City of North Chicago City Council met July 5.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The City Council of North Chicago met in a Regular meeting, Monday, June 5, 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, Evans, Allen, Murphy, January
Absent: Coleman, Smith
Mayor Rockingham announced that Alderman Coleman would be participating remotely due to work. V. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA
5-1 Approval of Minutes of Regular Council Meeting, May 15, 2023
5-2 Approval of Minutes of Standing Committee Meetings, May 15, 2023
5-3 Approval of Treasurer’s Report – April 2023
5-4 Resolution Approval of NIMEC Electricity (3-Year Bid)
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the Omnibus Vote Agenda as presented.
Alderman Smith entered the Council Chambers at 6:04 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy
Nays: January
Abstain: None
Absent: Coleman
MOTION CARRIED
VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Collette Brown
Read a Thank You note to the Mayor, Council, City Clerk and all other departments for assisting with approval and creating Honorary Tim Miller Street (Seymour Avenue) for the first elected African American City Clerk in North Chicago. Mayor Rockingham apologized for not being able to attend the unveiling. He stated that Mr. Miller was a great person; he fought for civil rights in North Chicago, making a better place to live.
Anthony Brown
Stated that the Mother’s Day breakfast was successful; 200+ breakfasts were delivered. Thanked the City of North Chicago for its support. The group, along with Alderman Coleman, would also be doing the same type of event for Father’s Day. Alderman Smith echoed its success and thanked McDonald’s for providing the breakfast
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Murphy to allow Alderman Coleman remote participation at 6:10 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January
Nays: None
Abstain: Coleman
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
Residents/Neighbors of Kennedy Dr.
Stated concerns of resident in their area threatening and harassing the neighborhood residents. Police have not been helpful with their complaints. Mayor Rockingham told them to contact the Chief of Police directly; Chief Perez said he was familiar with the situation. Many of the people of that neighborhood was present with the same complaint.
Alderman Allen gave them business card and said that the problem would be resolved. Alderman Smith explained that this was the right way to go about the situation by informing the Council and police.
Alderman Coleman explained there was food delivered to women for Mother’s Day and said the Father’s Day event would be similar. He was in support of the Anthony Brown’s efforts.
VII. EXECUTIVE SESSION
7-1 Executive Session 5ILCS 120 2 (c)(12) – Establishment of Reserves or Settlement of Claims Executive Session 5ILCS 120 2 (c)(1) – Personnel Matters
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Jackson to suspend the Regular Order of Business at 6:20 p.m. to go into Executive Session.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
Alderman Jackson moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to reconvene the Regular Order of Business at 7:17 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
VIII. REGULAR AGENDA
8-1 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF APPOINTMENT FOR KAJUAN HODGE TO NORTH CHICAGO HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD (REPLACING COMMISSIONER MUSTAFA ABDULLAH’S TERM: 7/14/21-2026)
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to approve the appointment for Kajuan Hodge to North Chicago Housing Authority Board (Replacing Commissioner Mustafa Abdullah’s Term: 7/14/21-2026).
Mayor Rockingham asked Mr. Hodge to stand and said that he was loyal attending City Council, he was an entrepreneur and felt his expertise would be great for the North Chicago Housing Authority.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
8-2 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF DJK (DAVID KILBANE) CONSULTING AGREEMENT
Mayor Rockingham asked that the Consulting Agreement for DJK be held for Special Meeting.
Alderman January moved, seconded by Alderman Jackson to remove the DJK (David Kilbane) Consulting Agreement.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
8-3 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE RATIFYING CONTRACT WITH COLLECTIVE BARGAINING UNIT BETWEEN THE CITY AND IAFF (ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS)
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to approve the Ordinance Ratifying Contract with Collective Bargaining Unit between the City and IAFF (Illinois Association of Fire Fighters).
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January
Nays:
Abstain:
Absent:
MOTION CARRIED
8-4 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CITY BILLS
General Corporate Fund $ 494,137.51
General Grants Fund $ 7,500.00
Motor Fuel Tax Fund $ 19,356.08
CDBG Fund $ 21,008.92
Capital Projects Fund $ 10,692.74
Water, Sewer & Refuse Fund $ 122,651.86
Retiree Premium Fund $ 17,681.17
Library Fund $ 6,296.45
TOTAL $ 699,324.73
MOTION:
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Murphy to pay the City Bills of Council Run 06/05/23 in the amount of $699,324.73 when funds available.
Alderman January asked if there were sufficient funds also when the checks would be cut and sent. Interim Comptroller Tawanda Joyner explained there were sufficient funds; checks to be cut Tuesday and sent Wednesday. The Grant Fund in the amount of $643,310.90 from the State and DEECO would be added upon receiving. Alderman January questioned balance of Water Fund; Ms. Joyner said as of Thursday the amount was $6,684,785.83.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy
Nays: Coleman, January
Abstain: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
IX. MISCELLANEOUS
VARIOUS CONCERNS AND COMMENTS
∙ Alderman Evans announced the 3rd Ward Yard Sale June 10, 8 a.m. – 7p.m. Also, 3rd Ward Meeting June 24, 2023 at Foss Park Youth Center; 10 a.m. – 1p.m., Township would be available for questions.
∙ Alderman Allen thanked the staff and citizens for attending his 4th Ward meeting; Senator Johnson and Representative Rita Mayfield was in attendance.
∙ Alderman January stated concern of dispatch calls not being received by Mundelein Dispatch Center. Chief Perez said the Naval Housing was dispatched to Norfolk Virginia, the numbers in that area have been submitted for Mundelein Dispatch and the situation had been resolved. Mayor Rockingham suggested doing a test; Assistant Police Chief Gary Lunn said that tests were performed.
∙ Alderman Evans congratulated the Foss Park District for the beach restoration.
∙ Alderman Allen reminded citizens of city-wide clean-up; Mayor Rockingham said clean-up would be June 9, 10 and 11. He directed residents to the City website for instructions and what would be picked up. He said ONLY North Chicago residents were to participate. Alderman Smith emphasized cleaning yards and make effort to clean North Chicago. Mayor Rockingham explained pick up is throughout the weekend with no specific time.
∙ Alderman Smith announced the success of his trip to Nigeria for the Hospitals for Humanity Project. There were 9 successful surgeries, the youngest being a 5 month old twin that had 2 holes in her heart. She lived long enough to have the surgery. He thanked Council and Mayor for their support.
∙ Mayor Rockingham got agreeance from Council to have a Special Committee Meeting Friday, June 9 at 6 p.m. and Council Meeting following to approve DJK Consulting Agreement and Settlement of Claim.
∙ Alderman Coleman thanked the Council for working together and attempting to do things decent and in order.
∙ Mayor Rockingham and Chief Perez recognized several Police Officers. Officer Devin Tolver was involved in several events leading to the arrest of offenders and recovering 5 handguns. He was presented with department commendations for “extraordinary efforts and exemplifying what it means to be police officer in the City of North Chicago”. Officers Donald Florance, Micah Cress, Matthew Decowski, Reina Dionisio, Anthony Sinderman, Chris Mueller were recognized for their patience, bravery, honor and actions while dealing with a situation involving a mentally ill resident.
Mayor Rockingham expressed his pride and patience of the officers in North Chicago
X. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council; a motion was made by Alderman Allen, seconded by Alderman January that the meeting stand adjourned.
MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE
Alderman Allen was absent.
The Council Meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.
https://www.northchicago.org/vertical/sites/%7B52959CF2-969E-41D9-A9CF-CF0A11D0BEA9%7D/uploads/6.05.23.pdf
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