[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.