CITY OF COUNTRY CLUB HILLS REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL 1. A regular meeting of the City Council, City of Country Club Hills, County of Cook, State of Illinois, was held in the City Hall, 4200 W. 183rd Street at 7:02 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Alderman James Ford. a. The Pledge of Allegiance was given by all those in attendance. 2. THOSE ON ROLL CALL ANSWERING PRESENT WERE: Aldermen Ford, Lockett, Davis, Glispie and Evans. Also present were: City Clerk, Deborah McIlvain and City Attorney, John Murphey. Absent were: Mayor Welch and City Treasurer, Rhonda Williams. 2a. Invocation - The invocation was given by Pastor Tiller. Alderman Ford moved for Council approval of Alderman Lockett as Mayor Pro Temp. Second - Alderman Davis. Motion Carried Via Voice Vote. 3. Journal of Proceedings: A. Approval of Minutes 1. Administrative Meeting - May 19, 2014 2. Regular - May 27, 2014 Alderman Davis moved for Council approval of the minutes of the Administrative Meeting of May 19, 2014 and moved to table the minutes of the Regular of May 27, 2014 until the minutes could be corrected with additional details. Second - Alderman Evans. Discussion -none. Motion to approve the minutes of the Administrative Meeting of May 19, 2014 and to table the minutes of the Regular of May 27, 2014 Carried Via Voice Vote. 4. Communications and Reports by the Mayor: 5. City Clerk s Report No Report 6. Committee Reports Page -1-
I. Finance: Alderman Davis, Chairman (Committee Meeting June 19, 2014 5:00 pm) A. Approval of Vouchers - June 19, 2014 Alderman Davis moved for Council approval of vouchers in the amount of $877,992.14. Second - Alderman Evans. Discussion - Alderman Davis stated that this included the A/P disbursement and the payroll ap disbursement. Verification that the Sprint cell phone voucher had been pulled was provided. ROLL CALL VOTE 5 Ayes: Aldermen Ford, Lockett, Davis, Glispie and Evans. 0 Nays 0 Absent: Motion Declared Carried and Hereby Made a Part of the Original Journal of proceedings this date. Alderman Davis stated that a check had been received in the amount of $89,013.30 presenting the Castle Dargan/Haran Construction line of credit. He thanked Attorney Murphey and his firm for their assistance in the procurement of these funds. Alderman Davis also stated that he had received Attorney Murphey s payment for a red light violation. II. Law, Ordinance, Government Operations & Alderman Ford, Chairman Contract Compliance (TBA) A. Approval - A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Agreement and the Existence and Formation of the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System by Intergovernmental Cooperation Alderman Ford moved for Council approval of Resolution No R-05-14, A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Agreement and the Existence and Formation of the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System by Intergovernmental Cooperation. Second - Alderman Davis. Discussion - It was explained that this was a housekeeping issue, as the City needed to update its membership. The City had originally passed a resolution in 2004.. ROLL CALL VOTE 5 Ayes: Aldermen Ford, Lockett, Davis, Glispie and Evans. Page -2-
0 Nays 0 Absent: Motion Declared Carried and Hereby Made a Part of the Original Journal of proceedings this date. B. Approval - Collective Bargaining Agreement Between the City of Country Club Hills and State and Municipal Teamsters Local 700 - Sworn Police Unit May 1, 2013 - April 30, 2019 Alderman Ford Moved for Council approval of the Collective Bargaining Agreement Between the City of Country Club Hills and State and Municipal Teamsters Local 700 - Sworn Police Unit May 1, 2013 - April 30, 2019. Second - Alderman Glispie. Discussion - Alderman Evans stated that she respected the union and supported the police and fire officers; however, she still had questions regarding longevity, perks such as 100% tuition reimbursement, the length of the contact and the validity of the REM report. City Attorney, John Murphey stated that th 2% salary increases were locked in despite whatever changes there may be in the COLA and that of greater importance was the salary schedule for new hires, that the tuition reimbursement was subject to City Council approval and that the police and fire cannot strike; therefore the next step would have been binding arbitration. He continued that he felt this contact was in the best interest of the citizens and the Council and would assist in future years budgets. Alderman Evans stated she was in agreement with the new salary structure. Murphey stated that the City retains the right to lay off police officers if necessary. Alderman Evans inquired as to the time frame for retroactive pay. City Attorney Murphey stated that it typically takes between 30 and 60 days to calculate retro pay and it generally is paid within 45 days. Alderman Lockett stated that he was pleased with the agreement and the new salary structure. Alderman Davis stated that the new longevity structure was good and that if this contract was not approved it would move to binding arbitration. Attorney Murphey stated that this has been a give and take process with concessions made by all parties concerned. Alderman Lockett stated that if the contract were approved, he would be holding the police department to even higher standards of professionalism. ROLL CALL VOTE 4 Ayes: Aldermen Ford, Lockett, Davis, and Glispie. 1 Nays Alderman Evans 0 Absent: Motion Declared Carried and Hereby Made a Part of the Original Journal of proceedings this date. Page -3-
