[0:52] The time has come.

[0:55] for the Monday, February the 2nd, 2026

[1:00] Walkegan City Council meeting. Roll

[1:02] call, please.

[1:03] >> Alderman Hayes, absent. Alderman Bolton,

[1:06] absent.

[1:07] >> Alderman Guzman,

[1:09] >> present.

[1:10] >> Alderman Martinez,

[1:11] >> present.

[1:12] >> Felix,

[1:13] >> present.

[1:13] >> Newsome,

[1:14] >> present.

[1:14] >> Turner,

[1:15] >> present.

[1:16] >> Donorth,

[1:16] >> present.

[1:17] >> Florian,

[1:18] >> present.

[1:18] >> Mayor Cunningham,

[1:19] >> present.

[1:20] >> Mr. Mayor, you have a quorum.

[1:21] >> We have a quorum. Thank you. Item B,

[1:23] invocation will be led by uh

[1:29] minister or PA minister pastor, youth

[1:32] pastor uh Josh Randolph from Jesus name

[1:35] Apostolic Church. Please all rise.

[1:37] Immediately following we standing for

[1:39] the pledge. Thank you.

[1:46] » Let us pray.

[1:48] Oh most gracious and precious heavenly

[1:50] father, we come right now in the name of

[1:52] Jesus Christ. Father, we thank you Lord

[1:55] that you are the God of order. You are

[1:57] the God of love. You are the God of

[1:59] peace. Father, we pray God that as we go

[2:01] into this meeting that you would guide,

[2:03] lead. And Father, Lord God, allow your

[2:06] peace in your presence to be here.

[2:08] Father, we thank you that you are not

[2:09] the author of confusion, but Father

[2:12] Lord, you will always bring clarity

[2:14] where clarity is needed. Lord, we thank

[2:16] you that you are covering this meeting,

[2:18] Lord God, and you are leading and

[2:20] orchestrating it now. And Father, Lord,

[2:22] we will forever give your name the

[2:24] glory, the honor, and the praise for it

[2:26] is due unto you. Thank you for another

[2:28] day that you have made, and we will be

[2:30] glad and rejoice in it in Jesus name.

[2:33] Amen.

[2:34] >> Amen.

[2:37] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the

[2:40] United States of America and to the

[2:43] republic for which it stands, one nation

[2:46] under God, indivisible, with liberty and

[2:49] justice for all.

[3:01] » Item C, mayor's comments.

[3:07] There will be a statement read prior to

[3:11] the official mayor's comments and the

[3:13] statement goes as follows.

[3:16] For the past six months, my

[3:18] administration has been developing

[3:20] updates to the liquor code based on

[3:23] concerns identified by our businesses,

[3:26] members of the public, all the persons

[3:28] and by me and the city staff and cooling

[3:32] police department. These issues

[3:35] touch on public safety, fairness, and

[3:38] how licenses are issued and enforced.

[3:42] Conflicting language from many decades

[3:44] of amendments, outdated language from

[3:47] the state liquor code, and other

[3:49] unnecessary language. What does this

[3:52] mean?

[3:53] While Keegan has an extremely long

[3:55] ordinance that is hard to understand and

[3:58] or apply, we're looking forward to

[4:01] unveiling with the older persons in the

[4:03] upcoming meetings an improved streamline

[4:06] code with logical liquor classes and a

[4:10] compliance and enforcement process based

[4:13] on best practices from other cities.

[4:16] Thank you.

[4:25] to all.

[4:27] Happy Black History Month. Wke Keaggan.

[4:32] Earlier today, I had the honor of

[4:36] celebrating the Black History Month

[4:40] with students at Edith. Let me correct

[4:43] that. Mrs. Edith Smith Middle School. I

[4:48] put the word Mrs. because that's how I

[4:51] knew Mrs. Mrs. Smith. I remind them that

[4:55] black history in America, black history

[4:58] is American history.

[5:00] And right here in Mark Keegan, it is our

[5:03] history.

[5:04] When we talk about Black History Month,

[5:07] we often hear names like Dr. Martin

[5:09] Luther King

[5:11] or Rosa Parks and they are incredible

[5:15] important, incredibly important. But

[5:20] Miss New

[5:22] Miss Smith reminded us that history

[5:26] isn't only made on the national stage.

[5:30] It is made right here. Everyday people

[5:33] who choose courage over conflict.

[5:37] In 1965,

[5:40] Miss Smith banded together with other

[5:41] families in Wkigan and took a brave

[5:44] stand. She was part of a group that

[5:47] initiated a lawsuit to desegregate

[5:51] Whittier Elementary School.

[5:53] She demanded equal education for black

[5:56] children. This was not easy.

[6:00] Standing up to the system that takes

[6:01] courage,

[6:03] especially when you're fighting for

[6:05] what's right.

[6:07] Because of her determination, change

[6:09] happened. In 1968,

[6:12] the Illinois Supreme Court agreed with

[6:15] Miss Edith Nuome, correction, I'm sorry,

[6:18] Miss Edith Smith,

[6:22] and ordered the school board to draw new

[6:27] boundaries to end segregation in the

[6:30] city of Okeu.

[6:32] I share this piece of history as a

[6:35] reminder to all of us as we welcome as

[6:38] we celebrate Black History Month

[6:41] that here in Walkegan there are black

[6:44] leaders

[6:46] we have to celebrate too. In addition to

[6:49] the national black leaders we are

[6:51] accustomed to seeing in history books.

[6:58] Next, I want to acknowledge the fear and

[7:01] unnecessary

[7:03] uncertainty

[7:04] many in our city are feeling as

[7:07] immigration enforcement actions continue

[7:10] to take place across the country,

[7:13] especially after what we saw in

[7:15] Minnesota.

[7:17] In Walkagan,

[7:19] we are a city strengthened by immigrants

[7:22] and the safety and dignity of every

[7:25] resident matters deeply to me and

[7:27] others.

[7:30] I know families are concerned about

[7:32] these actions. Please know this.

[7:37] I and all of us I can say on this panel

[7:42] hear you.

[7:43] I have listened carefully to the

[7:45] concerns raised by Alderman Hayes,

[7:48] Alderman Felix, and many community

[7:50] members, and those voices are guiding

[7:54] our response.

[7:58] The city of Walkegan is actively

[8:00] exploring all available options to

[8:03] protect our community from any harm or

[8:06] unintended consequences that may result

[8:09] from these enforcement actions.

[8:11] We are we are meeting with partners

[8:14] across the state to better understand

[8:17] what can be done at the local level and

[8:20] how we can work collectively throughout

[8:23] the region. Our goal is to ensure

[8:26] Walkegan remains a a place where people

[8:29] feel safe, supported, and respected.

[8:34] We will continue to engage with our

[8:36] elected officials, legal experts, and

[8:40] community organizations to determine

[8:42] responsible

[8:43] and effective steps

[8:46] forward.

[8:49] And I am committed to working

[8:53] hard for our community so that no one

[8:56] here is harmed by federal agents

[9:00] throughout this country.

[9:04] With that being said, next I would like

[9:07] to recognize outstanding walkites who

[9:10] are representing Walkegan with pride.

[9:13] Mr. Deputy Clerk,

[9:15] >> thank you, Mayor. Tonight, you've got a

[9:18] couple proclamations that we're going to

[9:20] a couple Walkan Proud Awards that we're

[9:22] going to present as well as some

[9:23] proclamations. The first Walkagan Proud

[9:25] Award is Thomas Fiser. On behalf of the

[9:29] city of Walkegan, we are recognizing him

[9:32] for 55 years of dedicated hard work at

[9:36] Exon Noble in Wke Keaggan. So, mayor,

[9:39] we're going to have you present that to

[9:41] him. Signed by the uh mayor and city

[9:43] clerk.

[9:57] Come on down.

[10:03] » Go over your tongue.

[10:40] All right.

[10:42] There is testing. Yeah. You

[10:43] got 55 years, too. You're part of this.

[10:46] >> Well, thank you for coming. one I think

[10:48] we should probably understand is Axel

[10:50] Nobel now, but it was Dexter Mittlin

[10:55] uh when you first started there.

[10:56] >> 1970.

[10:58] >> Oh, 1970 for those who are young enough

[11:01] to understand.

[11:03] But you know, we were out visiting. What

[11:05] came about this this we were out

[11:06] visiting uh doing uh business visits

[11:09] where we visit different business

[11:11] throughout the city of Walkegan and

[11:13] Action Nobel uh was one of those

[11:15] business we did. And when we went there,

[11:17] I saw him. He saw me. Hey, what's going

[11:19] on? What are you doing? I got 55 years

[11:21] of service. I said, 55 years. We need to

[11:24] celebrate that because what does that

[11:26] say? That means commitment to our

[11:27] community, to a company that's been here

[11:30] for many, many years. But more

[11:32] importantly, this is the Walk Keaggan

[11:34] way. And we want you to know we're proud

[11:36] to celebrate with you those 55 years of

[11:38] service. So, on behalf of the mayor's

[11:40] office, our city clerk and treasurer,

[11:42] certainly all of our alderman, who's one

[11:44] of your

[11:46] family members,

[11:48] uh, and the citizens of this great

[11:50] community, we say thank you for your

[11:52] time, your energy, your pride, and your

[11:55] commitment to our community and to Exo

[11:57] Nobel. Congratulations to you.

[12:06] Um, it's pretty amazing someone can work

[12:09] in the same place for 55 years. I know

[12:12] your friend Steve was also there over 50

[12:14] years, I believe. Um, and right here in

[12:18] Waggan. And I know this business just

[12:20] announced one of the reasons the mayor

[12:22] was there. They're um continuing to

[12:24] expand and and do more for their uh

[12:28] their business right here in Walkegan.

[12:30] And that's the kind of thing we do need

[12:31] to celebrate. So congratulations.

[12:34] >> Thank you.

[12:41] » We need to come up with some or we're

[12:42] good.

[12:44] >> There you go.

[12:59] That's

[13:33] One, two, three.

[13:53] Stay right here. Right, David?

[13:58] Thank you. Our next one, we'd like to

[14:00] ask Mr. Nelson Campos to please come up

[14:04] to the front. Mr. Campos is the

[14:06] principal of Miguel Wararez Middle

[14:09] School. Last year, Mr. Campos was named

[14:12] the Lake County Middle School Principal

[14:14] of the year. And just a few days ago,

[14:17] the Illinois Principal Association named

[14:19] him the Illinois's middle school

[14:21] principal of the year, a prestigious

[14:23] honor recognizing outstanding school

[14:26] leaders across the state. I know.

[14:28] >> So, the city of WKEAN is recognizing him

[14:30] with this Walkagan Proud Award for

[14:32] putting Walkagan on the map and

[14:34] presenting our city with pride.

[14:36] Congratulations, Principal Campos.

[14:47] I don't think I need to say anything

[14:49] about this. I mean, when you have

[14:52] committed educators

[14:55] to educate our young men and our young

[14:58] ladies and push them to their greatness.

[15:01] And one person who lived in the

[15:03] neighborhood,

[15:05] McKinley and Mallister

[15:08] over 10 years. He knows our young men

[15:11] and our young ladies and our parents

[15:13] know him. for you to stay in there and I

[15:16] know you've been to several different

[15:18] schools.

[15:20] For this award to be given to you by the

[15:23] state of Illinois lets us know about

[15:25] your commitment to the young men and

[15:27] young ladies here. So when they tell you

[15:29] that our teachers

[15:32] don't care about our students, well now

[15:35] we have an example that is validated and

[15:38] vindicated by this young man right here

[15:42] and a host of others. Congratulations to

[15:44] you. On behalf of the mayor's office,

[15:46] our city clerk and treasurer, all the

[15:48] alderman, and the great citizens of this

[15:50] community, we say thank you for your

[15:52] service. And here's your walkagan proud

[15:55] award because that's what we are proud

[15:57] of you and your wife.

[16:27] One, two, three.

[16:40] Congratulations.

[16:42] want to say something.

[16:44] >> He has to say something. Ron, come on.

[16:48] >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, thank you,

[16:50] Miss Florian. Um like the mayor said, you know, I

[16:55] immigrated here um from Biz about 20 21

[16:59] years ago. And so I moved directly to

[17:03] the corner of M McKinley and Mallister

[17:06] and I've been there ever since. Um, I

[17:09] just recently moved a little bit further

[17:11] up north, but it's always been my

[17:14] passion. I come from a huge family. Uh,

[17:17] nine brothers and sisters. My parents

[17:19] are retired teachers as well. And

[17:21] hopefully there's watching this live

[17:24] right now. So, thank you to my dad and

[17:26] mom as well for making who I am today.

[17:31] And just know that there's commitment um

[17:35] in Wagan. I know I'm the principal that

[17:38] has been, you know, selected for this

[17:40] award. I want everyone to know that

[17:43] WKEAN has some very good principles. Um,

[17:47] there's a lot of us here that are very committed. I've seen a lot of uh

[17:53] students go through my schools and

[17:56] through a public schools and now I have

[17:59] their children as well. So, it's uh it's nice to see the family. That's how

[18:04] I grew up in my small town of uh

[18:07] Orangeok and Bise. So, thank you very

[18:10] much, Mr. Mayor, and thank you very much

[18:12] for having me.

[18:20] Congratulations. Next, we'd like to

[18:22] welcome up Mr. Isiah Williams to come up

[18:26] front to talk about Isaiah, excuse me,

[18:28] Isaiah Williams. Isaiah is a student at

[18:31] the Walkegan High School and a member of

[18:33] the bowling team. This year, he's

[18:35] achieved all conference recognition and

[18:38] was a top 10 finisher at at regionals

[18:40] and sectionals. As a result, Isaiah

[18:43] became only the second bowler in WKEAN

[18:46] High School history to qualify for the

[18:49] Illinois High School Association state

[18:51] finals. This is an incredible

[18:54] accomplishment that reflects his hard

[18:55] work, focus, and dedication. His success

[18:58] reflects his talents on the lanes and

[19:00] his dedication to his teammates and to

[19:03] his school community. Mr. Williams

[19:06] represented Walkagan with distinction

[19:08] and became and because of the city of

[19:11] Walkagan is recognized with a Walkagan

[19:13] proud award. Congratulations to you.

[19:27] Yeah,

[19:29] absolutely. Thank you. You know,

[19:35] while Keegan

[19:39] has not always, I shouldn't say our

[19:41] young men and young ladies in Walke

[19:43] Keegan have not always received the

[19:46] accolades that they deserve.

[19:49] You would all used to be as I was

[19:52] growing up, anytime a young man or young

[19:55] lady got into a little trouble, they on

[19:58] the front page of the news, son

[20:01] or highlighted throughout the community

[20:03] of being, you know, not good kids. But

[20:07] every time one of our young men and

[20:10] young ladies did something that was

[20:12] worthy what we wanted them to do to be

[20:13] successful in our society, there was not

[20:16] a peep.

[20:19] When I became mayor, I said that we're

[20:21] going to celebrate young men and young

[20:23] ladies who are doing the things that we

[20:25] want them to be successful.

[20:29] And this is the example of that. Now, I

[20:33] can't bowl,

[20:35] but I look like I can get some lessons

[20:37] from somebody.

[20:39] You have made history yourself.

[20:44] How sweet that is.

[20:47] >> There it is. He said, "Very."

[20:49] >> That's right. That's right.

[20:56] So, on behalf of the mayor's office,

[20:58] city clerk and treasure, and all of our

[20:59] alderman, and the great citizens of this

[21:01] community, we say thank you. We are

[21:03] extremely proud of you for what you've

[21:05] been able to achieve. And guess what,

[21:07] everybody? He's a junior.

[21:10] >> Yeah. So, that means next year you got

[21:11] to win it next year now, bro. A lot of

[21:13] pressure on you.

[21:15] >> We want to give this to you. This

[21:17] walking proud awards, Isaiah, thank you.

[21:21] Let's take this picture and have

[21:22] something to say.

[21:28] I know you're

[21:46] coming up with

[22:12] So

[22:25] One, two, three.

[22:49] Don't worry about we got it. David does

[22:50] all that. There you go.

[22:53] I would like to thank uh my team and all

[22:56] my family members that were there at all

[22:59] my tournaments and all games and even my

[23:02] coach for all the support and all like

[23:06] the the words that they shared with me

[23:08] because it really it helped me it helped

[23:10] motivate me to get to where I am right

[23:14] now. And

[23:22] I want this to um like show all like the

[23:28] young people that they can also be right

[23:30] here standing right here if they put in

[23:32] all the hard work. This is what hard

[23:34] work gets you.

[23:37] And I would just like to say thank you

[23:38] to everybody.

