City of North Chicago Committee of the Whole met Aug 7.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
Mayor Rockingham, Jr., called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January
Absent: None
I. DISCUSSION OF ALDERMANIC EXPENSES:
It was suggested; a Legislative Council Ordinance for the aldermanic expenses; Alderman January questioned if the constituents could be assisted financially needing assistance from the City as a whole; Attorney Welch explained to seek guidance first for expending the money; question of a non-profit entity; for purposes of a shelter needed for that individual and if money was directly for them personally and if so, he suggested non-city taxpayer funds for their assistance. It could also be perceived for political purposes.
The Mayor disagreed with campaign funding; he directed Alderman January to discuss the issue with the Comptroller or Attorney if it was appropriate.
Alderman Coleman explained the alderpersons were reporting to an employee for credit card purchases and asked if the policy could be changed directed to the Treasurer; Attorney Welch explained that the City was a home-rule municipality with authority recommended other ordinance and once approved he acknowledged it could; Alderman Coleman questioned if ear apparatus could be purchased for during the zoom council meetings; Attorney Welch advised to seek guidance first and he didn’t recommend it; Attorney Welch reiterated seeking guidance initially and if personally, he recommended city reimbursement. Alderman Coleman emphasized the reason for changing direction to the Treasurer’s Office.
Comptroller, Tawanda Joyner explained and the Mayor added and elaborated further.
Alderman Coleman strongly stated the unfairness.
Alderman Evans questioned what was the memo based on; Attorney Welch explained per State Statutes and knowledge of the law; He mentioned was just receiving the memo attachment of the aldermanic budget; had a $9,000 budget and had to be scrutinized; Attorney Welch reiterating advising to seek guidance; taxpayer’s money and direction of the comptroller if questionable before any expenditures.
He agreed with Alderman January; Attorney Welch explained an example that needed to follow procedures for donations etc. Alderman Evans clarified the council were the decision makers yet were scrutinized; he would follow the directions if necessary. He questioned clarification of the memo and Attorney Welch explained was a guide for all elected city officials.
Alderman Coleman suggested the memo pertained to all elected city officials vs. aldermanic; he provided previous documentation, flyers to Attorney Welch.
Alderman January recommended across the board rules; she requested, disagreeing that employees have credit cards and to directed to the treasurer; need council review that the ordinance that it was germanely followed and she stated was unaware of the change.
Alderman Coleman called point of clarity and chair didn’t acknowledge him; he asked to speak then asked for a parliament question and then addressed Attorney Welch with no response; the chair stated wasn’t recognized
Alderman Coleman moved, seconded by Alderman January to recess the meeting until the next meeting, August 21, 2023.
MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE
II. DISCUSSION OF I.T.
There was no discussion and will be rescheduled at another time.
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans that Committee of the Whole stand adjourned.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
The meeting adjourned at 10:57 p.m.
https://www.northchicago.org/vertical/sites/%7B52959CF2-969E-41D9-A9CF-CF0A11D0BEA9%7D/uploads/COMMITTEE_MINUTES.8.7.23.pdf
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