#3 As Illinoisans know, Governor J.B. Pritzker extended the Stay-at-Home order until (at least) May 31. Groups are protesting and some businesses are reopening. According to NBCChicago.com, a total of 2,994 new cases of the virus were reported today, bringing the state’s total number of COVID-19 cases to 61,499. The statewide death toll is 2,618.
1) What do you think of this and will you follow the order?
2) How has this order affected your life and how are you coping?
February 25, 2020
Resident Kimberly Byrne brought up more concerns regarding recreational cannabis. As she listened to pros and cons at a recent meeting, the term “money” was loud and clear, namely, how much money will be made, how it will be made, how profits and taxes will be assigned and distributed, and how important this is to the city right now.
Byrne reminded us of four addiction centers in the city and close proximity of where dispensaries may be planned. She gave several examples of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and how it relates to the numerous vice businesses already here. There was also an issue of risk, the city’s bond rating and how the city caters to special interests.
Longtime resident and former Alderman Allan Stevo gave a searing commentary regarding several concerns. Stevo asked that the cannabis issue be tabled and allow the voters to decide. He expressed that there was an unfair bidding process involving the property at 2427 Burr Oak Ave. He knew of some people who wanted to bid on said property but it was already sold to Beggar’s Pizza. Former Alderman Cantelo (brother of current Ald. Cantelo-Zylman) was buying this property and felt this was an inside job. He requested that deal also be tabled and allow re-advertising to sell the property.
Stevo asked Ald. Bilotto why he led the charge to refuse $5 million from Quorum Health, owner of MetroSouth. He felt that the money could have purchased ambulances, fire trucks, EMT training, etc. Bilotto stated that he answered this already at a previous Community Development meeting. Stevo wanted an answer now and said the residents were holding him accountable and responsible for this. Bilotto thanked Stevo for his comments. The two sparred briefly over “petty politics,” as Stevo did not feel that $5 million was petty. In closing, Stevo asked when justice will ever be served for Robbie Silva and Carlos Salgado. Throughout the commentary, there was audible throat-clearing from the council and Vargas pounded his gavel.
Present were Mayor Domingo Vargas, Clerk Randy Heuser, Attorney Cary Horvath, Treasurer Carmine Bilotto, and Aldermen Annette Alexander, Fred Bilotto, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, Candace Carr, William Cazares, Bill Fahrenwald, Tom Hawley, Johnny Hill, Dexter Johnson, James Klinker, and Nancy Rita. Aldermen Kevin Donahue, Mike Mech and Alecia Slattery were absent.
City Council, February 11, 2020
Longtime resident and activist Rachell Orozco addressed the board to honor fellow citizen Barbara Ennis who passed from this life on February 2nd. Ennis was the Executive Director of the Blue Island Women of Worship Outreach Ministry located at 12654 S. Maple Avenue. This ministry used to have a halfway house but could no longer keep it open because of funding issues.
However, the group continued to help the homeless and women in need. Orozco stated, “It’s our responsibility as citizens to help each other. Ennis and the Women of Worship did other volunteer work including serving food at Black Culture Nite.” Ennis’ final voluntary act was when she donated her body to science.
Ald. Cazares, 2nd Ward, brought up the issue of the recent exaggerated water bills. He wanted insight into what caused the problem and assurance that it wouldn’t happen again. Mayor Vargas said there was a meter issue, a glitch on some of the machines, and residents have come in and have been courteously dealt with on a one-on-one basis. Clerk Heuser conceded that the readers were old resulting in a reader error, and this would likely be brought to the Municipal Services Committee in the near future.
Cazares asked about residents who paid the mistaken higher amount? Heuser said the amount paid would be carried forward to the next bill. Ald. Johnson, 1st Ward, wanted to know if this was the same issue that occurred in his ward a couple years ago where there was no reconciliation. This was believed to be a computer issue. Vargas reaffirmed that new equipment is needed and the Finance Committee would address this. Anyone with water bill issues can call the Water Department at 597-8605.
