Chicago City Wire

City of Waukegan City Council met June 16

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor; Samuel D. Cunningham, Jr, City Clerk; Janet E. Kilkelly, City Treasurer; Dr. John R. Schwab and Corporation Counsel; Michael Castaldo, Jr, were present.

1. Opening Items

Procedural: A. Roll Call

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

ABSENT: None.

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

Procedural: D. Mayor's Comments - At this time, Mayor Cunningham shared his comments.

2. Resolutions/Proclamations/Presentations/Appointments

Proclamation: A. PROCLAMATION - “June 19th is Juneteenth in Waukegan”

Proclamation: B. PROCLAMATION - "June is Gun Violence Awareness Month in Waukegan"

Proclamation: C. PROCLAMATION - "Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Ann M. Kiley Developmental Center"

Proclamation: D. PROCLAMATION - “Recognizing the Waukegan Police Department’s Support of Special Olympics Illinois”

Appointment: E. Motion by Ald Florian, second by Ald Hayes to confirm the appointment of "Macki" - Waukegan Fire Department Comfort Dog [swearing-in to follow confirmation].

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Appointment: F. Motion by Ald Newsome, second by Ald Donnenwirth to confirm the appointment of Joshua D. May as Chief of Staff at a starting salary of $130,000 on Monday, June 30th.

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

3. Audience Time

Procedural: A. Audience Tim

Ivan Ramirez: Communication Manager at American Place Casino, and shared an update on an upcoming event being hosted at the casino.

Rayon Edwards: Appreciate the comments about the fireworks, but shared that we need to have more enforcement and explained certain situations where fireworks have been an issue in town. Shared that he is still waiting to have a meeting with Chief Navarro, and stated he has yet to have a meeting.  Shared the issue with too many liquor licenses in the City of Waukegan, and the issues throughout town. Shared he has 2,800 people upset about this and there is a petition going around. Shared that the Aldermen are up in 2027, and they are working hard and knocking on doors.

Margaret Carrasco: Fiesta Patrias Shared that the Fiesta Patrias beauty pageant will be more diverse this year, allowing all different races and creeds. Shared that she submitted a FOIA request prior to the election on Former Chief of Staff, George Bridges Jr, and shared that certain items were blank pertaining to him, and directed comments to Legal Counsel pertaining to this matter.

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 Newsome, second by Ald Florian to approve Consent Agenda items 4. A - I & K - N, excluding item 4. J.

Action (Consent): A. Motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes from Monday, June 02, 2025.

Action (Consent): B. Motion to approve and ratify Regular Payroll dated June 13, 2025, in the total amount of $2,135,971.06.

Action (Consent): C. Motion to approve and ratify Misc. Payroll (PD HBB & CT Cashout, EO & CS, PD Uniform Allowance, PD FY25 Holiday Cashout, Non-union Retro Pay & Final Payout) dated June 13, 2025, in the total amount of $324,200.60.

Action (Consent): D. Motion to approve vendor payments dated June 16, 2025 in the total amount of $3,282,773.40.

Action (Consent): E. Ordinance approving the Vacation of the portion of the Right-of-Way adjacent to the north property line of 1206 Yeoman Street, south of Glen Flora Avenue (Zoning Calendar #V-1-25), with compensation to the City in the amount of $850.00. [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on June 2, 2025.]

Action (Consent): F. Ordinance approving a Variance related to garage setbacks at 4386 W Forest Avenue (Zoning Calendar #2783). [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on June 2, 2025.]

Action (Consent): G. Ordinance approving a Variance related to garage setbacks at 4390 W Forest Avenue (Zoning Calendar #2784). [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on June 2, 2025.]

Action (Consent): H. Resolution approving the award of the 2025 Culvert Rehabilitations bid to Campanella & Sons Inc. for a not to exceed amount of $3,803,680.20. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on June 16, 2025.]

Action (Consent): I. Resolution approving Amendment #3 to the Master Agreement between Lake County and the City of Waukegan for a new traffic signal at Sunset and Northern. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on June 16, 2025.]

Action: J. Motion by Ald Martinez, second by Ald Florian to approve an An Ordinance authorizing and approving the disposition of surplus property of the City Of Waukegan (Fire Department Equipment). [This matter was presented before the June 16, 2025 Finance and Purchasing Committee.]

Ald Guzman asked why we are not giving this to a department in the State of Illinois.  Chief Pasier provided an explanation to Ald Guzman.

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action (Consent): K. A Resolution authorizing and approving the purchase of computer equipment from CDW-G, LLC. (Joint Purchasing Cooperative - SourceWell) for a not to exceed amount of $205,000.00. Funding will be sourced from General Ledger Line 100-103726495 and 100-103724801. [This matter was presented before the June 16, 2025 Finance and Purchasing Committee.]

Action (Consent): L. A Resolution authorizing and approving the purchase of software from United Systems for ITRON for a not to exceed amount of $212,313.00. Funding will be sourced from General Ledger Line 555-915524801 and 555-915026496. [This matter was presented before the June 16, 2025 Finance and Purchasing Committee.]

Action (Consent): M. A Resolution approving the procurement of OPENGOV permitting & licensing cloud solution from Carasoft Technology Corporation for use by the Engineering Department for a not to exceed amount of $70,000.00. Funding will be sourced from General Ledger Line 100-910124801. [This matter was presented before the June 16, 2025 Finance and Purchasing Committee.]

