Chicago City Wire

City of Waukegan City Council met Oct. 7

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Council of the City of Waukegan met in regular session on Monday, October 07, 2024 at 7:00 PM

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

Mayor; Ann B. Taylor, Deputy City Clerk; David A. Patterson, City Treasurer; Dr. John R. Schwab & Corporation Counsel; Kelley A. Gandurski were present.

City Clerk; Janet E. Kilkelly was absent and 2nd Ward Alderman Jose A. Guzman, was absent.

1. Opening Items

Procedural: A. Roll Call

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

ABSENT: Ald Guzman.

Procedural: B. Invocation by Servant Leader Dr Michael Hargett (Eternal Life Fellowship Ministries) / Pledge of Allegiance

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

2. Resolutions/Proclamations/Presentations/Appointments

Action: A. Motion by Ald Newsome, second by Ald Donnenwirth to approve RESOLUTION 24—R—248: "Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Larsen Florist"

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: Ald Guzman.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

3. Audience Time

Jesus Ruiz: Stated he is the Dean for the College of Lake County Lakeshore Campus. Shared the success and improvement of the College of Lake County. Thanked Alderman Felix, Mayor Ann B. Taylor and Chief of Staff George Bridges Jr for their continued support and looks forward to continuing working with the City of Waukegan. 

Margaret Carrasco: Shared concerns regarding a liquor store opening in Waukegan. Stated we have enough and don’t need any more in our city. Stated that Mayor Taylor’s husband, Dr. Wayne Taylor, and COS George Bridges Jr allegedly are allegedly pressuring certain businesses with liquor licenses to sign Mayor Taylor’s re-election petition. She indicated that she has video/photographic proof of these incidents.

Rayon Edwards: Shared that local elections are coming up next year. Discussed an incident that occurred that was captured on video and was shared on his social media, stated all the crime in Waukegan is getting ridiculous and we need to do something about it.

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 - G. 

Action (Consent): A. Motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes from Monday, September 16, 2024

Action (Consent): B. Motion to approve The Little Fort Lions Club request to hold its "Candy Days" on October 11th-12th & October 18th-19th 2024, in accordance with the Lions of Illinois statewide fundraising.

Action (Consent): C. Motion to approve and ratify Regular Payroll dated September 20, 2024, in the total amount of $2,012,823.55.

Action (Consent): D. Motion to approve and ratify Misc. Payroll (PD HBB & CT Cashout, EO & CS and Final Payouts) dated September 20, 2024, in the total amount of $25,668.65.

Action (Consent): E. Motion to approve and ratify Regular Payroll dated October 04, 2024, in the total amount of $2,104,448.65.

Action (Consent): F. Motion to approve and ratify Misc. Payroll (PD HBB & CT Cashout, IAFF Stipend and Final Payouts) dated October 04, 2024, in the total amount of $125,137.88

Action (Consent): G. Motion to approve vendor payments dated October 7, 2024 in the amount of $3,366,043.76.

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: Ald Guzman.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

5. Reports and Communication

6. Old Business

7. New Business

Action: A. Motion by Ald Hayes, second by Ald Felix to approve an Ordinance amending a Conditional Use Permit for a recreational cannabis craft growing establishment at 99 West Greenwood Avenue to update applicant information. [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on October 7, 2024.]

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

NAY: Ald Newsome.

ABSENT: Ald Guzman.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action: B. Motion by Ald Bolton, second by Ald Martinez to approve a Resolution approving a Professional Services Agreement for Opportunity Collaboratives for workforce development feasibility analysis and recommendations with OBE Advisors and Insight Strategic Concepts. [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on October 7, 2024.]

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: Ald Guzman.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action: C. Motion by Ald Bolton, second by Ald Donnenwirth to approve a Resolution Approving a Business Development Agreement between the City of Waukegan and Classic Automotive, Inc. (425 North Green Bay Road) [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on October 7, 2024.]

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

NAY: Ald Florian.

ABSENT: Ald Guzman.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action: D. Resolution approving a settlement and release of all claims for Police Department Workers Compensation claim numbers 24WC012299, 24WC012294, and 24WC012296 for an amount not to exceed $18,937.43. [This matter was presented to the Government Operations & Oversight Committee on October 7, 2024]

ITEM 7. D - HELD OVER IN COMMITTEE

Action: E. Motion by Ald Martinez, second by Ald Donnenwirth to approve a Resolution approving a settlement and release of all claims for Fire Department Workers Compensation claim number 221220W017 for an amount not to exceed $87,326.75. [This matter was presented to the Government Operations & Oversight Committee on October 7, 2024]

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: Ald Guzman.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action: F. Motion by Ald Bolton, second by Ald Hayes to approve a Resolution approving a settlement and release of all claims for Public Works Workers Compensation claim number 230308W019 for an amount not to exceed $83,669. [This matter was presented to the Government Operations & Oversight Committee on October 7, 2024]

Ald Florian recused herself from this item, and left the room.

