City of North Chicago City Council met March 16.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
The City Council of North Chicago met in a Regular meeting at 6:05 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
The Mayor announced that City Hall would be closed, Wednesday, March 18-30, 2020 due to the Covid - 19 outbreak. He elaborated further it was to ensure the safety of the city and employees. He requested that Committee wasn’t discussed. He directed council member’s directive of city staff for any questions or concerns.
Upon roll call being taken, the following members were present:
Present: Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Runnels, January (RP) Absent: Fisher, Markham
4-1 Public Hearing – Review IEPA for Proposed Water Tower
Alderman Fisher and Markham were absent at Roll Call.
City Engineer, Steve Cieslica, Trotter, explained in year of 2017 city staff recommended a water tank built located at the end of 20th St. adjacent to the Foss Park Golf Course, near the City Water Treatment Plant. There were no environmental impacts. The Public Hearing was for discussion moving forward with the project; he stated there were two designs.
Alderman Markham entered the council chambers at 6:11 p.m.
Alderman Evans questioned if the City could connect to the existing water tank. Mr. Cieslica explained the existing tank was called a stand pipe that could only hold 2 million gallons he stated there wasn’t adequate pressure; pipes from the water plant provided pumping the water. The proposed would assist in reducing pressure and was larger than the current.
Alderman Allen questioned the amount of water pumped daily, it was the “cart before the horse,” the limit was up to (13) and have debt unnecessarily; sell the water first. Mr. Cieslica clarified the city was not increasing the water rates for the project.
The Mayor added could remove (1) shift of workers saving cost.
The Public Hearing closed at 6:23 p.m. V. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA
5-1 Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, March 02, 2020
5-2 Minutes of Special Council Meeting, March 05, 2020
5-3 Minutes of Standing Committee Meetings, March 02, 2020
5-4 Fire Department Report – February 2020
5-5 Water Department Report - February 2020
5-6 I.T Department Report – Nov-February 2020
5-7 Treasurer’s Report - February 2020
5-8 Monthly Budget Report - February 2020
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Runnels to approve items 5-1 thru-5-8 of the
Omnibus Vote Agenda as presented.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels Nays: January (RP)
Absent: Fisher
MOTION CARRIED
VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Joe Roth
He requested to amend the Ordinance Repealing/Replacing Chapter 12, Title 12 of the City Code. He would then ensure residents could save their homes. Attorney Adam Simon questioned how was it determined which properties would be saved. Mr. Roth stated that foreclosures would be increased based on the ordinance.
Oscar Hawthorne – District 187
He introduced himself as the Deputy Superintendent, discussed concern of cannabis dispensary, illegal statistics and 143 days lost due to drug-related incidents.
Alderman Allen stated were bilingual classed provide to train the students. He questioned what city action to assist on the reverse side. Mr. Hawthorne explained was state mandated and general curriculum.
Alderman Markham questioned the amount spent and the requested percent. Attorney explained the ordinance unsure if feasible for fixed dollar amount or %. Mr. Hawthorne; estimated $250,000.
Alderman Evans inquired of the various closed schools and demolition. Mr. Hawthorne stated the cost was the factor but the desire was to repurpose.
Alderman Markham suggested a liaison be present at Council to discuss the issue with council members.
VII. REGULAR AGENDA
Alderman Allen left at 6:46 p.m.
7-1 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL - AMENDMENT #1 TO THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL FUNDING AGREEMENT FOR THE EXTERIOR RENOVATION OF COMMUTER STATION IN THE CITY OF NORTH CHICAGO
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Runnels to approve Amendment #1 to the Intergovernmental Funding Agreement for the Exterior Renovation of Commuter Station in the City of North Chicago.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Mayfield, Evans, Markham, Runnels, January (RP) Nays: None
Absent: Fisher, Allen
MOTION CARRIED
7-2 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REPLACING CHAPTER 12, TITLE 12 OF THE CITY CODE (REGISTRATION AND MAINTENANCE FOR FORECLOSED OR VACANT PROPERTIES)
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve the Ordinance Repealing and Replacing Chapter 12, Title 12 of the City Code (Registration and Maintenance for Foreclosed or Vacant Properties).
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Mayfield, Evans, Markham, Runnels, January (RP) Nays: None
Absent: Fisher, Allen
MOTION CARRIED
7-3 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – AGREEMENT WITH PROPERTY REGISTRATION CHAMPIONS, LLC (PROCHAMPS)
Alderman Evans moved, to table item 7-3 and motion died due to Lack of Second. Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve the
Agreement with Property Registration Champions, LLC (ProChamps).
Alderman Allen returned at 6:49 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Mayfield, Allen, Runnels Nays: Evans, Markham, January (RP) Absent: Fisher
The Mayor broke tie with Aye Vote.
MOTION CARRIED
7-4 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CITY BILLS
MOTION:
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to pay the bills of Council Run 3/16/20 in the amount of $335,169.41 when funds become available.
Alderman January questioned if funds were available and when checks would be disbursed. Mrs. Partipilo said funds were available, checks sent by end of week. Alderman January asked amount in the Water Fund and the next transfer; Mrs. Partipilo stated $1,326,185.64; the next transfer would be April in the amount of $650,000.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels Nays: January (RP)
Absent: Fisher
MOTION CARRIED
VIII. MISCELLANEOUS
SPECIAL MEETING ITEM
Alderman Markham questioned if unethical to add an item to the Special Council Agenda. Attorney Simon clarified nothing was found to be unethical as the changes were done before the 48 hour requirement. Alderman Markham stated the items were different. Attorney Simon elaborated further; until the agenda is posted there could be changes.
QUESTIONS/CONCERNS
Alderman Mayfield questioned options of the council members for attendance at the next meeting. Attorney Simon provided overview of relaxed law for meetings. Alderman Mayfield requested daily updates from the city staff regarding the Covid-19 Pandemic.
The Mayor explained a letter was submitted, requesting activation of the Community Disaster Loan Program. He prayed that everyone stay safe and practiced great hygiene.
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
The Council Meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
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