Chicago City Wire

City of Waukegan City Council met May 5

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

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

ABSENT:  None.

Procedural: B. Invocation by Pastor Tiffany Peppers (Jesus Name Apostolic Church- Waukegan, IL) / Pledge of Allegiance

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

2. Resolutions/Proclamations/Presentations/Appointments

Proclamation: A. Proclamation - “56th Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week – May 4 – 10, 2025”

Audience Time: B.

Margaret Carassco: Directed comments towards Mayor Ann B. Taylor. Stated four years ago the Waukegan Mexican community embraced, supported, and wanted to give Mayor Ann B. Taylor an opportunity. Stated the community was constantly lied to. Discussed how the elevators were locked and the public was no longer able to access the 2nd and 3rd floor of City Hall. Shared concerns regarding the Building Department, allegedly over 400 phone messages were never responded to. Stated Mayor Ann B. Taylor allegedly went to extreme efforts to try and destroy cultural traditions for the Latino and African American Community.  

Clyde McLemore: Stated he made a mistake in supporting Mayor Ann B. Taylor four years ago. Discussed how the Mayors in Waukegan have changed every four years. Shared he would like to work with the new administration coming into office. Stated he would like to see Mayor Elect Sam Cunningham in office for 12 years.

Rayon Edwards: Shared he once supported Mayor Ann B. Taylor. Discussed the hiring of Chief of Staff George. Stated community allegedly did not support him. Thanked Mayor Ann B. Taylor for her four years but stated he is excited for the change. Directed comments to the City Council and Alderman Guzman. Stated Waukegan can’t move forward with just one person, we all must work together.

3. 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 Newsome, second by Ald Turner to approve Consent Agenda Items 3. A - D, excluding item 3. E.

Action (Consent): A. Motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes from Monday, April 21, 2025.

Action (Consent): B. Motion to approve vendor payments dated April 30, 2025 totaling in the amount of $4,876,052.69.

Action (Consent): C. Motion to approve and ratify Regular Payroll dated May 02, 2025, in the total amount of $2,060,961.60.

Action (Consent): D. Motion to approve and ratify Misc. Payroll (PD HBB & CT Cashout, Retro Pay and Final Payouts) dated May 02 2025, in the total amount of $76,779.01.

Action: E. Resolution Approving a Rental Agreement Extension with Michels Corporation for Mooring Space in Waukegan Harbor.

HELD OVER BY ALD GUZMAN

Consent Agenda Vote:

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

NAY:  None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

4. Reports and Communication

Report A. Treasurer's Report- Dr John R. Schwab - At this time, Treasurer Dr. Schwab provided his report and answered any inquiries.

5. Old Business

Action: A. Motion by Ald Turner, second by Ald Donnenwirth to approve a 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.]

Mayor Taylor clarified that this is for the entire block, not just for the old Associated Bank.

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

NAY:  None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action: B. Motion by Ald Newsome, second by Ald Felix to approve a 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.]

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

NAY:  None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action: C. Motion by Ald Bolton, second by Ald Martinez to approve a 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.]

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

NAY:  None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action: D. Motion by Ald Guzman, second by Ald Turner 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.]

Corporation Counsel Weiss provided clarification regarding Phase II of this project, in addition to Phase I. City Engineer Jesus Alquicira provided additional clarification to the overall project. Ald Florian asked for clarification regarding the roadwork related to lead pipes - City Engineer Alquicira provided clarification. Ald Florian provided clarification on the dollar amounts. Corporation Counsel Weiss reiterated the amounts and provided further clarification for both Phase I & II - $1,459,654.00. Ald Hayes provided further clarification and raised concerns, then thanked City Engineer Alquicira for his information. Ald Guzman shared his concerns regarding this road, and the cries from everyone in Waukegan urging the City of Waukegan to fix this road.  Ald Martinez stressed and raised the safety concerns regarding this road.  Ald Turner asked for clarification on Lake County's portion of this bill. Ald Felix also stressed safety, and how this road is where many businesses are located and he wants this repaired to help open up more businesses. Ald Hayes pointed out that the $179,000.00 this evening is just for engineering, and not for resurfacing. City Engineer Alquicira confirmed. Ald Hayes reiterated the millions that will be spent on roads that are going to be ripped up, and again, stressed that we are only spending money on engineering and not resurfacing. 

Ald Guzman made a motion to amend to add in the Phase II work for the total amount of $1,459,654.00, second by Ald Felix 

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

NAY:  None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Original Motion for item 5. D:

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

NAY:  None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action: E. Motion by Ald Guzman, second by Ald Felix to Reconsider 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 considered by the City Council on April 21, 2025.]

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

NAY:  None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

6. Recess to Administer Oaths of Office to Newly Elected Officials

Action: A. Motion by Ald Newsome, second by Ald Guzman to Recess City Council at 6:30 pm

VOICE VOTE:  MOTION APPROVED

Action: B. Swearing in of City Clerk:  Janet E. Kilkelly.

Action: C. Swearing in of City Treasurer:  Dr. John R. Schwab.

Action: D. Swearing in of Mayor-Elect:  Samuel D. Cunningham, Jr.

Newly Sworn Mayor's Comments - At this time, Mayor Cunningham shared his comments after being sworn in.

