Chicago City Wire

City of Waukegan City Council met April 21

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

1. Opening Items

Procedural: A. Roll Call

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

ABSENT: None.

Procedural: B. Invocation by Pastor Robert Marshall (Jesus Name Church Waukegan, IL. 60085)/ Pledge of Allegiance

Procedural: C. Mayor's Comments - At this time, Mayor Taylor shared her comments, and asked for certain Department Heads to provide updates.

2. Resolutions/Proclamations/Presentations/Appointments

Proclamation: A. City of Waukegan CDBG Department National Community Development Week - April 21 - 25, 2025

Proclamation: B. Apraxia Awareness Day in Waukegan – May 14, 2025

3. Audience Time

Steve Wang: Shared that his street and sidewalk need some work, located on Oak St. Stated it could cause someone to get hurt because of how bad it is.  Asked the City Council if they can please help get it fixed.

Brother Blanks: Discussed the roadwork on Oak St and agreed with Mr. Wang, it does need to get fixed as soon as possible. Directed comments towards Mayor Ann B. Taylor regarding McAlister Ave.

Jane Ferry:  Discussed the Waukegan Identity Letters and is in support of the installation. Shared Waukegan has many visitors, and these letters will give them a place to take a memory photo when visiting our city.   

Clyde McLemore: Discussed the budget report for the next administration. Shared goodbyes tribute to Mayor Ann B. Taylor and Chief of Staff George Bridges Jr, and sang ‘Hit the Road, Jack’.

Margaret Carrasco: Discussed the financial report that was presented. Stated the numbers on the report were allegedly plugged, which can allegedly masks accounting errors. Stated she is waiting to see what the real numbers are when the new administration comes in. Shared she noticed the agenda has a lot of contracts that the city is trying to push through.

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 Donnenwirth to approve Consent Agenda items 4. A - K, excluding items 4 G.

Action (Consent): A. Motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes from Monday, April 07, 2025

Action (Consent): B. Motion to approve minutes of March 3, 2025 Committee of the Whole Closed Executive Session

Action (Consent): C. Ordinance granting a Variance from the residential driveway requirements to permit the replacement of a second driveway at 919 Commonwealth Avenue (Zoning Calendar #2775). [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on April 7, 2025.]

Action (Consent): D. Ordinance granting an amendment to the Conditional Use Permit to extend the hours of business for the banquet hall at 701 Pine Street (Zoning Calendar # 2776). [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on April 7, 2025.]

Action (Consent): E. Ordinance granting a Variance from the front and interior side yard setback requirements adjacent to R3 General Residential District in the B2 Community Shopping District to permit the reconstruction of a nonconforming building at 506 10th Street (Zoning Calendar #2777). [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on April 7, 2025.]

Action (Consent): F. Ordinance granting a Conditional Use Permit for age-restricted multi-unit residential above the ground floor at 3670 Casimir Pulaski Drive (Zoning Calendar #2778). [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on April 7, 2025.]

Action: G. Motion by Ald Florian, second by Ald Martinez to approve a Resolution approving a Professional Services Agreement with Electro-Matic Ventures, Inc., for the design, manufacture, and installation of the Waukegan Identity Letters in the amount of $115,600. [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on April 7, 2025.]

Mayor Taylor asked Planning & Zoning Director Noelle Kischer-Lepper to provide clarification on the grant, which Mayor Taylor stated could possibly be lost if we continue to put it off. Ald Felix raised concerns regarding an audit of the grant funds, and asked if it has been done.  Director Kischer Lepper explained that she is not a Finance Director, and cannot speak on the City of Waukegan's audit.  

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action (Consent): H. Motion to grant permission for the American Legion Homer Dahringer Post 281 to conduct the annual distribution of Poppies for the month of May 2025

Action (Consent): I. Motion to approve vendor payments dated April 21, 2025 totaling in the amount of $2,554,404.48.

