Eric Barden

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer, followed by the approval of an agenda change to add pending litigation to the closed session. A public hearing was held regarding the Appropriation Ordinance, which grants the city legal authority to spend, with the total proposed appropriation for all funds set at $43,337,648 for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2020. Key discussions during the budget review included the details of the E911 fund reimbursement related to the STARCOM radio purchase, the structure of the Zion Newport Fire Station Fund, and the netting of funds from the Emergency Service Rescue and Fire Protection funds into the general fund. Further review covered the Street Bridge Fund, including increased allocations for patching, and details on TIF districts (District 6, Trump Park, South Sheridan Road, and Crane Meadows) earmarked for development incentives and future projects. The financial health of the Water and Sewer Fund, specifically the planned $1 million infrastructure project funded by rate increases, was also detailed. Finally, the meeting addressed the approval of bills and vouchers and the formal passing of the Appropriation Ordinance.

The meeting commenced with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, which attendees were asked to recite slowly. Key discussions during the citizens' comments section centered on several critical issues. Opposition was voiced against a proposed Home Rule proposal, citing risks related to increased taxes, debt, and limitations on private property rights without voter approval. Conversely, support was expressed for Home Rule as a means to facilitate rental inspections and provide greater legislative flexibility. Significant concerns were raised regarding recurring property flooding issues, property maintenance, and the perceived lack of city action or assistance during emergencies, with residents detailing substantial financial and personal property damage. Concerns about housing quality, especially in renter-occupied buildings, including Section 8 housing, were brought forward, prompting discussion on the city's rental inspection program and nuisance abatement policies. Additionally, residents requested improved street lighting and increased security measures, such as more cameras, citing current darkness as a factor contributing to crime. City officials acknowledged staffing shortages across police and public works departments as constraints on addressing infrastructure issues, while defending the minimal increase in the city's portion of property taxes.

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mr. Brimner, followed by a prayer from Pastor Carl Williamson, Chaplain at the CTCA Cancer Treatment Center of America. Key agenda items included citizen comments regarding the volunteer efforts in December 2021, concerns about a new gaming cafe opening at 3235 Sheriff's Road, and the issue of seven unlit streetlights on 31st Street between 31st and 33rd on Sheridan Road. A citizen also urged the enforcement of mass mandates due to the ongoing pandemic and its economic impact. The council approved the minutes from the December 21, 2021, regular meeting and authorized payment of bills totaling $2,820,119.16. Zoning docket 22-Z-1, requesting a special use permit for a daycare at Grace Missionary Church, was approved, along with zoning docket 22-Z-2, requesting a variance for accessory building height at 2111 Gillian Avenue. Discussion also covered extending the battalion chief's stipend indefinitely to manage potential overtime burdens related to the pandemic, and adjusting minimum wages for police department employees to comply with the Illinois minimum wage law effective January 1, 2022. Finally, the council considered a non-binding letter of intent for the development of parcels in Brighton Ponds, proposing the creation of a residential Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district not to exceed $4,000,000 to fund necessary infrastructure upgrades.

The meeting began with the administration of the Oath of Office, followed by an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Agenda items included the approval of the agenda, citizens' comments regarding slow police response to a stolen trailer case, approval of the consent agenda which covered minutes from a previous meeting and associated vouchers, and consideration of a resolution to amend personnel authorization to hire a replacement for a retiring finance department employee, ensuring cross-training overlap. Additionally, the council considered an ordinance to update the sexual harassment prohibition policy and procedure to comply with new state legislation, which spurred significant discussion regarding the scope of protected characteristics and the potential liability for expressing personal opinions in the workplace.

The City Council meeting included a special presentation regarding the newly formed Animal Control Commission. The commission chair detailed the commissioners appointed, the first meeting, and the focus on improving animal control operations, including implementing microchipping and seeking resources. Citizen comments addressed concerns regarding a specific husky transfer to Lake County due to lack of microchipping, effectiveness of current animal control practices, and the status of funds raised by the 'Cause for Pause' fundraiser designated for animal control improvements, specifically for purchasing outdoor runs. The council also addressed operational costs related to the new contract with Lake County Animal Control, noting that services for dogs are free but cat pickups incur a fee. Key agenda items involved passing a resolution for supplemental funding for the 2017 FA project improvement under the Illinois Highway Code and passing a resolution to apply for 2019 Community Development Block Grant funding for sidewalk replacement and handicapped ramp installation. Finally, the council voted to approve an agreement with Lake County Health Department for animal care and control programs and discussed a ground lease agreement with Flat Rock Holding LLC concerning a proposed medicinal cannabis cultivation center.