City Council

MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE ZION CITY COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2025 AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, 2828 SHERIDAN ROAD, ZION, ILLINOIS Mayor McKinney called the meeting to order. On call of the roll the following answered present: Commissioners Frierson, Fischer, Stackhouse, McDowell, and Mayor McKinney. A quorum was present. Also present: Fire Chief Justin Stried, Police Chief Eric Barden, Building & Zoning Director Richard Ianson, Public Works Director Vic Ransom, Economic Development Director Sonolito Bronson and City Attorney James Vasselli. Finance Director Kris Conway and City Administrator David Knabel were absent. William Bremner led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. AGENDA CHANGES It was moved by Commissioner Frierson, seconded by Commissioner McDowewll to accept the City Council meeting agenda as presented. The vote on roll call was: Commissioners Frierson, aye; Fischer, aye; Stackhouse, aye; McDowell, aye; and Mayor McKinney aye. Motion carried. CITIZEN COMMENTS Mary Lou Hiltibran, ESDA Director, gave a monthly report of the recent activities that ESDA performs in assistance to the City. She encouraged citizens to consider volunteering to make a difference. Those interested can go to the City’s website for an application. CONSENT AGENDA It was moved by Commissioner Stackhouse, seconded by Commissioner Frierson that the Minutes be approved as follows: (a) APPROVAL OF MINUTES: a Regular Meeting held on August 19, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.; approval but not release of Closed Session Minutes of a meeting held on August 19, 2025 at 8:11 p.m. The vote on the roll: Commissioners Frierson, aye; Fischer, aye; Stackhouse, aye; McDowell, aye; and Mayor McKinney, aye. Motion carried. It was moved by Commissioner Fischer, seconded by Commissioner Stackhouse that the Bills be approved as follows: (b) BILLS: Vouchers 149833 through 149925 drawn on Huntington National Bank, N.A. Total: $1,525,780.12. The vote on the roll: Commissioners Frierson, aye; Fischer, aye; Stackhouse, aye; McDowell, aye; and Mayor McKinney, aye. Motion carried. ORDINANCE/DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS PROPERTY/FIRE RESCUE DEPARTMENT A memo (25-DOC-61) was received from Chief Stried requesting an ambulance in the Fire/Rescue Department be declared as surplus property. Chief Stried stated that Ambulance 1843 recently suffered major engine problems. Fleet Maintenance has recommended that the ambulance be replaced by the new ambulance set for delivery soon. He is requesting the City declare the 2012 Ford F-550 Ambulance VIN #1FDUF5HT2CEB69192 as surplus property and to sold or auctioned in the near future. It was moved by Commissioner McDowell, seconded by Commissioner Stackhouse, that an Ordinance (25-O-59) be passed authorizing and approving the disposal of surplus property in the Fire/Rescue Department. The vote on roll call was: Commissioners Frierson, aye; Fischer, aye; Stackhouse, aye; McDowell, aye; and Mayor McKinney, aye. Motion carried. Ordinance passed.  9/2/25 ORDINANCE/AMBULANCE BILLING SERVICES AGREEMENT A memo (25-DOC-62) was received from Chief Stried requesting approval of a contract for ambulance billing services with Paramedic Billing Services, Inc. Chief Stried stated Paramedic Billing Services, Inc. is an Illinois based company that also serves multiple agencies in Lake County. The agreement would be effective January 1, 2026 and includes a lower commission rate than what the City is currently paying. This should mean increased revenue for the City. He noted that multiple local fire chiefs have confirmed that they are very happy with the services PBS provides, and the potential transition on January 1 should be smooth. Legal has reviewed the proposal and contract and approves. Commissioner Fischer questioned how much it costs for an ambulance run. Chief Stried stated that it is based on usage, supply and other factors but noted a basic call is $2,317, an advanced call is $2,545 and an advanced call level 2 is $2,745. He noted that they rarely capture this on a bill. They are at the mercy of what Medicare wants to pay and many times it is written off. It will be the company’s job to figure out how to bill and get the City their money. It was moved by Commissioner McDowell, seconded by Commissioner Stackhouse, that an Ordinance (25-O-60) be passed authorizing and approving an agreement with Paramedic Billing Services, Inc. for ambulance and fire billing services. The vote on roll call was: Commissioners Frierson, aye; Fischer, aye; Stackhouse, aye; McDowell, aye; and Mayor McKinney, aye. Motion carried. Ordinance