Chicago City Wire

City of Waukegan City Council met April 1

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

1. Opening Items

Procedural: A.  Roll Call

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

ABSENT:  None.

Procedural: B. Invocation by Minister Rick Harris (North Shore Ministers Alliance- Lake County Illinois) / Pledge of Allegiance

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

2. Resolutions/Proclamations/Presentations/Appointments

Presentation: A. Alternatives to outdoor releases of helium balloons presentation from Waukegan Green Team Members - Presentation by Rachel Cantin from Planning & Zoning.

Proclamation: B. PROCLAMATION:  April 12, 2024 is “Stories Day in Waukegan".

Proclamation: C. PROCLAMATION:  “City of Waukegan CDBG Department National Community Development Week - April 1 - 5, 2024".

Action: D.  Motion by Ald Donnenwirth, second by Ald Hayes to approve a Resolution to ratify appointment of Stanley J Lawrence to Waukegan Fire Pension Board.

Ald Guzman raised concerns regarding re-appointments of individuals who've been on boards for multiple years. Mayor Taylor provided feedback, as well as Chief Paiser. Mayor Taylor recommends re-appointment. Ald Turner shared that today at 7:47 AM is when the Aldermen have been sent the email with resumes, and shared that the information wasn't shared in a timely matter. Ald Florian stated they were in their packets. Ald Turner continued to share his point that the resumes were not being distributed in a timely manner, and called it unfair.

Ald Guzman made a motion for a HOLD OVER on appointments D & E.

Ald Martinez shared that he is in favor of these appointments and shared their extensive experience and background. Ald Guzman shared that we cannot just have the same people over and over, and that he feels we need to have change. 

At this time, there was a motion to overrule the Aldermanic Hold Over:

Motion by Ald Hayes, second by Ald Florian to OVERRULE the Aldermanic HOLD OVER by Ald Guzman

Corporation Counsel Stewart J. Weiss stated that that a two-thirds majority is required to overrule. 7 Members, as Mayor Taylor can vote. Ald Turner shared that this is the first time we've heard the Mayor gets to vote on this, as well. Corporation Counsel Weiss shared he is reading it from the code, word-for-word. Mayor Taylor stated if you are voting AYE, you are voting to override Aldermanic Hold Over. If you vote NAY, you're voting to not override Aldermanic Hold Over.

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

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

ABSENT:  None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

MOTION FAILED to overrule Aldermanic Hold Over. 

ITEM 2. D., HELD OVER BY ALD GUZMAN.

Action: E. Resolution to ratify appointment of Michael Stuart to Waukegan Fire Pension Board.

ITEM 2. E., HELD OVER BY ALD GUZMAN.

3. Audience Time

Frank Pettis:  Representing Clean Power Lake County, concerned for the residents of Lake County, and shared their concerns regarding the current state of Vista Medical Center, and the asbestos removal at the former St. Therese Hospital / Lakes Behavior Health Building. 

Tiffany Vezani: Waukegan Public Library Director. Shared an update on behalf of the Waukegan Public Library.

Jennifer Cordova:  Representing the Waukegan Public Library. Shared an update on behalf of the Waukegan Public Library in Spanish.

Rayon Edwards: Addressed the following concerns, including an incident with a certain Waukegan Police Officer near Green Bay Road, public safety concerns, and shared that he will be having the biggest balloon release during this upcoming Southside Reunion.  Shared that the city is starting to turn into a dictatorship. Expressed to Mayor Taylor that she keeps giving credit when the Chief of Staff keeps micromanaging each and ever Department Head. Thanked Ald Florian for her recommendation, otherwise he would not have received an interview for a job opportunity.  Raised concerns regarding COS Bridges Jr education journey while allegedly on taxpayer time.  Raised concerns regarding multiple credit cards within the Office of the Mayor.  Asked Mayor to stop campaigning while talking about the proposed budget. Stated that Mayor Taylor and COS Bridges Jr have destroyed the Police Department and the community does not even want to work with them.  Shared that he believes Chief Navarro is scared because he isn't sure if he will be fired.

