City of North Chicago City Council met Aug. 21.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The City Council of North Chicago met in a Regular Council meeting, Monday, August 21, 2023, at 6:02 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, Smith, Smith, January
Absent: Coleman
Mayor Rockingham announced that Alderman Coleman was out on business and would like to participate remotely.
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman January to allow Alderman Coleman remote participation via Zoom.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January
Nays: None
Abstain: Coleman
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
4-1 Presentation Honoring the “Flames Football Team”
Coach of the Flames football team invited everyone to attend the season opener August 27th at 11:00 a.m. He introduced a player from each weight class. The Flames has been a long-standing tradition of North Chicago and the program will continue. The focus is more than just football, mentoring is part of the program.
Presentation Honoring Animal Control Officer Damian Leski
Police Chief Lazaro Perez read a letter of commendation and presented him with a plaque for his heroic act in saving a woman and her puppy from mauling of 3 pit bull dogs, May 3rd.
Presentation Honoring Human Resources Director Elizabeth Black
Mayor Rockingham stated that Mrs. Black was doing a great job and presented her with a plaque, PMA Risk Management Commendation Award for continued workplace safety.
V. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA
5-1 Approval of Minutes for Regular Council Meeting, August 7, 2023
5-2 Approval of Standing Committee Minutes, August 7, 2023
5-3 Approval of Resolution Authorizing of the Forebearance Agreement between the City of North Chicago and Whole Earth Organics, LLC
5-4 Approval of Corrective Asphalt Proposal in Amount Not to Exceed $24,394.84 for Pavement Rejuvenation
5-5 Approval for Amendment 1 to the CDBG Block Grant in Amount Not to Exceed $829,878 for Sanitary Sewer Cleaning and CIPP Lining
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to approve the Omnibus Vote Agenda as presented.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy
Nays: January
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Alicia Coleman – We Simply Care
Ms. Coleman introduced herself and her company We Simply Care. Her company provided non medical emergency transportation for the elderly and those with disabilities. There were few services that provided safe and clean transportation focused for the elderly/disabled. They stay with the patient at their appointments and make sure they are safe after dropping off.
Alderman January asked the distance the company traveled; Ms. Coleman explained Lake County, some Chicago and northern Wisconsin (51-mile radius). Alderman January said that she would inform the medical company she works for of the service and reach out to her.
Carmecia Hawthorn – Foss Park Commissioner
Thanked Mayor Rockingham for celebrating the Flames football teams. It was a great summer for North Chicago. There were strong citizens in North Chicago that greatly represent the city.
VII. REGULAR AGENDA
7-1 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CITY BILLS
General Fund $ 457,388.09
Motor Fuel Tax Fund $ 29,561.40
CDBG Fund $ 366,430.56
Skokie Highway TIF Fund $ 1,772.50
Capital Projects Fund $ 199,131.33
Debt Service 2007C Fund $ 475.00
Water, Sewer & Refuse Fund $ 220,738.42
TOTAL $ 1,275,497.30
MOTION:
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to pay the City Bills of Council Run 08/21/23 in the amount of $1,275,497.30 when funds available.
Alderman January asked if there were sufficient funds also when the checks would be cut and sent. Comptroller Tawanda Joyner explained there were sufficient funds with exception of CDBG grant funds that have not yet been reimbursed to the City. Checks to be cut the following day and mailed Wednesday. Alderman January questioned balance of Water Fund end of week; Ms. Joyner stated the amount was $7,275,796.98.
Alderman January asked if any of the bills had late charges. Ms. Joyner said she was not aware of any on this Bill Run; there was one with a late fee that was going to be on the next run minus the late fee (approximately $173).
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Evans, Allen, Smith
Nays: Coleman, January
Absent: Murphy
MOTION CARRIED
VIII. MISCELLANEOUS
VARIOUS CONCERNS AND COMMENTS
• Alderman January asked if there was an update on the emergency calls of the 7th Ward. Chief Perez explained that the calls being received at Naval Base in Norfolk continued to be reviewed; just received data from the dispatch center.
• Alderman Coleman questioned the staffing of the Police Department. Chief Perez said there were currently 42 officers budgeted for 50; there were 12 viable candidates and 4 potential lateral that could be hired, still in process. Alderman Coleman asked if special patrolling assigned to officers. Chief Perez said they were managing duties.
Alderman January asked for clarification and how many were possibly to retire; Chief Perez said there were 11 applicants interviewed, 4 to academy and possible 4 lateral; Officer Sain retired the previous Friday and there were 5 others eligible. Mayor Rockingham noted once there were more officers, there would be specialized details assigned.
IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION
9-1 Executive Session 5 ILCS 2 (c)(1) – Personnel Matters
Alderman January moved, seconded by Alderman Jackson to suspend the Regular Order of Business at 6:32 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
Alderman Jackson moved, seconded by Alderman Murphy to resume the Regular Order of Business at 7:14 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
9-2 OPEN SESSION: Possible Action on Executive Session Items
There were no items for vote.
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.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
MOTION CARRIED
The Council Meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
https://www.northchicago.org/vertical/sites/%7B52959CF2-969E-41D9-A9CF-CF0A11D0BEA9%7D/uploads/8.21.23.pdf
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