passed. ORDINANCE/DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS PROPERTY/POLICE DEPARTMENT A memo (25-DOC-63) was received from Chief Barden requesting vehicles in the Police Department be declared surplus property. Chief Barden requested the following vehicles be declared as surplus property and approved to be auctioned through Clinton Auto Auction: Squad 14 2015 Ford Interceptor SUV 1FM5K8AR0FGB51489 - Black 4DR MP12108 (marked patrol and SRO) Squad 2 2012 Ford Taurus 1FAHP2DW3CG133197 - Silver 4-DR P728341 (unmarked detective vehicle) The vehicles are all high mileage and age, are in mechanically poor condition and not viable to maintain any longer. They have all been replaced through squad rotation and other purchases. The Clinton Auto Auction is the State approved vendor they use for vehicles seized under assed forfeiture and the vendor they use for auctioning surplus vehicles. He is also requesting the following vehicle be donated to ESDA for their use, as it is surplus to the requirements and usage Squad 47 2016 Chevy Colorado 1GCGTB37G1382357- White M157716 (CSO truck) It was moved by Commissioner McDowell, seconded by Commissioner Frierson, that an Ordinance (25-O-61) be passed authorizing and approving the disposal of surplus property in the Police Department. The vote on roll call was: Commissioners Frierson, aye; Fischer, aye; Stackhouse, aye; McDowell, aye; and Mayor McKinney, aye. Motion carried. Ordinance passed. ORDINANCE/PLAT OF EASEMENT APPROVAL A memo (25-DOC-64) was received by Director Ransom requesting approval of a water main Plat of Easement. Director Ransom stated to accommodate the construction of the new Fire Station 2, the existing water main in that area will need to be extended from 16th Street to Illinois Route 173. Engineering requires that the new water main extension be routed across private property owned by Steve Strezo. Staff is recommending and requesting approval of the Plat of Easement from Steve Strezo to the City of Zion for the new water main extension. Commissioner Fischer asked how long it will take for the line to be completed. Director Ransom stated it will be up to the contractor. Chief Barden stated they have been working on the project for a long time and the relationship with Mr. Strezo helps. They are hoping to start the water main extension as well as the stormwater line before winter. It was moved by Commissioner Fischer, seconded by Commissioner Stackhouse, that an Ordinance (25-O-62) be passed authorizing the acceptance and/or acquisition of an easement for the City of Zion. The vote on roll call was: Commissioners Frierson, aye; Fischer, aye; Stackhouse, aye; McDowell, aye; and Mayor McKinney, aye. Motion carried. Ordinance passed.  9/2/25 CITY PERSONNEL CHANGES A memo (25-DOC-65) was received from Chief Barden requesting approval to amend the City’s Personnel Authorization. Chief Barden recommends the following changes to the Personnel Authorization: Public Works Department: • Vacate and removal of the Superintendent position Public Affairs (City Administrator): • The creation of the Deputy City Administrator position Economic Development: • Vacate and removal of the Economic Development Coordinator position • Creation of the Director of Economic Development position Table the following until the next meeting: • Creation of a non-union Supervisor position overseeing the Street Department • Creation of a non-union Supervisor position overseeing the Water Department These changes will be retroactive effective August 25, 2025. It was moved by Commissioner McDowell, seconded by Commissioner Stackhouse, that an Ordinance (25-O-63) be passed authorizing and approving personnel changes within the City of Zion with the exception of creating non- union Supervisor positions in the Street and Water Departments in Public Works. These will be addressed at the next Council meeting. The vote on roll call was: Commissioners Frierson, aye; Fischer, aye; Stackhouse, aye; McDowell, aye; and Mayor McKinney, aye. Motion carried. Ordinance passed. APPROVAL AND RATIFICATION/SUPERVISOR POSITIONS/PUBLIC WORKS A memo (25-DOC-66) was received from Chief Barden requesting approval and ratification of the Supervisor positions in the Public Works Water and Street Departments. This item was tabled until the next City Council meeting. It was moved by Commissioner Stackhouse, seconded by Commissioner Frierson, that this item be tabled until the next regular City Council meeting. The vote on roll call was: Commissioners Frierson, aye; Fischer, aye; Stackhouse, aye; McDowell, aye; and Mayor McKinney, aye. Motion carried. APPROVAL/STIPEND/DEPUTY CITY ADMINISTRATOR A memo (25-DOC-67) was received from the City Attorney requesting