Lake County Gazette

City of North Chicago City Council met Feb. 3

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

I. CALL TO ORDER

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

III. INVOCATION

IV. ROLL CALL

Upon the Roll Call being taken, the following members were present:

Present: Coleman, Evans, Allen, Smith, January

Absent: Jackson, Murphy

Mayor Rockingham announced that Alderman Jackson would not be in attendance.

Alderman Murphy requested remote participation via Zoom due to illness.

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to allow Alderman Murphy remote participation via Zoom.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Coleman, Evans, Allen, Smith, January

Nays: None

Abstain: Murphy

Absent: Jackson

MOTION CARRIED

V. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA

5-1 Approval of Minutes for Regular Council Meeting, January 21, 2025

5-2 Approval of Standing Committee Meeting Minutes, January 21, 2025

5-3 Approval of Treasurer Report – December 2024

5-4 Approval of Purchase of Fortinet Firewalls to Replace Old End of Life Equipment for the City Network Not to Exceed Amount of $26,350

5-5 Approval of Consulting Agreement with IT Associates for an Assistant Comptroller at Cost of $19,733 Monthly

5-6 Approval of $50,000 Increase in FY 2025 Vendor Contract Limit for Air Con to the Not to Exceed Amount of $150,000 for Furnishing Labor and Materials to Complete Various Repairs to the City HVAC Systems

5-7 Approval of Geary Electric, Inc. Proposal in the Not to Exceed Amount of $25,000 for Furnishing and Delivering (6) Street Light Poles and (6) Light Fixtures to the City

5-8 Resolution Approving and Authorizing Local Share Contribution in the Maximum Amount of $1,350,000 for the US Dept. of Transportation RAISE Grant Application. The Grant Application is in the amount $13,500,000 and it is for the Preliminary Design Engineering (Phase I) of the Sheridan Road Corridor from Approximately Rt. 137 to Blanchard Road in Waukegan

5-9 Approval of TAI Work Order in the Not to Exceed Amount of $108,810 for Updating the IEPA Project Planning Report and Final Design Documents, Providing Bidding Services

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to approve items 5-1 thru 5-9 as presented.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Coleman, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murph (RP)

Nays: January

Absent: Jackson

MOTION CARRIED

VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Christell D. Ayers & Jessica Garcia – A-List Limo & Bus

Mayor Rockingham informed here that A-List was on Committee Agenda for discussion. Ms. Ayers took the time to introduce herself and the business in hopes of locating in North Chicago.

Elaine Collins

Ms. Collins explained there would be a prayer meeting held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month at her home; she provided the address in Brookstone at Coles Park.

Rayon Edwards

He was upset with the length of time that was allowed for another individual and was told there was no dialogue to occur of Public Comments. He voiced concern of the Housing Authority Director not being addressed with questions while she was present. Board members should have experience and knowledgeable about the Boards they are on. Asked for direction of how elected officials are supposed to utilize their credit cards. There were political signs he placed removed. All meeting rules need to be enforced.

Mayor Rockingham said that political matters were being discussed and would no longer be allowed in the Council Meetings. He explained political signs placed on a public right of way had been removed by State Transportation Department and they could be found on Washington St.

VII. REGULAR AGENDA

7-1 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF THE LEASE OPTION AGREEMENT- ACPOWER AT 0 CASMIR PULASKI / 0 13TH ST.

Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to approve the Lease Option Agreement – AC Power at 0 Casmir Pulaski / 0 13th St.

Economic & Community Development Department Director Taylor Wegrzyn explained it was not the actual lease agreement. This was an option; the agreement needed legal review. It was a $2,000/quarter rate up to 2 years with the option to take on a lease with the City for the property.

Alderman Smith clarified after 2 years options; Mr. Wegrzyn agreed with was a lease and not a purchase.

ROLL CALL:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Jackson

MOTION CARRIED

7-2 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF DISABLED RESIDENT PARKING PERMIT – 1208 WADSWORTH AVE.

Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to approve the disabled resident parking permit for 1208 Wadsworth Ave.

Alderman Smith asked if the permit at that location was specific or open to anyone. Mayor Rockingham noted that it could not be for an individual. Alderman Evans asked the purpose of a disabled parking permit if not specific. Attorney Silverman explained that because it is on the public right of way it could not be specific to a person; you can provide for the convenience only.

It was for a location not an individual.

ROLL CALL:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Jackson

MOTION CARRIED

7-3 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CITY BILLS

General Fund $ 168,470.25

Motor Fuel Tax Fund $ 18,306.43

Capital Project Fund $ 50,235.98

Water, Sewer & Refuse Fund $ 95,344.57

Vision Fund $ 1,633.00

$ 333,990.23

Special Bills

Gerald D. Coleman (Board Up Service) $ 350.00

Grand Total $ 334,340.23

MOTION:

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to pay the bills of Council Run 2/3/25 in the amount of $334,340.23 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 answered that there were sufficient funds available, checks to be processed the following day. She explained the balance in the Water Fund’s liquid amount of $4,992,170.42; Treasurer Vance Wyatt explained the non-liquid assets amount was $1,511,151.96 at market closing.

Alderman Coleman asked if there was a bill for the reinstallation of cameras at the Water Plant.

Ms. Joyner said it was not on the current bill run.

ROLL CALL:

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

Nays: January

Absent: Jackson

MOTION CARRIED

VIII. MISCELLANEOUS

VARIOUS CONCERNS AND COMMENTS

➢ Alderman January questioned if there was an ordinance naming North Chicago a sanctuary city. The Mayor explained the City would not support the actions of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) using our police or facilities. Alderman January asked who gave the authority to make that statement. Mayor Rockingham said he made it as Executor of the City.

She disagreed and said it should have been presented to Council.

Alderman Coleman agreed with Alderman January. He clarified the council members had the final decision. As a common courtesy, Council should have been informed. He asked if the City of North Chicago could become a sanctuary. Attorney Silverman explained that through a legislative act North Chicago could declare as a sanctuary city.

Mayor Rockingham did not think that North Chicago should be declared a sanctuary city.

Mayor Rockingham agreed to inform the Council of future statements for the City. Alderman Coleman said he was in support of the Mayor concerning this matter. Alderman Smith asked the procedure if/when ICE does come.

The Chief of Staff explained the statement reflected the Illinois Trust Act, mandated by the Attorney General. Warrants would have to be signed by a Judge, not signed by Judge would be a violation of the Constitution. North Chicago does not have enough resources to support federal operations. Alderman Smith suggested sending contact information if the situation arises. Mayor Rockingham said there were organizations that assist people in going through this situation and they informed the City to direct them there.

➢ Job Hiring Fair held at the Forrestal Elementary School; February 20th from 5-6 p.m. at Neal Math & Science Academy

IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION

9-1 Executive Session 5 ILCS 120 2 (c)(11) – Pending or Imminent Litigation

Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Coleman to suspend the Regular Order of Business at 6:36 p.m. to Executive Session 5 ILCS 120 2 (c)(11) – Pending or Imminent Litigation.

ROLL CALL:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Jackson

MOTION CARRIED

Alderman Coleman moved, seconded by Alderman Allen, to resume the Regular Order of Business at 6:56 p.m.

ROLL CALL:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Jackson

MOTION CARRIED

X. ADJOURNMENT

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

MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE

Alderman Jackson and January were absent.

The Council Meeting adjourned at 6:56 p.m.

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