City of North Chicago City Council met Dec. 7.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
The City Council of North Chicago met in a Regular meeting at 6:01 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: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
IV. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA
4-1 Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, November 16, 2020
4-2 Minutes of Standing Committee Meetings, November 16, 2020
4-3 Water Department Report – November 2020
4-4 Consideration/Approval: Amendment to Section 3.B.1; from Ordinance 2020-04 Increasing the Height Variation from 68 to 75 feet (Neal Math and Science Academy)
4-5 Consideration/Approval of 2020 Tax levy Ordinance; $7,321,378.00
4-6 Consideration/Approval of the Owens Group Liability Insurance Contract Renewal
Alderman Jackson moved, seconded by Alderman Markham to move Item 4-5 to the Regular Agenda for discussion and pass the remainder of the Omnibus Vote Agenda.
Alderman Allen requested that Items 4-4 thru 4-6 be moved to the Regular Agenda.
Alderman Jackson moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to amend motion to approve the Omnibus Vote Agenda Items 4-1 thru 4-3 and 4-4 thru 4-6 be moved to Regular Agenda.
Alderman Markham clarified the motion was to be amended.
ROLL CALL ON AMENDED MOTION:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels
Nays: January
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
V. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Terry Coleman
Mayor Rockingham explained that he would allow more than the maximum 3 minutes due to the circumstances.
Ms. Cunningham complained that the North Chicago Police were unprofessional and lied on the police report (August 29, 20). Her handicap son assaulted her; the police ridiculed her and tried to diagnose her son. Her efforts are to alert Mayor and Council of the mistreatment of citizens by the police and denied medical treatment. Her son was mentally challenged and suicidal; she was unable to institutionalize him because he is an adult.
Mayor Rockingham stated that he reviewed the report and body video camera. He didn’t feel there was anything inappropriate. He advised that if she wasn’t satisfied with the result she could move forward as she felt necessary. He also invited the Elected Officials to review the tapes.
Alderman January thanked Ms. Cunningham for bringing the matter to the Elected Officials. She questioned what training the police received for mental issues. Police Chief Perez explained that most officers were trained in mental health; the newer officers have not completed the training due to the pandemic. Alderman January asked the number of hours and program for training in mental health. Chief Perez stated was mandated State training at the Police Academy; approximately 35 of the 50 officers is trained in it.
VI. REGULAR AGENDA
4-4 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL: AMENDMENT TO SECTION 3.B.1; FROM ORDINANCE 2020-04 INCREASING THE HEIGHT VARIATION FROM 68 TO 75 FEET (NEAL MATH AND SCIENCE ACADEMY)
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve the Amendment to Section 3.B.1.; from Ordinance 2020-04 increasing the height variation from 68 to 75 feet (Neal Math and Science Academy).
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels
Nays: January
Absent: None
4-5 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF 2020 TAX LEVY ORDINANCE; $7,321,378.00
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve the 2020 Tax Levy Ordinance in the amount of $7,321,378.00.
QUESTIONS:
Alderman Jackson questioned the contribution in Section 6 (Firefighter’s Pension Fund). Would there remain a deficit in the pension after the allotted amount in the Levy. Chief of Staff Deb Waszak stated there was discussion with the Fire Pension Board, Assistant Comptroller Tawanda Joyner, Fire Chief Dell Urban and Treasurer Kenneth Robinson to about additional funding to the budget of approximately $65,000 as part of the settlement agreement.
Alderman Jackson clarified the difference of shortfall and asked how it was to be settled. Mrs. Waszak explained that the City was on track with the agreement. The amount budgeted in the Tax Levy was to prevent percentage about 4.9%, the remainder of the funds were disbursed from the General Fund.
Alderman January asked what percentage of the Tax Levy was designated for Fire Pension Fund, was it within the threshold of 4.9%. Mrs. Waszak said that it was below 5%, otherwise a Public Hearing was required but she was unsure of the exact number. She elaborated that there was no increase from the previous year.
Alderman Markham asked what fund the $65,000 would be disbursed from. Mrs. Waszak stated that it would be presented at a later date and there was additional information to follow. There was additional revenue that had been generated from Gas Tax update. Alderman Markham questioned why the additional funding could not be designated to the Police and Fire Pension Fund. Mrs. Waszak stated that it could but was not sure of the numbers for the Police Pension Fund.
Treasurer Kenneth Robinson further explained that the $65,000 would be for the shortfall 2019-2020 budget. He explained that the next year’s budget would include $1,450,000 (the agreed amount). Alderman Markham asked the exact amount discovered; Mrs. Waszak said $745,447.00/year. Alderman Markham felt the monies should be earmarked for the pension funds to be leveled.
Treasurer Robinson explained that the shortfall was for the upcoming fiscal year.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels
Nays: January
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
4-6 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF THE OWENS GROUP LIABILITY INSURANCE CONTRACT RENEWAL
Alderman Mayfield moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to approve the Owens Group Liability Insurance Contract Renewal.
QUESTIONS:
Alderman January questioned the amount; Bruce Mitchell of The Owens Group said $946,214. She asked for clarity with difference of previous year; it appeared that there was $500,000 budgeted for liability and questioned where the remaining funds of over $400,000 would come from.
Assistant Comptroller explained that the funds were disbursed from various line items; $500,000 from the General Fund, $65,000 Workman’s Compensation, $273,000 Risk Management (Water Fund) and $17,800 Library for a total of $865,800. Funding total was paid over 2 fiscal years.
