Lake County Gazette

City of North Chicago City Council met Dec. 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council of North Chicago met in a Regular Council meeting, Monday, December 18, 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, Allen, Smith, Murphy 

Absent: Coleman, Evans, January 

The Mayor announced that Alderman January was unable to attend, and Alderman Evans was ill. Mayor Rockingham asked for a motion to move Item 7-1 for presentation of Resolution to the family. 

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Jackson to move Item 7-1 to beginning of agenda  for presentation. 

MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE 

The Mayor presented a copy of the Resolution to the family. He noted that Fire Chief Turner had to  sue the City to join the Fire Department due to discrimination and elaborated on the racial triumphs he had to overcome. He thanked his wife and family for sharing Fire Chief Turner with the City. The City Clerk read the resolution of all his accomplishments. 

Alderman Jackson moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to approve the Resolution Honoring Former Fire Chief Richard A. Turner. 

MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE 

V. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA 

5-1 Approval of Minutes for Regular Council Meeting, December 4, 2023 

5-2 Approval of Standing Committee Meeting Minutes, December 4, 2023 

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

5-4 Approval of Ordinance Regarding Paid Leave for all Workers Act 

5-5 Approval of Ordinance Amending Title 8; Chapter 13 – Liquor Control Restrictions on a Liquor License 

5-6 Approval of RMA (Risk Management Association) Pro-rated Contribution Not to Exceed $109,732 

5-7 Approval of the Annual Warhawk Summer-Up Program Agreement 

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the Omnibus Vote Agenda with exception of Item 5-5 moving to Regular Agenda. 

Attorney Simon explained that there needed to be a motion for items to be moved from the Omnibus Vote Agenda. 

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Murphy to move Item 5-5 to the Regular Agenda.

ROLL CALL TO MOVE ITEM 5-5: 

Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Smith, Murphy 

Nays: None 

Absent: Coleman, Evans, January 

MOTION CARRIED 

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the remaining Omnibus Agenda Items. 

ROLL CALL FOR REMAINING OMNIBUS ITEMS 

Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Smith, Murphy 

Nays: None 

Absent: Coleman, Evans, January 

MOTION CARRIED 

VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS 

NONE 

VII. REGULAR AGENDA 

5-5 APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 8; CHAPTER 13 – LIQUOR CONTROL RESTRICTIONS ON A LIQUOR LICENSE 

Alderman moved, seconded by Alderman to approve Ordinance amending Title 8; Chapter 13 – Liquor Control Restrictions on a Liquor License. 

Alderman Murphy questioned if the State Law allowed this ordinance for officials. Attorney Simon explained that State law allows local cities and governments to permit aldermen to hold liquor licenses if they completely recuse themselves from all matters concerning liquor regulations. Alderman Murphy clarified that matters for any other licensees; Attorney Simon said yes. Attorney Simon said that the current ordinance was stricter than State law. 

Alderman Allen expressed that aldermen should not hold a liquor license as it appeared to be favoritism and stated that another alderman wanted to purchase property and could not. Attorney Simon stated the difference between a financial interest and contract with the city. Aldermen  Allen said anything can be modified. Mayor Rockingham reiterated that State law had to be  adhered to. Alderman Allen wanted everyone to be treated fairly. 

City Clerk Collins informed the Mayor that Alderman Coleman was on Zoom; Mayor Rockingham explained that he could not participate because he did not inform of absence 2 hours prior to meeting and had not been voted in by Council. Attorney Simon elaborated that Alderman Coleman was a member of the public on Zoom.  

ROLL CALL: 

Ayes: Smith, Murphy 

Nays: Jackson, Allen 

Absent: Coleman, Evans, January 

Mayor Rockingham attempted to vote aye; Attorney Simon explained there was not half of the Council voting in favor, that it required at least 3 of the entire Council to give Mayor the option to vote. 

MOTION FAILED

7-1 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION HONORING FORMER FIRE CHIEF  RICHARD A. TURNER 

Moved after Roll Call 

7-2 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF RE-APPOINTMENT OF CARMECIA HAWTHORNE 3-YEAR TERM TO THE LIBRARY BOARD 

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve re-appointment of Carmecia Hawthorne 3-year term to the Library Board. 

ROLL CALL: 

Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Smith, Murphy 

Nays: None 

Absent: Coleman, Evans, January 

MOTION CARRIED 

7-3 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF RE-APPOINTMENT OF LAWRENCE BROWN 3- YEAR TERM TO THE LIBRARY BOARD AS OF JULY 2023 

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve re appointment of Lawrence Brown 3-year term to the Library Board as of July 2023. 

ROLL CALL: 

Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Smith, Murphy 

Nays: None 

Absent: Coleman, Evans, January 

MOTION CARRIED 

7-4 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF APPOINTMENT OF BEVERLY ALLEN TO THE LIBRARY BOARD (3-YEAR TERM); REPLACING CAROLINE HARRINGTON 

Alderman Jackson moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to approve appointment of  Beverly Allen to the Library Board (3-year term) replacing Caroline Harrington. 

ROLL CALL: 

Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Smith, Murphy 

Nays: None 

Absent: Coleman, Evans, January 

MOTION CARRIED 

7-5 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF APPOINTMENT OF GERALD COLEMAN TO THE BOARD OF FIRE AND POLICE COMMISSIONERS (3-YEAR TERM) 

Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to approve appointment of Gerald Coleman to the Board of Fire & Police Commissioners. 

