Lake County Gazette

City of North Chicago Committee of the Whole met April 7

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Mayor Rockingham, Jr. called the meeting to order.

ROLL CALL:

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

Absent: None

I. DISCUSSION – FINDING AND RECOMMENDATION OF VIDEO GAMING STUDY:

Chief of Staff Greg Jackson gave a PowerPoint presentation with his findings and recommendations for a video gaming study. He discussed the (5) questions with various categories and suggested limiting or ceasing the signage appearance code etc.

The Mayor questioned advertisements and recommended sign reviews suggesting decals vs. signage limitation which impacted the property value.

Alderman January appreciated the information and recommendations. She agreed with limitations.

North Chicago was becoming saturated and there was a reduction in revenue. There was enough gaming and alcohol. Chief of Staff explained.

Alderman Evans was directed by Chief of Staff where in the budget was his information he questioned.

He suggested it was in the monthly budget report.

Alderman January asked that the casino was a separate line item.

Alderman Coleman noticed the 2nd Ward had primary gaming vs. the other wards. Could for future use limit (1) Video Gaming parlor located on Sheridan Rd. Chief of Staff explained he envisioned an ordinance format with primary and secondary video gaming suggesting established parameters with businesses and video gaming parlors. Alderman Coleman agreed with the Mayor on decals.

In the study, there was no correlation to criminal activity with video gaming parlors. He would confer with legal. Alderman Coleman agreed with the decals vs. signage. With primary gaming, he requested lower light density. The Chief of Staff agreed.

The Mayor echoed the sentiments of Alderman January for the Chief of Staff’s presentation.

Item I will be placed on the next Council Agenda, April 20, 2025

II. DISCUSSION – RENEW/EXTENSION OF INTERDEV MANAGED IT SERVICES

AGREEMENT NOT TO EXCEED $356,592 (THREE YEARS)

The Chief of Staff requested to table Item II. There was language needed to incorporate into the agreement.

III. DISCUSSION – BUY LOCAL CAMPAIGN:

Hombre Darby Community Information Coordinator explained the Buy Local campaign. He stated the benefits to buy local and named them. The studies indicated that expenditures in the local communities could increase to 25% when expenditures of local businesses. He suggested a Buy Local campaign discussing with the Economic & Community Development Director the methods of retaining the expenditures within the community. Suggested a campaign or educating the public. 

Alderman Jackson suggested advertisement of buying local, online with alternative methods of branding.

Alderman January suggested highlighting the local businesses on a monthly basis. Mr. Darby stated he had highly considered it. Mr. Wegrzyn clarified the core components advertising the local businesses monthly alternating to the social network which was unique to the community. Inviting the aldermen who had less businesses for the great opportunity for its establishments and the City for the vision and exposure.

IV. DISCUSSION OF 7TH WARD REPRESENTATION:

Forrestal Village had given notice to non-military affiliated civilians residing in the subdivision, that they wouldn’t be renewing the leases. This displacement would impact the incumbent alderperson and Alderman – elect. It has been an increased demand for housing by active military personnel. The vacating deadline would be for non-affiliated civilians by early Fall.

Attorney Silverman gave options including redistricting or redrawing the ward boundaries; at-large alderperson representing primarily the military ward and reducing the number of wards. There would require a change in the form of government resulting in a referendum if decided to reduce wards.

Alderman Smith moved, seconded by Alderman Murphy that Committee of the Whole stand adjourned.

MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE

The meeting adjourned at 10:18 p.m.

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