Lake County Gazette

City of North Chicago City Council met Feb. 17

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

Absent: Evans, Murphy, January

Alderman Evans arrived after Roll Call at 6:04 p.m.

Alderman Murphy and January requested remote participation via Zoom due to illness.

Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Coleman to allow Alderman Murphy and January remote participation via Zoom.

-MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE

V. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA

5-1 Approval of Minutes for Regular Council Meeting, February 3, 2025

5-2 Approval of Standing Committee Meeting Minutes, February 3, 2025

5-3 Approval of Resolution Authorizing Execution of 0 Main Ave. Lease Agreement – A List

5-4 Approval of Resolution for Lake County’s Private Activity Bond Clearinghouse (PABC)

5-5 Approval of Change Order No.1 Not to Exceed Amount of $13,030.58 to increase the overall Contract Value to $5,363,030.58 for the Building Envelope Renovation Project at the Water Treatment Plant (WTP)

5-6 Approval of TAI Work Order Not to Exceed Amount of $254,000 for Design Engineering and Bidding Assistance – Lewis Ave. Basin Improvements (Phase II) Project

5-7 Approval – Purchase of Desktops with LCD Displays in the Amount Not to Exceed $26,882 Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to approved items 5-1 to 5-7 as presented.

Clerk Collins announced/explained correction to the minutes.

Alderman Allen approved, seconded by Alderman Evans to accept the corrections as presented.

ROLL CALL:

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

Nays: January (RP)

Absent: None

MOTION CARRIED

VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Coach Tray Franklin

He announced the comedy play named “Living Fat,” in honor of Black History Month. He was a resident in the City of North Chicago. The event would be held on February 21, 2025. He emphasized the need to support the community and youth, all proceeds would be provided to the youth. He could also provide the needed transportation. He explained tickets were $10 which included a soul food style meal. He was trying to allow residents to enjoy the show. He urged to sponsor someone if unable to attend. The Mayor stated he would attend the performance. The flyer would also be placed on the city website.

Alderman January questioned the date and time. Mr. Franklin reiterated the date and provided the time from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. Alderman Smith asked the location to acquire the tickets. Mr. Franklin explained information on flyers or in the school auditorium.

Alderman Coleman clarified there were many seniors in his ward that supported the youth and viceversa. He would donate $100-$200 to the North Chicago Highschool for Mr. Franklin’s organization.

VII. REGULAR AGENDA

7-1 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF APPROVAL OF THE IGA WITH IL DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY, LAKE COUNTY SMC AND THE CITY OF NORTH CHICAGO FOR LEWIS AVE. DETENTION BASIN PHASE I & II PROJECTS (PENDING ATTORNEY APPROVAL)

Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to approve the IGA with IL Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Lake County SMC and City of North Chicago for Lewis Ave. Detention Basin Phase I & II Projects (Pending Attorney Approval).

Alderman Smith questioned clarification with “Pending Attorney Approval?” The Mayor explained to ensure it was o.k.

Alderman January disagreed with the pending attorney approval. It should have been reviewed prior to approval. The council members needed to view the final agreement, so it was properly approved.

Chief of Staff Greg Jackson explained the option of tabling the item until the next meeting. Chief of Staff Jackson clarified it was just a language update and was already previously approved.

Alderman Smith asked for final document review before approval. The Mayor acknowledged it would.

Interim Public Works Director Bob Miller advised the council members that the longer approval impacted on the bidding advertisement and reiterated it was previously approved.

The delay with the project was due to the numbers not being acquired yet and costs could be additional.

Alderman Coleman asked that the department allowed adequate timing to review the documents before approval. The Mayor perceived it was already finalized and the delay was that they didn’t have the available funding. They had currently Phase I & II of $2.7 mil funding each and it was best to move forward, before the Spring season arrived.

Alderman Smith asked if language included for the minority contractors. The Mayor explained that they could always bid for the project. Attorney Simon clarified there was language that minority contractors to be included in the contract. The general contractors usually solicited subcontractors.

They would have to submit a bid. The current bid encouraged minorities, women and disabled contractors. Alderman Smith questioned if the language was specified and whether the general contractor could be held liable. Attorney Simon explained it needed to be properly documented and he elaborated further.

The Mayor added there was always an effort to hire minorities and subcontractors. He clarified they needed to apply and be qualified accordingly.

Alderman January moved, seconded by Alderman Jackson to table item 7-1 until the next meeting.

ROLL CALL TO TABLE:

Ayes: Jackson, Smith, January

Nays: Evans, Allen, Murphy (RP), Mayor Rockingham

Abstain: Coleman

Absent: None

MOTION DENIED

ROLL CALL TO APPROVE:

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

Nays: Coleman, January

Absent: None

MOTION CARRIED

7-2 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CITY BILLS

General Fund $ 275,337.43

Motor Fuel Tax Fund $ 40,325.13

Water, Sewer & Refuse Fund $ 130,842.96

Total $ 446,505.52

MOTION:

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to pay the bills of Council Run 2/17/25 in the amount of $446,505.52 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 Wednesday. She explained the balance in the Water Fund’s liquid amount of $5,077,948.99; Treasurer Vance Wyatt explained the non-liquid assets amount was $1,411,015.64 at market closing.

ROLL CALL:

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

Nays: January (RP)

Absent: None

MOTION CARRIED

VIII. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

VARIOUS CONCERNS AND COMMENTS

➢ Alderman Jackson was appreciative of the floral arrangement also for the well wishes and prayers received. The Mayor gave his condolences on his loss.

IX. ADJOURNMENT

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

MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE

The Council Meeting adjourned at 6:34 p.m.

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