City of Waukegan City Council met Aug. 7.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The Council of the City of Waukegan met in regular session on Monday, August 07, 2023 at 7:16 PM
City Council Chambers, City Hall. 100 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, Waukegan. Mayor; Ann B. Taylor, City Clerk; Janet E. Kilkelly, City Treasurer; Dr. John R. Schwab, & Corporation Counsel; Kelley A. Gandurski, were present.
1. Opening Items
Procedural: A. Roll Call
PRESENT: Ald Donnenwirth, Ald Florian, Ald Hayes, Ald Bolton, Ald Guzman, Ald Martinez, Ald Felix, Ald Newsome, Ald Turner.
ABSENT: None.
Procedural: B. Invocation by Pastor Doug Carlson Ed. ( Grace Missionary Church) / Pledge of Allegiance
Procedural: C. Mayor's Comments - At this time, Mayor Taylor shared her comments.
2. Resolutions/Proclamations/Presentations/Appointments
Action: A. Motion by Ald Turner, second by Ald Newsome to approve Resolution 23-R-231 Honoring Former Alderman Lawrence V. TenPas
AYE: Ald Donnenwirth, Ald Florian, Ald Hayes, Ald Bolton, Ald Guzman, Ald Martinez, Ald Felix, Ald Newsome, Ald Turner.
NAY: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MOTION APPROVED
Action: B. Motion by Ald Turner, second by Ald Donnenwirth to approve Resolution 23-R-232 Honoring Former Mayor Wayne Motley
AYE: Ald Donnenwirth, Ald Florian, Ald Hayes, Ald Bolton, Ald Guzman, Ald Martinez, Ald Felix, Ald Newsome, Ald Turner.
NAY: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MOTION APPROVED
Presentation: C. Proclamation - Civility Pledge – Mayor Taylor invited those participating in signing the Civility Pledge, to come forward and join her in signing the pledge.
Ald Guzman asked Mayor Taylor if Audience Time can be moved before the Special Order of Business. Mayor Taylor stated that the Special Order of Business will take place before Audience Time, as questions may be answered for audience members after the Special Order of Business.
3. Special Order of Business
Information: A. September 17, 2023 Special Event Permits - Motion by Ald Martinez, second by Ald Newsome to open the Special Order of Business, item 3. A. at 7:39 PM. Roll Call Vote to Open Special Order of Business:
AYE: Ald Donnenwirth, Ald Florian, Ald Hayes, Ald Bolton, Ald Guzman, Ald Martinez, Ald Felix, Ald Newsome, Ald Turner.
NAY: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
Please note, the entirety of the Special Order of Business regarding the September 17, 2023 Special Event Permits, is available for review on the city’s ‘WaukeganTV’ Youtube Page, beginning at 2:47:54, and concluding at 3:12:55. Comments/questions from Alderpersons were answered by the appropriate City of Waukegan staff. Presenting from the City of Waukegan were Finance Coordinator Carlos Parada (speaking) and Finance Manager Shaun N. D. Nunag (slide show presentation).
Special Order of Business concluded at 8:04 PM.
Before entering Audience Time, Ald. Turner raised concerns regarding the camera not being positioned at the audience members. Mayor Taylor cited new camera equipment that is being revamped. Ald Turner disagreed, sharing his comment. Clerk Kilkelly added a comment before beginning Audience Time, stating the equipment is the same.
4. Audience Time
Oscar Zapeda: He spoke about Fiesta Padres parade and shared his opinion regarding Ms. Margaret Carrasco’s character. He spoke about certain members of the City Council who used poor judgement bringing the parade permit item back. He continued to share his comments on his efforts for the parade and stated that he is here to do well for the community and explained the structure of the overall parade.
Guillemo Lopez: Shared that he is here tonight to represent the troops of the parade said he not affiliated with anyone. They are bringing forward their concerns to unionize the committee. Shared his comments, including the two licenses on the screen which he states segregates the groups. Shared that there is no unionization happening and spoke on Public Safety Concerns. Shared that he hears comments from people outside of ‘his’ community. Commented on the city allowing ‘60’ participants per parade, not allowing horses in the parade and how it has not been an issue in the past.
