City of North Chicago City Council met February 04.
Here is the minutes as 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. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA
5-1 The Regular Council Meeting, January 22, 2019; 6:00 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 22, 2019; 6:00 p.m. be passed as presented.
MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE
VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Wygenia Brisco – “#Just Do It_Vote
Ms. Brisco explained her presence On behalf of the coalition for the North Chicago residents; #Just Do It_Vote. She explained organized as a member with (2) other individuals since last September. There currently was a challenge empowering millennials to register and vote especially within the City.
Yashin Phillips – “#Just Do It_Vote member
She created her platform on Facebook Live with interviewing political figures in the community, musicians and as a counterpart of #Just Do It_Vote coalition. She named several motivated millennials that have impacted the community. She announced an aldermen “meet and greet.”
Betty Ollaway Harris
Ms. Harris congratulated the City of North Chicago with the “Youth Work Program,” that included (25) North Chicago students. It provided the needed education and employment empowered the youth. She encouraged the transparency as mentors.
Charles January
Mr. January announced the Mayor’s Meeting in Washington; the City was the home of U.S. Naval Training Center and didn’t understand his public televised comments. The average income didn’t exceed $23,000; the youth in the City needed employment; the need of new businesses and suggested a Chaplain for City Council meetings.
Alderman Evans expressed his disagreement with a needed City Chaplain; anyone who wanted to pray should be allowed. He was livid with the remarks of false statements.
The Mayor explained that the Invocation could be provided by any individual chosen. Prayer stemmed from the heart and biblically opened to anyone. He clarified his attendance a Press Conference in Washington D C. and had strong concerns with Great Lakes in the City of North Chicago. Great Lakes was the only recruit training center in the U.S. Both the Naval Station Great Lakes and VA Hospital were greatly impacted by the government shut-down. He had strong concerns of ensuring other nation-wide agencies assisting as first responders upon a city emergency.
VII. REGULAR AGENDA
7-1 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – HONORARY STREET NAMING OF ARGONNE DR. FROM DUGDALE RD. TO PROSPECT AVE. (AND/OR DUGDALE RD. FROM ARGONNE DR. TO 18TH PLACE) AS; “REVEREND HENRY L. WOODS, SR. WAY”
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to approve the Honorary Street Naming of Argonne Dr. from Dugdale Rd. to Prospect Ave. (and/or Dugdale Rd. from Argonne Dr. to 18th Place) as; “Reverend Henry L. Woods, Sr. Way.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
The Mayor expressed congratulations and was looking forward to the ribbon cutting ceremony. Alderman Allen would notify others with the date of honor.
7-2 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – CIP PLAN & FUNDING
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve the CIP Plan and funding.
Alderman Markham questioned the included budgeted items and if a revenue increase including the water rates accrual. He also stated that funding should be designated specifically and not utilized for other things; questioned the category of land sales and inquired insurance reserve. Interim Comptroller, Daniela Partipilo explained the following projected items and their amounts. With council approval, the General Fund could finance the proposed Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) in the amount of $789,000+; council had approved an ordinance for water/sewer rate increase and she referred him to the Public Works Director. It would be the final decision of the Council what classification for property sales. He suggested a designated area. The insurance reserve amount was transferred from last budget amendment. She explained there was monies in reserve of approximately $600,000 for insurance.
Alderman Allen questioned clarification of water tower #1 location at Foss Park. Mrs. Partipilo acknowledged it was included in the plan. It would be eventually funded through a low cost IEPA (Illinois Environment Protecting Agency) Loan. There was concerns of only 3 million gallons of water daily with the capability of 12 million “the best way to save money is don’t spend it” and directed explanation from Public Works Director, Ed Wilmes.
Mr. Wilmes stated the Water Tower was a two-fold issue. Primarily, it balanced the pressure in the water system and secondly it couldn’t operate effectively without pumps or interconnects running. The Green Bay Storage Tank would be utilized as a supplemental reservoir. Most every community had an elevated tank and pressurized system. It would reduce manpower from (3) to (2) 12-hour shifts in a cloud-based solution controlled by the cell phone
Alderman Evans questioned the current and expected city water use justifying the need of another water tower. Mr. Wilmes stated that currently 2.8-4.2 million gallons of water pumped and quantity altered with seasons monthly. There was no increase expected in the water sales.
The Mayor was certain that the new water tower would properly maintain the water pressure and possibly lower the insurance rates. The City was seeking to sell water to both Hunt Communities (naval housing) and James A. Lovell Healthcare Center who was currently utilizing naval water and rates were gradually increasing. North Chicago would have the best rate offered. The City would be better prepared if approached by JAWA (Joint Action Water Agency) in Central Lake County/Lake Bluff, IL and would prefer if a proper amount of water capacity was able to sell. The Fox Lake and Antioch area were potential customers. He clarified the City was seeking a $1,500,000 grant to offset the $6,000,000 cost with a lowered interest loan.
Alderman Markham questioned revenue while working with a deficit. There were additional needed reductions. Mrs. Partipilo stressed the need of maintaining and enhancing the city infrastructure. The CIP monies would be taken from the beginning of the budget and remaining would be applicable towards the operation costs and possible reductions. The savings would be reflective in next fiscal year’s budget. There may be additional reductions in cost. This was a CIP Plan in place moving forward.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: Evans, Allen
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
7-3 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – CITY BILLS
Alderman Runnels noted payment adjustment of $1,400; pg. 8.
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve the City Bills when funds are available.
Alderman Allen questioned correction to pg. 8; Interim Comptroller, Daniela Partipilo explained there was a credit of $1,400 against the original $2,800.
REGULAR CITY BILLS 2/04/19
General Corporate Fund $ 226,739.02
Library $ 476.69
Motor Fuel Tax $ 1,408.91
Water Operations $ 52,911.82
TIF Grant Pl Debt Service 2007C $ 475.00
911 Emergency Telephone Sys. $ 198.00
Retiree's Insurance Premium $ 918.60
TIF II Downtown/Industrial $ 4,526.66
Grant Place Operating Fund $ 105.00
TOTAL $ 287,759.70
MOTION:
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to pay the bills of Council Run 2/04/19 in the amount of $287,759.70 - $1,400 = $286,359.70 when funds become available.
Alderman January questioned Interim Comptroller, Daniela Partipilo the current availability of funds, when disbursed, additional city bill amount total amount in the Water Fund and quantity to be transferred. Mrs. Partipilo acknowledged the availability of funds and checks would be disbursed within the week. She stated the sum for the Water Fund of $1,843,535.40 in the operations account and last quarterly transfer of $775,000. The next transfer would be April 2019.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels
Nays: January
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
IX. MISCELLANEOUS
VARIOUS
Alderman Evans expressed need of city recognition of former African American Elected Officials for Black History Month. He suggested community assistance. He named a few City of North Chicago Male and Female officials, noted as the “first black elected,” including city athletes and musicians. He recommended continued ongoing recognition in the future. He explained that signs on the roadways were Honorary naming and provided his contact#.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council; a motion was made by Alderman Runnels, seconded by Alderman Mayfield that the meeting stand adjourned.
MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE
The Council Meeting adjourned at 6:51 p.m.
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