[23:57] So that's it. And we got a pro. Uh

[23:59] that's it.

[24:05] » Next, you have your proclamations.

[24:06] Mayor, if you'd like me to read those

[24:08] into the record.

[24:10] >> The first one you have, we'll let we'll

[24:12] let the room clear out a little bit

[24:14] first.

[24:15] >> Bless you. Was

[24:19] that it?

[24:24] » The first proclamation this evening,

[24:26] Proclamation 211 day in W Keaggan,

[24:29] February 11, 2026.

[24:32] Whereas the United Way of Lake County

[24:35] has been dedicated to serving children

[24:37] and families in our communities for more

[24:39] than a 100red years. And whereas the

[24:42] critical services at 211 Lake County,

[24:45] which was launched by United Way Lake

[24:47] County on September 24th, 2019, is open

[24:50] and available to everyone in Walkagan

[24:53] and across Lake County, Illinois. And

[24:55] whereas 211 is a free, confidential,

[24:58] easy to remember, one-stop helpline that

[25:01] connects people in need to a wide range

[25:04] of essential health and human services

[25:06] and reduces non-emergency calls to 911.

[25:10] And whereas 211 enables the people of

[25:13] Lake County to get connected to help 24

[25:15] hours a day, every day by phone, text,

[25:19] online, regardless of the language that

[25:21] they speak or where they live. And

[25:23] whereas 211 expert navigators are

[25:26] trained specialists who will listen,

[25:28] identify underlining problems, and guide

[25:31] people to available resources. And

[25:34] whereas since launch, 211 has made more

[25:37] than 448,000

[25:39] connections to help people from every

[25:42] zip code in Lake County, including

[25:44] Walkegan. And whereas 211 team members

[25:47] have compassionately answered 2,811

[25:51] calls and texts from Walkegan in the

[25:53] past year alone with 4,647

[25:56] needs requested and 5,360

[26:00] referrals made mostly for help with

[26:02] housing and shelter, utilities,

[26:06] employment, income support, food, health

[26:09] care, government, legal support, mental

[26:12] health, and addictions. And whereas 211

[26:15] is available to 99% of America's

[26:18] population and Lake County has led the

[26:21] way as a model to bring 211 services to

[26:24] all of Illinois communities so that

[26:26] every person in Illinois has access to

[26:28] quality information, resources, and

[26:31] assistance for addressing health and

[26:33] human service needs. And whereas the

[26:35] city of WKEAN is a key community partner

[26:38] committed to raising awareness of 211.

[26:41] And whereas daily 211 provides vital

[26:44] information and referrals to individuals

[26:46] and families in our community to improve

[26:48] and save lives. Now therefore, be it

[26:51] resolved that Mayor Samuel D. Cunningham

[26:53] Jr. and members of the city council of

[26:55] the city of W do hereby proclaim

[26:58] February 11, 2026 as 211 day in Walkegan

[27:02] and encourage everyone to become aware

[27:04] of the services provided by 211 adopted

[27:09] the second day of February 2026.

[27:12] >> All right, there's a proclamation.

[27:15] There's a motion by Alderman Newsome,

[27:16] second by Alderman Guzman. Any questions

[27:18] to the motion?

[27:20] Since this is a proclamation, a voice

[27:23] void will be uh only thing that's

[27:25] needed. All those in favor?

[27:26] >> I.

[27:27] >> All those opposed? Eyes have it. Motion

[27:29] is carried. All right. We have a

[27:31] representative from the 211 center here

[27:33] today. Right. We do. All right.

[27:46] Go over there.

[27:56] Well, this is the part where I come in

[27:57] and tell you about everything that's

[27:58] going on with 211, but I think the

[28:00] proclamation did everything for me.

[28:02] Thank you very much, David. Uh so on

[28:04] behalf of the mayor's office, city

[28:06] clerk, and our treasure, all the

[28:08] alderman and the great citizens of this

[28:10] community, we say thank you for your

[28:12] tireless service of what you provide to

[28:14] our residents throughout Lake County,

[28:16] more particularly W Keagen. All right,

[28:19] here you go. your proclamation.

[28:49] All right, thank you. I don't have many

[28:52] more comments than that. It covered most

[28:54] everything, but I wanted to say thank

[28:55] you so much, Mayor Cunningham, and thank

[28:57] you older persons for all the support.

[28:59] We are so excited that 211 has been able

[29:02] to make so many connections for people

[29:04] to get assistance here in the community.

[29:06] About 34% of our uh calls and referrals

[29:09] are for walkites. So, it's a community

[29:12] that we are very, very proud to serve

[29:14] and we're delighted that it's been able

[29:15] to do so much in such a short period of

[29:17] time. So, thank you so much for all the

[29:19] support from the community, Mayor

[29:20] Cunningham, and everyone. So, thank you

[29:21] very much.

[29:28] » Your next proclamation, Mayor, is

[29:30] proclamation February is Black History

[29:32] Month in Walkagan. You'll need a motion

[29:35] for that one. Uh motion by Alderman

[29:37] Turner, second by who? Somebody said

[29:40] second by Alderman Martinez. Any

[29:42] questions to the motion? Again, since

[29:44] this is a proclamation, the voice vote

[29:46] is necessary. All those in favor?

[29:50] >> All those opposed? Motion's passed and

[29:52] carried.

[29:54] >> Okay. Whereas in 1915, Dr. Carter Godwin

[29:58] Woodson, not noted historian and son of

[30:01] former slaves, founded the Association

[30:03] for the Study of Negro Life and History

[30:06] and in 1926 dedicated the second week of

[30:09] February as Negro History Week to

[30:11] increase public awareness of the

[30:13] important role African-Americans have

[30:15] played in shaping American history. With

[30:17] that week chosen to coincide with the

[30:19] birthdays of Frederick Douglas and

[30:21] Abraham Lincoln. And whereas United

[30:24] States has officially recognized Black

[30:25] History Week in 1976 as part of the US

[30:29] bicesentennial expanding it to the Black

[30:31] History Month. And whereas Walkegan is a

[30:35] microcosm of America and a melting pot

[30:38] of cultures and ethnicities. And during

[30:40] the Black History Month and during the

[30:43] month celebrations are being hosted by

[30:45] the College of Lake County Lakeshore

[30:46] Campus, Walkagan Public Schools,

[30:49] Walkagan Park District among others to

[30:52] highlight the many achievements and

[30:53] contributions made by African-Americans

[30:55] to our economic, cultural, spiritual,

[30:58] and political development. And whereas

[31:00] the omission of much of the history and

[31:02] contributions to African-Americans from

[31:04] textbooks and other literature has

[31:07] impeded awareness and appreciation. And

[31:09] whereas the observance of Black History

[31:12] Month calls our attention to the

[31:14] continued need to battle racism and

[31:17] build a society that lives up to its

[31:19] democratic ideals. And whereas the

[31:22] contributions of African-Americans have

[31:24] been vital to the growth and development

[31:26] of Walkegan, Lake County, Illinois, and

[31:29] the United States. Whereas the city of

[31:31] Walkegan is deeply committed to equality

[31:33] and inclusion and continues to work

[31:36] towards being a community in which all

[31:38] citizens are respected and recognized

[31:40] for their history, contributions, and

[31:43] potential. And whereas the city is a is

[31:46] better because of the diversity in our

[31:48] population. Now therefore, be it

[31:51] resolved that Mayor Samuel D. Cunningham

[31:53] Jr. and members of the city council of

[31:54] the city of Walkaggan do hereby proclaim

[31:57] February as Black History Month in

[31:59] Walkagan and recognize the history and

[32:01] ongoing efforts and continuing

[32:03] contributions of the black

[32:05] African-American communities within our

[32:07] city and encourage all of our cities and

[32:10] all of our citizens in the city to

[32:12] eliminate prejudice whether it exists so

[32:14] that we can better embrace our great

[32:16] diversity. adopted the second day of

[32:19] February 2026.

[32:23] » Let's clap.

[32:31] » Okay. Can I get my board members to come

[32:34] on up and join me and my staff come on

[32:36] up and join me?

[32:39] I see my first lady back there as my

[32:41] pastor back there, Fred Oleton.

[32:44] Okay. So, we have them in the house and

[32:47] all my family and friends and

[32:49] supporters, would you stand with us to

[32:53] accept this proclamation? Thank you. So,

[32:56] first of all, I want to say thank you to

[32:58] the city of Walkegan first and foremost

[33:01] for acknowledging Black History Month.

[33:05] And then I want to uh thank you for

[33:08] acknowledging the African-American

[33:10] Museum at the England Manor. uh as the

[33:14] first African-American museum here in

[33:17] Walkegan and the only African-American

[33:20] museum in Lake County, Illinois. So,

[33:23] thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Then on

[33:28] behalf of our community, my alderman

[33:31] over there, Mr. Felix, who has been very

[33:33] supportive of me, also uh Turner, you

[33:38] have been so supportive. and Edith, you

[33:40] have I'm sorry, I should be saying uh

[33:42] Mrs. Nuome, uh you have been so

[33:45] supportive of the museum. So, I just

[33:48] want to say thank you. And on behalf of

[33:51] our community, I gratefully accept this

[33:54] proclamation

[33:56] recognizing Black History Month.

[34:00] This honor affirms that African-American

[34:02] history is not separate from American

[34:05] history, but is foundational

[34:10] to it. So this year

[34:13] especially it is especially meaningful

[34:16] as we recognize nearly 100 years since

[34:21] Dr. Carter G. Woodson

[34:24] established Negro History Week in 1926.

[34:29] Dr. Woodson understood

[34:32] that a people who know their history are

[34:36] empowered to shape their future.

[34:40] So what began as one week has grown into

[34:44] a global movement of education,

[34:48] reflection, and pride.

[34:51] Black history is a story of resilience,

[34:55] creativity,

[34:56] struggle, and triumph

[34:59] through told through our elders, our

[35:03] families, our institutions, and our

[35:06] youth.

[35:10] It lives not only in textbooks, but in

[35:13] lived experiences

[35:16] passed down through generations.

[35:18] So, thank you to the city of Walkegan

[35:22] for this proclamation

[35:24] and for standing with us in honoring the

[35:27] past, educate, educating the present and

[35:32] inspiring the future.

[35:35] Together, we ensure that history is

[35:37] remembered, respected, and carried

[35:41] forward. Thank you very much.

[35:44] >> Come on over, board to you, too, board.

[35:47] Come on over board.

[35:50] England manor board. Come on over.

[35:57] And again, I don't think there's too

[35:59] much from left for me to say except on

[36:03] behalf of the mayor's office, our city

[36:05] clerk and treasure, all of our alderman

[36:07] and great citizens of this community, we

[36:08] say thank you for helping us celebrate

[36:13] Black History Month at its core.

[36:17] You take care and God bless.

[36:36] So hopefully every joiner

[37:14] Okay, next we have audience time. I'm

[37:15] going to wait on the lith here from Mr.

[37:17] Mley.

[37:20] And while we're waiting, I want to

[37:21] introduce Walk Keaggan Wilma. She's seen

[37:24] her shadow. So, six more weeks of

[37:27] winter, unfortunately, mayor.

[37:31] But it'll be okay. We're all channeling

[37:33] spring. Thank you, Mr. Mley. I

[37:35] appreciate it. We have a number of

[37:37] individuals this evening that'll be

[37:38] speaking. You have three minutes to

[37:40] speak. I'm going to call the first uh

[37:42] we'll do the first four. Uh Michelle

[37:45] Rever, Brother Blanks, Abraham Palomar,

[37:49] Kathy Charity. You'll have three minutes

[37:52] to speak and your time will begin as

[37:54] soon as you start talking. Okay.

[37:58] >> Good evening, Mr. Mayor, city council

[38:00] members, and the Walkagan community. I'm

[38:02] Michelle with the Waggan Public Library.

[38:05] I first want to say thank you to our

[38:06] incredible community partners during the

[38:09] recent cold weather emergency. Your

[38:11] thoughtfulness and dedication to our

[38:13] community was on full display. Thank you

[38:16] for checking in on our patrons and our

[38:18] staff during that wonderful snowy day.

[38:21] We're proud to be a part of your team.

[38:24] During the holiday season, we provided

[38:26] hats, gloves, socks, and care kits to

[38:29] those in need. In our e newswsletter, we

[38:32] had launched our Amazon wish list for

[38:34] the community to donate items to our

[38:36] giving tree. Thank you to those

[38:38] community members who read that e

[38:40] newswsletter and donated some very

[38:43] generous items. We also received several

[38:46] handmade hats from our patrons that our

[38:48] patrons are wearing proudly. We're

[38:51] looking forward to the upcoming launch

[38:53] of our care cabinet this spring that you

[38:55] heard us speak about last month. This

[38:58] will be a permanent resource for those

[39:00] in needs to get basic toiletries and

[39:02] self-care items. You can contribute by

[39:05] referencing our Amazon wish list for the

[39:08] care cabinet, which can also be found on

[39:10] our recent e newswsletter that went out

[39:13] this week and on our website under

[39:15] services. Please join us at the library

[39:18] as we celebrate Black History Month with

[39:21] a variety of programs and events

[39:23] honoring the rich history, culture, and

[39:26] contributions of our black communities.

[39:29] There's something for everyone. Whether

[39:31] you're interested in history, art, and

[39:33] music, or simply coming together to

[39:35] learn and connect, for more information

[39:38] or to register for a program, please

[39:41] visit our website under events. to

[39:43] highlight. We have Wendy and DB joining

[39:47] us this Saturday for the kids and

[39:49] families. We have our Black History

[39:51] Month lunch and learn for all ages

[39:54] Monday, February 16th. And we're also a

[39:57] part of ArtWalk Saturday, February 21st,

[40:00] and we have a fun kids tasty tales

[40:02] program on Saturday the 21st as well.

[40:06] Lastly, please save the date for

[40:09] Walkegan Public Library Foundation's

[40:11] annual fundraiser on April 25th from 7

[40:14] to 10 here at the library. The event

[40:18] supports services and programs that our

[40:20] community relies on. We will soon share

[40:23] details on social media and in our

[40:25] spring newsletter about how you can

[40:27] become an event sponsor or donate raffle

[40:31] items or even purchase tickets to be a

[40:33] part of this fun event. Please reach out

[40:36] to our executive director, Tiffany

[40:38] Verszani, or you can contact me directly

[40:40] at the library at 8477752556

[40:47] for more details. I'd like to share a

[40:49] flyer with each of you if that's welcome

[40:51] about our events this month. And I hope

[40:53] to see all of you at the library.

[40:56] >> Thank you, Michelle. Appreciate it.

[40:59] Brother Blanks.

[41:09] founding chief

[41:11] president, Black Abolition Movement for

[41:12] the Mind. And um when we talking about

[41:17] Black History Recognition Month, uh

[41:21] appreciate the words, but you know, all

[41:23] these handsome, beautiful, and black

[41:26] faces when they come into this city

[41:28] council chambers, many of them here for

[41:29] the first time, but I see a few hearts

[41:32] out there that recognize

[41:34] um heart with Valentine's Day. That's

[41:37] only one day. But when I look out there,

[41:39] I don't see anything of commemoration

[41:41] and dedic uh decoration that recognize

[41:44] black history. So, I appreciate the

[41:47] words, but we like some decorations to

[41:49] go up and uh just keep that in mind. It

[41:51] wasn't the first time. If it was the

[41:53] first time, I wouldn't say nothing, but

[41:55] I've seen that. I recognize that in the

[41:57] previous uh years. Okay. Thank you. Now,

[42:01] uh second ward all, let me let me begin.

[42:04] Second ward, Alman Guzman, we appreciate

[42:06] your words of selfacountability

[42:09] regarding calling for the point of order

[42:11] when the rules was violated here in the

[42:14] expectation,

[42:15] but we reject the idea that during that

[42:18] very same alderman time, Alderman Keith

[42:21] Turner would send me a text from the

[42:24] bench saying he has a free coat for

[42:28] one of our youth. We reject you and your

[42:32] code of convenience on the basis of

[42:35] insincere and disingenuine timing. You

[42:39] know our location and obviously you know

[42:43] our phone number. You could have did

[42:45] that at any time sir. You could have

[42:47] made that apology. That's warm us with

[42:49] the recognition of accountability. You

[42:51] could have called also for that point of

[42:53] order but you didn't. We reject the idea

[43:00] that Alderman Hayes of Alderman Hayes

[43:03] running down to us immediately after or

[43:06] following the last city council meeting

[43:09] in an effort to explain the many times

[43:12] he had to call for a point of order when

[43:15] the mayor Cunningham would cut him off

[43:19] when speaking. making my point. Yet

[43:24] you remain yet he remained silent as

[43:27] expectations and policies of the

[43:29] councils was violated and our youth was

[43:33] ignored. So my point if you can speak up

[43:36] and call for the point of order when you

[43:38] say that the mayor have cut you off. Why

[43:41] couldn't you speak up and say something

[43:43] when our children was here? But he's not

[43:46] here but he'll get this on uh I'm sure

[43:48] he'll get this on the telecast. The

[43:50] reason I'm bringing this up because that

[43:52] kind of hypocrisy

[43:54] is what triggered me from the 400 or the

[43:57] so-called $500

[44:00] empowerment to ordinance which brought

[44:03] me here in this city council chamber in

[44:06] 2004.

