Chicago City Wire

City of Waukegan City Council met Oct. 6

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

ABSENT: Ald Guzman.

Procedural: B. Invocation / Pledge of Allegiance

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

2. Resolutions/Proclamations/Presentations/Appointments

Resolution: A. Motion by Ald Martinez, second by Ald Florian to approve Resolution 25-R-253 - “Honoring the Life of Natividad Ruiz”

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

NAY: Ald Guzman.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

Resolution: B. Motion by Ald Felix, second by Ald Hayes to approve Resolution 25-R-254 - “Honoring the Life and Legacy of Robert ‘Bob’ Barnett”

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

NAY: Ald Guzman.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

3. Audience Time

Katie Brethorst: Speaker started of by quoting a quote by Ray Bradbury. Speaker spoke on recent immigration events that happened on 10/06/25 that were broadcasted on social media. Extended an apology for gruesome circumstances witnessed by Mayor Cunningham. Thanked our Police Departments, our Fire Department, for keeping our citizens safe and advocated for our immigrants in our community. Ended her speech with a different Ray Bradburry quote.

Efren Heredia: Speaker stated he agreed with everything previous speaker had spoken on based on our community immigration issue. As well as he spoke on laundry mat on North Ave and there hours of operation as well as their short staffing issues causing concern for our community.

Regina Poyser: Addressed the council, mayor and members of the city that were in attendance tonight. Ms.Regina introduced herself as a businesswoman, a wife, a veteran, a mother, and an organizer for a nonprofit. She spoke on a previous tragedy that cause the loss of her son which that pain of loss gave her the courage to start a nonprofit which has founded the Waukegan One Skating Family Resource Center with a goal to open its door in quarter 1 2026. With a vision to provide a haven space for our communities. Asked for the support and partnership from our City Council. 

Matt Muchowski: Spoke on disturbing immigrations raids that have been surfacing all over social media this weekend from places such as Home Depot, Washington High School Campus and CLC – of masked ICE agents. Emphasized we are a country of immigrants. Stated this is no longer a Democratic or Republican issue these outrageous attacks are causing fear in our community. Encouraged our community not to allow these attacks to divide us. Emphasized how proud he is of our leaders in Waukegan, our mayor for speaking out and advocating by educating our community about their rights while also remaining calm.

Aime Bracamontes: Introduced herself as the executive assistance to the Chambers of Commers and mentioned a serious of upcoming events that will be hosted by them. Such as an upcoming Waukegan Fall Fest. Spoke on fun events that will be happening during fall fest such as face painting, costume contest, live music, food trucks, bouncy houses and much more. Waukegan Fall fest will take place on Saturday October 18 from 2pm-7pm. As well as mentioned, the purpose that the Waukegan chambers of commerce and the resources that our community needs that are offered by them.

Elizabeth Marrero: Gave thanks to everyone who showed up the Waukegan Fiestas Patrias Parade despite our current circumstances. Thanked city staff, Police Chief Navarro, Commander Cansino on how helpful and nice she is. Stated that today she is standing in front of council as a social worker silence can not be kept with everything that is going on in our community. Urged our community to stay together, know their rights and educate yourself. If you see something, please call the number 855-435-7693 the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. Urged our Alderman to use their voice to advocate for our community during these hard times.

Esiah Campos: Introduced himself as the Round Lake Commissioner, emphasized the importance of voting and making our voice be heard.  Stated that he was present this afternoon during one of the ICE arrests. Continued to speak on how our phones and video camaras are a huge power in this time. Thanked Mayor Cunningham for stepping out and helping and being in the front line while the arrest was happening.

Rita Mayfield: Introduced herself as State Representative, continued to speak on how this is her home, she was raised here. She cares deeply for our community. As a State Representative she is trying her best to give back to our community despite immigration status, they are passing acts that will protect everyone. She stands with this community and will fight along side it during these hard times. Asked our community to stand together, this problem goes beyond. This is a community, and we need to stand together.

