City of North Chicago City Council met Oct. 5.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
The City Council of North Chicago met in a Regular meeting at 6:00 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, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January Absent: None
IV. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA
4-1 Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, September 21, 2020
4-2 Minutes of Standing Committee Meetings, September 21, 2020
4-3 Intergovernmental Agreement Among the County of Lake, Villages of Bartlett, Hoffman Estates, Barrington Hills, South Barrington, Barrington, Deer Park, Lake Zurich, Hawthorn Woods, Long grove, Libertyville, Mettawa, Green Oaks and the City of North Chicago for the Equally Share Costs for Engineering Work towards them Recertification of a Quiet Corridor along the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railroad
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to approve items 4-1 thru 4-2 in the Omnibus Vote Agenda as presented.
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to remove item 4-3 from Omnibus Vote to Regular Agenda.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
V. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Clyde McLemore
Mr. McLemore stated he was a recovered addict of 24 years. He agreed with the organization attempting to assist North Chicago for possible recovering addicts. The Mayor stated would consider his comment.
Charles January
Mr. January highly commended the 1st Ward appointee, Mr. Michael R. Jackson, was a fine gentlemen and a former police officer of Waukegan; he never abused his power as an officer; he would be a great addition to the City Council as an Alderman, commended the Mayor and hoped the Council would also consider him. The City had another attorney, State Representative Charles Welch who was to be very knowledgeable. He suggested different Committee structure with public comments and encouraged council consideration.
4-3 INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT AMONG THE COUNTY OF LAKE, VILLAGES OF BARTLETT, HOFFMAN ESTATES, BARRINGTON HILLS, SOUTH BARRINGTON, BARRINGTON, DEER PARK, LAKE ZURICH, HAWTHORN WOODS, LONG GROVE, LIBERTYVILLE, METTAWA, GREEN OAKS AND THE CITY OF NORTH CHICAGO FOR THE EQUALLY SHARED COSTS FOR ENGINEERING WORK TOWARDS THE RECERTIFICATION OF A QUIET CORRIDOR ALONG THE ELGIN, JOLIET AND EASTERN RAILROAD
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans that the Intergovernmental Agreement and the City of North Chicago for the equally shared costs for engineering work towards the recertification of a Quiet Corridor along the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railroad.
Chief of Staff, Deb Waszak requested the need of recertification of the Quiet Corridor Intergovernmental Agreement; shared city costs of $3,338.46 with named communities.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
VI. REGULAR AGENDA
6-1 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – APPOINTMENT OF MICHAEL R. JACKSON AS 1ST WARD ALDERMAN
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve the appointment of Michael R. Jackson as 1st Ward Alderman.
The Mayor stated that Mr. Jackson would support the 1st Ward and would ensure that the City of North Chicago would continue to strive to be a better place.
Attorney Welch advised that the 1st Ward Appointee, Michael R. Jackson be sworn in at this time and explained that he would be able to participate in the remainder of the meeting. Mayor Rockingham swore in Mr. Jackson.
Alderman Jackson appreciated his family, was a public servant to the City of North Chicago his dedication and commitment in the 1st Ward and City of North Chicago. He would prefer meeting with the aldermen individually as time permitted. He thanked the Aldermen and Mayor. Clerk Collins would supply an October 5th distribution packet and arrange for a key to the aldermanic office for him.
Alderman January congratulated and welcomed Alderman Michael R. Jackson. Alderman Jackson stated he was looking forward to a solidified council.
The Mayor explained he would need to sign the elected official documents when able in the City Clerk’s Office, in the Human Resources Department and the I.T. Department. A contact number would be provided by the Mayor.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-2 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – SEBASTIAN RODRIGUEZ TO THE NORTH CHICAGO LIBRARY BOARD REPLACING RAMONA HARVEY FOR A 3-YEAR TERM:
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve the appointment of Sebastian Rodriguez to the North Chicago Library Board replacing Ramona Harvey for a 3-year term.
The Mayor stated that Mr. Rodriguez was very instrumental to the City moving forward with ensuring the children and residents a fine experience at the North Chicago Library.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-3 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CITY SALARY ORDINANCE (CSO) AMENDMENT – PAYGRADE FROM A-27 TO A-28 FOR CHIEF OF STAFF POSITION
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve City Salary Ordinance (CSO) Amendment to paygrade from A-27 to A-28 for Chief of Staff Position.
