Chicago City Wire

City of Waukegan City Council met July 7

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor; Samuel D. Cunningham, Jr, Deputy City Clerk; David A. Patterson, City Treasurer; Dr. John R. Schwab, and Corporation Counsel; Michael Castaldo, Jr, were present.

City Clerk; Janet E. Kilkelly, was absent.

1. Opening Items

Procedural: A. Roll Call

PERSENT: Ald Martinez, Ald Felix, Ald Newsome, Ald Turner, Ald Donnenwirth, Ald Florian, Ald Bolton.

ABSENT:  Ald Hayes, Ald Guzman.

Procedural: B. Invocation by Pastor Winfred Obleton-Waukegan Community Church, Waukegan, IL / Pledge of Allegiance

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

2. Resolutions/Proclamations/Presentations/Appointments

Action: A. Motion by Ald Turner, second by Ald Felix to approve Resolution appointing Brandon Ewing to serve on the Planning & Zoning Commission to fill a term expiring on 12/31/2026.

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: Ald Hayes, Ald Guzman.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action: B. Motion by Ald Martinez, second by Ald Donnenwirth to approve Resolution appointing Dylan Shepherd to serve on the Planning & Zoning Commission to fill a term expiring on 12/31/2025.

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: Ald Hayes, Ald Guzman.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action: C. Motion by Ald Florian, second by Ald Bolton to approve Resolution appointing Amy Carlos to serve on the Planning & Zoning Commission to fill a term expiring on 12/31/2025.

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: Ald Hayes, Ald Guzman.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

3. Audience Time

Efrain Heredia: Addressed concerns about fireworks going off in the city on the 4th of July, specifically, near the middle of Ridgeland and North Ave. Shared concerns regarding the number of police officers on the street for the holiday and explained that a plan should be in place for the 4th of July holiday in 2026, and highlighted that there were enough officers for a traffic check, but not for the holiday.

Rayon Edwards:  Shared concerns regarding Vista Hospital in Waukegan, including alleged issues with their A/C unit not properly functioning. Shared concerns regarding ‘nightclub’ endorsements for liquor establishments. Expressed concerns regarding funding for the Waukegan Public School District.

Andera Moore: Waukegan Housing Authority Resident, advocating for other residents within the Housing Authority. Shared concerns regarding certain parking citations being issued on Hill Street, and explained the parking situation in that area, and the concerns that need to be addressed in her opinion. Shared concerns regarding Housing Authority Trustee’s training after being appointed. Touched base on alleged violations of tenants’ rights in the Waukegan Housing Authority.

Floria Monroe: Shared concerns regarding living conditions within a Waukegan Housing Authority property and explained issues pretraining to the application and residents’ rights. Raised the question if the City Council supports certain living conditions within certain Waukegan Housing Authority properties.

Clyde McLemore: Thanked Mayor Cunningham and the City of Waukegan for their efforts in making the Southside of Waukegan look better. Addressed concerns regarding homelessness in the community, specifically the new housing at PADs not being ready at this time. Shared upcoming events for Black Lives Matter Lake County, and shared what events will take place at the event. Shared ways individuals can be involved and asked them to contact him at 224-806-7748 if they are interested.

Claire Quinn: Representative of the Waukegan Public Library.  Shared an update on the renovations that have taken place at the Youth and Teen Services Department, and shared that the unveiling will take place July 30th from 3 PM – 6 PM. Mentioned all those who’ve made this possible, including sponsors of this project and other projects within the WPL.

Lakisha Robinson: Spoke regarding Bowell tenants are being denied parking leading them to get tickets on South and Hill Ave. Addressed concern towards the Waukegan Police Department entering property allegedly harassing partner Andre Moore.

Brandon Ewing: Expressed thanks for being appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission, expressed thanks for the Juneteenth celebration downtown Waukegan. Gave thanks to the Waukegan Police Department for their efforts to serve the community. Thanked the Mayor and Alderman for participating in the Juneteenth event.

Mark Drobnick: Spoke regarding tree ordinance. Addressed how in Black Lives Matter event he reflected on his time here in Waukegan. Addressed problem over on his house in Poplar St with the tree ordinance. He stated the rest of his concerns would be put into writing since his podium time of 3 minutes was up.

Margaret Carrasco: Directed concerns to Legal Counsel, regarding two ethics complaints against Alderman Lynn Florian. Shared her concerns, specifically regarding Ald. Florian’s Statement of Economic Interest. Shared that she will be submitting a FOIA request regarding certain information pertaining to Ald Florian. Also shared that she received a phone call that residents were allegedly invited by a group, including Ald Florian, to plot against her, at Lakehurst Events.

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 - P.

Action (Consent): A. Motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes from Monday, June 16, 2025.

Action (Consent): B. Motion to approve the Special Meeting Minutes from Monday, June 30, 2025.

Action (Consent): C. Motion to approve vendor payments dated July 7, 2025 in the total amount of $4,019,340.83.

Action (Consent): D. Motion to approve and ratify Regular Payroll dated June 27, 2025, in the total amount of $2,190,286.97.

Action (Consent): E. Motion to approve and ratify Misc. Payroll (PD HBB & CT Cashout, Retro & Final Payout) dated June 27, 2025, in the total amount of $27,794.17.

Action (Consent): F. Resolution authorizing the expenditure of funds from the North Lakefront TIF #7 for site studies for a future development prospect at 1831 N. Pershing Road in an amount not to exceed $150,000 from 261 126124438. [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on July 7, 2025.]