7. Reconvened Special Meeting at 6:59 PM.

Action: A. Roll Call

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

ABSENT:  None.

Outgoing Corporation Counsel Comments - At this time, Corporation Counsel Stewart J. Weiss, Partner at Elrod Friedman LLP, shared outgoing comments before leaving the dais.

8. New Business

Action: A. Motion by Ald Turner, second by Ald Bolton to confirm the appointment of Ottosen DiNolfo Hasenbalg & Castaldo, Ltd. as Corporation Counsel for the City of Waukegan

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action: B. Motion by Ald Guzman, second by Ald Newsome to confirm the appointment of Steven G. Lenzi as Building Commissioner

Ald Florian and Ald Hayes raised concerns about the applicant's resume not being attached on BoardDocs. Mayor Cunningham assured the Alderpersons that he would get them a copy, and asked for their support on this appointment.  

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

NAY: Ald Florian, Ald Hayes.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

9. Ordinances

10. Closing Items

Alderperson Time

Ald. Donnenwirth: Thanked previous Mayor Ann B. Taylor for her services. Stated he is looking forward to working with Mayor Sam Cunningham.

Ald Florian: Congratulated Mayor Sam Cunningham on his re-election. Stated looking forward in trying to work together. Thanked everyone who made Earth Week a great success. Stated the dumpsters were overwhelmingly successful. Thanked Public Relations and Public Works on helping put that event together. Also thanked the Park District and schools. Gave thanks to Christian Neighbors Church who assembled a group of volunteers that cleaned many neighborhoods throughout the City of Waukegan. Shared she attended the opening of the Carnegie Museum. Encouraged residents to go see it.

Ald Hayes: Directed comments towards Mayor Sam Cunningham regarding the newly appointed Building Department Head Steven G. Lenzi. Stated he has no doubt Mr. Lenzi will do a terrific job, but he would like to still see his resume.

Ald Bolton: Congratulated Mayor Sam Cunningham. Stated looking forward to walking this new journey. Acknowledged a Youth Build, it was an empowering and excellent event. Congratulated new homeowners House of Prayer Church Mark McCorley and Deborah McCorley that paid off their building. Shared she attended the National Day of Prayer. Congratulated AM Church who is providing scholarship programs for empowering our youth.

Ald Guzman: Congratulated Mayor Sam Cunningham and new Corporation Counsel. Stated it’s not easy being Mayor, it comes with stress, lots of working hours, and criticism. Applaud Mayor Sam Cunningham on coming back into office and doing it again. Shared glad he is back and is looking forward to brighter days ahead.

Ald Martinez: Shared he is very proud to be apart of this new administration and move our city forward. Stated everyone should put their differences aside and do what’s best for Waukegan. Congratulated Mayor Sam Cunningham for coming back. Welcomed Building Commissioner Steven G. Lenzi. Shared there will be a small business committee meeting for the 3rd Ward on June 20th. Shared there will also be a 3rd Ward meeting June 21st from 1:00PM-3:00PM held at the Brookside Campus. Shared Drip and Culture will be sponsoring warm drinks, and there will be more information forthcoming. Shared comments regarding loitering on Grand Avenue. Kindly asked residents to please be safe, be mindful, and be a good neighbor.

Ald Felix:  Shared he can see the change in energy in Waukegan. Thanked the last administration. Stated he is excited to work with Mayor Sam Cunningham and new Building Commissioner Steven G. Lenzi. Thanked Public Relations Department for posting and being very active with the community.

Ald Newsome: Congratulated Building Commissioner Steven G. Lenzi. Shared she worked with him for many years when he was a Fire Marshal. Stated she trust that he will do an excellent job for the City of Waukegan. Shared she is looking forward to working with new Corporation Counsel Attorney Joseph Miller III. Welcomed back Mayor Sam Cunningham. Shared she has known the Cunningham family for over 25 years. Stated she is here for whatever Mayor Sam Cunningham needs.

Ald Turner: Congratulated Mayor Sam Cunningham. Shared they were opponents, but they are not enemies. Stated he is committed, anxious, and eager to work with Mayor Sam Cunningham. Discussed a fire that happened in the 6th Ward. Stated the Fire Department did an excellent and phenomenal job. Stated there were several cars that were parked in violation of the parking ordinance. Reminded residents to please adhere the alternate parking ordinance.  Discussed the Lead pipe replacement in the 6th Ward, and they are working their way through the 6th Ward. Encouraged residents to participate in this program to get their water checked at no cost under this program. Shared LRS stated they have cameras and that if they catch a residence putting garbage into their recycling bin four times, then they will remove the recycling bin from said residence. Discussed the Dumpster event in the 6th Ward and how successful it was. Shared there are new stop signs on 4th St. and County, as well as Oakley and Gillette. Thanked former Corporation Counsel Elrod Friedman, Stwart J. Weiss, Kelley A. Grandurski, and Marcus E. Martinez for an excellent job. Welcomed new Corporation Counsel Joseph Miller III.  Stated he is excited to work with him. 

11. Adjournment

Procedural: A. Motion by Ald Hayes, second by Ald Bolton to ADJOURN at 7:29 PM.

VOICE VOTE: MOTION APPROVED

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