City of North Chicago City Council met May 15
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The City Council of North Chicago met in a Regular meeting, Monday, May 15, 2023 at 6:01 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, Coleman, Evans, Smith, Murphy
Absent: Allen, January
The Mayor announced that Alderman Allen was out due to traveling.
4-1 City of Highland Park Recognition of the following North Chicago Police Officers that assisted during the Mass Shooting, July 4, 2022
⮚ Officer Gary Grayer
⮚ Officer Christopher Mueller
⮚ Officer Matt Decowski
⮚ Officer Reina Dionisio
Former Officers:
⮚ Officer Tom Kropp
⮚ Officer Corey Collum
⮚ Detective Mike Mueller
Mayor Nancy R. Rotering read Letter of Appreciation to North Chicago and the Police Department. City Manager Ghida S. Neukirch further read the gratefulness of the North Chicago Police assistance during the horrific mass shooting. Police Chief Lou Jogmen presented each officer with Letter of Appreciation and a challenge coin; a Highland Park flag was presented to North Chicago.
Mayor Rockingham, Jr. stated that he and Mayor Rotering was advocating to ban assault weapons. He acknowledged those citizens that called in the vehicle with the shooter “if you see something, say something”.
4-2 2022 – 2023 Students of the Month Presentation from the North Chicago Exchange Club:
⮚ October 2022 – Mikhia Taylor
⮚ November 2022 – Jaslyn Hurt
⮚ December 2022 – Anthony Jones
⮚ January 2023 – Taelor Munford
⮚ February 2023 – Sherese Beard
Ms. Vickie Estes stated that students were required to have a high GPA, good in community and would be attending college.
Mikhia Taylor introduced herself and noted her GPA was 3.8 and would like to be a nurse currently but a pediatrician thereafter. Ms. Estes explained that Mikhia was also awarded Student of the Year and was awarded $1,500 in scholarship from the Exchange Club. Ms. Taylor said there was a stereotype of North Chicago and would like to change that image by her example of successes.
Alderman Evans congratulated her on her achievements. Mayor Rockingham agreed with being proud of her achievements. Alderman Smith encouraged Ms. Taylor to stay focused, write down goals and work toward them one day at a time.
V. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA
5-1 Approval of Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, May 1, 2023
5-2 Approval of Special Committee Meetings, May 8, 2023
5-3 Approval of City Salary Ordinance (CSO)
5-4 Resolution Approving CDBG Joint Agreement Renewal
5-5 Approval of FY 2024 MFT Maintenance Resolution in Amount of $1,720,000 and Estimate of Maintenance Costs
5-6 Resolution Approving Trotter & Associates Maintenance Engineering Agreement in Amount Not to Exceed $173,750 for the 2023 Road Program
5-7 Resolution Approving IDOT Joint Funding Agreement in Amount of $1,085,627 for the Phase II Engineering Costs Associated with Argonne Drive Reconstruction Project
5-8 Resolution Approving Civiltech Engineering Phase II Engineering Agreement in Amount of $1,085,627 for the Argonne Drive Reconstruction Project
5-9 Resolution Approving Abbvie Donation Agreement between City of North Chicago for the Foss Park Retaining Wall
5-10 Resolution Approving Agreement between City of North Chicago and Hoerr Construction Inc. to Clean and Televise Storm Sewers in the Amount of $150,000
5-11 Resolution Approving Agreement between City of North Chicago and Hoerr Construction Inc. to Provide Sanitary/Sewer Cleaning and Televising Services in the Amount of $150,000
5-12 Resolution Approving Agreement between City of North Chicago and Integral Construction to complete the Water Treatment Plant Intake Valve Vault Repairs in the Amount not to Exceed $543,200
Alderman January entered the Council Chambers at 6:14 p.m.
Alderman Jackson moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to move Item 5-9 to the Regular Agenda.
MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the Omnibus Vote Agenda with the exception of Item 5-9.
ROLL CALL with EXCEPTION OF ITEM 5-9
Ayes: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Smith, Murphy
Nays: January
Absent: Allen
MOTION CARRIED
VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Charles January
He was upset numerous shootings and killings in North Chicago. He disagree with public statements of North Chicago being referred to as the No-Go city. He was going to have a petition to take away the power of the Council and have referendum votes. Was shameful of residents being called dogs and animals by an owner of an apartment complex; he suggested that the apartment complex be shut-down or fine owner if there was infestation of rats and roaches. He did not agreed with the Mayor speaking about assault rifles; it was a second amendment right.
VII. REGULAR AGENDA
5-9 RESOLUTION APPROVING ABBVIE DONATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN CITY OF NORTH CHICAGO FOR THE FOSS PARK RETAINING WALL
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the Resolution Approving Abbvie Donation Agreement between City of North Chicago for the Foss Park Retaining Wall.
City Attorney Adam Simon explained briefly that the agreement was not complete, pending negotiation. He asked that the motion include “Subject to Attorney Review”.
