Lake County Gazette

City of North Chicago Finance/Audit Committee met June 17

Here is the agenda provided by the committee:

Vice Chair Alderman Murphy called the meeting to order.

ROLL CALL:

Present: Jackson, Coleman (RP), Evans, Smith, Murphy, January

Absent: Allen

I. DISCUSSION OF MONTHLY BUDGET REPORT:

There was no discussion.

II. DISCUSSION OF REQUEST TO WAIVE COMPETITIVE BIDDING – REBRANDING CAMPAIGN:

Hombre Darby, Community Information Coordinator requested to waive competitive bidding for the rebranding campaign. At location of 1616 Green Bay Rd, Studio North, it was a community organization, assisted with north Chicago student mentorships, they have been in the City of North Chicago within 40 years. They have done branding for Lake Forest; they were genuine and the city’s neighbors. It justified his request to waive the bidding for the rebranding campaign Alderman Jackson clarified there was no price. Mr. Darby explained it was a 4-phases totaling $78,710 in 2 + years. Extensive research for other municipalities. The branding Alderman Jackson disagreed with waiving the bidding. There were no other bids acquired.

Alderman Smith questioned the extensive research. He had concern of city expenditures. They were producing a North Chicago documentary from the 1900’s.

Alderman Coleman agreed with other bids allowing others with the bidding process.

Attorney Simon explained was a professional service provided. It was qualification based focusing on specifics.

Alderman January recalled a rebranding several years prior. The Mayor explained was a modernization image for the City. She asked the benefits of it. Mr. Darby stated the 1st half was approved in the fiscal budget.

Chief of Staff Jackson chimed-in he would prepare a proposal at the next meeting Agenda, July 1, 2024. He toured Studio North that was a national award-winning recognized marketing advertisement facility in the City for some time, some of the employees were residents of North Chicago.

The Mayor recalled a conference in New Jersey that they were in the process of rebranding and the same process was for the City. The input of the residents was beneficial in the interim. Studio North would also be reaching out to the residents to assist them.

Alderman Smith inquired of the comprehensive plan. Mr. Darby explained the (2) groups in place were properly aligned. One was named for the infrastructure and the other for marketing and publicity.

Alderman Evans questioned other city experience with Studio North. Mr. Darby reiterated was from Lake Forest with the branding. They were genuine and passionate of rebranding north Chicago.

Their involvement with Community Days Event and the students of the City. They were verse on the branding due to their involvement and a reliable partner for the City.

The Mayor agreed they were dependable due to a reliable business in the community. Mr. Darby added that the money spent would be beneficial remaining in the City.

Alderman January questioned if possible, conflict of interest. Mr. Darby stated there wasn’t.

Alderman Coleman clarified were other north Chicago business that could be involved in the rebranding campaign bidding.

Treasurer Wyatt clarified that K30 wasn’t rebranding though providing apparel for Foss Park District.

Alderman Jackson questioned clarification on the quality vs. quantity. Mr. Darby acknowledged they were and supportive to completion of the rebranding.

This will be placed on the Next Committee Agenda, July 15, 2024.

III. DISCUSSION REQUEST OF $500 DONATION FOR JUNETEENTH 3-DAY EVENT: 

ITEM III WAS REMOVED

IV. DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED IGSA BETWEEN NAVAL STATION GREAT LAKES AND CITY OF NORTH CHICAGO:

Taylor Wegrzyn explained the Intergovernmental Support Agreement between the Great Lakes Naval Station and City of North Chicago. There was a letter of Intent with lowered costs.

Item IV. will be placed on the Next Council Agenda, July 1, 2024.

V. DISCUSSION OF TREASURER’S REPORT – MAY 2024:

Treasurer, Vance Wyatt provided an overview of the report with updates.

Alderman Evans moved, seconded by January that Finance/Audit Meeting stand adjourned.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Coleman (RP), Evans, Smith, Murphy, January

Nays: None

Absent: Allen

The meeting adjourned at 8:09 p.m.

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