City of North Chicago City Council Met Jan. 4.
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: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Absent: None
IV. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA
4-1 Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, December 21, 2020
4-2 Minutes of Standing Committee Meetings, December 21, 2020
4-3 Repeal – Assistant Comptroller Ordinance (Ord. No. 982; 07-07-03)
4-4 Approval – FY 2021 Budget Amendment
4-5 Approval – Grant Agreement with the Steans Family Foundation in the amount of $60,000 for Summer Up! Youth Program
4-6 Approval – Independent Contractor Agreement in the amount of $72,000 with KeOne Carter for the Management of the Summer Up! Youth Program
4-7 Approval – Intergovernmental Agreement with Regional Transit Authority (RTA) for the Lewis Ave./Buckley Rd. Intersection Improvement Project
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Runnels to approve the Omnibus Vote 4-1 thru 4-7 as presented.
Alderman January requested that Items 4-3 thru 4-7 be moved to the Regular Agenda.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS
City Clerk Lori L. Collins stated there was a public comment from Mr. Anthony Coleman. Mr. Coleman was not available at the time of virtual public comments.
VI. REGULAR AGENDA
4-3 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – REPEAL ASSISTANT COMPTROLLER ORDINANCE (ORD. NO. 982; 07-07-03)
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Jackson to approve the Repealing of the Assistant Comptroller Ordinance (Ord. No. 982; 07-07-03).
Alderman January asked what ensured protection mechanisms were in place for the City and Comptroller’s Office upon repealing the ordinance. Mayor Rockingham explained by repealing the ordinance, it required language to be removed; that there were protections in place and there was nothing else that needed to be done at the time.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Runnels
Nays: Markham, January
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
4-4 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – FY 2021 BUDGET AMENDMENT
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Runnels to approve the FY 2021 Budget Amendment.
ROLL CALL
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels
Nays: January
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
4-5 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE STEANS FAMILY FOUNDATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $60,000 FOR SUMMER UP! YOUTH PROGRAM
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman January to approve the Grant Agreement with the Steans Family Foundation in the amount of $60,000 for Summer Up! Youth Program.
ROLL CALL
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
4-6 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR AGREEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $72,000 WITH KEONE CARTER FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF THE SUMMER UP! YOUTH PROGRAM
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve the Independent Contractor Agreement in the amount of $72,000 with KeOne Carter for the Management of the Summer Up! Youth Program.
Alderman January questioned the source of the $72,000. Chief of Staff Deb Waszak explained that the previous year, the Steans Family Foundation provided an $80,000 grant and there was a portion that had not been used; the remaining would be used this upcoming year.
ROLL CALL
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
4-7 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY (RTA) FOR THE LEWIS AVE./BUCKLEY RD. INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to the Intergovernmental Agreement with Regional Transit Authority (RTA) for the Lewis Ave./Buckley Rd. Intersection Improvement Project
ROLL CALL
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
The Mayor was checking if Mr. Anthony Coleman was currently muted and if he would like to present any comments. City Clerk, Lori Collins confirmed that Mr. Coleman was present though muted.
6-1 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF GRANT AGREEMENT WITH ABBVIE IN THE AMOUNT OF $128,000 FOR ENHANCING PUBLIC SAFETY WITH PURCHASING, INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE OF STREET LIGHTS
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve the Grant Agreement with Abbvie in the amount of $128,000 for enhancing public safety with purchasing, installation and maintenance of street lights.
ROLL CALL
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-2 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF BIDS FOR 0 GREEN BAY ROAD (PINs 12-06- 204-032, 12-06-204-033, 12-06-204-014, 12-06-204-015) IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,500
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve the bids for 0 Green Bay Rd. (PINs 12-06-204-032, 12-06-204-033, 12-06-204-014, 12-06-204-015) in the amount of $5,500.
Alderman January asked if the purchaser was aware of the requirements set forth in the bidding information. Senior City Planner Nimrod Warda explained that recipient would need to apply for permit within 12 months of receiving the property deed. Mr. Cole (purchaser) was aware there was a 24-month conceding as home-owner occupant requirement.
