Kankakee council approves bills, parking ordinances, surplus sales and personnel appointment

Kankakee City Council on Jan. 20 approved a slate of financial and administrative measures, including payments totaling $1,005,614.57 for city bills and $1,058,572.41 for the Environmental Services Utility, adopted several ordinances on handicap parking and surplus property, and confirmed a personnel appointment.

The council approved the city bills, with Alderman Talley moving payment and a unanimous roll-call vote. Alderman Johnson called attention to check #4054 for $49,500 to Sound Thinking, identified in the meeting as ShotSpotter.

Council also approved an ordinance establishing handicap parking at 2820 Devine Street and another establishing two handicap parking signs on East Mulberry Street near North Hobby Avenue. Both measures were passed after motions to suspend rules and final-reading votes.

Members combined and approved ordinances declaring certain city and department property surplus (police, fire, environmental services utility and code enforcement) and discussed sending about a dozen vehicles to auction; staff said the police department typically coordinates such sales.

The council approved a first amendment to the development agreement with 505 South Schuyler, LLC. Director Brewer Watson said the final portion of approximately $150,850 will be distributed on completion of the facade work, with $15,000 held back until landscaping is finished; the Economic Development Committee had recommended releasing 85% on facade completion.

The council confirmed Captain Christopher A. Salazar as deputy fire chief by unanimous vote; Salazar was sworn in during the meeting. Separately, the council approved a resolution to accept an engineering proposal tied to a state grant for North Schuyler Avenue streetscape design.

The meeting closed with routine business and an adjournment vote.