Chicago City Wire

City of Waukegan City Council met June 3

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 were present.

1. Opening Items

Action: A.  Roll Call

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

ABSENT: None.

Procedural: B. Invocation by Pastor/Bishop Anthony Johnson (After the Fall Ministry-Waukegan) / Pledge of Allegiance

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

2. Resolutions/Proclamations/Presentations/Appointments

Information: A.  PROCLAMATION - "June is National Gun Violence Awareness Month in Waukegan"

Information: B.  PROCLAMATION - "June is Men’s Health Month in Waukegan"

3. Audience Time

Rayon Edwards:  Expressed that he is disappointed there was no recognition for Juneteenth. Spoke about item 4. A regarding the Censure of Alderman Keith E. Turner. Shared that he is in favor of a Ceasefire Resolution.

Audra Flores:  Shared prepared comments regarding Israel-Hamas Ceasefire, encouraging the City of Waukegan to support a Resolution.

Fakhra Khan:  Shared concerns regarding Air B&Bs, and the cost of rental licenses. She would like a freeze to be looked into, and the cost of Air B&Bs and landlords renting their homes to be treated equally.

Yesenia Resse:  Shared concerns regarding taxation, and shared a poem.

Brother Blanks:  Shared prepared comments regarding Israel-Hamas Ceasefire, encouraging the City of Waukegan to support a Resolution. Touched base on concerns regarding a proposed Civilian Office of Police Accountability.

Clyde McLemore:  Spoke about item 4. A regarding the Censure of Alderman Keith E. Turner. Also shared support for a Ceasefire Resolution.

Frank Pettis:  Thanked Mayor Ann B. Taylor and Alderman Jose A. Guzman regarding communication regarding Lakes Hospital demolition site.  Stated there was no mention by Newspaper/ City Council for risks/dangers for those around that site.  Shared support regarding a Ceasefire Resolution.

David Power:  Shared prepared comments regarding Israel-Hamas Ceasefire, encouraging the City of Waukegan to support a Resolution.  Noted that a Ceasefire has not been proposed by any of the Alderpersons.

Veronica Arcentales:  Shared prepared comments regarding Israel-Hamas Ceasefire, encouraging the City of Waukegan to support a Resolution.

Mansoz Quveshi: Shared prepared comments regarding Israel-Hamas Ceasefire, encouraging the City of Waukegan to support a Resolution 

Rosa Shepar:  Shared concerns regarding beautification of Waukegan, as a 45 year resident. Shared concerns with Alderpersons, and stated they were elected to help resolve these issues.

Jana Asmar:   Shared prepared comments regarding Israel-Hamas Ceasefire, encouraging the City of Waukegan to support a Resolution

Asecl Judah:  Shared prepared comments regarding Israel-Hamas Ceasefire, encouraging the City of Waukegan to support a Resolution.

Kelley Hodge Below:  Shared a prepared written statement by resident Brendan Stewart, regarding item 4. A. Censure of Alderman Keith E. Turner.

Jason Farias:  Shared prepared comments regarding Israel-Hamas Ceasefire, encouraging the City of Waukegan to support a Resolution.

Cathy Charity:  Shared her dissatisfaction with things 'changing' around town, and called Waukegan 'Wautexico'. Stated Waukegan feels like a third world country, and explained hear reasoning behind her statement.

Chelsey Faloona:  Shared prepared comments regarding Israel-Hamas Ceasefire, encouraging the City of Waukegan to support a Resolution.

Margaret Carrasco: Invited the community to an event on Thursday at Euforia Cafe, including Alderpersons from the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Ward.  Spoke about item 4. A. regarding Censure of Alderman Keith E. Turner, and shared information regarding the case of the 'arm' found on the beach, including the Freedom of Speech that Alderman Turner has. Encouraged Mayor Taylor to 'shut mouth' before a new lawsuit against the city arises. Encouraged Aldermen to not be a lapdog for Mayor Taylor. Spoke about new fines for long grass. 

Recess 8:04 PM by Mayor Taylor. Reconvened Regular Session at 8:10 PM.

