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Thursday, November 14, 2024

City of Waukegan City Council met April 15

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Sylvia Sims Bolton, 1st Ward Alderperson | City of Waukegan Website

Sylvia Sims Bolton, 1st Ward Alderperson | City of Waukegan Website

City of Waukegan City Council met April 15

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor; Ann B. Taylor, City Clerk; Janet E. Kilkelly, City Treasurer; Dr. John R. Schwab, Corporation Counsel; Stewart J. Weiss & Kelley A. Gandurski were present.

1. Opening Items

Procedural: A.  Roll Call

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

ABSENT:  None.

 Procedural: B.  Invocation by Pastor Benjamin Squires (Bethal Lutheran Church-Gurnee) / Pledge of Allegiance

 Procedural: C.  Mayor's Comments - at this time, Mayor Taylor shared her comments. Also at this time, Mayor Taylor invited Donald L. Schultz, Interim Finance Director to speak on budget concerns. Stewart J. Weiss, and Mayor Taylor provided clarification. Police Chief Edgar Navarro provided updated crime statistics.

2. Resolutions/Proclamations/Presentations/Appointments

Information: A.  PROCLAMATION:  'Public Library and Library Workers Recognition Week in Waukegan, April 07-13, 2024'

Information: B.  PROCLAMATION:  'Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day in Waukegan - April 24, 2024'

Action: C.  Motion by Ald Florian, second by Ald Martinez to approve a Resolution to ratify appointment of Stanley J Lawrence to Waukegan Fire Pension Board

 Ald Guzman encouraged residents to apply for these positions, as no other applications were submitted.

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

NAY:  None.

ABSENT:  None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action: D.  Motion by Ald Donnenwirth, second by Ald Florian to approve a Resolution to ratify appointment of Michael Stuart to Waukegan Fire Pension Board

Ald Guzman encouraged residents to apply for these positions, as no other applications were submitted.

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

NAY:  None.

ABSENT:  None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

MOTION APPROVED

3. Audience Time

Rayon Edwards:  Shared comments regarding the proposed budget. Shared with Alderpersons that they can retain their own Corporation Counsel if they please, and shared that the current Corporation Counsel has the best interest of the Mayor. He shared information regarding an incident that took place where he called 911 and there was no answer. Shared that Mayor Taylor makes him sick and disgusted, since the police are always allegedly showing up in the community for her.

Gregg Paiser:  Spoke as a resident, and not Fire Chief. Spoke advocating for the Huntington Lakes Subdivision Street Repairs, and spoke about a recent HOA Meeting where Mayor Taylor and Alderman Hayes were both in attendance. Stressed that these comments are not political.

Cathy Charity:  Shared concerns regarding recent City Council Meeting that she watched, and called it a clown show. Shared issues with homeless in the 1st Ward, and thanked Code Enforcement Officer Michael White for his efforts. 

Wygenia Brisco:  Shared comments regarding budget, and stated that the City of Waukegan Finance Director did an excellent job presenting the budget, and explained reasoning. Thanked Alderman Martinez for his time and discussion with her.

Clyde McLemore:  Black Lives Matter Lake County.  Shared information on a 'Know Your Rights' seminar taking place June 06, 2024 at the Zion Public Library from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Spoke about budget concerns within the proposed budget.

Calvin Mathis:  Shared information regarding Traffic Ticket Reports over last three months. Shared budget concerns within the proposed budget, and shared support for City Clerk Kilkelly, and stated that Mayor Taylor is out of her lane for efforts against City Clerk.

Margaret Carrasco:  Shared information from the 'Lake County News Dispatch' regarding allegations from former employees / the settlement from an alleged sexual harassment issue involving actions from Mayor Taylor.

Carlos Smith:  Resident of 223 Washington St.  Owner of 'A Crazy Place' on Genesee.  Advocated for Genesee Street / Downtown Waukegan Entertainment District. 

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 Florian to approve Consent Agenda items  4.  A,  C - F, excluding items 4.  B  &  G.

Action (Consent), Minutes: A.  Motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes from Monday, April 01, 2024.

