City of North Chicago City Council met Jan. 7.
Here is the agenda 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, December 17, 2018; 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, December 17, 2018; 6:00 p.m. be passed as presented.
MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE
Alderman Allen was absent.
5-2 Water Department Report – December 2018
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Runnels to approve and the Omnibus
Vote Agenda read as presented.
City Clerk Collins read item 5-2; Water Department Report.
MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE
VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Susan Dixon – 1620 Kemble Avenue
Mrs. Dixon had concerns of her ballot challenged by the Objection Board members and read their Named including her opponent. She explained the process of a hearing held in the City Council Chambers. She was removed from the ballot due to her surname used. The board members claimed her ballot wasn’t legal and binding with the paper documents. She had filed a petition for a judicial review and awaiting response from the Lake County Clerk’s Office. She was served papers by the Attorney Firm, Ancel Glink for an emergency notice to dismiss. She also served a summons to the board members. It was her right to run as a second ward alderman and disagreed with the removal from ballot using her surname. It was her third appearance in court and emphasized the attorney cost to the taxpayers that was unfair.
The Mayor clarified that the board did not challenge her petition, it was the opponent. The board was state mandated and those individuals ruled. The opponent claimed that the documents weren’t filed properly. The City Clerk wasn’t included on the board due to her as the recipient of the information. It wasn’t filed properly with name arranged different in various areas and the filing structure became permanent when it was provided to the City Clerk’s Office. It was stated on the petition that it needed to be bound with a certain method. The final ruling was due to the name and improper fastening, resulting in her name removed. She had the right for a judicial review, filing an objection of the board with the County and their final decision. Her name could be reinstated if the objection against her was overruled.
Mrs. Dixon strongly stressed the surname Usher in the parenthesis was challenged. It stated clearly how the name was to appear on the ballot; Susan (Usher) Dixon. The City Clerk was used as the witness and she removed herself from the panel. She announced the time and place of the judicial review to be continued. She expended much as an aldermanic candidate. She questioned who was paying the bill to Ancel Glink. She was a homeowner and taxpayer.
The Mayor reiterated that the board was state mandated of how to proceed when an objection was filed.
VII. REGULAR AGENDA
7-1 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – APPOINTMENT OF MICHAEL BRANKIN TO THE POLICE CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Runnels to approve the appointment of Michael Brankin (Term: 3 years).
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Runnels
Nays: Markham, January
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
The Mayor welcomed Mr. Brankin.
Alderman Evans echoed the same sentiments. He added, Mr. Brankin was a 3rd ward constituent.
7-2 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 9 OF THE CITY CODE TO ADOPT PROCEDURES FOT HE SALE OF SURPLUS CITY REAL ESTATE
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve the Ordinance Amending Title 9 of the City Code to Adopt Procedures for the Sale of Surplus City Real Estate.
Alderman Allen questioned clarification of the city property areas. The Mayor stated it involved any sale of surplus real estate.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
7-3 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENTS
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve the Zoning Ordinance Text Amendments.
Alderman January questioned review of changes to the Text Amendments. Senior City Planner, Nimrod Warda explained periodic clarity including units of measurements; clarified including new definitions and he provided examples.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
7-4 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – RESOLUTION/IGA TO APPOINT A LOCAL GOVERNMENT DIRECTOR TO THE LAKE COUNTY LAND BANK
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to approve the Resolution/IGA to appoint a Local Government Director to the Lake County Land Bank.
Alderman Allen questioned clarification. Attorney Silverman explained it was a new entity created by the IGA, an established board of all member municipalities, exercising the power of property acquisitions and dispositions. Collectively, it attempted to create an efficient method for surplus, dilapidated properties, etc. It would enhance the ability with the members to clear the tax liens for readiness of new development, etc. It assisted the mass marketing across Lake County area for large-scale property developer investments. He explained the Resolution/IGA to be approved and following the appointment of a Local Government Director.
Alderman January questioned the quantity of the members in the land bank, who was appointing the members, if Lake County was involved in the discussion, Economic & Community Development Director, Victor Barrera stated (4) currently and was seeking for additional volunteers and no established by-laws. Attorney Silverman explained was open to all Lake County municipalities. The County could be also involved, it wasn’t limited. Attorney Silverman was unaware. It was relatively a new concept for Illinois.
Alderman Allen questioned an annual fee; Mr. Barrera stated there wasn’t. Attorney Silverman stated the Land Bank generated some revenue through the sale of property. It would serve as the realtor, closing agent, etc. It was a centralized method of efficient disposal of acquired property.
Alderman January inquired the sale amount reimbursed to the City. Mr. Silverman explained the Land Bank would handle more difficult properties with environmental and lien issues. The City would receive revenue from the disposition of the properties. They would generate fees through the total sale price.
Alderman January stated there were many unanswered questions and suggested to hold the item until further researched for clarity and transparency purposes. Mr. Warda explained that the City had veto power in the agreement. The Land Bank was essentially uniquely crafted for the Lake County areas. She questioned Attorney Silverman how was the Land Bank implemented.
Attorney Silverman clarified that it was the initial step in approving the authorization. He referenced Article VII, Property Management, Acquisition Section 7.05 of the agreement. The Land Bank acted in behalf of the municipality.
Alderman Markham questioned the representative to be chosen. The Mayor stated probably the Economic & Community Development Director.
Alderman Evans agreed echoing Alderman January’s sentiments. It was in the beginning stages. The Mayor stated it was the first step in the process. He preferred to be included with the municipality discussion concerning the rules.
