City of North Chicago City Council met July 6.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
The City Council of North Chicago met in a Regular meeting at 6:02 p.m. via Virtual media Zoom Link 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: Mayfield, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January Absent: Fisher
IV. PUBLIC HEARING ON TENTATIVE BUDGET & APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to open the Public Hearing.
Alderman January asked why the Public Hearing is held during Council meeting as part of City business and thought it was to be done separately. Attorney David Silverman explained as long as it is on the agenda and held at the time advertised then it was appropriate.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Mayfield, Allen, Runnels, Mayor Rockingham
Nays: Markham, January
Absent: Fisher, Evans
Attorney Silverman stated that the Mayor should vote as four (4) was needed to carry on the action.
Mayor Rockingham voted Aye
Alderman January asked for clarification that the Mayor vote when there is no tie. Alderman Markham explained there was five voting aldermen and there was no tie; the Mayor was only to break a tie. Attorney Silverman explained that Mayor Rockingham could vote in any instance being North Chicago is Home Rule. Alderman Markham clarified that Robert’s Rules of Order does not apply; Attorney Silverman stated that it did not.
Interim Comptroller Daniela Partipilo noted Appropriations Ordinance is normally 105% over budgeted items to accommodate any overages.
Alderman Allen asked for clarification. Mrs. Partipilo explained.
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to close the Public Hearing.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Mayfield, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: Fisher, Evans
MOTION CARRIED
Mayor Rockingham stated Alderman Evans sent a text to vote Aye but unsure as to what. Attorney Silverman said to obtain information. City Clerk Lori L. Collins explained that Alderman Evans said it was to open the Public Hearing to discuss the Appropriations Ordinance.
V. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA
5-1 Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, June 15, 2020
5-2 Minutes of Standing Committee Meetings, June 15, 2020
5-3 Resolution – Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police Affirmation of Shared Principles
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Runnels to approve items 5-1 thru 5-3 in the Omnibus Vote Agenda as presented.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: Fisher
MOTION CARRIED
VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Douglas Winston
The City Clerk read a letter from the Fire Pension Board President Doug Winston requesting “that the City make the Fund whole for those payments already agreed for Fiscal Year 2020 and ensure that payment levels previously agreed are met, to avoid the need for the Pension Board, as fiduciaries to the Fund, to take additional steps that would involve outside entities.”.
Borchain Lin (Paul borchain Lin)
Asked for consideration of withholding code changes concerning hardwire sprinklers. Mayor Rockingham clarified.
Economic Development Director Victor Barrera explained his thought that the requirement may have been met; changes would apply at time of sell. He would look into it further. The City Clerk would forward this information to the Economic Development Director.
Mayor Rockingham said that there would be a meeting with the Fire Pension Board to resolve issue with funding. Mrs. Partipilo explained that the budget for FY19 called for $1.15 mil in contributions; in fact the City made $1,401,723.11 in contributions, which was over the amount agreed. The current year there was less funding; $1,108,278.29 was given, with the overage in FY19 the City was still over $60,001.40. They had contributed as promised with some monies remaining.
Mrs. Partipilo stated that there could be a better standard/schedule of payments to alleviate some of these questions. The City does not always collect 100% in a given year. There would be more discussion.
VII. REGULAR AGENDA
7-1 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF BUDGET SUMMARY REPORT FY20
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve the Budget Summary Report FY20.
Alderman Markham questioned if Pension payments were progressions of what the City agreed to pay included in current budget. Mrs. Partipilo explained that the City increased their contribution by $150,000 from the previous year. There may be a budget amendment based on COVID expenses and revenue in late fall.
Alderman January asked if there was a deficit or positive for FY20. Mrs. Partipilo said those were unaudited figures yet anticipated a positive of approximately $391,000 for the general fund in year 2020.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Runnels
Nays: Markham, January
Absent: Fisher
MOTION CARRIED
7-2 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF THE APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FY21
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve the Appropriation Ordinance FY21 as presented.
Alderman January asked if the budget needed to be approved first. Attorney Silverman clarified that the Appropriations Ordinance had set the Tax Levy for the City that gives rights to the budget. The budget could be voted first if desired yet not necessary.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Runnels
Nays: Markham, January
Absent: Fisher
MOTION CARRIED
7-3 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF BUDGET FY21
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve the Budget FY21.
Alderman January stated (before voting) that her decision was due to lack of aldermanic discussion, effects of COVID-19 pandemic and budget FY21 appeared to begin with a deficit.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Runnels
Nays: Markham, January
Absent: Fisher
MOTION CARRIED
7-4 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF 14th ST. WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT – RECOMMENDATION TO AWARD CONTRACT
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve the 14th St. Water Main Replacement – Recommendation Award Contract in the amount of $912,967.45 to low bidder Patnick Construction.
Alderman January said the agenda does not reflect the company awarded the contract or the amount. City Engineer Steve Cieslica explained the bid opening was the prior week with (10) bidders; the lowest bid was Patnick Construction for $912,967.45. Alderman Markham agreed the amount and company should have been placed on the agenda.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels
Nays: None
Absent: Fisher
MOTION CARRIED
7-5 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF DUGDALE AVE. WATER MAIN EXTENSION – RECOMMENDATION TO AWARD CONTRACT
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve Dugdale Ave. Water Main Extension – Recommendation to Award Contract amended including the amount of $635,122.25 to Patnick Construction.
Mr. Cieslica explained there were nine bidders. Alderman January asked how many of the bidders were minorities. Mr. Cieslica explained the City has a DBE goal for all projects, approximately 3 on this project.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: Fisher
MOTION CARRIED
7-6 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CITY BILLS
MOTION:
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to pay the bills of Council Run 07/06/20 in the amount of $561,199.41 when funds become available.
Alderman January questioned if there were sufficient funds and when checks would be disbursed. Interim Comptroller Daniela Partipilo stated that funds were available and checks would be sent possibly the next day. Alderman January asked the amount in the Water Fund at the close of that day; Mrs. Partipilo gave the amount of $1,815,403.75. Alderman January asked the next fund transfer; Mrs. Partipilo explained that the transfer amount would $675,000 within the next week.
Alderman Markham referred to page 22; Moran Marketing, LLC (COVID19) and asked if that was an individual. Mrs. Partipilo explained that Jim Moran was the Interim Information Coordinator; hopeful to get reimbursed for his work in regards to COVID19. He is currently not an employee yet is a contractor.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels
Nays: January Absent: Fisher
MOTION CARRIED VIII. MISCELLANEOUS
VARIOUS
Alderman Markham asked for an update with a stolen car and purse; Police Chief Perez explained there was more patrol assigned to that area.
Alderman Markham questioned what was done to curb the fireworks (illegal in Illinois). Mayor Rockingham said it was illegal but made a concerted decision not to do extra patrol. There were no injuries in regards to fireworks.
Mayor Rockingham said calls were answered but they weren’t due to fireworks.
Alderman Allen expressed frustration of grass cutting on Vickie Lane. The Department Heads should ensure issues were addressed without having to contact the Mayor. Mayor Rockingham said field correction notices process was 30 days. Alderman Allen suggested that they were cited.
Alderman January was concerned if the drunk driver in her neighborhood was cited. She stated there was a report but no repercussions or arrest of the offender. Chief Perez said he was unaware of the situation but would inform her.
Alderman Evans stated that officers have been walking within the community and it was a good program. Grass cutting shouldn’t require a follow up; Department Heads should make sure the rules were followed and he commended the Fire and Police Department for Father’s Day Parade.
IX. 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.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: Fisher
MOTION CARRIED
The Council Meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
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