Lake County Gazette

City of North Chicago City Council met Aug. 5

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

Absent: Coleman, Murphy, January

Mayor Rockingham said that Alderman Murphy informed him that she would be ill and would like to participate via Zoom.

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Jackson to allow Alderman Murphy Remote Participation (RP) via Zoom.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Evans, Allen, Murphy (RP), Smith

Nays: None

Absent: Coleman, January

MOTION CARRIED

Alderman January entered Council Chambers at 6:05 p.m. after Remote Participation Roll Call.

4-1 Resolution Honoring William H. Kelley (VP – Jelly Belly Company)

City Clerk Lori L. Collins gave a brief reading of the Resolution. Mayor Rockingham explained that Jelly Belly was in the community for many years; present was Bill Kelly who clarified 111 years. Mayor Rockingham noted that Jelly Belly candy was always manufactured in North Chicago, and they have decided to close this location. He thanked him for being a part of North Chicago.

Mr. Kelly said that he worked at Jelly Belly for 58 years, 2 months and 1 day. There were never any problems. He thanked everyone for their support.

Alderman Coleman entered the Council Chambers at 6:10 p.m.

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman January to approve Resolution Honoring William H. Kelley (VP – Jelly Belly Company).

MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE

4-2 Resolution Honoring Hubert (Herb) Geater (Geater Backhoe)

City Clerk Collins read the Resolutions. Mayor Rockingham said that Herb Geater was the heart of North Chicago. North Chicago utilized Geater Backhoe for many City projects providing quality work.

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman January to approve the Resolution Honoring Hubert (Herb) Geater (Geater Backhoe).

MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE

4-3 Resolution – Illinois Municipal Treasurer’s Week; August 11-14, 2024

City Clerk Collins read the Resolution.

Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman January to approve the Resolution – Illinois Municipal Treasurer’s Week; August 11-14, 2024

MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE

V. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA

5-1 Approval of Minutes for Regular Council Meeting, July 15, 2024

5-2 Approval of Standing Committee Meeting Minutes, July 15, 2024

5-3 Approval of Treasurer’s Report - June 2024

5-4 Approval of Ordinance – Moratorium on the Issuance of Licenses for Video Gaming Terminals Pursuant to Municipal Code Title 5, Chapter 33 and Class G-P Liquor Licenses Pursuant to Municipal Code Title 8, Chapter 13

5-5 Approval of Insurance Renewal for Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance by Global Benefits

5-6 Approval of Ordinance Adopting an Official Comprehensive Plan for the City of North Chicago prepared by Lakota Group

5-7 Approval of Extension Request for Property located at 1501 Elizabeth Ave.

5-8 Approval of 1-year Service Agreement Extension with SafeBuilt

5-9 Approval of Contract to Studio North for the City Rebranding Campaign Not to Exceed $78,710

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

ROLL CALL:

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

Nays: January

Absent: None

Alderman January said that because the Omnibus Vote Agenda was not handled in a germane way therefore her vote was Nay.

MOTION CARRIED

VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Ashley O’Bryant

Complaints of trash by neighbors and the noise. She asked for procedures to address her issue. Mayor Rockingham told her she could contact the Economic Development Director to notify Code Enforcement and the Police Department about the noise.

Ms. O’Bryant explained the noise was lawn care at 6:45 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Mayor Rockingham thought there were time restrictions and would check. Attorney David Silverman acknowledged that there was a noise ordinance but there were no time restrictions. Alderman Allen agreed that there should be time restrictions and felt there should be an ordinance.

Alderman Smith said that her complaint was legitimate but was glad people was taking care of their lawns although it was an inconvenience. Alderman January suggested it be put on committee, discussed and amended. Alderman Evans stated that many times people were trying to avoid Code Enforcement; he agreed there was a problem and it needed to be changed.

Mayor Rockingham noted that the City was looking to have a Code Enforcer during the weekend to minimize violators. Alderman Smith suggested contacting her alderman for issues.

Information Coordinator Hombre Darby

Mark Mohr and Matt Mohr of Studio North

Mr. Mark Mohr explained that they had been in North Chicago for 36 years on Green Bay Road. Thanked the City for the opportunity and felt there was a need to be better neighbors. Wanted to make a commitment to the community, pride of North Chicago.

Chief of Staff Greg Jackson explained that the City received publicity from the Chicago Tribune for the Gaming Moratorium and said that the City would be working to the right size number of terminals in North Chicago.

