City of North Chicago City Council met Feb. 17.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
The City Council of North Chicago met in a Regular meeting, Monday, February 17, 2020 at 6:01 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at 1850 Lewis Avenue with Mayor Leon Rockingham, Jr., presiding.
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
Absent: January
Mayor Rockingham announced that Alderman January would not be present due to illness.
V. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA
5-1 Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, February 03, 2020
5-2 Minutes of Standing Committee Meetings, February 03, 2020
5-3 Departmental Reports – January 2020
5-4 Treasurer’s Report – January 2020
5-5 Monthly Budget Report – January 2020
5-6 Ordinance Adopting and Levying a Municipal Cannabis Retailers’ Occupation Tax
5-7 Resolution Authorizing the Participation in the Northern Illinois Municipal Electric Collaborative (NIMEC) and Authorizing the Mayor to Approve a Contract with the Lowest Cost Electricity Provider for a Period up to (36) Months
5-8 Agreement for the Purchase and Installation of Microwaves which will Link the North Chicago Fire Radio Network and Waive Competitive Bidding
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to approve the Omnibus Vote
Agenda as presented.
MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE
Alderman January was absent
VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS
NONE
VII. REGULAR AGENDA
7-1 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN AND UPDATED PROJECTS
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to approve the Capital Improvement updated projects.
Alderman Allen thanked the staff for the 50% allocation to the Police and Fire Pensions. Mayor Rockingham said that District 187 emailed a request to obtain a percentage and stated that it would be looked at in the future.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels
Nays: Mayfield
Absent: January
MOTION CARRIED
7-2 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – ACCEPT HIGHEST RESPONSIBLE BID FOR 0 KEMBLE AVENUE (PIN 12-05-222-024) SUBJECT TO BUYER’S EXECUTION OF REAL ESTATE CONTRACT ACCEPTANCE OF BIDS/AWARDING OF BID
Prior to the vote Attorney Simon stated that a supermajority was required to approve the bid (6 votes including the Mayor). The highest responsible bid was $500. Alderman Evans asked if the funds were received; Attorney Simon said this particular bid did not require it prior to approval.
Alderman Evans asked why the process was different from other bids. Attorney Simon explained that a real estate contract with the City would need to be signed and funds would be needed at that time.
Alderman Mayfield asked why this particular case was so much different. Attorney Simon referred to 9-8-3B of the City Code stating the auction method which was used. He further explained that the Council could accept any bid it thinks is in the best interest of the City. He clarified that the reason for Council to reject the highest was due to funds not being available.
Alderman Mayfield questioned why funds are required other times. Economic Development Director Victor Barrera explained there were some with structures on the property; 10% was needed. Alderman Markham gave an example where funds were needed prior.
Alderman Evans suggested motion to accept the bid who provided the money. Alderman Markham stated that it was a mute subject because no motion was made. Attorney Simon explained the agenda stated the highest responsible bidder regardless of who Council determined.
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to accept the second highest Responsible bidder that provided funds to purchase 0 Kemble Avenue (PIN 12-05- 222-024) subject to the Buyer’s execution of Real Estate Contract acceptance of bids/awarding of bid.
Alderman Mayfield asked if there was any liability for accepting the next bid. Attorney Simon read City Code “the City Council may accept the high bid or any other bid determined to be in the best interest of the City by a vote of three-fourths (3/4) of the Mayor and Aldermen then holding office. A majority vote of those holding office, may reject “any and all bids.” It was completely in the Aldermen’s discretion.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, Mayor Rockingham Nays: None
Absent: January
MOTION CARRIED
7-3 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT DATED, NOVEMBER 13, 2018 BETWEEN THE COUNTY OF LAKE AND THE CITY OF NORTH CHICAGO, FOR THE JURISDICTIONAL TRANSFER OF AND THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE IMPROVEMENTS TO 14TH STREET BETWEEN ILLINOIS ROUTE 131/GREEN BAY ROAD AND ILLINOIS ROUTE 137/SHERIDAN ROAD
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Fisher to approve the First Amendment to the Agreement dated, November 13, 2018 between the County of Lake and the City of North Chicago for the Jurisdictional Transfer of and the cost associated with the improvements to 14th Street between Illinois Route 131/Green Bay Rad and Illinois Route 137/Sheridan Road. This agreement includes a 5 year payment plan to the County for the city share of additional cost items totaling $1,167,847.18.
Alderman Allen questioned why not a 10-year plan; Mayor Rockingham explained the County Board would only agree to a 5-year repayment plan with no interest. City of Staff Deb Waszak said it was a collaborative effort.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels Nays: None
Absent: January
MOTION CARRIED
7-4 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CITY BILLS
7-4 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CITY BILLS
General Corporate Fund $ 103,016.53
Library $ 156.79
Motor Fuel Tax $ 37,801.62
Water Operations $ 321,117.97
Community Development - CDBG $ 86,886.42
911 Emergency Telephone Sys. $ 689.10
Dental and Vision $ 931.67
Grant Place Operating Fund $ 10,236.31
Additional Bills $ 39,643.47
TOTAL $ 600,479.88
MOTION:
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to pay the bills of Council Run 2/17/20 in the amount of $600,479.88 (which included an addition of $39,643.47) when funds become available.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels
Nays: None
Absent: January
MOTION CARRIED
VIII. MISCELLANEOUS
5TH WARD MEETING
Alderman Markham announced the 5th Ward Quarterly Meeting, Saturday, March 07, 2020; 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., held at the Foss Park Community Center.
VARIOUS
Alderman Mayfield announced the census forms were to be mailed in middle of March 2020. The numbers in the census determined funding for many groups. She questioned the new street lighting appearing dimmer. Public Works Director, Ed Wilmes explained that Alderman Allen, Markham and Mayor had also shared the same concerns. The process has been put on hold until discussion was about correcting this issue. ComEd was scheduling a meeting to discuss the issue of LED lights that were more directional and maybe the need of a diffuser. Alderman Mayfield stressed need for brighter illumination.
The Mayor would contact the council members when he received a response from ComEd.
3RD WARD MEETING
Alderman Evans announced the 3rd Ward Meeting, Saturday, March 14, 2020. He extended the invitation to all.
METRA TRAIN STATUS
Alderman Allen questioned status of Metra Train Station; the Mayor explained they were in the final plan process.
Chief of Staff, Deb Waszak explained that Metra requested additional safety revisions estimating $500,000+. The amended agreement would be presented to council.
Alderman Allen requested Metra train schedules be available now to inform the public.
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 January was absent
The Council Meeting adjourned at 6:41 p.m.
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