Chicago City Wire

City of Waukegan City Council met Oct. 16.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Council of the City of Waukegan met in regular session on Monday, October 16, 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; Stewart J. Weiss, were present.

1. Opening Items

Procedural: A.  Roll Call

PRESENT:  Ald Felix,  Ald Newsome,  Ald Turner,  Ald Donnenwirth,  Ald Florian,  Ald Hayes,  Ald Bolton,  Ald Guzman,  Ald Martinez.

ABSENT:  None.

Procedural: B.  Invocation by Pastor Choice Harris (Christian Faith Fellowship Church) / Pledge of Allegiance

Procedural: C.  Mayor's Comments - At this time, Mayor Taylor shared her comments.

2. Resolutions/Proclamations/Presentations/Appointments

Procedural: A.  Proclamation - "October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month"

Procedural: B.  Proclamation - “Extra Mile Day in Waukegan - November 1, 2023”

Action: C.  Motion by Ald Turner, second by Ald Florian to approve Resolution 23-R-296 - “Honoring Miguel Angel Albarran Sr.” 

VOICE VOTE:  MOTION APPROVED

3. Audience Time

Joel Williams:  Executive Director Habitat for Humanity.  Thanked Mayor Taylor for attending Habitat for Humanity 'Women Build'.  Shared an update from the organization, and shared the events and opportunities their organization has to offer.  Encouraged the Alderpersons to participate in their organization.

Andrea Moore:  Submitted her information to be considered an appointed Board Member for the Waukegan Housing Authority.  Submitted Information into the Official Record to Clerk Kilkelly, and Mayor Taylor. 

Zalente Edwards:  Shared that he is a resident of Lake County, and was Born and Raised in Waukegan.  He is 32 Years Old.  Believes Lake County and Waukegan area deserve better. 

Waginia Brisco:  Shared her thoughts regarding the veto of 23-O-288.  Stated that she has read the Lake County New Sun article.  She cited the article, which included testimonies by certain staff and Corporation Counsel.  She shared that she is confused as to why this is on the agenda for a decision tonight by the Aldermen. 

Carlos Smith:  Owner of 'A Crazy Place' in Downtown Waukegan.  Explained why he feels the City of Waukegan / Waukegan Police have been 'Tweaking' and 'Trippin' and shared examples from a Saturday night encounter at his place of business.  Highlighted the issue the police brought forward regarding no parking from 2:00 AM - 6:00 AM. 

Jamie Bravo and Tomes Valdez: Shared that they are the owners of Riviera Nayarit Seafood Restaurant on Belvidere Rd.  Stated they are here tonight asking for support of their liquor license on the agenda, and stated the restaurant will be a family environment open from 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM, and not a bar. 

Jose Mendez:  Shared concerns regarding a Waukegan street near his Beach Park property.  Shared that he is looking for access of the street to access his property located at 38423 New York Ave. 

Brother Blanks:  B.A.M.M.  Condolences to the 6 year old child murdered by the state, and shouldn't be tolerated.  Asked City Council to be more diverse regarding prayer with everything going on, and shared suggestions.  Spoke about Waukegan Police 'Tweaking' and the Waukegan Office of Police Accountability. Urged the City Council to get something in action.  

Clyde McLemore:  Black Lives Matter Lake County.  Spoke about recent comments on social media regarding Black Lives Matter Lake County.  Shared that he was surprised this board has not had a moment of silence for all those who have passed away recently with the Israel-Hamas war taking place.  Stated that Islam mean peace.  Spoke about the Mayor allegedly cutting $100k in the Waukegan Library Budget.  Spoke about Chief of Staff salary. 

Margaret Carrasco:  Stated Mayor Taylor stated the meeting off with false statements.  Explained that certain city employees have allegedly complained about being threated over their jobs.  Spoke about Mayor Taylor's alleged directive toward Aldermen to not speak to city employees.  Touched base on comments made by Mayor Taylor regarding importance of Dental Hygiene, and stated that the Mayor did nothing while a resident allegedly performed illegal dental work in Waukegan.  Stated that hate crimes are up according to statistics from the FBI.  Spoke about a $300 dollar an hour bill for services regarding Fiesta Patrias, and shared that an additional ethics complaint will be filed. 

