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Monday, May 19, 2025

Waukegan Port District Board met April 21

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Waukegan Port District Board met April 21.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

The following Board members were present: 

Gene Bach, Member and Historian 

Tom Evers, Member and Secretary 

Joe Legat, Member 

Billy McCaffrey, Member 

Greg Petry, Member 

Ben Veal, Member 

Grant Farrell, Board Chairman 

The following Officer was present 

Bob Hamilton, Treasurer 

District Counsel Peter Friedman 

Members of the Port District Staff present: 

Alain Giudice, Founders 3, Senior VP Marina Division 

Rick Taig, F3 Airport, Director of Operations 

Erika Krivitz, Founders 3, Manager of Accounting & Finance, Marina Division 

Skip Goss, F3 Airport, General Manager/Director, Airport 

Patrick Lutker, F3 Deputy Director, Airport 

Joe Seidelmann, F3 Marina, General Manager, Harbor 

Mary McCarthy, F3 Marina, Staff Accountant 

Cathy Smith, F3 Airport, Administrative Director 

Mary Louise Schram, F3 Airport, Governmental Affairs & WPD Board Liaison 

• Call to Order Chairman Farrell called the meeting to order at 4:00 PM.

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance

General Counsel's Comments on OMA and the Governor's Executive Orders

• Chairman Remarks – Grant Farrell Chairman Farrell welcomed Board Members, guests, and members of the public to the meeting. The Chairman reviewed his participation in WPD related meetings. The Chairman thanked Mr. Veal for his continued participation in the Management Meetings and invited Board members to let him know if they would like to participate. Chairman Farrell stated that he would review the possibility of returning to in person Board meetings for next month.

F3 Remarks - none

Public Comment - none

Treasurer's Report

Mr. Hamilton reported that the Committee recommends Board approval of the March 2021 electronic transfers and check register. Mr. Hamilton stated that he and the staff accountant continue to monitor the Harbor cash position to avoid the need to access a bridge loan.

Consent Agenda

April 21, 2021, Regular Board Meeting Minutes April 2021, Electronic Transfer and Check Approval

April 2021, Financials

2021-R-08, Approving Appointment of Manager of Accounting and Finance and Approval of Bank Privileges 2021-R-09, Resolution Adopting an Investment Policy (amends 2018-R-02) 2021-R-17, Approving Sign for Abbott at WCAF

Mr. Bach requested 2021-R-08 be removed from the Consent Agenda to allow discussion.

Motion by Mr. Bach, second by Mr. McCaffrey: To establish the Consent Agenda

Discussion - none

On the following roll call vote, the Chairman declared the motion carried:

Aye: Mr. Bach, Mr. Evers, Mr. Legat, Mr. McCaffrey, Mr. Petry, Mr. Veal 

No: none 

Absent: none 

Abstain: none

Motion by Mr. McCaffrey, second by Mr. Veal:

To approve the items on the Consent Agenda

Discussion - none

On the following roll call vote, the Chairman declared the motion carried:

Aye: Mr. Bach, Mr. Evers, Mr. Legat, Mr. McCaffrey, Mr. Petry, Mr. Veal

No: none

Absent: none

Abstain: none

Agenda

2021-R-08, Approving Appointment of Manager of Accounting and Finance and Approval of Bank Privileges

Motion by Mr. Bach, second by Mr. Petry:

To approve 2021-R-08, a Resolution Approving Appointment of Manager of Accounting and Finance and Approval of Bank Privileges

Discussion - The Board members discussed the authorization requirements for bank accounts. Mr. Friedman will look at the F3 agreement to report on F3's bonding and indemnification requirements.

On the following roll call vote, the Chairman declared the motion carried:

Aye: Mr. Bach, Mr. Evers, Mr. Legat, Mr. McCaffrey, Mr. Petry, Mr. Veal 

No: none 

Absent: none 

Abstain: none

Ad Hoc Committee Reports -- none

The Chairman requested the meeting proceed with the Airport Remarks before the Harbor Remarks.

