In the minutes: North Chicago Minutes, Flock camera (Aug 17)

MINUTES
The City Council of North Chicago met in a Regular meeting, Monday, August 17, 2026, at 6:00
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, Brooks
Absent: Evans, Murphy, Coleman
Mayor Rockingham Jr. announced that Alderman Evans would not be attending due to personal
matters.
Mayor Rockingham announced that Alderman Murphy was ill and would like to join the
meeting via Zoom. Mayor Rockingham asked if a motion could be entertained to allow
Alderman Murphy to join virtually.
Alderman Jackson moved, seconded by Alderman Brooks, to approve Alderman
Murphy's participation via Zoom.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Wray, Brooks
Nays: None
Non-vote: Murphy
Absent: Evans, Coleman
MOTION CARRIED
V.

RECOGNITIONS AND HONORS
5-1 Proclamation - International Day of Peace
The Proclamation of International Day of Peace was read by City Clerk Lori Collins
Mayor Rockingham Jr. suggested an amendment to the International Day of Peace Proclamation
to include additional neighboring cities.
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Wray, to approve the Proclamation International Day of Peace with the necessary amendment as presented.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Murphy, Wray, Brooks
Nays: None
Absent: Evans, Coleman
MOTION CARRIED
5-2 Resolution Honoring the North Chicago Community High School Class Of 1976
The Resolution Honoring NCCHS Class of 1976 was read by City Clerk Lori Collins
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve the Resolution
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Honoring the North Chicago Community High School Class of 1976 as presented.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Murphy, Wray, Brooks
Nays: None
Absent: Evans, Coleman
MOTION CARRIED
VI. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA
6-1 Approval of Minutes for Regular Council Meeting, August 03, 2026
6-2 Approval of Standing Committee Meeting Minutes, August 03, 2026
6-3 Approval of the Treasurer’s Report - June 2026
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Brooks, to approve the Omnibus Vote
Agenda as presented.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Murphy, Wray, Brooks
Nays: None
Absent: Evans, Coleman
MOTION CARRIED
VII. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Leslie Torres
Ms. Torres expressed concern that the city was missing potential revenue due to noncompliance with
the ordinance regarding public city/street parking. Indicating that a neighbor had seven vehicles that
were always parked on the street outside during the no-street-parking hours. This caused an issue
because there was often no parking available in front of her home. Stating that, she was unable to load
and unload items as needed in an area close to her home. There was alley parking available to them;
however, they weren’t utilizing it or parking at the back of their homes. Mentioning that, if the city
were to ticket the owners for this violation of the ordinance, the city would receive a lot of revenue.
Stating that she made the suggestion to her Alderman to hire someone part-time between the hours of
2am and 6am to ticket vehicles. Ms. Torres had an additional concern about snow parking; anytime
the snow was 2 inches or more, there was no parking on the street. Previously she had to snowplow
and remove snow herself because the street had not been plowed. The reason was that all the cars
parked on the street were covered with more than 2 inches of snow. However, no one had been
ticketed. Another concern mentioned was cars parked on the grass, per the ordinance, and began to
look like a junkyard. In closing the City needs to enforce ordinances.
Chief of Staff Greg Jackson
Mentioned that conversations were had and the city was looking to hire a Parking Enforcement
Officer. The individual would work between 2 am and 6 am, and the job description had already been
created. This change is due to concerns from the residents and the Alderpersons. This matter will be
on the agenda for September 8th, to hire a Parking Enforcement Agent.
Commissioner Carmecia Hathorne
Announcements for Foss Park District
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•

Thanked everyone who attended Movies in the Park, to see the movie “Michael”. The event
was successful. Everyone loved it.

•

Threads and Things “Stitch, Create and Connect” on August 19th and August 20th

•

Open Gym Basketball for 6-8th graders on Tuesdays from 6:30-8 pm

•

Eagles Martial Arts System, $40 participation fee on Thursdays and Saturdays

•

Inflate and Splash Fest on August 26, 2026, at 11 am-3 pm.

•

Foss Park District Meetings are held every 3rd Wednesday at 6 pm
Call Foss Park District for more information

