Lake County Gazette

City of North Chicago City Council met Aug. 19

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

I. CALL TO ORDER

City Clerk Lori L. Collins called the meeting to order and did the Roll Call in absence of Mayor Leon Rockingham, Jr.

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

III. INVOCATION

IV. ROLL CALL

Upon roll call being taken, the following members were present:

Present: Jackson, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January

Absent: Coleman, Evans

City Clerk Lori L. Collins announced that Alderman Coleman would like to participate via Zoom.

Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman January to allow Alderman Coleman Remote Participation (RP) via Zoom.

ROLL CALL:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Evans

MOTION CARRIED

Alderman Jackson moved, seconded by Alderman Coleman to allow Alderman Allen as Temporary Chairman to preside over the Council Meeting in the absence of Mayor Leon Rockingham, Jr.

ROLL CALL:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Evans

MOTION CARRIED

V. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA

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

5-2 Approval of Standing Committee Meeting Minutes, August 5, 2024

5-3 Approval – Amendment to City Code (Adoption of Updated Building Codes)

5-4 Approval – Ordinance Amendment to Title 11, Chapter 5, Sections 9 – 11, Striking the Requirement for a Designated Service Provider - Fire Alarm Services

5-5 Approval - Ordinance Authorizing Renewal of Aggregation Program for Electrical Load

Alderman Allen asked for a motion to move Item 5-4 to the Regular Agenda. Alderman Jackson asked to also include Item 5-5 for the Regular Agenda.

Alderman Jackson moved, seconded by Alderman Coleman to put Items 5-4 and 5-5 on the Regular Agenda.

Alderman Murphy moved, seconded by Alderman January to approve the Omnibus Vote Agenda Items 5-1 thru 5-3 as presented.

Chief of Staff Greg Jackson clarified that Item 5-3 was the City Code (Adoption of the Building Code). He explained what each item was. Suggested that 5-3 be included in Regular Agenda Alderman Murphy amended motion, Alderman Jackson amended second to approve the Omnibus Vote Agenda Items 5-1 & 5-2 as presented.

ROLL CALL:

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

Nays: January

Absent: Evans

MOTION CARRIED

Alderman January amended motion, seconded by Alderman Jackson that Items 5-3 thru 5-5 be moved to the Regular Agenda.

ROLL CALL:

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

Nays: January

Absent: Evans

MOTION CARRIED

VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Rayon Edwards

Mr. Edwards suggested that appointment in absence of is “Mayor ProTem.” The meeting was unclear and confusing. The appointments for the Housing Authority on the agenda were not present and he felt they did not care. There were no qualifications for Board members. He said that he was held up at gunpoint; curfew was not enforced.

Marion Scott

Ms. Scott questioned the elected officials specifically about the rebranding campaign. Alderman Jackson explained that it was marketing the City for better image and stigmas. Strategic marketing by direct input from businesses and residents; upgrading the City. Alderman Coleman commented that aldermen voted to pay but the vision of the rebranding comes from the Mayor’s Office; it was the Mayor’s vision. He suggested Ms. Scott address the Mayor.

Information Coordinator Hombre Darby explained that rebranding would take several years. It improves the profile of the City; attracts new businesses. He offered anyone could visit his office to review the entire project.

Shaniel Perez

Stated that she was being harassed by a neighbor. She has reported it to the police; she was looking for direction. Alderman Coleman thanked her for work of Non-for-profit in the community, he was not aware of the situation that she was currently addressing.

VII. REGULAR AGENDA

5-3 APPROVAL – AMENDMENT TO CITY CODE (ADOPTION OF UPDATED BUILDING CODES)

Alderman Murphy moved, seconded by Alderman Jackson to approve the Amendment to City Code (Adoption of Updated Building Codes).

Chief of Staff Greg Jackson explained that it was approved at the Committee Meetings August 5, 2024. He noted that the staff was passionate about it and the Building Codes had not been updated in 15 years (2006). Moving forward at elected officials desired; he elaborated on those suggestions. There was no price that you could be put on saving lives. He spoke to several local developers for input. There was some misinformation and there was a statistic that it cost $1.35 per square foot to install a sprinkler system, which was inexpensive.

“Hardwire smoke detectors get people out the building but does not put the fire out.” The sprinklers only water where the fire signals. There was also a code requiring fire extinguishers throughout homes. The code applied to new construction. Any amendments could be made later if the Council decided. He felt it was in the best interests of residents and believed there would be insurance rate reductions.

Alderman Coleman clarified there were many changes, it was to assure the homes would be better built. Mr. Jackson agreed, there were extensive changes. Alderman Coleman noted that changes could be made later and wanted confirmation that if builders had an issue, it would be brought to Council; Mr. Jackson agreed.

Alderman January clarified that current aren’t required to implement the new code. Mr. Jackson agreed. Alderman January asked if a property was sold, would it require the new updates. Economic & Community Development Director Taylor Wegrzyn explained if there was no remodeling being done to the existing structure.

Alderman January questioned the qualification for the Naval Housing and working with them.

Mr. Jackson said because it was Naval contracted to Hunt Group, the City would be in contact with them to work on the matters.

ROLL CALL:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Evans

MOTION CARRIED

5-4 APPROVAL – ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO TITLE 11, CHAPTER 5, SECTIONS

9-11, STRIKING THE REQUIREMENT FOR A DESIGNATED SERVICE PROVIDER – FIRE ALARM SERVICES

Alderman Murphy moved, seconded by Alderman January to approve Ordinance Amendment to Title 11, Chapter 5, Sections 9-11, striking the requirement for a designated service provider – fire alarm systems.

