Chicago City Wire

City of Waukegan City Council met Sept. 2

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

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 Hamaas Ibrahim- The Urban Muslim Minority Alliance (UMMA), Waukegan IL / Pledge of Allegiance

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

2. Resolutions/Proclamations/Presentations/Appointments

Information: A. Proclamation - “Payroll Week in Waukegan – September 1-5, 2025”

3. Audience Time

Chuck Ruckstalas:  1% grocery tax, have the ability to offset any of this grocery tax with cannabis, gaming, and other taxes. Asked if we can eliminate that idea and supplement with other tax. Spoke about farm animals within the city limits, and spoke about how it works in Austin TX. Spoke about items from the Environmental Committee this evening, and what he would like to see regarding UDO.  Shared that we need to take these complex issues to a coalition, regarding health concerns. Audit needs to be up to date, as given by the City Treasurer.

Rayon Edwards: Thanked Mayor Cunningham, Clerk Kilkelly, and Ald Florian regarding their support for events. Spoke about the towing issue regarding money being charged by Wreckers Towing. Shared that a petition is going around regarding this matter, and will be presented soon.

Amy Grossman: Deputy Director of Waukegan Public Library. Shared an update from the Waukegan Public Library. 

Diane Verratti: Extended an invitation to multiple events in partnership with the Waukegan Park District, and Waukegan Historical Society, including Cemetery Walk at Oakwood, and the Waukegan Tour of Homes.

Calvin Mathis: Apology from Ald Martinez regarding situation discussed at last City Council Meeting, and appreciates the apology. Wishes Mayor Cunningham well.

Frank Pettis: Recycling Education regarding SWALCO and LRS - encouraged people in the community to get educated regarding the matter. If anyone wants to be involved in helping please reach out at  frank.pettis@ilclimateandhealth.org

Luisa Carranza: Invited everyone to an upcoming beauty pageant at La Canoa, in conjunction with Fiesta Pateras. 

Pedro Dominguez::  Invited everyone to the Fiesta Patrias Parade, and shared that the first time the parade will take place in Waukegan and North Chicago. Hopes that everyone will join

Margaret Carrasco:  Express condolence to Rosio Guadarrama family.  Shared that this year, Fiesta Patrias has a nationally awarded parade marshal - He also holds the title for being a Dr and Director of every single school in Lake County - Dr. Micheal Karner.  Resident accused Fiestas Patrias of having participants who have a misconduct during the parade, it was stated they will not be participating this year. FOIA published with the name Puro Futbol was recently published does not associate themself with Fiestas Patrias. Addressed Council regarding a check reimbursement made for UNIDOS on behalf of previous mayor, would like council to look into it. 

Motion by Ald Newsome, second by Ald Donnenwirth to seat Ald Bolton at 7:59 PM

VOICE VOTE:  MOTION APPROVED

Clyde McLemore: Introduced himself as the Director of Black Lives Matter, he announced upcoming Stepper event that will be taking place at the Waukegan Harbor on Saturday Sep 6 2025 invites everyone to attend. As well as concern about mattresses and trahs being placed on sidewalks on non trash day. An ordinance was recommend to help keep streets and sidewalks clean from trash. 

Elizabeth Marrero: Here to speak on behalf of Juentos a non profit organization- the organizers for Vivia Independent Sep 14 Sunday at Noon. Thank you to all the city officials, staff, who've supported us. Shared that this event is to unite the community, and not divide them. We ask that everyone be one, as this event is for cultural purposes to unite the community. Not to be seen for politics or who has the most power. Should be an event for Waukegan, from those in Waukegan. Shared her contact information for those interested in assisting. Invites everyone out to attend.

Michelle Lopez: Presented and read statement on behalf of Fuerza Union Tonatiquense. 

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 Guzman to approve Consent Agenda items 4. A - D F - G I - L excluding items 4. E & H.

Action (Consent): A. Motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes from Monday, August 18, 2025

Action (Consent): B. Motion to approve vendor payments dated September 1, 2025 in the total amount of $2,609,621.80.