Action (Consent): J. Motion to approve and ratify Regular Payroll dated April 18, 2025, in the total amount of $2,039,721.92.

Action (Consent): K. Motion to approve and ratify Misc. Payroll (PD HBB & CT Cashout and EO & CS) dated April 18, 2025, in the total amount of $51,387.26.

Consent Agenda vote:

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

5. Reports and Communication

6. Old Business

Action: A. Motion by Ald Turner, second by Ald Martinez to approve a Resolution Re-approving a Restated 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. [This matter was heard by the Community Development Committee on April 21, 2025.]

Ald Felix wanted to hold this over. Ald Florian shared she would like to move this item forward. Corporation Counsel Weiss stated this is being brought back, it was simply just a book-keeping issue. Planning & Zoning Director Noelle Kischer-Lepper stated we have met with the contractor, and they have incurred cost at this time. Ald Felix removed hold over, and item moved forward.

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

7. New Business Motion by Ald Florian, second by Ald Turner to omnibus vote New Business items 7. A,  C,  F - K,  M - Z  &  CC, excluding items  7.  B,  D,  E,  L,  AA,  BB,  &  DD.

Agenda Order Adjustment: Motion by Ald Florian, second by Ald Martinez to move up item 7. L for consideration before other items under New Business.

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action (omnibus): A. Ordinance approving a Conditional Use Permit to allow the operation and maintenance of an outdoor storage area as an accessory use at 1445 11th Street (Zoning Calendar 2781). [This matter was heard by the Community Development Committee on April 21, 2025.]

Action: B. Resolution authorizing a Professional Services Agreement with Deigan Group for Environmental Services on the Washington and Sheridan Superblock in the Amount of $217,000. [This matter was heard by the Community Development Committee on April 21, 2025.]

HELD OVER IN COMMITTEE

Action (omnibus): C. Ordinance Amending Division 2 of Article II of Chapter 18 of the Waukegan Code of Ordinances Regarding Address Numbering for Principal Structures [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on April 21, 2025]

Action: D. Resolution approving engineering services from Gewalt Hamilton Associates, Inc. per Sec. 2-458(i)(4)(Professional Services) for the FY2026 Road Program for a not to exceed amount of $203,275.00. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on April 21, 2025.]

HELD OVER BY ALD NEWSOME

Action: E. Resolution approving engineering services from Gewalt Hamilton Associates, Inc. per Sec. 2-458(i)(4)(Professional Services) for the FY2026 Sidewalk Program for a not to exceed amount of $142,855.00. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on April 21, 2025.]

HELD OVER BY ALD NEWSOME

Action (omnibus): F. Resolution approving retroactive approval of the emergency water valve repairs by Dahme Mechanical for a not to exceed amount of $44,888.00 per Sec. 2-458(i)(2(Bona Fide Emergency). [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on April 21, 2025.]

Action (omnibus): G. Resolution approving the rebuild of a 2010 Elgin Pelican Sweeper by Standard Equipment per Sec. 2-458(i)(7)(Good Faith Waiver) for a not to exceed amount of $60,051.00. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on April 21, 2025.]

Action (omnibus): H. Resolution approving the purchase of an Elgin Pelican Sweeper from Key Equipment & Supply Co. for a not to exceed amount of $185,000.00 per Sec. 2-458(i)(3)(Joint Purchasing) through Sourcewell. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on April 21, 2025.]

Action (omnibus): I. Resolution approving the purchase of a bucket truck from Altec for a not to exceed amount of $233,596.00 per Sec. 2-458(i)(3)(Joint Purchasing) through Sourcewell. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on April 21, 2025.]

Action (omnibus): J. Resolution approving retroactive approval of the emergency shoring repairs for Greenwood Bridge by Campanella & Sons per Sec. 2-458(i)(2)(Bona Fide Emergency) for a not to exceed $29,232.00. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on April 21, 2025.]

