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2026-07-06 City of Waukegan Meetings
Published: Jul 6, 2026
City Council Approves Major Procurements Including Fire Department Equipment, Vehicles, Software, and Infrastructure Services
The council approved several procurement items. The Walkagan Fire Department received spending authority for personal protective equipment up to $100,000, funded by GL code 10025469. They also received spending authority for stair chairs (manual and powered) up to $25,607.96, funded by a 2025 OSFM Small Tools Grant (GL code 1002024489). The city authorized an agreement with Hay and Associates for engineering and construction services for the WKEN Dunes and Beach Access Project. Spending authority was approved for the Walkagan Fire Department to purchase a 2026 truck not to exceed $88,652, funded from the fixed asset replacement fund. The purchase of 15 Chevy Tahoe vehicles for the Police, Fire, and Building departments from Curry Motors through the state bid process was approved for an amount not to exceed $878,314.96. Public Works' one-year renewal with Cardigraph software (OpenGov) for asset management was approved for up to $183,541. The Water Plant Department was authorized to enter a design-build proposal and agreement for the rehabilitation of the Beachnut water storage tank, with contract details including sandblasting, painting, and updating equipment. The Police Department was directed to issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for licensed towing companies to evaluate their capabilities and services. Finally, the council approved vendor payments totaling $5,820,727.36 and ratified payrolls.
Council Approves Minutes, Honors Dr. Mary Ross Cunningham, Recognizes Police Chief's Retirement, and Addresses Resident Concerns
During the meeting, the City Council approved minutes from previous meetings, including regular and closed session minutes from June 15, 2026. They also approved the release and non-release of certain closed executive session minutes. A resolution was passed honoring the life and public service of Lake County Board Vice Chair Dr. Mary Ross Cunningham, detailing her extensive career and contributions to the community. The council also recognized the retirement of Police Chief Edgar Navaro after 27.5 years of service, acknowledging his contributions to public safety and community trust. Several aldermen expressed their condolences for the passing of Mayor Cunningham's mother, Dr. Mary Ross Cunningham, and shared personal reflections on her impact and legacy. Alderman Martinez announced a third ward small business meeting on July 23rd to foster neighborhood bonds and address homelessness. Concerns were raised by a resident regarding the enforcement of building codes by the building commissioner, suggesting three options: compel enforcement, hire a new commissioner, or update the website to reflect non-enforcement. Another resident criticized the "Rebuild Walkegan" program's implementation, citing prolonged road and sidewalk construction, lack of communication, and ongoing disruption. A resident also questioned the city's budget, highlighting concerns about fund transfers, reserve depletion, and the lack of a finalized audit report. The council addressed the 500ft buffer for food trucks, with the ordinance ultimately tabled for further discussion. A motion to postpone a vote on a temporary moratorium on certain liquor licenses was also made. The meeting included public comment sessions where residents raised issues ranging from water fluoridation and recycling to public safety concerns like vehicle takeovers and the impact of alcohol licenses. Alderman Turner provided updates on infrastructure projects and reminded residents about leash laws and block party applications. The meeting concluded with an executive session related to the purchase or lease of real property.
City Council Addresses Towing Services, Special Event Curfews, and Alcohol Regulations
The City Council discussed and took action on several public safety-related items. A motion was made to direct the Walkegan Police Department to issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for licensed towing companies. This RFQ process aims to evaluate towing abilities, availability, truck types, and lot locations, with legal aspects clarified that competitive bidding does not apply as no city funds are being spent. Concerns were raised about the proposed 15-mile storage yard radius being too far, potentially burdening residents, and the need for clarity on heavy-duty towing capabilities and subcontracting costs. There was also a suggestion to control costs by setting a ceiling for towing charges and to consider accommodating minority-owned towing companies. Additionally, the council discussed an ordinance establishing a special curfew for individuals under 18 during the Scoop Walkegan special events, with specific times outlined: 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. for those under 14, 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. for those aged 14-15, and 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. for those aged 16-17, when unaccompanied by a parent or guardian. Another ordinance permits alcoholic beverages and enacts additional regulations during Scoop Walkegan and special events, allowing licensed vendors to sell beverages in plastic cups within a designated festival zone, with wristbanding for those of age, at the police department's discretion. Lastly, a motion to postpone a vote on an ordinance establishing a 12-month moratorium on certain liquor licenses was made due to vagueness and community concerns.
City Council Approves Over $8 Million in Vendor Payments and Payroll, Authorizes Fire Department Spending and Senior Water Rebate Program
The City Council reviewed and approved vendor payments totaling $5,820,727.36 as of July 6, 2026. Additionally, regular payroll for June 26, 2026, amounting to $2,214,360.10, and miscellaneous payroll for the same date, totaling $194,150.91, were approved and ratified. The council also approved a resolution authorizing spending authority for the Walkegan Fire Department for personal protective equipment not to exceed $100,000, funded by GL code 10025469. Furthermore, a resolution was approved to reestablish the senior water rebate program, allowing applications from 2026 through 2030 for usage years 2025 through 2029, increasing the refund from 33% to 50% of the minimum bill and extending the application window to September and October. This program, originally approved in 2018, aims to assist fixed-income seniors impacted by the shift from quarterly to monthly billing. The program ran from 2019-2021, with 346 applications refunded $14,156.18 on average $40.91 per rebate. The resolution passed with a roll call vote. Finally, a resolution was approved for locker room renovations at Fire Station One not to exceed $38,680.62, funded from GL code 307130726365. The project includes demolition, painting, new lighting, HVAC, and drywall repair to update facilities dating back to 1983.
Council Approves Annexation, Considers Food Truck Regulations, and Addresses Electrical Codes and Liquor Licenses
The council considered an ordinance regarding the annexation of territory contiguous to the city at 12551 West Country Club Avenue, which was previously purchased by the Walkagan Park District and is adjacent to their other properties. The purpose of this annexation is to merge the parcel with their existing land. A related ordinance was also considered to grant the vacation of a portion of the Country Club Avenue right-of-way, as well as portions of North Avenue and Garrick Avenue rights-of-way, adjacent to the properties owned by the Walkagan Park District. The price for this vacation was set at $10, a nominal fee due to the applicant being another taxing body, with a waiver of the usual fee requested. The council also discussed an ordinance amending fees for mobile food vendors, proposing changes that would allow property owners to permit food trucks on their property if not within 500 feet of an existing brick-and-mortar food establishment. This amendment generated significant debate regarding its impact on existing businesses, enforcement capacity, and the fairness of competition. Concerns were raised about the 500-foot buffer, potential conflicts with existing restaurants, and the city's ability to enforce the ordinance. The discussion highlighted differing views on protecting existing businesses versus loosening restrictions for food trucks. Ultimately, the motion to table this ordinance for further discussion passed. Additionally, an ordinance was enacted to amend chapter 14, licenses and miscellaneous business regulations, specifically article XV1, concerning fees for mobile food vendors. A separate ordinance amending section of the city code was enacted to reinstate prohibition of type NM cable (Romex) consistent with surrounding communities and previous city practice, citing safety hazards associated with this type of cabling. Finally, the council considered an ordinance establishing a 12-month temporary moratorium on the issuance of certain liquor licenses, which was ultimately postponed for further discussion due to vagueness and community input.
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