ROLL CALL
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-3 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF BIDS FOR 0 FAIRWAY LANE (PIN 08-31-414- 008) IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,500
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to approve the bid for 0 Fairway Lane (PIN 08-31-414-008) in the amount of $2,500.
Alderman Jackson asked if the purchaser was aware of the requirements set forth in the bidding information. Mr. Warda explained that the awarded bid was the same bid recipient as 0 Green Bay Rd; Mr. Cole and he was aware of the requirements.
ROLL CALL
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
6-4 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CITY BILLS
General Corporate Fund $ 336,317.08
Library $ 4,404.92
Motor Fuel Tax $ 30,841.73
Water Operations $ 111,440.65
Grant $ 2,533.73
Community Development - CDBG $ 34,100.00
911 Emergency Telephone Sys. $ 1,279.86
Retiree's Insurance Prem. $ 11,613.27
TIF II Downtown/Industrial $ 11,767.50
TIF II Sheridan Crossing $ 1,836.69
Skokie Hwy TIF III $ 55,382.83
Grant Place Operating Fund $ 974.11
TOTAL $ 602,492.37
MOTION:
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to pay the bills of Council Run 1/04/21 in the amount of $602,492.37 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 week. Alderman January asked the balance of the Water Fund and the next transfer; Ms. Joyner provided the balance of the Water Operations Fund in the amount of $841,995.61 and transfer of $675,000 at end of January 2021.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels
Nays: January
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
VII. MISCELLANEOUS
CITIZENS CONCERN
Alderman Evans stated was informed of citizen concern and he expressed the need to re evaluate the 7th Ward. He stated that it was mainly military residents, minimal voters to the city. Occupants of the rental federal property weren’t paying taxes or water bills to the city in that ward. He preferred not misleading the citizens and it was necessary to know who is properly representing them. He encouraged anyone with questions or concerns.
PRELIMINARY DISCUSSION
Alderman Jackson clarified that it was a preliminary conversation unaware of 2020 Census and redistricting that could potentially change. Alderman January thanked everyone for their comments. She also offered capability of e-mailing or contacting her.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Alderman Mayfield announced Happy Birthday to both Donna Kalinoski, a valued member of the community and upcoming one for Mayor.
POLITICAL SIGNS
Alderman Jackson stated was informed by a concerned resident of premature erecting of political signs. He cited Chapter 12; Section Letter O. It was a violation of city ordinance. He suggested removing the signs immediately until 30 days prior to the election.
The Mayor stated the city ordinance wasn’t updated. Governor Pat Quinn passed House Bill 3785 that allowed political signs annually; (2011) municipalities had the rights to amend the size of the signs and was permitted on private property. The City couldn’t super-cede the State Statute. Alderman Jackson clarified it was enacted in year 2015.
Attorney Welch explained the bill was passed in 2011 and pre-empted home-rule; first amendment rights to free speech; ordinance needed to be updated and signs only erected on private property.
Alderman January questioned clarification if signs erected only on private property; Mr. Welch confirmed not on a public parkway.
Alderman January questioned sign ordinance concerning political signs; Mr. Warda explained it was a standard for political sign size that carried over from 2008. She suggested ordinance review.
Alderman Jackson suggested judicial review with staff in cleaning the needed language ensuring proper compliance.
The Mayor strongly stated ensuring the candidate signs were placed on private property. Alderman Allen questioned if signs could be placed at City Hall; The Mayor explained they could if early voting was held at the City of North Chicago. He was unaware if there would be early voting at City Hall based on financial impact.
Attorney Welch added that signs were permitted of any governmental property providing was a polling place.
The Mayor stated was checking if Mr. Coleman was available for Public Comments due to possible technical difficulties.
Anthony Coleman stated concern with his political signs if compliant with the city ordinance and State Statutes.
Mayor Rockingham stated that candidates needed to do their due diligence and it was the responsibility of the candidate to know the requirements before erecting the signs.
VIII.ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council; a motion was made by Alderman Allen, 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 6:49 p.m.
https://www.northchicago.org/vertical/Sites/%7B52959CF2-969E-41D9-A9CF-CF0A11D0BEA9%7D/uploads/1.04.21.pdf
Alerts Sign-up