Chicago City Wire

City of Waukegan City Council met March 3

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Deputy City Clerk; David A. Patterson and Corporation Counsel; Stewart J. Weiss were present.

Mayor; Ann B. Taylor, City Clerk; Janet E. Kilkelly, & City Treasurer; Dr. John R. Schwab were 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, Ald Guzman.

ABSENT: Mayor Taylor.

Motion by Ald Martinez, second by Ald Florian to seat 9th Ward Alderman Thomas J. Hayes as Mayor Pro Tem/Chair of the Monday, March 03, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting.

VOICE VOTE:  MOTION APPROVED

Procedural: B. Invocation by Pastor Jesus Gerena (Iglesia Rebano Condado de Lake- Waukegan Housing Authority) / Pledge of Allegiance

Procedural: C. Mayor's Comments - At this time, Chair Thomas J. Hayes shared comments on behalf of Mayor Ann B. Taylor. In addition, CDBG Department shared an update. 

2. Resolutions/Proclamations/Presentations/Appointments

Proclamation: A. PROCLAMATION - "Honoring the 50th Anniversary of the Waukegan Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc."

3. Audience Time

Chuck Rukstales: Shared he gave out Lake County Community concerts tickets and none of the Aldermen showed up. Shared comments regarding the signs with the Mayor Ann B. Taylor’s name on them. Stated elections have consequences. Shared a text message between himself and Ald Hayes from 2023.

Rayon Edwards: Shared how disappointed he is with how many liquor stores are in the city of Waukegan. Stated every other city around us is thriving but ours.  Directed comments towards Ald Guzman and Ald Felix. Stated they have not done anything for the Latino Community.

Joe Scarpello: Shared concerns regarding fence covering that Glen Flora County Club put up. Stated it breaks all three restrictions. Discussed he complained to Aldermen Donnenwirth and Building & Code Compliance in May of 2024 and has yet to hear anything back. Respectfully requested the fence treatment be enforced.

Patrick O’Keefe: Thanked all the First Responders, Police and Fire Fighters for all they have done. Discussed concerns regarding Council voting to have their own lawyers. Stated it is a potential for conflict. Stated it is unfair for the taxpayers to have to pay for two sides.

Calvin Mathis: Shared he is a Veteran and loves his Country. Discussed Presidential Election and how we are now divided. Stated the world needs more love.

Ludwin Barreno: Discussed unpaid tickets he has with the City of Waukegan. Stated he will not pay them and will sue the city for the time in 2019 when he allegedly fell. Shared if the tickets get dropped, he will not go after the city.

Miriam Jeannette Arguela: Kindly asked Council to support the Latino Community during these difficult times with the ICE raids going on throughout the city.

Margaret Carrasco: Directed comments to Corporation Counsel Stewart J. Weiss regarding Mayor Ann B. Taylor’s comments at the end of the past three meetings. Discussed Welcome to Waukegan signs with Mayor Ann B. Taylor’s name on the top, and stated it’s a waste of taxpayer’s money. Stated that she allegedly has footage of Mayor Ann B. Taylor shopping in Deerfield Illinois, during working hours.

Victor M. Felix: Shared comments regarding Council getting their own lawyers. Discussed concerns regarding the development deal.

Sam Yingling: Discussed development project on the agenda this evening, for Downtown Waukegan.

Carlos Smith: Shared concerns regarding parking tickets he receives almost every day. Stated Parking Enforcement picks and chooses who to ticket, as he has seen many of the same cars parked in the same spot downtown, with the current Highland Park Illinois shooting case going on at the Lake County Courthouse.

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 Martinez, second by Ald Florian to approve Consent Agenda items 4. A - D.

Action (Consent): A. Motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes from Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Action (Consent): B. Motion to approve and ratify Regular Payroll dated February 21, 2025 in the total amount of $2,094,861.80.

Action (Consent): C. Motion to approve and ratify Misc. Payroll (PD HBB & CT Cashout) dated February 21, 2025 in the total amount of $19,399.35.

Action (Consent): D. Motion to approve vendor payments dated March 3, 2025 totaling in the amount of $1,104,080.46.

