Jim Lockefeer

The Council reviewed due diligence reports regarding the adaptive reuse of 1925 Field Court, discussing building assessments, space needs analysis, and financing models including bond issuance and capital improvement funds. Additionally, the Council reviewed the Deerpath Watermain Project, focusing on traffic impacts, project scope, and infrastructure improvements. The meeting also provided an opportunity for public comment on the watermain project.

The committee reviewed and recommended the draft Coal Tar Sealant Ordinance to the City Council for approval. Discussion topics included a presentation on the Public Works Recycle Cart Audit Internship program and a request for funding, as well as an inquiry regarding the implementation of PFAS testing at Deerpath Park.

The agenda included consideration of the 2019 tax levy, approval of a new fee schedule and related ordinances, and authorization for the issuance of general obligation refunding bonds. Additional business included a recycling education campaign grant, a three-year generator maintenance contract, a license agreement extension for the Music Institute of Chicago, and historic preservation recommendations. A proclamation for Children's Grief Awareness Day was also presented.

The City Council meeting included updates on the tree lighting and reports from the City Manager. Finance Committee items included the non-binding estimate of property tax revenue and the presentation of the fiscal year 2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. Several omnibus items were considered for approval, including the extension of the Mayor's Declaration of a Local State of Emergency, the check register for the period of September 26 to October 23, 2020, and the extension of a contract for license and permit processing. Other agenda items included a Memorandum of Understanding with Lake County for the 211 program, the award of an MPI tree pruning contract, the purchase of an outdoor ice rink system, and the consideration of ordinances recommended by the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Building Review Board.

The City Council meeting included discussions on the Gorton Community Center 2020 budget and plan, the establishment of the 2019 tax levy, and the approval of a new fee schedule. The council also considered the issuance of general obligation refunding bonds, the donation of an 1857 map to the Newberry Library, the incorporation of the comfort station at Deerpath Golf Course into City property, and the adoption of the fourth supplement to the City Code. Further actions included ratifying the IAFF contract for firefighters, approving bridge inspection services with Bleck Engineering, awarding a tree pruning contract, and approving the purchase of a 14-passenger van for Dickinson Hall. Additionally, the Council discussed amendments to the City Code related to state cannabis regulations and authorized a pilot agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation for winter road maintenance.