North Chicago City Council met Monday, Feb. 6.
Here are the minutes as provided by North Chicago:
Regular Meeting, Monday, February 06, 2017
MINUTES
The City Council of North Chicago met in a Regular Meeting Monday, February 06, 2017 at 7:15 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at 1850 Lewis Avenue with Mayor Rockingham, Jr., presiding.I. CALL TO ORDERII. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCEIII. INVOCATION
IV. ROLL CALLUpon roll call being taken, the following members were present:Present: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels
Absent: January4-1 Presentation Lake County Chapter of APWA (American Public Works Association) “2017 Project of the Year”
Public Works Director, Ed Wilmes explained that the City had received a nomination and award from the Lake County Branch of the American Public Works Association for the 2015-2016 water main replacement project etc.Tony Wolfe of Ciorba and the President, PWA (American Public Works Association) (Lake Branch) presented the “project of the year award” to the Public Works Department. He recognized the Mayor, Alderman Evans and Trotter Engineering.The Mayor explained that the City Public Works department ensured that the projects continued moving forward with necessary repair, cleanliness, and maintenance.Alderman Evans commended the Public Works Department and Director for their well-deserved award.
4-2 Thank you Presentation – Medical Mission Trip to NigeriaKenny Smith explained his trip that was special in different ways; there were nine (9) successful open-heart surgeries performed from ages of 18 months to nine years.
He was very thankful for the City of North Chicago’s monetary support for Hospitals for Humanity. There were 200 children readily awaiting assistance.
V. MINUTES5-1 The Regular Council Meeting, January 17, 2017; 7:00 p.m. was modified and presented in typewritten form by the City Clerk, Lori L. Collins.MOTION:
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans that Regular Council Meeting, January 17, 2017; 7:00 p.m. be passed as presented.MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTEAlderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Markham to suspend Regular Order of Business at 7:35 p.m. to Committee Meetings.ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels
Nays: None
Absent: JanuaryAlderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Markham to resume Regular Order of Business at 8:13 p.m.ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels
Nays: None
Absent: JanuaryVI. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA
6-1 Department Head Reports – December, 20166-1A Treasurer’s Report – December, 2016
6-1B Water Department Report – January, 20176-2 Appointment of Lawrence Brown to the Library BoardAlderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to approve items of the Omnibus Vote Agenda as presented.Alderman January entered at 8:13 p.m.ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: NoneMOTION CARRIEDVII. REGULAR AGENDA
7-1 APPOINTMENT OF VICTOR BARRERA AS ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Runnels to approve the appointment of Victor Barrera as Economic and Community Development Director.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels
Nays: January
Absent: NoneMOTION CARRIEDThe Mayor welcomed him to the City.7-2 CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF RELEASE AND SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT – J. KINDLE, $10,500,Alderman Allen, moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to approve the Release and Settlement Agreement amount of $10, 500 to J. Kindle.ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: NoneMOTION CARRIED7-3 CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL, SETTLEMENT PAYMENT TO BONNY MAYFIELD IN THE AMOUNT OF $22,744.80; AS FULL AND FINAL PAYMENT/REIMBURSEMENT FOR COST WITHHELD FROM JOHNSON PAVING’S FINAL PAY REQUEST (2014 MFT PAVING CONTRACT)
Attorney Silverman requested that Alderman Mayfield would recluse herself prior to the motion.Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Fisher to approve the settlement payment to Bonny Mayfield in the amount of $22,744.80; as full and final payment/reimbursement for cost withheld from Johnson Paving’s final pay request. (2014 MFT Paving Contract).
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels
Nays: January
Recluse: Mayfield
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
NOTE: FUNDS TOTALING $29,565.32 AS THE FULL SETTLEMENT FOR ALL LOSSES OF RECORD, WERE RECEIVED BY THE CITY OF NORTH CHICAGO FROM TRISTAR RISK MANAGEMENT ON NOVEMBER 19, 2015 AND IS THE SOLE SOURCE OF FUNDING FOR THIS SETTLEMENT PAYMENT.7-4 CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF APPLICATION TO ADOPT HONORARY STREET NAME OF “J.C. COLEMAN JR. WAY” FOR WRIGHT AVENUE FROM 21ST NORTH TO 20TH STREET AND AUTHORIZATION TO PROCURE AND ERECT SIGNING DENOTING THE SAMEAlderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Allen authorizing the Honorary Street Naming of Wright Avenue, from 21st North to 20th Street, as “Rev. “J.C. Coleman Jr. Way” from this date forward for the next ten (10) years and that signs be procure and erected bearing the same. Also respectfully ask that the Clerk read the Resolution and take a roll call vote on the Adoption of the Resolution as part of this Motion.City Clerk, Lori Collins read the resolution.
