City of Waukegan City Council met Dec. 3.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
1. Opening Items
Procedural: A. Roll Call
Present: Ald May, Ald TenPas, Ald Valko, Ald Taylor, Ald Bolton, Ald Seger, Ald Moisio, Ald Villalobos, Ald Newsome, Ald TenPas.
Absent: None.
Procedural: B. Invocation by Rev. Dr. Mathew P. Idicula of Christ Episcopal Church, located at 410 Grand Ave, Waukegan, IL / Pledge of Allegiance
Information: C. Mayor's Comments: He welcomed and thanked everyone for attending the City Council Meeting. He shared some words about Alderman Tenpas’s wife Jessie passing and told him Waukegan is here for him and his family. He also talked about President George HW Bush passing and sent payers to his family. He encouraged everyone to donate hats, gloves and scarfs for children in need through the National Pan-Hellenic Council known as Divine 9. He took a moment to wish our Jewish community a Happy Hanukkah. He reminded everyone that at the next city council meeting having the Lake County Coalition for the Homeless to present on the stat of the homelessness in the Lake County and asked everyone to join. He talked about all the upcoming events and its location such as: The Genesee Theatre, Three Brothers Theatre, The Waukegan History Museum, Waukegan Public Schools, HolidayWauk, Waukegan Polar Bear Plunge. Lastly, he invited and congratulated the success of the Boys Soccer Team who won championship in their leagues. David Motley invited the Heart of the City to receive the awards.
Ald Valko, second by Ald Moisio to move item 9 A-E under Old Business, to the top of the agenda.
Motion APPROVED
9. Old Business
Action: A. Motion by Ald Valko, second by Ald Bolon to approve an Ordinance levying and assessing taxes of the City of Waukegan, Lake County, Illinois for the 2018 Tax Levy Year, tabled by Alderman Valko, seconded by Alderman Moisio at the November 5, 2018 City Council meeting to the first regular City Council Meeting in December. 0 increase
Aye: Ald May, Ald TenPas, Ald Valko, Ald Taylor, Ald Bolton, Ald Seger, Ald Moisio, Ald Villalobos, Ald Newsome.
Nay: None.
Abstain: None.
Absent: None.
Motion APPROVED
Action: B. Motion by Ald Valko, second by Ald Seger Ordinance abating a portion of the 2018 Tax Levy for the payment of Principal and Interest on the $7,005,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2015A (Roadway Improvements Project).
Ald Taylor asked for clarification. Mayor Cunningham asked Finance Director, Tina M. Smigielski, to clarify. Ald Taylor spoke, and Mayor Cunningham confirmed.
Aye: Ald May, Ald TenPas, Ald Valko, Ald Taylor, Ald Bolton, Ald Seger, Ald Moisio, Ald Villalobos, Ald Newsome.
Nay: None.
Abstain: None.
Absent: None.
Motion APPROVED
Action: C. Motion by Ald Valko, second by Ald Moisio to approve an Ordinance abating a portion of the 2018 Tax Levy for the payment of Principal and Interest on the $6,850,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2016A (Roadway Improvements Project).
Aye: Ald May, Ald TenPas, Ald Valko, Ald Taylor, Ald Bolton, Ald Seger, Ald Moisio, Ald Villalobos, Ald Newsome.
Nay: None.
Abstain: None.
Absent: None.
Motion APPROVED
Action: D. Motion by Ald Valko, second by Ald Villalobos to approve an Ordinance abating a portion of the 2018 Tax Levy for the payment of Principal and Interest on the $14,860,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2018A (Roadway Improvements Project).
Aye: Ald May, Ald TenPas, Ald Valko, Ald Taylor, Ald Bolton, Ald Seger, Ald Moisio, Ald Villalobos, Ald Newsome.
Nay: None.
Abstain: None.
Absent: None.
Motion APPROVED
Action: E. Motion by Ald May, second by Ald Villalobos authorizing the appropriate City officials to present to the US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) a revised scope, as presented, for the Sea Horse Drive reconstruction grant, and request a revised Grant Award document be issued by EDA.
