City of North Chicago City Council met Oct. 7.
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, Markham, Runnels, January
Absent: Allen
The Mayor announced Alderman Allen was not going to be present.
4-1 Presentation to Mayor Leon Rockingham, Jr. – First African-American President of the Illinois Municipal League (IML)
Alderman Evans announced the Mayor’s appointment as the first African-American President of the IML. He acknowledged the change in America and the accomplishments of North Chicago.
Mayor Rockingham expressed honor and privilege to represent 1298 municipalities in Illinois. He stated his involvement with IML for over 20 years. It was humbling and a challenge. Thankful to his wife Yvonne and daughter Tameka for being present.
Chief of Staff Deb Waszak stated that the aldermen wanted to acknowledge this great accomplishment. Several Mayors: Dominic Marturano; Lindenhurst, Glenn Wybrack; Wadsworth and Nandia Black; Kildeer expressed their support and willingness to work with Mayor Rockingham for his one-year term. Waukegan Township Supervisor Patricia Jones congratulated the Mayor for this election.
Mayor Rockingham asked for a motion to Suspend the Regular Order of Business for approximately an hour for refreshments and celebration.
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Runnels to Suspend the Regular Order of Business at 6:15 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE
Alderman Allen was absent.
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to Return to the Regular Order of Business at 6:58 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE
Alderman Allen was absent.
ANGELO KYLE ON BEHALF OF LAKE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Mr. Kyle read a Resolution of life accomplishments honoring Mayor Rockingham for becoming IML President and named October 7th Mayor Leon Rockingham Day.
Alderman January left at 6:59 p.m. during the read.
V. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA
5-1 Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, September 16, 2019
5-2 Minutes of Standing Committee Meetings – September 16, 2019
5-3 Departmental Reports – September 2019
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve the Omnibus Vote Agenda as presented.
Alderman January returned at 7:05 p.m. MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE Alderman Allen was absent.
VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Charles January
He commended the Mayor as IML (Illinois Municipal League) President. He stated concern of the census, the City couldn’t afford Directors salaries, has not heard any update with animal control. He questioned how the City would be handling marijuana dispensaries and nothing new in North Chicago and disagreed with the Treasurer handling cash currency in his office.
Lawrence Brown – 1733 Grove Ave.
He wished to share his experience, Saturday, October 05, 2019. He was in his vehicle (in front of his home) and was startled with (4) squads approaching and asked to exit his vehicle; an officer un-holstered his weapon, asking him for identification. He was informed there was an alleged attacker in the area with the same color of vehicle. He was informed of the incident and more details provided at the police department.
The Mayor explained it was an unfortunate incident, he couldn’t hear and tried to monitor the radio, the description of a red SUV fit at that time, Mr. Brown handled situation correct, it could have been explained better after the incident. The Mayor stated Mr. Brown’s options of filing complaint/report, he offered Mr. Brown to discuss the incident with Chief Perez, Police Citizens Advisory Committee or himself. He, the Mayor was trying to ensure a safer community and that residents be handled properly.
Mr. Brown wanted to be informed of the probable cause and that he was in a frazzled state.
Rita Mayfield - State Representative – 120 S. Genesee Street
She congratulated the Mayor; informed of the blue tax notice and option of appealing property taxes, (30) days after notice was received.
The Mayor clarified the same information was provided at the 5th Monday meeting.
VII. REGULAR AGENDA
7-1 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENT TO PURHASE CAPERS RECORDS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $60,000 AND WAIVE COMPETITIVE BIDDING
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve entering into Agreement to Purchase CAPERS Records Management System for an Amount not to exceed $60,000 and Waive Competitive Bidding.
Alderman January requested a brief overview. Police Chief, Lazaro Perez explained the CAPERS Records Management System was a compliance tool. She questioned if there was additional cost. Chief Perez stated; $30,000 for maintenance currently and $15,000 maintenance for a new one within (3) years.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: Allen
MOTION CARRIED
7-2 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENT WITH LAKE COUNTY EMERGENCY TELEPHONE SYSTEMS BOARD TO PURCHASE THE ENROUTE COMPUTER AIDED DISPATCH SYSTEM FO AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED 37,000 AND WAIVE COMPETITIVE BIDDING
Alderman Mayfield moved, seconded by Alderman Runnels to approve the Agreement with Lake County Emergency Telephone Systems Board to Purchase the EnRoute Computer Aided Dispatch System for an Amount not to exceed $37,000 and Waive Competitive Bidding.
Alderman January questioned clarification if included in the dispatch cost. Chief Perez acknowledged it was.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: Allen
MOTION CARRIED
7-3 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF PROPERTY DONATION TO FOSS PARK DISTRICT (421 10TH STREET)
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Fisher to approve the property donation to Foss Park District at 421 10th Street.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: Allen
MOTION CARRIED
7-4 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF NON-EXCLUSIVE LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR TEMPORARY RIGHT-OF-ENTRY (SHERIDAN CROSSING)
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve the Resolution for Non-exclusive License Agreement for Temporary Right-of-Entry (Sheridan Crossing).