VII. REGULAR AGENDA

7-1 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF 0 FAIRWAY LANE & 0 GREEN BAY RD. CORRECTED TIME EXTENSION

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman January to approve 0 Fairway Lane & 0 Green Bay Rd. corrected time extension

Alderman Evans asked for clarification of location. Economic & Community Development Director Taylor Wegrzyn explained the owner was Norman Cole and this motion was a correction to the time extension. The time of the ordinance approve was from the original date not 18 months from time of approve. The previous approval would not have been 18 months as stated.

ROLL CALL:

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

MOTION CARRIED

7-2 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – LOIDA CANSECO TO NORTH CHICAGO POLICE CITIZNES ADVISORY BOARD

Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to approve Loida Conseco to North Chicago Citizens Advisory Board.

ROLL CALL:

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

MOTION CARRIED

7-3 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CITY BILLS

General Corporate Fund $ 650,952.11

General Grants Fund $ 207,500.00

Motor Fuel Tax Fund $ 364.68

Federal Forfeiture Fund $ 700.00

Skokie Highway TIF Fund $ 51,231.83

Capital Projects Fund $ 27,332.63

Debt Service 2007c Fund $ 500.00

Water, Sewer & Refuse Fund $ 2,323,595.77

Retiree Premium Fund $ 16,686.20

Library Fund $ 6,719.23

TOTAL $ 3,285,582.45

MOTION:

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to pay the bills of Council Run 08/05/24 and Special Bill Run in the amount of $3,285,582.45 when funds become available.

Alderman January asked if there were sufficient funds, when checks would be cut and sent, also amount in Water Fund. Comptroller Tawanda Joyner said there were sufficient funds available, checks to be processed and mailed the following day. The amount in the Water Fund was $7,685.883.72 as of Thursday.

Alderman January asked Treasurer Vance Wyatt the nonliquid amount; he replied $1,438,983.17.

ROLL CALL:

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

Nays: January

Absent: None

MOTION CARRIED

VIII. MISCELLANEOUS

VARIOUS CONCERNS AND COMMENTS

*Alderman Jackson concerned with the number of garage sales per person and felt some were making it a business. He asked that the Aldermen be notified of them. He thanked the organizers for a wonderful Community Days. He also suggested as representatives of the City that the Citizens Police Advisory Committee be provided some “swag” to distribute.

Alderman January clarified there was a permit required for garage sales and felt that it should be put on the website. City Clerk Collins said there were only 3 per year/per person.

Alderman January commended the Police Department for their work with the 7th Ward and noted they began a Neighborhood Watch.

*Alderman Allen acknowledged a great Community Days. He also recognized the Mayor’s granddaughter for singing the National Anthem. He also asked that the Police Chief discuss the National Nite Out; Police Chief Lazaro Perez announced there would be 4 locations. Alderman Smith asked how citizens were being notified; Chief explained.

*Alderman Evans recognized School District 187 and Foss Park for their participation in Community Days. It was a great time and spirit in North Chicago.

*Alderman Smith acknowledged Hombre Darby for his work for Community Days.

*Alderman Coleman asked for clarification of previous attorney/legal statement that the lowest bidder had to be chosen. It was verbatim “have to look at on a case-by-case basis, you could put certain things in RFQ.” Attorney Silverman noted that Adam Simon was at that meeting but typically stated to award contracts to the lowest responsible bidder. Competitive bidding can be waived by a 2/3rds vote of the City Council. On certain design contracts (specialized) you don’t have to waive if the contractor has the best position to assist the City.

Alderman Coleman clarified that you don’t have to approve the lowest bidder. He said that Megan Mack said that the lowest bidder had to be chosen. He felt that based on legal advice the bid for Studio North was waived. He emphasized there needed to be consistency from the attorneys. Can’t make sound decisions without good legal advice. He expressed the possibility the Aldermen have a separate attorney.

Mayor Rockingham felt Counsel was consistent with advising awarding the lowest bidder contracts. Alderman Coleman reinforced that Attorney Mack said legally lowest bidder had to be chosen.

*Mayor Rockingham thanked everyone who contributed and supported Community Days.

IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION

9-1 EXECUTIVE SESSION 5 ILCS 120 2 (c)(12) – ESTABLISHMENT OF RESERVES OR SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to suspend the Regular Order of Business to Executive Session 5 ILCS 120 2 (c)(11) – Settlement of Claims at 7:05 p.m.

MOTION CARRIED VOICE VOTE

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to reconvene the Regular Order of Business at 7:16 p.m.

MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE

9-2 CONSIDERATION OF POSSIBLE SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS IN CASE NO. 24CH95

THERE WAS NO ACTION TAKEN

XI. ADJOURNMENT

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

MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE

The Council Meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m.

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