Lake County Gazette

City of North Chicago Judiciary Committee met Feb. 19

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Alderman Jackson called the meeting to order.

ROLL CALL:

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

Absent: None

I. DISCUSSION OF AMENDING TITLE 2; CHAPTER 2; SECTION 2F – REMOTE PARTICIPATION:

Alderman Coleman noted a few technicalities and his position; Attorney Simon explained that the policy allowed the public body to participate remotely providing they met certain conditions.

Alderman Coleman requested the remote participation was identical with State Statute. He added there was no requirement indicative in the State Statute of (3) times could join and notifying (2) hours in advance; he read the State Statute. Requested if unable to attend, could opt via Zoom.

Alderman January strongly stated the current policy removed the voice of the people; it was beneficial allowing remote participation for council members; she agreed of removing stipulation of calling within (2) hours and only (3) meetings remotely. She also echoed Alderman Coleman of mirroring the State Statute permitting child emergencies. She mentioned at times her position experienced dire crisis with the clients as a Home Health RN. She agreed with the option of Zoom. The current policy needed review. She emphasized her passion both as a Nurse and Alderman.

Alderman Evans agreed what was discussed. There should be a requirement to add the person remotely if there was a quorum present. Attorney Simon advised if requested following the statutes exactly, it still required by State Law to allow member participation. It allowed the city policy to be more astringent. He could remove the notice, number of times remotely if that was the request.

Alderman January questioned clarification under the Open Meetings Act requirement. Attorney Simon acknowledged there were basic requirements that had be followed by the Open Meetings Act.

Alderman Jackson called Point of Order; Alderman Coleman needed clarification if the State Statute could be amended. Attorney Simon explained.

Alderman Jackson was questioned clarification of Alderman Coleman’s intentions; requesting to add a section to the current remote Policy or need to rewrite its entirety. Alderman Coleman explained removing the outdated city policy and replacing it with the wording of the State Statute as the new City Policy and/or amending accordingly as needed.

Alderman January called Point of Order. Alderman Murphy clarified the Council members had not seen the rewritten documentation to be approved etc. She clarified disagreed with the other members.

Alderman January again called Point of Order. Alderman Coleman had claimed seen obscene gestures displayed from Alderman Murphy and requested to censure her the remaining of the meeting.

Alderman Jackson was disappointed on how the meeting was conducted; he apologized to the staff and public, asking to handle issues decently and in order.

Alderman Smith questioned clarification; Alderman Jackson explained. He would ask the Attorney to draft an Ordinance to mirror the State Statutes.

This will be placed on the next Council Agenda, March 4, 2024.

II. DISCUSSION – CODIFICATION OF REQUIREMENTS FROM AUGUST 31, 2023, CITY ATTORNEY MEMORANDUM REGARDING EXPENDITURE OF CITY FUNDS:

Chief of Staff, Greg Jackson explained that the memorandum was utilized as a baseline for items.

Alderman Evans asked if memorandums were to follow the City Code or if they were just opinions; the issue was ongoing with aldermanic spending. Attorney Simon strongly stated the state law indicated that city funds couldn’t be used for political purposes. Alderman Evans disagreed. Attorney Simon clarified how the money was to be spent. Alderman Evans strongly stated the expenditures were in specific wards for purpose of meetings in the community. He asked Attorney Simon to address the individual alderman vs. aldermen. Attorney Simon advised speaking with Comptroller or Attorney to ensure proper expenditures.

Alderman Jackson explained that Alderman Evans was asking for the memorandum to be placed as an ordinance in the city code.

Alderman Coleman was seeking the current reimbursement policy including the elected officials.

Directed question to Liz Black, Human Resources Director, concerning Paylocity reimbursement inclusive of elected officials. Mrs. Black explained the travel and training for expenses occurred. He was certain of a reimbursement policy inclusive of elected officials and Mrs. Black acknowledged.

