The North Chicago City Council on Monday approved a range of routine and notable items including adoption of a new city logo, ordinances and resolutions, and authorization to proceed with surplus property disposals via auction.

The council voted to adopt a new city logo and tagline, selected after more than a year of community input. The branding was presented by an outside consultant and approved by council vote; the motion passed with a majority and one recorded “no.”

Other recorded approvals included an ordinance to waive first reading and authorize execution of an IEPA form letter of credit and trust agreement related to Sheridan Crossing environmental remediation, a resolution setting Halloween trick‑or‑treat hours, and a contract to hire an administrative assistant in the Economic and Community Development Department.

Council members also authorized payment of city bills and directed staff to declare four city‑owned properties surplus and prepare them for auction. One item — an honorary street designation for Pastor Ernest Jean Smith Drive — was tabled for further review.

Votes at a glance

- Omnibus agenda (items 5‑1 through 5‑5): Passed. Motion to approve moved by Alderman Allen; second by Alderman Evans; roll call led to motion carried.

- Ordinance (7‑2) — Waive first reading and approve ordinance authorizing the mayor and city clerk to execute IEPA form letter of credit and trust agreement for Sheridan Crossing environmental remediation: Moved by Alderman Abbott; second by Alderman Allen. Vote: Aye — Aldermen Evans, Allen, Ray, Murphy, Brooks, Jackson; Abstain — Alderman Coleman. Outcome: Approved.

- Resolution (7‑3) — Halloween trick‑or‑treat hours (set for Oct. 26, 3 p.m.–5 p.m.): Moved by Alderman Evans; second by Alderman Jackson. Vote: Unanimous aye on roll call. Outcome: Approved.

- Contract (7‑4) — Waive first reading and approve gov HR/MGT contract for an administrative assistant in the Economic and Community Development Department at $43.50 per hour: Moved by Alderman Evans; second by Alderman Murphy. Vote: Aye — Aldermen Ray, Murphy, Brooks, Jackson, Evans, Allen; Abstain — Alderman Coleman. Outcome: Approved.

- Honorary street designation (7‑5) — Pastor Ernest Jean Smith Drive: Motion to table made by Alderman Evans and seconded; council voted to table and to revisit sign criteria and ordinance language in committee.

- Approval of new North Chicago city logo: Motion to accept the logo passed after council discussion; roll call returned one recorded “no” and the motion carried.

- City bills (7‑6) — Approve city bills for inspection invoices totaling $1,542,475.59 (pay when funds available): Motion moved by Alderman Allen; seconded; roll call passed. Outcome: Approved.

- Surplus property declaration / auction authorization: Council reviewed staff recommendation to declare four parcels surplus (712 Broadway Ave.; 2238 Hervey Ave. — two adjacent parcels; 1700 Morrow Ave.; 822 13th Ave.) and to dispose via public auction with advertised solicitation; staff will bring bid openings to a future council meeting. Outcome: Authorized to proceed with public auction process (details and minimum bid levels to be set by staff/council discussion).

Several items moved with standard motions and roll‑call votes; where abstentions were recorded they are noted above. Several items (including the Sheridan Crossing ordinance and the administrative assistant contract) included waivers of first reading.

The council also heard public comment and presentations earlier in the meeting (see separate article on the water storage tank public hearing).