Chicago City Wire

City of Waukegan City Council met Jan. 6

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Council of the City of Waukegan met in regular session on Monday, January 06, 2025 at 7:21 PM City Council Chambers, City Hall. 100 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, Waukegan.

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

1. Opening Items

Procedural: A. Roll Call

PRESENT: Ald Florian, Ald Hayes, Ald Bolton, Ald Guzman, Ald Martinez, Ald Felix, Ald Newsome, Ald Turner, Ald Donnenwirth(virtually present).

ABSENT: None.

Procedural: B. Invocation by Pastor Linda Ervin (New Life Ministry in Christ Church, Waukegan IL) / Pledge of Allegiance

Procedural: C. Mayor's Comments - Mayor Taylor shared her comments at this time. Mayor Taylor also invited Fire Chief Paiser, Dispatch Director Perfect, and Water Superintendent Dominguez to share an update.

2. Resolutions/Proclamations/Presentations/Appointments

Action: A. Motion by Ald Florian, second by Ald Newsome to approve RESOLUTION 25—R—01:  Recognition of Waukegan Sports Hall of Fame, Class of 2024. [Proclamations to be presented at the Waukegan Sports Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon on January 11, 2025: Bruce Brooks, Ralph Bufano, Darren Day, Henrietta Ivy, Dan Manoyan Posthumous, Leigh Eckert Mozina, David Oliva, Amy Eckhert Rossini, Suretha 'Rita Davis' Tate]

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Presentation: B. Presentation of Roads to be resurfaced by Director Garland and Engineer Alquicira.

3. Audience Time

Thomas Kaphem: Stated he gave a proposal to Council for the identity sculpture. Shared ideas about turning Waukegan into a true art community.

Edward Gallagher: Community Relation Representative for Suburban Transport (Pace Bus). Shared an update regarding transportation services for the public.

Rayon Edwards: Shared that the City of Waukegan has no vision. Stated to Ald Martinez that his concern is why everything needs to go in front of the City Council. Further directed comments to Ald Martinez and Ald Bolton regarding concerns of outside influence.  

Margaret Carrasco: Directed attention to two items on the agenda. Item regarding the proposed liquor license for Euphoria Cafe, and the item regarding payroll. Explained that Marabella Mendoza would allegedly not allow the Mayor to host campaign events, and that is why the Mayor is allegedly not allowing this liquor license to happen. Directed comment to Mayor Taylor regarding additional full time employment, and asked if she was working another full time job, and if that is why she had the elevator locked up. Shared that she is taking attendance in each department, and sees how many people show up to work. Stated that when you compare that with the payroll checks, it doesn't match, and it seems like 'Ghost Payroll'. Asked Mayor Taylor if she has ever been arrested. 

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-D.

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

Action (consent): B. Motion to approve and ratify Regular Payroll dated December 27, 2024, in the total amount of $2,026,509.80.

Action (consent): C. Motion to approve and ratify Misc. Payroll (PD HBB & CT Cashout, Retro Pay and Final Payouts) dated December 27, 2024, in the total amount of $32,053.65.

Action (consent): D. Motion to approve vendor payments dated January 6, 2025 totaling in the amount of $3,616,624.78.

Consent Agenda vote:

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

5. Reports and Communication

6. Old Business

Action: A. Motion by Ald Florian, second by Ald Martinez to approve a Resolution approving the repaving of three City owned parking lots by Leopardo for a not to exceed amount of $908,632.17 per Sec. 2-458(i)(3)(Joint Purchasing) through Sourcewell. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on December 16, 2024 and held over at the December 16, 2024 City Council Meeting].

Public Works Director Chris Garland and Planning & Zoning Director Noelle Kischer-Lepper from Planning & Zoning provided clarification. After clarification and discussion, it was decided that the item would be held over until the next Regular City Council Meeting.

ITEM 6. A. HELD OVER UNTIL TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2025.

7. New Business Motion by Ald Florian, second by Ald Bolton to omnibus New Business items 7.  A,  F-G,  I-M,  excluding items 7.  B-E,  H,  N*  &  O*.

Vote to approve New Business omnibus agenda:

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action (omnibus): A. Ordinance approving the 2025 City of Waukegan Zoning Map (Zoning Calendar #2768). [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on January 6, 2025.]

Action: B. Motion by Ald Florian, second by Ald Hayes to approve an Ordinance amending certain sections of the City of Waukegan Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) (Zoning Calendar #2769). [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on January 6, 2025.]

Ald Guzman asked for clarification on the item. Planning & Zoning Director Noelle Kischer-Lepper provided clarification to both items 7. B & C. 

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action: C. Motion by Ald Florian, second by Ald Bolton to approve a Resolution approving an amended Fee and Fine Schedule for the City of Waukegan Unified Development Ordinance. [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on January 6, 2025.]

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action: D. Motion by Ald Newsome, second by Ald Bolton to approve a Resolution approving Change Order No 2 with Deigan Group for environmental engineering services at 200 E. Sea Horse Drive (former Johnson Motors/BRP Site). [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on January 6, 2025.]

Planning & Zoning Director Noelle Kischer-Lepper provided clarification.

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action: E. Motion by Ald Florian, second by Ald Newsome to approve An Ordinance amending Sec. 22 pertaining to the removal of dead trees on private property. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on January 6, 2025.]