Mr. Barrera explained the estimated time of 11/2 - 2 years in establishing the land bank. The process would be discussed within that time period. The staff would also be reporting their findings to City Council.
Alderman January questioned the city benefits, quantity of properties and percentages. Mr. Barrera explained, echoing the attorney’s sentiments. It would assist the difficult properties to be disposed and placed on the market. There was an estimated 150 city- owned lots and he would review the difficult ones; approximately 25%.
The Mayor provided example, behind the North Chicago Lumber. There was a demolition that was environmentally challenged. The City wasn’t obligated for any development.
Mr. Warda stated it removed the city liability and transactional costs. The land bank essentially paid for any costs through revenue stream that was generated. Secondly, they could pursue additional grant funding.
Alderman January questioned opting out. The Mayor acknowledged the City could and weren’t obligated to provide property to the land bank.
Alderman Markham questioned the revenue stream source. Mr. Warda stated revenue from generated sales within the network.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
7-5 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – CITY OF NORTH CHICAGO COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT (CAFR) AS PRESENTED BY CITY AUDITORS AT THE MEETING OF DECEMBER 17, 2018
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to approve recommending to accept the City of North Chicago Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) as presented by Miller Cooper & Co. at the Finance meeting, Monday, December 17, 2018.
Alderman Runnels questioned (2) different sets of bills. Interim Comptroller, Daniela Partipilo explained that was for next consideration of city bills from the audit and needed acceptance from city council.
Alderman Markham highlighted numerous incidents that were repetitious. He questioned how the problems were to be resolved.
Mrs. Partipilo explained sufficient time in clearing some of the deficiencies and weaknesses that was the bulk of the tasks. The previous year audits weren’t completed. Within a year there was much progress accomplished and it shouldn’t reappear. Currently the financial analyst monitored all of the monthly accounts, expenses, revenue streams and ensuring proper documentation.
Alderman Markham had concerns of the previous repetitive credit card reports. There were corrections. Mrs. Partipilo stated she reviewed all the invoices and needed corrections in the Comptroller’s Office. There was an updated fire pension audit and it was fully collateralized.
Alderman Markham questioned I.T. security. Mrs. Partipilo stated that the I.T. Director had assisted with the response.
Alderman January questioned the Annual Financial Report and if the concerns would be inclusive. Mrs. Partipilo stated a monthly report was provided to council. It was reviewed/analyzed and the result.
The Mayor addressed the employee time overage reflected in the audit due to a potential city liability. The issue was addressed and hopefully should be cleared more by the next audit.
Alderman Allen noted many employees with additional time.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
7-6 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – REQUEST TO INCREASE THE VALUE OF A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AWARDED TO JOHNSON PAVING ON SEPTEMBER 4, 2018 FOR THE 2018 MFT STREET PAVING PROJECT FROM $1,568,865.00 TO $1,807,038.00
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve the request to increase the value of a construction contract awarded to Johnson Paving on September 4, 2018 for the 2018 MFT Street Paving Project from $1,568,865 to $1,807,038.
Alderman Allen clarified that the project was already completed. Needed to pay the costs and the Engineer should have informed the Council.
The Mayor agreed that it was managed improperly, he directed staff and didn’t expect it to reoccur.
Alderman Allen stated that an individual should have been reprimanded. It was discussed at the last meeting. He directed Alderman Allen to contact him.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Allen Markham, Runnels
Nays: Evans, January
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
7-7 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL - RESOLUTION PERTAINING TO THE MAINTENANCE OF CITY ASSETS EXISTING WITHIN IDOT RIGHTS-OF-WAY
Alderman Markham moved, seconded by Alderman January to remove from the agenda and table the Resolution pertaining to the maintenance of City Assets existing within IDOT Rights-of-Way.
MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE
7-8 REGULAR CITY BILLS 12/17/18
General Corporate Fund $ 241,830.59
Motor Fuel Tax $ 270,414.18
Water Operations $ 56,233.39
911 Emergency Telphone Sys. $ 1,318.98
TIF II Downtown/Industrial $ 11,197.05
Skokie Hwy TIF III $ 11,748.39
Grant Place Operating Fund $ 8,225.50
TOTAL $ 600,968.08
Alderman Runnels noted a duplicate bill in the amount of $266.00 that was subtracted from a duplicate bill, with remaining Grand Total of $600,702.08
MOTION:
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to pay the bills of Council Run 12/17/18 in the amount of $600,702.08 when funds become available.
Alderman January questioned Interim Comptroller, Daniela Partipilo the availability of funds, when disbursed, the 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 $1,665,534.94 and last quarterly transfer of $775,000, January 2019. The next transfer would be April 2019.
Alderman Markham questioned if the issue with her check was resolved and inquired if it was intentional. Mrs. Partipilo clarified there was an error and it was corrected. She was unaware of the motive.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels
Nays: January7
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED IX. MISCELLANEOUS
ANNOUNCEMENT
Alderman Mayfield wished a Happy Birthday, January 07, 2019 to the Mayor.
The Mayor acknowledged an upcoming birthday, January 31, 2019 for Alderman Fisher.
COMMUNITY DAYS
Alderman Allen questioned the Community Days report from the Chief of Staff. There was much petty cash spent for Community Days and it needed to be recorded.
The Mayor was certain there was information concerning the expenditures.
Alderman January questioned if the reports for Community Days were finalized and when would it be presented to council for its review.
NEW YEARS
The Mayor was hoping a prosperous New Year of 2019, moving forward.
XI. 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 7:09 p.m.
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