Present were Mayor Domingo Vargas, Clerk Randy Heuser, Attorney Kelly Burke, Treasurer Carmine Bilotto, and Aldermen Annette Alexander, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, Candace Carr, William Cazares, Kevin Donahue, Bill Fahrenwald, Tom Hawley, Johnny Hill, Dexter Johnson, James Klinker, Mike Mech and Nancy Rita. Aldermen Fred Bilotto and Alecia Slattery were absent.
City Council, January 28, 2020
An interesting issue that will get attention was presented by Ald. Bilotto regarding a sinking parking lot at 13101 S. Western Ave. (Dunkin Donuts). Resolution # 2020-006 authorizes and approves a geotechnical engineering service to drill in several places to find out the problem and how to remedy. A building sat on the property until the 80s and may have been improperly backfilled. The lot sinks a few inches every year and the City throws blacktop to the affected area every year, which is a band-aid solution.
Outside of the meeting, the subject matter of sinking parking lots led to a discussion prompting further research. Soil problems and moisture are indeed a cause. According to PavementSpecialties.com, “The soil under your parking lot needs to be properly compacted. If it isn’t, one bad freeze/thaw cycle could be enough to change the levels and balance, making your asphalt completely unstable.”
Furthermore, “Too much moisture, whether from weather or poor drainage, can cause soil erosion resulting in a sinking parking lot.” Our weather range of freezing cold to extreme heat further exasperates the situation. We will look forward to this unearthing discovery.
Present were Mayor Domingo Vargas, Clerk Randy Heuser, Attorney Cary Horvath, and Aldermen Annette Alexander, Fred Bilotto, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, Candace Carr, William Cazares, Bill Fahrenwald, Tom Hawley, Dexter Johnson, James Klinker, and Mike Mech. Treasurer Carmine Bilotto, and Aldermen Kevin Donahue, Johnny Hill, Nancy Rita, and Alecia Slattery were absent.
Last winter, a friend told me that Jussie Smollett told his attorney that he actually felt bad about the mess he caused and the attorney told him not to beat himself up too badly about it. At the time it was slightly funny, and juss when I thought it was over, it never really was. January 29th, 2020, is the one-year anniversary of the fake attack.
I had never heard of Jussie Smollett before his false claim of a self-inflicted and staged attack. The whole thing seemed odd from the start and I couldn’t help but notice how the media kept saying “the alleged attack,” as if they never believed it either but were obligated to report news.
When I first saw Jussie Smollett on the news, I thought he was in his early 20s. I was surprised to learn that he was 36 at the time. That’s quite a difference. I would never expect a 36-year-old to pull a (publicity) stunt like that, however, it would not be surprising if this came from an early 20-year-old. Perhaps he thought his star should have risen earlier and he was getting too old to be noticed. Either way, he’s proven himself to be an idiot, because he was old enough to know better.
The aftermath of Smollett’s publicity stunt is appalling. He definitely owes the city of Chicago a public apology and pay back the money that was wasted on a fruitless investigation. The Chicago Police have serious issues to deal with and wasted a lot of time on this false claim. The community service Smollett performed at Operation Push (eight hours) was a joke that was not funny. He needs to give back to the community he exploited.
First, there is the gay community. Smollett is a spoiled brat who has no clue of the hardship and sacrifices endured by the gay community who could never “come out” because their lives would be at stake.
Second, he betrayed the black community, especially when he added the final touch of the noose around his neck. I wonder if he added the noose last, as if he was putting a tie around his neck before he stepped out that evening. A double whammy was when he lied to Robin Roberts (gay and black) in a TV interview complete with tears.
When Smollett’s charges were dropped, he strutted his pompous ass like a peacock with fanned feathers. (However, the peacock is innocent in its theatrical display.)
So, let’s say that JUSStice is never served in this case. We need to remember and reflect on something that will last. How many shooting stars rose to fame but fell? Everyone has their day. Think of some of your favorites that we no longer see nor hear about … or someone attempting a comeback.