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Murphy the Resolution Approving Abbvie Donation Agreement between City of North Chicago for the Foss Park Retaining Wall Subject to Attorney Review.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Smith, Murphy
Nays: January (would like to review prior to approval)
Abstain: None
Absent: Allen
MOTION CARRIED
7-1 RESOLUTION – TIM MILLER STREET NAMING
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to approve the Resolution Honoring Tim Miller Street Naming.
Alderman January asked that the resolution be read; City Clerk Lori L. Collins read the resolution. Mayor Rockingham reflected on good deeds of Mr. Miller and how he was an advocate of racial equality
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Smith, Murphy, January
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Allen
MOTION CARRIED
7-2 RESOLUTION PROTECTING THE GREAT LAKES OF INVASIVE CARP
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to approve the Resolution Protecting the Great Lakes of Invasive Carp.
Mayor Rockingham said that the resolution would be presented at the Great Lake Lawrence Seaway Convention in support of keeping the invasive carp out of the Great Lakes.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Smith, Murphy, January
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Allen
MOTION CARRIED
7-3 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CITY BILLS
General Corporate Fund $ 232,341.59
General Grants Fund $ 192,565.00
Motor Fuel Tax Fund $ 6,373.71
Capital Projects Fund $ 100.28
Water, Sewer & Refuse Fund $ 132,225.67
TOTAL $ 563,606.25
MOTION:
Alderman Murphy moved, seconded by Alderman Jackson to pay the bills of Council Run 5/15/23 the amount of $563,606.25 when funds available.
Alderman Coleman asked to table bills under the Mayor’s Department – Radio Battle ($49.09 & $45.72), SXM credit ($11.99) and SXM Connect invoice ($19.99); suggested removing cell phone credit ($95.07).
Alderman Coleman moved, seconded by Alderman January to table the Radio Battle, SXM and Cell Phone under Mayor Department bills.
ROLL CALL to table 4 bills:
Ayes: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Smith, January
Nays: Murphy
Abstain: None
Absent: Allen
MOTION CARRIED
Alderman January questioned Interim Comptroller, Tawanda Joyner if there were sufficient funds to cover the City Bills and when checks would be issued. Ms. Joyner said funds were available with the exception of the Grant Fund (reimbursable funds that will go back to General Fund). The checks would be issued the following day and mailed Wednesday. Alderman January balance of Water Fund as of close on Thursday May 11th; Ms. Joyner stated the amount of $6,630,202.25.
Alderman January was surprised where the additional dollars were from (approximately $2-3 mil). Ms. Joyner clarified that there was not a substantial increase but the funds in that account was from water bills/fees; there were no longer any transfers being made. Treasurer Vance Wyatt elaborated that the funds were no longer transferred and remained in the Water Fund which appeared to be an increase.
Alderman Coleman asked the City Treasurer to announce the positive investments news; Mr. Wyatt said that it would be presented in the Treasurer’s Report under the Finance Committee.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Evans, Smith, Murphy
Nays: Coleman, January
Abstain: None
Absent: Allen
MOTION CARRIED
VIII. MISCELLANEOUS
VARIOUS CONCERNS AND COMMENTS
∙ Alderman Evans encouraged Elected Officials to ask Department Heads questions prior to Council Meetings; information was provided prior to meeting dates. The Council should be an example to the community. He also announced Touch a Truck event May 20th at Boak Park 12-3 p.m.; 3rd Ward Yard Sale June 10th in parking lot on corner of Martin Luther King Dr. & Kristan Ave. 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. and 3rd Ward meeting at Foss Park Community Center, June 24th 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
∙ Alderman Smith announced the Honorary Street naming of Tim Miller May 27th, 1-5 p.m. at corner of Seymour Ave. and 15th St.
∙ Alderman January inquired of the building across from McDonald’s because it looked unsecure. Alderman Smith said there was a potential buyer. Alderman January suggested that it be boarded.
∙ Alderman Coleman expressed positivity of North Chicago and stated change was coming. He encouraged the next generation to be involved with the community and to move forward; he felt love for the Council. He was excited to work with the Mayor and looked forward to working with him; respected everyone. Working for a better North Chicago.
∙ Alderman January said the Council was to come up with the best solutions. She addressed the Student of the Year and gave encouragement to continue with health care.
∙ Mayor Rockingham noted that the Committee appointments of the alderman was on the desk and was in effect that night.
IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION
9-1 Executive Session 5ILCS 120 2 (c)(12) – Establishment of Reserves or Settlement of Claims
Alderman Murphy moved, seconded by Alderman Jackson to suspend the Regular Order of Business at 7:01 p.m. to go into Executive Session.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Smith, Murphy, January
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Allen
MOTION CARRIED
Alderman January moved, seconded by Alderman Coleman to reconvene the Regular Order of Business at 7:23 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Smith, Murphy, January
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Absent: Allen
MOTION CARRIED
X. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council; a motion was made by Alderman Evans, seconded by Alderman Coleman that the meeting stand adjourned.
MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE
Alderman Allen was absent.
The Council Meeting adjourned at 7:23 p.m.
https://www.northchicago.org/vertical/sites/%7B52959CF2-969E-41D9-A9CF-CF0A11D0BEA9%7D/uploads/5.15.23.pdf
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