Action (omnibus): K. Resolution approving an amendment for Change Order #1 with Robinson Engineering for LSLR Inventory for a not to exceed amount of $150,000.00. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on April 21, 2025.]

Action: L. Motion by Ald Florian, second by Ald Martinez to approve a Resolution approving the award of the Phase I Engineering Services and Utility Upgrades for the Washington Street Corridor to Patrick Engineering Inc. (RINA Consulting), the lowest responsible bidder, for a not to exceed amount of $1,279,793.00. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on April 21, 2025.]

HELD OVER BY ALD FELIX

Action (omnibus): M. Resolution approving design and construction engineering services from Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. for the repairs to the Waukegan Municipal Parking Garage per Sec. 2-458(i)(4)(Professional Services) in a not to exceed amount of $126,500.00. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on April 21, 2025.]

Action (omnibus): N. Resolution approving an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Waukegan and IDOT to appropriate $553,300.00 for resurfacing of South Sheridan Road between Washington Street and South Terminus. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on April 21, 2025.]

Action (omnibus): O. Resolution approving an LPA Engineering Agreement for Phase III Engineering Services for Sheridan Rd. resurfacing per Sec. 2-458(i)(Professional Services) for a not to exceed amount of $49,000.00. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on April 21, 2025.]

Action (omnibus): P. Resolution approving the award of the FY26 IEPA SRF-Funded LSLR to Five Star Energy Services, LLC. for a not to exceed amount of $3,869,170.00. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on April 21, 2025.]

Action (omnibus): Q. Resolution approving LSLR Inspections with Robinson Engineering per Sec. 2-458(i)(4)(Professional Services) for an amount not to exceed $250,000.00. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on April 21, 2025.]

Action (omnibus): R. Resolution approving the award of the 2025 Water Plant Chemicals to multiple vendors for an anticipated amount of $330,000.00. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on April 21, 2025.]

Action (omnibus): S. Resolution approving the award of the 2025-2027 Water Meter bid the Badger Meter for the highlighted pricing on the bid tab. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on April 21, 2025.]

Action (omnibus): T. Resolution for Improvement Under the Illinois Highway Code fully funding the Phase III Construction Engineering in the amount of $49,000.00 being reimbursed through the STP Program at project closeout. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on April 21, 2025.]

Action (omnibus): U. Resolution approving a professional services agreement per Sec. 2-458(i)(4)(Professional Services) with Robert Half for Temporary Staffing for Accounting Services in the City of Waukegan's Finance Department for an amount not to exceed $80,000.00. [This Matter was presented at the April 21, 2025 Finance and Purchasing Committee.]

Action (omnibus): V. Resolution approving the procurement of VMWare Licensing and Support from CDWG LLC per Section 2-458(i)(3)(Joint Purchasing) for an amount not to exceed $326,400.00.00. [This Matter was presented at the April 21, 2025 Finance and Purchasing Committee.]

Action (omnibus): W. Resolution approving the procurement of Cascade Air Bottle Filling Station from MacQueen Equipment, LLC. per Section 2-458(i)(3)(Joint Purchasing) for use by the Waukegan Fire Department for an amount not to exceed $57,920.00. [This Matter was presented at the April 21, 2025 Finance and Purchasing Committee.]

Action (omnibus): X. An Ordinance approving the disposal of a surplus Fire Engine owned by the City of Waukegan and a Bill of Sale. [This Matter was presented at the April 21, 2025 Finance and Purchasing Committee.]

Action (omnibus): Y. A Resolution approving the procurement of SCBA Bottles per Sec. 2-458(i)(3)(Joint Purchasing) from Air One Equipment, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $143,500.00. [This Matter was presented at the April 21, 2025 Finance and Purchasing Committee.]

Action (omnibus): Z. Resolution Approving and Authorizing Intergovernmental Agreements for Operation of a Joint Emergency Telephone and Dispatch System with the Village of Winthrop Harbor, the City of Park City, and the Village of Tower Lakes. [This Matter was presented at the April 21, 2025 Finance and Purchasing Committee.]

