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2026-06-15 City of Waukegan Meetings
Published: Jun 15, 2026
City Council Approves 2026 Action Plan, Risk Management Contract Renewal, and Addresses Budgetary Items
The City Council reviewed and approved various financial items. This included the approval of the 2026 action plan for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, totaling $176,380. The plan allocates funds across 15 projects, including public services, habitat for humanity, food bank support, legal services, conservation corps, youth build programs, senior services, park renovations, a microenterprise program, and housing rehabilitation. Key discussions during the presentation of the action plan involved the criteria for fund allocation, with public services capped at 15% of the total grant and public facilities eligible for up to $100,000. A resolution approving the renewal of a three-year risk management contract with Origami Risk LLC for an estimated $68,137.75 per year was also approved. Additionally, a settlement and release of all claims for a Walkegan Police Department employee workers' compensation claim, not to exceed $71,959.30, was approved. The council also discussed and approved an ordinance authorizing the disposal of surplus vehicles and equipment through Openoff Auction Services Inc. Further financial discussions included the approval of a resolution approving an agreement with Concentric Integration for managed support of the water plant's SCADA system for up to $29,232. During the review of payments, a late fee of $52,949.79, plus $1,900 in interest, was paid to the IRS for not spending 2020 bond funds within three years, attributed to COVID and supply chain issues. Concerns were raised about the city purchasing food for council members and staff, with expenditures totaling over $800 in the last two meetings. Salaries and wages for management and non-union employees for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2026, were approved, with a total payroll increase of approximately $2.5 million, including benefits, for potential new hires. The council also approved the reimbursement of attorney fees incurred by the City Clerk, with a motion to refer it to committee failing.
City Council Debates Liquor License Moratorium, Approves Police Claim Settlement, and Amends Fire Prevention Codes
The City Council addressed several public safety-related matters. This included the approval of a settlement for a Walkegan Police Department employee workers' compensation claim not to exceed $71,959.30. A discussion and vote occurred regarding a proposed 12-month temporary moratorium on the issuance of certain liquor licenses, including liquor stores, gas stations with liquor, and video gaming licenses. Public comment was divided, with some residents expressing strong opposition due to concerns about the proliferation of liquor establishments and associated societal problems, while others argued for legal sales to adults and suggested reforms to the liquor licensing ordinance rather than a moratorium. The council also discussed an ordinance amending fire prevention codes to address new visual obscuration security systems (fog systems) used in burglar alarms, ensuring these systems would disable upon police entry to prevent accidental fogging. A motion to postpone the vacation of a right-of-way adjacent to 3030 Wall Street was approved pending confirmation of compliance with animal control laws regarding chickens on the property. The City Clerk's attorney fees, not to exceed $63,153.68, were approved for reimbursement after a motion to send the item to committee failed.
City Council Debates Procedural Rules, Approves Clerk's Attorney Fees, and Discusses Transparency in Governance
The City Council engaged in several discussions and actions related to governance and transparency. A significant portion of the meeting involved a procedural debate on the use of 'courtesy holdovers' versus formal motions to postpone or table items, with Alderman Turner emphasizing adherence to Robert's Rules of Order. The council approved the minutes from previous meetings, including those from closed executive sessions. A resolution was adopted to approve the reimbursement of attorney fees incurred by the City Clerk, a decision that followed a failed motion to send the item to committee, highlighting a debate on procedural adherence versus direct action. The council also approved amendments to the Swalco intergovernmental agreement, removing a requirement for alternate directors to be full-time employees, allowing for greater flexibility in board appointments. During Alderman's time, multiple council members discussed the importance of transparency, working collaboratively with administration and residents, and adhering to established procedures. Alderman Turner emphasized the need to discuss and adhere to Robert's Rules of Order, supported by a handout provided by the Chief of Staff. Alderman Guzman reiterated that council members' role is primarily to approve or reject mayoral appointments, not to hire or discipline department heads. Concerns were also raised about the building department's transparency and enforcement practices, with specific criticisms directed at the building commissioner. The council also voted on a motion to refer the reimbursement of the City Clerk's attorney fees to committee, which ultimately failed, leading to a vote on the main motion.
City Council Approves CDBG Action Plan, Summer Youth Program, and Recognizes Juneteenth
The City Council discussed and approved several items related to community development and services. This included the approval of the 2026 action plan for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, which allocates $176,380 across 15 projects benefiting various non-profits and community initiatives, such as public services, housing rehabilitation, and park renovations. Public comment included concerns about the funding criteria, double-dipping by non-profits receiving multiple sources of funding, and the process of allocation. A resolution was passed to approve the application from Inspire Youth and Family Services to participate in the summer youth program, with a not-to-exceed amount of $140,000 for graffiti removal and alley cleanup. The program aims to hire 15-20 youth members, with discussions on supervisor roles and the program's duration. The council also approved an ordinance amending an intergovernmental agreement with Swalco, removing the language requiring an alternate director to be a full-time employee in an executive-level position to allow for more flexibility. Additionally, the council approved a resolution appointing the city's director and alternate director to the Swalco board. In a public comment, Rayon Edwards expressed strong opposition to approving more liquor licenses, citing existing issues and arguing that the city has enough establishments. Further community development aspects were highlighted in the Mayor's report, which included announcements for upcoming summer events like the Juneteenth parade and festival, the Little Fort Environmental Film Festival, the American Independence Parade, and fireworks displays. The proclamation recognizing Juneteenth National Independence Day in Walkegan was adopted, acknowledging its historical significance and the contributions of African-Americans to the city. Representatives from the African-American Museum at the England Manor and Juneteenth Lake County expressed gratitude and invited the public to related events. A discussion also occurred regarding the potential removal of 600 trees for airport expansion, with concerns about environmental impact and noise pollution from increased air traffic. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to Alderman's time, where various community initiatives, events, and concerns were raised, including the establishment of a small business committee, improvements to downtown areas, a new owner's revitalization plans for a mall, and ongoing efforts related to public safety and community engagement. Alderman Martinez announced upcoming community meetings, awards for youth empowerment, and the formation of a small business committee. Alderman Felix shared updates on ward meetings, departmental engagement, and the importance of collaboration. Alderman Turner provided information on summer construction projects and promoted upcoming community events. Alderman Donaworth thanked city staff and highlighted specific employees, while Alderman Florian raised concerns about noise ordinances and the need to update ethics policies.
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The Waukegan News archive
June 22nd, 2026 - Board of Education Meeting
Waukegan Juneteenth 2026
June 18th, 2026 - Budget Workshop #2 - 6:00 P.M.; Closed Session Immediately after
June 17th, 2026 - Special Meeting with Closed Session - 5:45 P.M.
2026-06-11 City of Waukegan Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
June 9th, 2026 - Regular Micro Meeting, Student Achievement and Operations Committee meetings
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