VIII. REGULAR AGENDA
8-1

APPROVAL OF THE ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY CODE 5-15 AND 5-3
REGARDING SHORT-TERM RENTALS
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Wray to withdraw Item 8-1 as
presented.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Wray, Murphy, Brooks
Nays: None
Absent: Evans, Coleman
MOTION CARRIED
Chief of Staff Greg Jackson mentioned that he requested this matter be moved to the Regular
Agenda because there have been additional conversations, suggestions, and recommendations
that he wanted everyone to be aware of.
After discussions with the base commander, it was recommended that the renter requirement be
21 to 25 years of age. Whenever there were any changes that may impact the base, there would
be an open dialogue for additional input. The Captain’s comment was to please set the age to 21,
sharing Airbnb requirements for Norfolk, VA. Stating that in Norfolk, the age requirements was
25 in various areas, and there is a camera requirement at the front door.
Mayor Rockingham Jr. deferred to the Council to make the change, as it was previously set at
18 years old. Alderman Allen suggested further discussion in Committee, stating that there have
been some additional concerns about Airbnb.
Mayor Rockingham Jr. stated there were concerns with the $50-per-year fee requirement.
Expressing that if owners couldn’t afford the $50/year, then maybe they should not rent that
property. Individuals should pay any fees associated with the businesses they have. Fees also
generate revenue for the City through the hotel-motel tax. His suggested opinion was 21 years
of age and would not be opposed to the age being 25.
There have been concerns about an 18-year-old who may not be responsible. Believing that if
the age remains 18, he could foresee the police being more involved. Mentioning that he did not
want to see that. Noting that the Navy felt that the recruits were not as responsible at 18 and
requested the age be 21, the City should strongly consider it, as the Navy brought the 18-yearold recruits into the city.
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Alderman Brooks stated that he was not opposed to age 21 and that if individuals were 18, then
they would ask someone else to rent for them and that would be the renters responsibility.
However, not agreeing with cameras should not be a requirement for owners; it should be at
their discretion.
Chief of Staff Greg Jackson explained he was not suggesting cameras should be considered; he
was sharing another requirement in Norfolk. Alderman Wray agreed with Alderman Brooks.
Originally, she felt the age should be 25, but no one agreed. However, not in agreement with
cameras.
Alderman Murphy also agreed with Alderman Wray and Alderman Brooks on the age of 21.
Noting that because people break rules, it did not mean rules should not still be in place. 21
years old was a better choice and the Navy expressed a preference that could indicate that they
were aware of something the City was unaware of. She agreed with Mayor Rockingham Jr.,
who stated that if someone was going to own a business, such as an Airbnb, an applicable fee
is not an unreasonable burden on the owner.
Alderman Wray stated that she does not agree with cameras, stating it was a bit much.
Attorney David Silverman stated that the motion, as presented, needed to be withdrawn and
that a motion with 5-14-3-Prohibiting Conduct, subsection L, to change the allowable renterto-dwell age to 21.
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Wray to withdraw and amend Item
8-1 as presented.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Wray, Murphy, Brooks
Nays: None
Absent: Evans, Coleman
MOTION CARRIED
Alderman Brooks moved, seconded by Alderman Wray to approve the Agenda Item 8-1,
as amended.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Wray, Murphy, Brooks
Nays: None
Absent: Evans, Coleman
MOTION CARRIED
8-2 APPROVAL AND AUTHORIZATION TO SIGN LETTER OF COMMITMENT AND
APPLY FOR IDNR COASTAL GRANT FOR SHORELINE AND BLUFF
STABILIZATION
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Brooks to approve Agenda Item 8-2 as
presented.
ROLL CAL:
Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Wray, Murphy, Brooks
Nays: None
Absent: Evans, Coleman
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MOTION CARRIED
8-3 APPROVAL OF EXECUTION OF SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH GRANICUS FOR
SHORT-TERM RENTAL COMPLIANCE SOFTWARE IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,146
Director of Economic and Community Development Taylor Wegzryn briefly reviewed its
functions for short-term rentals.
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Jackson to approve Agenda Item 8-3 as
presented.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Wray, Murphy, Brooks
Nays: None
Absent: Evans, Coleman
MOTION CARRIED
8-4 APPROVAL OF CONTRACT AWARD TO M.E. SIMPSON COMPANY, INC. FOR FY
2027 SYSTEM-WIDE LEAK DETECTION SERVICES (BASE BID AND ALTERNATE
A) IN A NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $93,375
Alderman Jackson asked to allow City Engineer Steve Cieslica an opportunity to inform the
public of the work.
City Engineer Steve Cieslica stated the project utilized technology for system-wide leak
detection. Using pucks to gather data, and AI would analyze the data. It would identify public
and private leaks, sound, and rate the speed. Attempting to become more proactive.
Mayor Rockingham Jr. asked if it would help monitor meter reading. Mr. Cieslica responded,
" No”. Explaining that meter replacement was separate issue.
Alderman Wray asked if the system would predict breaks. City Engineer Steve Cieslica said
yes, and it would analyze sound, monitor usage, and identify bad pipes, which would help to
identify possible future breaks before they happen.
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Brooks, to approve Agenda Item 8-4,
as presented.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Wray, Murphy, Brooks
Nays: None
Absent: Evans, Coleman
MOTION CARRIED
8-5

