winter Fest for next year and was told they believe so.

Mayor Soliman asked the Council if anyone had any objections to having the library come and give a presentation on their referendum. There were no objections.

Alderwoman Gazal commented that there needs to be a discussion regarding where to put the cornerstone sign.

PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT: Interim Public Works Director Julius Hansen requested to Approve the Emergency Work Shown in Change Order 8 with Vissering Construction Company to Complete the Work to Structure 60- Existing Excess Flow Clarifier to Transfer Material from the West STP Plant to the East STP Plant not to Exceed an Amount of $55,757.00 per memo dated January 20, 2025.

(#7) Motion by Alderman Albert seconded by Alderperson "Oberlin, to Approve the Emergency Work Shown in Change Order 8 with Vissering Construction Company to Complete the Work to Structure 60- Existing Excess Flow Clarifier to Transfer Material from the West STP Plant to the East STP Plant not to Exceed an Amount of $55,757.00 per the memo dated January 20, 2025.

On roll call, the vote was:

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

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: Ald. Methvin, Jefferson.

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

Alderman Dyke asked if they could replace the no truck sign on Theodore and Center because it is faded and needing replaced. Also, there are no truck signs on Theodore and Highland. Interim Director Hansen stated he would look into that.

CITY ENGINEER: City Engineer Ron Wiedeman requested to Approve a Resolution Approving a Construction Agreement for 2024 Sanitary Cleaning and Televising by and between the City of Crest Hill, Will County, Illinois and Hoeer Construction, Inc. for an Amount of $89,760.00 per memo dated January 20, 2025.

(#8) Motion by Alderperson Oberlin seconded Alderman Albert, to Approve a Resolution Approving a Construction Agreement for 2024 Sanitary Cleaning and Televising by and between the City of Crest Hill, Will County, Illinois and Hoeer Construction, Inc. for an Amount of $89,760.00 per the memo dated January 20, 2025.

On roll call, the vote was:

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

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: Ald. Methvin, Jefferson.

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

Resolution #1278

City Engineer Ron Wiedeman requested to Approve a Resolution Approving a Construction Agreement for Ludwig Water Main Replacement from Center to Cora by and between the City of Crest Hill, Will County Illinois and Len Cox & Sons Excavating per the memo dated January 20, 2025. This is for an amount of $119,000.00.

(#9) Motion by Alderman Dyke seconded Alderman Albert, to Approve a Resolution Approving a Construction Agreement for Ludwig Water Main Replacement from Center to Cora by and between the City of Crest Hill, Will County Illinois and Len Cox & Sons Excavating per the memo dated January 20, 2025.

On roll call, the vote was:

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

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: Ald. Methvin, Jefferson.

There being six (6) affirmative votes, the MOTION CARRIED. Resolution #1279

City Engineer Ron Wiedeman requested to Approve a Resolution Approving an Engagement Letter by and between the City of Crest Hill, Will County, Illinois and Chapman and Cutler, LLP (for Funding through the Water Pollution Control Loan Program as Administered by the IEPA for the Capital Projects Required for the City's Switch to Lake Michigan Water Supply for a not to Exceed an Amount of $20,000.00) per the memo dated January 20, 2025.

(#10) Motion by Alderperson Oberlin seconded by Alderman Albert, to Approve a Resolution Approving an Engagement Letter by and between the City of Crest Hill, Will County, Illinois and Chapman and Cutler, LLP (for Funding through the Water Pollution Control Loan Program as Administered by the IEPA for the Capital Projects Required for the City's Switch to Lake Michigan Water Supply for a not to Exceed an Amount of $20,000.00) per the memo dated January 20, 2025.

On roll call, the vote was:

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

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: Ald. Methvin, Jefferson.

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

Resolution #1280

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: There were no Community Development agenda items.

POLICE DEPARTMENT: Police Chief Ed Clark commented that he had no agenda items but was happy to answer any questions. There were no questions.

CITY CLERK: City Clerk Christine Vershay-Hall commented that she has nothing to report.

CITY TREASURER: City Treasurer Glen Conklin requested to Approve the List of Bills Issued Through January 21, 2025, in the Amount of $2,578,886.75 per the memo dated January 20, 2025.

(#11) Motion by Alderperson Oberlin, seconded by Alderman Dyke, to Approve the List of Bills Issued Through January 21, 2025, in the Amount of $2,578,886.75 per the memo dated January 20, 2025.

On roll call, the vote was:

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

NAYES: None

ABSENT: Ald. Methvin, Jefferson.

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

City Treasurer Glen Conklin presented the Regular and Overtime Payroll from December 30, 2024, through January 12, 2025, in the amount of $270,101.32 per the memo dated January 6, 2025.

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: Alderperson Oberlin asked if everyone could take a moment to reflect on Dr. King's work that he started and hopefully it can continue if everyone could take a moment to encourage his thinking in their everyday life.

PUBLIC COMMENT: Linda Dyke, a resident, commented that her aunt had a house where she had to pay a tap-on fee to the City of Crest Hill, and Linda has found the paperwork to prove her aunt paid the tap-on fee. She then asked who keeps the records at the city and was told the Water & Sewer Department and she commented that she will be going there tomorrow to see if they have records.

Mayor Soliman informed the Council that there was a need for an executive session on Security Procedures 5ILCS 120/2(c)(8) per the memo dated January 20, 2025.

(#12) Motion by Alderperson Oberlin seconded by Alderman Albert, to go into executive session on Security Procedures 5ILCS 120/2(c)(8) per the memo dated January 20, 2025. On roll call, the vote was:

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

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: Ald. Methvin, Jefferson.

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

Executive Session 7:53 p.m.

(#13) Motion by Alderperson Oberlin seconded by Alderwoman Gazal, to reconvene from the executive session on Security Procedures 5ILCS 120/2(c)(8) per the memo dated January 20, 2025.

On roll call, the vote was:

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

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: Ald. Methvin, Jefferson.

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

Reconvened 8:36 p.m.

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

(#14) Motion by Alderman Dyke seconded by Alderwoman Gazal, to adjourn the January 20, 2025, Council meeting.

On roll call, the vote was:

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

NAYES: None.

ABSENT: Ald. Methvin, Jefferson.

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

The meeting was adjourned at 8:37 p.m.

https://cresthill-il.municodemeetings.com/sites/cresthill-il.municodemeetings.com/files/fileattachments/city_council/meeting/4594/city_council_minutes_january_20_2025.pdf