Lake County Gazette

City of North Chicago City Council met June 17

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, Smith, Murphy

Absent: Coleman, Allen, January

The Mayor announced that Alderman Allen to notify that he would not be attendance and Alderman Coleman emailed stating that he would participate via Zoom.

V. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA

5-1 Approval of Minutes for Regular Council Meeting, June 3, 2024

5-2 Approval of Standing Committee Meeting Minutes, June 3, 2024

5-3 Approval of an Ordinance Declaring Surplus and Authorizing Disposal or Sale of Certain Real Property – PIN 08-32-304-002; 08-32-307-019; 08-32-307-071; 08-32-307-069

5-4 Approval of FY 2025 MFT Maintenance Resolution in Amount of $1,801,750

5-5 Approval of IGA (Intergovernmental Agreement) to Consolidate with Lake Comm and the Dissolution of City’s Agreement with Mundelein, North Chicago and Winthrop Harbor PSAP

5-6 Approval of Trotter and Associates, Inc. Maintenance Engineering Agreement Not to Exceed Amount of $176,750 for FY 2025 MFT Road Program

Mayor Rockingham requested to have 5-3 from the Omnibus Vote Agenda

Alderman Jackson moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to remove Item 5-3 from the Omnibus Agenda.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Evans, Smith, Murphy

Nays: None

Absent: Coleman, Allen, January

MOTION CARRIED

Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the Omnibus Vote Agenda presented with exception of Item 5-3.

City Clerk Lori L. Collins noted correction of Regular Council Minutes; should reflect date of June 3rd not May 17.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Evans, Smith, Murphy

Nays: None

Absent: Coleman, Allen, January

MOTION CARRIED

VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Shelly Murray

Questioned clarification of Noise Ordinance for parties, such as time for music and noise; Police Chief Lazaro Perez directed her to the City Code and noted there was no time specifically. He said if the noise is a nuisance, she can contact the police. Attorney Adam Simon referenced Title 6, Chapter 11. Mayor Rockingham reiterated any time.

Sherina Windom

Concerned with rooster on her block and filed a complaint. Alderman Jackson said the situation had been turned over to Chief of Staff for follow-up. She questioned program for minor home maintenance and Alderman Coleman directed her to her Ward Alderman. Alderman Jackson stated possibility of YouthBuild. Mayor Rockingham gave the telephone number to YouthBuild.

Ms. Windom questioned repair and/or implementation of sidewalks. Mayor Rockingham explained there was a Sidewalk Program and she needed to sign-up. She asked if there were grants available for plumbing work that goes out to the street. Mayor was not aware. Economic and Community Development Director Taylor Wegrzyn said that Community Partners for Affordable Housing had programs available.

Ms. Windom asked for plan of abandoned schools; Mayor Rockingham directed her to the North Chicago School District.

Alderman Coleman entered Zoom at 6:16 p.m.

Alderman Jackson moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to allow Alderman Coleman remote participation.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Evans, Smith, Murphy

Nays: None

Abstain: Coleman

Absent: Allen, January

MOTION CARRIED

Alderman Coleman explained that he notified residents about YouthBuild providing handy work to residents. He informed that YouthBuild was sponsor not the City of North Chicago.

VII. REGULAR AGENDA

7-1 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF AMENDING TITLE 8, CHAPTER 13, SECTION 8-A20 REDUCING THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF CLASS GP LICENSES FROM 30 TO 29 AND AMENDING TITLE 8, CHAPTER 13, SECTION 8-A-15 INCREASING MAXIMUM NUMBER OF CLASS A SPECIAL LICENSES FROM 9 TO 10

Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve of amending Title 8, Chapter 13, Section 8-A-20 reducing the maximum number of Class GP Licenses from 30 to 29 and amending Title 8, Chapter 13, Section 8-A-15 increasing maximum number of Class A Special Licenses from 9 to 10.

Chief of Staff Greg Jackson explained the difference between GP License and Class A Special Licenses; noting that Special Licenses were specific to restaurants and consumption of liquor on premises. Food sales must be 51% of total sales; currently there was (4) businesses in the City.

Food sales needed to exceed liquor and gaming sales. Full Moon would be relinquishing the GP license and replacing it with the Class A Special License.

Alderman Evans asked why not discussed in Committee prior to approval. Attorney Simon explained that the motion could be to waive the first reading of the ordinance.

Alderman January entered the Council Chambers at 6:26 p.m.

Alderman Evans stated lack of importance. Mayor Rockingham elaborated about the process of obtaining a liquor license.

Alderman Murphy moved, seconded by Alderman January to waive the first reading of the request Item 7-1.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Evans, Smith, Murphy

Nays: Jackson, Coleman, January

Absent: Allen

MOTION FAILED (2/3rds required)

Chief of Staff Jackson explained that due to failure it will be on the next agenda. Attorney Simon stated that the current discussion counted as the first reading and the next agenda would be the second. Eligible for approval at the next meeting.

Alderman January clarified that it did not pertain to one business; Mayor Rockingham explained that Full Moon Restaurant wanted to obtain a Class A Special License and restated the definition.

Alderman Coleman said that he voted “no” to the process.

7-2 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CITY BILLS

General Corporate Fund $ 553,987.65

Motor Fuel Tax Fund $ 17,990.53

Water, Sewer & Refuse Fund $ 219,920.65

Vision Fund $ 831.00

Retiree Premium Fund $ 16,056.48

Library Fund $ 6,600.23

TOTAL $ 815,386.54

MOTION:

Alderman Murphy moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to pay the bills of Council Run 6/17/24 the amount of $815,386.54 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 and sent the following day; the amount in the Water Fund as of Thursday was $7,217,647.59 (prior to bills). Alderman January asked the amount of liquid cash vs. investment; Ms. Joyner it was all liquid (cash only). Treasurer Wyatt stated that $1,434,127.81 was investments as of market close that day.

Alderman January asked to meet for discussion of revenue and disbursements.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Evans, Smith, Murphy

Nays: Coleman, January

Absent: Allen

MOTION CARRIED

VIII. MISCELLANEOUS

VARIOUS CONCERNS AND COMMENTS

* Chief of Staff Jackson explained that staff were having difficulty prioritizing projects concerning Public Works. He asked that all requests from aldermen be sent to his office for prioritizing, especially Public Works and Code Enforcement. He also asked that Committee Chairs be notified also. Alderman Coleman thanked Chief of Staff for his attentiveness to his request on Sheridan Road.

* Mayor Rockingham stated that he would not be present at the July 1st Council Meeting.

IX. ADJOURNMENT

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

MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE

Alderman Allen was absent.

The Council Meeting adjourned at 6:41 p.m.

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