[44:09] So

[44:11] >> that means I have to come back.

[44:13] >> Abraham Palomar

[44:24] Abraham Palmer.

[44:27] Uh, thank you, Mr. Deputy Clerk. Good

[44:29] evening, Mayor, City Council, City

[44:30] Staff, and Walkean residents. I would

[44:32] like to begin by thanking the council

[44:34] for approving the intergovernmental

[44:36] agreement regarding free public Wi-Fi.

[44:38] To those who do not understand the

[44:40] struggles of residents, I would like to

[44:42] stress the following. Not everyone has a

[44:44] luxury of unlimited internet access or

[44:46] hotspots. This is why the approval of

[44:49] this measure is important to the

[44:50] community. Now, to continue with the

[44:52] name uh with the theme of recognition

[44:54] with Black History Month, I would like

[44:56] to highlight Wian's diversity. It gives

[44:58] the city more to work with, whether it's

[45:00] in more distinct ideas, skills,

[45:03] cultures, etc. One thing that is

[45:05] important is the idea that diversity

[45:07] will better problem solving because it

[45:09] allows other perspectives to be

[45:10] showcased.

[45:12] Diversity in the community translates to

[45:13] a richer culture and community life

[45:16] along with a stronger local economy. The

[45:18] other thing we see is how diverse

[45:20] communities keep an eye out for each

[45:22] other when uncertain times come along.

[45:24] Strong family ties are what matters and

[45:27] that is why is resilient. Lastly, to

[45:30] continue my remarks in the last meeting,

[45:33] diversity helps the younger generation

[45:35] to be empathetic, passionate, and to

[45:37] have great communication skills. Our

[45:39] leaders must reflect these values and

[45:41] they have an obligation to speak out

[45:43] about current events in our nation.

[45:45] Speaking up really matters, especially

[45:48] to minorities that are always targeted

[45:50] and silenced. If our elected leaders do

[45:53] not speak up, then we should have public

[45:54] servants in those roles that are willing

[45:56] to do so. Wkegan deserves leaders that

[45:59] will res reflect its people's values,

[46:02] leaders that are ethical and honest. In

[46:05] the past and even today, there have been

[46:07] unethical and dishonest leaders. Moaggan

[46:10] should not have a stand on his elected

[46:12] officials and they should know to

[46:13] conduct themselves in a more ethical and

[46:15] professional way. I urge everyone to use

[46:18] this time provided by the council to

[46:20] speak and highlight issues that are

[46:21] important to you. Thank you.

[46:24] Mr. Paloma. The next four,

[46:27] why Genie Brisco, Jim Damiano, Kimberly

[46:30] Handy Jones, and Thomas Coleman. You'll

[46:34] have three minutes. Again, white Oh, I'm

[46:37] sorry. Miss Kathy Charity, you're first.

[46:39] And then we have Miss Wenia Brisco, Mr.

[46:41] Jim Damiano, Kimberly Handy Jones, and

[46:46] Thomas Coleman. Miss Charity, you'll

[46:48] have three minutes.

[46:50] >> All right. Hello, Mayor Alderman, and

[46:52] guests. Over the years, I've seen Walkin

[46:54] change. Was it for the good? No. Did it

[46:56] change for the worse? Yes. I see I say

[46:59] this because walking feels like a third

[47:01] world country now. No. American

[47:04] businesses like it was before when the

[47:06] English language just filled the air.

[47:08] Foreign businesses are opening up all

[47:10] over Walke. Where are the American

[47:12] businesses? I saw a grocery store in

[47:15] Spanish across from Home Depot called

[47:17] Moralia. What is Moralia? I'm sure

[47:19] they're hired their own. What about the

[47:21] red, green, and white insurance company

[47:23] located on Lewis and Washington? Totally

[47:26] in Spanish. No English at all. Is this

[47:29] right? It's discrimination. Need to be

[47:31] investigated. American Stores has both

[47:35] English and Spanish. I will not be

[47:38] patronizing these stores. It's their way

[47:41] of saying you are not welcome. Also,

[47:43] while foreign pan handlers with

[47:45] children's on their back in the middle

[47:47] of the streets on Belvadier, Grand and

[47:49] Washington asking for money. WPD was

[47:53] called and nothing was done. A blind eye

[47:55] and a deaf ear. Let an American citizen

[47:58] do it and then you'll find DCFS and WP

[48:01] there on the spot. I support law and

[48:04] order as well as legal immigration. What

[48:07] irritates me much is the obstruction and

[48:10] the nerve reckoning whistles these

[48:12] people blow alarming others about ICE.

[48:15] If you're illegal, why blow the whistle?

[48:17] ICE, I'm sure, is still here. They're

[48:19] just trying to accomplish their mission.

[48:22] Many politicians, clergy, organizations

[48:25] and all these other people, they are

[48:27] receiving the 501c3

[48:29] money to carry out the narrative. The

[48:32] Democrat party. Hosea 4:6 God said, "My

[48:36] people are destroyed from the lack of

[48:37] knowledge. Since thou have rejected the

[48:39] lack of knowledge, so I shall res reject

[48:42] them." 1865, General Gordon Granger in

[48:45] Galveston, Texas, freed the slaves.

[48:47] Allegedly, he didn't specify every man,

[48:49] woman, or child for free, but he did say

[48:52] all slave children will work on his

[48:54] plantation under uh until they're 21

[48:57] years old. General Gordon Granger was a

[49:00] pedophile. Also, no thanks to Junth for

[49:03] me. So was uh Christopher Columbbo,

[49:06] known as Christopher Columbus. He was

[49:09] also a pedophile for black children. Our

[49:12] people are destroyed from the lack of

[49:14] knowledge. The Democrat party is

[49:15] supported by same-sex marriage, child

[49:18] organiz uh organ mutilization, men and

[49:20] women in sports and things like that.

[49:23] They're going against the word of God

[49:25] and constitutional rights everyone

[49:27] should carry and know the constitution.

[49:29] According to my president who has made

[49:31] his platinum plan, the 13th and 14th and

[49:34] 15th amendment were the amendment for

[49:36] the freemans. That means baby of slaves.

[49:38] It does not belong to no one else and

[49:41] everybody's trying to uh ride our skirt

[49:43] tail and join our plight. I'm just I'm

[49:46] just saying do the right thing and uh

[49:49] every month is Black History Month for

[49:50] me.

[49:53] >> Miss Suenia Brisco.

[49:57] Oh no, I have Miss Brisco first. Mr.

[49:59] Damiano,

[50:00] >> I'm sorry. What?

[50:01] >> Miss Brisco is before you and then

[50:02] you'll go right after. Okay. Thank you,

[50:06] >> Miss Brisco.

[50:08] Happy Black History Month. Happy Black

[50:10] History Month. I'm here again just

[50:13] because I um have been in contact with

[50:16] the lawyer and as I mentioned to you, I

[50:19] was going to come to the city council

[50:20] because I still don't have resolution.

[50:22] And I know the last time the lawyer that

[50:25] was here uh under the other

[50:27] administration, not only did he help out

[50:29] the new alderman, thank God for him, for

[50:32] you guys, but he also helped out the

[50:34] community. So, I am coming here again

[50:37] because um and I'm going to hold on to

[50:40] this paper until I get a response back.

[50:43] in May of 2023, there was a parade

[50:46] organizer who accused who accused an

[50:49] alderman of intimidation.

[50:52] My concern is that it's not just for the

[50:54] alderman. I need to understand what is

[50:56] the process. If any accusation is made

[50:59] against any elected official, we the

[51:01] residents, we we the community, we want

[51:03] to understand what is that process. I

[51:05] know you emailed me a response and I

[51:07] have it here, but I'm not going to read

[51:09] it because I think that the whole

[51:11] community when we want to know. So, I

[51:14] don't want to hold that one alderman. Um

[51:18] I I I don't even want to go there with

[51:20] him, but for any elected official,

[51:22] please come back to me council and let

[51:24] me know like how are we going to

[51:26] proceed. I understand you said that

[51:28] there's still something that's pending.

[51:31] What's pending? Send me something so

[51:33] that I can resolve this and so that we

[51:35] as a community will know how to handle

[51:37] this. Next thing that I want to talk

[51:39] about quickly is that I understand that

[51:41] the council's talking about what's going

[51:43] to happen with the fire department,

[51:44] what's going to happen with the police

[51:46] department, what land is going to be

[51:47] purchased. I understand that there's a

[51:50] piece of land that was given to the city

[51:52] um over by where the old St. Theres was

[51:55] given. And the thought was maybe that

[51:56] the fire department should go there. I

[51:58] don't it was given to us. Why would the

[52:00] fire department go there? Why would we

[52:02] purchase the land for four million or

[52:05] whatever it is over there at Ramada when

[52:08] we have free land? Leave the police

[52:10] department in the third I'm sorry. Leave

[52:12] the fire department in the third ward.

[52:14] You purchase two homes behind it. Update

[52:17] that area. I live in the third ward.

[52:19] Keep that fire department there. Why

[52:21] would we Why would you use our money to

[52:23] purchase a $4 million building when we

[52:26] have five acres that was just given to

[52:28] us from St. Terres? It doesn't make

[52:30] sense. Uh my Alderman Juan, could you

[52:33] please keep us informed just in case I

[52:35] miss what's happening here? You do a

[52:37] great job in the third ward, so I

[52:39] appreciate if you could keep us

[52:40] informed. Thank you so much.

[52:42] >> Thank you, Miss Brisco. Mr. Jim Damiano,

[52:46] you're next.

[52:48] >> All right.

[52:50] You cannot rebuild Walkegan if you don't

[52:53] create an environment for success. While

[52:55] Keegan has too many businesses that are

[52:57] operating illegally, they're in not good

[53:00] standing with the state. Their

[53:02] corporation or LLC has been dissolved

[53:04] for not filing their annual reports and

[53:07] their fees. Sales taxes aren't being

[53:09] paid, and there's unlicensed operations.

[53:13] Sam, your business had to go through

[53:15] classes, get licensed, get certified.

[53:18] Why not hold everyone in town here to

[53:20] the same standard? In this town, we've

[53:23] got hair salons, barber shops, nail

[53:25] salons, all operating without proper

[53:27] licensing. Illegal marijuana sales from

[53:30] businesses that are not dispensaries.

[53:32] Catom sales, which is illegal in

[53:34] Walkegan, broadly being displayed right

[53:37] on the front of businesses that it's

[53:39] available. One business representing

[53:40] they're selling shrooms, which isn't

[53:42] legal anywhere. Personal care products

[53:45] and food being made in the home, that's

[53:47] not sanitary. That's not allowed. places

[53:50] without proper food handling and

[53:52] sanitation permits, both brick andmortar

[53:54] and food trucks, unlicensed and

[53:57] unregulated contractors, illegal

[53:59] gambling, unlicensed tattoo shops. All

[54:03] of these are regulated by the state. And

[54:05] all of these can be looked up, whether

[54:07] they have all the proper pieces in

[54:08] place. I did. That's how I found it out.

[54:11] And they're all over social media.

[54:12] They're not shy. If you walked your

[54:14] wards, looked into businesses, asked to

[54:16] see their licensings, well few, you walk

[54:19] your wards, you don't bother to check.

[54:21] You've even done ribbon cutings at some

[54:23] of these businesses.

[54:25] You don't make them even pay the $150

[54:28] business license fee. I paid it. I don't

[54:31] know why, but these people aren't

[54:33] bothering. They not held accountable.

[54:37] Even the Illinois Department of

[54:38] Financial and Professional Regulation in

[54:40] a meeting this morning said to me, "Why

[54:43] doesn't the city wait to issue

[54:44] certificates of occupancy and business

[54:46] licenses before?" I don't know why they

[54:49] don't do that. They could, but y'all

[54:51] don't. Now, I know somebody wants to

[54:54] open a business up here. And to cut a

[54:55] long story short, when they found all

[54:56] this out, they said, "Why should I

[54:58] bother opening my business in downtown

[55:01] Walkegan when my competition isn't even

[55:03] following the rules, paying the fees,

[55:04] spending the money forward that I put

[55:06] forward? Screw it." And they're not

[55:09] going to. If you continue to work in an

[55:11] environment lacking enforcement and

[55:13] oversight, you will remain a second tier

[55:15] struggling town. If you want to thrive,

[55:17] if you want to be better, nicer town,

[55:20] fix the core day-to-day issues we bring

[55:22] to you. Fix them faster. You cannot

[55:25] rebuild this town without a good solid

[55:28] foundation.

[55:30] I got 20 seconds left. Thank you to

[55:32] public works for plowing the sidewalks

[55:34] in downtown Walkegan. I appreciate that.

[55:36] Uh thank you alderman Felix for letting

[55:39] me beat the crap out of you when we

[55:40] meet. That's really nice of you. And

[55:42] thank you for listening. 7 seconds. I'm

[55:45] using all my time up here. Six seconds.

[55:48] All right, I'm going away. Thank you.

[55:50] >> Thank you, Mr. Damiano.

[55:53] Miss Kimberly Handy Jones. Miss Handy

[55:57] Jones, go ahead.

[55:58] >> Hi. Good afternoon. Good evening. I'm

[56:01] here to address the city council about

[56:04] Kevante Curry. Saturday at 454 North

[56:09] Green Bay Road, a young man was beaten,

[56:12] choked out, and throwed on his face and

[56:16] teeth knocked out his mouth.

[56:20] That is an egregious act.

[56:23] If something's going on, then we need to

[56:26] follow protocol. That was un use of

[56:29] unnecessary force. It shouldn't have

[56:31] never happened.

[56:33] >> It's not what you do, it's how you do

[56:35] it.

[56:36] >> I believe that the young man went tried

[56:38] to get back in the tavern to get his

[56:41] cousin who had the keys to the car, who

[56:44] had his cell phone. This young man

[56:46] couldn't weigh no more than 150 155

[56:50] pounds at best. But it does not matter.

[56:53] It does not take three security guards

[56:57] to throw a person four

[57:02] » well a multitude. I'll say that. And

[57:06] knock them unconscious. Choke them out

[57:10] >> with not even seeing if there was

[57:12] preservation of life. and then went back

[57:15] into the club, threw him out like he was

[57:18] trash.

[57:21] » That's unwarranted.

[57:24] >> We all I have kids and I'm sure the

[57:26] majority of us have kids. I

[57:29] unfortunately know what it is to lose

[57:30] two.

[57:32] >> And I'mma keep my boots on the ground.

[57:34] I'm going to always advocate

[57:37] for the life of our youth. We're losing

[57:39] too many.

[57:40] >> Thank you.

[57:42] And if I don't stand up for something, I

[57:45] ain't sitting down for nothing. This is

[57:46] not a situation where anyone need to be

[57:50] sitting down. That could have been your

[57:52] son

[57:54] >> and next time it could very well be your

[57:56] son.

[57:57] >> Hello.

[57:59] >> Why does something have to happen for it

[58:01] to matter to you? But I bet if it

[58:03] happens to you, it'll matter to you.

[58:08] Young folks go in these clubs

[58:11] and they try

[58:14] to help the business, but it's a problem

[58:17] when the business hurts them.

[58:21] » I am upset

[58:24] about this young man and you all should

[58:26] be equally upset. We're going to reach

[58:29] out to the states attorney, Eric

[58:30] Reinhardt. He's not exempt either.

[58:34] And I will be on this trail as long as

[58:36] it takes. If God rises me up and sets my

[58:40] feet on solid ground,

[58:42] >> oh, I'll be there.

[58:45] I'm not leaving. I'm not going nowhere.

[58:47] I will stay this course.

[58:51] Slavery. Let's talk about uh black

[58:53] history. It's black history every day

[58:55] for me.

[58:58] >> Slavery was a part of white history, but

[59:00] how black people come through it is a

[59:01] part of black history. Thank you,

[59:05] >> Mr. Thomas Coleman.