Public Works Director Garland provided clarification regarding this item. Ald Turner asked if this is only pertaining to dead trees. Public Works Director Garland shared that this included shrubbery. Corporation Counsel Weiss shared further clarification on when citations would be issued. Mayor Taylor shared when the city can intervene. Ald Hayes stated his concern is that we does not want the city overstepping in private disputes, and asked for clarification regarding obtaining a permit and removing dead trees and the notification letter to resident. Corporation Counsel Weiss shared the criteria that applies for removal.  Ald Hayes wants to make sure that the notices being served to the homeowners, are clear. Ald Felix asked for clarification regarding tree removal from Public Works.  Public Works Director stated the City of Waukegan does not remove trees from private property. Mayor Taylor stated we are willing to work with residents who have concerns if they call, but you cannot sit and do nothing. Ald Felix asked if we can take into consideration that a letter be sent with a check list that they got it (certified). Ald Hayes asked if that cost the city more money. Mayor Taylor stated yes. Ald Turner shared an example of a scenario. Ald Florian shared a lien situation example that could take place if the tree is removed by the property owner. Mayor Taylor shared similar example of how that works with certain HOAs.

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

NAY: Ald Guzman.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action (omnibus): F. Resolution approving the purchase of two trailers from MTM Trailer MFG, LLC for a not to exceed amount of $94,398.00 per Sec. 2-458(i)(7)(Good Faith Waiver). [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on January 6, 2025.]

Action (omnibus): G. Resolution approving an LPA Appropriation Agreement with the State of Illinois to Appropriate $1,340,000 for Phase III Engineering Services for the Greenwood Ave. Bridge [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on January 6, 2025.]

Action: H. Motion by Ald Newsome, second by Ald Florian to approve a Resolution approving an LPA Engineering Agreement for Phase III Engineering Services with Baxter & Woodman for the Greenwood Ave. Bridge per Sec. 2-458(i)(4)(Professional Services) for a not to exceed amount of $590,257.00. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on January 6, 2025.]

Ald Guzman asked for clarification if this is for the 'train bridge'. Ald Florian (Public Works & Infrastructure Committee Chair), confirmed.

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action (omnibus): I. Resolution approving the reclassification of partial funding for the FY2024 LSLR Road Program in an amount of $2,412,176.36. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on January 6, 2025.]

Action (omnibus): J. Resolution authorizing the procurement of squad car equipment and installation services for ten police vehicles from Havey Communications, Inc. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on January 6, 2025.]

Action (omnibus): K. Resolution Approving a Settlement and Release of All Claims for Police Department Employee Workers Compensation Claim Number 240716W018 for an Amount Not to Exceed $11,253.07. [This matter was presented to the Government Operations & Oversight Committee on January 6, 2024]

Action (omnibus): L. Resolution Approving a Settlement and Release of All Claims in Bianca Ruiz, et al. v. City of Waukegan, et al. for an amount not to exceed $15,500. [This matter was presented to the Government Operations & Oversight Committee on January 6, 2024]

Action (omnibus): M. Resolution Approving a Settlement and Release of All Claims in Jessica Acosta, et al. v. City of Waukegan, et al. for an amount not to exceed $42,500. [This matter was presented to the Government Operations & Oversight Committee on January 6. 2024]

New Business omnibus vote:

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

NAY: Ald Turner.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action: N. Ordinance Amending Various Provision of the Waukegan Liquor Control Ordinance and Ordinance 18-O-46 Regarding Class C-1 Licenses [Sponsor: Ald. Guzman - Placed back on January 6, 2025 Committee of the Whole Agenda after Motion to Reconsider]

*Item did not leave Committee of the Whole on 01/06/2025, therefore, it was not heard at the Regular City Council Meeting.

Action: O. An Ordinance Amending Section 3-10 of the Waukegan Code of Ordinances Regarding Class P Coffee Shop Licenses [Sponsor: Ald. Martinez; Presented to the January 6, 2025 Committee of the Whole]

*Item did not leave Committee of the Whole on 01/06/2025, therefore, it was not heard at the Regular City Council Meeting.

8. Ordinances

9. Closing Items

Alderperson Time

Ald Florian: Wished everyone a Happy New Year. Congratulated the Park District on an excellent Polar Plunge that was very successful. Thanked Public Works for the amazing job they have been doing with the plowing.

Ald Hayes: Pass – No comment.

Ald Bolton: Thanked all the clergy. Reminded residents about the Martin Luther King breakfast dreamers award happening January 20th. Discussed the lead piping project will soon begin in the 1st Ward.

Ald Guzman: Discussed the Road Program. Shared he attended the Polar Bear Plunge. Stated he will be doing something big in the summertime since he will be halfway through his term. Reminded residents to please be patient when school buses are stopped and to not go around them.

Ald Martinez: Thanked Pastor Linda Ervin for thoughts and invocation. Shared he attended the Polar Bear Plunge, and it was a successful event. Excited about the new road program that will begin soon. Thanked Public Works and Code enforcement for always answering and following through with any requests. Shared concerns regarding the increase of pedestrians getting hit by cars. Reminded constituents to please be safe, be mindful, and be a good neighbor.

Ald Felix: Shared he attended the Polar Bear Plunge. Thanked everyone that attended the event, it was very successful. Discussed downtown sculpture. Shared concerns regarding short-term rentals. Thanked Public Works for doing such an amazing job these past couple of months.

Ald Newsome: Pass – No comment.

Ald Turner: Encouraged everyone to please lookout for one another in these colder months. Stated if residents ever need help, feel free to reach out to him at any time. Discussed concerns regarding pedestrian’s deaths that have been happening in the City of Waukegan. Shared crimes that have been reported.

Ald Donnenwirth: Pass – No comment.

Mayor Taylor shared closing comments, responding to Ms. Carrasco's accusations.

10. Adjournment

Action: A. Motion by Ald Turner, second by Ald Bolton to ADJOURN at 8:55 PM.

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

NAY: Ald Turner.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

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