Haloid Lopez: Shared his comments regarding the Fiesta Patrias parade, including all his efforts since starting with the organization in 1988, citing many who’ve made these efforts possible from Tonatico.
Pastor Jesus Gerena: Shared his comments regarding Fiesta Patrias parade. Shared that he was shocked to hear the expectation of only 60 people per parade when the community is made up of mostly Latino residents. He shared that we need to be united, and that the division is evil. Shared that we have a beautiful community here and we are looking at the wrong numbers and we need to reconsider.
Angel Lopez: From Angel’s Boxing Academy. 45 kids will be attending the parade in efforts of ‘Guns Down, Gloves Up’. Came to let the community know that he knows and understands the community, especially the one he is trying to build.He encouraged everyone to make good choices and show the kids.
Rayon Edwards: Attended tonight’s meeting with disappointment. Called out Ald Guzman and Ald Felix and told them to be ready to help the black community. Told all the aldermen to do their homework before coming to the meetings. Spoke about Antmound, directed comments to the Mayor about not treating everyone the same. Stated that Mayor allegedly did not comment on the Black Expo or shared that information with residents during her comments about this event. Spoke about Public Safety, kids being killed, vendor payments increasing and department heads not living in town.
Clyde McLemore: Black Lives Matter Lake County. Commended the Black People of Montgomery Alabama for their efforts. Spoke about the Chamber item on Old Business, regarding rent of $10.00 a year and questioned if Mayor will also rent space for the black and Hispanic chambers. Shared that the Mayor changed her office toilet, as he believes she didn’t want to sit where a black man once sat. Shared information from his July 13 FOIA request regarding bill run. Encouraged Alderpersons to stop voting for the bill run without investigating what they are approving and cited some of the concerns he found. He again, shared that Black people showed what we can do, speaking about Montgomery AL.
Liz Delgado: Fiestas Patrias Pageant Director. Invited everyone in Lake County to participate in the 2023 Gala Event and shared information. Provided Phone# 224.237.8997
Mariana Campos: Shared that she is excited to be participating in all of the upcoming festivities. Shared the timeline for all the events taking place on Sep 1, Sep 8, and Sep 15 and its requirements.
Margaret Carrasco: She gathered people who will be participating on the Fiestas Patrias event. She spoke about requesting a detailed invoice regarding her permit payment. She shared the Illinois State Law regarding having horses. She addressed Mayor Taylor and told her to stop being racist and corrupted. Lastly, she spoke about stopping payment for Puro Futbol and requested the council to cancel the permit for Puro Futbol.
Brother Blanks: B.A.M.M. Spoke about declining proposal Waukegan fire hydrant proposal. Spoke about real police accountability, public safety, police brutality, public trust and more. Shared that these efforts regarding police accountability are well overdue and much needed within the City of Waukegan. Looks forward hearing from the council members and putting a committee/team together.
Carolina Fabian: Shared her comments of support for Puro Futbol’s application for the Fiesta Patrias Parade, citing her reasoning. She spoke about the Fiestas Patrias appeal from last meeting regarding permit application. Commended Ald Florian and Ald Hayes for voting against the permit.
5. Consent Agenda (Items under the Consent Agenda are considered routine and/or non-controversial and will be approved by one motion. If any one board member wishes to have a separate vote on any item, it will be pulled from the Consent Agenda and voted on separately) Motion by Ald Turner, second by Ald Martinez to approve Consent Agenda items 5. A - D.
Action (Consent): A. Motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes from Monday, July 17, 2023
Action (Consent): B. Motion to approve Regular Payroll dated July 28, 2023 in the total amount of $1,849,266.81.
Action (Consent): C. Motion to approve Misc. Payroll (PD HBB & CT Cashout, Final Payouts, Retro Pay) dated July 28, 2023 in the total amount of $80,058.71.