Alderman Jackson recalled 2018 discussion and approval. The memorandum was the guidelines for the request of an ordinance. Alderman Coleman emphasized the need of consistency with the city policy vs. aldermanic.

Attorney Simon explained the city policy; there were controls with purchases. Greg Jackson, Chief of Staff read the city policy. Attorney Simon clarified an ordinance superseded a policy. Alderman Jackson added that the ordinance added more teeth and enforcement to the document under the respective city code. Alderman Coleman questioned clarification with the order. Attorney Simon reiterated what he previously stated.

Treasurer Vance Wyatt added there was a draft in 2022 of the aldermanic expenses yet no action; possibly it could resolve the issue. Alderman Jackson agreed.

Alderman January agreed moving forward with an ordinance to protect the elected officials and superseding the city policy.

Alderman Smith recalled attending a conference and paid out-of-pocket due to over budgeting. From August until February 2024, he hasn’t received his reimbursement. He stated had spoken to the financial Analyst and claimed a possible error. Comptroller, Tawanda Joyner explained that following approval of the budget, a credit card was utilized for the conference in fiscal year 2023. Once the payments were posted for the 5th Ward, he noted was over budgeted by $3,775. Her discussion with Alderman Smith was upon approval of the budget. She provided an option of requesting city reimbursement or reducing money from the 2024 budget. He didn’t recall the discussion with Ms. Joyner until months ago. She strongly indicated that expenses from 2023 were expended in the same year and reiterated was overbudgeted. Alderman Smith acknowledged. She continued it wasn’t legally allowed to carry the amount of $3,775 to the next year of 2024. She clarified it was indicated in the monthly report. He, Alderman Smith recalled before the conference she wasn’t present and spoke to the Financial Analyst in the office and he provided the available amount of $6500. He claimed was unaware of the credit card issue.

Ms. Joyner clarified there was no authorization from the Comptroller’s Office for his trip. When she received the credit card statement, it was realized that he was overbudgeted. When she had discussion with Alderman Smith, she closed her door from her staff. The Financial Analyst didn’t recall speaking with him.

Alderman Jackson chimed in trying to move forward with the agenda item of codifying an ordinance.

He advised Alderman Smith to continue the discussion off the record. Alderman Coleman questioned clarification; The Mayor was overbudgeted; he asked if Ms. Joyner would remove his credit card if the Mayor had violated the procurement policy; she acknowledged would if it was found to be so.

Alderman Jackson called point of order and clarified to remain with the agenda item. Again, he asked the council members if they agreed to codify an ordinance with elected official expenditures.

Comptroller Joyner asked to speak directive to Alderman Coleman emphasizing needed to research the purchases from the Mayor’s Office. She would inform him accordingly.

Alderman Coleman had documentation from the Mayor’s Fund in the City Bills. Alderman Jackson requested moving to item III.

III. DISCUSSION OF ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 8, CHAPTER 14 – LIQUOR CONTROL:

Chief of Staff Jackson explained the Ordinance Amending Title 8, Chapter 14 – Liquor Control.

He read the amendment. The State Statute permitted the same in comparison. This would allow the elected official to open a business in the community and comply with the liquor license requested. 

Alderman Murphy questioned clarification with the ordinance description and precluded the elected official concerning alcohol manufacture, sell or distribution. Attorney Simon acknowledged and it was universal.

Alderman Coleman provided an opinion within his ward.

Alderman Evans asked if there were any other laws, specifically property vs. liquor. The Mayor added that Senator Johnson made the changes.

This will be placed on the next Council Agenda, March 4, 2024.

Alderman January moved, seconded by Alderman Allen that the Judiciary Committee Meeting stand adjourned.

ROLL CALL:

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

The meeting adjourned at 8:21 p.m.

https://www.northchicago.org/vertical/sites/%7B52959CF2-969E-41D9-A9CF-CF0A11D0BEA9%7D/uploads/COMMITTEE_MINUTES.2.19.24.pdf