Alderman Jackson stated the shortfall was $90,414 and questioned where it would come from. Chief of Staff Deb Waszak explained the insurance is billed as a calendar payment and the City funding is based on fiscal year.
Alderman Markham stated there were to be savings with downsizing and 911 dispatch move. Mrs. Waszak said there were significant savings. Alderman Mayfield reiterated that there wasn’t a shortage because of the difference between fiscal and calendar.
Alderman Jackson asked for a 6 month Budget Report update. Alderman January asked for the exact amount owed to Police and Fire Pension. Treasurer Robinson; approximately $23 million.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels
Nays: January
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-1 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF GP LIQUOR LICENSE OF PARIS BANQUET AT 1492 LEWIS AVENUE
Alderman Evans moved, seconded Alderman Runnels to approve the GP Liquor License of Paris Banquet at 1492 Lewis Avenue.
QUESTIONS:
Alderman January concerned with giving liquor and gaming license during a pandemic, no one was allowed inside and asked why it was being approved now. Mayor Rockingham explained they were preparing the business for when able to open and operate. The building is not rehabilitated completely, the state will also have to approve licensing. There were building permits required to accommodate gaming.
Alderman Allen said the owner of the business has come to the City and spent $1,200,000. If he doesn’t make money the business will close, not right to hold their progress. Alderman Markham felt the grocery store they were opening should have been priority and did not see the purpose now. There was nothing in motion.
Alderman January explained that there was not going to be Harold’s Chicken in that establishment. She knew personally they do not do business where liquor is involved. They have to have a franchise license from the owner if they are franchisees.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Runnels
Nays: Jackson, Markham, January
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-2 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL FOR AWARD CONTRACT NOT TO EXCEED $40,596.00 TO CORE AND MAIN FOR THE PURCHASE OF (2) NEW PRATT 36- INCH BUTTERFLY VALVES, PIPES AND INSTALLATION SUPPLIES FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE (2) EXISTING INOPERABLE 36-INCH WEDGE VALVES ON THE 42” WATER INTAKE LINE AT THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT. (COST FOR THE (2) VALVES TOTAL $26,920 AND THE ADDITIONAL INSTALLATION SUPPLIES TOTAL $13,676 EQUALING THE NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF $40,596)
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to award contract not to exceed $40,596 to core and main for the purchase of (2) new Pratt 36-inch butterfly valves, pipes and installation supplies for replacement of the (2) existing inoperable 36-inch valves on the 42” water intake line at the water treatment plant (cost for the (2) valves total $26,920 and the additional installation supplies total $13,676 equaling the not to exceed amount of $40,596).
QUESTIONS:
Alderman January asked the warranty of the parts/pieces. Public Works Director Ed Wilmes explained the pieces didn’t have warranties per say; only guarantee that the parts are free of defects. Subject to high stress. Mr. Wilmes approximated the life cycle to be 50 years, the amount of maintenance performed determines its life expectancy.
ROLL CALL
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, Jackson
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-6 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CITY BILLS
General Corporate Fund $ 224,582.70
Library $ 228.15
Motor Fuel Tax $ 82,675.42
Water Operations $ 513,959.39
Grant $ 5,000.00
Community Development - CDBG $ 2,507.85
Fed. Forfeitted Property (DEA) $ 8,289.94
911 Emergency Telephone Sys. $ 1,091.12
Dental and Vision $ 1,465.14
Retiree's Insurance Prem $ 13,403.63
TIF II Sheridan Crossing $ 698.75
Grant Place Operating Fund $ 3,626.92
Captial Project $ 220.00
TOTAL $ 857,749.01
MOTION:
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to pay the bills of Council Run 12/07/20 in the amount of $857,749.01 when funds become available.
Alderman January asked if there were sufficient funds; when checks would be processed and dispensed. Assistant Comptroller Tawanda Joyner stated funds were available; checks would be disbursed before end of the week. Alderman January asked the balance of the Water Fund and the next transfer; Ms. Joyner provided the balance of $1,042,316.17 in the Water Operations Fund and transfer of $675,000 in January 2021.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Runnels
Nays: Markham, January
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
VII. MISCELLANEOUS
COUNCIL MEETINGS
Alderman Evans stated that Council packets were disbursed prior to the meeting; questions from the Council could be directed to the Administration before the meeting. The aldermen should be in unison and focus on their wards. The Directors are available for questioning. Alderman Markham stated that elected officials can question at any time.
STOP SIGN & ALLEYS
Alderman Mayfield thanked Public Works for replacing a stop sign expeditiously.
Alderman January also recognized Public Works for cleaning the alleys and making them look great.
FIRE
Alderman Allen thanked the Police and Fire Departments for response to a big fire. SHOP WITH A COP
5 12/0720
Alderman Jackson thanked and congratulated the Police Department for Shop with a Cop program. He also recognized the Public Works Department in response to service for fly pick ups
Chief Perez announced that there would be distribution of toys to 50 families that was purchased for Shop with a Cop, December 12, 2020 starting at 9 a.m.
FOOD GIVEAWAY
Mayor Rockingham announced there would be a food giveaway at the City of North Chicago hosted by Chapel of Libertyville 9:30 a.m. December 12, 2020 starting at Paris Banquet Hall.
VIII.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.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
The Council Meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m.
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