Action (Consent): D. Motion to approve vendor payments dated August 7, 2023 in the amount of $3,118,859.50.
Ald Guzman asked for clarification on item 5. C. Mayor Taylor provided clarification. Ald Florian provided clarification on comments made by Mr. McLemore during Audience Time, in reference to the couch and refrigerator. Mayor Taylor provided further clarification, stating the items are for the ‘employee room’ next to the ‘mother’s room’. Mayor Taylor further stated this is not a time for discussion with the audience, and that the furniture is in the ‘employee room’, not in her office, etc.
Consent Agenda Vote:
AYE: Ald Donnenwirth, Ald Florian, Ald Hayes, Ald Bolton, Ald Guzman, Ald Martinez, Ald Felix, Ald Newsome, Ald Turner.
NAY: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MOTION APPROVED
6. Reports and Communication
7. Old Business
8. New Business
Action: A. Motion by Ald Newsome, second by Ald Florian Resolution Approving an Intergovernmental Agreement with Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 for Public Safety Services. This matter was presented to the Government Oversight and Operations Committee on August 7, 2023.
AYE: Ald Donnenwirth, Ald Florian, Ald Hayes, Ald Bolton, Ald Guzman, Ald Martinez, Ald Felix, Ald Newsome, Ald Turner.
NAY: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MOTION APPROVED
Action: B. Motion by Ald Turner, second by Ald Martinez to approve a Resolution approving a settlement and release of all claims for Fire Department Workers Compensation claim number 220216W006 for an amount not to exceed $55,219.16. This matter was presented to the Government Oversight & Operations Committee on August 7, 2023.
AYE: Ald Donnenwirth, Ald Florian, Ald Hayes, Ald Bolton, Ald Guzman, Ald Martinez, Ald Felix, Ald Newsome, Ald Turner.
NAY: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MOTION APPROVED
Action: C. Ordinance approving Zoning Calendar #2719, a Map Amendment (Rezone) for 2226 N. Northern Avenue from CR, Conservation/Recreation/Agriculture, to R1, Single-Family Residence. This matter was heard by the Community Development Committee on August 7, 2023.
HELD OVER IN COMMITTEE
Action: D. Motion by Ald Turner, second by Ald Bolton to approve an Ordinance approving Zoning Calendar #2720, a Conditional Use Permit for a car wash at 630 S Green Bay Road. This matter was heard by the Community Development Committee on August 7, 2023.
AYE: Ald Donnenwirth, Ald Florian, Ald Hayes, Ald Bolton, Ald Guzman, Ald Martinez, Ald Felix, Ald Newsome, Ald Turner.
NAY: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MOTION APPROVED
Action: E. Resolution Approving to deny a Lease Agreement with the Waukegan Chamber of Commerce for office space at 100 N Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. This matter was heard by the Community Development Committee on August 7, 2023.
Per Corporation Counsel Gandurski, this item did not receive a first or a second in committee, therefore, this item will stand with a negative recommendation:
Ald Newsome asked if we can hold this item over, or if Dr. Michael Reed Director of the City of Waukegan Chamber of Commerce was present. Dr. Reed was not present at this time. Corporation Counsel Gandurski asked if Ald Newsome would like to hold this item over, as presented, until the next meeting. Ald Newsome stated her reasoning for asking for Dr. Reed, to give him a chance to speak on this item, citing that the City of Waukegan Chamber has had office space in the past under prior administrations.
HELD OVER BY ALD NEWSOME, SECOND BY ALD BOLTON – HELD OVER AS PRESENTED, TO THE NEXT REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING: AUGUST 21, 2023.
Action: F. Motion by Ald Newsome, second by Ald Turner to approve a Resolution approving Change Order #2 with the Antmound Foundation per Sec. 2-458(i)(7)(Good Faith Waiver) for the Youth Fire Hydrant Restoration Program for $16,000.00. This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on August 7, 2023.
