Lake County Gazette

City of North Chicago Committee of the Whole met May 19

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Mayor Rockingham, Jr. called the meeting to order.

ROLL CALL:

Present: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen, Wray, Murphy (RP), Brooks

Absent: None

I. DISCUSSION OF DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REPORTS:

➢ Economic Development ➢ Police

➢ Engineer – no report ➢ Public Works

➢ Finance Budget Report ➢ Treasurer – no report

➢ Fire ➢ Water

➢ Human Resources

There was no discussion. The City Clerk noted that the Treasurer was not going to be in attendance and that is why he did not submit a report.

II. DISCUSSION – ANNUAL REVIEW OF INTERDEV INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES:

Chief of Staff Greg Jackson explained there were performance reviews with other contractors.

He was asking for an annual review with InterDev Information Technology Services. This was requested by one of the council members (Evans).

The Mayor suggested that staff properly documented any issues and sent them to the I.T. Department.

Alderman Evans clarified that tickets would be reported to Council monthly also.

III. DISCUSSION OF ENGAGEMENT AGREEMENT WITH KEVIN RIGGS CONSULTING GROUP FOR GOVERNMENT RELATIONS:

The Chief of Staff urged council members for lobbyists. 2026 budget included lobbyists. He provided history that the consulting groups were established in Springfield, IL and a minority company. The amount was $60,000 for (2) Kevin Riggs and Frank Bass lobbyists.

Alderman Allen asked if they don’t produce at least $60k in grants would the City be refunded. Chief Jackson said that it couldn’t be a requirement but could be evaluated on performance. Alderman Brooks clarified the $60,000 was for both lobbyists; Chief Jackson agreed.

The Mayor added they were very knowledgeable.

Senate Bill 2264

Chief of Staff Greg Jackson noted that Home Rule authority would be taken upon approval of Senate Bill 2264 Crime Free Housing. The City would no longer have authority for nuisance enforcement.

The Senate suggests that it’s discriminatory and could be used against landlords. He noted that the City was able to use nuisance laws to handle current criminal situations. It was on the 3rd reading. Mayor Rockingham invited the Council to contact Senator Adrianne Johnson.

Alderman Evans asked what the City could do if the bill were to pass. Chief Jackson said other methods would have to take place. Alderman Murphy clarified that some of the tactics used to handle issues with Brookstone would be lost; Chief Jackson concurred. 

Kevin Riggs (lobbyists) suggested that the Council send bullet points directly to him and he would forward them to Senator Johnson the following day. He further stated that the lobbyists could contact people in the House to possibly prefile the bill to force a negotiation.

Attorney Silverman explained that the 3rd reading was established for May 23rd. It was going through legislative processes. Alderman Coleman appreciated enthusiasm of the lobbyists.

Alderman Jackson moved, seconded by Alderman Allen that the Committee of the Whole stand adjourned.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen, Wray, Murphy (RP), Brooks

Nays: None

Absent: None

The meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m.

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