Lori Collins

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the authorization and approval to enter into a Professional Services Agreement with Development Planning Partners for the Sheridan Crossing Market Study, not to exceed $59,500. The council also addressed the approval of a resolution dissolving the Honorary Street Sign Program and the approval of an ordinance for the Senior Citizen Long-Time Homeowner Property Tax Rebate Program. Furthermore, approvals were sought for a new 2026 Salt Contract with Morton Salt up to $96,000. Major contractual approvals involved the Notice of Intent to Award for Lead Service Line Replacements - Phase I to Five Star Energy Services, LLC (not to exceed $2,268,135), and two contracts for Water Tower No. 1 and Transmission Main: Contract A to Caldwell Tanks, Inc. (not to exceed $5,374,400) and Contract B to Campanella & Sons, Inc. (not to exceed $822,763). Other items included consideration to waive the first reading for a contract renewal with VMware and the consideration/approval of City Bills.

The main entity discussed various department monthly reports, including Economic Development, Engineer, Finance Budget, Fire, Human Resources, Police, Public Works, and Treasurer reports for November. Separate committee meetings addressed specific action items. The Public Works Committee discussed three Trotter and Associates, Inc. work orders totaling significant amounts for the Green Bay Road Standpipe Rehabilitation and Booster Station Project, Water Treatment Plant Filter Rehabilitation (IEPA Project Planning Report), and Water Treatment Plant Improvements (Lift Station, Force Main, and Water Main Design Engineering). The Public Safety Committee discussed the request to purchase 13 Motorola N70 Portables using ETSB funds, noting the purchase would occur before January Council ratification. The Economic Development/Planning/Zoning Committee discussed a Special Use Permit and Variations request for C Force Construction for a Contractor Storage Yard at 0 Commonwealth Ave and 0 24th Street, which included relief from buffer yard and fencing requirements.

Multiple committee meetings were held on the same date, covering various topics. The Committee of the Whole discussed obtaining Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for a three-year contract for janitorial and building cleaning services for City Hall to explore cost alternatives. The Finance/Audit Committee reviewed the 2025 Property Tax Levy, noting the rate is expected to remain at approximately 4.60% with the public hearing scheduled for the next Council meeting, and discussed the purchase and implementation of Placer.ai software for economic development, funded by a DCEO Grant. The Public Works Committee reviewed the current Surface Transportation Program (STP) funding status for road projects, including Argonne Dr., and discussed sidewalk updates mandated during road repairs, noting CMAP as a potential funding source. The Economic Development/Planning/Zoning Committee addressed the authorization to execute an easement agreement with ComEd for the Compass Travel Center project and debated a Zoning Map Amendment petition for 1550 Green Bay Road regarding a proposed change to allow automotive services, ultimately concluding with a suggestion for the petitioners to withdraw the application or for attorneys to develop a plan to address city concerns regarding the visual impact of automotive businesses.

The Regular meeting included the approval of Resolutions Honoring the Players of the North Chicago Flames Football Superbowl Championships, with a discussion emphasizing the need for community support and donations for the team's travel to Detroit, Michigan. The Omnibus Vote Agenda was approved, encompassing the approval of minutes from previous meetings, the Treasurer's Report for October 2025, a salary ordinance revision for an additional Management Analyst, and authorizations to advertise for bids related to Water Distribution System Leak Detection and Valve Exercising/Hydrant Flushing Services. Furthermore, ordinances approving Special Use Permits and Variations for AC Power LLC entities, and a Zoning Map Amendment for 712 Broadway Avenue were approved. Public comments included expressions of thanks for community events, updates on international medical missions, concerns regarding a venue reservation issue, and announcements for various upcoming community and library events. The Council also approved payment of the regular bills totaling $636,149.80.

The meeting included a segment for public comments where suggestions were made regarding community engagement with Naval Station Great Lakes and a toy drive announcement. A Public Hearing was held to discuss the proposed Tax Levy of $13,703,702, noting that the rate remained the same as 2024 despite an increase in the Estimated Assessed Value (EAV). Following the hearing, the Council approved the 2025 Property Tax Levy Ordinance and executed several items under the Omnibus Vote Agenda, including an Easement Agreement with ComEd and the purchase of Placer.ai Software. The Regular Agenda addressed the purchase of a drone contingent upon receiving DCEO funds, with details provided by the Police Chief regarding the semi-autonomous nature of the device and its integration with existing systems. Additionally, the Council approved the proposal from Everlast Blacktop Inc. for the 2025 MFT Road Program, totaling $1,321,388.40, and authorized payment for regular city bills. Miscellaneous business included recognition for the Police Department's Shop with a Cop program.