Corporation Counsel Gandurski stated this item will require a two-thirds vote. Ald Turner raised the question as to why. Corporation Counsel Gandurski cited Good Faith Waiver.
Ald Florian stated sounds like it is a good faith waiver, however Brother Blanks stated he was also offered the contract, and that it sounds like other people were asked. Mayor Taylor stated yes, and shared that his specialty is more construction and that is how they went with Antmound Foundation. Mayor Taylor shared in the future there may be more options, but at the time they did not have that when it was time to make the choice to employee youth. Mayor Taylor added the City of Waukegan did not have the ability to do all of the supervision, which Antmound was able to do.
AYE: Ald Donnenwirth, Ald Florian, Ald Hayes, Ald Bolton, Ald Guzman, Ald Martinez, Ald Felix, Ald Newsome, Ald Turner.
NAY: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MOTION APPROVED
Action: G. Motion by Ald Donnenwirth, second by Ald Bolton to approve a Resolution waiving Competitive Bidding per Sec. 2-458(i)(7)(Good Faith Waiver) for the purchase of a 2024 Kia Carnival from Classic Auto Dealer, LLC. for an amount not to exceed $38,617.26. This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on August 7, 2023.
Corporation Counsel Gandurski stated this item will require a two-thirds vote.
AYE: Ald Donnenwirth, Ald Florian, Ald Hayes, Ald Bolton, Ald Guzman, Ald Martinez, Ald Felix, Ald Newsome, Ald Turner.
NAY: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MOTION APPROVED
Action: H. Motion by Ald Martinez, second by Ald Turner to approve as amended, an Ordinance increasing the number of Class K-1 Banquet Liquor licenses by one for Salon Latino Banquet Salon LLC. d/b/a/ Salon Latino Banquet Hall at 1015 Belvidere Street. This matter was presented at the Community Development Committee on August 7, 2023.
Corporation Counsel Gandurski shared that this item was passed out of committee, as amended. She stated that this item was amended stating the applicant shall pay a fine before receiving their license. Mayor Taylor asked if we know what the amount of the fine. Ald Florian and Turner shared their understanding is that it is at the discretion of the Liquor Commissioner (Mayor). Corporation Counsel Gandurski shared what was recommend, the $750.
Ald Guzman recused himself from this item and left the room.
AYE: Ald Donnenwirth, Ald Florian, Ald Hayes, Ald Bolton, Ald Martinez, Ald Felix, Ald Turner.
NAY: Ald Newsome.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MOTION APPROVED
Action: I. Motion by Ald Turner second by Ald Bolton to approve an Ordinance increasing the number of Class C retail package sales liquor licenses by one for Bhullar Grand Corp d/b/a Grand Liquors 1328 Grand Avenue. This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on August 7, 2023.
Ald Guzman recused himself from this item and left the room.
AYE: Ald Donnenwirth, Ald Florian, Ald Hayes, Ald Bolton, Ald Martinez, Ald Felix, Ald Turner.
NAY: Ald Newsome.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
MOTION APPROVED
9. Ordinances
10. Closing Items
Alderperson Time
Ald Donnenwirth: Thanked everyone that has been calling. Able to resolve a lot of things for residents Encouraged residents to give him a call if they need assistance.
Ald Florian: Shared that she had a very successful dumpster event. Thanked Public Works for their support. Shared that she attended Touch-A-Truck as it is one of her favorite events and thanked Public Works, Police and Fire Department for their work. Shared that a meeting will take place on Aug 14 at the Waukegan City Council Chambers, regarding the allocation of casino, and marijuana tax money. Shared an article written by Steve Sadin stating that Waukegan is 1 of 13th locations in Illinois eligible for a 5 million grant used for Green Energy jobs and shared that she read another article about solar panels recycling. Spoke about CLC and Lake County Work Force Development working together for the grant, and she looks forward the employment of more people through this grant. Share Lake County Coalition for the homeless new projects through HUD. She said she wants to be part of the Waukegan Police Accountability formation.
Ald Hayes: Pass – No Comment.
