Chicago City Wire

City of Waukegan City Council met July 21

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Council of the City of Waukegan met in regular session on Monday, July 21, 2025 at 7:00 PM

City Council Chambers, City Hall. 100 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave, Waukegan.

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

ABSENT: None.

Procedural: B. Invocation by Pastor Brown-AME Church / Pledge of Allegiance

Procedural: C. Mayor's Comments - At this time, Mayor Cunningham shared his comments, and provided any awards from the City of Waukegan.

2. Resolutions/Proclamations/Presentations/Appointments

Information: A. Presentation of Residential Market Analysis by Erik Doersching of Tracy Cross & Associates - Mr. Doersching shared his presentation, and entertained questions and concerns from Alderpersons.

Action: B. Motion by Ald Turner, second by Ald Bolton to approve, as presented, an ordinance reforming the standing committees of the City Council and setting 2025 committee assignments

Ald Florian shared that she has concerns with having an Alderperson be the Chair of a committee, when he doesn't allow Alderpersons who aren't on a committee, to speak. This was in regards to Alderman Turner.  Mayor Cunningham responded.

Mayor Cunningham wanted to respect Ald Florian's request to hold this over, so the Alderpersons can come together and talk about this concern. He highlighted dignity and respect, and stated if we don't show that, how do we expect others to do that.  Ald Felix asked for this item to go forward, and asked for a motion to over-ride Ald Florian's hold-over. Motion by Ald Turner, second by Felix to override Ald Florian hold-over.

Ald Florian withdrew her hold-over, so the item can be voted on this evening, but shared that she would like Ald Turner to respect the Alderpersons who are not on the committee, asking a question. Ald Turner responded, and explained his reasoning.  Item went back to the original motion, for a vote.

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

NAY: Ald Florian.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

3. Audience Time

Aime Bracamontes: Addressed the value that the Chambers of Commerce has with local businesses, within the City of Waukegan. Mentioned how everyone is welcome to join August 12th for the Wake-up breakfast for more information on the event, and encouraged everyone to follow the City of Waukegan Chambers of Commerce on Facebook.

Elizabeth Marrero: Invited everyone out to join the Juntoz NFP scholarship award ceremony that would be taking place on July 22nd, 2025, to award three scholarships to Waukegan High School students for their hard work. Juntoz NFP will also organizing the Viva la Indepencia parade being held in Waukegan later this year. Announced that funds of this year’s parade this year will be used to help cancer patients with treatment. Any questions or volunteers please reach out to Juntoz NFP.

Debra Jordan: Addressed the liquor license agenda item, pertaining to licenses going up to 175. Urged the City Council to not approve the item.

Tyrone Harris: Thanked the city for allowing him to speak. Shared that he was born and raised in Waukegan, and shared the value of giving back to this community. Addressed the cleaning up of Market St. Mr. Harris with his family are partnering with the City of Waukegan to adopt Market St. and will be renaming it Market St. Clean Up Crew. Thanked Alderman Bolton, as well as urges community to volunteer to clean up Market St. and help clean up this city.

Rayon Edwards: Addressed multiple issues pertaining to liquor and Liquor Licensing within the community. Addressed the issue on pre-approval of liquor licenses being done without speaking in front of council.

Clyde McLemore: Thanked Mr. Garland for addressing the issue of cleaning up the streets of Waukegan. Addressed the issue that 1st Ward that has a lot of garbage in front of the streets. Mentioned how he would like suggestions on how to keep clean the streets of Waukegan. Address BLM back to school event where full backpacks will be given out, invites community out to attend event.

Wygenia Brisco: Addressed the City Council regarding allegations toward 4th Ward Alderman Felix. Urged the City Council to give a statement on what the policy is with such allegation. Shared that she believes what is happening may be unethical. Shared that she would like updates on 200 Julian St.  Would also like updates given on Julian St. as well. Briefly mentioned liquor license being held over. Took a moment to remind the Alderpersons that they were voted in by the community and hold a responsibility to the community.

Brother Blanks: Introduced himself as founding Chief President of Black Abolition Movement for the Mind. Mentioned how they will be hosting the Taste of Africa on the 1st Ward on August 16th from 12pm-7pm. Reminds everyone that McAllister Street has to be one of the worst paved streets the community. He would like to see plans to have it corrected. 

