Chicago City Wire

City of Waukegan City Council met Jan. 2.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Council of the City of Waukegan met in regular session on Tuesday, January 02, 2024 at 7:14 PM

City Council Chambers, City Hall. 100 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, Waukegan.

Mayor; Ann B. Taylor, City Clerk; Janet E. Kilkelly, & Corporation Counsel; Kelley A. Gandurski, were present.

City Treasurer; Dr. John R. Schwab, was absent.

1. Opening Items

Procedural: A.  Roll Call.

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

ABSENT:  None.

Procedural: B.  Invocation by Luke McFadden (Christian Neighbors Church- Waukegan)/ Pledge of Allegiance

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

2. Resolutions/Proclamations/Presentations/Appointments

Proclamation: A.  Proclamations - Waukegan Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2023 Inductions - Mayor Taylor shared that the proclamations will be presented on January 06, 2024 at the Hall of Fame Luncheon.

3. Audience Time 

Janet E. Kilkelly:  Read from a prepared statement, Press Release, from the Office of City Clerk Janet E. Kilkelly, regarding city cellphone.

Randy Sobecki:  Shared concerns regarding the halt of the Waukegan Police Ride Along program, and shared the benefits of the program. 

Clyde McLemore:  Spoke about an alleged issues with Building Commissioner George Sellas, included alleged issues between the Commissioner, Mr. Authors Craigen, and also an employee of the Building Department. Also shared issues with the Commissioner allegedly using his vehicle to drive back home an hour. 

Rayon Edwards:  Shared his frustration with certain Aldermen regarding and lack of research when asking questions. Stated that he was upset to hear the questioning from Aldermen on why certain ones vote 'no' for liquor licenses. He shared that he would hope more start voting no, as there are liquor stores and gambling on every other block. Stated there is so much grandstanding going on, and shared that the Aldermen do not ask the staff ahead of time when they have questions. Directed comments to Alderman Turner regarding speeding, and shared that he needs to lead by example and follow the speed limit. Thanked Alderman Newsome for voting 'no' on some of these liquor licenses, and hopes it rubs off on other Aldermen. Wished everyone a Happy New Year.

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 Turner, second by Ald Newsome to approve Consent Agenda items 4. A - D.

Action (Consent): A. Motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes from Monday, December 18, 2023.

Action (Consent): B. Motion to approve vendor payments dated January 1, 2024 in the amount of $2,144,590.86.

Action (Consent): C. Motion to approve Regular Payroll dated December 29, 2023 in the total amount of $1,890,295.35.

Action (Consent): D.  Motion to approve Misc. Payroll (HBB & CT Cashout and Final Payouts) dated December 29, 2023 in the total amount of $37,691.95.

Consent Agenda Vote:

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

NAY:  None.

ABSENT:  None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

MOTION APPROVED

5. Reports and Communication

6. Old Business

7. New Business

Action: A. Motion by Ald Florian, second by Ald Martinez to approve a Resolution affirming City of Waukegan’s commitment to funding local match for 2024 Surface Transportation Program Projects administered by the Lake County Council of Mayors [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee at its January 2, 2024 meeting]

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

NAY:  None.

ABSENT:  None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action: B.  Motion by Ald Newsome, second by Ald Florian to approve A Resolution Approving Amendments to the City's Community Development Block Grant Consolidated Plan for 2020-2024 [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee at its December 4, 2023 meeting]

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

NAY:  None.

ABSENT:  None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action: C. Motion by Ald Florian, second by Ald Turner to approve A Resolution Adopting a Code of Conduct for City Council Members when Communicating with City Staff [This matter was heard and referred from the Committee of the whole at its December 11, 2023 meeting]

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

NAY:  None.

ABSENT:  None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action: D.  Motion by Ald Donnenwirth, second by Ald Turner to approve An Ordinance Amending the Waukegan Code of Ordinances Regarding Taxicab Fares [This matter was heard and referred from the Committee of the Whole at its December 11, 2023 meeting]

 Ald Florian stated she reached out to Supervisor Marc L. Jones at Waukegan Township, and shared that she did so as they give out taxi cab money to Seniors. Wanted to let everyone know Supervisor Jones was fine with the change, as it does not affect their process.

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

NAY:  None.

ABSENT:  None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action: E.  Motion by Ald Florian, second by Ald Hayes to approve An Ordinance Amending the Waukegan Code of Ordinances to Prohibit Outdoor Releases of Balloons [This matter was heard and referred from the Committee of the Whole at its December 11, 2023 meeting]

There was a motion to amend by Ald Florian, second by Ald Hayes - to amend enforcement of this proposed ordinance to June 2024.

Ald Turner raised the question on why we are amending to push out to June. Mayor Taylor shared that this is for educational purposes.

Ald Guzman shared his proposed amendment, stating that he does agree with Ald Florian that it is an environmental issue, however, he wants to amend to exempt certain individuals for religious beliefs. Mayor Taylor asked Corporation Counsel Gandurski to provide guidance on the legal risks to the amendment being proposed by Ald Guzman.

