Waukegan City Council met Monday, March 6.
The Waukegan City Council meets at 7:30 p.m. on the first and third Monday of each month at City Hall, 100 N. Martin Luther King Junior Ave.
Here are the minutes as provided by Waukegan:
Regular Council Meeting
Monday, March 6, 2017
Waukegan City Hall
Council Chambers
Time of meeting: 7:00 pm
100 N Martin Luther King Jr. Ave
WAUKEGAN IL 60085
Telephone: (847)599-2513
The Council of the City of Waukegan met in regular session on Monday, March 6, 2017 at 7:00 PM.
City Council Chambers, City Hall. 100 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, Waukegan.
Mayor Wayne Motley; City Clerk, Maria LaCour; Treasurer, John Schwab; and Corporation Counsel, Steve Martin were present.
1. Opening Items
Procedural: A. Roll Call
Present: Ald. Cunningham, Ald. Seger, Ald. Moisio, Ald. Villalobos, Ald. Newsome, Ald. TenPas, Ald. May, Ald. Valko, Ald. Taylor
Absent: None
Procedural: B. Invocation/Pledge of Allegiance
Information: C. Mayor's Comments
David Motley was invited to the podium to talk about Polar Plunge.
The 18th Annual Polar Plunge was held January 1st with over 300 participants. David also invited Kerry Robinson and two Park District Commissioners: George Bridges and Janet KilKelly and his assistant Jane Ferry to the front with him. There were various business sponsors and teams, some of which were to be recognized today for their pledge accomplishments:
Participating Business sponsors: J’s Bally Muck, AAA Tent Masters, Quonset Pizza, 17 North, The Taproom, TR’s Front Row, Bonnie Brook Golf Course, Louie’s, Green Town Tavern, George’s Gyro, Up North Pub, North Avenue Tap, Bridge Development Partners, Deigan & Associates LLC, NRG
Participating pledging teams and individuals: May4Mayor, In memory of Robert Madlener, Kelsey & Kirsten Benson, Shawn, Cheyenne & Dakota Wright, Must Be Crazy, Janine Rudnicki, David Huebner, Eric Romero
Participating In-kind Sponsors: Waukegan Park District Field House, American Outfitters, Waukegan Main Street, Waukegan Fire Department, Special Recreation Services of Northern Lake County/Waukegan, Waukegan Park District, Waukegan Public Works, City of Waukegan
Recognition: 17 North/The Taproom/TR’s Front Row, represented by Tom LeBaron, raised $840
Individual: Eric Romero raised $1,295 (4th year as top individual)
Pledging Team: May4Mayor, raised $845
The total amount raised was over $8,000.
They took a group picture with Mayor Motley. David also passed out a copy of a brochure of that day's specials that the crowd received because it was a community event. He shared that there were 5,500 views on the commercial advertising the annual plunge. This has been the 2nd annual highest year with a total fundraiser of $8,000. The money is distributed to Summer Day Camps and yearlong scholarships.
Chief George Bridges invited everyone to attend the 16th Annual Juarez Basketball Cup in which the Fire Dept. and the Police Dept. play against each other. The game will be March 11th, tickets are $3 and there will be a $100 reward for a 1/2 court shot contest.
Mayor Motley also shared that the Fire Department will be installing smoke detectors on April 1st. For more information call (847)249-5410
2. Minutes
Action: A. Motion by Ald. Seger, second by Ald. May to approve the regular meeting minutes from February 21, 2017
Motion Approved
3. Resolutions/Proclamations/Presentations/Appointments
Information: A. Waukegan Main Street
Arthur Cobb, Executive Director, thanked everyone for the support of the 11th Annual Mardi Gras and Casino night. It was a successful fundraiser for Waukegan Main Street.
4. Judiciary Committee
Action: A. Motion by Ald. Moisio, seconded by Ald. Villalobos to adopt an Ordinance approving Zoning Calendar #2528, Conditional Use Permit for a Banquet Facility, Address: 814 Washington Street, Petitioner: Elizabeth Vaca/Need a Broker Company.
