City of North Chicago City Council met March 2
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. INVOCATION
IV. ROLL CALL
Upon the Roll Call being taken, the following members were present:
Present: Jackson, Evans, Allen, Wray, Murphy, Brooks
Absent: Coleman
Mayor Rockingham requested interruption of Regular Order of Business for presentation of Officer of the year.
2025 Police Officer of the Year
Police Chief Lazaro read notable contributions and accomplishments in the Police Department of Detective Tony Synderman contributions/accomplishments to the Police Department including; 7-year veteran of the department, who was nominated by his peers. Det. Synderman has been involved in the creation of the Peer Support Group for the police department. Many peer accolades were shared. Chief Perez said he sets the standard of professionalism; he expects the best from himself before expecting it from others. Det. Snyderman is the most consistent mentor in the department and goes beyond the call of duty.
Det. Snyderman said it was a great honor to be nominated, and he appreciated the support from everyone that has helped him along the way.
Mayor Leon Rockingham Jr. expressed gratitude to the officers. Not knowing what to expect when answering a call, they perform their duties with respect and dignity. They work 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to keep us safe. He felt each officer should all get an award for the work that they do.
Mayor Leon Rockingham Jr. gave thanks on behalf of the City and congratulated Det. Tony Snyderman for all that he did.
Mayor Leon Rockingham Jr. gave recognition and presented a plaque to the North Chicago Police Department for Outstanding Financial Support in the Law Enforcement Torch Run 2025 Special Olympics Illinois, earning $5,695 to the Special Olympics.
V. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA
5-1 Approval of Minutes for Regular Council Meeting, February 16, 2026
5-2 Approval of Standing Committee Meeting Minutes, February 16, 2026
5-3 Approval of the Treasurer’s Report – January
5-4 Approval of the Resolution Reallocating 2026 Volume Cap to the Village of Buffalo Grove
5-5 Approval of Authorization to Advertise for Bids for Municipal Facilities Access Control Systems
5-6 Approval of an Operational Policy for Citizens Recognition Program
5-7 Approval of Discussion of a Proposal from Lakeland Electric & Controls in the Not to Exceed Amount of $7,210 to Furnish & Install a New Eaton Pump Controller for Abbvie Pump No. 4 Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to approve the Omnibus Vote Agenda as presented.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Evans, Allen, Wray, Murphy, Brooks
Nays: None
Absent: Coleman
MOTION CARRIED
VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mike Mueller
• SEIU Contract is done. Members were very happy after bargaining
• Subcontract to Senesac, the staff at the Water Plant have performed sludge removal. It had been done by a current employee for 20 years. It was unclear why the City would subcontract the work to a company not based in North Chicago nor has employees that live here. The employees at the Water Plant would like to see the equipment repaired/replaced to continue with the sludge removal.
• The request is to take into consideration the employees that live, pay taxes and vote in the city before giving taxpayer money to a subcontractor.
Tim Coleman
• Expressed that he felt, the Mayor did not have certainty in the staff or view of the employees at the Water Department based on other people’s opinions or comments.
• Mentioning that, the State expressed that the City of North Chicago did a great job, providing excellent water.
• Asked if the Mayor and Council could come and talk to the employees to see what the direct needs are for the department.
Mike Atlas
• Congratulations to the City for getting grant money from Senator Dick Durbin and wanted to make sure that the City was taking full advantage of the funds that are offered.
• $57 million from Department of Defense was given to the School District. The Department of Defense also had these types of funds available to the City of North Chicago. Funds were allocated for projects of non-military property which is North Chicago. Due to the current war the naval base had become a target. An application is the requirement to receive the funds.
Commissioner Carmecia Hawthorne
• Announced that Foss Park District Board meetings were every 3rd Wednesday of the month at 6pm & 7pm
• District Surveys had been sent out residents to share opinion of what Foss Park should offer. Please complete the surveys and return them.
• Event announcements for Foss Park District:
-These Feet are Made for Walking (Seniors walking group) Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9-10am
– Eagles martial arts systems for woman, men and children’s classes were Thursdays at 5pm & Saturday at 10am
– Senior St. Patrick’s Craft and Snacks March 17, 2026, at 10am-12pm
– Senior’s Lunch and Movie Adventure April 14, 2026. Bus services provided, call the district to register.
– Live Fencing competition March 6, 2026. She welcomed everyone to attend
• Ms. Hawthorne announced that the North Chicago Library was hosting early voting
VII.REGULAR AGENDA
7-1 CONSIDERATION & AWARD OF THE FY 2026 STORM SEWER CLEANING & TELEVISING PROJECT TO PIPE VIEW, LLC IN THE NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF $132,431.60
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to Consideration & Award of the FY 2026 Storm Sewer Cleaning & Televising Project to Pipe View, LLC in the Not to Exceed Amount of $132,431.60 for acceptance as presented.