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: Ald Guzman.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action: G. Motion by Ald Newsome, second by Ald Donnenwirth to approve a Resolution approving the repaving of the City owned parking lot at the northwest corner of Washington and Butrick by Leopardo for a not to exceed amount of $32,060.37 per Sec. 2-458(i)(3)(Joint Purchasing) through Sourcewell. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on October 7, 2024.]

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: Ald Guzman.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action: H. Motion by Ald Florian, second by Ald Bolton to approve a Resolution approving the purchase of a 2024 Compact Track Loader from Burris Equipment for a not to exceed amount of $75,299.00 per Sec. 2-458(i)(3)(Joint Purchasing) through Sourcewell. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on October 7, 2024.]

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: Ald Guzman.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action: I. Motion by Ald Florian, second by Ald Bolton to approve a Resolution approving the purchase of a PFY100 Pneumatic Tire Forklift Truck from Apex Material Handling Corporation for an amount not to exceed $46,450.00 per Sec. 2-458(i)(7)(Good Faith Waiver). [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on October 7, 2024.]

Clarification of the Good Faith Waiver was provided by Director of Public Works, Chris Garland.

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

NAY: Ald Turner.

ABSENT: Ald Guzman.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action: J. Motion by Ald Turner, second by Ald Florian to approve an Ordinance Amending Various Section of Chapter 21 Regarding Parking Restrictions on Clayton Street in Downtown [This matter was referred from the Committee of the Whole on September 16, 2024]

Item was presented by Ald Turner, who sponsored the item at the Committee of the Whole meeting, discussion took place regarding the perimeters of the Ordinance. 

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: Ald Guzman.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

8. Ordinances

9. Closing Items

Alderperson Time

Ald Guzman: Absent.

Ald Martinez: Reminded everyone leaf pickup will begin this month. Upcoming pick-up for the 3rd ward will be on October 28th and 29th. Shared Halloween hours for the City of Waukegan. Thanked Public Works Director Chris Garland for project completion. Attended the Mano a Mano event this past weekend and hopes for their continued success. Encouraged everyone to be safe, mindful, and a good neighbor. 

Ald Felix: Thanked constituents that have called and suggested areas that need attention in the 4th Ward. Encouraged residents to reach out if they feel their area needs any traffic control devices to be put in. Thanked the City Council, Public Works and COS Bridges Jr for their work. Shared concerns regarding abandoned vehicles on Edison Court. Thanked Animal Control for always being so responsive whenever there is an issue in the 4th ward. Stated he also attended Mano a Mano and supports their mission.

Ald Newsome: Mentioned leaf pick-up for the 5th Ward is going to start October 23rd and 24th. Shared that pick-up for November will be on the 6th and 7th.

Ald Turner: Discussed two shootings that have happened in the 6th Ward in the last month. Reminded residents about the start of leaf pick-up this month. Stated that yard sale and any political signs do not go into city Parkways or any city properties. Kindly asked residents to please not create a street memorial for any loved ones who have passed, as there are times items are left behind, which is a concern to residents residing in the surrounding area. Shared that many streets have been resurfaced within his ward.

Ald Donnenwirth: Thanked all the city department heads and city employees for all their hard work. Stated he shared the leaf schedule on Facebook for residents to see. Encouraged residents to call the Police if they see anyone speeding down the street and knows where they went.

Ald Florian: Shared she attended the nonprofit meeting that Mayor Ann B. Taylor holds every month. Shared there is an affordable solar program being pushed by the state that residents in our area may qualify for. Discussed concerns regarding 2023 median earnings of women versus men.

Ald Hayes: Pass - No Comment.

Ald Bolton: Reminded residents leaf pickup for the 1st Ward will begin October 30th. Shared a flyer in reference to saving money by installing affordable solar programs. Eligible homeowners will be charged no upfront cost and the cut off will be April 30th 2025. Shared guidelines on how to recycle items. Discussed a program called Ride that caters to residents 60 and older, and residents with disabilities that provides extra transportation. Congratulates Pastor Brown from Trinity AME Church, celebrating their anniversary. Shares the success in the Uma program that is located within the 1st Ward. Said they are doing an excellent job in serving our community. Congratulated Office of City Clerk Janet E. Kilkelly for their implementation of a new translation software that will assist residents if needed.

Mayor Taylor provided closing comments, specifically on allegations made towards her regarding voting on a certain liquor license.

10. Adjournment

Action: A. Motion by Ald Florian, second by Ald Newsome to Adjourn at 8:08 PM.

VOICE VOTE: MOTION APPROVED

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