A personal favorite is actor Tom Sizemore who starred in many movies including Saving Private Ryan, Black Hawk Down, and Heat. Sizemore spiraled out of control from a drug addiction (that plagued him since teenage years) and fell from grace HARD. Between him and Smollett, I can understand a drug addiction but I can’t understand this.
Imagine the legacies these two will leave behind. Although I had not heard of Jussie Smollett prior to his fake claim, I will certainly remember his legacy. To me, he is a disgrace. This may be the only justice to be served.
When I first saw the news reports of the recent coyote attacks in Chicago, I was hoping it would just be a couple of daily reports and something else would knock them off the headline, but no. It was escalating, which resulted in lots of people scrambling, media all over the place, police swarming the area, even a lockdown at a nearby school. We got to see a few coyotes, especially the one with an obvious paw injury who clearly needed medical attention.
I hoped all the commotion would cause the others to run for their lives.
It started when a dog was attacked, then another, then a child, and shortly thereafter, a man claimed to have been bitten by a coyote on the fanny (which was not confirmed by authorities as of this writing). Once the child was attacked, there was an all-out coyote hunt. The details were sketchy. The reports seemed like a boy and his mom were walking down a street when a coyote just came up and attacked. The only hint that something was amiss was they were near a nature museum.
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum has a woodsy trail; however, it is not clear if it was the same trail. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the boy ran up a hill BY HIMSELF. He didn’t go far, but a coyote was nearby and they came “face to face.” That’s all it takes. That significant piece of information was not reported enough on TV news. (This is a headline ploy that media uses to get attention.) A coyote could take a kid down, however, if the adult was right there, the OBJECT of desire would have appeared more challenging to the coyote. Nature centers and forest preserves need to post signs that say something like, “You are a guest on property PRESERVED for wildlife. Respect it.”
Forest preserves have signs that warn, “Dogs Must Be Leashed,” however, many people don’t adhere. An unforgettable example was when a friend and I started a walk down a forest preserve trail. We soon spotted a coyote. It was awesome until we saw a young lady with a dog a short distance away. She reached down, took off the leash, and the dog took off like a shot. As soon as we caught up, I told her we just saw a coyote. She smilingly said, “Oh, I’m not afraid of them.” I said, “It’s not you the coyote wants, it’s your dog.” I hope that lady remembers this incident as I do, when we see such news stories.
The other innocents of this week-long ordeal were the dogs who were attacked. The first owner never had her dog on a leash. According to CBS news, she just let it out “to do its business,” when the coyote spotted it. The owner was surprisingly ignorant that coyotes lived in the city.
There are still many people out there that do not understand what happens when open land is developed for human occupancy. We understand recreational paths cutting through forest preserves but what about land that is not preserved? When we drive through an area like Palos with beautiful forestry on both sides, it’s the same principle. The highway is a cutting path. Urban sprawl, whether it’s housing or a shopping mall, forces wildlife into areas that used to be theirs. Coyotes are beneficial to the environment and provide a natural service of rat control in cities.
The other dog was attacked as the owner was ABOUT to put a leash on outside but a coyote reached the dog first. The owner should have had the leash on BEFORE going out. This reminds me of an incident with a neighbor. She was walking her dog on a long rope in one hand and a cell phone in another, yacking away. She was wearing sandals. What’s wrong with this picture? The dog had a shaved back with a big bandage on its back. She told me her dog was attacked by a Rottweiler. I gave her some safety tips but she always continued with the improper leash and shoes, and phone distraction.
Throughout the coyote-hunt, I only saw one humorous moment. A man was jogging along a path near the Shedd Aquarium with a coyote following a short distance behind. The police tried to get the man to stop and even used a loudspeaker but the man didn’t hear anything. Guess why? Yes, he was wearing ear buds and in a world of his own. Here is a partial transcript of the police dispatch exchange from CBS news (reported by Charlie De Mar):
Squad: “He’s actually going eastbound. We tried to alert the jogger with the loudspeaker but he has his earbuds on and he can’t hear us.”