Engineer Steve Cieslica noted that the project was discussed to get bid at the previous Committee Meeting. there were four bids with amazing pricing. His recommendation was to approve.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Evans, Allen, Wray, Murphy, Brooks
Nays: None
Absent: Coleman
MOTION CARRIED
7-2 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF THE CITY BILLS; SPECIAL 1; SPECIAL 2; SPECIAL 3
General Fund $ 354,362.58
General Grants Fund $ 295,907.47
Motor Fuel Tax Fund $ 20,053.95
Captial Projects Fund $ 55,979.33
Water, Sewer & Refuse Fund $ 319,112.11
Retiree Premium Fund $ 17,102.33
Library Fund $ 8,915.53
TOTAL $1,071,433.30
SPECIAL 1 $ 391.99
SPECIAL 2 $33,852.64
SPECIAL 3 $75.00
TOTAL $1,105,360.94
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to pay the Regular, Special 1, Special 2 and Special 3 bills of Council Run 03/02/26 in the amount of $1,105,360.94 when funds become available.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Evans, Allen, Wray, Murphy, Brooks
Nays: None
Absent: Coleman
MOTION CARRIED
VIII. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
ANNOUNCEMENTS/COMMENTS
➢ Alderman Allen
– Expressed appreciation to Fire Chief for his quick response to fire on Audrey Nixon Blvd. Although it was Waukegan property, he took initiative to rescue. The Fire Department took care of everything.
– $33 million in grants last year. Thusfar in 2026, the City had received $2.2 million. We should be proud of what we are doing. Further giving kudos to the mayor and his team on the job they are doing.
➢ Mayor Rockingham, Jr.
– Mentioned the City receiving funds from Congressman Brad Schneider, $500,000 for radios and $1.1 million for leadlines replacement. Dollars that do not have to come from residential taxes, as well as funds for a new fire truck were received.
➢ Alderman Evans
– Acknowledged and gave kudos to Engineer Steve Cieslica and Public Works, stating they are doing a great job. Everyone is doing a great job!
➢ Mayor Rockingham, Jr.
– Highlighted that a global company (Abbott) that is based in North Chicago would spend $385 million to continue to expand here that meant a lot. they believe in the community and did not take business elsewhere, chose to do it here and that was in addition to $185 million in renovations in the City. Noting that there was over $500 million Abbvie invested in the City and 300 new jobs. These were some of the positives and wanted to build on that.
➢ Alderman Murphy
– Questioned the City Bills total based on her calculations of $1,105,752.92. Requesting that someone else verify and if so, may the necessary corrections be made. Attorney Silverman explained the vote was already taken, the corrected amount should be clarified for the record. Comptroller Tawanda Joyner
➢ Mayor Rockingham Jr.
– Reminded elected officials to complete the Economic Interest form and submit them, if they have not done so already.
➢ Alderman Brooks
– Thanked, Tim Coleman (Public Comment), for all that he did. North Chicago was a great city. He, Alderman Brooks, had been in North Chicago all his life, and the city had a negative stigma. He’s been in the city through the gang rise, and through various epidemics. Those challenges did not rip North Chicago apart, like some other cities. We were still here and it was a strong city. Noting that some mayors’ tenures have not been long, however our mayor has been here for over 20 years. Someone mentioned that they were afraid to walk down the street in North Chicago; he had never been scared to walk in North Chicago, even in the height of gang activity. Stating that if the City of North Chicago was so bad Abbvie/Abbott would not want to be here.
– Mentioning that as citizens of North Chicago, we had to start defending our city. We are on a rise and other people can see.
– Thank you for the opportunity to go to Springfield for the first time. It was a great experience.
➢ Mayor Rockingham Jr.
– House Bill 2735 was one of the reasons he and the Chief of Staff visited Springfield to get the bill moved forward and an opportunity to meet with some of our State Legislators to encourage its passage. Feeling very comfortable that the bill will move forward.
➢ Alderman Jackson
– Inquired about the plans for the City to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of America, as being the host city of Great Lakes. Was there a committee? We don’t want to be overshadowed, and the naval base was located here. He asked when planning would start and if in need of guidance. Nothing, it took time to plan.
Mayor Rockingham, Jr. said “we” will put something together. He indicated that he tries not to compete with the Navy. North Chicago would be doing something for the city. We do not want to compete with Naval Station Great Lakes. However, there were no plans yet from the City but noted that Great Lakes would be celebrating.
➢ Tawanda Joyner
– Provided an update of the City Bills total as $1,105,752.93. Mayor Rockingham, Jr. explained the amount would be corrected and updated.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council; a motion was made by Alderman Allen, seconded by Alderman Evans that the meeting stand adjourned.
MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE
The Council Meeting adjourned at 6:39 p.m.
https://www.northchicago.org/03.02.26.%20COUNCIL%20MINUTES.pdf?t=202603130943110