Ald Moisio shared his concerns. Ald Villalobos also shared his concerns, and asked a few questions. Mayor Cunningham responded, and clarified.
Aye: Ald May, Ald TenPas, Ald Valko, Ald Taylor, Ald Bolton, Ald Seger, Ald Moisio, Ald Villalobos, Ald Newsome.
Nay: None.
Abstain: None.
Absent: None.
Motion APPROVED
2. Minutes
Action: A. Motion by Ald TenPas, second by Ald Moisio, to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes from Monday, November 19th, 2018
Motion APPROVED
3. Audience Time:
Dr. Wayne Taylor: He raised concerns about the proposed tax levy. He shared some figures, and talked about the impact of the proposed tax levy.
Gayle Milani: She raised concerns about the proposed tax levy, and the impact that it may have on property tax cost.
Mary Reese: She shared her concern regarding neighbors who walk their dogs without leashes. She mentioned that she has contacted Animal Control several times about the issue. She also mentioned other issues she has had with pet owners, not picking up after their pets.
Keith Borg: He talked about the positivity in service and commitment and mentioned that he has listened to alleged lies about the current Mayor of the City of Waukegan and local businesses. He shared his opinion on the Mayor, and shared his opinion on the work the Mayor has been doing, and feedback that has been given. He also continued to share his opinions on recent comments.
Steve Urbanski: He talked about property taxes and a proposed increase. He shared information about his property taxes, and talked about his property value.
David Rosenburg: He shared his opinion on property taxes and explained that things in the city should be run like a well ran business. He shared his opinion on elected officials, and their promises. He continued his comments, which included his opinion on alleged 'new hires' and the current administration.
Sajeen Muralidharan: He shared his opinion on property taxes.
Jim Domiano: Introduced himself as a representative of Horsefeathers, located in Downtown Waukegan. He talked about parking in the business district, about snow removal for sidewalks and safety. He continued to share his opinion about these topics, including parking alternatives, instead of valet parking at the Genesee Theater.
Robin Reynolds: She raised concerns about property taxes.
Wico Angel: He raised their concerns regarding property taxes.
Brother Blanks: He introduced himself as the founder of B.A.M.M. He shared his opinion on the towing issue in the City of Waukegan and talked about an alleged 'towing ordinance'. He closed his comments by continuing to share his opinion about this matter.
Sheri McLenithan: She talked about the issue of property taxes and thanked the Mayor for his phone call and for listening to her concern. She shared some information about her family and asked the city to look into their spending. She continued to share her opinion about taxes.
Selena Gomez: Executive Director of the Waukegan Public Library. Gave an update on behalf of the Waukegan Public Library.
Clyde McLemore: He shared his concerns about an increase in taxes and talked about how the Mayor promised he wouldn't raise taxes. He continued to share his thoughts about the Mayor and administration regarding careless spending and taxes increases.
Mary Ann Gawter: She shared her opinion regarding property taxes.
John Zhang: He shared his concern regarding property taxes and ways things can be improved. He shared his suggestions.
John Lee: He shared his concern regarding property taxes and explained that recent tax increases have hurt families. He also talked about foreclosures in his neighborhood.
Jeff Wait: He shared his concern with the proposed property tax increase.
Christy Diaz: She mentioned the relief regarding the tax levy. She talked about the issues that is taking place at Medline.
Candice Lovejoy: She shared her opinion regarding property taxes and the current administration.
Judith Villegas: She introduced herself as a 7th Ward Resident and mentioned the amount of youth that she saw in the City Council before the meeting. She mentioned that they are the future of Waukegan and she shared her background in Waukegan. She also mentioned the City's current situation and wanted to public thank the Mayor for attending a ribbon cutting. She shared a little more about her history in Waukegan.
Margaret Carrasco- She mentioned she served in the CDBG Stake Holder Participation Panel in February 2018. She said there is a conflict of interest because elected officials, staff, relatives,partner and more are benefiting from their programs. She also said that after attending three meetings she resigned. She said she has witnessed violation of regulations and corruption.
