Chicago City Wire

City of Waukegan City Council met Oct. 21

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

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

5th Ward Alderperson; Edith L. Newsome, 7th Ward Alderperson; Micheal P. Donnenwirth and City Clerk; Janet E. Kilkelly, were absent.

1. Opening Items

Procedural: A. Roll Call:

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

ABSENT: Ald Newsome, Ald Donnenwirth.

Procedural: B. Invocation by Apostle Bill Mcneely (Liberty Temple Full Gospel Church Zion, IL.) / Pledge of Allegiance

Procedural: C. Mayor's Comments - At this time, Mayor Taylor shared her comments. In addition, Deputy Police Chief Craig Neal and 911 Dispatch Director Thomas Perfect shared an update.

2. Resolutions/Proclamations/Presentations/Appointments

Proclamation: A. PROCLAMATION - “National Friends of the Libraries Week in Waukegan - October 20-26”

Proclamation: B. PROCLAMATION - "Erie HealthReach Waukegan Day in Waukegan - October 22, 2024"

Proclamation: C. PROCLAMATION - "Extra Mile Day in Waukegan - November 01, 2024"

3. Audience Time

Cathy Charity: Shared concerns regarding her safety in the City of Waukegan. Stated that there are too many liquor stores opening. Shared La Canoa restaurant has a bright LED sign, and it is distracting when driving by it at night. Stated the LED sign is too bright and can blind people.

Kathie McBride: Discussed an incident she had with her landlord.  Stated the City of Waukegan needs better protection. Said our government needs to step up to ensure that no one is left at the mercy of predatory landlords.

Margaret Carrasco: Shared that the Waukegan residents allegedly want to know if George Bridges Jr is getting any financial benefits from construction projects done recently in Waukegan. Discussed event that happened past Sunday for dog vaccinations, and shared kudos. Stated that when the City of Waukegan can communicate with the community, they can have successful events.

Rayon Edwards: Shared he went to the courthouse the other day, when Mayor Ann B. Taylor and the City Clerk Janet E. Kilkelly had to appear. Is upset that Mayor Ann B. Taylor showed up with Stewart J. Weiss who is the City of Waukegan’s Attorney. Stated that if Mayor Ann B. Taylor can use the City Attorney, then the City of Waukegan should also pay for City Clerk Janet E. Kilkelly’s attorney fees since it is a business matter with the City of Waukegan.

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 Guzman to approve Consent Agenda items 4. A - D.

Action (Consent): A. Motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes from Monday, October 07, 2024.

Action (Consent): B. Motion to approve vendor payments dated October 21, 2024 in the amount of $3,451,473.76.

Action (Consent): C. Motion to approve and ratify Regular Payroll dated October 18, 2024, in the total amount of $2,000,316.89.

Action (Consent): D. Motion to approve and ratify Misc. Payroll (PD HBB & CT Cashout, EO & CS, and Final Payouts) dated October 18, 2024, in the total amount of $64,629.09.

Consent Agenda Vote:

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: Ald Newsome, Ald Donnenwirth.   

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

5. Reports and Communication

6. Old Business

7. New Business  Motion by Ald Hayes, second by Ald Florian to omnibus vote New Business items 7. A-B,  D-M,  O-T, excluding items  7.  C,  N,  U.

Action: A. Approval of the Community Development Block Grant 2024 Action Plan Amendment TO BE CONSIDERED AT 11/4/24 MEETING

POSTPONED TO NOVEMBER 04, 2024.

Action: B. Ordinance approving to dispose of various surplus vehicles and equipment through Obenauf Auction Services, Inc. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on October 21, 2024.]

Action: C. Motion by Ald Florian, second by Ald Hayes to approve a Resolution approving and authorizing the proper City Officials to renew professional services agreement with Nicole Large; per Sec. 2-458(i)(5)(Professional Services) for professional consulting services regarding researching/writing/management of local/state/federal grant funding and opportunities. This matter was presented at the Finance & Purchasing Committee on October 21, 2024.

Ald Florian asked Ald Bolton to please elaborate on the concerns she has received from constituents. Ald Bolton shared that it is her understanding that many departments have their own grant writers. Mayor Taylor provided clarification on certain departments having routine grants they apply for, vs. having someone who looks at all of the new grants overall.

Ald Turner shared that Ald Donnenwirth called him personally and asked for him to hold this item over as he and Ald Newsome are both absent this evening. Ald Turner asked for this item to be held over. 

Ald Guzman asked if we could also extend this contract for an additional two weeks while this is being held over. Ald Hayes stressed the millions of dollars in grants Ms. Large has already achieved for the city to date, and stressed that holding this item over only hurts the City of Waukegan.  Ald Hayes made a motion to overturn the Aldermanic Hold-Over.