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 Guzman to approve Consent Agenda items 4. A-O,  Q-X,  Z-AA  excluding items 4. P, Y.

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

Action (Consent): B. Motion to approve the Closed Executive Session Meeting Minutes, from the Regular City Council Meeting, on Monday, July 07, 2025.

Action (Consent): C. Resolution authorizing and approving the execution of an agreement for the settlement and release of all claims by and between the City of Waukegan and Waukegan Potawatomi Casino, LLC.

Action (Consent): D. A resolution authorizing and approving the purchase of personal protective equipment from WS Darley in the amount of $89,125.00 funded by GL Code 100 302025469. [This matter was presented to the Finance and Purchasing Committee on July 21, 2025.]

Action (Consent): E. A resolution authorizing and approving the Waukegan Fire Department to enter into a lease with Zoll for Cardiac Monitors. The lease for ten (10) annual installments of $74,816.21 over 120 months and funded by GL Code 100 302025472. [This matter was presented at Finance and Purchasing Committee on July 21, 2025.]

Action (Consent): F. Resolution approving the award of the FY2026 Alley Program to Chicagoland Paving Contractors, Inc. for a not to exceed amount of $718,995.26. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on July 21, 2025.]

Action (Consent): G. Resolution approving the award of the FY2026 Parking Lot Resurfacing Program to Superior Paving, Inc. for a not to exceed amount of $340,700.00. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on July 21, 2025.]

Action (Consent): H. Resolution approving the purchase of a generator for Lift Station #2 from Rush Power Systems LLC for a not to exceed amount of $74,989.00 per Sec. 2-458(i)(7)(Good Faith Waiver). [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on July 21, 2025.]

Action (Consent): I. Resolution approving emergency sewer repairs by Campanella & Sons per Sec. 2-458(i)(7(Good Faith Waiver) for a not to exceed amount of $300,000.00. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on July 21, 2025.]

Action (Consent): J. Resolution approving the award of the materials bid to Kirschhoffer Truck Service, Inc. per Sec. 2-458(i)(3)(Joint Purchasing) through Lake County IL for a not to exceed amount of $90,000.00. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on July 21, 2025.]

Action (Consent): K. Resolution approving the purchase of a Track Loader from West Side Tractor Sales for a not to exceed amount of $88,628.51 per Sec. 2-458(i)(3)(Joint Purchasing) through Sourcewell. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on July 21, 2025.]

Action (Consent): L. Resolution approving the purchase of a trailer from West Side Tractor Sales for an amount not to exceed $27,204.45 per Sec. 2-458(i)(3)(Joint Purchasing) through Sourcewell. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on July 21, 2025.]

Action (Consent): M. Resolution approving the use of MFT Funds for payment of the construction portion of the 2025 Culvert Rehabilitations at Jackson, Sheridan, and County to Campanella & Sons, Inc. in the amount of $3,803,680.20. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on July 21, 2025.]

Action (Consent): N. Resolution approving design-build services by Baxter & Woodman-Boller Construction per Sec. 2-458(i)(4)(Professional Services) for VFD Improvements to High Service Pump #5 for a not to exceed amount of $794,000.00. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on July 21, 2025.]

Action (Consent): O. An Ordinance approving to dispose of various surplus vehicles and equipment through Obenauf Auction Services, Inc. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on July 21, 2025.]

Action: P. Motion by Ald Turner, second by Ald Florian to approve an Ordinance amending Sections 21-59, 21-63 and 21-75 of the City of Waukegan Code of Ordinances regarding various Traffic Control Devices. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on July 21, 2025.]

Ald Turner asked what traffic control devices are being referenced. City Engineer Jesus Alquicira provided clarification to the items listed.

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action (Consent): Q. Resolution approving the award of the DCEO Lead Service Line Replacement bid for Lewis Avenue to Joel Kennedy Constructing Corp. for a not to exceed amount of $1,264,333.00. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on July 21, 2025.]