Topacio Hernandez- She talked about how raising taxes should be handle with careful. She also talked about pollution and how the city should do its own testing because it is causing more illnesses.
Ralph Peterson Jr- He tanked Ald Ann Taylor and Ald Villalobos for acknowledging the baptist ministers. He also agreed with not making accusations without proof and that it should always be about the citizens. He talked about Witmore towing overcharging minorities.
4. Resolutions/Proclamations/Presentations/Appointments
Action: A. Motion by Ald May, second by Ald Bolton to ratify appointment of Jesus Gerena to Waukegan Housing Authority Board
Aye: Ald May, Ald TenPas, Ald Valko, Ald Taylor, Ald Bolton, Ald Seger, Ald Moisio, Ald Villalobos, Ald Newsome.
Nay: None.
Abstain: None.
Absent: None.
Motion APPROVED
Action: B. Motion by Ald May, second by Ald Bolton to ratify reappointment of Michael Rodriguez to Waukegan Planning and Zoning Commission
Aye: Ald May, Ald TenPas, Ald Valko, Ald Taylor, Ald Bolton, Ald Seger, Ald Moisio, Ald Villalobos, Ald Newsome.
Nay: None.
Abstain: None.
Absent: None.
Motion APPROVED
Action: C. Motion by Ald May, second by Ald Moisio to ratify reappointment of Theodora J. Anderson to Waukegan Planning and Zoning Commission
Aye: Ald May, Ald TenPas, Ald Valko, Ald Taylor, Ald Bolton, Ald Seger, Ald Moisio, Ald Villalobos, Ald Newsome.
Nay: None.
Abstain: None.
Absent: None.
Motion APPROVED
Action: D. Motion by Ald Valko, second by Ald Villalobos to ratify reappointment of John Bartos to Waukegan Planning and Zoning Commission
Aye: Ald May, Ald TenPas, Ald Valko, Ald Taylor, Ald Bolton, Ald Seger, Ald Moisio, Ald Villalobos, Ald Newsome.
Nay: None.
Abstain: None.
Absent: None.
Motion APPROVED
Action: E. Motion by Ald Newsome, second by Ald Bolton to approve a Resolution Honoring the Life of Virginia Ann Curtis Johnson
Aye: Ald May, Ald TenPas, Ald Valko, Ald Taylor, Ald Bolton, Ald Seger, Ald Moisio, Ald Villalobos, Ald Newsome.
Nay: None.
Abstain: None.
Absent: None.
Motion APPROVED
5. Reports and Communication
6. Judiciary Communication
Action: A. Motion by Ald May, second by Ald Villalobos to approve An Ordinance Instituting a Six-Month Moratorium on New Single Occupancy Rooms for the Purpose of Drafting and Consideration of Comprehensive Regulations.
Aye: Ald May, Ald TenPas, Ald Valko, Ald Taylor, Ald Bolton, Ald Seger, Ald Moisio, Ald Villalobos, Ald Newsome.
Nay: None.
Abstain: None.
Absent: None.
Motion APPROVED
7. Special Public Works Committee
Action: A. Motion by Ald Newsome, second by Ald Seger to authorize the proper City Officials to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Waukegan and the Village of Gurnee in regards to the Emergency Water System Interconnection.
Aye: Ald May, Ald TenPas, Ald Valko, Ald Taylor, Ald Bolton, Ald Seger, Ald Moisio, Ald Villalobos, Ald Newsome.
Nay: None.
Abstain: None.
Absent: None.
Motion APPROVED
8. Insurance Committee
Action: A. Motion by Ald Taylor, second by Ald Moisio, authorizing the proper City Officials to settle Police Department Workers Compensation Claim C645-16-10175-01 for a total of $151,044.00.
Aye: Ald May, Ald TenPas, Ald Valko, Ald Taylor, Ald Bolton, Ald Seger, Ald Moisio, Ald Villalobos, Ald Newsome.
Nay: None.
Abstain: None.
Absent: None.