Brother Blanks: Spoke on issue of certain portion of street not being paved. Strongly believes the 1st ward also known as the south side deserved to have its streets paved evenly all at once not in portions. Expressed how he feels appeased as a veteran regarding assumptions of the national guard and nor any other military form to be used by ICE. He believes change and progresses still needs to happen with your immigration laws, but this is not the way to do it.

Stephanie Bynum: Introduced herself on behalf of the children’s museum that will host its popup museum that will be held at Belvidere mall from October – January. Free family hours are Wednesday 4:30pm-6:30pm and Thursday – Saturday 10am-4pm. The popup museum has lots of fun activities for children from hands on activities, to art studio as well as fun building blocks, and science learning activity. Invites everyone to please attend.

Stacy Bullard: Introduced himself as the president of the association of Minority Contractors of Lake County or AMLC also introduced Ernesto as the Vice president. Gave a short summary of what they stand for as an organization. Continued to speak on the reason that they were in attendance tonight regarding upcoming the casino construction. Expressed how they want to ensure it becomes a catalyst for real lasting growth in our community. This project doesn’t just mean a new job it means local contractors can build our casino while circulating the economical funds back to Waukegan. Gave an example based out of a project from Chicago. Asked council to consider setting aside a 25% local minority participation goal towards the new casino project as well as 25% local contractor goal.

Daniel Palom: Introduced himself with certified electrical services, associate of AMLC. Asked council to be considered for the upcoming projects that will be happening here in Waukegan. Spoke on a 25% of the casino project to go to local contractors, towards the movement of reinvest in Waukegan. Gave thanks for speaking time.

Frank London: Speaker introduced himself as the owner of CMIT Solution the company is an IT service company that specialized in small and medium businesses. The goal in mind for the last 25 years has been to give back to this community that is so loved. As a member of AMLC we now could do even greater. Spoke on Harvard Business study data on minority businesses drive more economic growth to give back to their communities.  Asked to be a part of that vision for Waukegan. Gave thanks for speaking time.

Jon Rickel: Speaker spoke on history of his concrete company and being apart of the AMLC. As a business owner and associate they are asking for 25% of the minority contacts for the casino. Spoke on benefits the community that it will have.

Camron Crombie: Speaker introduced himself as Waukegan resident for the 6th ward, as well as a co-chair for the Lakefront Chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America. Speaker spoke on reports he has been receiving on ICE agents and the raids they have conducted. He questioned the city stands and what their approach to such events will be. Addressed a plan for the city to stand with our community against ICE agents. Continued to speak on immigration issue within our community, urged that as a community we stand together.

Judy Masterson: Speaker spoke on being a Waukegan resident for more than 45 yrs and how she believes on the positive impact that immigrants have on both or neighborhoods and community. Speaker stated she wants action to protect our community against ICE agents. Speaker spoke on an upcoming laundry mat that is going to be up and running and the paint job that they have done to what she believes is not ok. Concerned of impact it will have on neighborhood.

Lamont Ivy: Introduced himself as an associate of AMLC. Spoke on behalf of his construction company that has done work in many different cities. He would like to be able to do the same for the city he calls home. Spoke on the casino project that will be coming to this community and would like the opportunity to be apart of it.

Chris Simmons: Speaker introduced himself as the owner of Chris in LLC Hauling demolition as a business owner in Waukegan for over 20 yrs. As a member of AMLC wanted to express his believe on the 25% local contractor’s agreements. He believes that by doing so it will boost the local economy.

Esther Herran: Spoke on a quote from the New York Times, spoke on statics of traffic accidents in pedestrian and cyclist. Addressed the importance of embracing the four pillars of safety which are engineering, education, enforcement, and emergency. Gave condolences to recent woman who passed in an accident a few weeks ago. Speaker urges Waukegan to make strategic measure for roadway safety.

Charlene Medina: Introduced herself as a Waukegan School District Psychologist wanted to express urgent concern regarding action being taken by ICE agents towards our community.  Questioned the stands of our current elected officials to protect the residents of Waukegan against this abuse.