Mayor Taylor reminded Alderpersons that Ms. Large is paid a salary, however, does not receive benefits as a consultant. Ald Turner stressed again why he would like to hold this item over, to allow more time for discussion, and to have the full City Council present, including Ald Donnenwirth and Ald Newsome. Corporation Counsel Weiss explained that there is a motion to over-ride the Aldermanic Hold-Over, seconded by Ald Florian. Two-Thirds Majority Vote (6) is required, which would include Mayor Taylor.  Ald Guzman asked Ald Hayes if he'd conconsider allowing this to be held over if we include the two-week extension to Ms. Large's contract. Ald Hayes stated he feels strongly about this item, but agreed to withdraw his motion to over-ride. Mayor Taylor clarified that this item will be held over to November 04, 2024 City Council Meeting. Corporation Counsel Weiss asked for a formal motion on the record.

Motion by Ald Guzman, second by Ald Turner to postpone consideration of item 7. C. for two weeks, until the November 04, 2024 City Council Meeting, and that the terms of Ms. Large's current contract be extended to November 05, 2024.

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: Ald Newsome, Ald Donnenwirth.   

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION to postpone to November 04, 2024, APPROVED

Action: D. Ordinance approving to recycle a chassis with Auto Parts City for a flat rate for Capital Asset Disposal. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on October 21, 2024.]

Action: E. Ordinance approving to recycle three leaf machines with Cleveland Recycling for a flat rate for Capital Asset Disposal. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on October 21, 2024.]

Action: F. Resolution approving engineering services from Gewalt Hamilton Associates, Inc. per Sec. 2-458(i)(4)(Professional Services) for Segment #2 of the FY2025 Road Program for a not to exceed amount of $185,925.00. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on October 21, 2024.]

Action: G. Resolution approving engineering services from Gewalt Hamilton Associates, Inc. per Sec. 2-458(i)(4)(Professional Services) for Segment #2 of the FY2025 Sidewalk Program for a not to exceed amount of $121,995.00. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on October 21, 2024.]

Action: H. Resolution approving the procurement of road salt from Compass Minerals America per Sec. 2-458(i)(3)(Joint Purchasing) through the State of Illinois CMS Services contract for a not to exceed amount of $655,000.00. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on October 21, 2024.]

Action: I. Resolution approving the procurement of liquid de-icer from Industrial Systems per Sec. 2-458(i)(1)(Sole Source) in a not to exceed amount of $45,000.00. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on October 21, 2024.]

Action: J. Resolution approving the award of the Water Plant Switchgear & SCADA Upgrades bid to Boller Construction Company in a not to exceed amount of $2,952,800.00. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on October 21, 2024.]

Action: K. Motion to approve amended and restated IGA with Park City for Water. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on October 21, 2024.]

Action: L. Motion to approve a settlement agreement between the City of Waukegan and Park City for unpaid water usage. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on October 21, 2024.]

Action: M. Resolution approving design engineering services for the Pershing Road Culvert Replacement from Ciorba Group per Sec. 2-458(i)(4)(Professional Services) in a not to exceed amount of $185,249.47. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on October 21, 2024.]

Action: N. Motion by Ald Martinez, second by Ald Felix to approve a Resolution approving a professional services agreement to provide redevelopment planning and strategy development for the former OMC site with the Sigma Group. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on October 21, 2024.]

Ald Felix asked for clarification on this item, as details were not provided during their Aldermanic Briefing.  At this time, Planning & Zoning Director Noelle Kischer-Lepper provided detail and further clarification. 

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: Ald Newsome, Ald Donnenwirth.   

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action: O. A Resolution approving the acceptance of a grant from The Bureau of Justice Assistance Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership. [This matter was presented to the Finance & Purchasing Committee on October 21, 2024.]

Action: P. A Resolution approving a Partnership Agreement with The Brushwood Center regarding an Environmental Protection Agency Community Change Grant. [This matter was presented to the Finance & Purchasing Committee on October 21, 2024.]

Action: Q. A Resolution approving the procurement of a generator and installation services for Fire Stations #1 and #5 for an amount not to exceed $113,880.00. [This matter was presented to the Finance & Purchasing Committee on October 21, 2024.]

Action: R. A Resolution waiving competitive bidding and approving an agreement with Seagrave Fire Apparatus, LLC for the refurbishment of a rescue squad apparatus in an amount to exceed $273,166.89. [This matter was presented to the Finance & Purchasing Committee on October 21, 2024.]

Action: S. A Resolution approving a lease agreement with Ballard Marine Construction LLC for a portion of the Water Plant parking lot property. [This matter was presented to the Finance & Purchasing Committee on October 21, 2024.]