Motion APPROVED
Action: B. Motion by Ald Taylor, second by Ald Bolton, authorizing the proper City Officials to settle Public Works Department Liability Claim C645-18-10565-01 for a total of $15,000.00.
Aye: Ald May, Ald TenPas, Ald Valko, Ald Taylor, Ald Bolton, Ald Seger, Ald Moisio, Ald Villalobos, Ald Newsome.
Nay: None.
Abstain: None.
Absent: None.
Motion APPROVED
9. Old Business
Action: A. Motion by Ald Villalobos, second by Ald Moisio to approve an Ordinance levying and assessing taxes of the City of Waukegan, Lake County, Illinois for the 2018 Tax Levy Year, tabled by Alderman Valko, seconded by Alderman Moisio at the November 5, 2018 City Council meeting to the first regular City Council Meeting in December.
Aye: Ald May, Ald TenPas, Ald Valko, Ald Taylor, Ald Bolton, Ald Seger, Ald Moisio, Ald Villalobos, Ald Newsome.
Nay: None.
Abstain: None.
Absent: None.
Motion APPROVED
Action: B. Motion by Ald Villalobos, second by Ald TenPas Ordinance abating a portion of the 2018 Tax Levy for the payment of Principal and Interest on the $7,005,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2015A (Roadway Improvements Project).
Aye: Ald May, Ald TenPas, Ald Valko, Ald Taylor, Ald Bolton, Ald Seger, Ald Moisio, Ald Villalobos, Ald Newsome.
Nay: None.
Abstain: None.
Absent: None.
Motion APPROVED
Action: C. Motion by Ald Villalobos, second by Ald Valko to approve an Ordinance abating a portion of the 2018 Tax Levy for the payment of Principal and Interest on the $6,850,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2016A (Roadway Improvements Project).
Aye: Ald May, Ald TenPas, Ald Valko, Ald Taylor, Ald Bolton, Ald Seger, Ald Moisio, Ald Villalobos, Ald Newsome.
Nay: None.
Abstain: None.
Absent: None.
Motion APPROVED
Action: D. Motion by Ald Villalobos, second by Ald Valko to approve an Ordinance abating a portion of the 2018 Tax Levy for the payment of Principal and Interest on the $14,860,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2018A (Roadway Improvements Project).
Aye: Ald May, Ald TenPas, Ald Valko, Ald Taylor, Ald Bolton, Ald Seger, Ald Moisio, Ald Villalobos, Ald Newsome.
Nay: None.
Abstain: None.
Absent: None.
Motion APPROVED
Action: E. Motion by Ald Villalobos, second by Ald Valko authorizing the appropriate City officials to present to the US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) a revised scope, as presented, for the Sea Horse Drive reconstruction grant, and request a revised Grant Award document be issued by EDA.
Aye: Ald May, Ald TenPas, Ald Valko, Ald Taylor, Ald Bolton, Ald Seger, Ald Moisio, Ald Villalobos, Ald Newsome.
Nay: None.
Abstain: None.
Absent: None.
Motion APPROVED
10. New Business
Action: A. Motion by Ald Valko, second by Ald Bolton to approve vendor payments dated December 3, 2018 in the total amount of $1,819,878.47.
Aye: Ald May, Ald TenPas, Ald Valko, Ald Taylor, Ald Bolton, Ald Seger, Ald Moisio, Ald Villalobos, Ald Newsome.
Nay: None.
Abstain: None.
Absent: None.
Motion APPROVED
Action: B. Motion by Ald Valko, second by Ald Seger to approve Regular payroll dated November 21, 2018 in the total amount of $1,467,175.92.
Aye: Ald May, Ald TenPas, Ald Valko, Ald Taylor, Ald Bolton, Ald Seger, Ald Moisio, Ald Villalobos, Ald Newsome.
Nay: None.
Abstain: None.
Absent: None.
Motion APPROVED
Action: C. Motion by Ald Valko, second by Ald Moisio to approve PBLC Holiday Cashout Payroll dated November 21, 2018 in the total amount of $5,264.00.
Aye: Ald May, Ald TenPas, Ald Valko, Ald Taylor, Ald Bolton, Ald Seger, Ald Moisio, Ald Villalobos, Ald Newsome.