[59:12] » Good evening. Um, my name is Thomas

[59:15] Coleman. I'm a resident of North

[59:16] Chicago.

[59:18] I'm here to speak on TV.

[59:21] Uh, he's like a son to me. For those of

[59:24] you that know, I coached this young man

[59:27] when he was young, as well as a lot of

[59:30] other ones up in here. And when I saw

[59:33] what I saw

[59:36] happened to a young man that I know, Mr.

[59:39] Mayor, you know, we hold each other

[59:42] accountable, correct? As elected

[59:44] officials, I'm personally holding you

[59:46] accountable. I need you to step up,

[59:49] speak out, and make sure what happened

[59:52] at the Red Aguana

[59:56] >> happens to no other person

[59:59] >> at all.

[1:00:01] >> If you know Kiwi, then you know he's not

[1:00:03] that kind of guy at all.

[1:00:06] >> To be treated that way, like a piece of

[1:00:09] trash.

[1:00:10] >> That's how it was. And to whoever had

[1:00:13] that party that promoted that party,

[1:00:16] you're responsible as well

[1:00:19] >> because it makes no sense that one of

[1:00:22] ours

[1:00:23] get treated that way and left the way he

[1:00:26] was left.

[1:00:28] That's horrible because to be honest,

[1:00:30] and I'm a 100 person, if that would have

[1:00:32] been my son, Red iguana got some

[1:00:35] problems. Some serious problems. But

[1:00:38] we're grown and we looking at elected

[1:00:40] officials here. Y'all job is to protect

[1:00:43] us. Let's see if you do your job

[1:00:47] >> because you have to. And community,

[1:00:49] don't stop here.

[1:00:51] >> Don't let this be a onetime thing

[1:00:54] >> because if you do, it'll be swept under

[1:00:57] the rug.

[1:00:59] >> You got to keep it out in the forefront

[1:01:02] >> for real. And if you a warhawk,

[1:01:04] >> be for real.

[1:01:06] >> Stand up.

[1:01:07] It's time right now. Stand up.

[1:01:11] >> Represent your city. He's one of ours.

[1:01:14] >> You will not get away with it. Red

[1:01:15] iguana

[1:01:17] >> and whoever else was involved in it, you

[1:01:20] won't get away with it. Kenny is like a

[1:01:22] brother to me. He's been with me from

[1:01:24] the beginning. And I'mma stand with you,

[1:01:26] bro,

[1:01:28] >> all the way. And don't hold don't let

[1:01:31] nobody get away with it.

[1:01:33] >> Nobody.

[1:01:35] from the top all the way down. And we're

[1:01:38] here and I'm from North Chicago and I'm

[1:01:41] a warhawk.

[1:01:44] >> Thank you, Mr. Coleman.

[1:01:47] The next five speakers,

[1:01:50] Dana B. Imani Miller Brown, Kelly Brown,

[1:01:54] Nikita Miller,

[1:01:57] Melana Burden. Come on up. And you have

[1:02:00] three minutes and your time will start

[1:02:03] once you come up.

[1:02:06] Dana B.

[1:02:10] » Dana B. I can't read the last name.

[1:02:12] Bolt.

[1:02:19] Dana.

[1:02:29] Go ahead.

[1:02:30] >> I I just want to um think back on some

[1:02:33] of the things that was said about my

[1:02:35] son.

[1:02:38] He's just human

[1:02:41] and we want him to be treated as such.

[1:02:45] For such a place to exist in our

[1:02:48] community need to be abolished.

[1:02:53] The security needs to be removed.

[1:02:57] Obviously, they are not following

[1:02:59] protocol, any type of rules and just

[1:03:03] human decency.

[1:03:06] He was grossly

[1:03:10] mistreated.

[1:03:13] As a parent, I would never want to see

[1:03:17] that for any child.

[1:03:25] And I'm definitely going to be here

[1:03:29] looking and see what comes of this.

[1:03:33] And I'm expecting

[1:03:36] a call.

[1:03:40] I'm expecting some progress.

[1:03:43] And I'm expecting some answers.

[1:03:50] Thank you,

[1:03:52] Immani Miller Brown.

[1:04:01] Hello. I'm coming to speak about the

[1:04:03] situation that happened with Cavante

[1:04:05] Curry yesterday.

[1:04:07] It was ridiculous. He was threw outside

[1:04:11] on the ground like a dog. Nobody cared.

[1:04:13] It was cold. His hands was behind his

[1:04:15] back. They choked him out before he even

[1:04:18] reached the ground. So, he was

[1:04:20] unconscious before he touched the

[1:04:21] ground. And I didn't see anybody in the

[1:04:24] video try to help him. And I just feel

[1:04:26] like that was ridiculous. The red iguana

[1:04:28] should be shut down immediately

[1:04:31] for that. So, nobody else can have to go

[1:04:33] through that. The security was bogus.

[1:04:36] The the business owners, everybody was

[1:04:38] bogus to me. And I didn't really see

[1:04:42] anybody speak about the situation

[1:04:45] but him. and it just needs to be shut

[1:04:49] down. You as the mayor, I hope that you

[1:04:52] will do something about it cuz he's a

[1:04:54] fellow black man. He has kids. He's not

[1:04:57] a a bad person. He's a great person if

[1:05:00] you knew him. So, if you can please do

[1:05:03] something about it about shutting that

[1:05:05] business down, we will appreciate that.

[1:05:10] >> Thank you.

[1:05:11] >> I would just like to say I would just

[1:05:12] like to say, mayor, you you you knew us.

[1:05:15] You know us growing up and you know me

[1:05:18] and Ki never been in no problems at all.

[1:05:21] So me to see my best friend handle like

[1:05:24] that I'm real hurt.

[1:05:27] So I would hope that you will hope like

[1:05:29] help do something about it cuz I'm real

[1:05:32] hurt. That's my best friend.

[1:05:36] >> Can we have your name for the record,

[1:05:37] sir? Sir

[1:05:40] >> KB. Thank you.

[1:05:42] >> Kelly Brown.

[1:05:43] >> Yeah, Kelly Brown. Thank you.

[1:05:47] That is okay. Nikita Miller.

[1:05:55] » Good evening everybody. Um,

[1:06:01] » Miss Miller. Okay.

[1:06:03] >> Yeah. I uh I accidentally put my name on

[1:06:06] the list, so I just want to say shut it

[1:06:08] down. That's it.

[1:06:10] >> Okay. Thank you.

[1:06:14] I think it's Melina

[1:06:17] Berdine.

[1:06:20] >> Melena. Is there a Melina here? She

[1:06:23] left. Okay. Melina. No. Molina. Okay.

[1:06:25] Kenny Curry.

[1:06:29] Mr. Curry. Okay.

[1:06:37] Again, good evening everybody.

[1:06:40] Uh

[1:06:42] it was very difficult for me to be here

[1:06:44] tonight,

[1:06:46] but I had to come. Um

[1:06:51] I was born and raised here in Walke.

[1:06:55] I never had any problems. Uh mostly

[1:06:59] everybody knows me here,

[1:07:01] you know. Um

[1:07:04] but as a resident of the city, you know,

[1:07:07] um tonight for me it's about

[1:07:11] accountability.

[1:07:13] I need my elected officials,

[1:07:18] police department

[1:07:20] to investigate this matter.

[1:07:23] And um you know, if those need be

[1:07:27] prosecuted, you know, that's what needs

[1:07:29] to happen.

[1:07:32] what my son endured that was just

[1:07:35] totally unnecessary. His human dignity

[1:07:37] was violated

[1:07:40] >> to be treated that way like a piece of

[1:07:43] garbage.

[1:07:45] And

[1:07:47] Mayor Cunningham and the rest of you, I

[1:07:50] don't think that you guys would allow

[1:07:52] people to be employed in your city that

[1:07:55] treat people like that. So that needs to

[1:07:58] end.

[1:08:00] You know, it's not just my son. There's

[1:08:02] a lot of parents in here. It could be

[1:08:03] your son, your daughter,

[1:08:05] anybody.

[1:08:07] So tonight, I'm asking the city of

[1:08:09] Walkegan to investigate this matter and

[1:08:12] get my son's justice that he deserved.

[1:08:15] He didn't deserve that. Thank you.

[1:08:19] >> Thank you, Mr. Curry.

[1:08:22] Miguel Patrick.

[1:08:35] Um, first of all, I want to say I've sat

[1:08:38] here for like an hour and I saw the

[1:08:40] mayor and I looked nobody in the face. I

[1:08:43] want to make that clear. The mayor

[1:08:45] didn't look nobody in the face. He has

[1:08:46] no

[1:08:48] compassion for any of us here. I want to

[1:08:51] make that clear cuz I'm not going to

[1:08:53] look him in his face.

[1:08:56] But I want y'all to know that Kee is

[1:08:59] loved and this will not be unjust just

[1:09:04] because we got a few electives over

[1:09:07] here.

[1:09:09] This is not right. He didn't deserve it.

[1:09:12] He didn't do nothing to nobody. He don't

[1:09:13] bother nobody. Anybody who know Keith

[1:09:15] know that he don't deserve this. And for

[1:09:18] the mayor to just sit here as a black

[1:09:20] man and not even look us in the face

[1:09:23] like he even give a care is ridiculous

[1:09:27] to me.

[1:09:28] And I just want to let them know sorry

[1:09:31] for you.

[1:09:34] >> Mr. Rayon Edwards, please

[1:09:38] look at me now.

[1:09:42] You know, the saddest thing in the world

[1:09:44] is when you have a black man that don't

[1:09:47] represent the black community. You know

[1:09:49] what make me sick to my stomach? Cuz had

[1:09:52] this happened while you was running, you

[1:09:54] wouldn't have made a call. You'd have

[1:09:56] drove to the house.

[1:09:59] It's so sad that you've been knowing us

[1:10:02] all our lives.

[1:10:04] You can't even look at us. You pitiful.

[1:10:07] You pathetic. Well, we ain't got nothing

[1:10:09] to put in your pocket.

[1:10:12] How much did Red iguana give you? After

[1:10:14] all, you do sell liquor license, right?

[1:10:16] You got a police escort over there. We

[1:10:19] paying another $150,000 for somebody to

[1:10:22] escort you. If you scared, step down.

[1:10:26] What you scared of? You scared of the

[1:10:28] people you supposed to be representing?

[1:10:31] A black man

[1:10:34] bone out on his face.

[1:10:38] Y'all ain't seen the statement from an

[1:10:39] elected official. You not I said all the

[1:10:43] time on social media that we got to care

[1:10:46] enough for us cuz they don't. They there

[1:10:48] for a purpose and they purpose is not

[1:10:51] serving us is serving them. Y'all look

[1:10:53] at that black man.

[1:10:56] >> Remember how much I work for him and beg

[1:10:58] all y'all to get out to vote. Look at

[1:11:01] him.

[1:11:03] >> Remember he's southside crazy. He's

[1:11:05] southside strong.

[1:11:07] >> But that's a southside baby that that

[1:11:09] happened to.

[1:11:12] That's a Southside baby that that

[1:11:14] happened to. So I hope all of us, this

[1:11:16] is a learning experience for all of us.

[1:11:18] Uncle Kenny, I know this was your buddy

[1:11:21] at one point of time. I know you grew up

[1:11:23] with him. I hope you know he's exposed

[1:11:26] his hand. So I'm going to say to all of

[1:11:28] you all, you ain't got to do nothing if

[1:11:30] you don't want to do nothing. You hear

[1:11:32] me? Let me say it again. You don't have

[1:11:35] to do nothing if you don't want to do

[1:11:37] something cuz damn it, we going to do

[1:11:38] something. You hear me? I'm giving y'all

[1:11:42] a option. We bringing it to y'all and

[1:11:44] we're trying to do it the right way, but

[1:11:45] you ain't got to do nothing. Just like

[1:11:47] the accident on Washington.

[1:11:50] You need to hear the body camera, Mr.

[1:11:51] Turner. It's disgusting. The officer

[1:11:54] wrote him a ticket for failure to reduce

[1:11:56] speed.

[1:11:58] In December, failure to reduce speed and

[1:12:02] expired place. But if it's failure to

[1:12:04] reduce speed and he telling you he

[1:12:05] drunk, why didn't he get a DUI?

[1:12:09] If he was black, he would have got one.

[1:12:11] If he was black, he would have been

[1:12:12] talking in cuffs.

[1:12:14] >> Then he said, "Three black and a

[1:12:16] beat." It's all on the camera. Black

[1:12:20] man, y'all, he sync that video.

[1:12:24] >> He watched it. And Miss Nome, I have to

[1:12:27] say this to you. for you to be serving

[1:12:29] as long as you have and your husband

[1:12:31] being an attorney

[1:12:33] and nothing.

[1:12:37] Y'all better do something or we going to

[1:12:39] flip walking upside down.

[1:12:44] » Thank you, Miss Margaret Carrasco.

[1:12:46] Please.

[1:12:55] » Tonight I was going to talk about

[1:12:56] something else until I heard the

[1:12:58] discussion of what transpired.

[1:13:00] And let me assure you, I have a whole

[1:13:02] different take on this. And I think that

[1:13:06] people are going to like need to open

[1:13:08] their eyes to this. the negative

[1:13:10] damaging effects of this violence on our

[1:13:13] youth, on our community.

[1:13:16] Um,

[1:13:18] it's escalating and it's in the dead of

[1:13:20] winter. What's going to happen in July?

[1:13:23] And we're already having this going on.

[1:13:27] We need to stop this immediately.

[1:13:30] We need to stop being reactive

[1:13:33] and instead proactive.

[1:13:36] All that transpired this weekend did not

[1:13:39] have to happen. Absolutely could have

[1:13:42] been prevented. And for those persons

[1:13:45] who don't know,

[1:13:48] Friday night there was a shooting inside

[1:13:51] a funeral home. Gun him down. Then there

[1:13:55] was two um huge fights over where we had

[1:14:00] a horrible killing on Sunset and Green

[1:14:02] Bay. You know what I'm talking about.

[1:14:04] Okay. And then Saturday night, this

[1:14:06] other incident. Okay, once again, none

[1:14:09] of that should have happened if Where's

[1:14:13] he at? Chief Navaro, I blame. The bug

[1:14:17] stops here. You need to stop babysitting

[1:14:21] the casino.

[1:14:23] You got all your cops over there.

[1:14:25] Instead, you knew it was going to be

[1:14:28] that place has been having problems, not

[1:14:30] the first time. and that other place,

[1:14:33] you know who the problem people are. So,

[1:14:35] if you know, why aren't you doing

[1:14:37] anything about it? You should have had

[1:14:39] your cops over there proactive

[1:14:44] and nothing would have happened in all

[1:14:46] three incidents. But no, they're

[1:14:49] babysitting the casino.

[1:14:52] We're paying for their salaries, the

[1:14:54] police. They need to work for us and not

[1:14:56] for the casino. In addition to that,

[1:14:59] hold on a second, you guys.

[1:15:02] Um

[1:15:05] just that it's a hot spot. Okay. Uh

[1:15:09] everyone knows it. I am in I have

[1:15:13] organized my dad huge events in the

[1:15:16] community for years. So I know when

[1:15:18] something how to handle large crowds.

[1:15:21] You got to have if you have 2,000 people

[1:15:25] show up well hello. Two cops is not

[1:15:28] enough. Okay. uh you're overcrowded. I

[1:15:31] mean, there's just so many things. It is

[1:15:33] what it is. You I I love great

[1:15:35] entertainment, new entertainment coming

[1:15:38] to Keegan. However,

[1:15:41] if you're requiring some people to have

[1:15:44] 30 armed cops, why aren't you asking

[1:15:47] that from these other people that are

[1:15:50] packing in large amounts of people? I

[1:15:53] mean, really, we're lucky that something

[1:15:55] more horrible.

[1:15:56] >> Thank you, Mr.

[1:15:58] >> Thank you. Victor Felix.

[1:16:19] All right. Can you hear me? Uh, so this

[1:16:22] is a huge topic. U I just saw the video

[1:16:24] myself uh yesterday and

[1:16:29] got me thinking like how can we solve

[1:16:31] this problem you know um I did speak to

[1:16:35] our our lawyer and to see what what can

[1:16:38] be done

[1:16:40] there's a few things you can't force a a

[1:16:43] business to do something but we do we

[1:16:45] are in charge of licensing we are in

[1:16:48] charge of the way you know before they

[1:16:50] open up we have we have a big

[1:16:52] responsibility to issue a liquor

[1:16:53] license. So, I know the mayor's working

[1:16:56] right now, his whole team is working on

[1:16:58] redoing the liquor license. But part of

[1:17:00] that, I believe, and I think it should

[1:17:02] be on there, is

[1:17:04] what quality of security do people have?