Rayon Edwards: Shared his displeasure with the City Council, and called our certain council members, including Ald Felix.  Expressed support for Mayoral Veto, as the Ordinance under Old Business is 'trash'.  Stated that we need to run this as a business, and that we are an embarrassment in Lake County and can't get anything done.  Spoke about the salary of Chief of Staff, stated he isn't one of his favorites but the position is underpaid for size of city.  Stated this city will not retain employees if council continues on this route. 

Mayor Taylor provided feedback to certain comments, including those of alleged library budget cuts.  Shared that the City of Waukegan has not even began the budget process.  Stated that nothing has been decided and that this was news to the library and news to her.  Explained the overall budget process, and stated she can't be responsible for rumors.  Corporation Counsel shared information about restricted parking on Genesee St.  Mayor Taylor provided clarification.  

4. 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 Florian, second by Ald Newsome to approve Consent Agenda items 4. A - E.

Action (Consent): A.  Motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes from Monday, October 02, 2023

Action (Consent): B.  Motion to approve Regular Payroll dated October 06, 2023 in the total amount of $1,899,731.98.

Action (Consent): C.  Motion to approve Misc. Payroll (PD HBB & CT Cash out, IAFF Uniform Allowance & Paramedic Stipend and Final Payouts) dated October 06, 2023 in the total amount of $121,633.61.

Action (Consent): D.  Motion to approve Misc. Payroll (PD PBLC Retro Pay) dated October 13, 2023 in the total amount of $975,783.10.

Action (Consent): E.  Motion to approve vendor payments dated October 16, 2023 in the amount of $2,791,830.59.

5. Old Business

Action: A.  Motion to Override Mayoral Veto regarding Amendments to Salary Ordinance 23-O-288 

Corporation Counsel provided clarification regarding this motion to override.  Explained that 6 affirmative votes are needed to override, and discussion can take place at this time. 

Ald Guzman expressed that he would like to hold this item over.  Shortly after, Ald Florian made a motion to override Ald Guzman's veto. 

Corporation Counsel explained that 'AYE' is to 'override' the hold over and vote now.  'NAY' vote will allow the item to be held over to Old Business on November 06, 2023: 

Motion to Override the Aldermanic Hold Over of 5. A. by Ald Guzman:

AYE:  Ald Newsome,  Ald Florian,  Ald Hayes,  Ald Bolton.  

NAY:  Ald Felix,  Ald Turner,  Ald Donnenwirth,  Ald Guzman,  Ald Martinez.

ABSENT:  None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

MOTION TO OVERRIDE ALDERMANIC HOLD OVER FAILED  

Item HELD OVER by Ald Guzman.  Item will return to 'Old Business' on November 06, 2023.

6. New Business  Motion by Ald Florian, second by Ald Turner to omnibus vote items 6.  A,  D,  F-J,  &  L - O, excluding items 6.  B,  C,  E,  &  K.

AYE:  Ald Felix,  Ald Newsome,  Ald Turner,  Ald Donnenwirth,  Ald Florian,  Ald Hayes,  Ald Bolton,  Ald Guzman,  Ald Martinez.

NAY:  None.

ABSENT:  None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

MOTION TO OMNIBUS APPROVED

Action (omnibus): A.  A Resolution Accepting and Approving the City of Waukegan Strategic Plan and Goal Development Report 2023 [This matter was presented to the Government Operations & Oversight Committee on October 16, 2023]

Action: B.  An Ordinance Amending the Waukegan Code of Ordinances Regarding the Waukegan Municipal Beach [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on October 16, 2023] 

Ald Guzman shared that he would like to HOLD OVER.  Discussion took place, including the topic of certain Alderpersons not on certain committees being allowed to speak and ask questions. 

Ald Turner provided clarification for his committee, as he is the Chair of Public Works & Infrastructure Committee. 

Ald Bolton stated the importance of talking to those who give proper answer.  Ald Florian stressed the importance of letting Alderpersons ask questions during committee.   

Mayor stated we can move forward with the Aldermanic Hold Over by Ald Guzman, but encouraged Alderpersons to ask questions.  COS Bridges Jr provided clarification.  Ald Guzman stressed that he would like to have questions answered by Lakefront Coordinator May.  COS Bridges Jr and Planning & Zoning Director Kischer-Lepper offered to provide any clarification they could to assist.  Ald Guzman asked for the item to be held over. 