Ald. Cunningham asked where this address was located. Ald. Moisio explained this petition had a lot of discussion during the committee meeting. Ald. Taylor explained she voted against the motion during the committee meeting and she wished the requester the best. However there was an AD shared on Facebook prior to the approval of the banquet hall use by the committee and council. She wanted to make it clear that this is not a personal issue. The City has Ordinances and laws in place so this is a good lesson to not post anything on Facebook that can be used as evidence. Ald. Cunningham questioned if the location was up to code and if was big enough to be considered a banquet hall. Ald. Villalobos explained that it had 29 parking spots and a limit of 49 attendees.
The Applicant, Elizabeth Vaca, explained that only 17 parking spots were required. Ald. May explained to the requester that the Alderman's main concern was the size of the location and that advertisements for business are already being offered. She would still like to give the requester an opportunity; after all there is a 90-day probation period. Ald. Villalobos explained the requester is an ambitious small business owner and the early advertisements should not be held against her. Ald. Newsome asked if there can be a different word used to identify the business besides banquet hall, perhaps small gathering hall, so that people can know the restrictions. Russ Tomlin explained that the reason a conditional-use-permit was issued was so that restrictions and conditions could be established. Ald. Villalobos explained there will be no bands or Djs allowed because of the noise concern that neighbors addressed.
Ald. Cunningham agreed with Ald. Newsome's point to not call it a banquet hall permit. He explained there are 4-5 other businesses in the community with similar attributes that may start coming in for similar banquet hall requests if this one is approved. He questioned if the City is ready for floodgate to open for other businesses. He also stated that there have been previous requesters with the same petition and they haven't made it this far into the process. Russ reiterated the purpose of the conditional permit was to establish minimum requirements to be upheld.
Aye: Ald. Cunningham, Ald. Seger, Ald. Moisio, Ald. Villalobos, Ald. Newsome, Ald. TenPas, Ald. May
Nay: Ald. Valko, Ald. Taylor
Abstain: None
Motion Approved 17-O-14
Action: B. Motion by Ald. Moisio, second by Ald. Valko to adopt as presented an Ordinance amending Article II – License, Section 3-40 entitled “Classes; scope; fees” which is contained in the City of Waukegan Code of Ordinances at Chapter 3, entitled “Alcoholic Beverages” by creating an additional BYOB license.
William McCaffrey owner of A Cuban Experience, 119 N. Genesee St, was invited to the podium. He explained the lounge brings people together to socialize. Since the opening there has been a great crowd attracted and that helps the downtown community. The cigar users like to have a drink of choice. Under State law the consumption of alcohol drinks in cigar lounges is allowed with proper municipal licenses but limits to not sale the drinks in the lounge. The cigar lounge is also authorized under an exception of the IL Smoke Free Act.
Ald. TenPas thanked Mr. McCaffrey for his growing business downtown Waukegan. He dislikes the idea of smoking but supports all businesses. Ald. May thanked him for the explanation of the state laws. She wanted to confirm with Corporation Counsel that the business practice would comply under the IL Smoke Free Stature. It does comply. Ald. Villalobos shared that it was great to see the business invest in Waukegan; they purchased many items from other Waukegan Businesses. He also shared a story of a person that would only come to Waukegan for court business but now comes to the City of Waukegan 3-4 times a week to visit by the Cigar Lounge.
Aye: Ald. Cunningham, Ald. Seger, Ald. Moisio, Ald. Villalobos, Ald. TenPas, Ald. May, Ald. Valko, Ald. Taylor
Nay: Ald. Newsome
Abstain: None
Motion Approved 17-O-15
5. Public Safety Committee
Action: A. Motion by Ald. TenPas, second by Ald. Newsome to approve the purchase of IT equipment to update the Police Department's computer network from CDS Technologies for a total of $28,745.00, under the Federal GSA contract #GS-35F-0185X. This purchase will be paid from line item 100 607526495.
Aye: Ald. Cunningham, Ald. Seger, Ald. Moisio, Ald. Villalobos, Ald. Newsome, Ald. TenPas, Ald. May, Ald. Valko, Ald. Taylor
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Motion Approved
Action: B. Motion by Ald. TenPas, second by Ald. Newsome to terminate the contract with SAE Customs and award the remainder of the contract to the next qualified bidder, Havey Communications, for an amount of $10,502.50 per fully equipped squad and $8,486.50 for the Evidence Technician squads. This purchase will be made from line items 100 607526492 and 295 629526494.