[1:17:07] How many people how many security guards

[1:17:09] does a place have depending on how many

[1:17:11] people um how full it gets? So, I think

[1:17:15] that um that's something that I'm going

[1:17:18] to be looking into. I again I spoke to

[1:17:20] our our lawyer today and to see what else could be done. He deals with

[1:17:23] other um municipalities that also might

[1:17:26] have include something in their liquor

[1:17:28] license in terms of security. So I just

[1:17:31] want to let everyone know that I will be

[1:17:34] looking into it. I know I had the

[1:17:35] conversation with the mayor too. So he

[1:17:36] will be looking into it also. So this is

[1:17:38] something a big concern of ours. But I

[1:17:40] do want to say that um I think we can do

[1:17:43] something with the with the ordinances

[1:17:44] in terms of

[1:17:47] what quality of security guards we

[1:17:50] require as part of and they have to have

[1:17:52] some kind of security plan. So that's

[1:17:54] something we can do. That's something

[1:17:55] where at least we can start with um you

[1:17:59] know some bars don't have communication

[1:18:02] with each other as well. So I know that

[1:18:04] uh representative of Lacantina Edwin

[1:18:08] reached out to me as well and see how we

[1:18:10] can maybe make something better for for

[1:18:12] our community. So, uh, something that

[1:18:14] right away some people gave me a call

[1:18:16] and say, "Hey, you know, how can we work

[1:18:17] on on bettering our our I would say at

[1:18:21] least in this situation, the security,

[1:18:24] uh, maybe our security, all bars should

[1:18:26] be at least communicating with each

[1:18:27] other somehow, some shape or form that

[1:18:30] uh, I think that that's something that

[1:18:31] conversation we can have with all the

[1:18:33] uh, business owners and the bars as

[1:18:35] well. So, just want to let you know that

[1:18:37] um, I would definitely be looking into

[1:18:38] this. Thank you.

[1:18:41] >> Thank you, mayor. That concludes your

[1:18:43] audience time.

[1:18:49] » Item four, consent agenda.

[1:18:52] It is under consent agenda

[1:18:55] and considered routine and

[1:18:56] non-controversial

[1:18:58] and will be approved by one motion. If

[1:19:01] one board member wishes to have a

[1:19:03] separate vote on any item, it will be

[1:19:06] pulled from the consent agenda and voted

[1:19:08] on separately.

[1:19:11] Uh, mayor, I would like to pull I

[1:19:19] » and I'd like to pull D if possible.

[1:19:27] » Items I and D.

[1:19:45] Let's give a couple of minutes to clear

[1:19:47] the room. Thank you.

[1:19:53] » For clarification, that was D as in

[1:19:55] David.

[1:19:55] >> Yes, D is in David. And I

[1:20:17] All right, we're we're good. Everybody's

[1:20:19] good.

[1:20:24] All right,

[1:20:27] let's give it a couple more another

[1:20:29] minute, please. Thank you.

[1:20:41] » Bye, Kate.

[1:20:51] » All right.

[1:20:52] Uh item 4 A, motion to approve regular

[1:20:56] city council meeting minutes from

[1:20:58] Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

[1:21:02] 4 B motion to approve and ratify regular

[1:21:04] payroll dated January 23rd, 2026 and the

[1:21:07] total amount of two2 million

[1:21:10] 622,6267169.

[1:21:17] Motion C for C. Motion to approve and

[1:21:20] ratify miscellaneous payroll dated

[1:21:21] January 23rd 226 in a total amount of

[1:21:24] 13,985

[1:21:29] 4E resolution approving LPA for

[1:21:31] engineering services from Baxter and

[1:21:33] Woodman per section 2-458

[1:21:36] parentheses I's parentheses 4

[1:21:40] 4F resolution approving joint funding

[1:21:42] agreement for federally funded projects

[1:21:44] of phase 2 engineering for the

[1:21:46] Washington Street C

[1:21:49] is that CMAP project? C

[1:21:51] >> CM AQ project 4G resolution approving

[1:21:56] for resolution approving change order

[1:21:59] number one with EJ USA for the purchase

[1:22:03] of fire hydrants for a not to exceed

[1:22:05] amount of $200,000

[1:22:10] » 4J

[1:22:12] I'm sorry no

[1:22:14] Lindsay okay thank you 4 H resolution

[1:22:18] approving engineering services from

[1:22:19] Barrison Woodman for the OP plane water

[1:22:21] main replacement project per section

[1:22:23] 2-458

[1:22:25] parentheses I partheses 4 4J resolution

[1:22:29] authorizing execution of software as a

[1:22:31] service agreement with life safety

[1:22:33] inspections vault LLC there is no cost

[1:22:36] to the city

[1:22:39] resolution 4 K resolution approving

[1:22:43] settlement and release of all claims for

[1:22:45] the walking police department employee

[1:22:47] workers compensation claim number 23 08

[1:22:49] 8183

[1:22:51] W 021 for an amount not to exceed

[1:22:55] $30,74610.

[1:22:57] Any questions to the motion?

[1:22:59] >> Roll call, please.

[1:23:02] Motion.

[1:23:02] >> Yeah, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Motion by

[1:23:04] Alderman Newsome. Second by Alderman

[1:23:06] >> Turner.

[1:23:07] That was the first and second by

[1:23:09] Alderman Turner and Newsome for the

[1:23:12] items read on the consent agenda.

[1:23:14] >> Alderman Guzman.

[1:23:16] >> I.

[1:23:16] >> Martinez.

[1:23:17] >> I. Felix

[1:23:19] >> Hi,

[1:23:19] >> Newsome.

[1:23:20] >> Hi,

[1:23:20] >> Turner.

[1:23:21] >> Hi,

[1:23:21] >> Donald.

[1:23:22] >> Hi,

[1:23:22] >> Florian.

[1:23:23] >> I

[1:23:23] >> motion pass. Mayor,

[1:23:24] >> motion's pass and carrot. Item 4 D.

[1:23:27] Motion. I'm going to put a motion by

[1:23:28] Alderman Florian, second by Alderman

[1:23:31] Guzman uh to approve end of payments

[1:23:33] dated to February 2nd, February 2nd,

[1:23:35] 2026 in a total amount of 2,974,38759.

[1:23:41] And there was a question on the motion.

[1:23:43] Alderman Florian.

[1:23:44] >> Yes, sir. Um, as you know, every um,

[1:23:47] meeting I go over these checks line by

[1:23:49] line and um, ask questions and I get

[1:23:52] answers um, from the finance department.

[1:23:56] And two of the checks I asked about this

[1:23:59] time,

[1:24:00] um, one was, um, a check for, uh, $250

[1:24:08] to Louis Pizza Lou restaurant in town,

[1:24:13] and it indicated it was for um, an event

[1:24:17] in the sixth ward. And so I asked um if

[1:24:21] that was then going to be taken out of

[1:24:23] the stipend we all for the public we all

[1:24:25] get a extra stipend every month that we

[1:24:27] can use to spend on events like a ward

[1:24:30] meeting or something like that. So I

[1:24:33] asked if it was going to be taken out of

[1:24:35] Alderman Turner's stipend and they said

[1:24:37] no. So, I would like to pull this check

[1:24:41] number 514802 just for the purpose of I

[1:24:43] can vote no on it because I don't think

[1:24:46] my residents should pay for his ward

[1:24:48] meeting. I when I have a ward meeting, I

[1:24:51] pay for the stuff out of my own pocket

[1:24:53] and I think we all should do that. So, I

[1:24:56] just want to be able to vote no. I'm not

[1:24:57] holding it up. I'm not saying we

[1:24:59] shouldn't pay it. I just feel I want to

[1:25:02] be able to say no to that particular

[1:25:04] expense. In the same vein, um there was

[1:25:07] a check number 514985

[1:25:11] um for um food for the night of city

[1:25:15] council. Um in in the past, some

[1:25:19] administrations have provided food for

[1:25:21] the alderman on the night of council. Um

[1:25:24] I don't get here in time to partake in

[1:25:26] that. Technically, three of us are three

[1:25:28] or more of us are not supposed to be in

[1:25:30] one room at a time. It makes me a little

[1:25:32] nervous that that sometimes happens. Um,

[1:25:35] I don't I don't think the city should

[1:25:38] provide our meals for us. We get paid to

[1:25:40] do this job. We, you know, um, that this

[1:25:44] particular check was for over $400,

[1:25:47] which to me seems like a lot of money to

[1:25:49] see to feed the the 10 of us up here or

[1:25:51] whatever. So, I would also, again, I'm

[1:25:54] not going to say we shouldn't pay for

[1:25:55] it. I'm not saying um I'm gonna hold it

[1:25:58] over. I just want to be able to vote no

[1:26:00] on that particular check. So, if we can

[1:26:02] pull those two checks out, vote on

[1:26:04] everything else but those two, and then

[1:26:06] I can vote no on those two.

[1:26:17] So, let's do this. Let's uh let's pull

[1:26:19] the two check check numbers out

[1:26:23] and then vote on uh the item as

[1:26:27] approved.

[1:26:29] It would be as amended. Okay. Because

[1:26:31] the dollar amounts I don't have a pair,

[1:26:33] so we'll do it that way. Sounds good.

[1:26:34] >> Well, the dollar amount will stay the

[1:26:36] same because I'm sure not everyone's

[1:26:37] going to vote no.

[1:26:38] >> Yeah,

[1:26:39] >> only me. But

[1:26:42] >> yeah, the dollar amounts won't change.

[1:26:43] It's just so I can vote no on those two

[1:26:45] checks. The amount should stay the same.

[1:26:47] >> Sounds good.

[1:26:48] >> So, uh, we are pulling those two items

[1:26:52] out.

[1:26:54] So, there's a motion on the floor by

[1:26:56] Alderman Florian, a second by Alderman

[1:26:58] Guzman. Uh, let's vote on that amendment

[1:27:01] and then come back and vote for the

[1:27:03] actual item. Uh, roll call, please.

[1:27:07] >> Alderman Guzman,

[1:27:09] >> I.

[1:27:10] >> Alderman Martinez,

[1:27:11] >> hi.

[1:27:11] >> Felix,

[1:27:13] >> I.

[1:27:15] >> Nuome,

[1:27:16] >> I

[1:27:17] >> Turner.

[1:27:17] >> I

[1:27:18] >> Donorth.

[1:27:19] >> I

[1:27:19] >> Florian.

[1:27:20] >> I.

[1:27:20] >> Okay.

[1:27:21] >> The motion has been amended. Uh, now the

[1:27:24] original motion is on the floor with the

[1:27:26] same motion. Motion by Alderman

[1:27:27] Florence, second by Alderman Guzman. Any

[1:27:29] questions to the motion?

[1:27:31] >> So, we're taking out those check two

[1:27:33] checks. Is that what we're doing?

[1:27:35] >> You already We're voting on those now.

[1:27:38] >> Just the two checks.

[1:27:39] >> Voting on the total amount

[1:27:43] 2,974

[1:27:44] 38759

[1:27:46] plus 650. Right.

[1:27:48] >> Yes.

[1:27:50] >> Okay. That's what we're voting. Then we

[1:27:52] come back and vote on those other two

[1:27:54] items. All right. Alderman Guzman

[1:27:56] >> I

[1:27:57] >> Martinez

[1:27:58] >> I

[1:27:58] >> Felix

[1:27:59] >> I

[1:28:00] >> Newsome

[1:28:00] >> I

[1:28:01] >> Turner

[1:28:01] >> I

[1:28:02] >> Donworth

[1:28:03] >> I

[1:28:03] >> Florian

[1:28:04] >> I

[1:28:05] >> Okay, now the two items. Uh there's a

[1:28:08] motion by Alderman

[1:28:11] Alman Donworth, second by Alderman

[1:28:13] Martinez. Uh for those two check numbers

[1:28:18] >> totaling $650. Any questions to the

[1:28:21] motion?

[1:28:23] >> Roll call, please. Alderman Guzman

[1:28:25] >> I

[1:28:25] >> Martinez

[1:28:27] >> nay.

[1:28:28] >> Felix

[1:28:28] >> I

[1:28:29] >> Nome

[1:28:30] >> I

[1:28:30] >> Turner

[1:28:31] >> I

[1:28:32] >> Donorth

[1:28:32] >> I

[1:28:33] >> Florian

[1:28:33] >> no

[1:28:34] >> motions pass and carried item item I

[1:28:38] resolution authorizing approval and

[1:28:40] purchase a rescue boat from

[1:28:44] Grovis aluminum boats LLC metal shark in

[1:28:48] amount of $748,358.35.

[1:28:51] There's motion first.

[1:28:53] >> Oh Jesus. Motion by Alderman by Alderman

[1:28:56] Guzman. Second by Alderman Florian. Any

[1:28:59] other questions to the motion?

[1:29:01] >> All right. Roll call, please.

[1:29:02] >> Alman Guzman.

[1:29:03] >> I.

[1:29:03] >> Martinez.

[1:29:04] >> Long time coming. I

[1:29:06] >> Felix

[1:29:07] >> I.

[1:29:07] >> Thumb.

[1:29:08] >> Hi.

[1:29:08] >> Turner.

[1:29:09] >> What was the point in pulling it out?

[1:29:11] >> I

[1:29:13] was an I.

[1:29:13] >> What did he say?

[1:29:14] >> That's an I.

[1:29:15] >> Okay.

[1:29:16] >> Motion pass.

[1:29:17] >> Donald, I'm sorry.

[1:29:19] >> I

[1:29:19] >> Laurian

[1:29:20] >> I. Motion pass.

[1:29:21] >> Motion pass and carry. Uh item 5A. Uh

[1:29:25] motion by Alderman Newsome, second by

[1:29:28] Alderman Felix. Uh monthly treasury

[1:29:31] report for Dr. John Schwar. Any

[1:29:34] questions to the motion?

[1:29:35] >> Uh I do alder I'm sorry. Treasurer

[1:29:38] Schwah.

[1:29:40] >> Uh this is the uh treasur monthly

[1:29:42] treasury report for December years

[1:29:45] year's end. Uh one thing that I'm very

[1:29:47] proud of at the end you'll see that uh

[1:29:51] the city's investments are 96% invested

[1:29:55] and that is a very high number for any

[1:29:58] municipality.

[1:30:00] Any questions? I'm glad to take them. Um

[1:30:03] be glad to uh every one of the alderman

[1:30:06] were given given this sheet. It was I

[1:30:08] believe in their electronic package.

[1:30:10] It's was filed with the uh clerk and uh

[1:30:14] if it isn't already, it'll be on the w

[1:30:16] city's website very shortly. End of my

[1:30:20] report. Mayor,

[1:30:21] >> thank you.

[1:30:22] >> Any questions right here? Alder Guzman.

[1:30:26] >> Uh same question. I haven't had I

[1:30:28] haven't actually uh said this question

[1:30:30] in a while, but what's going on with the

[1:30:31] Bush tax?

[1:30:34] >> Still in litigation.

[1:30:36] >> It's alum it's going to be in litigation

[1:30:37] for a while, honestly. Uh it's been like

[1:30:41] three years I think now

[1:30:42] >> it's still in litigation. Uh so still briefing schedule.

[1:30:50] It's moving through the process. The

[1:30:51] argument actually being the argument

[1:30:53] right now is oversimplified is what's a

[1:30:56] push?

[1:30:59] >> Yeah. But it's this is on the appeal

[1:31:01] process too, right? Is this so we it

[1:31:04] went through the first hurdle. They

[1:31:06] appealed it and those appeals could be a

[1:31:08] year, two years. I mean, look at the casino thing. It took us

[1:31:12] three years to get through that, but we

[1:31:14] won.

[1:31:15] >> Yeah. Hopefully soon. I hopefully we

[1:31:17] could re retroact it because it looks

[1:31:19] like uh they're trying not to

[1:31:21] retroactive.

[1:31:22] >> Well, that's part of that's part of the

[1:31:23] appeal process, too.

[1:31:25] >> Sure. That's part of what I will do is

[1:31:27] I'll have contact.

[1:31:32] >> Yes. We'll set up a full session.

[1:31:35] >> Yeah. Awesome. Thank you. All right.

[1:31:37] Thank you. Uh item uh six, there being

[1:31:40] none, item seven, resolution to extend

[1:31:42] the professional services agreement with

[1:31:44] Robert Half for temporary accounting

[1:31:46] services not to exceed the previous

[1:31:48] approved amount of 88 87,000 and set a

[1:31:52] new expiration date of February 20,

[1:31:54] 2026.

