Lake County Gazette

City of North Chicago City Council met Feb. 19

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

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, Smith, Murphy, January

Absent: None

V. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA

5-1 Approval of Minutes for Regular Council Meeting, February 5, 2024

5-2 Approval of Standing Committee Meeting Minutes, February 5, 2024

5-3 Approval of the Treasurer’s Report – December 2023

5-4 Approval of an Ordinance - Membership in the Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association and Authorizing Execution of an Intergovernmental Cooperation Contract

5-5 Approval of Temporary Construction Easement for Properties located at: 3100 - 3120 Skokie Hwy, 1285 - 12615 W. Bittersweet Ave., 12586 - 2616 W. Bonaparte Ave., 3250 Bonaparte Ave. and 3140 - 3150 Skokie Hwy

5-6 Approval of Ordinance Amendment to Business License Regulations

5-7 Approval of Resolution to Appoint Taylor Wegrzyn to the Lake County Land Bank

5-8 Approval of Amendment to the City Salary Ordinance Adding Fire Inspector Position A-18

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Jackson to approve the Omnibus Vote Agenda as presented.

Alderman Coleman moved, seconded by Alderman January to move Item 5-6 to Regular

Agenda.

ROLL CALL to moved Item 5-6 to Regular Agenda:

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

MOTION CARRIED

ROLL CALL for remaining ITEMS:

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

Nays: None

Absent: January

MOTION CARRIED

VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS

NONE

VII. REGULAR AGENDA

5-6 APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO BUSINESS LICENSE REGULATIONS

Alderman Coleman moved, seconded by Alderman January to return Ordinance Amendment to Business License Regulations back to Committee for further discussion.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Coleman, Evans, Smith, January

Nays: None

Absent: Jackson, Allen, Murphy

MOTION CARRIED

7-1 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – APPROVAL OF CLASS A SPECIAL LIQUOR LICENSE – MIS 3 TESOROS

Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to approve the Class A Special Liquor License – Mis 3 Tesoros.

Alderman January asked 5th Ward Alderman Smith if the residence was in agreeance with the new business. Alderman Smith explained that the constituents was in approval of it, same type business as before, just change in ownership.

ROLL CALL:

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

Nays: January

Absent: None

MOTION CARRIED

7-2 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – APPROVAL OF CLASS A SPECIAL LIQUOR LICENSE – TOBY’S BAR & GRILL

Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to approve the Class A Special Liquor License – Toby’s Bar & Grill.

Mayor Rockingham opened the floor for discussion; explained good reputation and was going to be change of ownership to daughter. Alderman Coleman asked if transferred already occurred; the Mayor said yes. Alderman Coleman clarified that they should not be allowed to currently sell liquor; Mayor said they were not at the time. Mayor Rockingham explained that the Fire Department approved their inspection, there remained one issue from the Building Department which was being corrected within 30 days.

ROLL CALL:

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

MOTION CARRIED

7-3 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING LOCAL SHARE CONTRIBUTION IN THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF $1,350,000 FOR THE U.S. DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION RAISE GRANT APPLICATION; THE GRANT APPLICATION IS IN THE AMOUNT OF $13,500,000 AND IS FOR THE PRELIMINARY DESIGN ENGINEERING (PHASE I) OF THE SHERIDAN ROAD CORRIDOR FROM APPROXIMATELY RT. 137 TO BLANCHARD ROAD IN WAUKEGAN, IL 

Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to approve the Resolution Authorizing local share contribution in the maximum amount of $1,350,000 for the U.S. Dept. of transportation RAISE grant application; the grant application is in the amount of $13,500,000 and is for the preliminary design engineering (Phase I) of the Sheridan Road corridor from approximately Rt. 137 to Blanchard Road in Waukegan, IL.

City Engineer Steve Cieslica explained that the grant was rejected several years prior. Since that time the City of North Chicago in partnership with the City of Waukegan received $400,000 to rebuild the entire corridor. This grant was to plan the rebuilding of the corridor. The City of Waukegan was leading the project. In approximately 2028-2030 the City of North Chicago would be responsible to help/pay for its share of the project.

ROLL CALL:

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

MOTION CARRIED

7-4 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CITY BILLS

General Corporate Fund $ 356,745.53

General Grants Fund $ 24,272.10

Motor Fuel Tax Fund $ 65,576.68

CDBG Fund $ 8,090.78

Skokit Highway TIF Fund $ 630.00

Water, Sewer & Refuse Fund $ 338,971.01

SPECIAL

Utilities Telephone $ 583.66

TOTAL $ 794,869.76

MOTION:

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to pay the bills of Council Run 02/05/24 the amount of $794,869.76, which included Special Bill, when funds become available.