Alderman January amended motion, amended second by Alderman Markham to include a one-time bonus of $20,000 for her accomplishments: recommendation from the City Council of North Chicago.
Alderman Jackson questioned clarification if it was in lieu of original item 6-3; the Mayor acknowledged it was in addition.
Attorney Welch advised there were (2) motions; the amended motion of the one-time $20,000 bonus took president over the original one for the amendment of paygrade from A-27 to A-28.
ROLL CALL FOR $20,000 BONUS:
Ayes: Mayfield, Evans, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: Jackson, Allen
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
Mayor asked for roll call of original motion; item 6-3 for clarification:
ROLL CALL FOR PAYGRADE CHANGE:
Ayes: Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Runnels, January
Nays: Jackson, Markham
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-4 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CITY SALARY ORDINANCE (CSO) AMENDMENT - FLSA RECLASSIFICATION OF FACILITIES MANAGER TO A- 18
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve City Salary Ordinance (CSO) Amendment – FLSA Reclassification of Facilities Manager to A-18.
Alderman Jackson questioned clarification of item 6-4 from Grade 14-18; The Mayor explained his original position and additional duties to an exempt status of duties within the City of North Chicago. Alderman Jackson questioned overtime spent since the new position of Building & Facilities Manager.
Interim Comptroller, Daniela Partipilo stated estimated $5,500 for overtime and $1,300 of compensatory time.
Alderman Jackson asked what step within Grade A-18 for the Facilities Manager; Mrs. Partipilo stated 6th Step and exempt from overtime; an additional $1,800.
Alderman January questioned if Grade A-16 and 17 were exempt status; Mrs. Partipilo acknowledged both were.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-5 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CITY SALARY ORDINANCE (CSO) AMENDMENT - FLSA RECLASSIFICATION OF COMMUNITY INFORMATION COORDINATOR TO A-18
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve City Salary Ordinance (CSO) Amendment – FLSO Reclassification of Facilities Manager to A-18.
Alderman Allen clarified that the current Community Information Coordinator was aware of the salary before being hired. He questioned why a raise as a contractor; the Mayor explained the position had been evolving with increased responsibilities. It wasn’t the person yet the position and moving to an exempt position from overtime.
Alderman Jackson asked what step proposed; Mrs. Partipilo explained Step 3 ($70,803) of Grade A-18 approximately $1,400 more than the previous Coordinator and no overtime or compensatory time.
Alderman Markham agreed with Alderman Allen; why couldn’t the position remain outsourced, not knowing future finances.
Alderman January agreed with Alderman Allen and Markham; asked if he was to be hired as a city employee; the Mayor acknowledged he would be. The City needed to be cautious of its finances. The Mayor explained it would not continue to be outsourced and still intended to hire.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Mayfield, Evans, Runnels
Nays: Jackson, Allen, Markham, January
Absent: None
MOTION FAILED
6-6 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CITY SALARY ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve the City Salary Ordinance.
City Clerk Collins questioned clarification of Grade for Community Information Coordinator as the proposed Salary Ordinance reflected the change which failed.
Attorney Charles Welch agreed that the motion and approval was to be reflective without the Community Coordinator change.
Alderman Runnels amended motion, second amended by Alderman Mayfield to approve the City Salary Ordinance excluding Community Information Coordinator grade change.
City Clerk Collins questioned clarification of Grade for Community Information Coordinator as the proposed Salary Ordinance reflected the change which failed. Attorney Charles Welch agreed that the motion and approval was to be reflective without the Community Coordinator change.
Alderman January asked for overview; Liz Black, Human Resources Director provided overview of pg. 7; letter G (VESSA) and I (Whistleblower) and pg. 8; letter J (Expense Reimbursement Policy) and K (Credit Card Policy).
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-7 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CANCELLING HALLOWEEN “TRICK OR TREAT”
Alderman Mayfield moved, seconded by Alderman Markham to approve the cancellation of Halloween “Trick or Treat” due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-8 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF AMENDING 6-1-2, PERTAINING TO PROPERTY MAINTENANCE FOR ALLEY RIGHTS-OF-WAY
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to approve Amending 6-1-2, pertaining to property maintenance for alley rights-of-way.
