City of North Chicago City Council met Feb. 7.
Here are 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: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy
Absent: January
IV. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA
4-1 Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, January 18, 2022
4-2 Minutes of Standing Committee Meetings, January 18, 2022
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve the Omnibus Vote Agenda items 4-1 thru 4-2 as presented.
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy
Nays: None
Absent: January
MOTION CARRIED
V. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Latisha Scott – 1400 Block of Park Ave.
Ms. Scott stated was informed the (3) apartment buildings 1500 block of Park Ave. were converted for housing registered sex offenders. She expressed was highly concerned of registered sex offenders and questionable if the neighborhood community was notified. There was a bus stop within a block distance, children etc. Police Chief, Lazaro Perez explained that the North Chicago Police registered them though the Lake County Sheriff’s Office were responsible for their location of them on their website.
The Mayor questioned if the apartment complex for housing allowed more than one registered sex offender; Police Chief Perez explained in consideration of expanding the sex offender ban; unable to reside within 1500 ft. of schools, parks or daycare centers; There would be additional discussion within the next few months.
Ms. Scott emphasized concern of safety within the neighborhood. The Mayor explained would ensure the protection and safety of others legally. He would direct the police chief following up with the status of the issue. He provided options of her leaving information with the City Clerk or the Mayor’s Office. Chief Perez provided his cell#: 224-354-4744.
VI. REGULAR AGENDA
6-1 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AMENDMENTS TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH NORTH CHICAGO BITTERSWEET LLC FOR THE PROPERTY COMMONLY KNOWN AS MULCH CENTER SALES CENTER
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve the Ordinance and authorizing execution of amendments to the Redevelopment Agreement with North Chicago Bittersweet LLC for the property commonly known as Mulch Sales Center.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
Alderman January joined the meeting at 6:09 p.m.
6-2 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT AND MUTUAL RELEASE WITH CLEAR CHANNEL OUTDOOR, LLC
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve the Resolution and Authorizing the Execution of Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release with Clear Channel Outdoor, LLC.
ROLL CALL
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-3 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF REAL ESTATE PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT WITH MT. SINAI FOR 7-ACRE PARCEL
The Mayor requested tabling item 6-3 unsure of location address. Attorney Welch recommended including both items 6-3 & 6-4 since paired together.
Alderman Jackson moved, seconded by Alderman January to Table items 6-3 & 6-4.
ROLL CALL TO TABLE:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-4 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF IGA WITH FOSS PARK DISTRICT REGARDING LAND SWAP FOR THE WATER TOWER PROPERTY
TABLED WITH ITEM 6-3
6-5 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION APPROVING THE STEANS FAMILY FOUNDATION CONTRACT
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield to approve the Resolution with the Steans Family Foundation Contract.
Alderman January asked for a brief summary of item 6-5. Dave Kilbane, Chief of Staff explained the Summer Up Program expanded for a 3-year term. He added was previously annually. A $270,000 grant was included; calculated $90,000 annually. Item 6-6 would also be funded the same for (3) years.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-6 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF THE KEONE CONTRACT
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Jackson to approve the KeOne Carter Contract (Summer Up Program).
Alderman Allen questioned certain contracted amount; the Mayor explained was utilized from the grant annually.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-7 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE ANNUAL CALENDAR OF REGULAR MEETINGS IN THE CITY OF NORTH CHICAGO, CITY COUNCIL, COUNCIL COMMITTEES AND THE PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2022
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman January to approve the Resolution establishing the Annual Calendar of Regular Meetings in the City of North Chicago City Council Committees and the Planning & Zoning Commission for Calendar Year 2022.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-8 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 5-26-4 OF THE CITY CODE IN NORTH CHICAGO AS AMENDED CONCERNING OFF PREMISES ADVERTISER LICENSE FEE
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield approving Ordinance Amending Section 5-26-4 of the North Chicago City Code as Amended concerning Off-Premises Advertiser License Fee.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-9 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION APPROVING FORBEARANCE AGREEMENT AT 2526 25TH STREET; ADDING STONE HOMES, LLC AS FRED WASHINGTON’S PARTNER
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to approve Resolution of Forebearance Agreement at 2526 25th Street; adding Stone Homes, LLC as Fred Washington’s Partner.