III. Public Works and Utilities Alderman Glispie, Chairman (Committee Meeting July 1, 2014 5:00 pm) Alderman Glispie stated that a committee meeting is scheduled for July 1, 2014 at 5:00 pm. IV. Economic Development, Planning, Zoning & Development (Committee Meeting TBA) Alderman Evans, Chairman pm. Alderman Evans stated that a committee meeting is scheduled for June 16, 2014 at 6:00 V. Insurance, Risk Management & Personnel Alderman Lockett, Chairman (Committee Meeting TBA) Alderman Lockett stated that a committee meeting is scheduled for June 19, 2014 at 6:00 pm. Alderman Davis moved to open the floor to the public. Second - Alderman Ford. Motion Carried Via Voice Vote. The following individuals addressed the Council: Jerome Howard, Country Club Hills, addressed the Council and expressed his displeasure with Alderman Glispie s performance as an elected official. He stated that he had called the alderman regarding stray animals, had not received a response, and had contacted the police department for resolution. He stated that he felt Alderman Glispie should resign. Izella Rogers, Country Club Hills, addressed the Council and complimented the Senior Police and Fire Academy and suggested it be offered to other groups. She stated that the Council deserves a full presentation on matters before it, not abbreviated presentations by chosen staff members. She stated that she felt land banking was controversial, would allow the Mayor too much power, would allow too many Section 8 rentals, and would lower the standards for housing in Country Club Hills. She stated that the Council was entitled to hear the truth about everything and that Attorney Murphey was full of c... regarding the police contact. She concluded by stating that the Council should demand more respect. Portia Lyons, Country Club Hills, addressed the Council and thanked all of the Country Club Hills Cares Day volunteers and expressed the hope that there would be even greater participation next year. Thomas Adams, Country Club Hills, addressed the Council and stated that he felt that the Mayor was leading the City backwards and asked what the aldermen were going to do regarding the possible payment of TIF funds to businesses not eligible for TIF funds. Jeremiah Anderson, Country Club Hills, stated that he was not happy with Alderman Glispie s performance, that Glispie should conduct Ward meetings for the residents and Page -4-
that he relied on staff to provide his reports. He asked that Glispie do a better job. Leora Bell, Country Club Hills, addressed the Council and reiterated her request that citizens address the Council and not face the audience. She stated that she felt the acquisition of Cooper s Grove was not wise as the space was too big and property taxes would be lost, and it would cost in excess of 4 million dollars to retrofit the property. She stated that if the building was to be paid for with cash flow, then the residents should be able to receive a property tax rebate from the same cash flow. Hosea Gray, Country Club Hills, addressed the Council and stated that he would be contacting the City Clerk for the names of the members of the Cable Commission, stated that the ethics ordinance covers officers and employees of the City and would provide for methods of enforcement of the forensic audit; however, it does not pertain to the legislative and executive branch. He stated that a formal letter regarding the forensic audit should be sent to the State s Attorney and the State Controller. He stated that despite the ratification of the Police collective bargaining agreement, there will still be the issues of overtime and the paid on call staff. He asked that the police call statistics and crime statistics be made available. Ballard Powell, Country Club Hills, informed the audience of a potential coyote problem in the Fawn Ridge area. He stated that any wrongdoing evidenced by the forensic audit should be submitted to the FBI; however, conflict of interest is not a criminal violation. Dwight Williams, Country Club Hills, stated that he was disappointed in the handling of the property at 19001 Cicero as it is not generating any revenue or any property taxes. Jerrell Thomas, Country Club Hills, inquired as to what procedures are in place to prevent possible actions without Council approval, the City should not be in the real estate business, and that the aldermen should be embarrassed by the results of the forensic audit and should d have policies and procedures in place. Ralph Tolbert, Country Club Hills, addressed the Council, and requested processes and procedures for expenditures, stated that the theater has lost money and that the aldermen should d put their salaries on the line regarding theater operations, stated that the possible acquisition of the Eagle grocery was not a good business decision, and suggested that a city cannot have a top rated police department when the department could not resolve the issue of missing monies at the front counter. Adamore Johnson, Country Club Hills, addressed the Council and requested that each of the aldermen address the issue of the forensic audit and provide answers this evening. Harry Evans, Country Club Hills, asked everyone to remember the former Mayor of Detroit and to take some time and make the right decisions. Thomas Frazier, Country Club Hills, stated that he was dismayed with the audit, could not blame the currently sitting aldermen and asked that residents vote from their heart. He stated that homes are in foreclosure because taxes are too high. Alderman Davis moved that the floor be closed to the public. Second - Alderman Ford. Motion Carried Via Voice Vote. 9. Aldermen s Reports Page -5-