Action (Consent): C. Motion to approve and ratify Regular Payroll dated August 22, 2025, in the total amount of $2,136,836.98.

Action (Consent): D. Motion to approve and ratify Misc. Payroll (PD HBB & CT Cashout, Retro, Manual Check & Final Payout) dated August 22, 2025, in the total amount of $56,002.04.

Action: E. Motion by Ald Newsome, second by Ald Guzman to approve a Resolution approving the award of the Washington & Keller Repaving Project bid to Peter Baker & Son for a not to exceed amount of $3,239,481.67. [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on September 2, 2025.]

Ald Florian shared that we authorized 1 Million Dollars toward the engineering of this area, and raised concerns as to what happened to the 1 Million Dollars that was authorized for the engineering.

Mayor Cunningham shared a response, and added that this is the worst road condition wise. Public Works Director Chris Garland also responded.

Ald Guzman shared that the worst part of it is within the 2nd Ward, by Keller and Washington. Ald Guzman added that the Aldermen will have constituents come after them regarding this road, if it is not done.

Ald Turner asked for clarification regarding what section of Washington street is going to be repaired. Clarification provided by Director Garland.

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

NAY: Ald Florian.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Action (Consent): F. 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 September 2, 2025.]

Action (Consent): G. Ordinance approving amended site plan approval for FHR-Illinois, LLC for the construction and operation of American Place, a permanent casino at 600 Lakehurst Road. [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on September 2, 2025.]

Action: H. Motion by Ald Newsome, second by Ald Guzman to approve a Resolution authorizing and approving the execution of a release and settlement agreement by and between Herman Williams v. The City of Waukegan, claim number 230906W005, #77762-10710366 [CC-US.55760.10641408.FID3727082] for the amount not to exceed $10.1 million dollars. [This matter was presented to the Government Operations & Oversight Committee on August 18, 2025].

Ald Florian shared that she fully supports this settlement, but would like to talk about how we are going to pay for this $10.1 Million Dollar settlement.

Mayor Cunningham shared that we are going to renegotiate a few different ways, and explained the financial options the City of Waukegan will have.

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 (Consent): I. A resolution authorizing and approving spending authority to procure professional services from Impact Networking, LLC for a not to exceed $45,858.00. Funding will be sourced from GL 100-103724801. [This matter was presented at the Finance and Purchasing Committee on August 18, 2025.

Action (Consent): J. A Resolution authorizing and approving spending authority to procure professional services from Microsystems, INC for a not to exceed amount of $60,000.00. Funding will be source from GL Line 100-607724801. [This matter was presented at the Finance and Purchasing Committee on August 18, 2025.

Action (Consent): K. Motion to approve Halloween 'Trick or Treat' Hours for Sunday October 26, 2025 from 2pm-5pm

Action (Consent): L. Motion to approve the Door to Door Cookie Ordering Solicitation, from December 12, 2025 - January 15, 2026 by the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana

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

5. Reports and Communication

6. Old Business

Action: A. Motion by Ald Turner, second by Ald Felix to approve an Ordinance approving a Variance for an accessory structure setback at 705 Chestnut Street (Zoning Calendar #2786). [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on August 4, 2025 - HELD OVER by Ald Turner at the August 18, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting.]

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 Hayes to approve amendment for a Resolution approving a Professional Services Agreement with Water Treatment Specialist, LLC per Sec. 2-458(i)(4)(Professional Services) for a not to exceed amount of $88,400.00. $85,000 [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on August 18, 2025 - HELD OVER by Ald Guzman at the August 18, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting.]

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

Motion by Ald Guzman, second by Ald Hayes to approve, as amended, a Resolution approving a Professional Services Agreement with Water Treatment Specialist, LLC per Sec. 2-458(i)(4)(Professional Services) for a not to exceed amount of $88,400.00. $85,000 [This matter was presented to the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee on August 18, 2025 - HELD OVER by Ald Guzman at the August 18, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting.]

