City of North Chicago City Council Met May 3.
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, Runnels, January
Absent: Markham
3-1 Swearing in of Elected Officials
Reverend Johnson administered oath to Mayor Leon Rockingham, Jr. as Mayor requested his family members join him in the Council Chambers.
The Mayor stated that City Clerk, Lori Collins was sworn-in previously.
Judge Reggie Mathews expressed honor for being requested to swear in Mr. Vance Dane Wyatt as Treasurer. Judge Mathews administered the oath.
Justice George Bridges administered the oath to Michael R. Jackson as 1st Ward Alderman at Alexander Middle School (virtually). He appreciated the opportunity for joining swearing-in the former “Top Cop” of Waukegan and he will excel as the “Top Ward Alderman” for the City of North Chicago. Justice Bridges congratulated Alderman Michael Jackson and the Mayor echoed his sentiments.
The Mayor commended/appreciated Alderman Evans with his ward and serving all residents for a third term. He administered the oath to Carl Evans as the 3rd Ward Alderman.
Alderman Evans acknowledged the Mayor in administering the oath for him. He clarified ensuring that the officials were collaborating as a team. Would continue enhancing the City for the betterment of North Chicago.
The Mayor stated that patience and endurance always wins. He administered the oath to Kenneth Smith as the 5th Ward Alderman. He congratulated Alderman Smith.
City Clerk Lori L. Collins stated that 7th Ward Alderman Kathy January’s oath had been administered previously by Judge Diane E. Winters.
Mayor Rockingham offered all the elected officials an opportunity to make a statement.
The City Attorney David Silverman advised that Roll Call be taken prior to continuing meeting because there were new members of the Council. The City Clerk performed Roll Call.
Mayor Rockingham offered all newly/reelected officials the opportunity to make a statement.
Alderman Jackson was thankful to God, his family, extended family and friends. Also to the citizens of the 1st Ward was he grateful and extended an open invitation to contact him with questions, concerns and information.
Alderman Evans thanked all of North Chicago and the 3rd Ward.
Alderman Smith (5th Ward) was excited for the journey and being a team player.
Alderman January stated honor for serving the last years and thanked the 7th Ward constituents for their support. She welcomed Alderman Smith and Alderman Jackson. Alderman January looked forward to continued transparency and moving the City forward.
City Clerk Lori L. Collins thanked the citizens for allowing her to represent. She hoped that her mother (predecessor) was proud.
Treasurer Vance D. Wyatt thanked God for allowing him to serve. He looked forward to working with Mayor, City Clerk and Aldermen. He was appreciative to the community for their vote of confidence to allow him as Treasurer.
Mayor Rockingham was thankful to God for allowing him the past 16 years and another 4 years to serve as Mayor. He looked forward to working with all the elected officials. Mayor Rockingham was grateful to his family. He was assured to provide safety, restoration of neighborhoods, rebuilding streets and economic development.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Smith, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
3-2 Resolution Honoring Kenneth Robinson
The City Clerk read the resolution Honoring Kenneth Robinson as Treasurer. Mayor Rockingham presented a plaque in Mr. Robinson’s honor.
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Jackson to approve the Resolution Honoring Kenneth Robinson as Treasurer.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Smith, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
3-3 Resolution Honoring Torrance A. Markham, Sr.
City Clerk Lori L. Collins explained that the resolution that was being read and presented for approval differed from the information previously presented at the request of Alderman Markham. Ms. Collins read the newly provided resolution. Mayor Rockingham presented a plaque in honor of Torrance A. Markham, Sr.
Alderman January moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to approve the Resolution Honoring 5th Ward Alderman Torrance A. Markham, Sr. as presented.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Smith, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
Due to interference by a hacker the Virtual Zoom meeting was shut-down at 6:51 p.m. and resumed at 7:02 p.m.
Upon re-opening of the City Council Meeting a Roll Call was taken.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Smith, Runnels, January
Absent: None
3-4 Resolution Honoring James Sisson
City Clerk Lori L. Collins read the resolution Honoring James Sisson.
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to approve the Resolution honoring James Sisson.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Smith, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
IV. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA
4-1 Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, April 19, 2021
4-2 Minutes of Standing Committee Meetings, April 19, 2021
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to approve the Omnibus Vote Agenda as presented.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Smith, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
V. PUBLIC COMMENTS
VI. REGULAR AGENDA
6-1 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT FOR LIMITED COMMERCIAL RESIDENCE (CONNECT HOMES LLC)
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to approve the Zoning Text Amendment for Limited Commercial Residence (Connect Homes LLC).
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Smith, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-2 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT AT 613 10TH STREET FOR LIMITED COMMERCIAL RESIDENCE (CONNECT HOMES, LLC)
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to approve the Ordinance for Special Use Permit at 613 10th Street for Limited Commercial Residence (Connect Homes, LLC).