consideration and approval of a stipend adjustment for the Deputy City Administrator. The City presented a stipend for the Deputy City Administrator position to be effective August 5, 2025. It was moved by Commissioner Fischer, seconded by Commissioner Stackhouse, that an Ordinance (25-O-64) be passed approving the stipend adjustment for the Deputy City Administrator stipend as presented. Commissioners Frierson, aye; Fischer, aye; Stackhouse, aye; McDowell, aye; and Mayor McKinney, aye. Motion carried. Ordinance passed. DEPARTMENTAL COMMENTARY Director Ianson stated that the Supervisors of Waste Management have reached out to the City noting that residents have been parking on the street in the way of the garbage cans resulting in the garbage trucks not being able to pick up the garbage. He asked that residents be mindful of garbage day and to be sure there is a clear path to garbage cans.  9/2/25 Director Ransom noted the following: • The 20th Street Storm Sewer project is on point. • The Galilee repaving project is at the milling stage and the sidewalks are almost completed. • September 15th begins the Annual Hydrant Flushing. • The “Welcome to Zion” signs are completed with the Mayor’s name. Fire Chief Stried noted that October 5-11 is National Fire Prevention Week with the theme “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home”. Additionally, Zion Fire/Rescue Open House will be on Saturday, October 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Director Bronson thanked the Council for their participation in the Labor Day Parade and the public for coming out. Additionally, she provided the past history of how participants were both selected and paid for their participation. Prior to COVID they had a large budget of $25-30K and were able to pay participants. The Special Events Commission felt that it was important to have the community shine and those participants that requested a stipend were told “No thank you”. She feels the parade was a great success. Chief Barden shared the following: • He too thought the parade was a great success. • He thanked Director Bronson and ESDA for the work done for the parade. • He noted an agreement the City has with the communications company, Strategia, resulting in an uptick on the City’s social media pages. Commissioner McDowell noted that Labor Day was very well done. The festivities were kicked off with the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast. Additionally, he noted that there was a flower delivery sent to City Hall addressed to Commissioner McDowell. He is not sure who the sender was but thanked them anyway. Commissioner Stackhouse noted the Parade was great and the weather was perfect. She was very proud to be a participant in the parade. Mayor McKinney noted that during Pastor Adams prayer he mentioned praying for mental health which should be taken very seriously. He noted the Department Heads take their positions very seriously and are constantly responding to the public. He feels it is crucial for them to take care of themselves as they are servicing residents 24/7 while also taking on additional duties. It is important for Department Heads and the Council members to take time to be with family and friends. ANNOUNCEMENTS September 5-26 Movie in the Park -Zion Park District Bandshell September 12 Kiwanis Golf Outing September 16 6:00 p.m. Zion Township Board Meeting 7:00 p.m. Zion City Council Meeting October 5-11 National Fire Prevention Week October 7 7:00 p.m. Zion City Council Meeting October 11 9:00 a.m. -12:00 noon Zion Fire Department Open House at Station 1  9/2/25 CLOSED SESSION It was moved by Commissioner Fischer, seconded by Commissioner Frierson that the Council recess to Closed Session at 7:34 p.m., pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 “Open Meetings”, for the discussion of filed, pending, possible and/or probable or imminent litigation, personnel, purchase or sale of real estate, collective bargaining, legal counsel and personnel. The vote on roll call was: Commissioners Frierson, aye; Fischer, aye; Stackhouse, aye; McDowell, aye; and Mayor McKinney, aye. Motion carried. It was moved by Commissioner McDowell seconded by Commissioner Frierson to reconvene the Regular Council meeting at 8:30 p.m. with all members present. The vote on roll call was: Commissioners Frierson, aye; Fischer, aye; Stackhouse, aye; McDowell, aye; and Mayor McKinney, aye. Motion carried. ADJOURN There being no further business to come before the Council at this time, it was moved by Commissioner Frierson, seconded by Commissioner Stackhouse and unanimously approved the meeting be adjourned at 8:31 p.m. Motion carried. ________________________________________________ City Clerk