Action: B. Motion to approve the Minutes of the Closed Executive Session of City Council Meeting held on December 19, 2011; City Council Meeting held on January 3, 2012; City Council Meeting held on August 20, 2012; City Council Meeting held on March 18, 2013; City Council Meeting held on February 18, 2014; Labor Relations Committee Meeting held on May 5, 2014; City Council Meeting held on December 15, 2014; and Finance Committee Meeting held on July 18, 2016,

HELD OVER UNTIL MAY 6, 2024 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING for further review/inspection.

Action (Consent): C.  Motion to approve the Minutes of the Closed Executive Session of the City Council Meeting held on March 4, 2024

Action (Consent): D.  Motion to approve and ratify the payment of Regular Payroll dated April 05, 2024 in the total amount of $1,910,130.07.

Action (Consent): E.  Motion to approve and ratify Misc. Payroll (PD HBB & CT Cashout, IAFF and Local 150 Allowance and Final Payouts) dated April 05, 2024 in the total amount of $113,643.03.

Action (Consent): F.  Motion to approve vendor payments dated April 15, 2024 in an amount of $3,129,766.11.

Consent Agenda Vote:

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

NAY:  None.

ABSENT:  None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action: G.  Motion by Ald Guzman, second by Ald Felix to approve an Ordinance approving Zoning Calendar #2743, a Variance from the minimum parking requirement under Section 12.2 of the Waukegan Zoning Ordinance for Off- Street Parking, Class No. 15 Dance Hall and Zoning Calendar #2744, a Conditional Use Permit for a Banquet Hall in the B3 General Commercial District at 1405 Belvidere Road. [Referred by Community Development Committee on April 1, 2024.]

Ald Guzman shared comments directed toward the petitioner.

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

NAY:  None.

ABSENT:  None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

MOTION APPROVED

5. Reports and Communication

Report: A. Report by City Clerk Janet E. Kilkelly - At this time, Clerk Kilkelly shared her report. Comments are on file with the Office of the City Clerk.

6. Old Business

Action: A. Motion by Ald Florian, second by Ald Guzman to approve An Ordinance approving the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year Budget of the City of Waukegan. [This matter was held over from the City Council Meeting on April 1, 2024]

Discussion and debate took place regarding the proposed 2024-2025 Fiscal Year Budget for the City of Waukegan. During the discussion and debate, the following items were proposed for *amendment:

*Motion by Ald Bolton, second by Ald Turner to postpone consideration of the appropriation ordinance and budget until the June 3, 2024 Regular City Council Meeting, and to bring back a budget that matches expenses, to only the revenue expected to come in this year and exclude the $6.6 million that is in reserve for saving for FY24-25

AYE:  Ald Bolton.

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

ABSENT:  None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

AMENDMENT FAILED

*Motion by Ald Guzman, second by Ald Felix to eliminate the Director of Animal Control, and replace with Office Supervisor employee, removing duty from Police Department.

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

NAY:  None.

ABSENT:  None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

AMENDEMENT APPROVED 

At this time, 9:38 PM, a recess took place. Meeting Reconvened at 9:48 PM.

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

NAY:  None.

ABSENT:  None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

MOTION APPROVED to reconvene meeting.

*Motion by Ald Guzman, second by Ald Turner to remove $25,000 budgeted for FY24-25 from GL:100-1062211737, under the Lakefront Budget.

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

NAY:  None.

ABSENT:  None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

AMENDMENT APPROVED

*Motion by Ald Guzman, second by Ald Felix to remove one employee from the Office of the City Clerk effective May 1, 2024.

AYE:  Ald Guzman,  Ald Felix.

NAY:  Ald Hayes,  Ald Bolton,  Ald Martinez,  Ald Newsome,  Ald Turner,  Ald Donnenwirth,  Ald Florian. 

ABSTAIN:  None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

AMENDMENT FAILED

*Motion by Ald Turner, second by Ald Donnenwirth to 'strike' line item of $10,000.00 for the Chamber of Commerce. 