Aye: Ald. Cunningham, Ald. Seger, Ald. Moisio, Ald. Villalobos, Ald. Newsome, Ald. TenPas, Ald. May, Ald. Valko, Ald. Taylor
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Motion Approved
6. Special Finance Committee
Action: A. Motion by Ald. Valko, second by Ald. Cunningham to authorize the proper City Officials to enter into a grant agreement with the Illinois Department of Housing and Development for the $250,000 Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Program, Round 2. This grant is fully reimbursable and will be included in the Fiscal Year 2017/2018 proposed budget.
Ald. Valko explained this motion had to be presented in this Special Finance Committee because the grant agreement paperwork had to be completed soon due to a deadline. Ald. Moisio stated that he would like to see the lots cleaned up better after demolitions. There is nothing worse for a neighborhood than an abandoned house. Ald. TenPas echoed the same thought, his ward has greatly benefited.
Aye: Ald. Cunningham, Ald. Seger, Ald. Moisio, Ald. Villalobos, Ald. Newsome, Ald. TenPas, Ald. May, Ald. Valko, Ald. Taylor
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Motion Approved
7. Old Business
8. Reports and Communication
9. New Business
Action: A. Motion by Ald. Valko, second by Ald. Cunningham to approve Regular Payroll dated March 3, 2017 in the amount of $1,489,361.16
Aye: Ald. Cunningham, Ald. Seger, Ald. Moisio, Ald. Villalobos, Ald. Newsome, Ald. TenPas, Ald. May, Ald. Valko, Ald. Taylor
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Motion Approved
Action: B. Motion by Ald. Valko, second by Ald. Cunningham to approve Local 150 Comp Time Cash out Payroll dated March 3, 2017 in the amount of $1,010.90.
Aye: Ald. Cunningham, Ald. Seger, Ald. Moisio, Ald. Villalobos, Ald. Newsome, Ald. TenPas, Ald. May, Ald. Valko, Ald. Taylor
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Motion Approved
Action: C. Motion by Ald. Valko, second by Ald. Cunningham to approve PBLC Holiday Buy Back dated March 3, 2017 in the amount of $2,748.72.
Aye: Ald. Cunningham, Ald. Seger, Ald. Moisio, Ald. Villalobos, Ald. Newsome, Ald. TenPas, Ald. May, Ald. Valko, Ald. Taylor
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Motion Approved
Action: D. Motion by Ald. Valko, second by Ald. Cunningham to approve Bills dated March 6, 2017 in the amount of $1,062,447.90.
Aye: Ald. Cunningham, Ald. Seger, Ald. Moisio, Ald. Villalobos, Ald. Newsome, Ald. TenPas, Ald. May, Ald. Valko, Ald. Taylor
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Motion Approved
Action: E. Motion by Ald. Cunningham, second by Ald. May to authorize the proper city officials to issue an RFP for a forensic audit
Mayor Motley explained that after three successful financial audits, per the request of Ald. Cunningham, there was an audit requested. He said it would cost the City about $100,000 to pay for the audit.
Ald. TenPas asked if the city just had an audit, he needed clarification. Mayor Motley reiterated there had been three audits. Tina Smigielski, Finance Director, explained that every year there has been a financial audit done by independent auditors. The audit requested in the motion is forensic and targets a specific area that may or may-not be financial. If an organization is concerned that an area is weak and suspicious of fraud in a certain department this type of Audit is requested. Ald. May asked if it would make more sense to do a comprehensive audit instead of an RFP. Tina explained that is more of a management audit, which looks into the effectiveness vs financial control. Ald. Taylor asked if there has ever been a forensic audit on the City of Waukegan. Tina stated there had not been one during her time of employment with the City. Ald. Valko asked the price range and the reasons that an audit would be requested, like a neighboring municipality did a few years back. Tina explained there are many price ranges depending on the type and range the audit. Antioch had an audit over a decade ago and it was ordered by HUD.