Carolina D. Fabian: Speaker read from a prepared speech regarding recent activities happening in our Latino community. Speaker shared concerns on ICE raids. Gave thanks to Mayor for speaking out in these hard times. Urges our Waukegan residents to stay together and to think about what side of history we want to be on. Emphasizing the importance of being kind and empathetic during these hard times.  

Michelle Lopez: Speaker spoke on recent event that involved a minor and ICE agent. Emphasized that this community is much more. Speaker questioned the city protocols that they plan to take into action to protect our community. Quoted Emiliano Zapata.

Rayon Edwards: Addressed all the contractors in the room who spoke on the upcoming project for the casino. As well as the ICE issue that our community is facing. He addressed the Mayor on actions that were taken earlier in the day with a citizen. Urged our community to act.

Maggie Hinojoza: Introduced herself as a member of this community and North Chicago Social Worker, she spoke on horrific event that happened earlier in the day to Dariana Fajardo with an encounter with ICE agents. Addressed the fear our community feels. Urges our Mayor to act.

Robert Salazar: Speaker read from a prepared speak and gave a quote. Urges our Mayor and Alderman to act. As well as provide information on resources to our community in these hard.

Celine Cardinas: Read from a prepared speech, spoke on Dariana Fajardo character with recent encounter she had with ICE agents. Speaker addressed council with questions such as questioning what the police department will do to protect the safety of our community. Gave a short speech in Spanish to our community.

Emmy Gottschalk: Speaker echoed a lot of the concerns and topic on immigration and ice raids that were previously mentioned and or communicated. Addressed our Mayor to act and follow the examples that have been set to us by other cities across Illinois. Urged our Alderman to spread information within there wards to our community.

Margaret Carrasco: Voiced on the impact of our community showing up to city hall inside and out tonight. Read a prepared speech on the immigration raids. Thanked Mayor Cunningham for acting during these hard times. Shared disappointment in both CLC and Waukegan Public School district. Provided information for resources available.

Josi Ruiz: Speaker as an educator voiced her concern with decrease in attendance at school in which she believes is causes by our current ICE issue in the community. Urged the Mayor to reach out to schools and ask how the city can help to make parents and children feel safe to attend school.

Clyde McLemore: Introduced himself as Executive Director for BLM, continued to read from a prepared speech. Offered an office space in his business for strategic meeting.

Dariana Fajardo: Introduced herself and gave statement regarding incident that had occurred with ICE agents and herself earlier in the day.

After a short 10 minute recess, the meeting re-convened at 9:05 PM

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 Bolton to approve Consent Agenda Items 4. A - G, excluding item 4. B.

Action (Consent): A. Motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes from Monday, September 15, 2025

Action: B.  Ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of an addendum to a short-term lease agreement for office space located at Waukegan City Hall - 100 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave [This matter was presented to the Finance & Purchasing Committee on September 15, 2025].  HELD OVER BY ALD TURNER

Action (Consent): C. Motion to approve and ratify Regular Payroll dated September 19, 2025, in the total amount of $2,130,457.06.

Action (Consent): D. Motion to approve and ratify Misc. Payroll (PD HBB & CT Cashout, EO & CS & Final Payout) dated September 19, 2025, in the total amount of $73,599.81.

Action (Consent): E. Motion to approve vendor payments dated October 6, 2025 in the total amount of $3,600,059.57.

Action (Consent): F. Motion to approve and ratify Regular Payroll dated October 03, 2025, in the total amount of $2,093,452.05.

Action (Consent): G. Motion to approve and ratify Misc. Payroll (PD HBB & CT Cashout, FD Stipend & Retro Payout) dated October 03, 2025, in the total amount of $90,540.19.

Consent Agenda Vote:

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

NAY: Ald Guzman.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED

5. Reports and Communication

6. Old Business

Action to amend: A. Motion by Ald Newsome, second by Ald Felix to approve an Ordinance amending the Unified Development Ordinance (Zoning Calendar #2791). [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on September 2, 2025.]

Motion by Ald Newsome, second by Ald Felix to adopt an Ordinance amending the Unified Development Ordinance (Zoning Calendar #2791), rejecting the change to Section 2.03.B.4, accepting all other amendments.