AYE:  Ald Guzman,  Ald Martinez,  Ald Turner,  Ald Donnenwirth,  Ald Florian.

NAY:  Ald Hayes,  Ald Bolton,   Ald Felix,  Ald Newsome.

ABSENT:  None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

AMENDEMENT APPROVED

Action: A. as amended: Motion by Ald Newsome, second by Ald Bolton to approve An Ordinance approving the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year Budget of the City of Waukegan as amended. [This matter was held over from the City Council Meeting on April 1, 2024]

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

NAY:  None.

ABSENT:  None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

MOTION APPROVED as amended.

Action: B. as amended: Motion by Ald Newsome, second by Ald Guzman to approve An Ordinance to approve the Annual Appropriation as amended according to the budget for Fiscal Year May 1, 2024 to April 30, 2025. [This matter was held over from the City Council Meeting on April 1, 2024]

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

NAY:  None.

ABSENT:  None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

MOTION APPROVED as amended.

7. New Business  Motion by Ald Florian, second by Ald Newsome to omnibus vote New Business items 7.  E - J, excluding items  7. A - D.

Action: A.  Motion by Ald Hayes, second by Ald Florian to approve a Resolution approving the repaving of roads for Huntington Lakes Subdivision per Sec. 2-458(i)(7)(Good Faith Waiver) by Peter Baker & Son Co. for a not to exceed amount of $219,983.95. [This matter was presented to the Finance & Purchasing Committee on April 15, 2024.]

Mayor Taylor shared that this item was discussed in committee. Ald Felix explained that he would like to wait, and speak to Public Works and compare numbers. 

Ald Turner stated he does not believe this item went out to bid. Mayor Taylor explained the reason why this item was place on the agenda quickly, citing the incredibly low bid, and Ald Hayes not having any roads done.

Chris Garland, Director of Public Works, provided an explanation. Mayor Taylor provided feedback, citing the incredibly low bid again, and roads not being done for Ald Hayes' 9th Ward as he has graciously stated other Wards with lead pipe issues can be addressed first, although he has still advocated for roadwork within the 9th Ward. Director Garland provided feedback, stating he is not in politics and he is just trying to get the work done.

Ald Hayes stated if this work does not get done, the Public Works team will have to patch it for years and years to come, which will come at a cost overtime above the 219,983.95. Director Garland confirmed and explained. Mayor Taylor shared some of the concerns residents have brought up to her and Ald Hayes in that area, including ADA accessibility.

Ald Florian asked Director Garland in his experience if someone would come in under this proposed bid. Director Garland stated in this stage in the game, the bid would be higher.

Ald Felix stated he has never questioned how hard Public Works, works, but rather he raises concerns regarding following the process and explained. Director Garland stated that time is of the essence, and the process cannot be played with. Ald Felix explained the timeline the legislators had. Discussion took place between Ald Felix, and Ald Hayes regarding his requests for roadwork within the 9th Ward.

Ald Turner shared his concerns with Ald Hayes and Director Garland regarding the process of this requested item, and also stressed that there are roads in worse conditions throughout the city, including some in his ward where roads are deteriorating into gravel. Ald Hayes provided feedback to Ald Turner's comments, and shared city-wide statistics regarding street repairs.

Mayor Taylor provided information on the bid timeline for this item, and asked Director Garland how long the bid is good for. Director Garland stated he believes it is 14-days. Ald Turner shared that this was persuasive and he will withdraw his proposed motion.

Ald Felix asked for clarification on the 'square yards' of this project, and stressed that he has further questions and concerns so why does it have to be passed now.

Ald Felix stated he would like to HOLD OVER this item.