ROLL CALL: 

Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Smith, Murphy 

Nays: None 

Absent: Coleman, Evans, January 

MOTION CARRIED

7-6 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE ILLINOIS  DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORUNITY’S DECISION FUNDING FROM THE NORTH CHICAGO REBUILD ILLINOIS GRANT FOR THE SHERIDAN CROSSING REMEDIATION PROJECT WITH $270,000 IN MATCHING  FUNDS 

Alderman Murphy moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to approve the Resolution supporting the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s decision funding from the North Chicago Rebuild Illinois Grant for the Sheridan Crossing remediation project with $270,000 in matching funds.  

Alderman Jackson asked if the funds were available. The Chief of Staff Greg Jackson (via Zoom) stated that the public should be allowed to ask questions. Engineer Steve Cieslica explained that the purpose of the resolution was that in 2022 the City received a $2 million grant from DCOE  for the purpose of Public Infrastructure Construction. At the time Sheridan Crossing was supposed to be Phase II subdivision, the grant at the time was to pay for roads, sewers and economic development.  

An additional $4 million grant was given from Lake County and the City needed an additional $2 million. The DCEO (Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity) allowed the City to repurpose the grant for remediation cost. The matching funds were from federal funds also received. Attorney Simon clarified the requirement for public comment not a public hearing. 

Mr. Cieslica stated that was correct. 

Mayor Rockingham elaborated that the purpose was for Sheridan Crossing; there was contamination on the site. The grant had been extended. Once the site is clean it would be under the City’s jurisdiction. 

Neoni Young asked for a possible timeline for clean-up. Mayor Rockingham anticipated 2024 and there was a contractor for the clean-up, was just awaiting funding. It was 2 years to utilize the grant. Ms. Young asked where to go for answers/progress about the project in the future; Mayor directed her to City Council or staff.  

Attorney Simon explained there was a developer interested in a distribution facility on the western side of the property (close to railroad tracks). Once the site is clean the market will accommodate. There were several developers designed for many possibilities, but the land was not clean. 

Mayor Rockingham felt that the Naval Base would generate business and development at  Sheridan Crossing.  

ROLL CALL: 

Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Smith, Murphy 

Nays: None 

Absent: Coleman, Evans, January 

MOTION CARRIED 

7-7 CONSIDERATION /APPROVAL OF CITY BILLS

General Fund $ 381,529.70 

General Grants Fund $ 3,453.08 

Motor Fuel Tax Fund $ 2,723.88 

Capital Projects Fund $ 167,841.86 

Water, Sewer & Refuse Fund $ 419,236.66 

SPECIAL RUN 

General Fund $ 164,732.00 

Water, Sewer, Refuse 

Library Fund 

TOTAL $ 1,139,517.18 

MOTION: 

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Murphy to pay the City Bills of Council  Run 12/18/23 in the amount of $1,139,517.18 when funds available. 

Alderman Jackson questioned clarification of legislative expenditures, if they were all properly coded and approved by Comptroller and Mayor. Comptroller Tawanda Joyner said Ward 2 notified those expenses was for an upcoming Ward meeting December 23; Ward 3 was a credit of cancelled airline ticket, and the purchase of envelopes was approved; Ward 4 for reimbursement from a Ward meeting; Ward 5 was hotel stay for National League of Cities conference. 

Alderman Jackson clarified the $188.25 for Ward 2 “upcoming” meeting was approved; Ms. Joyner said yes. The Chief of Staff stated that he approved on the premise that there was to be a Ward meeting. Alderman Jackson asked if the meeting did not occur what would happen; Chief of Staff said the City would seek reimbursement. 

ROLL CALL: 

Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Smith, Murphy  

Nays: None 

Absent: Coleman, Evans, January 

MOTION CARRIED 

VIII. MISCELLANEOUS 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS 

The City Council individually wished all a Happy Holidays. Alderman Allen thanked the Police and staff for Shop with a Cop; also, for those that attended his 3rd Ward meeting. Alderman Smith  thanked the Council as a team, 250 new coats were distributed to the community: everything next level. Alderman Murphy was proud to serve North Chicago and saw good things for the City. 

Mayor Rockingham wished peace, love and happiness to all and thanked the Council for their work. 

IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION 

9-1 Executive Session 5ILCS 120 2 (c)(12) – Establishment of Reserves or Settlement of Claims 

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Murphy to suspend the regular order of business in Executive Session under 5 ILCS 120 2 (c)(12) at 6:52 p.m.

ROLL CALL: 

Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Smith, Murphy  

Nays: None 

Absent: Coleman, Evans, January 

MOTION CARRIED 

Alderman Jackson moved, seconded by Alderman Murphy to reconvene the regular order of business at 7:10 p.m. 

ROLL CALL: 

Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Smith, Murphy  

Nays: None 

Absent: Coleman, Evans, January 

MOTION CARRIED 

X. ADJOURNMENT 

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

MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE 

Alderman Coleman, Evans and January were absent. 

The Council Meeting adjourned at 7:11 p.m. 

https://www.northchicago.org/vertical/sites/%7B52959CF2-969E-41D9-A9CF-CF0A11D0BEA9%7D/uploads/12.18.23_.pdf