Alderman Jackson questioned for an overview; Ed Wilmes, Public Works Director explained the property owner would be responsible for maintaining a portion in parkway/alley.
The Mayor explained the Public Works Department would do the initial 1st cut.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels
Nays: Jackson, January
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-9 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF RECOMMENDATION TO AWARD CONTRACT FOR THE 2020 METRA PARKING LOT SURFACE IMPROVEMENTS TO CHADWICK CONTRACTING COMPANY IN THE AMOUNT OF $195,648.50
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Allen to approve the recommendation to award contract for the 2020 Metra Parking Lot Surface Improvements to Chadwick Contracting Company in the amount of $195,648.50.
Alderman Markham questioned if funds were reimbursed; City Engineer, Steve Cieslica acknowledged they were as part of an Intergovernmental Agreement.
Alderman Jackson inquired if any minorities were employed by Chadwick; Mr. Cieslica explained he was unaware of IDOT requirement.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-10 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF RECOMMENDATION TO AWARD THE 2020 MFT STREET RESURFACING PROJECT TO BROTHERS ASPHALT PAVING, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $554,469.46
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Mayfield to approve the recommendation to award the 2020 MFT Street Resurfacing Project to Brothers Asphalt Paving Inc. in the Amount of $554,469.46.
Alderman January asked what streets and to include statement “not to exceed.” City Engineer explained.
Alderman January moved, seconded by Alderman Markham to amend motion to include verbiage amount not to exceed $554,469.46.
ROLL CALL TO INCLUDE NOT TO EXCEED:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
ROLL CALL AS AMENDED:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-11 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF TAI’S WORK ORDER FOR DESIGN ENGINEERING & BIDDING SERVICES FOR 16TH STREET AND KEMBLE AVENUE TRANSMISSION MAIN IN THE AMOUNT OF $420,664.00.
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Mayfield to approve the TAI’S Work order for Design Engineering & Bidding services for 16th Street and Kemble Avenue Transmission Main in the Amount not to exceed $420,664.00.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-12 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF GRANT PLACE LEASE RENEWAL – BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to approve the Grant Place Lease Renewal for Boys & Girls Club.
Mr. Barrera requested to remove item 6-12 for corrections.
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to withdraw motion.
Alderman January moved, seconded by Alderman Markham returning to Committee Meeting for further discussion.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-13 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CITY BILLS
General Corporate Fund $ 383,152.08
Library $ 4,353.62
Motor Fuel Tax $ 6,934.90
Water Operations $ 66,047.02
Grant $ 5,632.23
911 Emergency Telephone Sys. $ 1,553.72
Retiree's Insurance Premium $ 15,401.85
TIF II Downtown/Industrial $ 3,277.50
Skokie Hwy TIF III $ 4,443.75
Grant Place Operating Fund $ 9,664.11
TOTAL $ 500,460.78
MOTION:
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to pay the bills of Council Run 10/05/20 in the amount of $500,460.78 when funds become available.
Alderman January asked if there were sufficient funds; when checks would be made and dispensed. Interim Comptroller Daniela Partipilo stated funds were available; checks would be disbursed within the week. Alderman January asked the balance of the Water Fund and the next transfer; Mrs. Partipilo gave the balance of $2,253,337.97 in the Water Operations Fund with the next transfer to be in October for $675,000.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels
Nays: January
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
VII. MISCELLANEOUS
FENCE REQUEST
Alderman Markham inquired if a new design fence could be placed on 19th Place; the Mayor suggested to remove it at this time and he would acquire the cost estimate.
The Mayor requested a census extension.
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Alderman January questioned the structure of the Committee Meetings and if Public Comments were to be included for each Committee. Attorney Welch stated that it was possible to have a Committee of the Whole. He was confident that the City was in compliance.
CENSUS
Mayor Rockingham announced the extension of the Census deadline.
Alderman Jackson clarified apathy and distrust; thought of no benefit to the age groups of 19- 25. They were afraid the census information was to be used for other reasons. Alderman January asked current level; Alderman Jackson said approx. 56%.
CARBON MONOXIDE MONITORS
Alderman Allen reminded council members of the carbon monoxide monitor available to seniors of over 65 years of age.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council; a motion was made by Alderman Runnels, seconded by Alderman Markham that the meeting stand adjourned.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
The Council Meeting adjourned at 7:29 p.m.
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