City of North Chicago Public Safety Committee met July 5.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
Alderman Evans called the meeting to order.
Present: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Murphy
Absent: Smith, January
I. PRESENTATION OF LETTERS OF COMENDATION TO SEVERAL POLICE OFFICERS:
Presentation was made during Council Meeting 07/05/22
II. DISCUSSION OF POLICE DEPARTMENT SUMMER SAFETY PLAN: Police Chief, Lazaro Perez explained the Summer Safety Plan:
1. Pro-Active Deterrent: open air drug trafficking, shooting incidents, vehicle burglaries and gang related activities
2. Crime reduction through environmental design: graffiti and junk vehicle removal and ticketing of illegally parked vehicles
3. Grime disruption through intelligence gathering: identifying crime/gang trends
4. First shift patrol – traffic enforcement, graffiti reporting & removal, parking enforcement, foot patrols, abandoned vehicles, school patrols (school age children are targets for gangs and one reason to target patrol at schools)
5. Second shift patrol – traffic enforcement, school patrol, gang intelligence, crime identification & collaboration, high visibility patrols
6. Third shift patrol – traffic enforcement, parking enforcement, directed patrols and crime intelligence.
$1,000,000 was given to the State’s Attorney Office for violence interrupters program in Lake County Illinois. Those interrupters include programs such as Cease Fire typically utilizing former gang members for assistance.
Alderman Allen asked if the State’s Attorney Office was performing duties once the criminals were captured; Chief Perez acknowledged their assistance. Alderman Allen suggested using bike patrol; Chief Perez said they were just overhauled and would be utilized.
Alderman Allen questioned Quicket Systems; Chief Perez said he would be introducing a new system. The dispatch systems would like the communities to be on the same system. Alderman Mayfield asked if there were a tactical plan/training; Chief said it was done annually. Alderman Mayfield stated her concerns for the schools and Chief said he would discuss with School Superintendent Price.
Alderman Mayfield moved, seconded by Alderman Allen that the Public Safety Committee Meeting Stand Adjourned.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Murphy
Nays: None
Absent: Smith, January
The meeting adjourned at 7:23 p.m.
Alderman Jackson called the meeting to order.
Present: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Murphy
Absent: Smith, January
I. DISCUSSION OF CITY-OWNED PROPERTIES UPDATE:
Nimrod Warda, Senior City Planner explained there were (227) parcels owned by North Chicago; 12 sold via public interest method and 18 via side yard program.; 92 properties were obtained since January 2019 from the County (Lake County Green Bill) for back taxes, several donated properties; a few for TIF, 70 sold in all since 2019.
Suggested ways to release the properties: some for public use, 142 for development, 14 for residential and 18 for side yard lots. Releasing the property it the City would need to declare them surplus. The process required much time and suggested considering the Lake County Land Bank would assist with taking on some of the burden.
Alderman Allen questioned property on 19th Place; Mr. Warda said the City owned them. Mr. Warda asked if there was consensus to address Land Bank and there was.
II. DISCUSSION OF BILLBOARD LICENSE ORDINANCE – UPDATE:
Victor Barrera, Economic & Community Development Director explained that the City had collected $55,390 and anticipated $53,560/year moving forward. The amount owed to the City could only retract up to 4 years. There was pre face calculations different per ordinance: 2006; $10 per face; 2019; $2.50 per face and currently $1.50 per face. Not able to collect at $10 fee structure because of the ordinances; going back 4 years would be roughly $100,000. Clear Channel had most billboards in the community.
Alderman Allen questioned why the monies had not been collected fairly; Mr. Barrera explained that he was working through the channels to collect the fees.
III. DISCUSSION OF BUMPIN AUDIO INC. PARKING:
Victor Barrera, Economic & Community Development Director explained there were complaints about the parking/storing vehicles on streets and private properties. He had a meeting with Mr. Barnett and Mr. Riley to establish a formal parking solution. There was going to be transfer of ownership; the consultant had not been able to complete plans to do work. They would like to satisfy the City so temporarily gravel and fence the area.
Alderman Allen questioned why create more work without space to store the vehicles; Mr. Barrera explained that they thought completion of work would be in a timely matter but delivery of parts and other matters extended the timeframe.
Alderman Jackson questioned the ordinance for parking vehicles; Mr. Barrera said they had to be parked on a hard surface not gravel. Alderman Jackson noted that the City would be violating its ordinance and concerned it would open opportunity for others to do/request the same. Alderman
Mayfield asked how long for the variance and would the property be enough for overflow; Mr. Barrera said the variance would allow for 20 vehicles and had not typically seen more than 5 at a time.
IV. DISCUSSION/REVIEW OF CANNABIS COMSUMPTION LOUNGE:
Mr. Warda explained that there was discussion with attorneys; there was concern with consumption and the state had not approved that type of business. Attorney Welch reiterated that a consumption lounge was not approved without the connection with a dispensary. Mr. Warda was seeking suggestions from aldermen.
Alderman Allen asked if it was not approved by the State as of yet and why approve it now; Attorney Welch clarified it was based on “if”. Mr. Warda said there was another approval group from the State approaching. Alderman Jackson said to keep working on the legalities until the State approved it.
Alderman Evans questioned location; Mr. Barrera said only approved sight was Skokie Hwy or west of that.
Alderman Mayfield moved, seconded by Alderman Allen that Economic Development/Planning/Zoning Committee Meeting stand adjourned.
MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE
Alderman Smith and January were absent.
The meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m.
Alderman Allen called the meeting to order.
Present: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Murphy
Absent: Smith, January
I. DISCUSSION OF EXTENSION OF PW OPERATIONAL ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT WITH ROBERT J. MILLER, DBA, AMM ENTERPRISES, INC:
Chief of Staff, Dave Kilbane requested an extension to the Agreement with Bob Miller, DBA AMM Enterprises, Inc. for a few more months. He stated that he spoke with staff from Public Works and they requested that he remain in place for a few more months. Alderman Jackson asked Mr. Miller if he was willing to extend his contract; Mr. Miller agreed.
Alderman Jackson moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield that Public Works Committee Meeting Stand Adjourned.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Murphy
Nays: None
Absent: Smith, January
The meeting adjourned at 8:16 p.m.
https://www.northchicago.org/vertical/sites/%7B52959CF2-969E-41D9-A9CF-CF0A11D0BEA9%7D/uploads/COM.7.05.22.pdf
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