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

7. New Business

8. Ordinances

9. Closing Items

Alderperson Time

Ald Hayes:  Encouraged residents to get in contact with their Alderperson regarding talks of the proposed Grocery Tax. Thanked Ald Donnenwirth for letting him speak first.

Ald Donnenwirth:  Shared that he celebrated his Mother-in-law's 107th Birthday, and hopes his wife lives that long. Thanked City of Waukegan staff for their assistance, particularly issue with tree trimming.  Encouraged neighbors to be safe.

Ald Florian: Airshow there will be a lot of noise due to Navy F18s Friday and Saturday afternoon, including the day of the show Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are only available online, so plan ahead and go online. Asked if we can update our ethics policy, and hopes to get a response on that. Hopes to get everyone to resign, and reconsider. Curious if Ald Martinez has talked yet regarding the ATV and Motorized bikes. Shared a experiences she has had and seen regarding people illegally using these bikes on the street. Shared that there should be a maximum amount that towing companies can charge to tow in our community.  Spoke about the Environmental Committee, and items that she would like to see discussed at a future committee meeting. Sat at Midlane, she will have her Operation Clean-Up. 

Ald Bolton: Thanked her constituents for their calls and concerns. Thanked City of Waukegan staff for their assistance and dedication. Shared that there have been multiple events in the community on the same day, but thanked everyone for their events and efforts. Shared that trash pick-up has been going well, and there will be a Market Street Clean-Up on Saturday at 10:00 AM. Shared that this road has been adopted by constituents and she will be out there cleaning up this road and the trash with constituents.

Ald Guzman: Shared an update regarding speed-bumps within the 2nd Ward. Thanked Mayor Cunningham and Public Works for their assistance. Spoke about the World's Largest Rubber Duck that came to the Waukegan Harbor, and shared how successful it was for Waukegan and businesses, including food trucks.  Spoke about updates regarding the casino construction. 12th and Greenfield, there will be a 2nd Ward Clean-Up. Shared that more enforcement will be coming to that area and we are trying to keep it clean. Shared the efforts being done in that area to help beautify.  Shared his contact information, and shared that he would like to hear from residents regarding the grocery tax. Gave an update on Willow Road in the 2nd Ward. Shared that the item regarding Washington and Keller this evening, is a huge win. Spoke about the issue of towing, and shared it should be looked at.

Ald Martinez: Encouraged residents to attend the Waukegan District 60 Homecoming Parade on Friday Sep 26 at 5:30 PM. More information will be forthcoming, including information on the Homecoming Football game. Thanked Public Works for their assistance during his dumpster drop. Shared that mattresses must be wrapped in plastic, and he has seen issues with them within his ward.  Shared that the World's Largest Duck was a great event, and there were a lot of people there. Shared his contract information, and asked neighbors to be safe, mindful, and good neighbors.

Ald Felix: Shared prepared comments regarding the fear that some of our community has, regarding civil right concerns, especially around the time of the upcoming parades. Shared that the World's Largest Duck event was successful, and encouraged people to keep coming forward with these ideas for our community.

Ald Newsome: Announced Operation Clean Sweep in the 5th Ward, which will take place on Saturday, September 15, from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

Ald Turner:  Shared 9/11/2001 Tribute, and shared that we talk about social calendars, and not enough about this day that we should never forget.  Shared the upcoming birthday of the U.S. Navy, and shared that he is a Navy Veteran. Mentioned the Grocery Tax proposal talks, after the State of Illinois proposed legislation to remove the tax. Encouraged residents who want speed bumps/humps to call their Alderperson. Shared that on Sep 24th he will have a 6th Ward Meeting at North School, and will have a dumpster on Sat 27th 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Glen Flora & Chestnut. 

10. Adjournment

Procedural: A. Motion by Ald Newsome, second by Ald Martinez to ADJOURN at 8:57 PM.

VOICE VOTE:  MOTION APPROVED

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