Lake County Gazette

Waukegan Alderperson Victor M. Felix has proposed the reestablishment of a Public Safety Committee for the City Council, which would join five other existing committees. This proposal was presented at a Special Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday.

According to the agenda report attached to the Special Committee of the Whole meeting agenda for Dec. 11, the proposed Public Safety Committee would be tasked with reviewing contracts, expenditures, initiatives, and policies that impact Waukegan's police, fire, and emergency medical services (EMS).

The same report reveals that this committee would join five others: Finance and Purchasing; Community Development; Government Operations & Oversight; Public Works and Infrastructure; and Code Revisions, Negotiations & Appeals.

Currently, as per Waukegan City Code, it is within the mayor's purview to appoint council members' committee assignments. The mayor also assigns each committee's chair and vice-chair from among council members.

However, Felix's proposal would shift some power to the City Council by allowing it to assign public safety committee members and select its chair and vice-chair. As stated in the agenda report attached to the Special Committee of the Whole meeting agenda for Dec. 11, like other committees, the Public Safety Committee would review matters under its jurisdiction and make recommendations.