Margaret Carrasco:  Stated that the Aldermen are the bosses of COS George Bridges Jr, and they need to act like it. Called for the Mayor to remove the City Manager position from the budget, and expressed concerns regarding COS Bridges Jr allegedly not putting the city seal on his city issued vehicle, as well as the free gas received. Expressed that Mayor/COS refuse to talk to residents, with office not being accessible. She continued, stressing the COS Bridges Jr has a job to do, but he is allegedly too busy campaigning for Mayor Taylor. Shared details regarding her complaint filed regarding asbestos exposure from the former St. Therese Hospital property. Shared that COS Bridges Jr is the biggest liability and should not be in charge of Human Resources, and cited an alleged harassment complaint filed, which she claims ultimately lead to the alleged termination of the employee.  

Clyde McLemore:  Shared that alleged sexual harassment took place by Mayor Taylor and it was written about in the media. Spoke about alleged termination of former Code Supervisor Jeffery Berry, as a whistleblower. Spoke about push-tax and explained the concerns he raised regarding the boxes within the gaming establishments that collect change. Shared that the casino boxes that collect change go back to the community by donating to Staben House. Shared information on the upcoming Black Lives Matter Expo.

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

Action (Consent): A. Motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes from Monday, March 18, 2024.

Action (Consent): B. Motion to approve and ratify payment of the Regular Payroll dated March 22, 2024 in the total amount of $1,891,607.27.

Action (Consent): C. Motion to approve and ratify the payment of Misc. Payroll (PD HBB & CT Cashout, Local 150 Allowance, and Retro Pay) dated March 22, 2024 in the total amount of $106,192.19.

Action (Consent): D. Motion to approve vendor payments dated April 1, 2024 in the amount of $2,482,763.75.

Consent Agenda Vote:

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

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 Hayes to approve a Resolution approving a settlement and release of all claims for Fire Department Workers Compensation claim number 230221W040 for an amount not to exceed $65,000.00. [This matter was presented to the Government Operations & Oversight Committee on April 1, 2024]

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED 

Action: B. Motion by Ald Florian, second by Ald Hayes to approve An Ordinance approving the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year Budget of the City of Waukegan. [This matter was presented to the Government Operations & Oversight Committee on April 1, 2024]

Ald Bolton shared she is reciving questions and concerns from constituents and needs more time to look over 2024-2025 Budget.  Ald Bolton wanted to hold this over until June.  Ald Bolton made a motion, and a second by Ald Turner.

Mayor Taylor explained the issues behind any delay of the budget beyond the end of April, including emergency spending for all departments.

Ald Turner shared that he has also received numerous communications from constituents, but agreed to looking at this by the end of April.

Ald Florian shared there should be no reason for delay beyond the two weeks, and cited that questions could be asked to Finance Director Schultz and other Department Heads. Ald Florian also added that she feels it is absurd for the Alderpersons to think they can micromanage the budget.

Ald Hayes asked Ald Bolton to share specific expenses and/or details from continuants concerns. Ald Hayes further added that he feels this motion shows a lack of preparation.

Further debate took place regarding the budget, and Ald Martinez shared that he was offended by comments made by Ald Hayes. During debate, Mayor Taylor stressed that Aldermen will be the first to complain when something doesn't get done. They will have to answer to the residents. Ald Turner explained that he was looking for information regarding salary comparable from Cheif of Staff George Bridges Jr. COS Bridges Jr approached and provided explanation. 

After lengthy discussion and debate, it was ultimately decided that Ald Bolton would withdraw the motion, and move to HOLD OVER item B & C for further consideration by the City Council, under Old Business, at the next Regular City Council meeting on April 15, 2024.