Ald. TenPas asked for Tina's recommendation. Tina stated she had no recommendations because she was not the person that presented this motion to the council. He was shocked because Tina is rarely speechless. Ald. Cunningham explained that the motion requested by Ald. Cunningham was based on all the information he and Ald. May heard from the community. He insisted that the council should not put fear into the community about how much this is going to cost. Ald. May seconded the motion. Ald. Moisio asked what the scope of the audit would be. Ald. Cunningham explained the City has a bright Finance Director that he knows will be happy to help the auditors gather information. Ald. Moisio insisted in knowing the scope of the audit. Ald. Cunningham said they can ask the Finance Director for the scope. Tina stated she did not feel comfortable being asked to select a scope. Once the Aldermen choose a scope she can cooperate with the audit.
Aye: Ald. Cunningham, Ald. Seger, Ald. Moisio, Ald. Villalobos, Ald. Newsome, Ald. TenPas, Ald. May, Ald. Taylor
Nay: Ald. Valko
Abstain: None
Motion Approved
Action: F. Motion by Ald. Villalobos, second by Ald. Taylor to authorize the proper city officials to execute a lease between the City of Waukegan and Three Brothers Theatre for the property commonly known as 221 N Genesee St. Waukegan IL
Aye: Ald. Cunningham, Ald. Seger, Ald. Moisio, Ald. Villalobos, Ald. Newsome, Ald. TenPas, Ald. May, Ald. Valko, Ald. Taylor
Nay: None
Abstain: None
Motion Approved
10. Ordinances/Resolutions
11. Closing Items
Information: A. Audience Time
Chris Blanks:
He gave his condolences to the Evans Family for the death of former Ald. Robert Evans.
He congratulated Ald. Cunningham and his running mate for winning the primary elections. He was proud to see Ald. Cunningham grow over the past 15 years. He expressed that it is in the City's best interest and in order to set aside allegations to appoint an ethics committee. He also pointed out that City Hall decorated it's halls for various Holidays, yet for Black History Month the city offered no acknowledgement or decorations.
Les Deffner:
He shared that he retired from the Navy in 1998. He moved to IL from Reno, Nevada. He married his wife in 2006. He moved to the City of Waukegan from the City of Chicago and bought a house here. He stated that Waukegan is where he will retire. He is not a business owner, just a resident. The crime rate has increased in the recent days. He questioned how the Police Chief will get to the root of the problem.
His second point was to share that he visits A Cuban Experience often. Other customers come from Grayslake and Highland Park. He has seen Development grow. He suggests that the City should focus on building on small successful accomplishments.
Clyde McLemore
He stated that Black Likes Matter held its Annual Meeting and members voted for him to be Chairman for another term.
He talked about his recent trip to Flint Michigan. It is not fixed. The government has decided to put a band aid on a large wound. He invited everyone to visit his Facebook page to see interviews of Flint residents. Although it is a government problem the residents need help.
To conclude, he stated that he was about to thank the council for allowing him to display the artwork of children submitted for Black History Month. However with the comments made by Mr. Blanks, he now realizes that they were displayed in the back Hallway of City Hall. He also questioned what a conditional permit was. He had attended previous meetings and had not heard of that.
Ralph Peterson
He stated that he wanted to educate the public on the hoodwinking scheme caused when Ald. Cunningham and Ald. May joined forces to get residents to vote against Mayor Motley's re-election. He believes Ald. May's supporters voted for Ald. Cunningham during the primary and will then shift back to her in the April elections. The Aldermen played nice to each other during candidate forums. He also believed they promised each other Department Head appointments if either of them won.
He also shared that the 9th ward had a low turnout of voters, as did overall Waukegan. He expressed his frustration with the corruption practices.
Information: B. Aldermen's Time
Ald. Cunningham:
He gave his condolences to the Evans Family for the passing of former Ald. Robert E. Evans. He stated many people would not look up to him because of some of his actions. However he explained that there was a time that only one voice sounded for the south side of Waukegan and that was Ald. Evan's voice. The former Alderman always stated that they as aldermen were representatives of the community. He encouraged residents to share the stories they have with him.
He, Ald. Cunningham, recalled a day when he was still a teen. He was riding in a car with Ald. Evans and was about to throw some garbage out of the car. However Ald. Evans stopped him from throwing the garbage. He was told not to liter the streets of his community. Ald. Evans preferred to be in a messy car rather than to throw trash on the Streets of Waukegan. Ald. Evans loved the City of Waukegan.
Ald. Seger:
No comment
Ald. Moisio:
He echoed the words of condolences to the Evans Family.
