Lake County Gazette

City of North Chicago City Council met Nov. 6.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council of North Chicago met in a Regular Council meeting, Monday, November 6, 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, Murphy, January

Absent: Coleman

Mayor Rockingham said that he was unaware of reason for Alderman Coleman’s absence.

4-1 Presentation to Officer Healy with Life Saving Award

Postponed until Officer Healy arrived, he was on duty.

V. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA

5-1 Approval of Minutes for Regular Council Meeting, October 16, 2023

5-2 Approval of Standing Committee Meeting Minutes, October 16, 2023

5-3 Approval of Special Council Meeting Minutes, October 23, 2023

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to approve the Omnibus Vote Agenda Items 5-1 thru 5-3 as presented.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Evans, Smith, Murphy

Nays: January

Absent: Coleman

MOTION CARRIED

VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Dora King – Loud Music

Stated her complaint of loud music from cars disrupting the neighborhood on Sherman Avenue. She asked him to lower the volume. Another neighbor also stated his concern, he had young children and a baby, it wakes them out of their sleep. Her family lived there since 1981. She spoke to Alderman Smith about the problem, who said he would work on it.

Alderman Smith in turn asked for a sign to be placed “loud music prohibited” and it was placed with another to come. She thanked him for his efforts. Alderman January said there was a nuisance ordinance in the code and when there is a disturbance to notify the police. Alderman Smith said the sign also displays the ordinance number on it.

Latrisha Cole – Donation

She requested a donation to “Our Shining Stars” for winter wear and food to donate to the children. She had been providing for 8 years and asked for $500-$1,000. Mayor Rockingham asked that she provide literature to his office.

VII. REGULAR AGENDA

7-1 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – APPOINTMENT OF BONNY MAYFIELD TO THE BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSIONERS

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to January the appointment of Bonny Mayfield to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners.

Alderman Jackson asked if it was effective immediately and asked the term. Mayor Rockingham said that it was immediate and duration of term of Debra Lewis who was no longer on the Board. Chief of Staff Greg Jackson estimated 18 months. Mayor Rockingham further explained it was currently a 3-member board and an ordinance for a 5-member board was to be approved.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January

Nays: None

Absent: Coleman

MOTION CARRIED

7-2 CONSIDERATION /APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT OF ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING COMPENSATION OF NON-REPRESENTED OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES FOR THE PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT FROM MAY 1, 2023, THRU APRIL 30, 2024. OFFICE MANAGER (A-17)

Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to approve an Amendment of Ordinance Establishing Compensation of Non-Represented Officers and Employees for the Period of Employment from May 1, 2023, thru April 30, 2024. Office Manager (A-19).

Alderman January asked if the City Planner position was to be replaced; Chief of Staff Greg Jackson said that the position was posted. Alderman January asked if these were new positions; Mr. Jackson explained they were and thought there would be a savings with the restructure.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January

Nays: None

Absent: Coleman

MOTION CARRIED

7-3 CONSIDERATION /APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT OF ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING COMPENSATION OF NON-REPRESENTED OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES FOR THE PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT FROM MAY 1, 2023, THRU APRIL 30,2024. BUILDING INSPECTION MANAGER (A-19)

Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Jackson of an Amendment of Ordinance Establishing Compensation of Non-Represented Officers and Employees for the Period of Employment from May 1, 2023, thru April 30, 2024. Building Inspection Manager (A-19).

Alderman Jackson questioned if there was a plan to lessen the use of outsource. Mr. Jackson said it was intended for the Building Inspection Manager to have certifications and reduce the use of outsourcing. He noted that the savings with the restructuring were $79,691. Alderman January asked if the jobs in that department were intended to be all City employees; Mr. Jackson said most of them. Mayor said B&F would still be used.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January

Nays: None

Absent: Coleman

MOTION CARRIED

7-4 CONSIDERATION /APPROVAL OF TAI WORK ORDER IN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $298,900 FOR ENGINEERING AND BIDDING SERVICES FOR REHABILITATION OF WTP FILTERS 8-11

Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to approve TAI work order in amount not to exceed $298,000 for Engineering and Bidding Services for rehabilitation of WTP filter 8-11

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January

Nays: None

Absent: Coleman

MOTION CARRIED

7-5 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL FROM BEDROCK STABILIZATION INC. AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $7,900 WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENT FOR PULVERIZATION WORK RELATING TO THE 2023 ALLEY PROGRAM

Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to approve proposal from Bedrock Stabilization Inc. amount not to exceed $7,900 waiving competitive bidding requirement for pulverization work relating to the 2023 Alley Program.