Motion by Ald Florian, second by Ald Hayes to override the Aldermanic Hold Over by Ald Felix on item 7. A. [Corporation Counsel Weiss shared that the override would require two-thirds vote]

Mayor Taylor stated when you don't have curbs, the road deteriorates faster. Ald Felix stated that he drove there, and the roads are not bad. Ald Florian reiterated that Ald Hayes shared with us that this is the only road he is going to get done. She added that the 8th Ward is not getting any roads. Ald Felix and Ald Florian had a debate at this time regarding the proposed roadwork. Mayor Taylor called for the question on the motion to override. Corporation Counsel Weiss read the City of Waukegan Code of Ordinance provision for an override of an Aldermanic Hold Over. Before the vote, City Engineer Jesus Alquicira provided additional information to the City Council. 

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

NAY:  Ald Guzman,  Ald Felix,  Ald Turner,  

ABSENT:  None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

OVERRIDE ALDERMANIC HOLD OVER APPROVED

Return to original motion: Action: A. Motion by Ald Hayes, second by Ald Florian to approve a Resolution approving the repaving of roads for Huntington Lakes Subdivision per Sec. 2-458(i)(7)(Good Faith Waiver) by Peter Baker & Son Co. for a not to exceed amount of $219,983.95. [This matter was presented to the Finance & Purchasing Committee on April 15, 2024.]

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

NAY:  None.

ABSENT:  None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action: B. Motion by Ald Turner, second by Ald Guzman to approve An Ordinance Fixing the Salaries to be paid to Management and Non-Union Employees of the City of Waukegan [Presented before the Finance & Purchasing Committee on April 15, 2024]

Ald Florian raised concerns regarding changes for pay adjustments regarding anniversary/cost of living. She raised concerns regarding retaining/attracting individuals as we are already paying on the low-end, and will now only be giving employees one pay adjustment a year. COS Bridges Jr stated most of the staff love Waukegan, and they are being paid what they are worth with this adjustment. 

Ald Turner raised concerns regarding the comparable/study. COS Bridges Jr provided feedback and indicated that was shared with all of the Aldermen.

Ald Bolton raised the question on the number of towns used in the comparable. COS Bridges Jr stated twelve to thirteen.

Ald Turner raised concerns regarding $25,000.00 'bump' for Chief of Staff. COS Bridges Jr stated that is not for the salary ordinance, and that is within the budget and was just the buffer. He further explained that you cannot be paid more than the salary ordinance, and it has been simplified within the new salary ordinance and there will be no need to figure out tiers or steps.

Ald Guzman stated he is the one that worked with COS Bridges Jr to get this taken care of. He further explained that there is only one raise a year, the ranges will be followed, and individuals cannot go any further. He shared that flex-time is being taken away, regardless if they work 60 hours a week or 30 hours a week. Stated they are at the mid-range for salaries.

COS Bridges Jr stated as advised by Corporation Counsel and Labor Attorneys, they are going to follow labor laws.

 Ald Florian raised concerns regarding Ald Guzman's comments about 'taking away' flex-time.

COS Bridges Jr provided clarification - stated that for salaried staff, they are expected to arrive to work and get their jobs done.  He further explained that as the Alderman stated, some weeks you work 50 hours, other weeks you work 30 hours.  Stressed that the Alderperson expects our leadership staff to show up like they do now, to be at these meetings when directed by the Mayor. COS Bridges Jr clarified that the Ald Guzman does not want 'comp-time' given. Mayor Taylor mentioned that many staff work more than 50 hours a week, now. Corporation Counsel Gandurski provided further clarification.

COS Bridges Jr explained that several leadership staff have time that expires by May 1, 2024 that they will not be able to carry over because they constantly work, and cannot even take their vacation time. Ald Florian stated so they will never get compensated for their additional hours worked if they cannot take it. COS Bridges Jr confirmed, and stated leadership staff currently work that way now.

Ald Bolton reitereated that salaried employees do not get paid extra for working extra hours, and asked if that is in accordance with state law.

COS Bridges Jr confirmed, stating they are salaried employees. Ald Bolton stated that is not fair. Ald Guzman stated this is apart of the job.  

*Motion by Ald Guzman, second by Ald Felix to amending the salary ordinance to change the position of Animal Control and Care Director, to Office Supervisor.

Ald Hayes inquired on the process for awarding employee raises.  COS Bridges Jr provided clarification.

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

NAY:  Ald Florian.