Nay: None.
Abstain: None.
Absent: None.
Motion APPROVED
Action: D. Motion by Ald Valko, second by Ald Villalobos to approve Police Auxiliary Clothing Allowance payroll dated November 16, 2018 in the total amount of $1,080.00.
Aye: Ald May, Ald TenPas, Ald Valko, Ald Taylor, Ald Bolton, Ald Seger, Ald Moisio, Ald Villalobos, Ald Newsome.
Nay: None.
Abstain: None.
Absent: None.
Motion APPROVED
Action: E. Motion by Ald May, second by Ald TenPas to adopt as presented the attached 2019 proposed annual meeting schedule
Motion APPROVED
11. Ordinances
12. Closing Items
Information A. Aldermen's Time
Ald May:
She said she missed last meeting but watched the meeting and wanted to talk about the towing issue that was talked about last week. She said she felt struck about the pastors that came in last meeting because some of the statements made felt threatening. She clarified that the towing issue has been a problem since before and that there is no towing contract in existence however, there are policies and regulations for towing. She said there is a list of towing contractors that every Mayor uses, she encouraged residents to keep a list of contractors in order to choose their own. She expressed the idea of adopting a towing ordinance to regulate towing prices and have RFQ qualified towing contractors to protect Waukegan residents. She also wanted everyone to remember that there is still a 6% tax levy increase for next year even though there was a 0% aggravated tax levy vote tonight.
Ald Valko: Pass - No Comment.
Ald Taylor:
She thanked residents who came out and expressed their concerns. She said she isn’t against tax increases and increasing taxes should be the last resort. She said the taxes are hurting our community because people are losing their homes and we do not see the young generation coming to our community anymore and we need them. She stated that council members heard the message from the residents and will be doing whatever it takes and working as a team and be committed. She also talked about the Medline situation and said that unfortunately the city does not have to test or the jurisdiction however, she said we need to put pressure on the EPA and asked everyone to educate themselves. Lastly, she asked everyone in the 9th ward to be patient about the leaf pick as the process continues and the Mayor will be assisting with it.
Ald Bolton:
She thanked everyone for coming out tonight. She said that as a homeowner of the 1st ward and she feels the pain of the tax increases too. She also wanted people to know that by voting 0% increase tonight, the elected officials are on the resident’s side.
Ald Seger: Pass - No Comment.
Ald Moisio:
He thanked everyone for coming out tonight. He encouraged all the residents to get on all the other taxing bodies/townships not just the city. He said the towing issue has always been a problem, there is no contract and agreed with the idea of adopting an ordinance. He also talked about Medline and how the city does not have the funds or department to test the air. He said coming up with a proposal to pay for an air quality test would be ideal and also put pressure on people above us.
Ald Villalobos:
He thanked everyone for coming out and talk about the tax levy. He said the stories shared tonight were impactful. He invited everyone to continue to attend council meetings and continue to voice their concerns. He also invited everyone to attend the Austin Cantu and recommended him to the Waukegan Proud Award. He thanked everyone who came out and participated in the Tree lighting event this past Saturday. He also talked about the Medline Oxi Gas and also agreed about putting pressure on the EPA and other people. He recommends maybe partnering up with Willow Brook to better the community. Lastly, he talked about attending and speaking in a press conference in Springfield about coal ash pond and recommended the city to be conscious about this topic.
Ald Newsome: Pass - No comment
Ald TenPas: Pass - No Comment
Mayor Cunningham opened up a discussion with Aldermen about shoveling sidewalks in the wards. He mentioned residents were mainly from the 9th ward tonight and talked about the new design for the upcoming city sticker. The mayor said there has been miscommunication in the media and asked the residents to call him directly. He mentioned that the majority of the taxes go to the schools. He also talked about the future of Waukegan and how people should no longer be afraid in investing and taking the proper steps.
13. Adjournment
Action: A. Motion by Ald Moisio, second by Ald Taylor to Adjourn 9:12 PM
Motion APPROVED
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