Lake County Gazette

City of North Chicago City Council met April 7

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

I. CALL TO ORDER

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

III. INVOCATION

Alderman January entered the Council Chambers after Invocation at 6:03 p.m.

IV. ROLL CALL

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

Present: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January

Absent: None

V. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA

5-1 Approval of Minutes for Regular Council Meeting, March 17, 2025

5-2 Approval of Standing Committee Meeting Minutes, March 17, 2025

5-3 Approval of Treasurer’s Report – February 2025

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy

Nays: January

Absent: None

MOTION CARRIED

VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Charlotte Burns

She was appreciative for the service and named the Aldermen involved: Coleman, Evans, Allen and January

➢ Housing concern in the 2nd Ward

➢ Worked at the Kukla Towers and problems when dispatched; concerned of lives

➢ Her family owned much land and suggested a moratorium with the landowner. Felt her family should have input with how the land is used.

➢ Concerned with Health Care Workers fearing to assist due to drugs and crime issues at that Kukla Towers. She clarified she was accompanied by the State Police in other areas. The landline phones were operating only on one side of the building and were highly concerned. Emergency response should be in every unit.

Charles January Jr.

He acknowledged his wife with her term of 12 years as an Alderman. He announced since 2017 that Woodland Apartments would be acquired by Rosalind Franklin; because the method of how it was handled, there was no citizen input. The system needed to change and there needed more transparency in the City. He disagreed the Mayor should be praying and directed it to the aldermen or pastor. There was a possibility of a ward reduction; the Mayor was a good person though not in the position as a Mayor, no benefit to the town. He disagreed with paying $180,000 to one person’s salary and the average citizen in North Chicago does not earn $60,000.

Elaine Collins

She thanked Mrs. Donna Kalinoski, she felt Ms. Kalinoski deserved a referendum to celebrate her. She welcomed those to attend her prayer meeting, April 26, at her home 45 S. Spruce Dr; 6 p.m.; she encouraged all to attend.

Carmecia Hawthorn

Ms. Hawthorn was present to spread cheer and joy with the following:

➢ Easter Egg Hunt – April 12th for the children and Adult

➢ Lake County Girls Flag Football Clinic – April 5th; 12-2:30 p.m. (Sponsored by the Chicago Bears)

➢ Spring Junior Golf

➢ Chicago style stepping classes

➢ Eagles Martial Arts

➢ Boots Up Line dance; started March 31st 6:00 p.m.

➢ Cheerleading

VII. REGULAR AGENDA

7-1 CONSIDERATION/RATIFICATION OF A PROCLAMATION DECLARING APRIL MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD

Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman January to approve

Consideration/Ratification of a Proclamation Declaring April Month of the Military Child.

City Clerk Lori Collins read the Proclamation. Alderman January clarified commitment supporting the military community as it was difficult for the child.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January

Nays: None

Absent: None

MOTION CARRIED

7-2 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF 3100 SKOKIE HWY – ORDINANCE APPROVING AMENDMENT TO SPECIAL USE PERMIT, PLAT OF VACATION AND FINAL PLAT OF RESUBDIVISION

Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to approve the respective items as presented

Economic & Community Development Director Taylor Wegrzyn explained that the attorney had reviewed item 7-2. There were several corrections though the substance remained the same. He noted that the changes were for Compass Travel Center (part of Bonaparte and merging several properties to 1)

Alderman Smith asked if there taxing would be different because the number of properties was decreasing; would they be paying less. Mr. Wegrzyn explained that it would be 1 tax parcel, but the formal is based on the value of the property.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January

Nays: None

Absent: None

MOTION CARRIED

7-3 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION FOR 2025 CDBG PUBLIC FUNDS

Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to approve the Resolution for 2025 CDBG Funds.

Mr. Wegrzyn explained based on previous discussion; the amounts were changed. The changes reflected an increase in businesses physically located in North Chicago.

Mayor Rockingham explained Alderman Coleman for the idea to gear more funding to agencies in North Chicago; Youthbuild. Alderman Coleman thanked his fellow aldermen for the support.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy

Nays: January

Absent: None

MOTION CARRIED

7-4 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CITY BILLS

Motor Fuel Tax Fund $ 1,363.05

Capital Projects Fund $ 48,030.04

Water, Sewer & Refuse Fund $ 1,377,670.31

Retiree Premium Fund $ 15,700.30

Library Fund $ 7,123.80

Total $ 119.00

$ 2,019,250.66

Special Bills $ 650.00

$ 1,451.50

TOTAL WITH SPECIAL $ 2,021,352.16

MOTION:

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to pay the bills of Council Run 4/7/25 (including 2 Special Run) in the amount of $2,021,352.16 when funds become available.

Alderman January asked if there were sufficient funds, when checks would be cut and sent, including amount in Liquid Water Fund. Comptroller Tawanda Joyner answered that there were sufficient funds available, checks to be sent Wednesday. She explained the balance in the Water Fund’s liquid amount of $3,444,239.40; Treasurer Vance Wyatt explained the non-liquid assets amount was $1,300,925.90 at market closing.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy

Nays: January

Absent: None

MOTION CARRIED

VIII. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

Alderman Evans asked to work in union with the Chairman of the Committees and he stated that North Chicago was a great City.

Alderman Allen announced April 26th at 11:00 a.m. 4th Ward Meeting he announced a new business opened; Mia’s Pancake House & Grill.

IX. EXECUTIVE SESSION

9-1 Executive Session 5 ILCS 120 2 (c) (7) – Sale or Purchase of Securities, investments or investment contracts 2 (c) (11) / Imminent Litigation / 2(c)(29) – Auditing Matters Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Murphy to suspend the Regular Order of Business at 6:33 p.m. to Executive Session 5 ILCS 120 2 (c)(7) – Sale or Purchase of Securities, investments or investment contracts / 2 (c) (11) – Imminent Litigation and 2 (c)(29) – Auditing Matters.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen, Smith, Murphy, January

Nays: None

Absent: None

MOTION CARRIED

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Smith to resume the Regular Order of Business at 7:43 p.m.

MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE

X. ADJOURNMENT

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

MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE

The Council Meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m.

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