City of North Chicago City Council met Sept. 5.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The City Council of North Chicago met in a Regular Council meeting, Tuesday, September 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, Coleman, Evans, Allen, January
Absent: Smith, Murphy
Mayor Rockingham said that the Alderman Smith was going to be late, and Alderman Murphy was on vacation.
V. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA
5-1 Approval of Minutes for Regular Council Meeting, August 21, 2023
5-2 Approval of Standing Committee Minutes, August 21, 2023
5-3 Approval of Minutes for Special Council Meeting, August 24, 2023
5-4 Accept the FY2022 Annual Financial Report
5-5 Approval to Purchase of Data File Servers and Storage Equipment with all Peripherals to Deploy Equipment Not to Exceed Amount $75,000
5-6 Approval of AT&T Telephone and Network Services Amount Not to Exceed $133,524 Over Life of the 3-year Contract
5-7 Approval of Resolution for Lake County All Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan
5-8 Approval of Resolution Approving Financial Commitment of $100,000 for Sheridan Road/Amstutz Corridor Feasibility Study (Reconnecting Communities)
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to approve the Omnibus Vote Agenda as presented.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen
Nays: January
Absent: Smith, Murphy
MOTION CARRIED
VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS
John Price – North Chicago School District Superintendent
He gave an update of several projects that were taking place in the school district. Student enrollment up from previous year. He noted there remained a teacher hiring challenge; there remained 11 teacher positions vacant with 46 current teachers employed (40% identify as teachers of color). There were several construction updates; including Lindberg School to be demolished.
Alderman Smith entered the Council Chambers at 6:06 p.m.
Alderman Allen commended the Principal of the High School for being active. Alderman Smith commended the aesthetics of the High School entrance; concern with numbers of COVID increase. Dr. Price said the district was working with Lake County concerning the COVID situation.
Alderman Coleman asked if the Cheerleading team received the needed funds for uniforms; Dr. Price said they had. Alderman January offered her assistance with anything concerning Forrestal School.
Charles January
Stated concern of Dollar General not having proper refrigeration for the food due to the air conditioner being out. It was 110 degrees, should not have been open because it was unsafe. He thanked Alderman January and others for discussing the Water Fund; Martin Luther King Dr. and Lewis Ave. belonging to the County; felt all North Chicago streets should belong to the County. North Chicago didn’t have enough money to maintain. There were too many taxing bodies and should be combined.
VII. REGULAR AGENDA
7-1 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF ELECTED OFFICIAL TECHNOLOGY RESOURCE USE POLICY NEW ORIGINAL
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman January that item 7-1 return to Committee for further discussion.
MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE
Alderman Murphy was absent.
7-2 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF BID FROM STUCKEY CONSTRUCTION FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT BATHROOM UPGRADES PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED 183,300
Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to approve the Bid from Stuckey Construction for the Police Department Bathroom Upgrades Project in the Amount Not to Exceed 183,300.
Alderman January asked if a large sized bathroom; Chief Perez explained it was to create stalls and lockers for women’s locker room. In addition to complete lunchroom for officers.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen, January
Nays: None
Absent: Murphy
7-3 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CITY BILLS
General Fund $ 259,919.75
General Grant Fund $ 9,254.14
Motor Fuel Tax Fund $ 5,671.83
Capital Projects Fund $ 21,921.30
Water, Sewer & Refuse Fund $ 278,555.41
TOTAL $ 575,322.43
MOTION:
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to pay the City Bills of Council Run 09/05/23 in the amount of $575,322.43 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 except for the reimbursable grant funds that had not been received yet. Checks were cut already and mailed tomorrow. Alderman January questioned balance of Water Fund end of week; Ms. Joyner stated the amount was $7,225,156.20.
Alderman Coleman left the Council Chambers at 6:15 p.m.
Alderman January asked how many checks bounced; Treasurer Wyatt said there hadn’t been any since his taking office. Alderman January asked if any of the bills had late charges. Ms. Joyner said there were not.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Evans, Allen, Smith
Nays: January
Absent: Coleman, Murphy
MOTION CARRIED
VIII. MISCELLANEOUS
VARIOUS CONCERNS AND COMMENTS
• Alderman January asked questioned if there were any updates concerning 911 calls for previous naval housing area. Chief Perez said there was nothing new.
• Alderman Jackson inquired if there were a determination for pay increase for the Crossing Guards; Chief Perez found it was responsibility of Human Resources.
Alderman Coleman returned to the Council Chambers at 6:18 p.m.
• Alderman Smith announced the Fall 5th Ward meeting; September 30, 2023; 11 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., located on 2300 MLK Dr.
IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION
9-1 Executive Session 5 ILCS 2 (c)(12) – Establishment of Reserves or Settlement of Claims
Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Jackson to suspend the Regular Order of Business at 6:20 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen, Smith, January
Nays: None
Absent: Murphy
MOTION CARRIED
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to resume the Regular Order of Business at 6:39 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen, Smith, January
Nays: None
Absent: Murphy
MOTION CARRIED
9-2 OPEN SESSION: Possible Action on Executive Session Items
There were no items for a vote.
X. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council; a motion was made by Alderman January, seconded by Alderman Jackson that the meeting stand adjourned.
MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE
The Council Meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
https://www.northchicago.org/vertical/sites/%7B52959CF2-969E-41D9-A9CF-CF0A11D0BEA9%7D/uploads/9.05.23.pdf
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