Item 7. B., HELD OVER BY ALD BOLTON

Action: C.  An Ordinance to approve the Annual Appropriation for Fiscal Year May 1, 2024 to April 30, 2025. [This matter was presented to the Government Operations & Oversight Committee on April 1, 2024]

Item 7. C., HELD OVER BY ALD BOLTON

Action: D.  Motion by Ald Newsome, second by Ald Bolton to approve a Resolution Correcting a Scrivener's Error and Approving a Side Letter of Agreement [Heard at the April 1, 2024 Government Operations and Oversight Committee]

Ald Guzman asked for clarification on this item.  Ald Florian shared that this information is in their packet on BoardDocs, and was discussed at Aldermanic briefing.  This is regarding police officers lunches.  Ald Guzman confirmed.

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED 

8. Ordinances

9. Closing Items

Alderperson Time

Ald Florian: Apologies to Ald Turner for stating 'Shut-Up' to him, shared that emotions got the best of her. Shared that her 8th Ward Clean-up will take place on Thursday April 25, 2024 from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, at Bevier Park. Shared that she is excited for the yard-waste collection that will take place for a 2 week period for residents, with unlimited yard waste being collected from April 22, 2024 to 2 weeks after. Shared that she would like the city to look into concerns brought up multiple times during audience time, that there may be asbestos concerns during the demolition at the former St. Therese Hospital building. At this time, Ald Florian made a motion to have yard waste stickers sold at the City Clerk's office. Ald Turner asked if we can have the City Clerk provide clarification. Clerk Kilkelly stated she would love to. Ald Hayes asked if we can just continue to have Alderman Time, which is what this time is meant for, and that they should not be entertaining questions during Alderman time. Ald Hayes shared that he would like to make his comments at this time if Ald Florian is done. Clerk Kilkelly asked Ald Florian if she was done, and she confirmed. Please note, motion died for lack of second/entertainment.

Ald Hayes:  Shared that the 9th Ward Dumpster-Drop will take place April 26.  Shared that he has been in contact with the City of Waukegan Building Department and they ensured him that the IEPA (Illinois Environmental Protection Agency) has been on site at the demolition of the former St. Therese Hospital, and they have been doing everything they are required to do, including prohibit the spread of contaminants. He provided further details on the communication between the City of Waukegan and IEPA, and assured residents that he will continue to ask for further information regarding the project. Spoke about the role an Alderman plays within the City of Waukegan, and what is expected of Aldermen by residents, specifically regarding the review and understanding of the proposed budget. Stressed concerns with the lack of preparation by certain Aldermen proposing to hold over the budget. 

Ald Bolton:  Shared with residents that they now have a little more time to review the budget, and assured everyone that she has met with Don in the Finance Department and has reviewed the budget. Shared a few upcoming events that she plans on attending.

Ald Guzman:  Explained his reasoning behind holding over the appointments presenting this evening, and shared that he would like to give new people a chance. Shared that he and the 2nd Ward are prepared for the budget and he had the discussions needed for his amendments.  Shared that if certain Aldermen need more time, that is OK and that is what they need. Expressed that he would like to have the budget ready months in advance, asked Mayor Taylor/Corporation Counsel Weiss for clarification on the budget timeline. Mayor Taylor provided clarification and asked if we could hold off on that process until we get through this budget. Ald Guzman confirmed, and shared that he would like to know when is the earliest this can be presented to them. Spoke about the demolition concerns at the former St. Therese Hospital. Shared his take on the hospital situation [Vista Hospital] and the need within the City of Waukegan, including a possible loan to assist with the success of the hospital, and moving the hospital from a trauma II designation, to a trauma I designation.  Briefly shared information on an upcoming tentative 2nd Ward Meeting on April 14, 2024. Asked everyone to use caution as kids may be outside as it is getting nicer out, and shared that he hopes everyone had a nice Easter holiday. 

Ald Martinez:  Commended Minister Rick Harris for his invocation this evening. Spoke about Earth Day Clean-up in the 3rd Ward, on Tuesday from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM at Weiss Field. Shared information on his upcoming 3rd Ward Meeting - Saturday, April 27th, 2024 at Brookside Campus. Shared congratulations to the CDBG Program for 50 years of service. Shared a brief update on the sidewalk work being done at Berwick Blvd, in addition, details on the work taking place at University Ave.  Spoke on the need for two additional weeks for budget review, explained that he had constituents that had questions, so he would like additional time to review. Shared with Ald Hayes that he did not appreciate comments made and called the comments belittling. Shared that he felt Ald Hayes was implying certain Aldermen are incompetent. Asked neighbors to be safe, mindful, and good neighbors.