Action: AA. Motion by Ald Martinez, second by Ald Newsome to approve An Ordinance authorizing expenditures for the First Quarter of the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year. [This Matter was presented at the April 21, 2025 Finance and Purchasing Committee.]

Ald Turner asked for clarification on the dollar amount for this item. Finance Director Shultz provided clarification on the dollar amount per the Ordinance. Ald Bolton asked to hold over item. Corporation Counsel Weiss stated if this spending authority is not approved, you cannot approve items at the next meeting. This extends time for us to come up with a final budget. Ald Bolton withdrew her hold-over. Corporation Counsel Weiss reiterated his explanation for Ald Guzman, who is attending virtually.  

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action: BB. Motion by Ald Felix, second by Ald Newsome to approve an Ordinance adopting an Amendment to the Annual Budget and a Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance for the Fiscal Year beginning May 1, 2024 and ending April 30, 2025 [This Matter was presented at the April 21, 2025 Finance and Purchasing Committee.]

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action (omnibus): CC. A Resolution to Authorize a Contract with CForce Construction, Inc. to Demolish a Damaged Structure at 2334 Corona Road in the amount of $33,000.00 [This Matter was presented at the April 21, 2025 Finance and Purchasing Committee.]

Discussion: DD. Motion regarding Changes to the City's Towing Policy [Sponsor: Ald. Felix; this Matter was presented at the April 21, 2025 Finance and Purchasing Committee.]

DISCUSSION POSTPONED IN COMMITTEE

New Business Omnibus Vote:

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

8. Ordinances

9. Closing Items

Alderperson Time

Ald Turner: Asked 6th Ward Neighbors to be on alert for breaks-in and listen to their dogs if they are barking at things that are suspicious outside.

Ald Donnenwirth: Announced his 7th Ward Earth Day Clean-Up/Dumpster. Encouraged residents to keep their eyes-open and to be looking out for your neighbors. Shared that there is nothing wrong with alerting the police of potential issues.

Ald Florian: Announced her 8th Ward Earth Day Clean-Up/Dumpster, on Thursday, at Bevier Park. Provided clarification on the proposed draft budget, and cited what has been proposed under Mayor Taylor's proposed budget. Shared that she would like to commend Mayor Taylor on her multiple balanced budgets that have been brought forward to the City Council, during her tenue. 

Ald Hayes: Thanked Mayor Taylor and her Administration for her work and accomplishments. Shared she will be missed.

Ald Bolton: Thanked Mayor Taylor for her work, and shared that they didn't always see eye to eye, but thanks her for her courage. Shared that she had a successful Earth Day Dumpster Clean-Up today. Thanked all the staff that were involved in making it a success. Thanked the City of Waukegan staff for their hard work, including those who've decided to take on other opportunities Congratulated the CDBG Department for their hard-work and proclamation this evening. 

Ald Guzman(virtually):  Pass - No Comment.

Ald Martinez:  Shared that it has been a pleasure working with Mayor Taylor, and thanked her for her work. Shared details on his 3rd Ward Earth Week Clean-Up/Dumpster. Shared that on Saturday June 14th, at Brookside Campus he will have a 3rd Ward Meeting - more information will be forthcoming. Thanked the Public Works Department for their hard work in the 3rd Ward. Shared his contact information for those who need to get ahold of him.  Asked everyone to be safe, mindful, and a good neighbor.

Ald Felix: Shared details on his 4th Ward Earth Week Clean-Up/Dumpster. Thanked Mayor Taylor for the work she has done, and stated he will take the good things he learned from this Administration and hopes Waukegan continues to move forward.

Ald Newsome: Pass - No Comment.

10. Adjournment

Procedural: A. Motion by Ald Florian, second by Ald Hayes to ADJOURN at 8:48 PM.

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

NAY: Ald Turner.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

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