Dispatch: “Coyote probably thinks he’s running with him, alright, we’re notifying animal control.”
Squad: “Do you have a description on this coyote?”
Dispatch: “Furry. Probably tan and black. Sharp teeth.”
Squad: “He’s chasing, he is chasing somebody, be advised he is jogging with them.
When the coyotes are calling, we need to listen! They are telling us something. Dog owners are parents of their dog. Without a leash, you have no control over the situation. This is why it’s against the law to have an unleashed dog in public. It should be enforced like child endangerment or people who violate railroad crossings. (Another example of how municipalities could bring in money by enforcing laws already on the books.)
Common sense includes the following:
Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Expect the unexpected. Have this mindset before going out for a walk. Don’t wear headsets and stay off the phone!
Use a proper leash. The longer the leash, the less control you have.
Wear proper attire.
Carry a deterrent spray, such as SprayShield Citronella, which is as effective as pepper spray or Mace, except without the harmful side effects. Carry a “bite stick” (something that will deliver a forceful strike) that is an appropriate length to match your size.
Avoid running if possible, during a coyote encounter or when other dogs are loose. It triggers the chase instinct. Show you are the dominant force.
For further information about living with coyotes, check out this link from Willowbrook Wildlife Center: https://www.dupageforest.org/plants-wildlife/wildlife/living-with-wildlife/coyotes
This article was published in the January 2020 issue of the Blue Island Forum Newspaper.
First, thank you to the residents who supported me for my last (and first) city council coverage (11-12-19). My goal was to maintain your interest and it went beyond what I expected.
January 14, 2020
Present were Mayor Domingo Vargas, Clerk Randy Heuser, Attorney Kelly Burke, and Aldermen Annette Alexander, Fred Bilotto, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, Candace Carr, Kevin Donahue, Bill Fahrenwald, Tom Hawley, Johnny Hill, James Klinker, and Mike Mech. Treasurer Carmine Bilotto, and Aldermen William Cazares, Dexter Johnson, Nancy Rita, and Alecia Slattery were absent.
Public comments are often the most interesting and important segment of a city council meeting. Remember the city council members have a position, a microphone, and even their own name plate. The most discussed topic on resident’s minds this evening was the legalization of recreational marijuana. Three residents took the stand regarding this issue.
Former alderman, Nancy Thompson, from the 5th Ward, has a concern about the legalization of marijuana. She reminded us that Illinois has the reputation of being one of the most corrupt states in the Union and a lot of our leaders went to jail for corruption. She still has the stench of what Bread & Bottle Liquors (2213 119th St.) left behind. She said our town was assaulted for 25 – 30 years with alcohol, which led to prostitution and selling liquor to minors. She pleaded with the council, especially the Community Development Committee, not to bring any dispensaries into the 5th ward because she is still suffering from the Bread & Bottle.
Kimberly Byrne, who just moved to Blue Island in September, 2018, from San Francisco, wants the city to have an impact statement to educate the public about the many issues involving the legalization of marijuana. She said the city needs to review other state’s mistakes, and have proper police and fire department training. Since it’s not just smoking (as in cigarettes), but a narcotic, ordinances need to be updated – parking in front of dispensaries, loitering, signage in stores, near daycare centers, etc. She reminded us of the stigma involved if someone in a position, such as clergy, is seen going into a dispensary.
Carol DiPace Greene agreed that an impact statement was needed and Blue Island has not taken on the necessary steps to prepare us for recreational use of marijuana. She reminded us how our small businesses already have parking problems and doesn’t feel that dispensaries should be anywhere along Western avenue, our business district. Suggestions included the outskirts of the city, such as the old Christy Webber landscaping business (11900 Division St.), away from the businesses, children, and people. However, DiPace Greene reiterated, “not anywhere near the former Bread & Bottle,” which resulted in chuckling and clapping. She emphasized that Blue Island is self-insured and the payouts keep rolling out for lawsuits, and we don’t need to incur any more lawsuits. “If we’re gonna do this, we’ve got to do it right,” she said.