ABSENT:  None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

AMENDEMENT APPROVED

Action: B. as amended:  Motion by Ald Turner, second by Ald Guzman to approve An Ordinance Fixing the Salaries to be paid to Management and Non-Union Employees of the City of Waukegan [Presented before the Finance & Purchasing Committee on April 15, 2024] as reflected in the exhibit A chart, with one amendment from Ald Guzman to eliminate the director of Animal Control and Care, to be replaced with the title of Office Supervisor.

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

NAY:  Ald Florian.

ABSENT:  None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

MOTION APPROVED as amended.

Action: C. Motion by Ald Turner, second by Ald Felix to approve An Ordinance Fixing the Salaries to be paid to Elected Officials of the City of Waukegan, Illinois [Presented before the Finance & Purchasing Committee on April 15, 2024]

Corporation Counsel Gandurski, and Weiss, provided clarification regarding the proposed ordinance and certain changes reflected within the ordinance, including the salary change in 2027 to $27,000.00, with a proposed 2% annual increase. Corporation Counsel Weiss reiterated this will only become in effect when new Alderpersons are seated in 2027. 

Ald Hayes clarified that voting 'AYE' to this would indicate favor of voting to increase Aldermanic Salaries in 2027. Ald Florian stated that she shared earlier that she was under the impression this item didn't pass before, she voted 'NAY' before, but it did pass last time discussed. Ald Florian asked Corporation Counsel for clarification on what the outcome would be if they voted 'NAY'. Corporation Counsel Weiss provided clarification.

Ald Martinez asked for clarification so the public knows what the salaries would be. Mayor Taylor shared it is $22,000.00 now, and would be $27,000.00 in 2027, if passed. Ald Bolton stated our salaries are public business, and they are out there.

Ald Newsome asked Corporation Counsel Weiss for clarification on if this is voted down and doesn't go into effect until 2027, why would we be operating without an ordinance if it is voted down. Corporation Counsel Weiss provided further clarification.  

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

NAY:  Ald Hayes,  Ald Florian.

ABSENT:  None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action: D. An Ordinance Fixing the Salaries to be paid to Elected Officials of the City of Waukegan, Illinois [Presented before the Finance & Purchasing Committee on April 15, 2024]

Corporation Counsel Weiss explained the amendments to the proposed ordinance for Mayor, Clerk, and Treasurer. He provided the history of amendments and discussion that took place. 

Motion by Ald Guzman, second by Ald Martinez to refer this matter to the Committee of the Whole Meeting scheduled for May 06, 2024.

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

NAY:  Ald Hayes,  Ald Florian.

ABSENT:  None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

MOTION to refer to the Committee of the Whole Meeting on May 06, 2024 APPROVED

COS Bridges Jr provided comments to Alderperson regarding hard work and collaboration by staff, regarding the budget and salary ordinance.

Action (omnibus): E. A Resolution approving and authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement among the members of The Northeastern Illinois Regional Crime Laboratory for an amount not to exceed $133,409. [This matter was presented to the Finance & Purchasing Committee on April 15, 2024.]

Action (omnibus): F. A Resolution Approving an Agreement with Schroeder & Schroeder Inc. concerning CDBG Sidewalk Program. [Presented before the Finance & Purchasing Committee on April 15, 2024]

Action (omnibus): G. A Resolution authorizing the procurement of Class A Uniforms from the Locker Shop & Unique Apparel Solutions. [Presented before the Finance & Purchasing Committee on April 15, 2024]

Action (omnibus): H. A Resolution authorizing the procurement of Firefighting turnout gear from W.S. Darley & Co. [Presented before the Finance & Purchasing Committee on April 15, 2024]

Action (omnibus): I. A Resolution approving the Renewal of the Insurance Package as proposed by Alliant Insurance Services Inc. for a not to exceed amount of $4,372,628.00. [This matter was presented to the Finance & Purchasing Committee on April 15, 2024.]