[1:31:56] Uh there's a motion by Alderman Newsome,

[1:31:58] second by Alderman Guzman. Any questions

[1:32:00] to the motion? Roll call, please.

[1:32:04] >> Alderman Guzman,

[1:32:05] >> I.

[1:32:05] >> Martinez,

[1:32:06] >> I.

[1:32:06] >> Felix,

[1:32:08] >> I.

[1:32:08] >> Thumb.

[1:32:08] >> Hi.

[1:32:09] >> Turner.

[1:32:09] >> I.

[1:32:10] >> Donald.

[1:32:10] >> I.

[1:32:11] >> Florian.

[1:32:11] >> I.

[1:32:12] >> Motion pass.

[1:32:12] and carry. Item B. Motion to

[1:32:15] approve 2025 home investment partnership

[1:32:17] resolution two. Motion by Aud Martinez.

[1:32:20] Second by Alderman Donworth. Any

[1:32:22] question to the motion?

[1:32:24] >> What is that?

[1:32:25] >> I don't recall this one.

[1:32:26] >> These are the home dollars that's

[1:32:28] allocated every year.

[1:32:31] for um Oh my goodness, it's escaping me.

[1:32:34] Come on up. As as you're walking up

[1:32:38] down payments for new homes, right? Did

[1:32:41] I get it right?

[1:32:42] >> Yes.

[1:32:43] >> Okay.

[1:32:44] >> So, uh the home funding. So, what we

[1:32:46] actually doing, we do we we took the

[1:32:48] money that we had, we did an amendment

[1:32:50] to give the first SEPA, the first time

[1:32:52] home buyers program. We always have that

[1:32:54] money in the kitty for that for people

[1:32:55] who want to purchase homes while

[1:32:56] walking. Our home phones are used to do

[1:32:58] that and SEPA does it for us. Um, we

[1:33:02] also use it for our regular rehab

[1:33:03] program as well. So that's that's what

[1:33:06] that this is about.

[1:33:07] >> Thank you.

[1:33:09] >> All for the vote.

[1:33:12] >> Roll call, please.

[1:33:13] >> Alderman Guzman.

[1:33:14] >> I.

[1:33:14] >> Martinez.

[1:33:15] >> Hi.

[1:33:15] >> Felix.

[1:33:16] >> Hi.

[1:33:16] >> Newsome.

[1:33:17] >> Hi.

[1:33:17] >> Turner.

[1:33:18] >> Hi.

[1:33:18] >> Donorth. Hi.

[1:33:19] >> Florian.

[1:33:20] >> I.

[1:33:20] >> Motion passed.

[1:33:21] >> Motion's passed and carried. Item

[1:33:24] eight. There being none. Item nine,

[1:33:28] alderman's time, Mr. Deputy Clerk.

[1:33:32] >> Thank you, Alderman Guzman.

[1:33:34] >> Good evening. Uh, second ward and across

[1:33:36] the city of Walkagan. Okay, I have a few

[1:33:38] things going on. Uh, first of all, this

[1:33:41] season has been like a a really snowy

[1:33:44] season. I mean, not accumulative, but

[1:33:47] little bitty. It's still you still have

[1:33:49] to move your cars, move out the way so

[1:33:52] uh plows can get there. Uh, even in the

[1:33:54] daytime. I don't understand that that uh

[1:33:57] people are there and they're watching

[1:33:58] the snow come down. They see the plows

[1:34:01] uh come at least move to where the plow

[1:34:03] was at and then that area where your car

[1:34:07] wasn't plowed, they can come over there

[1:34:09] and get that plowed. uh you know cuz

[1:34:13] that's that's really bad and that they

[1:34:16] have to keep coming back and then uh

[1:34:18] this uh cleanup uh lasts for days and uh

[1:34:23] instead of a day. Uh second uh the

[1:34:27] continuation of construction on 10th

[1:34:29] Street. Please uh try to avoid it. Uh uh

[1:34:33] look for alternative routes. Uh you know

[1:34:36] there's construction there and uh you're

[1:34:38] going to have to go around on that.

[1:34:41] That's slate to finish in sometime

[1:34:43] spring. Second,

[1:34:46] okay, when this uh whole red iguana

[1:34:49] thing happened incident,

[1:34:51] uh I received the videos and a couple

[1:34:54] people uh speaking to me about it. I

[1:34:57] remember since with the last

[1:34:59] administration,

[1:35:00] I proposed

[1:35:02] stricter, stronger restrictions over

[1:35:05] liquor license, higher penalties

[1:35:08] for businesses. I was not supported on

[1:35:11] this. Hopefully now we can see why these

[1:35:14] are needed

[1:35:17] and should be faster enforced instead of

[1:35:20] taking because once you give a license,

[1:35:22] it's very easy to give a license. We all

[1:35:24] approve it. Yay. They can open up to

[1:35:27] take one. Oh man, it is very very

[1:35:30] difficult. Okay, it goes through the

[1:35:32] appeal process through the state through

[1:35:34] us and so on and so forth. All right.

[1:35:38] So, it is our job as a home rule in the

[1:35:41] great state of Illinois to restrict and

[1:35:44] stronger restrictions for these

[1:35:46] businesses and higher fines. So, when

[1:35:50] they come up there and they see, I don't

[1:35:53] know, a $10,000 fine, they're having a

[1:35:55] heart attack. And then they're going to

[1:35:57] go up to the public and say, "Well,

[1:35:58] these guys gave me a $10,000 fine for

[1:36:00] something." You're going to be like,

[1:36:01] "Good. They should have gave you

[1:36:03] $50,000."

[1:36:05] And then they're going to think about it

[1:36:06] twice. Then that incident's not going to

[1:36:09] happen again because they're going to

[1:36:10] say, "I paid $10,000 to get my license

[1:36:13] liquor license and then I'm going to uh

[1:36:15] for that second incident, I'm going to

[1:36:16] raise it up to $50,000." They're going

[1:36:19] to be like, "No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

[1:36:21] Absolutely not." But they they thought

[1:36:23] my restrictions were a little too

[1:36:24] strict.

[1:36:26] I bet I bet you don't think that

[1:36:27] anymore.

[1:36:31] So, I'm going to try to work on this

[1:36:34] again and hopefully we can get stronger

[1:36:37] and stricter restriction and make it more difficult.

[1:36:44] Okay.

[1:36:49] The time for the Arctic uh the Arctic uh

[1:36:53] weather to come down, storms to come

[1:36:56] down has started. It usually goes from

[1:36:59] the second or third week of January to

[1:37:01] the second or third week of February. I

[1:37:05] know we're uh we were only in in the

[1:37:09] single digits and windshield minus in

[1:37:11] the double digits for a couple of days

[1:37:15] and now we're in the 20s. But don't think that's uh get too

[1:37:20] comfortable. It could come down. We are

[1:37:23] in a northern part of the United States.

[1:37:25] Please dress warm.

[1:37:28] uh go out there. There's plenty of

[1:37:30] people that give out uh warm clothes,

[1:37:32] hats, gloves. Take advantage of that. Uh

[1:37:35] even if you own a pair of gloves and or

[1:37:38] a jacket or whatever, go over there and

[1:37:41] I mean they're giving out thousands of

[1:37:42] dollars worth of hats, gloves, socks, I

[1:37:46] mean everything. Take advantage of it.

[1:37:48] Get put double layer if you have to. I

[1:37:51] mean this we we go through this every

[1:37:54] year. Every year. And it's get said

[1:37:56] every year. So please please take

[1:37:58] advantage of this. You know because of

[1:38:01] this I I mean the last

[1:38:07] three years there's at least one day

[1:38:09] that they've closed down the city for

[1:38:11] cold temperatures.

[1:38:13] I I don't see a reason why we should

[1:38:15] close down the city. I just don't. But

[1:38:18] you ask public works, you ask the fire

[1:38:22] department, and you ask the police

[1:38:23] station to come in here and work. So

[1:38:27] it's okay for a blue collar worker to

[1:38:28] come to work. Well, it's code, but it's

[1:38:32] not okay for a white collar worker come

[1:38:34] here that takes five minutes to get into

[1:38:37] your car,

[1:38:38] 15 or whatever minutes it takes you to

[1:38:40] get to work, and another five minutes to

[1:38:43] jump into the a warm city building. and

[1:38:46] then reverse all that to go home because

[1:38:49] I bet you

[1:38:51] 80 or 90% of the people that that that

[1:38:55] benefited from being the city hall being

[1:38:57] closed, I bet you they they didn't stay

[1:39:00] home. I didn't.

[1:39:02] I went out. I mean, it's cold, but hey,

[1:39:06] long johns, wool, socks, put on a

[1:39:10] jacket. Let's go.

[1:39:12] I mean, the world doesn't stop. We're

[1:39:15] not in a southern state that closed down

[1:39:17] the city for three days for a half an

[1:39:20] inch. We're in the northern part of the

[1:39:23] United States of America in the great

[1:39:25] state of Illinois.

[1:39:28] Dress warm.

[1:39:30] All right.

[1:39:34] Speaking of uh the southern states,

[1:39:37] I want to give out my condolences

[1:39:40] for the southern states that are going

[1:39:43] through this

[1:39:45] and

[1:39:47] are not as prepared as we are. I feel

[1:39:51] for them. I know the uh what is it in

[1:39:54] North Carolina? I think I read it was

[1:39:56] 750

[1:39:58] accidents just in I think it was like

[1:40:01] couple inches of snow.

[1:40:04] I mean, they're just not prepared and

[1:40:06] it's understandable. Uh, but hopefully

[1:40:08] this is a learning lesson across the

[1:40:11] United States. Just because you don't

[1:40:13] get snow at all times, you should at

[1:40:16] least be somewhat prepared.

[1:40:19] Order 10 tons of salt, have a couple

[1:40:22] trucks ready to go. Who's going to

[1:40:25] complain about that? All right.

[1:40:30] So, I feel for them.

[1:40:32] Next, uh,

[1:40:35] pothole season. Uh, we're in the midst

[1:40:38] of it. Um, goes from freezing cold to

[1:40:41] warm. Freezing cold to warm. So, the the

[1:40:45] earth is shifting. So, the uh pout holes

[1:40:47] are a little bad out there. It's going

[1:40:50] to take a little bit to get them done. I

[1:40:51] mean, there's so many out there. And

[1:40:53] we're still not even at the uh spring

[1:40:55] thaw. That's that's even multiplies it

[1:40:59] by uh 50% of more potholes because the

[1:41:02] earth starts moving even more. So be

[1:41:05] ready uh be prepared. Uh I know I've

[1:41:08] gotten some few phone calls about

[1:41:09] potholes. Uh they have dressed as

[1:41:12] quickly as possible, but remember we're

[1:41:13] still in snow and ice, so they still got

[1:41:15] to clear the uh snow out there and

[1:41:18] they're they're getting them as quickly

[1:41:19] as possible and there's just so much. So

[1:41:22] please be patient. Uh same thing with

[1:41:25] water main water main bras. If you see

[1:41:28] something, please notify uh uh PD that

[1:41:32] uh you see water coming out of the

[1:41:34] ground. Um so we can get that taken care

[1:41:37] of ASAP.

[1:41:39] I know public works was out there on

[1:41:41] that day that was very very cold. Uh

[1:41:45] they were actually on on the other side

[1:41:46] of Marshall Parkway digging up. They wore warm clothes, but it is a pain

[1:41:52] to deal with the water and uh freezing

[1:41:54] conditions, but please report them so

[1:41:57] they can get fixed ASAP.

[1:42:01] Um I got a couple more things.

[1:42:05] Okay. Um Willow Willow Road, it's uh

[1:42:08] still being um we're still on hold on

[1:42:11] that. It's at the I do level still. So,

[1:42:15] we're waiting on that

[1:42:17] to move forward.

[1:42:20] Okay. The uh another thing that uh the

[1:42:24] reason I pulled u I from the consent

[1:42:27] agenda is the fireboat. Uh it's not

[1:42:30] something very easy. You would think,

[1:42:31] okay, this is a fireboat. Uh common

[1:42:34] sense would be like, okay, this is great

[1:42:36] for everybody. Uh let's get it done. But

[1:42:39] it takes a long long time. I think uh I

[1:42:42] think Chief Faser said it was he's been

[1:42:44] wanting a vote for 12 years and I've

[1:42:46] been working through two two

[1:42:48] administrations to get this fireboat.

[1:42:50] It's taken a very very long time and it

[1:42:54] takes a lot of work to do this job. It's

[1:42:57] not easy. Uh um the turning wheels of

[1:43:01] government is slow even though sometimes

[1:43:04] you think it's an obvious no-brainer.

[1:43:07] Okay. So, please be patient on a lot of

[1:43:10] stuff. I know, I know it's frustrating,

[1:43:13] but it takes a little bit of time.

[1:43:18] Um,

[1:43:22] uh, the police station. Uh, I've gotten

[1:43:24] a few phone calls on that one, too. I

[1:43:26] mean,

[1:43:28] we we all live in the city of Walkagan.

[1:43:30] Has anybody been down to the police

[1:43:32] station? It it looks like it's stuck in

[1:43:34] the 50s. I mean, come on. Let's get

[1:43:37] real. We need to get this done, pushed

[1:43:40] through. These guys need

[1:43:41] state-of-the-art equipment,

[1:43:43] state-of-the-art uh integration rooms,

[1:43:46] uh cameras, uh safety nets. Uh it is a

[1:43:50] positive thing for the city. We need to find where we're going to put

[1:43:55] this police station.

[1:43:57] The place is just not here. It's just

[1:44:00] too cramped. It needs more space.

[1:44:04] We need more uh desks for detectives or whatever is

[1:44:10] needed for the police cells. They're up

[1:44:13] into the 21st century.

[1:44:16] I mean, we need a whole revamp. So,

[1:44:20] we're working along. We're uh we're

[1:44:24] close, but we're pushing through.

[1:44:28] Okay.

[1:44:36] Uh, one last thing.

[1:44:37] >> Alden, if you don't mind, I'm going to

[1:44:38] be excused. I can wait no longer to go

[1:44:41] to the bathroom.

[1:44:41] >> Go ahead.

[1:44:45] » You don't have to wait for me, but Okay.

[1:44:48] Um,

[1:44:52] two more things. Uh, one more thing, a

[1:44:54] buddy of mine, uh, asked me that, uh,

[1:44:58] reminded me that it's been a month for

[1:45:00] Venezuela, the freedom of Venezuela, to

[1:45:03] give it a shout out for the regime,

[1:45:07] and

[1:45:09] for the country to move forward.

[1:45:14] I guess that's about it. God bless

[1:45:16] Walkgan, the great state of Illinois,

[1:45:18] and the United States of America.

[1:45:23] Thank you, Alderman Martinez.

[1:45:25] >> Thank you, uh, Deputy Clerk, and also

[1:45:27] councel. Um, regarding the water main

[1:45:30] breaks in our ward in the city, uh, I do

[1:45:32] anticipate, hopefully not, that there

[1:45:34] may be many more with the extreme

[1:45:36] weather conditions that we are

[1:45:37] experiencing. Uh, please be advised, I'm

[1:45:40] sure everyone knows about this, there is

[1:45:41] al always a 48 hour water boil before

[1:45:45] you, uh, turn the water on. Um, over the

[1:45:48] weekend, the third ward, actually

[1:45:49] Sunday, we had two water main brains.

[1:45:51] So, I was out there delivering waters to

[1:45:53] those who wanted water. So, just to keep

[1:45:55] that in mind. Um, with that being said,

[1:45:58] again, I I know I reminded people last

[1:46:00] time about maybe trick have water

[1:46:03] trickle down because what that does, it it it eliminates the uh the the cold

[1:46:08] from freezing your pipes. So, if if you

[1:46:10] have faucets, please just let it trickle

[1:46:12] and and leave it on. You know, if you

[1:46:13] have to pay that extra $10, whatever it

[1:46:15] is, but you know, the the the outcome is

[1:46:18] something to break is is is horrible.