While writing this, I was alerted to a 3% tax on marijuana that passed, which would bring total taxes to 41% by this summer. The Sun-Times reported, “The tax is needed to pay for potential increases in health and policing costs due to legalization.” My first thought was, why not just find a local drug dealer and pay cash as usual? After all, we’re allowed to have it in our possession, right? This is why many think it will lead to more street dealing.
This reminds me of how money for the lottery was supposed to go to education. WBEZ radio reported, “The lottery legislation was part of a compromise package whose main purpose was to provide additional funding to help out the Chicago Transit Authority.” Thompson is literally right on the money because it somehow never really goes where it is supposed to go.
Another concern is how we’ve always had enough issues with drivers under the influence of alcohol. Then we see signs stating, “Don’t Text and Drive.” And now this. Pharmacies regulating medical marijuana is more reassuring; however, it seems that we will be making up procedure as we go along (hence, Byrne and DiPace Greene’s emphasis on an impact statement). Others tell me it doesn’t matter, it’s all about the money.
In a more somber tone, the second most talked about subject this evening was our veterans. Nancy Thompson initially thanked Mayor Vargas for participating in an assembly honoring 23-year-old, Henry Mayfield, Jr., who was killed January 5, 2020, in Kenya.
Mayor Vargas again expressed gratitude to our veterans for their service reminding us all that their sacrifice allows us to have such meetings. He requested that we stand for a moment of silence.
Later, Alderman Hill announced that he attended the service on January 14, in Hazel Crest honoring fallen soldier, Mayfield. He felt it was his duty, as his brother served 30 years as a marine, rose to the rank of Sergeant Major, and went through Viet Nam and Desert Storm.
In closing, this is only the second city council meeting I have attended and both times, veterans were acknowledged. Everyone is welcome to express themselves in front of a polite and patient audience.
This article was originally published in the January issue of the Blue Island Forum Newspaper.
Several years ago, our editor (now emeritus), Sandy May, proudly stated that the First Lutheran Church was our oldest loyal church supporter. It was not simply a matter-of-fact statement. I could hear the humility in her voice. I never thought that years later, I would be inside the beautiful church (at 2519 Grove St.) interviewing Pastor Brittany Baurle Kooi.
Upon first contacting Pastor Baurle Kooi (pronounced Barley Koy) for this column, she stated that they are not really a business, but a non-profit. However, a non-profit organization is still a legal entity. It is not a surprise that churches have been the Forum’s number one supporters. Churches are an integral part of a community where people seek sanctuary.
The First Lutheran Church was officially founded in Blue Island in 1863 after a year of Bible studies by worshippers. I always associated Lutherans with German heritage and wondered how this population was today at First Lutheran compared to the past. Pastor Baurle Kooi said, “A good chunk are of German descent but there are lots of American mutts. Its peak population was in the 70s and 80s, and there are currently about 70 members, many still living in Blue Island.”
I didn’t know much about the Lutheran faith and thought it was synonymous with Protestant. Baurle Kooi said, “No. ‘Protestant’ is a BIG term that includes Lutheran, Methodist, Pentecostal, non-denominational …” And what about the differences between Lutherans and Catholics? She said, “A big issue is how the hierarchy is structured – pastors, priests, who reports to who.”
Another major difference between the two religions was the role of a priest in the Catholic religion. Baurle Kooi explained, “Priests stand in between people and God. That’s why you have to go to Confession to receive forgiveness through the priest. In the Lutheran church, there is no intermediary beside Jesus. It is between you and God. If you ask for forgiveness, God forgives.”
There are theology differences as well. Based on Baurle Kooi’s first name, “Brittany” , we can tell that she is female. And if that isn’t enough, she is actually pregnant. (She’s married.) “Being a female pastor and pregnant, would not be allowed in the Catholic church,” she said. She is not the first female pastor at First Lutheran. Two other women included an interim pastor for three years and an associate pastor.