Ald Bolton: Acknowledged Ray Edwards regarding an award at a recent community block party. Spoke about the Black Lives Matter Expo on Aug 19, hosted by Black Lives Matter Lake County from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM, efforts by Clyde McLemore. Stated that Trinity AME will be having their landmarking from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM the same day. Spoke about efforts at the Barwell Community. Welcome everyone to come out and engage with the youth in the community, as Xfinity will be giving away supplies Thursday, at 11:00 AM. Encouraged residents to invite her to future events. Spoke about the sunsetting of the Channel 17 Waukegan City Council Broadcasting.
Ald Guzman: Also touched base on the broadcasting concerns on Cable TV. Spoke about the carnival that took place in the 2nd ward at Keller and 120. Shared that it is a nice event to go to. Shared his concerns regarding towing in town, specifically the fees, raised concerns and asked for information. Mayor Taylor stated he can come in and ask her, as there are certain rules regarding this matter. Spoke and invited everyone to the Black Lives Matter Expo taking place Aug 19 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Bertrand Bowling. Encouraged residents to attend and make our community united. Touched base on the comments made by Brother Blanks regarding Police Accountability and shared his concerns on the matter.
Ald Martinez: Shared his sincere thanks to Pastor Doug Carlson for the invocation. Stated that the message is really needed in our community. Spoke about the 3rd Ward Clean-Up/Dumpster Drop taking place on Sat Aug 19 from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM and will take place at Weiss Field. He welcomed everyone from the community to attend and referred to the flyer in both Spanish and English. Thanked Dave Motley and Jane Ferry for their efforts regarding the flyer. Shared that we need to please be careful and mindful, as kids go to school. Shared his phone number with residents, should they need to get in contact with him. Shared the date of the Black Lives Matter Expo and invited everyone to attend. Stated that we need to represent and help each other out. Encouraged residence to be a good neighbor.
Ald Felix: Shared a few events from the week, including an event in partnership with Waukegan Township. The event was for kids from Julian Towers, took the kids to see a movie and provided them with food. Stated it was nice to get them out before school started for the year. Shared that this will be one of many events. Spoke about a Gala event that took place in partnership with Community Outreach Waukegan. Thanked everyone who came out to support. Spoke about areas that are owned by the city that currently are not being taken care of, specifically property on Washington St in the 4th Ward. Shared that he had a conversation with COS Bridges Jr regarding this matter. He shared that people need to stop calling each other out instead, have communication with each other to resolve any issues.
Ald Newsome: Shared that she will be having her 5th Ward Clean-Sweep at Greenwood and Delaware from 8:00 AM to 12:00 Noon on Sat, Aug 26. Encouraged residents to call should they have any questions, 847-390-2691.
Ald Turner: Spoke about establishing a Police Accountability group. Shared that he has been looking to form a Public Safety group, and this has been the 6th time he has asked. Shared that the best way to get your questions answered by him is by calling him or the appropriate person at the city. Shared information on the continued problem of automobile burglaries, sharing his own experience at his home. Spoke about the efforts of accident prevention on Sheridan Rd, right before Glen Flora Ave. Shared statistics on accidents in that area. Continued to share the efforts he has made, including post of a warning sign, having the busses repositioned at the nearby school property, and hopes to have a bright light up in the area. He shared that hopefully all these efforts will help mitigate some accidents. Spoke on the ‘wall’ at Lincoln Center, stating it is a code violation and asked when it would be taken down as it is in damaged. Shared that on Tuesday, Aug 8 at 1:00 PM – Glen Flora and Hickory Street, there will be an installation of an Honorary Street sign for former Alderman TenPas. Stated that there will also be signed installed over the 7 intersections of Hickory, Honoring Alderman Larry TenPas. Shared that on Sep 9th he will be having his Ice Cream Social between Genesee St and Cory Ave.
11. Adjournment
Procedural: A. Motion by Ald Florian, second by Ald Hayes to Adjourn at 9:19 PM
VOICE VOTE: MOTION APPROVED
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