[1:46:19] We're witnessing out. So, uh, please be mindful of that. Um, I always

[1:46:24] keep my water and my faucet and the sink

[1:46:26] and also downstairs in my basement. Um,

[1:46:28] just to make sure that, uh, nothing

[1:46:30] freezes up. Um, I also like to thank the

[1:46:34] operations supervisors, Steven Driver,

[1:46:37] and his crew. They were actually out

[1:46:38] there. Um, it's cold out there. This is

[1:46:40] some very, very, uh, you know, weather

[1:46:43] is is horrible. Uh, it's brutal, but

[1:46:45] they were out there and they did a

[1:46:46] tremendous job. and I just wanted to

[1:46:47] commend his staff uh for always being

[1:46:49] there answering those hard questions

[1:46:51] that I have. Um, with that being said, I

[1:46:54] also like to talk about or actually

[1:46:56] extend my my welcome to the over 16 and

[1:46:59] a half new businesses that opened up uh

[1:47:02] that made uh the third ward home. Um,

[1:47:06] it's really heartening witness to the

[1:47:07] ward's growth as we eagerly anticipate

[1:47:09] the arrival of more businesses in our

[1:47:11] ward uh over the weekend. With that

[1:47:13] being said, I was excited to welcome yet

[1:47:14] another new business

[1:47:16] Nutrition by Martha, which is located at

[1:47:19] 2200 Washington Street. The side road is

[1:47:21] North Greta. U and what they specialize

[1:47:24] is is uh is is how can I say smoothies

[1:47:28] that that were nurturing that are

[1:47:30] nurturing. They're not your traditional

[1:47:32] sports drinks. Um they also have a

[1:47:36] contract with Herbal Life. So there a

[1:47:37] lot of a lot of products are Herbal

[1:47:39] Life. But it was it was great to see it.

[1:47:41] They had a great turnout. The mayor was

[1:47:43] there. A lot of our staff was there. The

[1:47:45] food was delicious. Um, and so

[1:47:47] therefore, I I do want to wish Martha

[1:47:49] and Carlos uh a a very very successful

[1:47:53] business. And please, when you get the

[1:47:55] opportunity, please go out there and and

[1:47:56] visit them. Um, I also want to vaguely

[1:48:00] talk about what happened in the iguana.

[1:48:04] I also saw the video and let me tell

[1:48:07] you,

[1:48:09] I always go back and watch videos over

[1:48:11] and over. I only needed to watch this

[1:48:13] video one time. What I saw was roguess.

[1:48:16] What I saw was inhumane. And what I saw

[1:48:19] was somebody who was seriously injured.

[1:48:21] So I would also be upset with what with what is going on, too. But we can

[1:48:27] train security guards how to do their

[1:48:30] job.

[1:48:31] But it's up to them to to to enforce the

[1:48:34] law and do it in a manner that does not

[1:48:36] have to end like what we saw with with

[1:48:39] the with the robustness and how how this

[1:48:41] poor young man it looked like he was

[1:48:43] unconscious just fell to the ground. So

[1:48:45] my question to these to these these

[1:48:48] business owners when they hire these

[1:48:50] security guards, what part of their

[1:48:53] training manual says that you're

[1:48:54] supposed to grab somebody to buy the

[1:48:56] neck and throw them to the ground and

[1:48:57] leave them there? So I'm rather confused

[1:48:59] with that. So I'm also upset. I I I went

[1:49:02] to school with Kenny Curry. He's a great

[1:49:04] guy, a great family. Um I know that we

[1:49:06] will do our very best to get to the

[1:49:08] bottom of this, but I'm also disturbed

[1:49:10] with what I saw. And I I I you know, I'm

[1:49:13] sorry. Hey, I I I pray for the family

[1:49:15] and I pray for the young man that he

[1:49:17] gets better. No one should have to

[1:49:18] endure what he endured from what I saw.

[1:49:21] And I just wanted to make a point of

[1:49:22] that. Um, also talking about the the

[1:49:27] fire department

[1:49:29] for the fire department in the third

[1:49:32] ward. We bought that property for that.

[1:49:34] So, my mind was always set on that

[1:49:36] property. Yes. But there's been other

[1:49:37] talks about maybe moving it. But

[1:49:39] remember, we purchased those two

[1:49:41] buildings for $400,000.

[1:49:43] you know, $500, $500,000, whatever it

[1:49:46] is. So, my heart is set in there. So,

[1:49:48] I'm going to advocate for that. Find out

[1:49:50] and get a get get a reporter with my

[1:49:52] constituent say, "Hey, you know, how do

[1:49:53] you guys feel about that?" But my heart

[1:49:55] has always been set. I've always been

[1:49:57] determined to keep the fire department

[1:49:59] in the third ward where where it was

[1:50:01] designated to be. And I I wanted to to

[1:50:03] let everybody know that. Um again, uh

[1:50:07] happy Black History Month. you know, uh,

[1:50:09] if you need to get a hold of me, I can

[1:50:10] be reached at 847-39-2689.

[1:50:14] I just ask my constituents to please,

[1:50:16] more than ever, be safe, be mindful, and

[1:50:19] let's all be a good neighbor. Good

[1:50:21] night.

[1:50:22] >> Thank you, Alman Martinez. Alman Felix,

[1:50:25] >> thank you. uh to address the uh the red

[1:50:28] iguana situation. Um as I I stated

[1:50:31] before, I I think that we we can ask for

[1:50:34] better we can you know maybe the

[1:50:36] security uh that they have we can uh the

[1:50:38] as a city we can uh ask for a better

[1:50:40] quality maybe certifications something

[1:50:43] that is uh something is within our our

[1:50:46] uh scope to make sure that this the the

[1:50:49] city is safe. I think that's something

[1:50:50] where we can where we can start on. So,

[1:50:53] you know, again, I just spoke to all

[1:50:54] Martinez as well. He's, you know, part

[1:50:56] of the uh public safety committee. So,

[1:50:58] maybe we can bring something to there

[1:51:00] and uh utilize that committee for

[1:51:02] something like this. Um

[1:51:05] so, definitely and um everyone's open to

[1:51:08] work on on a solution. I think uh

[1:51:11] another thing I did speak to the

[1:51:13] alderman,

[1:51:15] Hispanic alderman regarding the uh

[1:51:17] parade. Very controversial. It's like an

[1:51:20] elephant in the room, but we have to

[1:51:22] discuss it. I think uh the parade has

[1:51:26] been one of the biggest and hopefully

[1:51:29] won't be for for long. We have a lot of

[1:51:31] parades coming in to our city and we

[1:51:33] hope they they grow as well. But the

[1:51:35] Hispanic uh parade is something I

[1:51:37] believe that the uh city of WKEAN should

[1:51:41] be more involved in. And um hopefully I don't have the solution, but we can

[1:51:48] work maybe the the mayor maybe we can

[1:51:50] have the staff looking to see something

[1:51:52] how we can work together.

[1:51:55] So hopefully I you know we have your

[1:51:56] support and the alderman as well.

[1:52:01] One parade. Oh yeah, one parade. one big

[1:52:04] parade. Um, so that's that. Hopefully we

[1:52:09] can have a discussion about it and we'll

[1:52:11] bring it forward. I believe

[1:52:13] uh

[1:52:15] the first of the month has passed

[1:52:17] already. Uh January has come and gone

[1:52:20] and it served its purpose kind of set

[1:52:22] the tone and it reminded us that this

[1:52:24] year will not be about sitting still.

[1:52:26] This year uh this is the year of

[1:52:29] movement and intention. As uh Jim can

[1:52:31] say, we've met up. We're trying to be

[1:52:33] intentional about fixing a problem. It

[1:52:35] has to be done. Parking downtown and

[1:52:38] many other things.

[1:52:40] Um,

[1:52:42] in a year where we get a busy and get to

[1:52:45] work together, not just, you know,

[1:52:46] anyone who comes together, I think we

[1:52:48] can work well together. It's not fast

[1:52:50] because we're making

[1:52:53] trying to create a solution that affects

[1:52:54] everyone. So, it's not something that we

[1:52:56] can do fast. I believe the the the

[1:52:59] strategies are probably very practical.

[1:53:02] I do agree with that something we can

[1:53:04] start already and adjust. So if we are

[1:53:06] all in the mindset of create change and

[1:53:09] adjust as we go I think we can all get

[1:53:12] somewhere.

[1:53:14] Um

[1:53:16] 2026 uh I believe I mean and you guys

[1:53:19] will see as we go um I believe is is a

[1:53:22] year we can all come together. Uh no one

[1:53:24] can do this alone and no one shouldn't

[1:53:26] have to. The challenges before us

[1:53:28] require shared effort, shared vision,

[1:53:30] and shared responsibility.

[1:53:33] When we choose to work together, we

[1:53:35] don't just move forward. We move forward

[1:53:36] together. As we step into Black History

[1:53:39] Month, we are reminded that progress has

[1:53:41] never been accidental.

[1:53:43] Every gain made has uh earned through is

[1:53:48] was earned through courage,

[1:53:48] collaboration, and community. History

[1:53:51] teaches us that unity is essential to

[1:53:53] protect the progress that has been made.

[1:53:56] We uh we can we must come together

[1:53:57] across differences and stand firm and

[1:54:00] together and commit to ourselves to

[1:54:02] dignity, justice, and opportunity for

[1:54:04] all. There's a lot going on in our

[1:54:06] community. And you know, again, another

[1:54:08] elephant in the room is the summer. How is the summer going to come once it

[1:54:14] starts getting warmer?

[1:54:16] There's a lot of rhetoric and everyone's

[1:54:18] entitled to how they uh view things.

[1:54:22] But business in terms of just being, you

[1:54:24] know, Hispanic businesses opening up.

[1:54:26] There's tons of businesses open up. You

[1:54:28] know, we hear it. We hear it because

[1:54:29] we're in the city, you know, in even in

[1:54:31] my ward. There's more businesses opening

[1:54:33] up in the fourth ward. Not just

[1:54:35] Hispanic, different kinds because now

[1:54:36] they see people see the uh the uh

[1:54:41] what do you call it the

[1:54:44] opportunity in the city of Wagan.

[1:54:45] They're starting to see it. We're

[1:54:46] starting to see movement. Different

[1:54:48] people are are interested in opening

[1:54:50] their business. And part of it I believe

[1:54:51] is because they see that it's now they

[1:54:53] see the path that they are able to open

[1:54:55] a business in the city of WKEAN. That's

[1:54:57] one huge thing. If you notice this year

[1:54:59] and last year at as soon as uh we

[1:55:02] changed uh administration, businesses

[1:55:04] started doing their black top. Something

[1:55:06] so simple that makes the city look so

[1:55:08] different. They started doing their

[1:55:10] black top all across my ward. You see

[1:55:13] you saw all ugly torn down. People were

[1:55:17] waiting. Some people were waiting. a lot

[1:55:19] of businesses have invested in their in

[1:55:22] their property. And I would like to say

[1:55:24] thank you to my uh code inspector. He's

[1:55:27] out there. One thing about my code

[1:55:29] inspector Denny for the fourth ward, he

[1:55:32] knows how to talk to people. I will say

[1:55:35] telling people to do something is

[1:55:36] different from, hey, let's work on

[1:55:38] getting this done. So, shout outs to

[1:55:40] Denny. He's been doing a really great

[1:55:42] job in the fourth ward.

[1:55:44] Um

[1:55:46] lastly, uh we uh must continue to treat

[1:55:48] each other as brothers and sisters,

[1:55:51] leading with empathy, respect, and

[1:55:52] understanding. When we do, we strengthen

[1:55:54] our community, protect the dignity of

[1:55:56] all people, and ensure that the progress

[1:55:57] we make today last for generations to

[1:56:00] come. Thank you.

[1:56:02] >> Thank you, Alderman. Alderman Newsome.

[1:56:05] >> Thank you, Deputy Clerk. Uh it's been

[1:56:07] touched on a few times this evening

[1:56:09] regarding the water man breaks. I've had

[1:56:12] a few in my ward as well. Uh if you

[1:56:16] think that you have an issue and your

[1:56:18] water does not come on, feel free to

[1:56:21] reach out to me. You can call me

[1:56:23] 847390-2691

[1:56:27] and I can check to make sure that uh if

[1:56:31] it is a water mane break that we're

[1:56:33] taking care of it and if it's not to get

[1:56:36] you to the right department

[1:56:38] um that you can find out if you have an

[1:56:41] issue at your home. Uh the other

[1:56:44] question is Lewis Avenue. I know people

[1:56:48] have seen the orange cones and activity

[1:56:52] going on on Lewis Avenue between Glen

[1:56:54] Flora and Grand Avenue. Uh the city is

[1:56:58] working diligently with the Robinson

[1:57:00] group to make sure that those lead lines

[1:57:03] are replaced before we reconstruct Lewis

[1:57:06] Avenue. The east side of Lewis is in the

[1:57:09] fifth ward. The west side of Lewis

[1:57:11] Avenue between Glenn Flor and Grand is

[1:57:14] in the third ward. So, soon as we get

[1:57:17] those issues taken care of, uh hopefully

[1:57:20] spring weather, we can start with the

[1:57:22] sidewalks getting those done and the

[1:57:24] curbs getting them taken care of. And

[1:57:27] I've been waiting for about eight years

[1:57:30] to get Lewis Avenue, that portion taken

[1:57:32] care of. So, I'm glad that we'll we'll

[1:57:35] have that taken care of. Hopefully, it's

[1:57:38] um maybe right after school is out so we

[1:57:41] don't have to worry about Whittier

[1:57:42] School and the crossing there. So, um,

[1:57:46] that's the, uh, activity that's going to

[1:57:48] be going on on Lewis Avenue. Thank you.

[1:57:52] >> Thank you, Alderman Newsome. Alderman

[1:57:54] Turner.

[1:57:56] >> Thank you, Deputy Clerk. So, brief

[1:57:59] comments on the red iguana, I want to

[1:58:02] assure everyone, you know, there is a

[1:58:03] process. I saw that video this

[1:58:05] afternoon. I was just, man, immediately

[1:58:07] taken aback by it. I mean, it's it's

[1:58:10] bad. And I was very upset just looking

[1:58:15] at it. Didn't take more than once to see

[1:58:16] it. Um, but there's a process in these

[1:58:19] things. I assure you that process is on

[1:58:22] underway. There's a police department is

[1:58:24] investigating. That means it's a

[1:58:26] criminal investigation against the

[1:58:27] doers, not those the business owners.

[1:58:30] They didn't throw the guy out. So the

[1:58:32] people who were responsible for injuring

[1:58:34] that young man, those people are being

[1:58:36] investigated. And I think it's

[1:58:37] inappropriate and moving too fast to

[1:58:39] start calling for suspension of business

[1:58:41] licenses and all that such. Let the

[1:58:43] police do their job. See what the

[1:58:45] results of the investigation are. Then

[1:58:48] you if you want, look, I I think there's

[1:58:50] a requirement when they have security to

[1:58:52] be certified security. I don't know. But

[1:58:53] maybe that's a question that could be

[1:58:55] asked. But too often, and I'm guilty of

[1:58:58] it, too.

[1:59:00] uh something happens and we um get

[1:59:04] really emotionally invested in it before

[1:59:07] we have all the information. What I've

[1:59:08] tried to do myself is wait at least at

[1:59:11] least 72 hours to see if more

[1:59:14] information is forthcoming. Right? So

[1:59:16] let's not I mean it's a terrible thing

[1:59:18] and something's got to be done and I

[1:59:20] have great confidence in our police

[1:59:21] department that they will investigate

[1:59:23] and something will be done

[1:59:26] appropriately.

[1:59:28] Um,

[1:59:31] okay. So, uh, Alderman Florian

[1:59:34] mentioned, um, recycling in our

[1:59:37] environmental meeting. Thank you,

[1:59:38] Alderman Florian, because that's I like

[1:59:40] that, right? But what I want to talk

[1:59:42] about as a reminder to folk, we are we

[1:59:45] do have a residential recycling program

[1:59:47] in our homes and LRS if you're putting

[1:59:50] your garbage into the recycling bin. LRS

[1:59:54] will come pick it up and they'll throw

[1:59:55] it in the truck. But they have cameras

[1:59:56] and they're tracking that stuff. And if you do that four times, they are

[2:00:02] going to pull your recycle. You won't

[2:00:04] have a recycling bin. You'll only have a

[2:00:06] garbage can. So reminder, garbage in the

[2:00:09] garbage and recycling in the recycling.

[2:00:12] The super cold weather. Again, I want to

[2:00:14] remind you to let the water faucet, a

[2:00:18] water faucet in the lowest part of your

[2:00:20] house drip. It doesn't have to be on,

[2:00:22] but let it drip just enough to keep the

[2:00:24] water flowing through your pipes.

[2:00:27] Because if you if the pipe bursts inside

[2:00:30] or outside, it's going to be a terrible

[2:00:32] thing. A couple of years ago, I had an

[2:00:34] elderly neighbor uh whose pipe burst at

[2:00:37] the spigot outside for the water hose,

[2:00:39] and the neighbor saw it, called me, I

[2:00:41] ran over there, and had to go. It was a

[2:00:44] mess, and it cost a lot of money. Did a

[2:00:47] lot of damage. All right. Uh there's a

[2:00:51] new Indian restaurant that opened in my

[2:00:54] ward up on Sunset. There had recently

[2:00:57] been a

[2:00:59] another Mexican restaurant. had pretty

[2:01:02] good food. They closed. Um, so now we

[2:01:05] got a Indian Indian restaurant which I

[2:01:08] didn't find out about until yesterday.

