Kankakee council approves surplus 1991 fire engine and three handicap-parking ordinances

KANKAKEE — The Kankakee City Council unanimously approved multiple ordinances during its Jan. 5 meeting, including an ordinance declaring a 1991 E1 fire engine surplus and three amendments to Chapter 32, Section 231 of the municipal code establishing handicap parking at specified addresses.

Chief LaRoche asked the council to declare the 1991 engine surplus, saying the vehicle — in reserve for years — is unsafe to drive and that repair costs exceed its viability. "It's just way past, it's time to be taken and, either taken to scrapyard or sold," LaRoche said. He noted a new fire engine is expected in April and that operations will not be adversely affected by retiring the older vehicle.

Alderman Johnson moved to suspend the rules and allow passage of the surplus ordinance on final reading; Alderman Jones seconded. Council vote: 13 ayes, 0 nays. The ordinance declaring the 1991 E1 engine surplus was approved.

Separately, council considered three handicap-parking ordinances amending Chapter 32, Section 231 of the municipal code:

- Establishing handicap parking at 1047 South Washington Avenue — motion and final-reading vote passed 13–0. - Establishing handicap parking at 326 North Chicago Avenue — motion and final-reading vote passed 13–0. - Rescinding prior ordinance 1999-02 and establishing handicap parking at 1512 South 5th Avenue — motion and final-reading vote passed 13–0.

All ordinance items were moved, seconded and adopted on final reading the same night after motions to suspend the rules. No votes against or tablings were recorded.

The council did not attach conditions to the handicap spaces during the meeting. Officials said the surplus designation for the fire engine will allow the city to sell or scrap the vehicle following statutory procedures.