ROLL CALL:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Evans

MOTION CARRIED

5-5 APPROVAL – ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING RENEWAL OF AGGREGATION PROGRAM FOR ELECTRICAL LOAD

Alderman Jackson moved, seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the Ordinance authorizing renewal of aggregation program for electrical load.

Alderman Coleman said that he received calls that letters were received and that the program was already approved. He asked for confirmation. Chief of Staff Greg Jackson explained that form letters were sent prematurely by the vendor. There was conflicting language in the letter also.

Alderman Coleman was not in agreement with the letters being sent as if the aldermen were automatically going to agree to the proposal. Hombre Darby Community Information Coordinator emphasized that the deadline was approaching, and it was a matter of being prepared.

Alderman January clarified during the presentation it was said that it was not clear if they would be below ComEd. Mr. Darby agreed and noted that it was a 3-year program before.

Rates were being negotiated and ComEd rates were competitive at the time.

Alderman Murphy questioned the fluctuation and take one year with ComEd rates. Mr. Darby clarified that about 40% of residents would be opted in and others must give approval. ComEd would always be the service, but the supplier could change. Participants could opt-in or out at any time.

Alderman January asked how the letter was going to be corrected and if there was a cost. Mr. Darby said the vendor would be responsible for the new information to be sent out. Alderman January clarified that the motion was for a fixed amount. Alderman Allen stressed that the language in the letter was more plain and easily interpretable.

Alderman Jackson stated his discomfort with it and the issue remained confusing. He suggested that it was referred to the Committee Meeting. There was still uncertainty.

Alderman Jackson moved, seconded by Alderman Coleman to table until the next Council Meeting, September 3, 2024.

Alderman Murphy asked if there was a deadline and when the current agreement expired; Mr. Darby stated in October. 

Mr. Jackson suggested that the item be placed on the next Regular Agenda vs. Committee.

Alderman Jackson agreed.

ROLL CALL TO TABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 3, 2024:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Evans

MOTION CARRIED

7-1 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – REAPPOINTMENT OF LEISA MITCHELL TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD

Alderman Allen stated it was good point of complaint mentioned in Public Comments that the individuals to be appointed were not present. Alderman Jackson added that no resume was available for the appointees and felt they should be tabled. Attorney Megan Mack explained that they were reappointments; Alderman Jackson’s opinion remained. Alderman Jackson questioned the terms also.

Alderman Coleman spoke on behalf of the residents of Kukla Tower and Thompson matter, to take the opportunity to review if there were changes needed with the Board members. He didn’t feel it should be rushed.

Alderman Jackson moved, seconded by Alderman January to Table Items 7-1 thru 7-3 until the next Council Meeting.

ROLL CALL TO TABLE 7-1 THRU 7-3:

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

Nays: None

Absent: None

MOTION CARRIED

Alderman January said that the process was not germane and should have been in Committee of the Whole. There should be information provided of their accomplishments on these Boards for North Chicago. There needed to be more transparency.

7-2 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – REAPPOINTMENT OF HORNSBY KNEELAND TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD

TABLED UNTIL SEPTEMBER 3

7-3 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL – APPOINTMENT OF DAPHNE BROOKS TO THE NORTH CHICAGO LIBRARY BOARD

TABLED UNTIL SEPTEMBER 3

7-4 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CITY BILLS

General Fund $ 273,224.93

Motor Fuel Tax Fund $ 41,375.00

CDBG Fund $ 280.80

Water, Sewer & Refuse Fund $ 2,055,471.26

Vision Fund $ 673.00

TOTAL $ 2,371,024.99

Special Bills 8/2/24

Community Days $ 70,715.00

Special Bills 7/31/24

Blue Cross & Blue Shield Health

Insurance Premium $ 20.55

TOTAL $ 2,441,760.54

MOTION:

Alderman Murphy moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to pay the bills of Council Run including the 2 Special Bill Runs 08/19/24 and Special Bill Run in the amount of $2,441,760.54 when funds become available.

Alderman January asked if there were sufficient funds, when checks would be cut and sent, also amount in Water Fund. Treasurer Vance Wyatt said there were sufficient funds available, checks to be processed the following day and normally mailed on Wednesday. The non-liquid Water Fund cash balance was $1,438,894.21.

Comptroller Tawanda Joyner via Zoom said the liquid amount in the Water Fund was $5,310,793.69 prior to bills being cut.

ROLL CALL:

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

Nays: January

Absent: Evans

MOTION CARRIED

VIII. MISCELLANEOUS

VARIOUS CONCERNS AND COMMENTS

*Alderman Smith said that he wanted to hear the concern of the person with the public comment question about rebranding. He elaborated on what rebranding was and noted it was bigger than a logo.

*Alderman Allen announced Prayer Vigil, September 9, 2024, starting at 12 p.m. on Renken Dr.; Assistant Police Chief Gary Lunn concurred.

IX. ADJOURNMENT

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

ROLL CALL:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Evans

MOTION CARRIED

The Council Meeting adjourned at 7:14 p.m.

https://www.northchicago.org/vertical/sites/%7B52959CF2-969E-41D9-A9CF-CF0A11D0BEA9%7D/uploads/8.19.24.pdf