COMMENTS/QUESTIONS:
Alderman January questioned name clarification. Alderman Markham acknowledged it was correct.ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED7-5 CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL, MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) INTER-OPERABLE COMMUNICATIONS COUNCIL OF LAKE COUNTYAlderman Mayfield moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Inter-operable Communications Council of Lake County.ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: NoneMOTION CARRIED7-6 CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL TO AUTHORIZE CITY ATTORNEY TO PREPARE SPECIAL USE PERMIT ORDINANCE FOR COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER AT 1236 PARK AVENUEAlderman Fisher moved,
MOTION DIED DUE TO LACK OF SECOND7-7 CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL, OF NON-EXCLUSIVE LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR TEMPORARY RIGHT OF ENTRY
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to approve the Non-exclusive License Agreement for Temporary Right of Entry.ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: NoneMOTION CARRIED
VIII. CITY BILLS8-1 REGULAR CITY BILLS 02/06/17
MOTION:
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to pay the bills of Council Run, 02/06/17 in the amount of $1,005,903.91 when funds become available.COMMENTS/QUESTIONS:
Alderman January questioned Interim Comptroller, Mary Wells if funds were available and when they would be disbursed. Ms. Wells acknowledged its availability and the checks were to be issued within the week.ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: NoneMOTION CARRIED
IX. MISCELLANEOUS
VARIOUS
Alderman Evans questioned if owners of the vacant lots were registered to the City and who was responsible. Summer season was approaching in need of mowing the lawn. Victor Barrera, Economic & Community Development Director stated would be notify the property owners. He stated was collaborating with the Project Manager, Public Works Department and Comptroller’s office.Alderman Evans had strong concerns with “fly dumping.” Mr. Barrera stated was awaiting to meet with the police department and Public Works.Alderman Evans questioned if abandoned vehicles were addressed and suggested should be ticketed. Chief of Staff, Deb Waszak explained the property liens were for purposes of grass and there was a specified list; the fly dumping, abandoned vehicles issue would be in a more centralized location. Public Works Director, Ed Wilmes explained that liens were sometimes vacated. The City was successful in recovering cost of grass manicuring and maintenance.Mrs. Waszak stated that City Attorney has ensured that the City was reporting the liens properly and cost was recovered. Police Chief, Richard Wilson added a program to identify the vehicles; seven-day notice was issued and if not removed, would be tagged.Alderman Evans questioned the scheduling of demolition (fast track). Angenetta Frison, Property Manager stated; notice to proceed would be February 13, 2017 with list of demolition properties.Alderman Evans observed and had strong concerns with the parking lot project at Broadway and Argonne was incomplete and questioned process status.
Nimrod Warda, Senior City Planner explained that the owners were contemplating its completion. A notice was issued and a summons for cleaning up the rubble. The court hearings would continue, providing due process for them. He clarified that they were allowed to prep the site for construction. Alderman Evans had high concerns that it was repetitive and suggested expediting the process and directed the City Attorney.Alderman Evans final concern of mudded debris areas at the recycling company. Mr. Wilmes explained had discussed issue with owners. The EPA could require a wheel wash prior to their departure. CONCERNS
Alderman Markham questioned concerns with the vehicles parked on the yard area. Various departments were contacted. Chief Wilson stated when they were identified, could contact the owner. Alderman Markham emphasized the law shouldn’t be selectively enforced. ANNOUNCEMENT
Alderman Evans announced the 3rd ward meeting; February 25, 2017; 10:00 a.m., held at the Foss Park District. Various bus companies would be present for applications of hire. He encouraged everyone’s participation. It wasn’t ward specific.The Mayor acknowledged the widow of Reverend J. C. Coleman Jr. He explained what had occurred and if she could arrange the needed scheduling for the posting of the sign. The elected officials had an obligation
X. CITIZENS COMMENTS AND QUESTIONSD.
J. Fain
He expressed concerns with the Comprehensive Plan lack of implementation. There weren’t any action points outlined; the elected officials had obligations to move and engage the City toward progress. He only heard excuses and was frustrated with no economic development.Betty Ollaway-Harris
She suggested that the City needed to accomplish more; request to budget money; place more priority and with the young; children were being governed in the city schools. She urged involvement to meet with the State-appointed, school superintendent, John Price, March 01, 2017; 5:00-7:00 p.m.Charles January – Shields Township Trustee
He expressed disappointment with no strategic or comprehensive plans; questioned budget for Economic & Community Development Director and his plan. There were three separate entities involved.XI. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council; a motion was made by Alderman Runnels, seconded by Alderman Allen that the meeting stand adjourned.MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTEThe Council Meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m.
ATTEST:
Lori L. Collins
City Clerk
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