Lake County Gazette

City of North Chicago City Council met May 1

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council of North Chicago met in a Regular meeting, Monday, May 1, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.in the City Council Chambers at 1850 Lewis Avenue with Mayor Leon Rockingham, Jr., presiding.

I. CALL TO ORDER

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

III. INVOCATION

IV. ROLL CALL

Upon roll call being taken, the following members were present:

Present: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Murphy

Absent: Smith, January

The Mayor announced that Alderman Smith was on assignment in Africa. He was on Zoom but could not participate because his reason was not legally approved for physical absence. 

4-1 Resolution Honoring Bonny Mayfield and Plaque Presentation to Alderman Bonny Mayfield

Alderman Bonny Mayfield stated had enjoyed her tenure of (12) years; she attempted to bring a positive change in the City; late Ernest Fisher took her under his wing with needed duties as an alderperson; continuing with the 2nd Ward working tirelessly with new aldermen. She wished newly elected 2nd Ward Alderman Anthony D. Coleman prosperity and secureness. She didn’t initially agree with the majority of Mayor Rockingham issues until a tragedy that brought her and the Mayor in union with his integrity and courage while undertaking a personal/family crisis. City Council had always provided their full support with the Public Safety Team; Fire and Police Departments. She appreciated her family and friends for their assistance including daughter and granddaughter; she wished everyone the best; including the newly elected 2nd Ward Alderman, Anthony D. Coleman with the council support. She appreciated Treasurer Vance Wyatt and expected great things from him as a Treasurer and thanked Consulting Chief of Staff Dave Kilbane for making a difference in the council.

The Mayor presented Alderman Mayfield with a plaque recognizing her as the former 2nd Ward alderperson of 12-year tenure with the City of North Chicago. City Clerk Lori L. Collins read the Resolution and the Mayor read the Plaque that was presented.

Alderman Allen acknowledged Alderman Mayfield although started with “ups and downs” was able to work together.

The Mayor explained their rough start though was ironed out in the long run; with her passion for the City learning to love and respect her; always a friend to he and his wife Yvonne; looking forward to her next endeavors.

Alderman Mayfield clarified that today was concerning new beginnings for her and new 2nd Ward 

Alderman Anthony D. Coleman expressed excitement for him and looking forward to the future.

4-1 Resolution Honoring Bonny Mayfield and Plaque Presentation to Alderman Bonny Mayfield

City Clerk Lori L. Collins read the Resolution Honoring Bonny Mayfield

Alderman Jackson moved, seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the Resolution Honoring Bonny Mayfield.

MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE

Alderman Smith was absent.

The Mayor read and presented a plaque to Bonny Mayfield

V. SWEARING – IN NEW ELECTED OFFICIALS

2nd Ward Alderman, Anthony D. Coleman

4th Ward Alderman, Bobby Allen

6th Ward Alderman, Dona C. Murphy

Alderman Evans administered the oath to Alderman Anthony D. Coleman as the new 2nd Ward

Alderman and then welcomed him.

Alderman Anthony D. Coleman disagreed that this day wasn’t concerning Alderman Mayfield; she

was his Alderman and a mentor. It was a celebration of her and a transitioning moment; he appreciated the support she had given.

Alderman Carl Evans added that Alderman Coleman had many challenges ahead and to be ready for them.

Alderman Anthony Coleman appreciated Alderman Evans and his father for the endless hours that was supported with his campaign trail; looking forward with his relationship of the Mayor in conjunction of the council in the spirit of cooperation for North Chicago. He was also looking forward to working with the citizens.

Pastor Pierre Edmund of Eternal Flame AME Church administered the oath to Alderman Bobby Allen.

Alderman Allen also appreciated the citizens of North Chicago for their support; his family and the workers of the event.

The Mayor administered the oath to Alderman Dona C. Murphy. She was appreciative of the attendees; much work ahead; she was committed in her efforts moving the City forward. Her goals were simple; need to be fiscally responsible; for all to be safe; government accessibility and transparency.

The Mayor added the loyalty oath to be signed by him and the elected officials. He welcomed

Alderman Coleman; looked forward to working with him and his efforts in moving the City forward along with the other councilmen.