Ald Florian asked for clarification as to why the amendment.  Planning & Zoning Director Noelle Kischer-Lepper provided clarification.  Ald Turner asked for further clarification, and Kischer-Lepper provided further clarification. 

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

NAY: Ald Guzman.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED to amend

Action as amend: A. Motion by Ald Florian, second by Ald Turner to approve an Ordinance amending the Unified Development Ordinance (Zoning Calendar #2791). [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on September 2, 2025.] to adopt an Ordinance amending the Unified Development Ordinance (Zoning Calendar #2791), rejecting the change to Section 2.03.B.4, accepting all other amendments

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

NAY: Ald Guzman.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED to amend

Action to amend: B. Motion by Ald Newsome, second by Ald Felix to adopt a Resolution amending the Fee and Fine Schedule of the City Code in conjunction with amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance setting a maximum $5,000 for residential projects or $10,000 for nonresidential projects for ‘Tree Value/Fee-in-lieu for tree replacement (per inch)

Planning & Zoning Director Noelle Kischer-Lepper provided clarification on the proposed amendments, per discussion with Alderpersons and staff.

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

NAY: Ald Guzman.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED to amend

Action as amend: B. Motion by Ald Martinez, second by Ald Donnenwirth to approve an Resolution amending the Fee and Fine Schedule of City Code in conjunction with amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance. [This matter was presented to the Community Development Committee on September 2, 2025.] to adopt a Resolution amending the Fee and Fine Schedule of the City Code in conjunction with amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance setting a maximum $5,000 for residential projects or $10,000 for nonresidential projects for ‘Tree Value/Fee-in-lieu for tree replacement (per inch)

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

NAY: Ald Guzman.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

MOTION APPROVED to amend

7. New Business

8. Ordinances

9. Closing Items

Alderperson Time

Alderman Bolton: Thanked everyone who came out to speak tonight, as well as announced that October 16 at the chambers a faith based non-profit meeting will take place at 9am. Expressed her gratitude to Pastor Brown for her work in the community. Commented on the pavement on 1st ward streets. Gave information regarding upcoming 1st ward meeting and who will be in attendance. (Alderman Felix translated in Spanish)

Alderman Guzman: Absent.

Alderman Martinez: Addressed the comments made during audience time regarding ICE agents and the arrest they are doing in our community. He will keep our community in his thoughts. “Being able to see our community come together during these hard times shows a lot of solidary”.  Shared information regarding Elite Ave meeting that will take place in November. Plant a tree will also be taking place soon in part of Rebuild Waukegan. Made awareness of October being breast cancer awareness month.

Alderman Felix: Echoed the communication comments regarding immigration issue and encouraged our community to speak out as well as remain safe. As well as encouraged those who can vote to always vote.

Alderman Newsome: Thanked the Mayor for the statement made tonight as well as for sharing the resources and feedback that was voiced from the audience this evening.

Alderman Turner:  Shared information regarding leaf pickup in the 6th ward. Voiced the importance of street crossing and driving especially with time change. Encouraged both the Mayor and safety chair to consider a safety study across the board. Made a recognition to the Waukegan Police department for the firearm size that have done.

Alderman Donnenwirth: Gave praise to Alderman Hayes speech regarding the ICE issue happening in the community. Shared information regarding leaf pickup in Waukegan, as well as information for dumper drive happening at Bowen Park. Gave thanks to the Mayor.

Alderman Florian: Made a recognition to the recent historical homes that opened their doors to the public. Shared information regarding leaf picks up. Gave thanks to everyone that spoke out tonight regarding recent ICE issues happening in the community. Shared contact information for anyone who might need any assistance during these difficult times.

Alderman Hayes:  Gave thanks to everyone who came out to speak this evening and share such thoughts on such gruesome events happening in our community with ICE. Made a clear point that what can be done as elected officials is very limited and that is what makes it hard. Encourages our community to speak out and speak up during these hard times.

10. Adjournment

Procedural: A. Motion by Ald Newsome, second by Ald Hayes to ADJOURN at 9:46 PM.

VOICE VOTE:  MOTION APPROVED

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