Lake County Gazette

City of North Chicago City Council met Sept. 2

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: Jackson, Evans, Allen, Wray, Murphy Brooks

Absent: Coleman

V. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA

5-1 Approval of Minutes for Regular Council Meeting, August 18, 2025

5-2 Approval of Standing Committee Meeting Minutes, August 18, 2025

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

5-4 Approval of Professional Services Agreement Amendment to SafeBuilt

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to approve the Omnibus Vote Agenda as presented.

ROLL CALL:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Coleman

MOTION CARRIED

VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Via Zoom Misty Brown, Jennifer Gillis, Jim Pratt, Heidi Sykora, Lora Romney, Mike Fasano All participants advocated for the use/sell of whole leaf Kratom and gave their testimony. They used whole leaf Kratom to manage chronic pain and were not advocating for synthetic Kratom.

Levon Abington

He suggested that landowners be allowed to build a garage that fits the lot. He stated that North Chicago had the lowest property value of the local area and should not require a sprinkler system.

It was too costly to install a sprinkler system, and many investors did not want to build in North Chicago for that reason.

Carmecia Hawthorne

Announced the end of summer celebration Thursday, September 4, 2025. There will be a Halloween gathering on October 24th and the 29th Trail of Treats at Twin City Park.

Vastoria Parker

Welcomed the newly elected official. She further commended Alderman Evans and his work in the community; thanked Public Works for tree pruning. She was concerned with garbage and appearance of the Dollar General Store on Lewis Ave. and Martin Luther King Dr. It was affecting her home and attracted rodents.

VII. REGULAR AGENDA

7-1 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF REQUEST FOR RATE INCREASE (ANCEL GLINK LEGAL SERVICES)

Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to Consider request for rate increase (Ancel Glink Legal Services). Alderman Jackson asked if the motion was to approve the proposed rate vs. the passthrough rate. The Mayor acknowledged that it was. Alderman Evans questioned why there were several attorneys assigned to North Chicago. Attorney Silverman explained that the 3 attorneys usually assigned to North Chicago were well versed with the City issues and know how to address them. The firm had 45 attorneys in total; there were other attorneys that specialized in other areas.

Alderman Evans asked why couldn’t (1) be assigned for the Council Meetings. Attorney Silverman said it was typically either he or Attorney Adam Simon. He noted that it was not that only 1 could be assigned but felt it was better service with multiple attorneys. It would be discussed and taken under advisement to have 1.

Alderman Evans requested that Council be given a monthly report and itemized charges. Attorney Silverman said he would work with the Chief of Staff to provide information.

Alderman Evans asked how much over the current rate was being requested. Attorney Silverman explained $210 current / request $240 for partners, $200 current / request $220 for associates, and $130 current / request $140 for paralegals.

Alderman Brooks clarified that it was possible to have 1 attorney assigned.

Alderman Evans noted that his initial motion was to only consider. Attorney Silverman clarified the intention and explained the motion should include the approval of proposed rates.

Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Wray to Consider and Approve request for the Proposed Rate Increases and further review for one attorney.

ROLL CALL:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Coleman

MOTION CARRIED

7-2 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF SHERIDAN CROSSING SOIL REMEDIATION PROJECT AWARD TO FREE FLOW 200 AND TERRA BOND NOT TO EXCEED $1,194,970

Alderman Evans moved, seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the Sheridan

Crossing Soil Remediation Project Award to Free Flow 200 and Terra Bond not to

exceed $1,194,970.

ROLL CALL:

Ayes: Evans, Allen, Wray, Murphy, Brooks

Nays: Jackson

Absent: Coleman

MOTION CARRIED

7-3 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CITY BILLS

General Fund $ 439,789.58

Motor Fuel Tax Fund $ 13,175.58

Capital Projects Fund $ 34,568.87

Water, Sewer, & Refuse Fund $ 315,993.80

Retiree Premium Fund $ 18,463.67

Library Fund $ 546.17

$ 822,537.67

Special - Reimbursement Carl Sturt $ 1,771.52

$ 824,309.19

MOTION:

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to pay the Regular bills of Council Run 9/2/25 in the amount of $822,537.67 and Special Bills: $1,771,52 = $824,309.19 when funds become available.

ROLL CALL:

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

Nays: None

Absent: Coleman

MOTION CARRIED

VIII. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

ANNOUNCEMENTS/COMMENTS

➢ Alderman Brooks announced 7th Ward Meeting, September 6th in the Council Chambers; everyone was welcome to attends

➢ Alderman Evans announced 3rd Ward Meeting, September 13th at Neal Math and Science. There would also be a tour. He reminded everyone to participate in the food trucks at City Hall the 2nd Thursday of the month

➢ Mayor Rockingham, Jr. announced the kickoff of Sheridan Crossing September 5th at 1 p.m. in conjunction with Lake County. He also acknowledged that there were 5 new officers in the police academy. He was hopeful for them to join the North Chicago Police Department. Alderman Brooks noted that at least one of the officers was from North Chicago

IX. ADJOURNMENT

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

MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE

Alderman Coleman was absent.

The Council Meeting adjourned at 6:54 p.m.

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