Alderman Markham questioned specific location. The Mayor explained on the Sheridan Crossing site needed for the environmental study.
Alderman January questioned clarification of any city cost.
City Attorney David Silverman explained the agreement. It provided authorization for an engineering feasibility study for limited purpose and insurance was required. No cost to the City.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: Allen
MOTION CARRIED
7-5 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF ZONING ORDINANCE MAP AMENDMENT AT 1236 PARK AVENUE
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve the Zoning Ordinance Map Amendment at 1236 Park Avenue.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: Allen
MOTION CARRIED
7-6 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF RE-SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE AT 1702, 1704, 1706, 1708 KENNEDY DRIVE
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield r to approve the Re- subdivision Ordinance at 1702, 1704, 1706 and 1708 Kennedy Drive
Alderman January questioned was there a block and if surrounding homeowners approved the re-subdivision. Senior City Planner, Nimrod Warda explained that it was currently owned by one developer and were in process of closing.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: Allen
MOTION CARRIED
7-7 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE FOR VARIANCE AT 1708 KENNEDY DRIVE
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve the Ordinance for Variance at 1708 Kennedy Drive.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: Allen
MOTION CARRIED
7-8 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL SUPPORT FOR PERMITTING (1) CANNABIS DISPENSARY ALONG RT. 41
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Fisher to approve City Council support for permitting (1) cannabis dispensary along Rt. 41.
Alderman January questioned what was to be approved. The Mayor explained that it was just in support of allowing a dispensary and its location along Rt. 41. Alderman January disagreed stating that more discussion was needed and explanation how to move forward in the process. The Mayor clarified was previously discussed at the last Committee Meeting and this was a preliminary measure in support.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Runnels
Nays: Markham, January
Absent: Allen
MOTION CARRIED
7-9 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CITY BILLS
General Corporate Fund $ 282,420.54
Library $ 2,036.43
Motor Fuel Tax $ 72,436.46
Water Operations $ 486,551.71
Dental and Vision $ 1,005.58
Retiree's Insurance Prem $ 15,286.63
TIF II Downtown/Industrial $ 760.08
Skokie Highway TIF III $ 10,205.50
Grant Place Operating Fund $ 1,848.16
Grant Place Capital Fund $1,750
TOTAL $ 874,301.09
MOTION:
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to pay the bills of Council Run 10/07/19 in the amount of $874,301.09 when funds become available.
Alderman January questioned sufficient funds and when it would be dispensed. Interim Comptroller, Daniela Partipilo acknowledged there were and would be dispensed at end of week. The amount of $1,505,912.52 in the Enterprise Fund and next transfer amount of $650,000 at end of week.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Runnels
Nays: Markham, January
Absent: Allen
MOTION CARRIED
VIII. MISCELLANEOUS
POLICE INCIDENT
Alderman Evans stated Mr. Brown’s incident was very disturbing and questioned if the red truck was found. Chief Perez claimed it wasn’t. He was informed the 1800 block of Hervey Avenue and apologized to Mr. Brown that they were seeking someone armed. Alderman Evans stated the officers were sent to schools etc. It should have been managed differently. Chief Perez clarified it matched the description.
Sergeant Corey Marquardt explained he was on the scene. Within a block, that no guns were pulled and it all occurred in less than (5) minutes. Mr. Brown stated someone was being attacked in the area and it didn’t constitute probable cause after his incident. He heard a gun being un-holstered which was very traumatic and stated shared his experience. Sergeant Marquardt explained was trained to be prepared from another level.
Alderman Evans acknowledged Mr. Brown.
The Mayor explained the City has experienced excessive force situations and currently at a higher level.
Alderman Evans congratulated Mr. Brown for providing what happened to the public. It was more impactful. Chief Perez stated he was informed that the suspect was armed. Chief Perez explained were to follow chain of command and if wrong would attend more training or discipline the individual.
Alderman January questioned if there was some delay, shouldn’t there have been a run of his license plate before any police backup for identification purposes. Chief Perez stated that suspect didn’t leave from that residence and was in someone else vehicle. Alderman January commended Mr. Brown for coming forward and she apologized. She asked him if the same officer was present. Mr. Brown clarified he was.
Alderman Markham questioned Chief Perez if the Police Citizen Advisory Committee would be reviewing it, deliberate and return to council members. Chief Perez explained any wrongdoing would be addressed to the Mayor and that it was on the body cam.
The Mayor stated the City had experienced incident of excessive police force situation, was at a higher level recently. It was ensured how the officers were trained how to handle it properly. He apologized to Mr. Brown and emphasized the importance of community awareness.
Alderman Markham requested the findings were presented to Council. The Mayor would follow through and report it as requested providing it to Mr. Brown.
Alderman Evans congratulated Mr. Brown in resulting for the betterment of the City.
ANNOUNCEMENT
The Mayor acknowledged Alderman Runnels on his Birthday.
IX. 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
Alderman Allen was absent.
The Council Meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m.
https://www.northchicago.org/vertical/Sites/%7B52959CF2-969E-41D9-A9CF-CF0A11D0BEA9%7D/uploads/10.07.19.pdf
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