Lake County Gazette

North Chicago City Council met Sept. 5.

Here is the minutes provided by the Council:

I. Call to Order

II. Pledge of Allegiance

III. Invocation

IV. Roll Call

Upon roll call being taken, the following members were present:

Present: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January

Absent: None

V. Minutes

5-1 The Regular Council Meeting, August 21, 2017; 8:33 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, August 21, 17, 2017; 8:33 p.m. be passed as presented.

Motion Carried by Voice Vote

VI. Omnibus Vote Agenda

None

VII. Regular Agenda

7-1 Consideration And Approval – Sheridan Crossing Third Amenmdent Of Redevelopment Agreement

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Runnels to approve the Sheridan Crossing Third Amendment of the Redevelopment Agreement.

Roll Call:

Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Runnels

Nays: Markham, January

Absent: None

Motion Carried

7-2 Consideration and Approval – Leadership Development Retreat/Proposal

Alderman Mayfield moved, seconded by Alderman Fisher to approve $2,500 for the Alderman and $7,500 total cost for the Leadership Development Retreat/Proposal.

Roll Call:

Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Markham, Runnels

Nays  Evans, Allen, January

Absent: None

Motion Carried

7-3 Consideration and Approval – Agreement for Police Services Between Midwest Housing LLC and City of North Chicago

Alderman Mayfield moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to approve the agreement for Police Services between Midwest Housing LLC and the City of North Chicago.

Roll Call:

Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels

Nays: January

Absent: None

Motion Carried

7-4 Consideration And Approval To Award A Contract To Mauro Sewer Construction Of Des Plaines, Il In An Amount Not To Exceed $226,960.00 For Work Associated With The 2017 24th Place Water Main Replacement And Paving Project

Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to approve the Mayor’s authorization to finalize and sign the contract documents received from Mauro Sewer Construction of Des Plaines, IL for work required to replace the water mains on 24th Place and to completely replace it upon completion of the water main installation. Mauro was the low bidder among 5 bids received in a bid amount not to exceed $226,960.00 for work associated with the 2017 Water Main Replacement and Paving Project.

Roll Call:

Ayes:    Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January

Nays:    None

Absent: None

Motion Carried

VIII. City Bills

8-1 Regular City Bills 08/21/17

Otion:

Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to pay the bills of Council Run, 09/05/17 in the amount of $440,684.65 when funds become available.

Comments/Questions:

Alderman Markham noted pg. 4; Legislative there was missing names of Aldermen; Fisher and Markham for the Annual Conference.  Ms. Wells explained the remaining bills were scheduled for payment.

The Mayor would verify payment, he did recall signing the bills and would ensure they would be placed on the next council run.

Alderman Evans clarified type-o with ward for catering service that should reflect 5th ward vs. 3rd.

Alderman January questioned sufficient funds and when the checks would be disbursed. Interim Comptroller, Mary Wells acknowledged the availability of funds and they would be issued at end of week. Alderman January asked how much of water fund was transferred to cover the bills; Ms. Wells explained that funds were transferred quarterly.

Treasurer, Kenneth Robinson indicated there wasn’t a transfer specifically for this bill run.

Alderman Markham questioned the amount of the water fund quarterly and the total in the water fund; Ms. Wells said she would provide the information.

Roll Call:

Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Runnels

Nays: Markham January

Absent: None

Motion Carried

IX. Miscellaneous

Various Announcements

Alderman Markham announced that Thursday, September 14, 2017; 6:00 p.m., held at Foss Park Community Center, 1730 Lewis Avenue.  Shields Township was awarding a grant of $5,000 to Foss Park District and a possible additional one.  They encouraged suggestions for various senior programs.  The forum was open to the ages of 55 and older that resided within the Shields Township boundaries.  He communicated the schedule of the 5th quarterly Ward Meeting, September16, 2017; 10-12:00 p.m., held at Foss Park Community Center, 1730 Lewis Avenue in North Chicago; received a resident complaint of a rooster that was spotted on the 2300 block of Honor Avenue. He encouraged the police department including the animal warden to graciously monitor the area.  North Chicago Towing had received correspondence from the police department affirming Police Chief his services were no longer needed for the City.   Alderman Markham, questioned the removal and that it was the council’s discretion.

Alderman Allen stated that a Ms. Johnson requested a reverse call from the Mayor, September 12th and 13th for Shields Township.  An e-mail was sent to the Mayor.  The Mayor stated would follow up with her.

Various

Alderman Evans suggested a stronger ordinance for loud music to be discussed; previous review of the Public Safety Committee discussion at the discretion of the chairpersons and suggested criteria for zoning board appointment requirements. 

Alderman January clarified that it was requested further discussion of the agenda items collectively.

Towing Company

Alderman Allen questioned clarification of the North Chicago Towing issue and how it could be resolved moving forward.  Mayor Rockingham encouraged the aldermen with any questions relevant to towing.  It wasn’t a contract and it required a business license.  There were issues with North Chicago concerning process and procedures in towing.  The Police Chief had requested a change and it was granted.

Alderman Allen inquired of an ordinance requiring residency for North Chicago Towing Companies.  The Mayor didn’t recall any ordinance although would follow up with the concern.

Attorney Erin Pell explained that Attorney Simon was researching the issue and she would inform him of the findings.

Board Members

The Mayor stated the appointed individual had to be passionate, an asset to the board and other members.  He clarified the current residency requirement of a board member.  There weren’t any specific qualifications for the positions, comparative to other boards and also the elected official positions.  The main qualification was to represent the City of North Chicago and a residency requirement.

X. Citizens Comments and Questions:

Richard Otero – North Chicago Towing

Mr. Otero explained had been employed with the City of North Chicago for 27 years, and was a resident.  He received a hand delivered correspondence from an officer the Police Chief stating that his services were no longer needed as of September 01, 2017.  He claimed didn’t receive a response.   It was wrongful and unjustified.  He clarified never received any complaints or disputes.  He urged council review and requested some feedback.

Betty Harris

She stated wouldn’t discuss of the City not hiring minority contractors, the new School Superintendent and the problems.  She applauded the Fire and Police Department and saving lives of her relatives.  She appreciated the EMS (Emergency Medical Services) of the Fire Department and Police Department interacting with the children.  There were more quality candidates.

XI. Adjournment

There being no further business to come before the Council; a motion was made by Alderman Allen, seconded by Alderman Mayfield, that the meeting stand adjourned.

Motion Carried By Voice Vote

The Council Meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

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