Action (Consent): R. Motion to approve and ratify Regular Payroll dated July 11, 2025, in the total amount of $2,256,395.34.

Action (Consent): S. Motion to approve and ratify Misc. Payroll (PD HBB & CT Cashout, EO & CS, PD Uniform Allowance, Retro, Final Payout & Manual Check) dated July 11, 2025, in the total amount of $41,256.32.

Action (Consent): T. Motion to approve vendor payments dated July 21, 2025 in the total amount of $4,785,033.60.

Action (Consent): U. Motion to approve a Resolution approving the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for Program Year 2024

Action (Consent): V. Motion to approve the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and the 2025 Action Plan as present

Action (Consent): W. Motion to approve a Resolution approving the Amendment of the 2024 Action Plan

Action (Consent): X. Motion by Ald Newsome, second by Ald Florian to approve A Resolution authorizing and approving spending authority to procure professional services from Suretech Staffing, INC. The contract is not expected to exceed $115,000.00. Funding will be sourced from GL Code 100-910124435. Professional services are a defined exception from the formal bidding procedure pursuant to Sec 2-458(i)(4). [This matter was presented before the July 21, 2025 Finance and Purchasing Committee.]

Action Y. Motion to approve an Ordinance Amending Chapter 21 Section21-66- Willow Road two-way traffic flow.  

Ald Turner asked City Engineer Jesus Alquicira for clarification on this item.

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action (Consent): Z. A Resolution waiving competitive bidding requirements and authorizing and approving the purchase of a 2025 Chevy Tahoe Police Package vehicle from Currie Motors for an amount not to exceed $60,306.00. [This matter was presented before the July 21, 2025 Finance and Purchasing Committee.]

Action (Consent): AA. Motion to authorize the City Treasurer to renew a Letter of Credit in the amount of $1,404,100.00 with First Midwest Bank (Old National Bank) in order to meet the City's Financial Assurance EPA requirements relative to Yeoman Creek. [This matter was presented before the July 21, 2025 Finance and Purchasing Committee.]  14,040.00 yearly from City of Waukegan, Per Treasurer Schwab.

Consent Agenda Vote:

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

5. Reports and Communication

Information A. Letter of Credit Yeomen Creek - City Treasurer Dr. John R. Schwab

6. Old Business

Action: A. Motion by Ald Felix, second by Ald Donnenwirth to approve a Resolution approving and ratifying a revised Development and Financial Incentive Agreement with WCDP and Xata, LLC

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

NAY: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

7. New Business

Action: A. Ordinance increasing the number of liquor licenses to 175. [This matter was presented before the July 21, 2025 Finance and Purchasing Committee.]

HELD OVER IN COMMITTEE

Action: B. Motion by Ald Turner, second by Ald Guzman to approve an Ordinance increasing the number of Class K-1 Banquet Liquor Licenses by one for Alani Banquets LLC – 206 Genesee St. [This matter was presented before the July 21, 2025 Finance and Purchasing Committee.]

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

NAY: Ald Newsome

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action: C. Motion by Ald Turner, second by Ald Felix to approve an Ordinance increasing the number of Class E Restaurant Liquor Licenses by one for Forastero's Tako Restaurant – 438 Franklin St. [This matter was presented before the July 21, 2025 Finance and Purchasing Committee.]

Ald Turner mentioned that this is a new business in his 6th Ward, and he would like to be made aware as an Aldermen when a new business opens. Encourages city staff, and the Office of the Mayor to communicate this to the Aldermen. Ald Martinez shared that he agrees, and that this is very important. Shared that it should be priority to let the Aldermen know. Mayor Cunningham shared a plan of action with the Aldermen, and shared that we need to ensure that the businesses go through the correct process, and we do not want to be embarrassed as a city. 

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

NAY: Ald Newsome

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action: D. An Ordinance increasing the number of Class A Tavern Liquor Licenses by one for Dejavu Bar & Grill - 17 N Genesee St. [This matter was presented before the July 21, 2025 Finance and Purchasing Committee.]

Item Removed from the Agenda.

Action: E. Motion by Ald Martinez, second by Ald Florian to approve an Ordinance increasing the number of Class E Restaurant Liquor Licenses by one for Birrieria Jalisco - 2118 N. Green Bay Rd. [This matter was presented before the July 21, 2025 Finance and Purchasing Committee.]