4. Special Order of Business

Action: A.  Motion by Ald Hayes, second by Ald Florian to approve A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Waukegan to Censure Alderman Keith Turner.

Corporation Counsel Weiss provided clarification to the definition of Censure and the action of this resolution. Defined the difference between the words.

Ald Guzman wanted to hear an apology, but understands what Ald Turner was doing. Wanted to be an open book, and not a closed book. Ald Guzman believes that Ald Turner wanted to be transparent, and should have just been done with an apology, and it would have been over with.

Ald Felix disagrees the way it was done by Ald Turner, and shared condolences with the family. Ald Martinez shared this is a moral issue, and there should be privacy of victims, both living and dead. Shared that the family is hurt and they are seeking comfort.

Ald Guzman, asked Ald Turner to state something before a vote took place.

Ald Turner shared prepared comments, which are on file with the Office of the City Clerk, and attached to item 4. A. in BoardDocs.

Mayor Taylor shared feedback to Ald Turner's comments, calling them disappointing. 

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

NAY: Ald Newsome, Ald Turner, Ald Donnenwirth.

ABSENT: None. 

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

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 Florian, second by Ald Newsome to approve Consent Agenda items 5.  A,  &  C - F,  excluding item  5. B.

Action (Consent): A. Motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes from Monday, May 20, 2024.

Action: B. as amended - Motion by Ald Martinez, second by Ald Florian to approve the Special Meeting Minutes froThursday, May 23, 2024.

Ald Florian shared amendments to the Special Meeting Minutes. Minutes were prepared by Corporation Counsel Stewart J. Weiss. Corporation Counsel Weiss confirmed the changes will be reflected in the approved minutes.

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED 

Action (Consent): C. Motion to approve and ratify Regular Payroll dated May 31, 2024 in the total amount of $2,056,616.24.

Action (Consent): D. Motion to approve and ratify Misc. Payroll (PD HBB & CT Cashout and Final Payouts) dated May 31, 2024 in the total amount of $76,085.27.

Action (Consent): E. Motion to approve and ratify Misc. Payroll (PD FYE Cashout and Fire VEBA Cashout) dated May 17, 2024 in the total amount of $292,636.36.

Action (Consent): F. Motion to approve vendor payments dated June 3, 2024 in the amount of $3,833,187.41.

Consent vote:

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

NAY: None.  

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

6. Reports and Communication

7. Old Business

Action: A. Motion by Ald Newsome, second by Ald Bolton to approve an Ordinance Approving the FY2024-25 Salary Ordinance for the Mayor, City Clerk, and Treasurer.

Ald Guzman shared his concerns regarding property tax increases to find the funding for the ordinance being proposed for approval. Mayor Taylor provided feedback, that nobody is proposing a raise on property taxes. Corporation Counsel Weiss provided history regarding this ordinance, calling it a saga, and explained when this ordinance would go into effect, which would be after the May 2025 Mayor, City Clerk, City Treasurer Election.

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

NAY: Ald Florian,  Ald Hayes, Ald Guzman.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: Ald Felix.

MOTION APPROVED

8. New Business Motion by Ald Newsome, second by Ald Turner Omnibus Newsome, Turner B - F

Action: A. Motion by Ald Turner, second by Ald Donnenwirth Ordinance creating a Class E Restaurant Liquor license and associated video gaming license for Lucky Scottie located at 30 N Genesee St. [Community Development Committee June 3, 2024]

Petitioner provided clarification to Ald Florian's concerns regarding music within the business location.

