Lake County Gazette

City of North Chicago Human Resources Committee met June 2

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Alderman Murphy called the meeting to order.

ROLL CALL:

Present: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen, Wray, Murphy, Brooks

Absent: None

I. DISCUSSION OF AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE COMPENSATION OF NONREPRESENTED OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES IN THE CITY OF NORTH CHICAGO FOR THE PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT FROM MAY 1, 2025 THROUGH APRIL 30, 2026:

Human Resources Director Liz Black explained the City Salary Ordinance for period of employment May 1, 2025 through April 30, 2026.

Mrs. Black stated the following revisions to the City Salary Ordinance and Salary Schedule for FY 2026 with recommendations:

➢ Title change of the Financial Analyst to Senior Accountant – Pay Grade A-18 only revision was the job title and better reflecting the scope of responsibilities and changing demands of the role.

Alderman Evans questioned clarification of the title change. Mrs. Black explained that the Comptroller requested the change to clearly reflect the job responsibilities. He asked through what sources the position would be hired. Mrs. Black explained the position would be hired by the City.

➢ The Job Reclassification with Building Inspections Manager from Pay Grade A-19 – A-26 to better align resources within the Department to focus development priorities. Anticipated a $42k savings with transition.

➢ Job Reclassification of Human Resources Director from Pay Grade A-25 to A-26. The move would help to ensure sustained growth and maintain competitive compensation within the role. supporting the role’s long-term contributions to City’s strategic goals.

Alderman Coleman questioned the pay grade increase for the Human Resources Director. Mrs. Black explained it was based on the compensation study conducted. The recommendation was to reclassify the position higher to another pay grade (A-26) allowing additional growth.

He questioned if a pay raise was included and its amount Mrs. Black acknowledged there was a step increase of $2,800.

Alderman Allen questioned raise to her job based on performance. She started being evaluated annually and met with the supervisor meeting the goal expectations. He asked if she exceeded the expectations.

Attorney Silverman clarified that the performance of employees was reserved for the Executive Session. Chief of Staff Jackson explained there were benchmarks, and he met with Mrs. Black on a regular basis.

Alderman Murphy questioned job classification clarity, vs. who held it and their role. Needed to view the individual performance of the person who held the position.

Alderman Coleman asked additional job duties and the maximum level. Ms. Black stated the level was up to Step 10; $123,000 to $149,000. Currently for Grade A-25; $136,409.

Treasurer Vance Wyatt asked how the raise would impact the Cost of Living. Mrs. Black explained it would be the same amount of 3.25% included with the salary increase.

Alderman Coleman asked if could place on hold the raise at the next Council Agenda. Chair Murphy clarified needed a general consensus from the council. Treasurer Wyatt explained the council didn’t agree with the payroll and was his understanding, there was no deadline for its approval. He was unsure if it needed to be filed with the County within a specific date.

The Mayor added that Mrs. Black has been in her position for (9) years and she has proven herself, qualified, independent, reviews the appraisals. He asked Council not to place a hold on the H.R. position.

Alderman Coleman asked to be financially transparent with the budget. Alderman Murphy requested to be placed Item I at the next Council Agenda, June 16, 2025.

Alderman Evans questioned discipline follow-up with the employees; Mrs. Black explained each situation was different. The Supervisor addressed the needed advice that would be provided.

Alderman Evans clarified wording if the supervisor provided the needed documents for disciplining

the employee was that followed through or not. The Mayor chimed in that Mrs. Black would recommend provisions accordingly.

Alderman Evans stated an employee was written for disciplinary action taken and why it was declined from the Human Resources Department. Mrs. Black strongly stated it depended on the severity of the issue, and she elaborated further.

Alderman Jackson left at 6:56 p.m.

Alderman Brooks moved, seconded by Alderman Wray that Human Resources stand adjourned.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Jackson, Coleman, Evans, Allen, Wray, Murphy, Brooks

Nays: None

Absent: None

The meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m.

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