I know my parents would have been surprised by this and queried if parishioners were apprehensive or welcoming when she first started there earlier this year. She said, “No, they were past that, but some were surprised when I stand up because I’m now showing. There is an understanding of Life, and it’s good. God calls people of all stages to lead. In Catholic pastoral leadership, Catholics would have to give up family life while Lutherans can be married with kids.”
We began delving into our family backgrounds. My mom was a German/Irish Protestant. My dad was an Irish Catholic. She decided to convert and had to attend classes for weeks and went through a ritual to convert. I didn’t understand what all the ritual was about and asked if this process still goes on today. Baurle Kooi said, “Yes, but it depends on the church. Some have very formal guidelines with membership classes. It depends also on whether you have a history with the church.” With First Lutheran, if it’s someone she doesn’t know who suddenly wants to join the church she would say, “Let’s talk about what it means to be a Lutheran. It’s not an interview, but a discussion. Talk about your journey.”
On the same note, I reiterated what a philosophy teacher told my class about how we cannot just simply choose or join a religion. He was adamant that we are born into our religion. He did say it was possible to convert but you have to be serious where it’s a life-long commitment. Baurle Kooi stated that, “It comes down to Truth. You may go places you might not expect and you’re not just born into something. You may marry into a religion.”
The million-dollar-question about “The Calling” seems more prevalent with ministry. Baurle Kooi grew up the western suburb of Glen Ellyn. She did not grow up in ministry. Her family has a corporate-management background. Her mother is Catholic, her father is Lutheran and she is only a quarter German.
Before going into ministry, she was teaching English at an alternative high school. A science teacher died in the middle of a school day who had just turned 40-years-old. Baurle Kooi took over her homeroom and helped the students through the grieving process. A few months into studying for her master’s degree, which she thought would just bump her up the educational ladder, she realized she really loved what she was doing with helping her students. At 24-years-old, it was clear that she was on the right path. Interestingly, another female pastor who was a good friend recommended that she go into ministry years before.
I was curious about whether a pastor is assigned to a church or do they have a choice? Baurle Kooi explained that each denomination does it differently. Catholic and Methodist pastors can be sent somewhere and the congregation has to deal with it. “The ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) allows a pastor to choose a region. Based on openings available, you must apply for it with an extensive resume, other paper work, and a round of interviews. You then have to preach a sermon for them. There is another round of interviews, a sermon is preached at the church for parishioners, there’s a meet-and-greet afterward, and they vote in a few weeks. The church has to want you.” It’s a two-to-three-month process and Baurle Kooi was chosen over two other candidates.
I asked the pastor what she especially likes about First Lutheran Church and what she would like for its future? Without hesitation, she stated, “Its tenacity and stubbornness. A real commitment.” With her teaching background, the church is like her classroom. She loves to deal with mental health issues and says there is a huge need for this. She would love to have her parish “explore more of what it means to be a Christian. We should not just worship God for an hour on Sunday. It’s a lifestyle. We need to worship God in everything, every day. A deeper living faith is needed − living moments throughout the day. We need to understand that God is always at work.”
On that note, the closing of MetroSouth Hospital came up. Baurle Kooi said, “This was awful. The way Quorum went about this was not right. Clearly, it’s profit over people. It shows how healthcare in this nation works and how it doesn’t work. It’s a for-profit system. People came together from all over attending meetings and rallies, which didn’t work. It makes us question God, ‘Why did you let this happen? Where are you in this? Do you see us?’ We need to see how this will work for our good.”
First Lutheran Church has a regular service at 10:00 a.m. Sunday. (Baurle Kooi and First Lutheran Church were part of a special Service of Closure for MetroSouth Hospital on October 28, along with seven other churches from Blue Island, two from Robbins, and one from Alsip and Midlothian.)