Alderman January if there were 2 different jobs for items 7-5 and 7-6. City Engineer Steve Cieslica explained that items 7-5 thru 7-7 were all advertised for bid at the same time and there were no bidders.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January

Nays: None

Absent: Coleman

MOTION CARRIED

7-6 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL FROM PETER BAKER AND SONS CO. IN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $45,000 WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIRMENT FOR WORK RELATING TO THE 2023 ALLEY PROGRAM

Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to approve proposal from Peter Baker and Sons Co. in amount not to exceed $45,000 waiving competitive bidding requirement for work relating to the 2023 Alley Program.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January

Nays: None

Absent: Coleman

MOTION CARRIED

7-7 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL FROM CORRECTIVE ASPHALY MATERIALS IN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $13,889 WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENT FOR WORK RELATING TO THE 2023 ALLEY PROGRAM

Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to approve proposal from Corrective Asphalt Materials in Amount Not to Exceed $13,889 Waiving Competitive Bidding Requirement for Work Relating to the 2023 Alley Program

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January

Nays: None

Absent: Coleman

MOTION CARRIED

7-8 CONSIDERATION /APPROVAL OF CITY BILLS

General Fund $ 610,157.28

General Grants Fund $ 9,300.90

Motor Fuel Tax Fund $ 38,355.39

CDBG Funds $ 146.00

State Seizure Fund $ 4,725.00

Capital Projects Fund $ 3,130.00

Water, Sewer & Refuse Fund $ 705,269.79

Retiree Premium Fund $ 21,147.01

Library Fund $ 7,391.51

TOTAL $ 1,399,622.88

MOTION:

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to pay the City Bills of Council Run 11/06/23 in the amount of $1,399,622.28 when funds available.

Alderman January asked if there were sufficient funds available. Comptroller Tawanda Joyner acknowledged there were funds, checks to be cut the following day and sent Wednesday. Ms. Joyner said that all revenue was $31,618,070.59 before cutting checks. Alderman January questioned balance of Water Fund end of Thursday, Ms. Joyner stated the amount of $7,666,897.37.

Alderman Allen noted that he had not charged anything for Walmart (mailing) pg.2, $257.48; Ms. Joyner said it would be corrected before the bills are sent. Alderman Murphy asked if the second bill run was included in the total and Ms. Joyner said no.

Alderman Allen amended motion, Alderman Evans amended second to include the second bill run in the amount of $45 for medical insurance premium with the $1,399,622.28.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy

Nays: January

Absent: Coleman

MOTION CARRIED

VIII. MISCELLANEOUS

4-1 Presentation to Officer Healy with a Life Saving Award

Police Chief Lazaro Perez stated that on October 8, 2023, at 10:27 p.m. Officer Healy answered a call of a child not breathing. The child was not breathing and did not have a pulse, Officer Healy performed CPR until the Fire Department arrived. His actions saved the child’s life. Mayor Rockingham said that these types of situations were rarely heard; mostly negative news was given. He was in hopes of giving the news to the press for recognition.

WATER BILLS

Ms. Joyner explained that the October water bills had not gone out to residents, only commercial and industrial. There was a robo call sent out and late fees were being waived. Residents could get a copy at the Comptroller’s Office. Alderman January clarified; Ms. Joyner explained it only applied to the October bill. Alderman Smith asked how citizens could receive robo calls if they were not aware; Ms. Joyner said important notifications were given via phone robo call and that they needed to opt-in by contacting the Fire Department.

DISABLED PARKING

Alderman Evans noted that there were disabled parking applications given to the elected officials and would like to discuss at the next Committee meeting. He said that doctors’ letters were provided for both and did not know what was missing. Ms. Joyner explained the application was for on the street parking convenience, there was a letter needed from the doctor within the last 30 days that stated its necessity. The one being referred to did not explain the need for parking on the street.

Alderman Murphy said that a doctor’s notice was provided; Ms. Joyner reiterated that the letter did not say on street parking was necessary.

IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION

9-1 Executive Session 5ILCS 120 2 (c)(5) – Purchase or Lease of Real Estate including meeting held for the Purpose of discussing whether a Particular Parcel should be Acquired; 2 (c)(12) – Establishment of Reserves or Settlement of Claims as provided in the (Local Governmental & Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act) if otherwise the Disposition of a Claim or Potential Claim might be Prejudiced or the Review/discussion of Claims, Loss or Risk Management information; 2 (c)(11) – Litigation

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to suspend the Regular Order of Business at 6:42 p.m.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January

Nays: None

Absent: Coleman

MOTION CARRIED

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Murphy to resume the Regular order of Business at 7:24 p.m.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January

Nays: None

Absent: Coleman

MOTION CARRIED

9-2 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT (SABET VS. CITY OF NORTH CHICAGO)

Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the settlement between Sabet vs. City of North Chicago agreement in the amount of $475,000.

Alderman Jackson asked if there was a need to include in the motion “not to exceed”; Mayor Rockingham said the amount was already determined.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Evans, Allen, Smith, January

Nays: Jackson, Allen

Absent: Coleman

MOTION CARRIED

CHANGE THE TERMINATION TO RESIGNATION AS REQUESTED BY THE PLAINTIFF AS PART OF THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

Alderman Murphy moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to approve the change the termination to resignation as requested by the plaintiff as part of the settlement agreement.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: NONE

Nays: Jackson, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January

Absent: Coleman

MOTION CARRIED

X. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Council; a motion was made by Alderman Jackson, seconded by Alderman Allen that the meeting stand adjourned.

MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE

The Council Meeting adjourned at 7:29 p.m.

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