Alderman Allen questioned timeline for extension and should observe a change within (8) weeks and suggested ensuring the completion; the Mayor stated had noticed more activity in the past week and he was hopeful.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy
Nays: January
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
6-10 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CITY BILLS
Water Operations $ 163,575.87
Grant $ 52,570.08
Retiree's Insurance Premium $ 15,577.30
TIF II Downtown/Industrial $ 1,328.75
Skokie Highway TIF 111 $ 140,423.25
Grant Place Operating Fund $ 5,007.24
TOTAL $ 1,620,879.72
ADDITIONAL BILLS $ 52,700.00
GRAND TOTAL $ 1,673,579.72
MOTION:
Alderman Mayfield moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to pay the bills of Council Run 2/04/22 in the amount of $1,620,879.72 + Additional Bills of $52,700 = $1,673,579.72 when funds become available excluding the Legislative for consideration at another time.
Alderman Mayfield requested approving the bills excluding the Legislative bills. Alderman Evans clarified the only bills were for Legislative from November 2021 to 2022.
Attorney Welch legally advised deferring item to next month allowing enough time to offer a legal opinion protecting all Council members.
Alderman January questioned if sufficient funds to cover the bills; balance of Water Fund amount at close of business day and quarterly transfer date; Interim Comptroller, Mike Peterson explained was unaware with number of deposit amounts at that time and the transfer date was April 22, 2022 in the amount of $607,500.
Alderman Smith asked why Legislative bill issue wasn’t resolved since November 2021; the Mayor explained due to now receiving it on the bill run.
Alderman Evans disagreed and clarified had submitted the bills from November 2021.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January (to review the amounts noted)
Nays: Evans
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
VII. MISCELLANEOUS
SCHEDULING MEETING
Alderman Mayfield asked for a consensus in scheduling meeting day to discuss Legislative Expenditures for Monday or Tuesday. Alderman Allen, Jackson, January Smith and Evans agreed with Tuesday; Alderman Murphy either day.
Alderman Jackson asked if the meeting would be just for Legislative discussion only; the Mayor acknowledged it would be.
Alderman Evans questioned clarification if the council would decide if he would be paid; Mayor explained that once a final decision, it would be placed on Council Agenda to be approved.
COUNCIL FEEDBACK
The Mayor stated he met with other communities how their meetings were handled. The council chambers were completed and pandemic numbers were decreasing. He suggested the first or second week in the month of March. He asked for council feedback.
Attorney Welch stated there was nothing legally or from a health standpoint prohibiting meeting in person.
RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY
The Mayor announce a ribbon cutting ceremony at 5:30 before meeting in person within the week of March. He would provide option to those with virtual meeting.
Alderman Allen would prefer in person meeting for a while. He recognized inviting former Alderman Markham since he had originally spearheaded the council remodeling. The Mayor agreed with the idea and included former Chief of Staff, Deb Waszak as she was innovative with the project if she was available. City Clerk Lori Collins noted delay with equipment at this time; the Mayor explained should be ready for training before attentive date of March 07, 2022.
He added could reschedule if equipment not received.
Alderman Jackson questioned included the Aldermen for training.
Chris Chirikos, Facility Manager explained was awaiting the exact day for the equipment, checking it before training began.
Alderman Evans asked to also include Shields Township for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony; the Mayor acknowledged. He encouraged reaching out to his Executive Secretary, Tina and/or Community Information Coordinator, Sarah Jones.
Alderman Mayfield asked to include Waukegan Township etc.
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, Smith, Murphy, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
The Council Meeting adjourned at 6:46 p.m.
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