This article originally appeared in the October/2019 issue of the Blue Island Forum Newspaper and has been updated.
In early November, I was asked to cover the Forum’s City Council column for Lynne Ingersoll. I cannot compare to the detail she writes regarding all the committees, so please bear with me. I will focus on highlights that I think will be informative for the community from the November 12th meeting.
Present were Mayor Domingo Vargas, Clerk Randy Heuser, Treasurer Carmine Bilotto, Attorney Cary Horvath, and Aldermen Annette Alexander, Fred Bilotto, Raeann Cantelo-Zylman, Candace Carr, William Cazares, Kevin Donahue, Bill Fahrenwald, Tom Hawley, Johnny Hill, Dexter Johnson, James Klinker, Mike Mech, and Nancy Rita. Alecia Slattery was absent.
First, Mayor Vargas acknowledged Veteran’s Day because if not for the sacrifices made by them, none of us would be able to express our rights and have such a meeting as city council.
Early on, it seemed there was a possible setup of a snare when Ald. Donahue wanted to ensure that council rules be followed to a tee. City Attorney Horvath repeated this to be clear, “to a tee.” His tone was concerning and I thought this could come back to bite Donahue. It was like being mirandized – “Anything you say can and will be used against you …”
Ald. Fahrenwald requested an update on MetroSouth Hospital. Horvath explained a recent conversation between him, a rep from Quorum and MetroSouth’s CEO John Walsh, “The original proposed agreement was time-sensitive, which included a $2 million payment from Quorum and possible future control of the hospital by Blue Island, was completely off the table now. While Quorum still wants to engage with Blue Island for cooperation purposes … hands-on participation will not materialize because this council chose not to act.”
Fahrenwald was clearly miffed and stated, “The city council dithered away $2 million. Nice going. Plus, we have no control over the property.”
Donahue brought up Resolution 2019-033 (an independent investigation for the purchase of two Chevy Tahoes that Mayor Vargas was involved with last year and vetoed a previous attempt for said investigation). Vargas interjected that before he (Donahue) goes any further, he needs to hear from the city attorney.
Horvath slowly and methodically stated, “The matter according to city council rules, case law and the Open Meetings Act, which you placed on the agenda is not properly placed on the agenda and is in violation of the Open Meetings Act because it does not inform the public that you want to reconsider the resolution and the intention to move to override the decision of the mayor to veto the resolution.”
Donahue responded that he did indeed send it in writing and made a motion to approve. Ald. Bilotto seconded it while Horvath said it was out of order. Donahue then made a motion to override the chair, Bilotto seconded it and was again told it was out of order.
Horvath said, “In accordance with these rules the motion should be reduced in writing and case law states that parliamentary rules, the proper acts need to be taken … it was not a proper subject for a legislative council to decide.”
Donahue stated this is business of the city council, not the city attorney and made a motion to override the rule of the chair. Horvath rehashed that it was out of order, needs to be in writing, it’s an attempt to avoid the rules and remember, “the rules were to be followed to a tee.” Donahue made a motion to suspend the rules, seconded by Bilotto. It was deemed out of order for not following rules. Bilotto made a motion to silence the attorney on the chair, seconded by Ald. Rita.
Fahrenwald wanted to move the meeting along, save the city money, and interjected. “This is not important enough and it’s a waste of time having two attorneys billing us over this nonsense. We just learned that the city decided to spend NO time taking a $2 million offer with no strings attached and would have given us six months to research and review the hospital with an option to purchase the property with another $3 million. We passed up potentially $5 million and we’re arguing over this? It will result in nothing new. This is political nonsense, this is vendetta against vendetta, lawyers against lawyers, spending money the city doesn’t have. I’m ashamed to be here.”
Rita respectfully disagreed stating this was immoral and ethically wrong to purchase Tahoes without anyone knowing and getting a city discount. She asked, “Can you imagine if I did that, with my name? Are you kidding? The whole city council would be in an uproar!”
