Steve Cieslica

The Stormwater Management Program Plan (SMPP) for the City of North Chicago is designed to comply with federal NPDES Phase II standards by reducing pollutant discharge in stormwater runoff. It provides procedures and practices centered on six Minimum Control Measures (MCMs): Public Education and Outreach, Public Participation/Involvement, Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination, Construction Site Runoff Control, Post-Construction Runoff Control, and Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping. The plan's overarching goals are to protect water quality, improve recreational opportunities, mitigate flood damage, enhance environmental aesthetics and wildlife habitat, and promote a healthier community.

The Council approved multiple engineering work orders with Trotter and Associates, Inc. regarding the Green Bay Road Standpipe Rehabilitation and Booster Station Project, Water Treatment Plant Filter Rehabilitation, and Water Treatment Plant Improvements. Additionally, authorization was granted for the purchase of 13 Motorola N70 portables using grant funds and the approval of a Special Use Permit and variations for C Force Construction. The meeting also addressed public concerns regarding neighborhood dog issues and approved the payment of city bills, which included the purchase of a new fire truck.

The committee meetings covered several key topics: the Committee of the Whole reviewed a contract for 2026 Community Days promotion and production services and discussed Planning and Zoning Commission appointments. The Judiciary Committee reviewed proposed city code amendments regarding mobile food vendor business licenses and animal ordinances. The Public Works Committee discussed the Water Treatment Plant painting project, annual sludge removal, an annual street sweeping contract, and the purchase of water quality monitoring equipment. The Economic Development/Planning/Zoning Committee discussed ordinances for zoning variations for properties on Waukegan Road and Jackson Street, and the sale of surplus real estate properties.

The City Council held a public hearing regarding the use of 'Quick-Take' powers for a utility easement intended to facilitate a stormwater management project supported by a FEMA grant. Key agenda items included the authorization to advertise bids for sewer cleaning services, approval of an engineering agreement for the Lewis Avenue intersection improvement project, and a loan agreement for lead service line replacements. The Council also approved a resolution for eminent domain acquisition, a janitorial services contract, and the payment of city bills. Furthermore, the meeting included announcements regarding significant federal grant funding for fire and police equipment, the launch of a new city website, and the promotion of the Citizen Property Tax Rebate Program. An executive session was conducted to discuss pending or imminent litigation.

The council meeting featured the presentation of the 2025 Police Officer of the Year award and recognized the police department's financial support for the Special Olympics. The agenda included approvals for municipal facility access control systems, an operational policy for a citizen recognition program, a pump controller installation proposal, and the award of the FY 2026 Storm Sewer Cleaning and Televising Project. Public comments addressed water plant subcontracting concerns, grant opportunities from the Department of Defense, and various community event announcements. Additionally, the meeting covered significant private investment and expansion in the city by Abbvie, updates on state legislative bills, financial management through the approval of city bills, and initial discussions regarding preparations for the 250th Anniversary of America.