Alderman Lockett stated that he felt that the most qualified individual who had applied for the position of Director of Inspectional Services, had not been hired by the Mayor and that the Mayor had chosen a different individual who was less qualified, possibly based on items other than qualifications. He stated that police statistics are supplied to the aldermen by the Chief of Police and that the POC police program should help with the department s overtime. He stated that 2011/2012 saw a change and that the elected officials eliminated 14 positions and approximately 2 million dollars from the budget, services have not been cut, a new Fire Chief has been hired and the Fire Department overtime has been reduced. He suggested that the theater be utilized 12 months of the year, that it belongs to the people of Country Club Hills and that he should be used by school districts 227 and 228. He stated that there has been no rebate because of the repayment of monies owed to Cook County. He continued that the entire Council should not be blamed, that he had supported and initiated the forensic audit, the investigation has just begun and that the Mayor is the individual responsible for filling out the IRS questionnaire. He stated that he was disappointed with the REM report, that they had previously done a good job but that they had eliminated important points in their final report, possible at the request of the Mayor and staff and that he was requesting a copy of the draft report.. He stated that he was not supporting the acquisition of the Eagle property (that the Mayor had wavered regarding the pricing of the property and that he did not support the property at 19001 Cicero. He continued by stating that he felt the possibility of providing dispatch services from Calumet Park was not a wise decision. He stated that it had been the City Manager s job to review vouchers prior to presentation to the Council for approval; however, now the Council has to do the Mayor s job and that as full time Mayor, he (the Mayor ) is not being fair to the residents. He encouraged residents to call the Mayor at City Hall and express their displeasure with the Mayor s choice for Director of Inspectional Services. Alderman Davis stated that the changes in government began in 2011. He continued that the current City Council is working for the people, that the Mayor initiated the current lawsuits, and he applauded the residents for their support of the Council. He stated that the forensic audit would not have taken place without the efforts of the current, independent City Council. He stated that many recommendations made by the forensic audit report have already taken place - the Mayor s spending limit has been reduced, City credit cards have been eliminated, contracts and the bidding process have been upgraded, and checks are no longer issued without prior Council approval. The treasurer is doing her due diligence and vouchers are not paid without the integrity of the paperwork verified. He stated that the Council will continue to correct and improve the process with independence and internal controls. He stated that the Police Collective Bargaining Agreement was achieved after an almost 6 month process and all of the aldermen were given the opportunity to provide input. He concluded by stating that the Theater Commission is working on ideas and concepts for the theater as it moves forward. Alderman Ford a\stated that the Inspector General appointment was made through the efforts of his committee (Law, Ordinance and Government Operations), that the State s Attorney has the forensic audit and will contact the City. He stated that some of the residents are not giving the Council credit for the things that have been accomplished and that many of the items cited in the forensic audit are old and were addressed some time Page -6-
ago. He stated that big change has taken place, the tax levy was lowered for the first time and would not have been lowered without the efforts of the Council. He stated that updating of the 911 systems and facilities is needed, and that the properties at 19001 Cicero and the Eagle Grocery store have been discussed in his committee and will be brought forward at a future Administrative Meeting (he explained that he will not be at the next scheduled administrative but will bring forward as soon as possible). He stated that no information should have been omitted from the REM report. He concluded by thanking everyone for attending the meeting. Alderman Glispie stated that he regularly speaks with the residents in the first Ward and he apologized for not receiving the phone call from Mr. Howard. He concluded by starting that he felt that the residents will reject and elect those candidates that are the best. Alderman Evans stated that she was sad regarding the residential foreclosure issue, angry that the City is paying the price because taxes are too high along with bonds, debt, and taxes. She is ashamed that these situations were allowed to occur and that individuals should be held responsible, and happy that the residents have a tangible document to review. She stated that she has reviewed the forensic audit in its entirety and feels that the situation is due to multi-million dollar mismanagement. She stated that the residents need to express their opinions regarding the theater and its possible expansion. She stated that she had nothing negative to say regarding renters (they also need to have a voice), that land banking was not something she could support and that the Housing Commission should be utilized in a better manner. She stated that the Boards and Commission are being utilized and used for the wrong reasons, she was disappointed in the REM report, was not in support of the acquisition of the Eagle property and questioned the cost of purchase and development of the property. She stated that the union contact with the Police Department was not just a 2% increase but was for too long of a period of time (6 years) and that the Police Department was approaching the limit of their overtime budget already. She concluded by inquiring as to whether this meeting would be televised. Alderman Lockett again encouraged residents to call City Hall at 708-798-2616 and express their opinion regarding the individual selected for the position of Director of Inspectional Services. Alderman Glispie stated that he can be reached at 708-955-3114.. A motion was made by Alderman Ford to adjourn. Second - Alderman Glispie. Motion Carried Via Voice Vote and hereby made a part of the original journal of proceedings this date. Meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm. Deborah M. McIlvain, City Clerk Page -7-
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