Lake County Gazette

City of North Chicago Judiciary Committee met April 1

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/REVIEW OF AMENDING TITLE 2; CHAPTER 4; SECTION 3 – DUTIES OF TREASURER:

Alderman Coleman provided his opinion with amending duties of the Treasurer; it protected the taxpayers with more neutrality and transparency. He asked that item I be moved to Council Meeting.

Alderman January suggested the wording exception of Mayor changed to all elected officials.

Alderman Allen questioned clarification of the state law.

Chief of Staff, Greg Jackson mentioned had spoken with the auditors, not only complying with State.

Though the U.S. Code, the credit card were tools and the purchasing agent currently was the comptroller. His survey indicated that only (2) municipalities have credit cards for the legislative body. Lauterbach and Amen clarified should be affiliated with the Comptroller’s Office for checks and balances.

Treasurer, Vance Wyatt compared City of Waukegan with the same system in the County as North Chicago’s. He distributed their credit card policy. The administration of the credit and fuel cards was the Treasurer’s duty and he referred to previous e-mails. The credit card for an alderperson was forcefully removed from his office. He clarified that the Ordinance amendment indicated no changes to the procurement ordinance or purchasing agent etc. This would resume the same procedures when in office year of 2021.

Alderman Coleman gave accolades to the Comptroller on her wonderful job. He trusted her professionalism and decision-making process. Treasurer Wyatt clarified the issuance of credit cards and increased amount was the treasurer’s duties. The actual charges were from the Comptroller’s duties. Section H was stricken from the Ordinance and he suggested striking word agent for other persons. Lake County Treasurer, Holly Kim networked with Old National Bank and Great Lakes Credit union for some of the financial classes. There were federal programs that allowed cities to apply for grants and networked with the non-for-profit organizations and administered appropriately within the community.

Attorney Silverman directed the city council accordingly.

Alderman Jackson asked if there were other treasurers affiliated with the programs. Treasurer Wyatt mentioned Lake County Treasurer, Holly Kin was very active. He clarified there was no state code or county ordinance. Alderman Jackson asked if the State Treasurer or other organization.

had programs. Treasurer Wyatt replied there were programs in the Illinois Treasurer’s Association annually or will partner with the local banks. Alderman Jackson questioned if he had foreseen any liability. Treasurer Wyatt clarified that it was for the purpose of financial education. He taught financial education classes at CLC and the documents needed the language as such so it didn’t result in any city liability.

The Mayor had liability concerns and provided a scenario. Treasurer Wyatt explained he served as a commissioner and could be threatened with a suit. Alderman Allen agreed with possibility of a suit and preferred no more cost on the taxpayers. Alderman Coleman clarified less exposure from someone suing the City for a class. Accolades to the Treasurer, while he was a teacher in classes, there was an opportunity to teach the next generation.

Alderman Jackson had concern with the language proposed with the State Statutes. Attorney Silverman explained it would resume his duties. He had concerns with the language when introduced in 2022.

There were many qualified organizations that the treasurer office could refer to programs.

Should consider potential liability, suggested no change, confusion with Comptroller’s powers and no need to change auditors.

Alderman Coleman disagreed with Attorney Silverman. He recommended to financially educate ourselves, need to use common sense adding transparency to the system.

Alderman Evans added there was no current ordinance for comparison. Treasurer Wyatt explained he drafted an ordinance and sent for attorney review. Alderman Jackson explained was comparing to the 2022 ordinance that was placed on the desks in the council chambers. The amendment was to H and I. Alderman Jackson advised to table Item I.

Alderman January understood contradictions, no full “checks and balances.” in the City. She agreed with the Chief of Staff suggesting extra balances in the finances with possible language. Possibly comparing it with City of Waukegan. She agreed with placing item I on hold and continual discussion.

The Mayor disagreed, he recognized Ms. Joyner doing an excellent job.

Alderman Coleman addressed a credit card purchase from the Executive office and asked if she received the receipt. Comptroller Tawanda Joyner explained it wasn’t a detailed one. He questioned in detail and Mayor elaborated further with complications that arose. He was detained for many hours at the airport that included a meal. Alderman Coleman needed to secure accountability and transparency. Ms. Joyner stated that generally a detailed receipt was provided. Alderman Coleman added it was to insure the proper checks and balances.

Alderman January asked for continued discussion of Item I until finalized for approval. Alderman Jackson agreed He asked that the Chief of Staff and attorneys provide the necessary language needed for the amendment.

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman January 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 7:31 p.m.

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