APPROVAL TO WAIVE COMPETITIVE BIDDING AND SOLICIT PROPOSALS FROM
SELECT CONTRACTORS TO COMPLETE THE WALLACE AVENUE EMERGENCY
WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT
Alderman Jackson asked why the desire to waive the competitive bidding process.
City Engineer Steve Cieslica said they were seeking emergency bids for the main water
replacement on Wallace Avenue. There were eight breaks and currently small leaks. Already
have the drawing and did not want to open bidding to everyone.
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Mayor Rockingham Jr. confirmed that it will open to a reputable contractors in our
community and ask about their bidding process. Alderman Jackson stated that it was
understood the reasoning was to ensure it would remain competitive.
Alderman Allen asked the timeline. Mr. Cieslica responded that the attempt to complete the
job before the end of the year, or Spring at the latest.
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Wray to approve Agenda Item 8-5 as
presented.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Wray, Murphy, Brooks
Nays: None
Absent: Evans, Coleman
MOTION CARRIED
8-6 CONSIDERATION/APPROVAL OF THE CITY BILLS

General Fund
General Grants Fund
Motor Fuel Tax Fund
Federal Forfeiture Fund
Capital Projects Fund
Water, Sewer & Refuse Fund
Vision Fund
Library Fund

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

248,412.20
672,632.13
11,163.74
3,500.00
609,596.73
279,254.56
955.00
11.24

TOTAL

$

1,825,525.60

SPECIAL

$

228,997.50

Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Jackson, to amend to approve
the Regular bills and 1 SPECIAL of Council Run 08/17/26 in the amount of
$2,054,523.10 when funds become available.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Wray, Murphy, Brooks
Nays: Allen
Absent: Evans, Coleman
MOTION CARRIED
IX.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

9-1

EXECUTIVE SESSION – 5 ILCS 120/2(C)(11) LITIGATION

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Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Brooks to suspend the Regular Order of
Business and enter Executive Session at 6:45 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Wray, Murphy, Brooks
Nays: None
Absent: Evans, Coleman
MOTION CARRIED
Alderman Murphy moved, seconded by Alderman Brooks to resume the Regular Order
of Business at 7:05 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Wray, Murphy, Brooks
Nays: None
Absent: Evans, Coleman
MOTION CARRIED
X.

ACTIONS TAKEN AFTER EXECUTIVE SESSION
10-1 APPROVAL OF FUNDS FOR CONTINUED REMEDIATION OF SHERIDAN
CROSSING
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Brooks, to approve Agenda Item 10-1 as
presented.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Allen, Wray, Murphy, Brooks
Nays: None
Absent: Evans, Coleman
MOTION CARRIED

XI.

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
ANNOUNCEMENTS/COMMENTS
• Alderman Brooks mentioned the community concerns about Flock cameras, asking if it would
be okay to invite Chief Laz (Chief of Police Lazaro Perez) to speak about the concerns and how
the city of North Chicago uses the Flock cameras.
Chief of Police Lazaro Perez shared background history of the initial flock camera issues and
that the concern stemmed from the south, and personally identifiable information being shared
illegally. He noted that municipalities were not allowed to share information with ICE. It was
not allowed under the law; the information could not be shared. The cameras were great assets
to law enforcement and were only used when needed. They had been helpful in gathering
historical data and solving crimes. Cameras were an invaluable asset when used correctly. In
the City of North Chicago, they have helped with solving very serious crimes, including
murders and shootings. There were conversations with legislators about imposing tighter
restrictions on the use of Flock. Mentioning that there had also been discussion about possible
audits being conducted in the future. Provided assurance that the North Chicago Police
Department was using them correctly. If there was any misuse of the Flock cameras,
disciplinary action would be taken.
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Mayor Rockingham Jr. agreed with Chief Perez, stating that there had been incidents where the
cameras were used to solve various crimes. Sharing that many crimes have been solved because
of the camera. Being able to use the technology put in place to deter crime. Further mentioning
that the city would be utilizing its first drone soon. These technologies would be implemented
for the safety of the community. Explaining the process and purpose of the drone and its use.
•

Alderman Jackson announced that Brandon X. Ewing was recently sworn in as a Commissioner
to serve residents of Lake County in District 9 on the Lake County Board. Alderman Jackson
congratulated him and stated that he was appointed to the late Mary Ross Cunningham’s
position.

•

Alderman Brooks announced that Alderman Evans will be having a Township Meeting on
August 29th, from 11 am to 1 pm at City Hall.

•

Mayor Rockingham Jr. announced a legislative achievement (Quick Take Sign) for Rte 41 to
negotiate an agreement with Full Moon, thanks to Senator Johnson, Rita Mayfield, the lobbyist,
and Staff for all the hard work to make this initiative possible.

•

Mayor Rockingham Jr. announced that Prairie View Apartments received all processed
permitting and was to receive a $25 million grant from IDHA and HUD to do renovations.

•

Mayor Rockingham Jr. also announced that National Night Out was an excellent event. There
were 3 stops, activities, and food for all. He thanked all who attended, Chief Perez, and all who
supported the event.

•

Cynthia Jackson stated on behalf of the Class of 1976, thanks to Mayor Rockingham Jr. and the
City for the resolution. Mrs. Jackson shared details about the planned events for the Class of
1976's 50th reunion activities.

XII. 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 7:18 p.m.
ATTEST:

Lori L. Collins, City Clerk

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