Lake County Gazette

City of North Chicago Public Works Committee met May 8

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Alderman Allen called the meeting to order. 

ROLL CALL: 

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

Absent: Smith 

I. PRESENTATION/DISCUSSION OF THE FY 2024 MFT MAINTENANCE RESOLUTION IN  AMOUNT OF $1,720,000 AND ESTIMATE OF MAINTENANCE COSTS 

Steve Cieslica gave a brief summary of the 2024 MFT Maintenance Resolution annual required procedures.  

II. PRESENTATION/DISCUSSION OF THE TAI (TROTTER & ASSOCIATES)  MAINTENANCE ENGINEERING AGREEMENT IN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $173,750  FOR THE 2023 ROAD PROGRAM: 

Steve Cieslica, Trotter Engineer, presented/discussed the Maintenance Engineering Agreement in  Amount Not to Exceed $173,750 for the 2023 Road Program. 

Alderman Jackson questioned clarification with the amount if it was included in the 2023 Road  program amount discussed previously; Mr. Cieslica said yes. 

III. REVIEW/DISCUSS IDOT JOINT FUNDING AGREEMENT IN AMOUNT OF $1,085,627  FOR THE PHASE II ENGINEERING COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH ARGONNE DRIVE  RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT: 

Mr. Cieslica explained the IDOT Joint Funding Agreement in Amount of $1,085,627 for Phase II  Engineering cost associated with Argonne Drive Reconstruction Project. The City of North Chicago  received $1.34 million in funding from Lake County Council of Mayors through Civiltech for the Phase  II Argonne Drive Reconstruction Project, the Engineering cost was $1,085,627.This would include  entirety of Argonne Dr. to Sheridan Rd. Mr. Cieslica added the cost would be reimbursed with  expenditures through IDOT. 

Alderman January questioned clarification of the grant process; the city initially paid and following  would be the reimbursement; Mr. Cieslica acknowledged it was. 

IV. REVIEW/DISCUSS CIVILTECH ENGINEERING PHASE II ENGINEERING AGREEMENT  IN AMOUNT OF $1,085,627 FOR THE ARGONNE DRIVE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT 

Mr. Cieslica discussed the Civiltech Engineering Phase II Engineering Agreement in the amount of  $1,085,627 for the Argonne Drive Reconstruction Project. 

Mr. Cieslica explained the contract with Civiltech included the design of Argonne Drive for Phase II Engineering Services; it was detailed with the plans and documents, also a land acquisition. The Civiltech President John Van was present for any questions addressed. 

Alderman Coleman commented that he liked the preliminary plan including the bike trail. Mr. Cieslica mentioned was a $20 million project.

The Mayor added there were (3) major projects in the community within a 20-year time period as an  accomplishment; total construction of MLK Dr., Audrey Nixon Blvd. and currently Argonne Dr. Also, Senator Jackson stated that $1.2 million in the budget provided was approved by the Governor. 

He commended Trotter & Associates (TAI) and if they could ensure funding for future project(s)  beforehand. 

Mr. Cieslica added the projects were 75-80% government funded; Civiltech was the designer of  Audrey Nixon Blvd.; Lake County was seeking reconstruction on Lewis Ave. 

Alderman Coleman asked if Civiltech could be utilized for the city inner streets; Mr. Van explained  their company focused on the larger main routes for the specific grants. 

V. REVIEW/DISCUSS ABBVIE DONATION AGREEMENT FOR THE FOSS PARK  RETAINING WALL: 

Mr. Cieslica stated was asked by Abbvie previous year if the Public Works Department could replace  the Foss Park retaining wall; the underpass on Foss Park Blvd. was material of brick and mortar;  Abbvie asked for an agreement with the project; it was a donation to the City for repairing the retaining  wall. 

The Mayor questioned if the location was at the railroad tracks; Mr. Cieslica acknowledged it was. The  agreement is currently being reviewed by the City Attorney. 

Alderman January moved, seconded by Alderman Jackson that Public Works Committee Meeting stand  adjourned. 

ROLL CALL: 

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

Nays: None 

Absent: Smith 

The meeting adjourned at 7:22 p.m. 

PUBLIC COMMENTS: 

Carmecia Hawthorne 

Ms. Hawthorne explained there were gunshots fired at a school bus April 4, 2023; she added that she was a  bus driver and her plea was for help. North Chicago had a stigma and needed to change the mindset, needed  to send a message. She suggested police presence at all schools. 

The Mayor expressed his disappointment and shame of the senseless incident pertaining to school students.  She was appreciative of the Mayor. 

Alderman Coleman mentioned his child was one of number who ran into the school and his wife saw the  gunman. He strongly suggested ensuring the safety as leaders of the community. 

Rayon Edwards 

Mr. Edwards clarified the necessity of elected officials to speak up publicly concerning the gunfire; there  were grant funds needed for the seniors and their housing. Opioid overdoses of the homeless needed to  change. He was currently a resident and had family in the community.  

The Mayor offered Mr. Edwards to assist direction for more involvement; Mr. Edwards clarified he was  knocking on the door of residents daily.

https://www.northchicago.org/vertical/sites/%7B52959CF2-969E-41D9-A9CF-CF0A11D0BEA9%7D/uploads/COMMITTEE_MINUTES.5.8.23.pdf