Consent Agenda Vote:

PRESENT: 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

5. Reports and Communication

6. Old Business

Action: A. Motion by Ald Felix, second by Ald Guzman to approve Requested Modifications to Memorandum of Key Terms for the Redevelopment of 200 North County and 38 North Genesee [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on January 21, 2025]

Presentation by Corporation Counsel Weiss took place at this time, and clarification was given to Alderpersons concerns by Corporation Counsel and the Sam Yingling, Developer present this evening.  Alderpersons discussed concern about the city's financial liability if the TIF underperforms.  Others questioned whether funds should be granted without strong protections for taxpayers.

Motion by Ald Hayes, second by Ald Florian to vote on as amended with the $900,000 in upfront funding from the RAP funds, as explained and presented to the City Council:

AYE: Ald Florian.

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

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION FAILED 

Ald Felix explained that he would like to move forward with the entire funding of this development, and Corporation Counsel Weiss stated that is how the item is originally drafted, for the record. Corporation Counsel Weiss shared for the record that the Developers agree as they are nodding their heads that the original item is in line with what they had suggested. A debate arose over whether financial guarantees should be required from the developer.  After extensive discussion, a motion passed to approve the deal as drafted, including the $900,000 upfront incentive and TIF financing, but with stipulations on ensuring protections for the city.

Motion by Ald Felix, second by Ald Guzman to approve Requested Modifications to Memorandum of Key Terms for the Redevelopment of 200 North County and 38 North Genesee [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on January 21, 2025]:  

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

NAY: Ald Newsome, Ald Florian, Ald Hayes.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Corporation Counsel Weiss explained that he has the direction he needs to prepare the development agreement, and it will be brought back to the City Council in a final form, and be worked on expeditiously as possible.

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

Action (omnibus): A. Ordinance granting a Conditional Use Permit for an indoor recreation facility at 699 Lakehurst Road in the Entertainment District (Zoning Calendar #2774). [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on March 3, 2025]

Action (omnibus): B. Resolution approving an agreement with the Josselyn Center for parking permits for the 225 N. County parking garage. [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on March 3, 2025]

Motion to adopt a Resolution approving an agreement with the Josselyn Center for parking permits for the 225 N. County parking garage.

Action: C. Motion by Ald Martinez, second by Ald Newsome to approve a Resolution approving a Professional Services Agreement with SB Friedman Development Advisors, LLC, for development advisory services related to Parking Lot B, 131 N County Street in the amount of $29,500 in accordance with Section 2-458(i)(4) of the City Code. [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on March 3, 2025]

Ald Guzman wanted to share that this was recommended with a negative recommendation at the Community Development Committee. Ald Felix explained the concern was not having the Chief of Staff in charge of the item, incase there were any issues to be addressed, or hurdles, as Chief of Staff currently takes care of those concerns with all City of Waukegan Departments. Ald Felix stated that Chief of Staff Bridges stated he spoke to Mayor Taylor, and that he will be involved in these projects.

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 (omnibus): D. Resolution Authorizing Amendment No. 1 to the Purchase and Sale Agreement Between the City of Waukegan and Associated Bank for 1 S. Genesee Property. [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on March 3, 2025]

Action (omnibus): E. Resolution approving a Professional Services Agreement with TIP Strategies, for development advisory services related to the preparation of an economic development strategic plan for an amount not to exceed $200,000 under Section 2-458(i)(4) (Professional Services Exemption) of the City Code. [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on March 3, 2025]

Action (omnibus): F. Resolution authorizing participation in the Northern Illinois Municipal Electric Collaborative and authorizing the Mayor to approve a contract with the lowest cost electricity provider for a period up to 36 months. [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on March 3, 2025]

Action (omnibus): G. A Resolution Approving and Authorizing an Interfund Transfer for HVAC Facilities Repair and Replacement at the Waukegan Public Library [This matter was presented to the Committee of the Whole on February 18, 2025]

New Business omnibus 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

Action: H. Ordinance Amending Various Provision of the Waukegan Liquor Control Ordinance Regarding Sales Without a License [Sponsor: Ald. Guzman; this matter was considered by the Committee of the Whole at the February 18, 2025 meeting]  

Ald Guzman Argued that current penalties are too lenient, allowing businesses to profit illegally before facing consequences. Suggested increasing fines and penalties, including potential permanent license bans for repeat offenders. Recommended an audit of businesses that recently applied for liquor licenses to check for prior violations.

