Lake County Gazette

City of North Chicago City Council met Oct. 2.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council of North Chicago met in a Regular Council meeting, Monday, October 02, 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, Allen, Murphy, January

Absent: Coleman, Evans, Smith

Mayor Rockingham said that Alderman Evans and Smith called to inform him that they were unable to attend. Alderman Coleman was previously present but was absent at time of meeting.

V. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA 

5-1 Approval of Minutes for Regular Council Meeting, September 18, 2023 

5-2 Approval of Standing Committee Minutes, September 18, 2023 

5-3 Approval of Treasurer’s Report – August 2023 

5-4 Approval of Resolution for Comcast Telephony and Network Services Agreement in Amount Not to Exceed Estimated $58,000 over the Life of the 3-Year Contract

5-5 Approval of Resolution for Extension of Existing Agreement with AMM Enterprises to Provide Public Works Operational Assistance through April 30, 2024; Not to Exceed Aggregate of $115,000 FY 24 

5-6 Approval of 2300 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. – Special Use Permit for a Banquet Hall

5-7 Approval of Resolution Authorizing Execution of Agreement between the City of North Chicago and Luis Gonzales for Leasing his Establishment for a Police Substation and Related Uses

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the Omnibus Vote Agenda Items 5-1 thru 5-5 and 5-7; removing 5-6 as presented. 

Attorney David Silverman explained that documents for Item 5-6 were not prepared at the time and would be voted on at another meeting.

ROLL CALL: 

Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Murphy

Nays: January

Absent: Coleman, Evans, Smith

MOTION FAILED 

VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS 

Mayor Rockingham asked if the items from the Omnibus Vote Agenda could be moved to the Regular Agenda. Attorney Silverman explained a “procedural grey zone”, no one asked that the items be moved. They could be treated and voted on individually if desired.

Rayon Edwards

Mr. Edwards thanked the Council and Mayor for the approval of police substation on 10th St. and making it a priority. He suggested that the city work more diligently at improving the senior citizen buildings; they were not fit to live for the seniors. Something needed to be done to protect those people and the buildings were not safe. He also commended the city for hiring Assistant Police Chief Gary Lunn; he was great to talk to and work with.

Lake County Major Crime Task Force

Police Chief Lazaro Perez explained that Lake County Task Force helps in violent crimes cases. Several members of the Lake County Major Crime Task Force were present including State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart. Mr. Rinehart stated his appreciation for support, proud to bring the case to a close with assistance from the Task Force. Mayor Rockingham, on behalf of the city, thanked the Task Force and appreciated their efforts/support.

Alderman Allen suggested the Task Force also be present at the new substation on 10th St.; Mr. Rinehart said that it was currently being discussed.

VII. REGULAR AGENDA 

5-1 APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, SEPTMBER 18, 2023 

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the Minutes for Regular Council Meeting, September 18, 2023. 

ROLL CALL: 

Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Murphy

Nays: January

Absent: Coleman, Evans, Smith

MOTION FAILED 

5-2 APPROVAL OF STANDING COMMITTEE MINUTES, SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 

Alderman Jackson moved, seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the Standing Committee Minutes, September 18, 2023. 

ROLL CALL: 

Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Murphy

Nays: January

Absent: Coleman, Evans, Smith

MOTION FAILED 

5-3 APPROVAL OF TREASURER’S REPORT – AUGUST 2023 

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Jackson to approve the Treasurer’s Report - August 2023. 

ROLL CALL: 

Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Murphy

Nays: January

Absent: Coleman, Evans, Smith

MOTION FAILED 

5-4 APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION FOR COMCAST TELEPHONY AND NETWORK  SERVICES AGREEMENT IN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED ESTIMATED $58,000 OVER  THE LIFE OF THE 3-YEAR CONTRACT

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Jackson approve the Resolution for Comcast telephony and network services in amount not to exceed estimated $58,000 over the life of the 3-year contract. 

Alderman January questioned why the wording was “estimated”, was it possible that the amount would be greater. Chris Franco, Information Technology (Interdev) explained that the verbiage was in case there were possible FCC charges or contract fees. Alderman January suggested that “estimated” be removed from the motion. Attorney Silverman said the motion could be amended.

Alderman Allen amended motion, Alderman Jackson amended second to approve the Resolution for Comcast telephony and network services in amount not to exceed $58,000 over the life of the 3-year contract. 

ROLL CALL with AMENDMENT: 

Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Murphy, January

Nays: None

Absent: Coleman, Evans, Smith

MOTION CARRIED 

5-5 APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION FOR EXTENSION OF EXISTING AGREEMENT WITH  AMM ENTERPRISES TO PROVIDE PUBLIC WORKS OPERATIONAL ASSISTANCE  THROUGH APRIL 302, 2024; NOT TO EXCEED AGGREGATE OF $115,000 FY 24 

Alderman Murphy moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to approve the Resolution for Extension of Existing Agreement with AMM Enterprises to provide Public Works Operational Assistance through April 30, 2024; not to exceed aggregate of $115,000 FY 24. 