Alderman January asked Comptroller Tawanda Joyner if there were sufficient funds, also when checks would be cut and sent, also amount in Water Fund. Ms. Joyner said funds were available, checks would be cut the following day and sent Wednesday; the amount in the Water Fund as of Thursday was $8,527,887.30 prior to bills being paid.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy

Nays: Coleman, January

Absent: None

MOTION CARRIED

VIII. MISCELLANEOUS

VARIOUS CONCERNS AND COMMENTS

*Alderman Allen recognized the Mayor and Chief of Staff for saving the City money in the Abbott project and obtaining $250,000 DECCO grant. Mayor Rockingham explained Abbott project for sewer lining cost a total of $750,000+ and was paid completely by them. They were doing some demolitions and agreed to pay for the City’s sewer lining. The DECCO grant of $250,000 was for resources.

*Alderman Evans announced 3rd Ward Meeting April 20, 2024, at the North Chicago Community Center 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; all was invited.

*Alderman Coleman moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to bring to the Council floor at next Council Meeting, March 4th, 2024, the Approval Consideration for the Electronics Policy.

Mayor Rockingham asked if it could be voted; Attorney Simon explained that it was a procedural motion. Alderman Coleman clarified that questions and discussion could be had at that time. Attorney Simon explained that any item on the agenda could have a follow-up discussion.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Coleman, Evans, Smith, January

Nays: Jackson, Allen, Murphy

Absent: None

MOTION CARRIED

*Alderman Smith moved, seconded Alderman Coleman to discuss Ordinance 2023-21

Appropriation Ordinance (reallocating funds).

Attorney Simon explained that the ordinance can be discussed but it could not be reconsidered because it was passed in June 2023. The only time to reconsider is at the meeting immediately following its approval. Mayor Rockingham said the motion failed due to advice of Counsel that it was inappropriate motion.

Mayor Rockingham asked Alderman Smith if would like to discuss in Committee. Attorney Simon stated that there could be a motion to place it back in Committee because the time to reconsidered expired. Alderman Smith agreed with suggestion.

Alderman Coleman clarified if it could also go to Council. Attorney Simon explained there were procedural requirements to make changes but to move adjust the same monies could be done internally.

Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Coleman to discuss Ordinance 2023-21 in Committee.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Coleman, Evans, Smith, January

Nays: Jackson, Allen, Murphy

Absent: None

MOTION CARRIED

*Alderman Coleman moved, seconded Alderman January to City Code 2-4-3; Treasurer’s

Authority be placed on next Finance Committee.

Attorney Simon referred to the City Code which stated ordinances were subject to 2 readings and this ordinance had not been subject to 1 reading. He said that it should be discussed in Committee.

Alderman Coleman asked if it was legal to allow without 2 reading; Attorney Simon referenced 2-2-6F of City Code. Alderman Coleman referenced an instance there was not 2 readings.

Mayor Rockingham if it was urgent; Alderman Coleman said it was. Alderman Jackson clarified.

Alderman Coleman said there was a problem with checks and balances on the credit cards. Alderman Allen stated that Alderman Coleman would have to ask him to put on the agenda. Alderman Coleman noted the reason to put on Council was that Chairmen were denying aldermen request for Committee.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Coleman, Evans, Smith, January

Nays: Jackson, Allen, Murphy

Absent: None

MOTION CARRIED

*Chief of Staff Greg Jackson stated the General Fund Budget was complete and was ready to discuss with aldermen. there was a revenue shortfall in the upcoming year. He put a hold on departmental spending to offset any deficit. Any amendments needed to be submitted as soon as possible.

*Chief of Staff Greg Jackson said there was a “snafu” that several items that were left off the agenda from prior meeting and offered options as to how to approve them immediately. There was a consensus to approve based on Committee discussion.

Mayor Rockingham explained urgency and that Abbott intended to begin work on the sewer lining project after Council approval. If there was a consensus that night work could begin and ratify at the next Council meeting.

Mr. Cieslica explained that Abbvie/Abbott began their portion and the City portion needed to begin before March 5th. Alderman Coleman asked if there was any effect on the residents, Mr. Cieslica said there could be additional cost. Mayor noted the cost being absorbed by Abbott and not the City; there needed to be greater support in their effort.

There was a consensus to proceed with work and ratify at the next Council meeting.

IX. ADJOURNMENT

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

MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE

The Council Meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m.

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