Action (omnibus): J. Resolution approving a settlement and release of all claims for Police Department Employee Compensation claim number 231026W006 for an amount not to exceed $93,099.18. [This matter was presented to the Finance & Purchasing Committee on April 15, 2024.]

New Business Omnibus Vote:

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

NAY:  None.

ABSENT:  None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

MOTION APPROVED

8. Ordinances

9. Closing Items

Alderperson Time

Ald Hayes:  Pass - No Comment.

Ald Bolton:  Thanked the City of Waukegan staff for their hard work. Shared upcoming dates for clean-up - April 20, 2024 from 9 - 11 AM at 8th and Adams. Shared her 1st Ward Meeting date of April 23 from 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM.

Ald Guzman:  Spoke about item 7. A., and shared that he was not going to initially vote in favor of it, but shared why he changed his mind.  Spoke about appointments from this evening. Proposed 2-term limit for Appointed Members of Boards and Commissions - Ald Felix was also in favor of this proposal. Per Mayor Taylor, will be discussed/voted on at the next Committee of the Whole Meeting May 06, 2024.

Ald Martinez:  Stated this meeting is one for the record books, and is glad the budget is passed. Welcomed a new pharmacy business to the 3rd Ward at 2702 Grand Ave. Shared their contact information. Congratulated George and Regena Moore at Legacy Center in the 3rd Ward.  Shared upcoming date for the 3rd Ward clean-up April 27th from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM at Brookside Campus.  Encouraged residents to be safe, mindful, and good neighbors.  

Ald Felix:  Shared information on the job fair he hosted, and mentioned those in attendance as well as sponsors.   Spoke about upcoming amendments that will be discussed in the next Committee of the Whole, including liquor license requirements, sandwich boards, and restrictions being lifted regarding parking of boats and RVs. Invited Chief Navarro to provide clarification on what the next steps are once an arrest is made. Shared comments regarding process for proposed roadwork. Shared information on the Home Sweet Home program available to eligible seniors within Waukegan Township. 

Ald Newsome:  Pass - No Comment.

 Ald Turner:  Shared concerns regarding Alternate Parking in Waukegan, and a reconsideration of the ordinance restrictions. Ald Turner made a motion to amend the honorary street sign ordinance to remove the limit of one sign per ward per year. Ald Felix seconded in support. Mayor Taylor shared the item would go to the Committee of the Whole. Shared information on his upcoming 6th Ward Meeting - Thursday, April 18 at 6:30 PM at 910 W. Glen Flora Ave. Shared that the 6th Ward dumpster drop will be on April 26th on Hickory just north of Keith Ave under the powerlines from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM. 

Ald Donnenwirth:  He thanked the City of Waukegan staff for their assistance with the budget. Stated that he had a 7th Ward Meeting last Tuesday, and recognized the officials in attendance. Shared concerns regarding LRS and issues that have been shared with him with trash-flying around after pick-up. Touched base on issues about boats and RVs citations/concerns and stated that we should leave them alone as we are a lakefront community. Shared his upcoming clean-up date on Thursday, April 25 at Bowen Park.

Ald Florian: Shared recognition for those honored during National Telecommunication Safety Week. Recognized Waukegan Junior Steve Fajardo on receiving first place in the annual Congressional Art Competition, his artwork will be displayed at the U.S. Capital for one year. She is hopeful we can have a Waukegan Proud Award, for Steve. Shared that the Waukegan Public Library Fundraiser will take place Saturday, April 20 from 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM to recognize their 125th Anniversary. Shared her upcoming dumpster clean-up on Thursday, April 25 at Bevier Park. Shared that on May 1 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM there will be a memorial garden at AB Silicon [factory that blew up 5 years ago]. Directed comments to Clerk Kilkelly regarding the City Clerk's prepared statement from this evening, and apologized that her comments were taken as micromanagement, and shared that she just wanted to allow residents to purchase yard waste stickers at City Hall, and she hopes that this can be done.

10. Adjournment

Procedural: A. Motion by Ald Newsome, second by Ald Bolton to Adjourn at 11:51 PM.

VOICE VOTE:  MOTION APPROVED

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