Chicago City Wire

City of Waukegan City Council met Sept. 16

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

Procedural: A. Roll Call

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

ABSENT: None.

Procedural: B. Invocation by Pastor Angelo Kyle (Restoration Church- Waukegan, IL.) / Pledge of Allegiance

Procedural: C. Mayor's Comments - At this time, Mayor Taylor shared her comments. In additional, Mayor Taylor invited Police Chief Navarro to share information. 

2. Resolutions/Proclamations/Presentations/Appointments

Action: A. Proclamation: Fire Prevention Week October 6-12th, 2024 "Do Your Part, Be Fire Smart"

Action: B. Motion by Ald Martinez, second by Ald Newsome to approve Appointment of Vicki McKinney to the Waukegan Library Board

Vicki McKinney shared her thanks to the Alderpersons and community for the opportunity to serve on the Waukegan Library Board.

VOICE VOTE: MOTION APPROVED

3. Audience Time

Rayon Edwards: Shared feedback regarding a moment when he gave roses to Mayor Ann Taylor. Stated he did not do this for political reasons. Shared that he attended the Waukegan parade this past weekend and it was beautiful. Shared concerns about horses being allowed at the parade this year when there were issues about it last year.  Stated that Waukegan picks and chooses who must follow rules. Had a conversation via text with Mandy Dye and was disgusted with what she allegedly said. Shared his experience with Waukegan Police and said we need more staff because he was told they didn’t have enough staff to investigate a crime against him, as his bag was stolen.

Margaret Carrasco: Shared an exhibit with the City Council of an event that happened this past weekend. Stated that COS Bridges Jr is allegedly using the money from Waukegan taxpayers to pay for his publicity. Stated that using Public Resources for political advantage is wrong.

Brotha Blanks: Discussed concerns about McAllister Avenue and said he’s glad it’s been paved but is upset that there are patches all over the street. Shared that he has requested a FOIA to get the Engineering specs for McAllister to see why it looks so different from other streets that have been paved. Stated that the City of Waukegan should just repave the whole street.   

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 - E, excluding items A & B.

Action: A. Motion by Ald Florian, second by Ald Newsome to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes from Monday, August 19, 2024.

Ald Guzman shared that he would like two votes changed in the record, for when he wasn't in attendance.

 Mayor Taylor clarified, sharing that you cannot change the minutes to reflect a vote when you were not present, and that the minutes would be up for approval without the requested change. 

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action: B. Motion by Ald Martinez, second by Ald Guzman to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes from Tuesday, September 03, 2024.

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action (Consent): C. Motion to approve vendor payments dated September 16, 2024 in the amount of $1,322.093.23.

Action (Consent): D. Motion to approve and ratify Regular Payroll dated September 06, 2024, in the total amount of $2,011,692.67.

Action (Consent): E. Motion to approve and ratify Misc. Payroll (PD HBB & CT Cashout and Final Payouts) dated September 06878, 2024, in the total amount of $26,970.24.

Consent Agenda Vote:

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

5. Reports and Communication

6. Old Business

Action: A. Motion by Ald Turner, second by Ald Newsome to approve a Resolution Ratifying Modifications to an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Waukegan and the Waukegan Community Unit School District 60 for Public Safety Services for the 2024-2025 School Year

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

7. New Business Motion by Ald Florian, second by Ald Bolton to omnibus vote items 7. A - O, excluding items 7.  B  & H.

Action (omnibus): A. Resolution approving Change Order #1 with Chicagoland Paving Contractors, Inc. for the FY2025 Alley Program in a not to exceed amount of $240,000.00. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on September 16, 2024.]

Action: B. Motion by Ald Florian, second by Ald Hayes to approve a Resolution approving storm sewer repairs by Campanella & Sons in an amount not to exceed $670,930.46 per Sec. 2-458(i)(7)(Good Faith Waiver). [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on September 16, 2024.]

Ald Guzman asked for clarification on the location. Public Works Director Chris Garland provided clarification on the location.

Ald Florian asked if we are going to have to redo the road. Mayor Taylor stated not the whole road, but portion.

Mayor Taylor asked if this was explained in the briefing. Ald Guzman stated he doesn't recall.  Mayor Taylor provided clarification.

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: None. 

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action (omnibus): C. Resolution approving the demolition of the water tower at 102 Keller Avenue by Leopardo per Sec. 2-458(i)(3)(Joint Purchasing) for a not to exceed amount of $875,000.00. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on September 16, 2024.]

Action (omnibus): D. Resolution approving an agreement with Crawford, Murphy, & Tilly for design engineering services for the Beechnut Pump Station MCC/VFD Upgrades per Sec. 2-458(i)(4)(Professional Services) for a not to exceed amount of $208,500.00. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on September 16, 2024.]

Action (omnibus): E. Amendment to Ordinance Section 11-1 for restricted groundwater zones to add 1509 Washington Street to the list of properties subject to groundwater restrictions. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on September 16, 2024.]

Action (omnibus): F. Resolution Approving Change Order No. 2 with Lake County Grading Company, LLC, for the Fansteel soil remediation project. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on September 16, 2024.]

Action (omnibus): G. Resolution approving a professional services agreement with Deigan Group for professional environmental assessment work at the former Johnson Motors/OMC Plant 1/BRP Site. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on September 16, 2024.]

Action: H. Motion by Ald Florian, second by Ald Bolton to approve a Resolution for Improvement under the Illinois Highway Code authorizing use of Motor Fuel Tax Funds for Downtown Accessibility Improvements Project in a not to exceed amount of $54,984.00. [This matter what presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on September 16, 2024.]