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

NAY: Ald Newsome

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

8. Ordinances

9. Closing Items

Alderperson Time

Ald Felix: Congratulated Alani Banquets as well as Taqueria Jalisco, addressed the Julian Towers questions and how they are continuing to improve. Gave thanks for the concern. Addressed the resources concern that people have within the community and reminds everyone that how Waukegan has the resources for people to use. Takes a moment as well to welcome Susana Figueroa on to the licensing team.

Ald Newsome: Ward Meeting this Thursday, July 24 at 5:30 PM. Shared her contact information, 847-390-2691. Working on getting a date for another dumpster in the 5th Ward.  Noticed an increase of dumping in the 5th Ward, and explained. Shared that she is getting complaints that LRS is not picking up the one bulk item, when she understands they get one bulk item a week.

Ald Turner: Acknowledged and congratulated the officers involved who monitored an event at Scoop, and shared that they seized illegally owned firearms. Shared that he has received multiple calls regarding firearms going off at Massena and Poplar. Shared that there was a 'dope-bust' in the 6th Ward, that was done by the Lake County Sheriff's Office.  Shared that there has been an uptick in crime, including car and home burglary.  Shared information on speed bumps being installed within the 6th Ward, and shared that multiple Alderpersons have not been in favor, but now hears some would like them installed. Thanked the new Summer Youth employees at Public Works, and shared that they are doing a job well done.  Shared a list of alleys in the 6th Ward that will be completed this year.

Ald Donnenwirth: Shared that Scoop was fantastic, and a great success. Shared that he is hopeful the speedbumps by Greenwood school will be in before school starts. Shared that neighbors are hopeful this will help slow down traffic. Shared that staff at City Hall and City Yards are fantastic.

Ald Florian: Shared that the City of Waukegan Police Department & City Staff did a great job at Scoop. Continued where she left off at the last City Council Meeting, regarding life expectancy and hospitals, specifically hospitals like ours (Vista Medical Center) that are owned by a private equity/for-profit.  Shared that we are a city that needs a non-profit hospital, as the Mayor shared statistics this evening supporting that. Stressed that we need a non-profit to come in and run the hospital as our residents deserve that.

Ald Hayes:  Pass - No Comment.

Ald Bolton: Shared that we need our constituents to share in the fight regarding neighborhood clean-ups, and highlighted Ty Harris in his efforts with Market Street. Thanked our City of Waukegan Public Works Department for being proactive, as well as our city staff. Announced the next street clean-up on Aug 2 at 10:00 AM, on Market Street and the alleys. 224-607-8445 contact information.

Ald Guzman: Shared that he will be having a 2nd Ward Meeting this Saturday, in both English & Spanish. More information to come. Shared his contract information. Address 2300 Pearsall Ave where meeting will take place. Shared that he understands it is summer, but not everyone needs to hear your loud music. Asked everyone to please respect your neighbors. Shared that some neighbors have explained that they do not want speedbumps, so he will support their wishes. Shared that he is happy with the Willow Road transitioning back to a 2-way. Shared that he would like to increase dumpster for future ward clean-up.

Ald Martinez: Thanked Pastor Brown, also gave sincere appreciation to City Council and the Mayor for celebrating the life of Delilah Carmen Melendez who is exceptional part of this community. Thanked everyone for taking the time to honor her. Mentioned Scoop the loop and the success it was. Congratulated the City of Waukegan, the marketing team and Chief of Police for the amazing job at Scoop the Loop. Mentioned Quonset Pizza will be celebrating 10 years in the community on August 8th at 6pm. A business pop up will be held at ‘2214 Grand Ave on August 2nd. Reminded everyone that a community fellowship will be held at Tiffany Dr. on July 25th-27th. Briefly mentioned the paving that will be happening in Waukegan. Gave contact information on how to reach out him at 847-390-2689.

10. Adjournment

Procedural: A. Motion by Ald Hayes, second by Ald Bolton to ADJOURN at 9:18 PM.

VOICE VOTE: MOTION APPROVED

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