City of North Chicago City Council met April 6.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
The City Council of North Chicago met in a Regular meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at 1850 Lewis Avenue with Mayor Leon Rockingham, Jr., presiding.
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. INVOCATION
III. ROLL CALL
Upon roll call being taken, the following members were present:
Present: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Absent: None
3-1 Ordinance Adopting Temporary Rules for Public Comment during the Governor’s Declaration of Emergency.
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to approve the Ordinance Adopting Temporary Rules for Public Comment during the Governor’s Declaration of Emergency.
The City Clerk, Lori Collins read the Ordinance as requested by Alderman January.
MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE IV. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA
4-1 Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, March 16, 2020
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman January to approve items 5-1 of the
Omnibus Vote Agenda as presented.
MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE
V. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Charles January
Mr. January requested via telephone to City Clerk the following: had concerns with hard liquor being sold at the gas stations; questioned plan for coronavirus; the Spanish translation was incorrect on the automated phone call; disagreed with cash in Treasurer’s Office; correction on amount and requested that the words “Be Safe” was placed on the city website.
Treasurer, Kenneth Robinson announced Town Hall Zoom Meeting, hosted by Waukegan Township, Tuesday, April 7, 2020; 4:00-5:00 p.m. “How COVID-19 impacted the black community.” He provided the following information: Phone: 312-679-6799; ID# 469420712 and Password: 089318.
Alderman Markham requested he was e-mailed to City Clerk for distribution.
Mayor Rockingham explained why the change in meeting format. The virtual meeting was due to the coronavirus; the cases globally; over 74,000 deaths up to 10,000 cases in Illinois; 63 more cases added and 17 deaths. It was a real issue; 30-34 cases were in the North Chicago community. The IL Governor issued a “stay in place” order and requested masks to lower contamination. The Mayor expressed appreciation of the 1st responders; Fire and Police Departments. The Fire Department EMT’s were more susceptible and the Police Department was responding to ongoing calls. Some employees had also tested positive. All physicians and their staff were acknowledged and there was a terrible issue with the country. At some point, would need to expand it directing services to 211 Lake County Helpline
City Hall would be closed at this time. He encouraged to call neighbors to check on them. Some people have lost their employment. The hospitals weren’t as safe, it was a difficult time and he directed community residents to remain at hoe if all possible with attempt for (1) person to handle regular tasks. The City was providing their best to ensure safety.
VI. REGULAR AGENDA
6-1 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL– MAYOR’S AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENT WITH SHOTSPOTTER, INC.
Alderman Mayfield moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to approve Mayor’s Authorization to enter into Agreement with ShotSpotter Inc.
Alderman January questioned clarification of item 1. Police Chief, Lazaro Perez explained it was a 3-year agreement in the amount of $250,000 with funds available, Funded by Abbvie.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-2 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR NORTH CHICAGO TRAIN STATION
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to approve the Professional Services for North Chicago Train Station.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-3 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF HARD LIQUOR REQUEST AT 2004 MLK DR & LEWIS AVE; KSK INC. GAS STATION
Alderman January moved, seconded by Alderman Markham to Table items 6-3 and 6-4, returning items at the next Committee Meeting, 4/20/20 for further discussion.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-4 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF HARD LIQUOR REQUEST AT 2704 MLK DR. & PROSPECT AVE; GOLDEN PETROLEUM INC.
TABLED
6-5 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CITY BILLS
Water Operations $ 504,954.42
Grant $ 11,140.80
Community Development - CDBG $ 46,394.37
911 Emergency Telephone Sys. $ 325.00
Dental and Vision $ 1,270.50
Retiree's Insurance Prem $ 15,969.34
TIF II Downtown / Industrial $ 2,280.00
TIF II Sheridan Crossing $ 142.50
Skokie Highway TIF III $ 3,895.00
Grant Place Operating Fund $ 417.07
TOTAL $ 1,478,251.72
MOTION:
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to pay the bills of Council Run 4/06//20 in the amount of $1,478,251.72 when funds become available.
Alderman January questioned if funds were available and when check would be disbursed. Mrs. Partipilo acknowledged they were and checks sent by end of the week. Alderman January asked amount in the Water Fund and the next transfer. Mrs. Partipilo stated
Alderman January questioned if funds were available and when checks would be disbursed. Mrs. Partipilo stated funds were available and checks sent by end of week. Alderman January asked amount in the Water Fund and the next transfer. Mrs. Partipilo stated $1,227,387.90 in the Operating Water Fund; the next transfer would be April in the Amount of $650,000.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels
Nays: January
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-6 RESOLUTION APPROVING AND EXTENDING THE DECLARATION OF A LOCAL STATE OF EMEMRGENCY IN RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman January to approve the Resolution
Approving and Extending the Declaration of a Local State of Emergency in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED VIII. MISCELLANEOUS
CENSUS
Alderman Mayfield encourage completion of the 2020 Census. The Mayor echoed her sentiments.
QUESTIONS/COMMENTS/CONCERNS
Alderman January clarified the number of reported cases in North Chicago were (39);
Waukegan; 150. She questioned if there was a strategic plan and increased cases of COVID-19.
The Mayor stated there was more focus with staffing and manpower working at a staff level and if State or National Guard was necessary. The Fire Chief was the emergency operator and it was discussed at the staff meeting.
Alderman January requested local plans for resident and report via-email; schematic plan; she asked to address the daily changes and the burden level with the Fire Department. She acknowledged the Mayor and Chief of Staff for updates; requested that anyone entering the Fire Department have their temperature taken with full protective gear; goggles gown ad N95 masks; increased paramedic with needed supplies and other avenues if transported. The cases numbered daily, blackboard connect comments and requested a contingency plan.
Alderman Allen clarified, “we are all in it together.” Alderman January had a nursing degree stressing her level of communication and asked that she provided more information to the Council for education purposes.
Alderman Markham questioned clarification of North Chicago case numbers; Alderman January directed him to the Lake County website. The Mayor also explained the updated COVID-19 information was provided on the North Chicago website.
Alderman Mayfield asked the information was updated x3 weekly by the Chief of Staff. Alderman January appreciated her diligence with COVID-19, yet it should be disseminated by the Fire Chief.
The Mayor explained the Fire Chief provided information to the Staff and each staff member ensured that the City continued to run efficiently.
WASTE MANAGEMENT
Alderman Markham questioned the Waste Management Company. There was debris that remained in the streets once trucks left and where/who were the bulk items to be directed. The Mayor instructed that all trash should be inside the bins and that it need to be addressed to the residents.
Public Works Director, Ed Wilmes explained had observed loose debris in the street and would contact the company.
Alderman Evans added it was a problem in the e3rd ward, echoing the sentiments of Mr. Wilmes. He suggested that another truck followed behind to catch any fallen items and possibly considering another vendor. The Mayor agreed to bid for other vendors before contract expired. Mr. Wilmes stated it was a 5-year contract that termed in 2021.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Alderman Allen acknowledged the efforts of Mr. Wilmes and Economic & Community Development Director, Victor Barrera.
Alderman Evans acknowledged the Fire Department upon their strong efforts in responding to an unfortunate incident.
Alderman Mayfield was appreciated of the Employees Assistance Program offered by the Human Resources Director, Liz Black including the entire public safety team.
The Mayor asked that everyone take care and stay safe.
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 7:01 p.m.
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