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Smith, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-3 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT AT 611 10TH STREET FOR LIMITED COMMERCIAL RESIDENCE (CONNECT HOMES, LLC)).
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Jackson to approve the Ordinance for Special Use Permit at 611 10th Street for Limited Commercial Residence (Connect Homes, LLC).
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Smith, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-4 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF FY22 BUDGET AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve the FY22 Budget and Capital Improvement Plan.
Alderman Jackson asked if motion could read “with any necessary corrections”; there weren’t any specific corrections that he foresaw currently but possibly later. Attorney David Silverman explained what was being presented was discussed previous in Committee adding that language would make it unclear what was being voted.
Mayor Rockingham stated that there could be amendments later.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Smith, Runnels
Nays: January (the accounting function used was not appropriate)
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-5 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF FY22 CITY SALARY ORDINANCE (CSO) AMENDMENT
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Runnels to approve the FY22 City Salary Ordinance Amendment.
Alderman January asked for an overview; Human Resource Director elaborated the changes. Alderman January asked if there was any change to paygrade or step increases for either the Police or Fire Chiefs; Mrs. Black assured there were not.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Smith, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-6 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF THE ANNUAL MFT MAINTENANCE RESOLUTION IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,200,000, ESTIMATE OF MAINTENANCE COSTS AND TAI MAINTENANCE ENGINEERING AGREEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $129,400 FOR THE 2021 MFT ROAD PROGRAM
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve the Annual MFT Maintenance Resolution in the amount of $2,200,000, estimate of maintenance costs and TAI maintenance engineering agreement in the amount of $129,400 for the 2021 MFT Road Program.
Alderman Jackson asked for an overview. City Engineer Steve Cieslica introduced himself and explained MFT Maintenance Resolution was allotted annual monies from for expected street maintenance activity; he listed those items costs. Alderman Allen reiterated that the MFT Funds were State provided monies.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Smith, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-7 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – AWARD OF THE COUNCIL CHAMBER RENOVATION PROJECT TO IDI PACIFIC JV LLC IN THE AMOUNT OF $437,509
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman January to approve Award of the Council Chamber Renovation Project to IDE Pacific JV LLC in the amount of $437,509.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Smith, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: Allen
MOTION CARRIED
6-8 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – CLASS A SPECIAL LIQUOR LICENSE TO ELEVEN 19 KITCHEN & COCKTAILS AT 1119 10TH STREET (MICHAEL COLEMAN
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Jackson to approve the Class A Special Liquor License to Eleven 19 Kitchen & Cocktails at 1119 10th Street (Michael Coleman.
Alderman January asked Alderman Jackson if the residents of the Ward and he were in agreement with the proposal. Alderman Jackson said he was 100% in agreement and stated there was previously a liquor license at that location. The residents didn’t have a concern with it.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Smith, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: Allen
MOTION CARRIED
6-9 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CITY BILLS
General Corporate Fund $ 289,683.11
Library $ 7,772.90
Motor Fuel Tax $ 35,769.45
Water Operations $ 121,024.44
Grant Place Operating Fund $ 12,914.02
Dental & Vision $ 5,292.68
Retiree's Insurance Premium $ 13,445.17
TIF II Downtown/Industrial $ 23,529.67
TIF II Sheridan Crossin $ 1,826.00
Skokie Hwy TIF III $ 3,785.75
Grant Place Operating Fund $ 2,621.88
TOTAL $ 517,665.07
MOTION:
Alderman Runnels moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to pay the bills of Council Run 5/03/21 in the amount of $517,665.07 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 by Wednesday. Alderman January asked the balance of the Water Fund as of close that day and the next transfer with amount; Ms. Joyner provided the balance of the Water Operations Fund in the amount of $636,230.94.
Interim Comptroller explained that the total transfer for the last year was $2,175,000 this year it would lowered by 10% totaling $1,957,000. The transfers take place quarterly in the amount of $489,375/quarter.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Smith, Runnels
Nays: January
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
VII. MISCELLANEOUS
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
Alderman January asked when renovation of the Council Chambers would begin; Mayor estimated within the next couple of weeks. Alderman January questioned the amount of time to complete. Facilities Manager Chris Chirikos guestimate August but it was contingent upon material availability, supplies and orders. The biggest concern was is audio/visual. Alderman January asked for periodic updates.
Alderman Jackson suggested that the aldermen clean out their Council desks.
HAROLD’S SHRIMP & CHICKEN
Alderman Allen questioning the opening; Mr. Barrera said the following day.
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Alderman Allen welcomed newly elected officials and stated the best was yet to come. Mayor Rockingham wished him safe travels back home.
Mayor Rockingham read the Retirement Letter of Alderman Runnels in public service. Mayor Rockingham thanked him for his service and his last meeting would be May 17, 2021. He was an asset to the Council and City.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council; a motion was made by Alderman Jackson, seconded by Alderman January that the meeting stand adjourned.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Smith, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
The Council Meeting adjourned at 7:38 p.m.
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