Item 6. B. HELD OVER by Ald Guzman.

Action: C.  Motion by Ald Donnenwirth, second by Ald Florian to approve a Resolution Authorizing the Renewal of Employee Benefits Agreements and the Execution of Retiree Benefits Agreements for Calendar Year 2024 [This matter was presented to the Government Operations & Oversight Committee on October 16, 2023] 

Ald Guzman asked for clarification regarding retiree benefits.  Representative provided clarification of retiree benefits.    

AYE:  Ald Felix,  Ald Newsome,  Ald Turner,  Ald Donnenwirth,  Ald Florian,  Ald Hayes,  Ald Bolton,  Ald Guzman,  Ald Martinez.

NAY:  None.

ABSENT:  None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action (omnibus): D.  Resolution Approving an Agreement with Global Benefits, Inc. for Benefits Consulting and Brokerage Services in the amount of $65,000 for Calendar Year 2024 [This matter was presented to the Government Operations & Oversight Committee on October 16, 2023]

Action: E.  Motion by Ald Turner,  second by Ald Donnenwirth to approve an Ordinance creating a Class E Restaurant liquor license for Riviera Nayarit Seafood Corp located at 2670 Belvidere Road. [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on October 2, 2023] 

Ald Guzman recused himself from this item, and left the room.

AYE:  Ald Felix,  Ald Turner,  Ald Donnenwirth,  Ald Florian,  Ald Hayes,  Ald Bolton,  Ald Martinez.

NAY:  Ald Newsome.

ABSENT:  None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action (omnibus): F.  Resolution waiving Competitive Bidding per Sec. 2-458(i)(1)(Sole Source) and approving the purchase of Police Equipment from Axon Enterprises in an amount not to exceed $148,613.03. [This matter was presented to the Finance and Purchasing Committee on October 16, 2023.]

Action (omnibus): G.  Resolution approving acceptance of a grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership. [This matter was presented to the Finance and Purchasing Committee on October 16, 2023.]

Action (omnibus): H.  Resolution authorizing the procurement of commodities, maintenance and professional services from Harris Corporation for the enterprise resource program in the amount of $212,000 [This matter was presented to the Finance and Purchasing Committee on October 16, 2023.] 

COS Bridges Jr and IT Director Ron Gardella provided clarification on the dollar amount of this item.  Discussion and clarification took place.  Ald Guzman initially wanted to hold this item over, but after further clarification from staff and discussion with Alderpersons, Ald Guzman withdrew his hold over, and the item was included/voted on with the omnibus agenda.

Action (omnibus): I.  Resolution approving the purchase of a 2023 Ford F450 Truck from Kunes Auto Group for an amount not to exceed $86,957.26 per Sec. 2-458(i)(7)(Good Faith Waiver). [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on October 16, 2023]

Action (omnibus): J.  Resolution approving the purchase of a 2022 Ford F450 Truck from Kunes Auto Group for an amount not to exceed $96,037.26 per Sec. 2-458(i)(7)(Good Faith Waiver). [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on October 16, 2023]

Action: K.  Motion by Ald Martinez, second by Ald Bolton to approve a Resolution approving a professional services agreement with Baxter & Woodman for Phase II Design Engineering Services for Greenwood Ave. Bridge per Sec. 2-458(i)(4)(Professional Services) for an amount not to exceed $345,563.00. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on October 16, 2023] 

Ald Guzman asked for clarification on this authorization.  City of Waukegan Engineer Jesus Alquicira provided clarification. 

AYE:  Ald Felix,  Ald Newsome,  Ald Turner,  Ald Donnenwirth,  Ald Florian,  Ald Hayes,  Ald Bolton,  Ald Guzman,  Ald Martinez.

NAY:  None.

ABSENT:  None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action (omnibus): L.  Resolution approving Change Order #1 with Baxter & Woodman for Design Engineering Services for Phase I and II for an amount not to exceed $31,717.00. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on October 16, 2023]

Action (omnibus): M.  Resolution approving a professional services agreement, which is anticipated to end April 2027, with Baxter & Woodman per Sec. 2-458(i)(4)(Professional Services) for the SCADA Upgrades & MCC Project for Water for a not to exceed amount of $418,500.00. This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on October 16, 2023.