Ald Felix: Motion by Ald Felix, second by Ald Martinez to amend the distance requirement for liquor license applicants [specific details to follow - regarding 400 feet amendment to 100 feet]. Ald Felix and Corporation Counsel Weiss explained the specifics as to what this item may look like on the upcoming Committee of the Whole agenda, and how it may be placed there. Corporation Counsel Weiss reiterated the motion that Ald Felix wishes to place on the agenda. Motion asking Corporation Counsel and staff to prepare an ordinance for consideration at the next Committee of the Whole which would amend section 3-21 which would reduce the distance requirement and allow previously licensed premises to maintain a license even under a change of ownership if they are within the minimum distance requirement, measured from door-to-door as opposed to property line-to-property line. This motion will place the item on the next Committee of the Whole Agenda in Ordinance form.

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

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

NAY:  Ald Newsome.

ABSENT:  None

ABSTAIN:  None.

MOTION APPROVED to place item on the Committee of the Whole Agenda for Monday, May 6, 2024.

Ald Felix continued his comments, and shared details of multiple events he attended/assisted with over the weekend. Shared details of an upcoming event on April 13, 2024 from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, that he is working on with Mike Morales, for information on community recourses/job fair opportunities. Shared the number you can contact for more information on the event: 847-971-2991.

Ald Newsome:  Pass - No Comment.

Ald Turner:  Ald Turner made a motion to allow Clerk Kilkelly to speak during the next Regular City Council Meeting on April 15, 2024 regarding the yard waste sticker concerns, seconded by Ald Donnenwirth. Corporation Counsel Weiss shared that the Chair, Mayor Taylor, has the right to recognize Clerk Kilkelly to speak. Mayor Taylor did not recognize Clerk Kilkelly, and stated Clerk Kilkelly can use public comment. Corporation Counsel Weiss stated if the Aldermen would like to overrule the chair's determination to not recognize Clerk Kilkelly, a two-thirds majority vote is required to overrule the chair.  Mayor Taylor called for the question, and the following vote took place:

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

NAY:  Ald Hayes.

ABSENT:  None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

MOTION APPROVED to recognize Clerk Kilkelly at the April 15, 2024 Regular City Council Meeting.

Ald Turner continued his comments. He explained to Ald Hayes that the Aldermen are not to be 'rubber-stamps' or integrated for wanting to ask questions. He further explained that the Aldermen were elected to not be the status quo. Asked for a comparable on salaries, and stated that there was a study done on 12 communities, and he would like to see that report. Shared that he would like to see a list of individual salaries, and explained that this can also be found doing a search on the city's website. Shared a situation that occurred on Tuesday, where COS George Bridges Jr allegedly contacted one of Ald Turner's campaign donors in his official capacity, chastising him and encouraging him to not donate to his campaign. Questioned the actions, calling them inappropriate and raised the concern if it is even legal. Ald Turner advised that COS Bridges Jr stay in his lane. Shared that he is having a 6th Ward Meeting on April 18th at 910 W. Glen Flora Ave starting at 6:30 PM. Shared that the meeting will also be live streamed on Zoom/YouTube.  Dumpster Drop in the 6th Ward will take place Friday, April 26, 2024 in the 1700 block of Hickory, under the powerlines from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Encouraged residents to be responsible dog owners.

Ald Donnenwirth:  7th Ward Meeting will take place on April 09, 2024 from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM. Dumpster Drop will take place on April 25, 2024 at Bowen Park at the top of the hill, off Greenwood Ave. Encouraged residents to stay safe. 

Mayor Taylor allowed Chief of Staff George Bridges Jr to be recognized, and provide feedback to concerns brought forward.

10. Adjournment

Action: A.  Motion by Ald Newsome, second by Ald Bolton to Adjourn at 9:18 PM.

VOICE VOTE:  MOTION APPROVED

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