City of North Chicago City Council met Sept. 3.
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
4-1 Presentation from Zac’s Zoo
Ellen Cohen, Chief Zookeeper gave an overview of Zac’s Zoo. The foundation began in 2007 and gives stuffed animals as “cuddle-comfort” to people who are in a crisis. The organization was giving 80 stuffed animals to North Chicago first responders to give away. Mayor Rockingham thanked her for introducing Zac’s Zoo and offering comfort to those in North Chicago.
4-2 Presentation of North Chicago Pageant Queens
Stacy Tindel Director of Ms. North Chicago Pageant introduced; Junior Miss North Chicago, Karen Kilpatrick and Little Miss North Chicago, Samantha and they presented themselves to the Council and citizens. Mayor Rockingham welcomed them to North Chicago and looked forward to seeing them at local events representing the City.
V. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA
5-1 Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, August 19, 2019
5-2 Minutes of Standing Committee Meetings – August 19, 2019
5-3 Departmental Reports – August 2019
5-4 Request by Berger Excavating Inc., to use a Section of Property Owned by the City of North Chicago for the Purpose of Establishing a Construction Staging/Storage Area for the 14th street Reconstruction Project
5-5 Request to Award a Contact to Precision Pavement Marking, as the Low-qualified Bidder of a LCML-Coop Bid, in an Amount not to Exceed $35,000.00 to Stripe-Select City Streets
5-6 Request to Award a Contract to CAM, LLC as the Low-qualified Bidder of a MPI-Coop (Illinois Municipal Partnering Initiative) Coop Bid, in an Amount not to Exceed $50,000 for the Application of Pavement Preservation Treatment
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman January moving 5-1 thru 5-6 to Regular Agenda.
MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE
VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Rebecca Mulford & Francisco Jicente - 1426 Jackson St, North Chicago, IL
Stated her complaint of Ratajak’s Liquor on 14th Street of racist and foul language to customers. The owner (Sam) made a statement “this is the hood what do you expect.” This is unacceptable and was offended; wanted resolution. Mayor Rockingham appreciated it being brought to the forefront and would investigate the situation. He did not agree with it in North Chicago or any other town. Mr. Jicente stated that he obtained video of the behavior; Ms. Mulford said that it was also done in the presence of children.
VII. REGULAR AGENDA
Alderman Markham moved, seconded by Alderman January to table 7-2 until the following Council Meeting due to lack of discussion.
Mayor Rockingham stated that it would be discussed when the matter was presented; the information was presented to Council prior. There is a person that is fulfilling the position and thinks they should be compensated.
Alderman January stated that it was not in the budget. Alderman Markham stated there was not a permanent Comptroller and questioned why the Assistant Comptroller would be filled without a Comptroller.
Alderman Allen asked if pay was retroactive if currently working in that capacity. Attorney Silverman said yes. Mayor Rockingham stated that it could be discussed when the item is to be votes. Alderman Markham asked why it was on Council and Committee; Attorney Simon explained that in case it were not approved or postponed in Council there would be opportunity for discussion in Committee.
Alderman Evans asked why there was no permanent Comptroller; Mayor Rockingham said that there was a cost savings of benefits. The Assistant Comptroller could be interim in the absence of the Comptroller. If the person filling the position of Assistant Comptroller why could they not be the Comptroller; Mayor Rockingham said they needed more training for that role.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Allen, Markham, January
Nays: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Runnels
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
5-1 MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, AUGUST 19, 2019
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to approve the Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, August 19, 2019.
MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE
5-2 MINUTES OF STANDING COMMITTEE MEETINGS, AUGUST 19, 2019
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to approve the Minutes of Standing Committee Meetings, August 19, 2019.
MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE
5-3 DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS – AUGUST 2019
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to approve the Departmental Reports, August 2019.
MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE
5-4 REQUEST BY BERGER EXCAVATING, INC., TO USE A SECTION OF PROPERTY OWNED BY THE CITY OF NORTH CHICAGO, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ESTABLISHING A CONSTRUCTION STAGING/STORAGE AREA FOR THE 14TH STREET RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Runnels to authorize the Mayor to grant a temporary easement to Berger Excavating Inc. for the use of vacant city owned property along Dugdale Rd. for the purpose of establishing a construction staging/storage area for the 14th Street Reconstruction Project. Berger will provide a $5,000 stipend; labor and equipment to install a section of new water main along Dugdale Rd. Arrington Dr. north to Kennedy Dr. Berger will fully restore the site to a peruse or better condition.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
5-5 REQUEST TO AWARD A CONTRACT TO PRECISION PAVEMENT MARKING, AS THE LOW-QUALIFIED BIDDER OF A LCML-COOP BID, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $35,000 TO STRIPE-SELECT CITY STREETS
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Runnels to authorize the Mayor to sign a contract award to Precision Pavement Marking, as the low-qualified bidder of a LCML-Coop Bid in an amount not to exceed $35,000 to stripe-select city streets.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
5-6 REQUEST TO AWARD A CONTRACT TO CAM, LLC, AS THE LOW-QUALIFIED BIDDER OF A MPI (ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL PARNERTING INITIATIVE) COOP BID, IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $50,000 TO STRIPE-SELECT CITY STREETS
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Runnels to authorize the Mayor to sign a contract award to CAM, LLC, as the low-qualified bidder of a MPI (Illinois Municipal Partnering Initiative) Coop Bid in an amount not to exceed $50,000 for the application of Pavement Preservation Treatment.
Alderman Markham questioned the exact cost. Ed Wilmes, Public Works Director explained was based per square yard and not sure the exact cost except that it was less than $1 per yard.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
7-1 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF ZONING MAP ORDINANCE AMENDMENT CLASSIFICATON FORM R3 TO B2 AT 2214 HERVEY AVENUE (PIN 12-05-403- 021)
Alderman Evans, moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to approve Zoning Map Ordinance Amendment Classification Form R3 to B2 at 2214 Hervey Avenue (PIN 12-05-403-021).
Alderman January questioned the classification form R3 to B2. Senior City Planner, Nimrod Warda explained it was Residential 3 to Business 2.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
7-2 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – REORGANIZATION OF COMPTROLLER’S OFFICE WITH ADDITION OF ASSISTANT COMPTROLLER POSITION REPLACING (2) CURRENT POSITIONS IN THE CITY SALARY ORDINANCE; UTILITY BILLING/COLLECTION MANAGER AND PAYROLL ACCOUNTS PAYABLE MANAGER
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve the Reorganization of Comptroller’s Office with Addition of Assistant Comptroller position replacing (2) current positions in the City Salary Ordinance; Utility Billing/Collection Manager and Payroll Accounts Payable Manager.
Alderman January suggested discussion before approval; she stated wasn’t opposed to the position though it wasn’t included in the budget. Not best practices.
Chief of Staff, Deb Waszak explained the reorganization would merge (2) positions with remaining estimated $75,000 savings; $10,000 would be for professional development. The position would be a grade 21; step 1. Mrs. Waszak discussion with the Interim Comptroller and no negative feedback from the employees.
Alderman January questioned her educational background (job description) for the position; Mrs. Waszak stated that she had those described. Alderman Allen asked who the person was to fill the position. Mrs. Waszak stated that all persons in the Comptroller’s Officer would be working together
Alderman Mayfield commended the Chief of Staff’s outstanding performance and also Interim Comptroller, Daniela Partipilo. She was happy that person currently in the Comptroller’s Office was to fill the position.
Alderman Markham questioned long-term savings if the Assistant Comptroller fills the position of permanent Comptroller. Mrs. Waszak said the merger of the 2 positons remained the savings.
Alderman January stated was reflective of only $40,000 city savings. She was assured that each item would be discussed prior to approval and it had not been done.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Runnels
Nays: Markham, January
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
7-3 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF COMCAST AGREEMENT LINKING THE CITY OF NORTH CHICAGO TO THE VILLAGE OF MUNDELEIN DISPATCH CENTER
Alderman Mayfield moved, seconded by Alderman Runnels to approve the Comcast Agreement linking the City of North Chicago to the Village of Mundelein Dispatch Center.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Allen, Runnels, January
Nays: Evans, Markham
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
7-4 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – REAPPOINTMENT OF DEBRA LEWIS TO THE BOARD OF FIRE & POLICE COMMISSIONERS
Alderman Mayfield moved, seconded by Alderman Fisher to approve the Reappointment of Debra Lewis to the Board of Fire & Police Commissioners.