Action (omnibus): N.  Resolution approving the award of the Water Plant Elevator Replacement RFP to Lakeland Elevator for a not to exceed amount of $749,797.00. This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on October 16, 2023.

Action (omnibus): O.  Determination of Proposed Aggregate Tax Levy for Tax Year 2023 in the amount of $33,980,987.00 and the total levy of $37,270,387.00 (inclusive of debt service). [This matter was presented to the Finance & Purchasing Committee on October 16, 2023] 

Omnibus Agenda Vote:

AYE:  Ald Felix,  Ald Newsome,  Ald Turner,  Ald Donnenwirth,  Ald Florian,  Ald Hayes,  Ald Bolton,  Ald Guzman,  Ald Martinez.

NAY:  None.

ABSENT:  None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

MOTION APPROVED

7. Ordinances

8. Reports and Communication

9. Closing Items

Alderperson Time 

Ald Felix:  Spoke about a few events he attended over the weekend, and shared details.  Encouraged Business Owners to join the Chamber of Commerce if they haven't already.  Encouraged residents to reach out to them regarding clean-ups.  Stated that we need to be a community that works together to come up with solutions.  Shared condolences with those who are suffering with what is going on in the world.  Touched base on parking issue in Downtown Waukegan, and stated this is an ordinance that will be enforced.  Denied rumors that he is running for City Clerk.  Shared that it is not sure, and he is not running.  Shared that he is not running for anything else and that is not something he wants to do.  Encouraged residents to keep in mind they should verify information.

Ald Newsome:  Pass - No Comment.

Ald Turner:  Thanked Ald Felix for clarifying misinformation.  Spoke about the proposed Mayoral Veto.  Touched base on the issue of City Employees Lobbying to certain Ald. before the council meetings.  Shared that they listen to staff recommendations, but there is too much lobbying and discussion going on and he would like it to stop, as they are attempting to lobby for Ald. to vote a certain way.  He spoke about leaf pick-up going on now, and encouraged his residents to watch his Facebook for information.   

Ald Donnenwirth: Spoke about leaf pick-up taking place now, as well as his upcoming 7th Ward Clean-Up at Bowen Park - 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM.  Spoke about a carjacking incident in his 7th Ward, and shared safety tips with his residents.  Encouraged everyone to keep their eyes open.

Ald Florian:  Spoke about two events she attended over the weekend, one being A Safe Place Gala, and the Trunk or Treat at Century 21 Circle. 

Ald Hayes:  Spoke about the Mayoral Veto on the agenda tonight, although they didn't get to vote on it this evening as it was held over.  Encouraged Aldermen to stay in their lane, and not to overstep their role.

Ald Bolton:  Spoke about leaf pick-up in the 1st Ward, as well as her upcoming 1st Ward Clean up on 8th & Adams from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM.  Encouraged residents to call her at 847-390-2692 with any questions, or follow her Facebook Page '1st Ward Alderman Dr. Sylvia Sims Bolton'.

Ald Guzman:  Spoke about the Mayoral Veto on the agenda tonight, and explained his concerns on this ordinance and what he would like to see adjusted before the next budget.  Shared his gratitude with Don and his team on a great job with the upcoming budget and keeping the tax levy at zero.  Shared that he had a successful dumpster drive despite of the weather.  Spoke about Aldermanic Briefings, as well as not being able to have the chance to comment during certain Committee Meetings as he is not a sitting Alderman on the committee.  Shared that he plans on having an upcoming Ward Meeting.

Ald Martinez:  Spoke about the Mayoral Veto on the agenda tonight.  Spoke about salaries and shared that IL Governor PB Pritzker makes over $100k and donates his salary back.  Spoke about the Edward Montano Scholarship event at the Puerto Rican Society.  Also shared that he attended Mano y Mano event.  Spoke about disappointment regarding discussion of noise ordinance being put off.  Thanked everyone who came to support Mr. Albaran this evening.  Shared that his small business meeting is in the works and there will be more information to come.  Shared that Daylight Saving Time is Nov 5th.  Encouraged residents to call him, 847-390-2689, and to be safe, mindful and good neighbors. 

Mayor Taylor shared closing remarks. 

10. Adjournment

Procedural: A.  Motion by Ald Turner, second by Ald Hayes to Adjourn at 9:40 PM. 

VOICE VOTE:  MOTION APPROVED

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