VI. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA

6-1 Approval of Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, April 17, 2023

6-2 Approval of Minutes of Standing Committee Meetings, April 17, 2023

6-3 Approval of Treasurer’s Report – March 2023

6-4 Approval of Resolution Authorizing Agreement with Health Endeavors for Fire Department Annual Physicals Not to Exceed $11,835

6-5 Approval of Resolution Authorizing Agreement with Today’s Uniforms for the Outfitting of Fire Department issued Uniforms Not to Exceed $17,000

6-6 Approval of Resolution Authorizing Agreement with City of North Chicago and Municipal Emergency Services Inc. for the Purchase of Firefighting Bunker Gear (PPE) Not to Exceed $14,000

6-7 Approval of City Salary Ordinance (CSO) from May 1, 2023 to April 30, 2024

6-8 Approval of the Broadway Avenue Truck Ordinance

6-9 Approval of Authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to Execute Easement Documents with Abbvie, School District 187 and Foss Park District – 16th Street and Kemble Ave. Water Transmission Main Project.

6-10 Approval of BS&A Software Change Order Not to Exceed $8,010

6-11 Approval of the Invoice Cloud Credit Card Fee

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the Omnibus Vote Agenda from 6-1 thru 6-11.

Alderman Jackson moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to Table Item 6-7 until the next Council Meeting so the new alderman could review the information before voting to approve.

Alderman January entered the council chambers at 6:32 p.m.

ROLL CALL with EXCEPTION OF ITEM 6-7

Ayes: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen, Murphy, January

Nays: None

Absent: Smith

MOTION CARRIED

VII. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Anthony Brown – Mother’s Day Breakfast

Mr. Brown explained he and others including men and women, have been planning various projects for estimated 25-30 years; he summarized by reading the letter for Annual Mother’s Day Breakfast and asking for a donation of $10 per mother and delivery cost included; 200+ including the delivery of a red carnation or rose. He was appreciative on behalf of the committee.

Bryan Oglesby –

Mr. Oglesby recalled meeting held April 12, 2023 with Prairie View Apartments. The Mayor, Alderman

Allen and property owner. He was unhappy with the property owner referring to the residents as animals and noted he further stated un-needed comments that potentially escalated and he acknowledged the Assistant Police Chief Gary Lunn for his assistance.

VIII. REGULAR AGENDA

8-1 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF A GP LIQUOR LICENSE FOR 2851 FRONTENAC ST. REMOVED

8-2 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CITY BILLS

General Corporate Fund $ 363,571.98

General Grants Fund $ 7,500.00

CDBG Fund $ 8,021.70

Capital Projects Fund $ 2,497.00

Debt Service 2007C Fund $ 122,153.25

Water, Sewer & Refuse Fund $ 59,587.85

Vision Fund $ 770.62

Retiree Premium Fund $ 17,267.86

Library Fund $ 6,296.45

TOTAL $ 587,666.71

MOTION:

Alderman Mayfield moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to pay the bills of Council Run 5/1/23 the amount of $587,666.71 when funds available.

Alderman January questioned Interim Comptroller, Tawanda Joyner if there were sufficient funds to cover the City Bills and when checks would be sent; Ms. Joyner said funds were available with the exception of the Grant Fund not covered until FY24 and checks out by Wednesday.

Alderman January asked for balance of Water Fund as of close on Thursday; Ms. Joyner stated the amount of $6,704,664.85.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Evans, Allen, Murphy

Nays: January

Abstain: Coleman

Absent: Smith

MOTION CARRIED

IX. MISCELLANEOUS

VARIOUS CONCERNS AND COMMENTS

• Alderman Evans announced dates of May 9, 2023 for Blood Drive; May 10th a Solar Event; May 20 Touch a Truck at Boak Park; June 10th 3rd Ward Annual Yard Sale and June 24th 3rd

Ward meeting

The Mayor added the information was on the city website. He informed the council that Monday, May 8th there would be Committee Meetings.

X. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Council; a motion was made by Alderman Allen, seconded by Alderman Coleman that the meeting stand adjourned.

MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE

Alderman Smith was absent.

The Council Meeting adjourned at 6:48 p.m.

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