Ald Turner asked how we are going to educate the community on this item, as proposed to be pushed out to June.  Ald Florian shared the plan of communication between the city, funeral homes, churchs, banquet halls, etc, and some of the positive feedback she has already heard.

Mayor Taylor stated there does need to be some sort of education on this topic, and shared examples and concerns.

Ald Martinez shared his feedback regarding the enforcement aspect of this ordinance. Mayor Taylor provided feedback as well, citing the importance of the education aspect of this. 

Ald Guzman again asked for clarification regarding the religious concern from his amendment.  Corporation Counsel Gandurski explained how it sounds like a straightforward answer, however there is a lot of legal analysis and constitutional issues with this. She continued, stating the content is currently drafted as neutral, meaning nobody is allowed to release balloons. Ald Florian shared more facts on issues with releasing balloons.

Ald Guzman stated he agrees with Ald Florian, but he has to put his foot down when it comes to religion. Ald Florian called for the question.

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

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

ABSENT:  None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

MOTION FAILED as amended.

Returning to Original Motion, if passed, enforcement will begin in April 2024:  

Action: E.  Motion by Ald Florian, second by Ald Turner to approve An Ordinance Amending the Waukegan Code of Ordinances to Prohibit Outdoor Releases of Balloons [This matter was heard and referred from the Committee of the Whole at its December 11, 2023 meeting] 

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

NAY:  Ald Guzman,  Ald Newsome,  Ald Bolton.

ABSENT:  None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action: F.  Motion by Ald Florian, second by Ald Martinez to approve An Ordinance Amending Certain Sections of Chapter 21 of the Waukegan Code of Ordinances Regarding Unscheduled Bus Stops [This matter was presented to the Committee of the Whole at its January 2, 2024 meeting]

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

NAY:  None.

ABSENT:  None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

MOTION APPROVED

8. Ordinances

9. Closing Items

Alderperson Time

Ald Guzman:  Wished everyone a Happy New Year, and shared that it is off to a great start. Shared that he would not attend Polar Bear Plunge event, but heard it was a great time.  Stated that we are closing out with a lot of stuff, but at least we are moving forward and better off than previous years. He hopes that 2024 is better.

Ald Martinez:  Wished everyone a Happy 2024 New Year and shared that he is looking forward to working with all his constituents in the 3rd ward, and stated that challenges will continue. Gave a special thanks to Public Works Staff and Superintendent Alonzo Jenkins for their work on the leaf pick-up efforts. Shared that he plans on having an upcoming 3rd Ward Meeting, and asked his neighbors to be mindful of each other and to continue to be good neighbors. 

Ald Felix:  Spoke about his participation in the Polar Bear Plunge event, and shared that it was a great event for our community, with many different backgrounds and from different cities. Thanked the Aldermen for their support of moving the Public Safety Committee efforts forward. Shared the efforts he would like to make, including those for his 4th Ward Community, and what he would like to address at the upcoming 4th Ward Meeting on Saturday.  Added that he would like to have a better plan for leaf pick-up in the future, and Mayor Taylor provided feedback to comments. Encouraged residents to send pictures and descriptions of their concerns via email so it can be documented and followed up on.

Ald Newsome:  Thanked Public Works for their efforts with leaf pick-up in the 5th Ward, and wished everyone a Happy New Year.

Ald Turner: Shared information on an upcoming 6th Ward meeting, and shared that further detailed information is to follow.  Recognized the IT Department for the efforts. Shared comments in favor of the Waukegan Police Department Ride Along Program, and called it nonsense that it was allegedly canceled due to insurance concerns, as the city is self-insured and a waiver is signed. Encouraged Mayor Taylor to reinstate the program. 

Ald Donnenwirth: Wished everybody a Happy New Year.  Thanked City of Waukegan Staff for all of their efforts, and shared examples of many who've successfully assisted him with issues. Shared that he attended the Polar Bear Plunge event, but did not go in this time, but has in the past. Added that it was a great turn out, and everyone had a great time. Shared an update on leaf pick-up efforts. Spoke about the benefits of the Waukegan Police Ride Along program, including his personal journey as a former police officer, and encouraged the Mayor to not get rid of it.

Ald Florian: Wished everyone a Happy New Year. Shared that she attended the Polar Bear Plunge event as a sponsor of the event. Shared that the Park District does a great job with the program and event, and the event had numerous attendees and great media coverage. She gave additional kudos to the Waukegan Park District and City of Waukegan for pulling off a great event. She thanked fellow Aldermen for voting in favor of the ordinance prohibiting balloon releases in the city, and spoke about what the efforts she'd like to see in future ordinances to protect the environment.

Ald Hayes:  Pass - No Comment.

Ald Bolton: Spoke about the faith based meeting taking place at Waukegan City Hall on Thursday. Shared positive feedback regarding the Waukegan Police Department Ride Along Program, and her experience with the program. 

10. Adjournment

Procedural: A.  Motion by Ald Martinez, second by Ald Bolton to Adjourn at 8:19 PM.

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

NAY:  Ald Turner.

ABSENT:  None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

MOTION APPROVED

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/cowil/Board.nsf/Public