Lake County Gazette

City of North Chicago City Council met June 3

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, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January

Absent: Coleman

The Mayor announced that Alderman Coleman was ill and would not be in attendance.

V. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA

5-1 Approval of Minutes for Regular Council Meeting, May 20, 2024

5-2 Approval of Standing Committee Meeting Minutes, May 20, 2024

5-3 Approval of Treasurer Report – April 2024

5-4 Approval of Ordinance Amending Title 8, Chapter 13, Section 4 – Restriction on Liquor Licenses

5-5 Approval of City Website and Social Media Policy

5-6 Approval of Purchase and update Equipment at the Water Treatment Plant in Amount Not to Exceed $45,000

5-7 Approval to Rebuild Abbvie Raw Water Pumps #3 and #4 at the Water Treatment Plant in Amount Not to Exceed $253,000

5-8 Approval of Resolution – Adoption of Lake Michigan and North Branch Chicago River Watershed – Based Plans

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

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy

Nays: January

Absent: Coleman

VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Carmecia Hawthorne

She quoted, “this is our time North Chicago.”

Isidia Ramirez

Mentioned he previously paid $3,000 for property tax; currently increased by $1,800. If it increases, will be forced to sell his home for unaffordable taxes. On average workers only get an increase of 3% in wages annually. Alderman Allen agreed with excessive taxes, he received many complaints.

Treasurer Vance Wyatt explained the property assessment impacted taxes which caused increase. Comptroller Tawanda Joyner echoed Treasurer Wyatt’s explanation; they reassess every 3 years. Alderman Murphy noted that the City’s increase was flat for several years.

Alderman Smith optioned challenging property taxes at the Lake County Assessor’s Office, and it could be changed. Mayor Rockingham acknowledged that it was a hard increase. Alderman January encouraged to challenge every year. She noted that there were at least 11 taxing bodies on the tax bill for North Chicago; the City had kept tax flat for past 4 years.

Shelmadine Murray

She questioned if North Chicago could bring an Aldi grocery store. The Mayor stated continual attempt to bring in a grocer, incentives were offered and would continue the effort. When one does come it has to be supported by the community. He would also prefer a pharmacy.

Economic Development Director Taylor Wegrzyn explained that there were 2 small scale grocers in discussion, not on the scale of an Aldi but hopefully bring fresh food to North Chicago. Alderman January thanked him for his attempt at bringing in a grocer. Aldermen Allen reencouraged everyone to use the current local resources.

VII. REGULAR AGENDA

Mayor Rockingham asked that Items 7-3 thru 7-5 be removed until a later date.

Alderman January moved, seconded by Alderman Jackson to removed Items 7-3 thru 7-5.

MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE

7-1 PUBLIC HEARING ON APPROPRIATIONS ORDINANCE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025

Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman January to open the Public Hearing on Appropriations Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2025 at 6:21 p.m.

2Comptroller Tawanda Joyner provided briefing of the Appropriations Ordinance; it established a legal spending limit for Fiscal Year 2025. It is based off the budget with a 5% contingency added.

The Mayor in invited the audience to speak, he reiterated that it was a safeguard for incidentals.

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman January to close the Public Hearing at 6:23 p.m.

ROLL CALL:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Coleman

7-2 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF FY25 APPROPRIATIONS ORDINANCE ($76,592,573)

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to approve the FY 25 Appropriations Ordinance ($76,52,573).

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy

Nays: January

Absent: Coleman

7-3 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – LIBRARY BOARD REAPPOINTMENT OF ETTA ROBINSON, JUNE 3, 2024 UNTIL MAY 2027

7-4 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – LIBRARY BOARD REAPPOINTMENT OF GIOVANI VERDIN, JUNE 3, 2024 UNTIL MAY 2027

7-5 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – LIBRARY BOARD REAPPOINTMENT OF PETER VILLANUEVA, JUNE 3, 2024 UNTIL MAY 2027

ITEMS 7-3 TO 7-5 WAS REMOVED

7-6 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CITY BILLS

General Corporate Fund $ 103,976.55

General Grants Fund $ 7,500.00

Motor Fuel Tax Fund $ 10,160.86

Federal Forfeiture Fund $ 1,400.00

Capital Projects Fund $ 15,743.60

Water, Sewer & Refuse Fund $ 1,244,086.98

TOTAL $ 1,382,867.99

MOTION:

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to pay the bills of Council Run 6/3/24 the amount of $1,382,867.99 when funds become available.

Alderman January asked Comptroller Tawanda Joyner if there were sufficient funds, 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 $8,429,060.81. Alderman January asked the amount of liquid cash vs. investment; Ms. Joyner it was all liquid (cash only). Treasurer Wyatt stated that $1,233,527.15 was not; the amounts together were the total.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy

Nays: January

Absent: Coleman

MOTION CARRIED

VIII. MISCELLANEOUS

VARIOUS CONCERNS AND COMMENTS

* Alderman Evans announced the 3rd Ward Annual Picture Day, June 8, 2024; 12:00 p.m., Yard Sale; June 29, 2024; 8:00 a.m. (Rain Date). He received calls concerning 2 aldermen not paying bills, maybe those aldermen should not be paid. Alderman January stated Council was aware why she disagreed, much corruption in this City. She offered her number: 847-508-1799 to speak with her personally.

* Alderman January had strong concerns with military housing location and people soliciting or trespassing asking for money (children’s books.) Police Chief Perez stated the Police Department had not received any calls yet. Alderman January encouraged citizens to contact the police.

* Alderman Smith was appreciative of the automated calls and sirens concerning tornado warning.

* Treasurer Wyatt mentioned that payroll wasn’t voted in the Bill Run. Alderman Evans asked concern of corruption.

* Alderman January clarified wasn’t an alderman for the money and did not need the money, she had to protect her nursing license and the citizens of North Chicago. If the position was volunteer, she would still do it; she loves North Chicago. She stated that she did not use the money allotted in the budget for her.

* The Mayor announced that July 1, 2024, he was on vacation. He mentioned if there had been corruption over the past years bring it forward, needs to monitor close as possible and he suggested filing charges. Alderman January questioned if he could guarantee safety if information was provided. Alderman Smith encouraged her accordingly as an obligation to the citizens.

* Alderman Jackson appreciated the staff and those who joined the 1st Ward meeting, it was well attended, North Chicago businesses were supported for refreshments.

* Alderman Smith invited people to tour the sub-station/resource center. Alderman Jackson encouraged that for anonymity and safety that persons can meet at the resource center to discuss matters.

IX. ADJOURNMENT

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

MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE

Alderman Coleman was absent.

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

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