Vargas wanted to “make it clear that no city money was used.” Vargas said at least four times, “I’ve got all night.” I wondered if he packed a sleep-over kit ahead of time. He let the three aldermen know that he was disgusted with them. “This investigation has been handled by the Cook County State’s Attorney and FBI for a year and four months. So, if you want spend another $15,000 for the same results … it’s not your money, it’s the taxpayers,” he said.
We’ve heard of political footballs but this would best be described as a political volleyball because it was getting passed back and forth between multiple players facing each other. Instead of a net, imagine a wall of stone that literally resulted in stonewalling. There were so many motions getting tossed back and forth, motion sickness was a possibility.
Every time Donahue brought up a motion, Vargas said, “You’re out of order.” This stalled Clerk Heuser to take a vote. Heuser was stuck in the middle with Horvath and Vargas holding one arm firmly and three aldermen trying to pull him to their side like a tug-of-war. Horvath reminded Donahue of his intention to “follow the rules to a tee” several times.
Throughout the tournament, Aldermen Johnson and Alexander looked downward with each folding their hands as if in prayer. Longtime community activist, Carol DiPace-Greene shouted, “WHERE’S THE POPCORN?!” I knew I was going to miss the beginning of my beloved NCIS New Orleans at 9:00.
Attorney Matt Ingersoll from Montana & Welch, LLC, representing the city council, approached the podium THREE TIMES to read rules from the Open Meetings Act. “With respect to the Open Meetings Act, you are entitled to suspend rules, the topic needs to appear on the agenda and the action needs to be germane to the topic.” He also became part of the game as he admitted he was repeating what he said before. The aldermen involved were lacking in legal skills, which Horvath and Vargas used as their trump card, hence the presence of Ingersoll.
It seemed that Donahue may have struck the stone wall too many times or maybe he was trying to kill with kindness when he stated to Horvath – “ I understand your advice, you’re a good attorney, for what it seems, I do like you, I think you’re a really good person, I really do. I’m not just trying to butter you up.” Horvath smiled. There were some chuckles. Rita seconded it with “And we really like your tie.” It added some much-needed comic relief. However, it wasn’t long before they were back to tossing the volleyball.
Bilotto may have also suffered a blow to the head from the stone wall when he was tripping over his exact words for Horvath. “Can a chair of a city, mayor, alderman, be overruled by any scenario and by what scenario can they be overruled?” He was trying a different approach but lacked the proper tools. At least a hammer was needed and the closest resemblance was the gavel that Vargas had, which was pounded a few times throughout.
However, Bilotto’s approach was working as he chipped away − “I’m asking the clerk to take a roll call to overrule the chair.” Horvath said, “There’s nothing to vote on.” Bilotto said, “That’s not what I’m asking. You keep giving your advice, which I respect but it is our meeting. It’s a state statute that the clerk is charged with taking a roll call. I was a clerk myself for four years and Clerk Heuser is an effective clerk and knows he has to take roll call.” Heuser indeed knew because he kept turning to Horvath who kept stating, it was out of order.
Stones were loosening and falling out of the stone wall as Horvath turned to Vargas and they quietly discussed. Heuser finally announced the motion to override the chair by Bilotto, seconded by Rita. Donahue moved to his original motion to override the mayor’s veto. Heuser called it as well, with both motions passing by a 10-to-3 vote. Fahrenwald, Hawley, and Johnson dissented. The stone wall crumbled.
The tournament lasted approximately 40 MINUTES. It has clearly set the stage for the playoffs in the coming year to prepare for the 2021 election.
This article was published in the December 2019 issue of the Blue Island Forum newspaper.
#2 On November 12, 2019, after an extensive heated debate, the Blue Island City Council voted 10-to-3 in favor of investigating Mayor Domingo Vargas about the questionable purchase of two Chevy Tahoes last year. Vargas allegedly reimbursed the city; however, more questions remain.
Do you think the matter should be pursued despite the cost of the investigation? Why or why not?