Ald Guzman asked for clarification on the funding of this item. Corporation Counsel Weiss provided clarification on the funding of the item, and reimbursement.

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: None. 

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action (omnibus): I. Resolution approving a Local Public Agency Engineering Services Agreement and a Professional Services Agreement with Gewalt Hamilton Associates, Inc. for Engineering Services Related to Downtown Accessibility Improvements Project. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on September 16, 2024.]

Action (omnibus): J. Ordinance approving the disposal of a surplus ambulance owned by the City of Waukegan and a Bill of Sale. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on September 16, 2024.]

Action (omnibus): K. Ordinance approving the disposal of a surplus trailer owned by the City of Waukegan. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on September 16, 2024.]

Action (omnibus): L. Resolution waiving competitive bidding and approving an agreement with Seagrave Fire Apparatus, LLC for the procurement of a custom triple combination pumper fire apparatus in the amount of $1,119,896.00. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on September 16, 2024.]

Action (omnibus): M. Ordinance amending various sections of Chapter 9 of the City Code regarding Fire Prevention and Protection.[This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on September 16, 2024.]

Action (omnibus): N. Resolution authorizing the procurement of ten 2025 Ford Explorers from Currie Motors in the amount of $452,040.00. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on September 16, 2024.]

Action (omnibus): O. Resolution Approving the Engagement of Nielsen, Zehe & Antas P.C. to Provide Legal Services to the City of Waukegan and the Execution of an Engagement Agreement [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on September 16, 2024.]

New Business omnibus vote:

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: None. 

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

8. Ordinances

9. Closing Items

Alderperson Time

Ald Bolton: Thanked everyone for their prayers and calls as she is recovering from surgery. Stated that McAlister work is being done, and alley work will be done as well.

Ald Guzman: Explained why he was unable to attend the parade on Sunday, and shared all of the compliments from those in attendance. Shared that the Director of Lakefront does a great job. Shared concerns regarding Committee of the Whole, still feels it takes too long, and the items are behind 6 to 7 months, explained his dissatisfaction with the process. Shared that he would like to make a Motion to Dissolve Committee of the Whole, and explained that the remaining items should go to other committees, and then placed in Regular City Council. Corporation Counsel Weiss stated this would require a Code Amendment, and a lengthy discussion took place regarding this proposal. Question was called, and failed: 

Motion by Ald Guzman, second by Ald Felix to place a discussion item for the dissolution of Committee of the Whole and reassignment of items on a Committee of the Whole agenda.

AYE: Ald Bolton, Ald Guzman, Ald Felix, Ald Newsome, Ald Turner,

NAY: Ald Martinez, Ald Newsome, Ald Donnenwirth, Ald Florian, Ald Florian.

ABSENT: None. 

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION FAILED to place item on Committee of the Whole agenda.

Ald Guzman continued his comments, stated it is getting dark out and to watch for those out crossing, including children. Watch for their safety.

Ald Martinez: Shared that the Homecoming Parade was a success, and asked residents to watch for children as it is getting dark out earlier. Asked everyone to be safe, mindful, and to be a good neighbor.

Ald Felix: Shared the successful events over the weekend, including the parades in both North Chicago and Waukegan, for Hispanic Heritage Month. Thanked everyone who was involved, and all of the Elected Officials who attended.  Stated he also attended the Homecoming Parade, and thanked everyone for their work. Discussed Speed Bumps in the 4th Ward, including Traffic Control Devices, and shared that he made a post on Facebook looking for constituents input. Welcomed La Zona 84 Bar & Grill to the 4th Ward. Shared concerns regarding Food Trucks and noise, and stated he is working with City Staff to address concerns.

Ald Newsome:  Pass - No Comment.

Ald Turner: Shared concerns regarding signs in the parkway in the 6th Ward, and stated that he addresses the issue as he sees it, and removes the signs that are illegally posted.

Ald Donnenwirth: Thanked City Staff for their responses when he reaches out. Shared the great success of both the Waukegan and North Chicago Hispanic Heritage Month parades. Stated that he would like to bring forward the item regarding Class C at the next Committee of the Whole, as he misunderstood some of the requirements, and would like to reconsider his vote at the next Committee of the Whole Meeting [Ordinance Amending Various Provision of the Waukegan Liquor Control Ordinance and Ordinance 18-O-46 Regarding Class C-1 Licenses [Sponsor: Ald. Guzman]. Motion by Ald Donnenwirth, second by Ald Guzman to reconsider item 4. A under Committee of the Whole New Business from September 16, 2024.  Item will be placed on the next Committee of the Whole agenda, under Old Business. 

AYE: Bolton, Guzman, Martinez, Felix, Donnenwirth

NAY: Newsome, Florian, Hayes.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED to reconsider item at the next Committee of the Whole Meeting

Ald Florian: Thanked the Public Works Department for their assistance with her Dumpster on Sat, September 21st. Shared that she attended a successful parade in Waukegan for Hispanic Heritage Month.

Ald Hayes: Stressed that Alderperson Time should not be used for debate and creating motions. Shared that this time should be used to discuss updates in your ward.

Mayor Taylor provided clarification on Audience Time comment regarding horses at the Hispanic Heritage Month parade, and explained that last year there were two parades, and that there is usually one parade. Shared that horses are allowed when there is one parade, and clean up is done well, as it was during the parade this year. She further explained that they did it the smart way and had the horses at the end of the parade. They cleaned up this city like you wouldn't believe. Congratulations to Juntos. 

10. Adjournment

Procedural: A. Motion by Ald Turner, second by Ald Guzman to Adjourn at 8:27 PM.

VOICE VOTE:  MOTION APPROVED

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