[2:01:11] And we also we have a number of

[2:01:13] businesses like in the six ward my last

[2:01:16] count uh was 73 active business licenses

[2:01:19] and I suspect there are more. So we got

[2:01:22] at least 73 business licenses and stuff

[2:01:24] is always opening.

[2:01:27] Um, we're going to we have an applicant

[2:01:29] to open up a vocational school on Glenn

[2:01:32] Flor. There's other empty spaces being

[2:01:35] made available for business growth, for

[2:01:38] development.

[2:01:40] And I've asked this numerous times now.

[2:01:44] Numerous times.

[2:01:46] And I'm talking to whoever is listening.

[2:01:49] I want to know before you come up for a

[2:01:53] business license. I would like to know

[2:01:54] who's applying for a business license in

[2:01:56] the ward. And I think everyone should be

[2:01:57] made aware of that. I don't find out

[2:02:00] here. Here's what happened with that

[2:02:02] vocational school. I get a call on

[2:02:07] Thursday night

[2:02:10] from a staff member. Hey, Alderman

[2:02:13] vocational school blah blah blah. Right.

[2:02:15] Okay. Whatever. Right. Then the next day

[2:02:19] I get another call. Okay. But then we're

[2:02:22] going to meet on then I walk in here I

[2:02:25] get I get another staff member comes up

[2:02:27] and telling me about this pitching this

[2:02:28] vocational school. How about I I should

[2:02:31] be you notified me like when they first

[2:02:34] applied. Hey, you know what? You should

[2:02:35] call the alderman and let him talk. You

[2:02:36] know, I mean I have a I have a a very

[2:02:39] indepth awareness of my board and what's

[2:02:43] going on. And I and I keep saying it,

[2:02:45] man. We got to do better. And and I'm

[2:02:47] and I I see all the alderman shaking

[2:02:49] their head because yeah, everybody

[2:02:50] agrees. We should know early on in the

[2:02:52] process. That should be one of the first

[2:02:54] steps in the process. Make the alderman

[2:02:56] aware. Meet the alderman can meet with

[2:02:59] the business owner, potential business

[2:03:01] owner. Give them some feedback. Well,

[2:03:03] that looks good. Okay, I like that, man.

[2:03:05] You know, or maybe, you know, give them

[2:03:06] some suggestions. All right, get the

[2:03:08] point. Please, let's take that for

[2:03:09] action.

[2:03:11] Uh new Indian restaurant. I will visit

[2:03:13] that soon.

[2:03:15] Uh, and then finally, I just want to

[2:03:18] thank everyone uh who came out to my

[2:03:20] ward meeting on Saturday. Had a great

[2:03:22] turnout, great food from Louis. I'm

[2:03:24] still eating that lasagna, man. It's

[2:03:26] good. Um,

[2:03:30] hey, you know what, Lynn? We pay for

[2:03:31] stuff that goes on in your ward, like

[2:03:33] when you get potholes fixed and stuff.

[2:03:35] Our taxes pay for that.

[2:03:36] >> Okay, guys. Okay, guys. Let's stay

[2:03:38] focused. Stay focused. Stay focused.

[2:03:41] >> All right. Anyway, well, we haven't had

[2:03:44] we haven't It's overdue.

[2:03:46] >> Okay. God, no. It's not not here. Not

[2:03:48] here.

[2:03:49] >> That's all I got, folks. Thank you all

[2:03:50] very much. Have a great night. Stay

[2:03:52] warm.

[2:03:53] >> Thank you, Alderman Turner. Alman

[2:03:54] Donworth.

[2:03:56] >> Thank you very much. Appreciate it. Um,

[2:03:58] again, I would um like to say thank the

[2:04:01] city workers that um I speak to almost

[2:04:04] every day for doing everything they do.

[2:04:06] And I know my residents uh generally

[2:04:09] appreciate it. They think they do a

[2:04:11] great job. The snow plowing was

[2:04:13] fantastic. Uh the alternate parking has

[2:04:16] been a little bit better because I check

[2:04:19] it every time I go out there before the

[2:04:20] snow plows go out and um and check it.

[2:04:24] And then they need to they need to move

[2:04:26] them more. And I did make make a couple

[2:04:29] stops at a couple houses that have a

[2:04:32] constant problem over in uh my area. And

[2:04:36] I did speak to a couple people and they were more than happy to say, "You

[2:04:40] know what? Yeah, we can put these cars

[2:04:42] in my driveway." I said, "Because if you

[2:04:44] put them in your driveway, then you

[2:04:45] don't have that big old snow pile out in

[2:04:47] front of your house where they went

[2:04:49] around your car." I said, "Just put them

[2:04:51] in your driveway, you know." And the one

[2:04:54] guy goes, "Well, you I have to put them

[2:04:55] on my lawn." I said, "Well, if you got

[2:04:56] to put it on your lawn for a little

[2:04:58] while, you know, to keep it off the

[2:05:00] street so the streets can stay clean." I

[2:05:03] said, I don't think anybody would would,

[2:05:05] you know, have any problem with that.

[2:05:07] And um the uh I had scheduled a ward

[2:05:11] meeting in March, but there's a problem

[2:05:14] with the date. So I well at next council

[2:05:17] meeting, I'll announce uh that date

[2:05:19] because I have to schedule all the

[2:05:21] people that I had scheduled up for this

[2:05:23] date uh and reschedu them. So, when I

[2:05:26] have that all set and ready to go and a

[2:05:29] location ready to go, the location

[2:05:30] should probably be Greenwood School

[2:05:34] on North Avenue and it's going to be uh

[2:05:38] middle of March.

[2:05:41] Um,

[2:05:49] excuse me. Oh, happy Black History

[2:05:52] Month. Uh,

[2:05:54] and with the iguana thing, I saw that

[2:05:58] too. That was that was not acceptable at

[2:06:01] all. That wasn't I was a police officer

[2:06:04] and as a police officer, we would never

[2:06:05] have done that. We would never have done

[2:06:08] that. And uh you have to take that up

[2:06:11] with the uh with the security company

[2:06:14] and and I think it's it it'll hopefully

[2:06:18] it'll work out fine. and and I hope and

[2:06:21] I pray for the the gentleman that got

[2:06:23] injured and it should have never

[2:06:25] happened. Um, thank you. That's it.

[2:06:29] >> Thank you, Alderman Donald, Alman

[2:06:31] Florian.

[2:06:31] >> Thank you, Deputy Deputy Clerk. Um,

[2:06:34] Alderman Turner, I I'd encourage you to

[2:06:36] attend planning and zoning. All the most

[2:06:39] of the business applications come

[2:06:40] through planning and zoning. I knew

[2:06:42] about the school and your board maybe

[2:06:45] before you did. and planning and zoning

[2:06:47] has started sending out an email to

[2:06:49] everyone and they highlight what ward

[2:06:52] the the items are. So, and even if it's

[2:06:55] not the eighth word, I still come anyway

[2:06:57] because I like to know what they talk

[2:06:59] about before it comes to us. But I'll

[2:07:01] try to remember to clue you in when

[2:07:03] there's something in the six word before

[2:07:05] it happens so you won't miss it next

[2:07:07] time.

[2:07:07] >> Okay.

[2:07:10] >> That's my point.

[2:07:11] >> Okay. Well, that I can't help you with,

[2:07:13] but good luck with that. Okay. So, um

[2:07:17] those I want to let everyone know I went

[2:07:20] to the schoolboard meeting recently

[2:07:22] because my neighbor who was honored here

[2:07:24] tonight received uh accolades from the

[2:07:26] school board um Nelson Campos um as

[2:07:30] principal of the year. Um he's not only

[2:07:32] an amazing principal, but he's an

[2:07:34] amazing neighbor. He has a wonderful

[2:07:36] family. He lives two doors from me. So,

[2:07:38] I was very excited to see him win this

[2:07:40] award. I think he's a perfect example of

[2:07:44] what immigrants bring to our our

[2:07:46] community, right, and our country. Um,

[2:07:50] and I'm I'm a little concerned because I

[2:07:53] remember in school when you'd have a

[2:07:55] really great teacher and then they would

[2:07:57] promote them to administration and you'd

[2:07:59] never see them again. And now everyone

[2:08:02] knows he's a great principal. So there's

[2:08:04] going to be people calling him, right,

[2:08:06] to try to take him out of Waggan. So,

[2:08:08] let's hope he decides to stay right here

[2:08:11] with us. Um, I want to address uh I

[2:08:16] think she's gone, but a woman uh talked

[2:08:18] about the ladies with the babies and the

[2:08:20] flowers on the corner out in the cold. I

[2:08:23] have been calling Sergeant uh Baker

[2:08:26] who's in charge of our community um uh

[2:08:30] what are they called? The the police.

[2:08:32] Yeah, community. The So, he is has

[2:08:36] approached them. He has talked to them.

[2:08:38] He has warned them. So if you see them

[2:08:41] out there, I don't get to see them every

[2:08:42] day because I'm working, but people will

[2:08:44] tell me they see them. But if you see

[2:08:45] them, call the non-emergency number. Ask

[2:08:48] for Sergeant Baker. He has told them if

[2:08:51] he catches them again. He is calling DC

[2:08:54] DCFS. So if you see them out there,

[2:08:56] report them. Let's get those kids safe

[2:09:00] because they were out there in the

[2:09:02] freezing cold. It was ridiculous. Um, I

[2:09:06] want to talk a little bit briefly about

[2:09:07] the downtown internet thing. I know

[2:09:09] Alderman Guzman was not happy with me

[2:09:11] that I overrode his holdover. I I try

[2:09:14] not to do that, but the the issues you

[2:09:17] had were not going to change in two

[2:09:19] weeks or four weeks. You were against

[2:09:20] it. That's fine. We don't always agree

[2:09:22] up here. We would not have a Chick-fil-A

[2:09:24] going in if I got my way, but as you

[2:09:27] see, it's going in because it got five

[2:09:29] votes. So, we're we're not always going

[2:09:31] to agree on everything up here. But I

[2:09:33] believe our community um not everyone

[2:09:36] has a phone. I know you kept saying

[2:09:38] everyone has a phone. Not everyone has a

[2:09:40] phone and you can't always do everything

[2:09:42] on your phone. Have you ever tried to

[2:09:43] fill out a job application or anything

[2:09:46] important like that on your phone? It's

[2:09:48] almost impossible. So you need a laptop.

[2:09:50] Well, and laptops don't always come with

[2:09:52] internet. So you need to be able to tap

[2:09:54] into some kind of internet. And this

[2:09:56] whole process began when COVID hit and

[2:09:59] kids were having trouble connecting to

[2:10:01] the internet to do school because they

[2:10:03] didn't have internet at home. Not only

[2:10:05] did they not have a phone, they didn't

[2:10:07] even have internet. So, um, while we

[2:10:10] disagreed on that, I I think it was

[2:10:12] important for us to vote on it and you

[2:10:13] were perfectly fine to vote no. And that is your your choice and I too will

[2:10:19] vote no when it's when I feel I need to.

[2:10:21] And to address your concern, Alderman

[2:10:23] Turner, about the surveillance, I I

[2:10:26] mean, I personally don't care if people

[2:10:28] follow me. I don't do anything too

[2:10:30] exciting except go to work and come

[2:10:31] here. But if people don't want to be

[2:10:34] surveiled, they don't have to use this

[2:10:36] the I mean, I don't believe they're

[2:10:38] going to be surveiled, but if they think

[2:10:39] they're going to be, don't use the free

[2:10:41] internet. It's an easy solution. If you

[2:10:43] don't if you don't like it, don't use

[2:10:44] it. It's perfect.

[2:10:51] ultimate ultimate turn.

[2:10:54] >> Thank you, mayor.

[2:10:55] >> He loves to do that to me.

[2:10:57] >> I know.

[2:10:58] >> Um

[2:11:01] >> so, um one one other thing I'd like to

[2:11:04] Well, a couple other things, but um

[2:11:06] recently Brandon Johnson, the mayor of

[2:11:08] Chicago, signed an ICE on notice

[2:11:10] executive order. Um I think we should

[2:11:13] consider something like that. Um, it

[2:11:15] directs the police department to

[2:11:17] document actions by federal immigration

[2:11:20] agents, both ICE and Border Patrol, and

[2:11:22] investigate potential misconduct or

[2:11:26] illegal activity, which then gets

[2:11:28] referred to the state's attorney. So,

[2:11:30] um, I encourage that to be something you

[2:11:32] consider, mayor, when you are talking

[2:11:34] about addressing these problems that are

[2:11:37] coming through, um, because I do believe

[2:11:39] they'll be back.

[2:11:41] Um,

[2:11:42] so,

[2:11:44] um, two more things. Red iguana,

[2:11:47] horrible. I concur with most of what was

[2:11:50] said up here. That should have never

[2:11:51] happened. It's awful. No human being

[2:11:55] deserves to be treated that way. I

[2:11:57] personally have advocated for us not to

[2:11:59] have nightclub type establishments in

[2:12:03] town. We seem to just not do those well.

[2:12:06] bad things seem to happen. Um, in those

[2:12:09] situations, it's hard to have enough

[2:12:12] security, enough oversight. I know

[2:12:14] someone was complaining because all the

[2:12:16] cops are at the casino, but mayor,

[2:12:17] correct me if I'm wrong, the casino pays

[2:12:20] for those police officers to be there at

[2:12:22] for security. Correct. It's not like our

[2:12:25] patrolmen are hanging out at the casino.

[2:12:28] >> That's overtime. So, it has nothing to

[2:12:30] do with our regular patrol officers.

[2:12:32] >> Yeah. doesn't change the amount of

[2:12:33] police officers available for the rest

[2:12:35] of the city. That's overtime hours that

[2:12:38] the casino pays for themselves. So, um,

[2:12:41] but it is it is very difficult to have

[2:12:45] enough coverage to cover everything and

[2:12:47] I I just think we need to rethink that

[2:12:50] whole process and my heart goes out to

[2:12:52] the Curry family because that was a

[2:12:54] horrible incident and should have never

[2:12:56] happened. Okay, last Tomic. We've had

[2:13:00] people come up to the podium recently

[2:13:02] talking about towing. In December, Mr.

[2:13:04] McLemore came up um talked about how

[2:13:07] towing has always been the mayor's perk.

[2:13:10] Um I looked up the definition of perk

[2:13:12] and it talked about happiness and other

[2:13:14] things, but then it said in slaying it's

[2:13:16] extra benefits or advantages, often

[2:13:19] jobreated. I'm assuming that's what he

[2:13:21] meant when he talked about it. Um I

[2:13:24] think we need to have some solutions for

[2:13:26] the towing issues here in Walkegan. I

[2:13:29] don't think our residents deserve to be

[2:13:31] taken advantage of in in um

[2:13:35] when misfortune strikes. Um we have

[2:13:39] people whose cars are might only worth

[2:13:41] $1,000 and then it gets impounded and

[2:13:43] kept for days and then it's costing them

[2:13:45] more than $1,000 to get their car out.

[2:13:48] Um I think the towing there's always

[2:13:50] been this thing that there's a contract

[2:13:52] in Walkegan. There is no contract. I

[2:13:54] think it's something You're welcome. I

[2:13:57] think it's something that should come

[2:13:59] through city council. We should we

[2:14:00] should say the most you can charge our

[2:14:03] community is this. If you want to do

[2:14:05] business in our town, this is the most

[2:14:07] you should charge. Alderman Lisa May

[2:14:10] advocated for this years ago when she

[2:14:12] sat in that seat. Um and I was out in

[2:14:14] the audience listening before I became

[2:14:16] an alderman and I think she's absolutely

[2:14:18] right. Um, we need to take the

[2:14:20] community's side on this and I think the

[2:14:23] alderman need to take control of this

[2:14:25] issue and say if you want to work in W

[2:14:28] Keaggan, this is what you charge our

[2:14:29] community and no more. Um, so that's all

[2:14:33] I have to say on that. Have a great

[2:14:35] night. Stay warm and motion to adjurnn.

[2:14:39] >> Oh, you want to adjourn on that?

[2:14:42] Alderman Florian. Motion by Alderman

[2:14:44] Florian. Second by Alderman Guzman to

[2:14:46] adjurnn. All those in favor?

[2:14:47] >> I. Motion passing carry.

2026-02-02 City of Waukegan Regular City Council Meeting

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