He referred the community to read a recent newspaper article that explains that homelessness is a County problem. Homelessness is not just in the City of Waukegan. He urged the public to talk to the County Board to help create policies to help homeless people.
Ald. Villalobos:
He complemented Ald. Cunningham on the story he shared of former Ald. Evans. He also has a messy car and carries trash bags and cleans the streets of the community.
He announced that he will start scheduling clean-ups for this year. He asked residents to visit his Facebook to keep up to date on his announcements and activities. He thanked Waukegan Main Street for allowing him to be a volunteer at the Annual Mardi Gras fundraiser. He invited everyone to support the Waukegan Boys Basketball Team as they play the sectionals.
Ald. Newsome:
She echoed the words of condolences to the Evans Family. She learned more about him through the Chronicles of Robert "Bobby" Evans book presented to the council a few months ago by his sister. He is a wonderful part of Waukegan History.
She also cheered on the Bulldogs Basketball team as they play sectionals. Her Grandson is a member of the team and scored 33 points in the last game. She sent the team prayers.
Ald. TenPas:
He remembered former Ald. Robert Evans and stated he probably knew him better and longer than anyone present at that council meeting. Ald. Evans was once a State Wrestling Champion. He truly lived for this job as Alderman.
He listed many accomplishments throughout the City of Waukegan, most of them implemented by Mayor Motley's initiative, such as: Body cameras, automatic water readers, 35 miles of road fixed, annexations, demolition of vacant properties that were eye sores, improved beach management, no increase in City's share of property tax, development of the lake front and a surplus on the City's budget for the past three years. He expressed his appreciation for the work done by Mayor Motley. He thanked him for his years of service as a Police Office, City Clerk and Mayor.
Ald. May:
She announced that although Ald. Cunningham and she had agreed to attend a candidate’s forum on Wednesday at the High School, they are now communicating with the student body organizers to reschedule because they do not want to conflict with the Sectionals Basketball game.
She announced that it is now City Sticker season and encouraged residents that do not want to wait in line to make the purchase online. She also shared that today was the first council meeting that was running through BoardDocs. She thanked City Clerk Maria LaCour and Executive Secretary Itzel Garcia for the support and initiative.
She recently learned that President Trump planned on slashing 97% of Great Lakes Restoration Grants. She congratulated Congressman Brad Schneider for standing up against that. 30 million people depend on clean water. She stated that most of the time the Federal government is not after the best interest for everyone.
She concluded by stating that although Mr. Peterson's allegations are unfunded, she will continue to support audience time during council meetings.
Ald. Valko:
He thanked the new audience in attendance. He advised everyone planning to attend the basketball game to arrive early to find parking and be allowed into the game that is sold out. He congratulated A Cuban Experience for having a successful business. He also congratulated Tom LeBaron for his participation in the Polar Plunge; he is also one of the highest stakeholders in Downtown Waukegan.
Ald. Taylor:
She thanked Mr. Blanks for his recommendations of an Ethics Committee. She brought it up in a January Council meeting as well. She also thanked the City Clerk for implementing BoardDocs, and shared that many people are still learning to use the new agenda.
She concluded by stating that the Police Department cannot prevent all crimes but they have a quick response team for all incidents.
Mayor's Comments:
He shared that he did not live in the 1st ward but he spent 26 years in that area. He shared he knew Ald. Evans very well and also held some great memories. He stated that it was no secret that there was a feud between Ald. Evans and Mayor Sabonjian Sr. He recalled that once he, Wayne Motley, a Police Officer, was called by Mayor Sabonjian Sr. and was told to go arrest Ald. Evans for running red lights on his car. So he went out to find the Alderman and sure enough he saw the Alderman with a red light in his car making a traffic stop. So he followed him trying to stop and arrest him as ordered. The alderman drove straight to his attorney's office and that is where he got arrested. He explained that the arrest was not personal it was just orders. Shortly after the arrest he returned to his squad car and turned on the radio which was broadcasted live. A reporter contacted Mayor Sabonjian Sr. and asked him about the arrest to which the Mayor responded "I just heard the news, I have no idea why that happened." His name will forever live in the 1st ward. He sent prayers to the Evans family.
Action: C. Motion by Ald. Taylor, second by Ald. Moisio to Adjourn. Time 8:33 pm
Motion Approve
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