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

NAY: Ald Newsome.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN:  None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action (omnibus): B. Resolution approving an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) for the Access to Transit Grant award. [Community Development Committee June 3, 2024]

Action (omnibus): C. Resolution approving a contract with Five Star Energy Services, LLC, for the FY25 SRF-funded lead service line replacements in an amount not to exceed $3,689,814.00. [Community Development Committee June 3, 2024]

Action (omnibus): D. Resolution Approving Change Order with Lab Construction Inc. for Police Department Lower-Level Entrance Remodeling for an amount not to exceed $32,710. [This matter was presented to the Government Operations and Oversight Committee on June 3, 2024]

Action (omnibus): E. Resolution approving a settlement and release of all claims for Fire Department Workers' Compensation claim number 220601W004 for an amount not to exceed $70,423.81. [This matter was presented to the Government Operations & Oversight Committee on June 3, 2024]

Action (omnibus): F. as amended in committee Ordinance Amending Ordinance 24-O-80 Fixing the Salaries and Wages to be Paid to Management and Non-Union Employees of the City of Waukegan, Illinois to Provide for the Salary of a Public Works Construction Manager and Adjust Position Titles Department Designations [This was heard in Government Operations and Oversight on June 3, 2024]

New Business omnibus vote:

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

NAY: Ald Turner.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

9. Ordinances

10. Closing Items

Alderperson Time

Ald Martinez: Shared that Tiffany Drive will be having a Neighborhood Watch Meeting Tuesday, June 18. Encouraged neighbors to have their lawns in order, including grass under 8 inches. Shared his contact 847-390-2690. Shared that he attended the Memorial Day Parade. Asked residents to be mindful and good neighbors.

Ald Felix:  Shared numerous events he attended over the week/weekend. Wished everyone a Happy Pride Month. Mentioned that he attended a 1st Ward North Chicago meeting, hosted by Alderman Michael R. Jackson. Shared information regarding a conversation that took place with Corporation Counsel Weiss regarding additional time for audience time, those who need translation assistance. Shared safety concerns, and how we should be able to live in a safe environment. 

Ald Newsome: Shared thanks to Public Works and spoke about clean-up efforts within the 5th Ward. 

Ald Turner: Spoke about the letter read into the record during Audience Time by Kelley Hodge Below. Shared that everything in that letter is fabrication. Stated that now this censure business is over with, it is time to focus on real issues throughout the City of Waukegan. Thanked everybody for participating in Memorial Day celebrations. Shared update from the 6th Ward. 

Ald Donnenwirth: Thanked everyone in the 7th Ward for always getting ahold of him with their concerns, and shared that he has been very responsive. 

Ald Florian: Shared that she attended the Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony, and shared that it is a special day for her family, as she is a Gold Star family member, as she lost her nephew in Iraq, in 2006. She stressed the importance of this day for Gold Star families. Shared that she attended the Pride Parade and walked with Mayor Taylor and Ald Felix, despite of the rain. She hopes that there is another Pride Parade next year. Shared lead-pipe statistics, and thanked all those who are making this possible, including this current administration. She shared that the prior administration knew about this issue, and did not do anything to address it. Shared information regarding transparency in government, including sensitive and private information. Shared that she is grateful that the situation was dealt with and acknowledged [censure].

Ald Hayes:  Pass - No Comment. 

Ald Bolton: Spoke about the lead pipe replacement project within the 1st Ward, and the efforts being made. Shared that she is a member of the Democratic Party, and was looking for an apology regarding the censure order of business. Shared that Pastor Brown has been a selfless community service member. Spoke about attending the Eddie Washington Center on their graduation. Shared other events she attended, included Boys and Girls Club event. Invited members of the community to the Faith Based Breakfast that will take place at City Hall. 

Ald Guzman:  Spoke about enforcement efforts by Code Enforcement. Shared parking concerns in his 2nd Ward, including the Waukegan Public School District. Shared that the would like to put something on the agenda to make amendments to the code for Food Trucks. Discussion regarding Willow Rd concerns, and gave history. Spoke about Liquor Code concerns, and that he would like this revisited and revised. Made a motion to create a 3 person panel to start speaking and see how they can approve a liquor code since it hasn't been done in years. This was seconded by Ald Felix. Mayor Taylor stated this can be discussed during Committee of the Whole. Shared concerns regarding Alternate Parking. 

11. Adjournment

Procedural: A. Motion by Ald Donnenwirth, second by Ald Newsome to Adjourn at 9:24 PM.

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

NAY: Ald Turner.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

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