Action (Consent): G. Resolution approving the procurement of portable restroom trailers and portable individual bathroom units in an amount not to exceed $70,000 from line items 100-1062-24428 and 100-1062-24438 in accordance with Sec. 2-458(i)(5) of the city's purchasing policy. [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on July 7, 2025.]

Action (Consent): H. Resolution authorizing and approving amendment number 1 to a sublease agreement by and between the City of Waukegan and Signature Flight Support, llc with an annual cost of $30,594.84 with funding from GL Line 232-323224428. [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on July 7, 2025.]

Action (Consent): I. Resolution authorizing and approving the purchase and installation of fire sprinkler system in an amount not to exceed $37,881 from Decker Fire & Safety Inc for Dispatch center funding from GL Line 307 130726366. [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on July 7, 2025.]

Action (Consent): J. Resolution authorizing and approving the purchase and installation of fire alarm system in an amount not to exceed $18,981 from FSS Technologies, LLC for dispatch center funding from GL Line 307 130726366. [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on July 7, 2025.]

Action (Consent): K. Resolution accepting a grant from Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Home Repair and Accessibility Program - Round 2 (HRAP) in the amount of $360,000 to support the housing rehab program. [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on July 7, 2025.]

Action (Consent): L. A Resolution approving and authorizing the purchase of camera equipment for ten (10) Ford Police Vehicles from Axon Enterprise, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $113,072.76. Funding for this purchase will be taken from line item 296 629625468.

Action (Consent): M. A Resolution approving and authorizing membership in the Northeastern Illinois Regional Crime Laboratory for an amount not to exceed $133,409.00. Funding for the payment will be taken from line item 100 608524436.

Action (Consent): N. Ordinance Enacting a Special Curfew for Persons under 18 for Scoop Waukegan

Action (Consent): O. Ordinance Permitting Alcoholic Beverages and Enacting Additional Regulations During the Scoop Waukegan Special Event

Action (Consent): P. Resolution approving the application from Inspire Youth & Family Services Inc. to participate in the Summer Youth Program for an amount not to exceed $50,000.00. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on July 7, 2025.]

Consent Agenda Vote:

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: Ald Hayes, Ald Guzman.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

5. Reports and Communication

Information: A. Reports & Communication - City Treasurer Dr. John R. Schwab

6. Old Business

7. New Business

8. Ordinances

9. Closing Items

Alderperson Time

Ald Martinez: Shared information on the upcoming Tiffany Drive Neighborhood Rummage Sale. Thanked those who attended his 3rd Ward Meeting, including Adam Carson, owner of Drip n’ Culture. Also recognized Maggie Powell for being a recipient of the People’s Award. Thanked Diane at Sweet Tooth for donating the sweets, and for Jason from Jiffy Lube for donating free oil changes to 3 residents. Shared code concerns that should be addressed, including grass cutting, mattress disposal, and homelessness issues within the ward. Shared his contract information, and asked residents to be safe, mindful, and good neighbors.

Ald. Felix: Rigorized ‘Envy Street Wear’ for their one-year anniversary. Shared their location: 814 Grand Ave, Waukegan IL 60085. Thanked Mayor Cunningham for recognizing Ms. Hilda with a Waukegan Proud Award. Shared that the Juneteenth Parade was a success and acknowledge all those who made it possible. Shared information on an upcoming Carrer Expo hosted by American Place Casino. Addressed safety concerns in Downtown Waukegan, and what is being done to address it.

Ald Newsome: Shared that she will be having her 5th Ward Meeting on Thursday, July 24 from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM in the City Council Chambers.  Shared her contact information.

Ald Turner:  Brought attention to mass shootings in the Lake County Area, specifically in Highland Park in 2023 and North Chicago Beach last Saturday. Addressed disappointment in the use of illegal fireworks in Waukegan. Shared that residents should be mindful when cutting grass, to not blow clippings into the street as this causes a safety hazard. Recognized Detective Curry for his work assisting an elderly resident during a routine traffic stop. Shared that Public Works and city projects should be completed in a timely matter, and that you can reach out to your Alderman for a status of the project. Shared his contact information.

Ald Donnenwirth: Thanked the City of Waukegan Employees for their great work at all the city parades. Shared his disappoint regarding the use of illegal fireworks in Waukegan, on the 4th of July.

Ald Florian: Addressed comments by Mr. McLemore regarding concerns on PADs new shelter. Shared information regarding the book ‘The Death Gap’ and explained its relevance to her comments, specifically on life expectancy in our community. 

Ald Hayes: Absent.

Ald Bolton: Thanked the clergy and Church Community, as well as thanked the City of Waukegan Employees for their hard work. Shared her contact information. Asked everyone to slow down and drive safe.

Ald Guzman: Absent. 

10. Closed Executive Session

Action: A. Motion by Ald Newsome, second by Ald Bolton to go into closed session for purposes of considering the appointment of legal counsel 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) and to consider settlement of pending litigation 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11) at 8:37 PM

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: Ald Hayes, Ald Guzman.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Motion by Newsome, second by Ald Felix to reconvene open session at 9:00 PM.

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: Ald Hayes, Ald Guzman.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

11. Adjournment

Action: A. Motion by Ald Felix, second by Ald Donnenwirth to ADJOURN at 9:00 PM.

VOICE VOTE: MOTION APPROVED

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