Ald Turner agreed that violations should be punished, but cautioned against excessively strict penalties that might discourage businesses from operating legally. Suggested a tiered penalty system. First Violation: Moderate fine, warning, and education on compliance. Second Violation: Higher fine and temporary suspension of future license applications. Third Violation: Permanent disqualification from obtaining a liquor license.

Ald Florian expressed concern that liquor enforcement has not been applied fairly, with some businesses getting warnings while others receive immediate fines. Recommended clear enforcement guidelines to ensure fairness across all wards.

Ald Felix proposed requiring businesses with past violations to undergo a mandatory compliance training program before reapplying for a license. Suggested increasing random inspections by the city to catch unlicensed sales before violations escalate.

Corporation Counsel Weiss clarified that under Illinois liquor laws, the city has flexibility in setting local fines and penalties, but outright banning a business from future licenses could be legally challenged. Suggested carefully wording the ordinance update to align with state regulations while still achieving stricter enforcement.

After lengthy discussion, there was a consensus reached that penalties need to be harsher, but legal clarity is required to avoid legal challenges. A revised proposal will be drafted incorporating higher fines for first-time violations, stronger penalties for repeat offenses, mandatory compliance training for violators. Ald Guzman agreed to hold this item over for final vote until the next Regular City Council Meeting after further legal review.

ITEM 7. H. HELD OVER BY ALD GUZMAN

8. Ordinances

9. Closing Items

Alderperson Time

Ald Martinez: Stated its pothole season, and he will be trying to get all of them fixed. Shared comments regarding Earth week. Thanked the CDBG Department. Stated many residents are calling to say thanks for a job well done on the sidewalks. Shared he is working on the small businesses committee. Attended the soul food demonstration. Thanked the Waukegan Park District. Kindly asked residents to be safe be mindful and be a good neighbor.    

Ald Felix: Shared he participated as a chaperon on a field trip to the Auto Show with a few kids from the community. Stated the 4th Ward will be having a dumpster for Earth Week that will be placed on Sheridan on April 22nd. Shared he will be hosting a Neighborhood Watch Meeting at La Canoa on Wednesday March 5th.  

Ald Newsome: Shared there will be a dumpster in the 5th Ward for Earth Week on April 23rd located at Greenwood and Delaware. Encouraged residents to reach out if they have any questions.

Ald Turner: Announced a $1,000 reward for tips leading to illegal firearm arrests in Sixth Ward. Reported a shooting on Massena Avenue where a home was hit by four bullets. Praised police for catching two car burglars on North Jackson Street. Supported removing all mayor names from city signs to avoid political favoritism.

Ald Donnenwirth: Reiterated support for the $1,000 gun tip rewards program. Announced Earth Week dumpster at Bowen Park on April 24th, and reminded residents to remove rims from tires before recycling if they choose to bring those to the event.

Ald Florian: Defended keeping the mayor’s name on city signs, citing it as a civic tradition, and shared facts about similar signs. Shared that she will be hosting an 8th Ward Meeting on Thursday, March 6th at McCall School. This meeting will include discussion on the PADs homeless shelter. Announced Earth Week Dumpster at Bevier Park on April 24th.

Ald Hayes: Pass - No Comment.

Ald Bolton: Attended Black History Month celebrations, and shared the events she attended throughout the community. Announced 1st Ward Earth Week Dumpster on April 21st. Shared that she is working to install new traffic-calming speed devices throughout the 1st Ward.

Ald Guzman: Explained issues with liquor license enforcement, pushing for tougher penalties. Announced 2nd Ward Dumpster for Earth Week at Dugdale Park on April 21st. Scheduled discussion to take place regarding reopening Willow Road at his March 22nd 2nd Ward Meeting. Criticized placing mayor names on city signs, calling it a waste of taxpayer money. Citied what the State of Illinois currently does, as they do not allow public officials names on signs. Explained new legal services for aldermen, arguing it provides independent legal advice.

10. Adjournment

Action: A. Motion by Ald Florian, second by Ald Newsome to ADJOURN at 9:50 PM.

VOICE VOTE: MOTION APPROVED

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