City Council

MINUTES The City Council of North Chicago met in a Regular meeting, Monday, December 15, 2025, at 6:02 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at 1850 Lewis Avenue with Mayor Rockingham Jr. presiding. I. CALL TO ORDER II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE III. INVOCATION IV. ROLL CALL Upon the Roll Call being taken, the following members were present: Present: Jackson, Allen, Wray, Murphy, Brooks Absent: Coleman, Evans PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mayor Rockingham suggested that Public Comments precede the Public Hearing in consideration of guests. Michael Atlas Mr. Atlas suggested the Elected Officials extend the hand of community to Naval Station Great Lakes and celebrate 250th Anniversary of the United States; including a parade with the Navy. He gave a brief history of his military background and his encounter with Congressman Brad Schneider who was in support of joining Naval Station Great Lakes to celebrate. Judge Chuck Smith He was excited if North Chicago and Naval Station Great Lakes join to celebrate. He wished everyone a happy holiday. He was happy to see progress with Sheridan Crossing. Mayor Rockingham wished him a happy holiday and thanked him for being instrumental in starting the process with Sheridan Crossing. Ms. Clause – Commissioner Carmecia Hawthorne Announced a toy drive at the Foss Park District Community Center December 20, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. She thanked everyone that participated in Foss Park and Library activities. 4-1 Public Hearing to Approve a Proposal Tax Levy in the Amount of $13,703,702 Mayor Rockingham called the Public Hearing to Order at 6:12 p.m. Comptroller Tawanda Joyner gave a brief overview of the proposed Tax Levy. She highlighted the rate of 4.589690%, same as 2024. There was only 1 estimate from the County; 2024 estimate value (EAV) was $295,250,904, 2025 (EAV) was $321,768,785 an increase in dollars of $1,210,448.94 with the same rate. Ms. Joyner explained Fire Pension increase was $54,475 and Police Pension increase was $57,965. She noted that the City makes up approximately 35% of the total tax bill. She gave description of how the EAV affects taxes. QUESTIONS: Constituent asked if the presentation was online; Ms. Joyner explained that it was not by the levy was and if there were questions regarding EAV to contact the Tax Assessor. 1 12/15/25  Bryan Oglesby asked if the EAV increased would it be better for obtaining a home equity loan. Attorney Simon explained that most banks do not accept assessed values as value and would require an appraisal. Alderman Jackson moved, seconded by Alderman Brooks to close the Public Hearing at 6:29 p.m. ROLL CALL: Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Wray, Murphy, Brooks Nays: None Absent: Coleman, Evans MOTION CARRIED ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Roderick Wilder – concerned with property adjacent property at 13th St. and Park Ave. He previously made complaints over a year about the debris and other objects in the yard; was considering purchase but not under those conditions. There has not been any improvement. Code Enforcer Dean Kushing explained that it was a foreclosure, the eviction had taken place and was attempting to address the situation. Alderman Allen suggested contacting Mr. Wilder be contacted upon improvements. V. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA 5-1 Approval of Minutes for Regular Council Meeting, December 1, 2025 5-2 Approval of Standing Committee Meeting Minutes, December 1, 2025 5-3 Approval of 2025 Property Tax Levy Ordinance; $13,703,702 5-5 Approval and Authorization to Execute an Easement Agreement with ComEd – Farwell Avenue 5-6 Approval of Purchase and Implementation of Placer.ai Software License in the Amount of $26,650 Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the Omnibus Vote Agenda as presented. ROLL CALL: Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Wray, Murphy, Brooks Nays: None Absent: Coleman, Evans MOTION CARRIED VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS PRIOR TO OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA VII. REGULAR AGENDA 7-1 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL TO WAIVE FIRST READING AND ALLOW THE MAYOR TO SIGN AN AGREEMENT WITH FLOCK TO PURCHASE DRONE CONTINGENT UPON RECEIVING $150,000 DCEO FUNDS: Alderman Jackson moved, seconded by Alderman Allen to approve to waive first reading and allow the Mayor to sign an agreement with FLOCK to purchase drone contingent upon receiving $150,000 DCEO funds as presented. 2 12/15/25  Alderman Jackson asked that Police Chief Lazaro Perez give and overview. Chief Perez explained the City received a DECO grant of $200,000 for public safety; $50,000 had been used by Economic and Community Development. Mayor clarified no City funds would be used and asked the number of drones. Chief Perez said 1 drone; 4 ½ year agreement with 6-month trial at no cost to the City. It would be semi-autonomous; Mayor Rockingham asked if it tied in with other systems currently used. Chief Perez said yes, CAD and FLOCK cameras. Alderman Allen asked if it was reimbursed funds; Chief Perez said no and money would be received before the agreement. Mayor Rockingham expressed excitement for moving forward with drones and advanced technology. It improves safety. Attorney Simon noted that there needed to be a policy in order to operate the drones; Chief Perez acknowledged. ROLL CALL: Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Wray, Murphy, Brooks Nays: None Absent: Coleman, Evans MOTION CARRIED 7-2 CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE EVERLAST BLACKTOP INC. PROPOSAL IN THE NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF $1,321,388.40 FOR THE 2025 MFT ROAD PROGRAM: Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Murphy to approve the Everlast Blacktop Inc. proposal in the Not to Exceed Amount of $1,321,388.40 for the 2025 MFT Road Program as presented. Engineer Steve Cieslica gave a brief overview. There were 4 bidders, only $500 difference between 2 lowest bidders. The cost estimate was accurate based on Trotter’s estimate. ROLL CALL: Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Wray, Murphy, Brooks Nays: None Absent: Coleman, Evans MOTION CARRIED 7-3 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF CITY BILLS General Fund $ 428,812.95 General Grants Fund $ 217,622.10 Motor Fuel Tax Fund $ 929.27 Capital Projects Fund $ 191,489.37 Water, Sewer & Refuse Fund $ 126,703.33 $ 965,557.02 SPECIAL Holiday Party $ 1,398.00 Various $ 219,442.93 TOTAL $ 1,186,397.95 MOTION: 3 12/15/25  Alderman Murphy moved, seconded by Alderman Evans to pay the Regular bills of Council Run 12/15/25 in the amount of $1,186,397.95 when funds become available. ROLL CALL: Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Wray, Murphy, Brooks Nays: None Absent: Coleman, Evans MOTION CARRIED VIII. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS ANNOUNCEMENTS/COMMENTS ➢ Alderman Jackson commended the Police Department for Shop with a Cop program. He expressed the need for donations to the program. Alderman Allen also recognized Unique Towing for their help with Shop with a Cop. Mayor Rockingham also encouraged giving and thanked all that did participate. He also wished everyone a Happy Holidays and safety. IX. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council; a motion was made by Alderman Allen, seconded by Alderman Brooks that the meeting stand adjourned. MOTION CARRIED BY VOICE VOTE The Council Meeting adjourned at 6:46 p.m. ATTEST: __________________________________________________________________________________ Lori L. Collins, City Clerk 4 12/15/25