Action: T. Motion to authorize staff to pay the annual Visit Lake County partnership contribution in the amount of $35,830.00. [This matter was presented to the Finance & Purchasing Committee on October 21, 2024.]

Consent Agenda Vote:

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: Ald Newsome,  Ald Donnenwirth.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action: U. Motion by Ald Martinez, second by Ald Hayes to approve A Resolution Approving a Professional Services Agreement for Public Art Installation. [This matter was presented to the Finance & Purchasing Committee on October 21, 2024.]

Ald Florian explained that Mr. Kapheim shared concerns during the Finance & Purchasing Committee Meeting about how this is currently being executed. Planning & Zoning Director Noelle Kischer-Lepper apologized for not being in the room during the committee, but shared that from hearing discussions from members on the committee and staff who were present. She shared that she believes Mr. Kapheim may have been speaking about the RFP regarding the identity sculpture, and provided further details and intentions behind the project, and answered questions/comments from Alderpersons seeking further clarification.  

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

NAY: Ald Turner.

ABSENT: Ald Newsome, Ald Donnenwirth.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

8. Ordinances

9. Closing Items

Alderperson Time

Ald Martinez: Shared events he attended this past weekend. Reminded residents leaf pickup begins in the 3rd Ward on October 28th and the 29th, and for November the dates will be the 11th and 12th. Shared Halloween in Waukegan will be this Sunday the 27th.  Kindly asked residents to be mindful and extra careful. Thanked Public Works for the work they have been doing around the City of Waukegan. Shared concerns regarding excessive trash accumulation located at the strip mall at the Grand Plaza. Has requested plastic garbage bins to be installed on Grand Avenue to help with the trash around the area. Stated he will be looking to see if his Ward needs speed bumps. Will take any feedback from his constituents. Asked all to be safe, be mindful, and be a good neighbor.

Ald Felix: Shared he attended the Edwin Montano scholarship event, and it was great, wished more people from the community would attend. Stated he is focused on fixing the neglected areas in his Ward. Cleaned a few bike paths with the help of Code Compliance. Enjoys seeing the change in the 4th Ward with many things being replaced and fixed. Stated when he hands a big list to George Bridges, he handles it as fast as possible and is thankful for the help. Encouraged residents to reach out to him if they have any concerns. Shared he is looking into getting speed bumps installed in the 4th Ward. Gave a shoutout to Mike Morales for sending over great photos of events.

Ald Newsome: Absent.

Ald Turner: Discussed concerns regarding a Police call that was not dispatched on October 14th. Stated the resident is very upset about having no response. Brought it to the attention of the Police Administration and understands there was an investigation being done on the incident. Stated no one ever got back to him or the caller with an explanation of what happened. No one has contacted the caller, so he will be following up after the meeting. Shared he will be holding a Ward meeting Thursday the 30th, information will be posted on social media. Stated he has not received any complaints regarding speed bumps that have been installed in the 6th Ward. He has received numerous requests from across the city to install more in the area. Encourages residents who are not from the 6th Ward to contact their Alderman with speed bump requests. Reminds residents leaf pickup in the 6th Ward will be October 23rd and 24th. Gave condolences to Jack Potter’s family. Shared resurfacing projects in the 6th Ward are wrapping up and the completion of two alleys. Thanked the Public Works team.

Ald Donnenwirth: Absent.

Ald Florian: Shared she also attended the Montano scholarship and Safe place event this past weekend, and they were both great and amazing events. Stated the first habitat house is being built in the 8th Ward. The house is being worked on by only women and will be going to a single mom. Shared she took a tour of Public Works last week and encourages any of the Alderman who have never done a tour to please do so.

Ald Hayes: Pass - No comment.

Ald Bolton: Presented an award to Curtis and Katherine Morris for their 70-year wedding anniversary. Thanked David Motley for helping put the award together. Remined residents leaf cleanup will begin October 30th for the 1st Ward. Thanked Public Works for always helping in the 1st Ward.

Ald Guzman: Reminds residents leaf pickup in the 2nd Ward will begin the 30th and 31st of October. Discussed holding off on putting speed bumps in the 2nd ward until the springtime as winter is approaching and they will be removed. Stated residents who are calling him with emergencies should call the Police Department. Shared he will be hosting an Alderman meeting on November 16th at his house. Stated he is very pleased with all the projects that have been completed in Waukegan recently. Reminded residents that school is still in session and to be mindful and careful when buses are stopped.

10. Adjournment

Procedural: A. Motion by Ald Martinez, second by Ald Bolton to ADJOURN at 8:44 PM.

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: Ald Newsome, Ald Donnenwirth.   

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

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