Action (Consent): N. A Resolution authorizing and approving the purchase of software from OPENGOV for Cartegraph in an amount not to exceed $174,290.85. Funding will be sourced from General Ledger Line 100-910624801 and 555-915524801. [This matter was presented before the June 16, 2025 Finance and Purchasing Committee.]

Consent Agenda Vote:

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

5. Reports and Communication

Reports: A. Monthly Treasurer's Report - City Treasurer Dr. John R. Schwab

6. Old Business

7. New Business

8. Ordinances

9. Closing Items

Alderperson Time

Ald Bolton: Shared an update on the lead-pipe project in the 1st Ward. Thanked those who've volunteers to do the invocations. Thanked her constitutes for their calls and concerns. Shared her contact information for residents to reach out to her, should they have comments, concerns, or questions. Shared that 541 Oak Street there will be an upcoming block party, and she will be there to support the community. Will take place from 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM.

Ald Guzman: Shared that he will be having an upcoming 2nd Ward Meeting on Saturday, June 21, from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM, and shared the items that will be on the agenda, in both English and Spanish. Shared that temps are getting better, and there is loud music. Asked residents to please be mindful of their neighbors. Shared that fireworks are illegal in Illinois, but it is patriotic to him. Asked everyone to have a nice evening. 

Ald Martinez: Thanked the Pastor for her invocation this evening. Shared that on Sat, June 28th, from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, he will be hosting a 3rd Ward Meeting at Brookside Campus. He shared some of the agenda topics for the meeting, including a recognition of Maggie Powell for all of her efforts in Waukegan, as well as Drip-n-Culture for an outstanding small business award. Shared that he has received issues with loud music, and asked Chief Navarro to share his plan of action. Reminded City Council about the rebuilding of Fire Station 3, and would like a dialog to be re-opened regarding that matter.  Shared that the sidewalk between Brookside and Evergreen has needed attention, and he has been working with Public Works Director Chris Garland, who has assured him that it will be resolved by the end of summer.  Shared that there was a Neighborhood Watch group on Leif Ave, who will be getting a new block leader, and he will be introduced to neighbors. Spoke about a new business in his 3rd Ward, and the great success they've been having. Shared his contact information with residents, and asked them to contact him should they have concerns. Congratulated Ann M. Kiley Center on their Anniversary. Asked everyone to be a good neighbor and mindful. 

Ald Felix: Shared a new food truck that will be in the Downtown Waukegan area, and that he is excited for all the new food trucks. Shared that he attended a ribbon cutting at the Waukegan Public Library, for a mural made possible by a grant.  Shared that the beach is now open, and encouraged residents to come and take advantage of the beach, and enjoy. Shared some of the events that are taking place this summer at the beach. Shared that he has been communicating with his neighborhood officer, and there has been good communication and progress. Shared that Public Works is working hard to get through their lists of projects, and communicating well. Shared that he has a newsletter and website forthcoming, and more information will be coming soon. Thanked Diane Verratti for bringing up the concerns regarding Post Marketplace and parking concerns. Spoke about the many resources that are throughout the City of Waukegan. Shared his contact information with residents should they need to get ahold of him. 

Ald Newsome: Thanked Public Works Director Chris Garland, and Supervisor Alonzo Jenkins for their efforts, and wanted to recognize them. Shared that she reached out to her neighborhood officer Chris Harris, and he has been very responsive to an issue in her 5th Ward, and she thanks him for that. Thanked Code Compliance Officer Chris Arty for their attention to detail in her 5th Ward, as they stopped to pick up garbage that was in the street.   

Ald Turner: Shared that Ald Newsome is right, the small things really count. Shared an update on street resurfacing in the 6th Ward, those being done and those that are upcoming. Recognized Lisa May on her efforts on keeping the Waukegan Beach safe and clean.Happy that the Waukegan Police Department are working to keep Waukegan safe, and prosperous. 

Ald Donnenwirth: Thanked Public Works Director Chris Garland and Supervisor Alonzo Jenkins for their efforts. Shared that he we need to be vigilant, and shared that he had a resident call to share that their vehicle was stolen out of their driveway. Shared that residents continue to reach out to him with their concerns, and that City of Waukegan staff are quick to respond. 

Ald Florian: Shared concerns regarding Vista Medical Center East, including over 1 Million Dollars in property taxes not being paid. Shared that the hospital also has an over $200,000.00 dollar water bill. Shared that the previous Administration has worked to take legal action to collect, and hopes the current one does so. Shared that ComEd did so, to collect as well. Continued to share the many concerns that she has with the hospital, and stated that we need to stay on top of them and hold their feet to the fire. Shared that it has come to her attention that nightclub endorsements can be given by the Mayor as the Liquor Commissioner, and that she has one in the 8th Ward by a Senior Living Center that was granted by the Mayor without the consent of the City Council. Shared the multiple issues that have happened in nightclubs in Waukegan, and that the reputation regarding nightclubs in Waukegan is not good. She shared that we have a problem with them. Shared that we have many issues with Liquor Licenses. Shared that she spoke with Ald Newsome regarding the matter, and she stated that it could become political with the Alderpersons input.  Shared that the Alderpersons are the ones who receive the call, and believes that the City of Waukegan should have a commission regarding the review of this matter.

Ald Hayes:  Pass - No Comment.

10. Adjournment

Procedural: A. Motion by Ald Turner, second by Ald Guzman to Adjourn at 8:31 PM.

VOICE VOTE:  MOTION APPROVED 

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