Alderman January questioned the term; Fire Chief, Dell Urban said 2-year term because staggered. Alderman January asked if there were any other interests for Board members; recommended seeking and advertise openings on the city website. The Mayor explained the needed training, current members obtained the training for test and certification. Alderman January requested viewing the training certificates.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Runnels
Nays: Markham, January
Absent: None
7-5 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – RESOLUTION APPROVING SALE OF CERTAIN SURPLUS CITY-OWNED REAL ESTATE (2214 HERVEY AVENUE)
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve the Resolution for Sale of Certain Surplus city-owned Real Estate (2214 Hervey Avenue).
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
7-6 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CITY BILLS
General Corporate Fund $ 550,929.01
Library $ 6,775.40
Motor Fuel Tax $ 8,818.21
Water Operations $ 44,635.00
911 Emergency Telephone Sys. $ 50.00
Retiree's Insurance Prem $ 15,773.38
Grant Place Operating Fund $ 1,916.83
TOTAL $ 628,897.83
MOTION:
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to pay the bills of Council Run 9/03/19 in the amount of $628,897.83 when funds become available.
Alderman January questioned if there were sufficient funds for the bills, when the checks would be disbursed, amount in Water Fund and the next transfer including the amount.
Interim Comptroller Daniela Partipilo, explained there were funds available, the checks would be disbursed the end of the week. The recorded and posted Operating Fund amount; $1,254.693.57 and the next transfer amount of $650,000 would be October 2019.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Runnels
Nays: Markham, January
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED VIII. MISCELLANEOUS
Ward Meeting
Alderman Mayfield announced a joint ward meeting of 1st and 2nd Wards, September 14th. There was Public Safety forum September 28, 2019.
Alderman Markham announced 5th Ward Quarterly meeting, September 7, Foss Park Fieldhouse, 10 a.m.-Noon.
Animal Control
Alderman January requested an update of animal control. Police Chief Lazaro Perez explained that there was an Interim Animal Control Officer Stephanie Essex. Ms. Essex stated there was cleaning and vaccinations done at the facility.
Several animals have been reunited with their owners. Volunteers have returned; new Facebook page. Alderman Allen asked for the cell number; Police Chief asked to contact dispatch in case that she is off duty. Alderman Allen was persistent on having the number. Mayor Rockingham stated that dispatch should also have record of call.
Alderman Markham questioned duty and if only canine. Chief Perez stated her primary focus was the facility and would be working on a temporary basis, approximately 3-4 months, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The City was in search of a part-time and full-time Animal Control Officer.
Alderman Runnels asked if there was update on skunks; Chief Perez said information was provided on website.
Alderman January expressed her pleasure within the week; dogs appeared happy and thanked Ms. Essex. She asked who was in charge of oversite of Animal Control and wanted weekly report; appreciated Perez for stepping up. Alderman January suggested a keypad for lock and cameras.
Alderman Mayfield suggested a monthly report about the pound.
Clean-up
Alderman Allen stated that he would get addresses of junk and abandoned cars in yards for clean-up. Appreciated the block party at First Baptist Church; thanks to Fire Department. He also thanked Public Works Director Ed Wilmes for his tour of Kennedy Drive.
Dedication
Alderman Markham announced the dedication of Prospect Avenue to Mr. John Patterson, Sr. the previous Saturday.
Fat Cat
Alderman Markham suggested that the Special Use Permit for Fat Cat be uplifted. Senior Planner Nimrod Warda explained by default that it reverts back to previous use after 6 months of vacancy.
Budget
Alderman Evans stated that Council needed information prior to meetings. He asked the Interim Comptroller Daniela Partipilo if the budget was complete. Mrs. Partipilo explained the budget was approved but not currently on the website; needed posting on website before September 20 but have all the narratives.
Enterprise
Alderman Evans questioned the cost of vehicles with Enterprise vs. having hired mechanics. Mrs. Partipilo said the procedures and process was being completed; the report would be presented later. She has not done an analysis of the 2 because this is the first year of Enterprise. Chief of Staff explained that currently Ed is Acting Fleet Manager until Enterprise is completely transitioned in.
Gasoline Error
Alderman January requested an email report of cost for repairs to vehicles that were damaged due to the distributor’s error of loading the wrong gasoline in tanks. Ed Wilmes said the Comptroller was compiling the information. Alderman January also asked for a cost comparison.
IX. 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 VOTE
The Council Meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
https://www.northchicago.org/vertical/Sites/%7B52959CF2-969E-41D9-A9CF-CF0A11D0BEA9%7D/uploads/9.03.19.pdf
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