ROLL CALL: 

Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Murphy, January

Nays: None

Absent: Coleman, Evans, Smith

MOTION CARRIED 

5-7 APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT  BETWEEN THE CITY OF NORTH CHICAGO AND LUIS GONZALES FOR LEASING HIS  ESTABLISHMENT FOR A POLICE SUBSTATION AND RELATED USES

Alderman Jackson moved, seconded by Alderman January to approve the Resolution Authorizing Execution of Agreement between the City of North Chicago and Luis Gonzales for leasing his establishment for a police substation and related uses. 

ROLL CALL: 

Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Murphy, January

Nays: None

Absent: Coleman, Evans, Smith

MOTION CARRIED 

7-1 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF PETER BAKER AND SONS PROPOSAL NOT TO  EXCEED AMOUNT OF $1,312,192.00 FOR THE MFT ROAD PROGRAM

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the Peter Baker and Sons proposal not to exceed amount of $1,312,192.00 for the MFT Road Program.

ROLL CALL: 

Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Murphy, January

Nays: None

Absent: Coleman, Evans, Smith

MOTION CARRIED 

7-2 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CHANGE ORDER NO. 2 IN AMOUNT OF $163,327 WHICH WILL INCREASE THE NOT TO EXCEED CONTRACT VALUE TO $829,878 FOR  HOERR CONSTRUCTION INC. ON THE 2022 CDBG SANITARY CLEANING & LINING  PROJECT

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the Change Order No. 2 in amount of $163,327 which will increase the not to exceed contract value to $829,878 for Hoerr Construction Inc. on the 2022 CDBG Sanitary Cleaning & Lining Project. 

ROLL CALL: 

Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Murphy, January

Nays: None

Absent: Coleman, Evans, Smith

MOTION CARRIED 

7-3 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF ELECTED OFFICIAL CELL PHONE POLICY DIED DUE TO LACK OF MOTION 

7-4 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CITY BILLS

General Fund $ 170,435.90 

General Grants Fund $ 8,767.20 

Motor Fuel Tax Fund $ 575,239.18 

CDBG Fund $ 2,444.75 

Capital Projects Fund $ 5,378.85 

Debt Service 2007C Fund $ 842,153.25 

Water, Sewer & Refuse Fund $ 206,056.90 

TOTAL $ 1,810,476.03 

MOTION: 

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Murphy to pay the City Bills of Council Run 10/02/23 in the amount of $1,810,476.03 when funds available.

Alderman January asked if there were sufficient funds available. Comptroller Tawanda Joyner said there were sufficient funds except for the Grant Fund and CDBG Fund which were reimbursed funds that had not been collected yet. The checks would be written the next day and mailed Wednesday. Alderman January questioned balance of Water Fund end of week, Ms. Joyner stated the amount of $7,704,068.69. Alderman January asked if there were any late fees; Ms. Joyner said there were not.

ROLL CALL: 

Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Murphy

Nays: January

Absent: Coleman, Evans, Smith

MOTION FAILED 

Alderman Allen questioned if personnel would not get paid. Mayor Rockingham suggested a Special Meeting be called to pay the bills; the bills that were not paid would accumulate late fees as always asked. Chief of Staff Greg Jackson noted that the Debt Service Bond would not be paid on time, due October 3 and would have a large fee. Ms. Joyner said that the city was never previously late but more than likely would affect the credit rating.

Alderman Murphy clarified that there would be a dollar penalty and a credit rating impact. Ms. Joyner said that was correct but not sure what the penalty amount was on the $842,153.25 payment. Alderman January asked why to wait until last minute for approval; Ms. Joyner explained that it was not a check but a wire set-up to pay on the due date.

Mayor Rockingham said the bills were set up properly for automatic payment. Attorney Silverman explained there was no per se prevailing side; Alderman January could be asked if payment of the bonds could be made due to the circumstances. Otherwise, there would need to be 48 hours for a Special meeting with incurring the penalties and affecting the bond rating. He asked that Alderman January make the motion to approve the bond payment.

Attorney Silverman clarified there were no other bills that would cause the same type of issue.

Alderman January moved, seconded by Alderman Jackson to approve the payment of the Debt Service 2007C Fund (Bond) amount of $842,153.25. 

ROLL CALL: 

Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Murphy, January

Nays: None

Absent: Coleman, Evans, Smith

MOTION CARRIED 

VIII. MISCELLANEOUS 

Attorney Silverman stated the earliest time possible would-be Thursday. He also noted that remote participation was available if a work conflict, as long as there was a quorum present.

IX. 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 

The Council Meeting adjourned at 6:39 p.m.

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