Airport General Manager Remarks (operations/status)

Mr. Goss reported that the fuel sales are down 8% over the prior year's sales. He described the ARFF dedication and thanked the Mayor, Waukegan Fire Department Chief, the UGN tenants, and Chairman Farrell for their public/private partnership and support in bringing the ARFF to the field. UGN will have ARFF protection for the next twenty years. Mr. Goss extended his comments regarding the benefits that the Airport provides the region, including medivac flights, emergency access/relief, temporary facilities for the County, and overall the Airport provides excellent value to the community. Mr. Goss reported that Raven has moved to UGN from Midway, Mr. Goss stated that the Northern Illinois Airshow is planning an event for September 11, 2021. Mr. Goss recognized the progress of the Customs Building and hopes for dedication in late June. Mr. Goss reported that he would be coordinating letters to landowners, agencies, and elected officials in the near future. The $25 million Rebuild Illinois grant to the Airport iş secure, but completing the EA is required before the Airport can access the funds.

Mr. Louden reviewed 2021-R-19, and there were no questions from the Board.

2021-R-19 Approving Amendment No 2 to CMT Consultant Services Agreement (2018-R-14)

Motion by Mr. Evers, second by Mr. Bach: To approve 2021-R-19, a Resolution Approving Amendment No 2 to CMT Consultant Services Agreement (2018-R-14)

Discussion -none

On the following roll call vote, the Chairman declared the motion carried:

Aye: Mr. Bach, Mr. Evers, Mr. Legat, Mr. McCaffrey, Mr. Petry, Mr. Veal 

No: none 

Absent: none 

Abstain: none

Harbor General Manager Remarks (operations/status) Mr. Seidelmann stated that the slip occupancy is at 90% of projections with 69 new boaters, approximately 100 boaters ahead of the same period last year. He stated that he expected to exceed last year's occupancy, Mr. Seidelmann reported that seasonal preparations have begun with some unexpected repairs. Mr. Seidelmann stated that he received three quotes for the replacement fuel tanks, which were lower than expected, primarily due to features included in the 2009 replacement. Mr. Seidelmann stated that he would write an RFP for the fuel tank replacement and ensure that the specs meet the 2028 requirements. Mr. Bach asked to assist with writing the RFP. Mr. Seidelmann is targeting fall of 2022 or 2023 for the replacement tank installation. Mr. Seidelmann reported on the status of the NSG cleanup. Mr. Seidelmann described the DCEO grant and added that he is working with Edgewater Resources on the application. A weather front camera will go live shortly, and reports will be given on WGN. Mr. Seidelmann described the Earth Day cleanup event at the Harbor and invited Board members to attend.

Review and Discuss Restaurant Proposal from Waukegan Yacht Club for 199 Harbor Place Discussions with WYC continued, but no proposal or business plan has been presented that would allow a Board vote. The WYC has not returned a signed license to WPD to continue to use the building, and Mr. Seidelmann will follow up with the Commodore. Chairman Farrell noted that while WPD continues to support WYC's efforts, other organizations have expressed interest in the building,

Review and Discuss Letter from Bay Marine Regarding Construction/Development Mr. Matt Felhofer presented four slides to the Board to describe his proposed expansion plans. Following the presentation, Board members reviewed the history of Bay Marine's move to the Waukegan Harbor. Mr. Felhofer stated that Bay Marine would like to consider expansion but only wants to proceed if he has sufficient Board support. The building proposed in the expansion would be smaller and shorter than the current building, and there would be little impact on the view of the horizon from the upper bluff. The Board discussed past and present plans. Mr. Felhofer was asked to provide additional information to WPD.

2021-R-18, Approving IGA with the Waukegan Fire Department to Provide Boat Slip

Motion by Mr. McCaffrey, second by Mr. Petry:

To approve 2021-R-18, a Resolution Approving IGA with the Waukegan Fire Department to provide Boat Slip

Discussion - Mr. Seidelmann stated that this is a cooperative effort between the City of Waukegan, the Lake County Sheriff's office, and the Waukegan Port District. Mr. Seidelmann reported that by mooring the rescue boat in the Harbor, response time would be dramatically improved, saving lives.

On the following roll call vote, the Chairman declared the motion carried:

Aye: Mr. Bach, Mr. Evers, Mr. Legat, Mr. McCaffrey, Mr. Petry, Mr. Veal 

No: none 

Absent: none 

Abstain: none

Closed Session - none

Board Comments

The Board members requested Mr. Felhofer return with an outline of the next steps represented on a timeline.

Chairman Farrell will assign an Ad Hoc Committee to the Bay Marinę matter.

Chairman Farrell reminded the Board and Staff members that materials must be submitted to the Board packet no later than the Friday before the Board meeting, adding that if the deadline is missed, the matter will be moved to the agenda for the following month.

Adjournment – 5:10 PM

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KEmR4PLt2AYm1H3BEPShEbnL9p89UADo5op-ljF2fIA/edit

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