North Chicago council approves IGA to fund Lewis Avenue detention basin project

North Chicago City Council on Feb. 17 approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Lake County SMC to advance phases 1 and 2 of the Lewis Avenue Detention Basin project.

The agreement, moved by Alderman Evans and seconded by Alderman Allen, was approved after debate over whether to delay action for final attorney review. City staff said the IGA will be finalized by the city attorney before it is signed.

Council members and staff described the project as flood mitigation for areas including parts of the third and fifth wards. A city staff member said the funding includes $2,750,000 for the detention basin and $2,750,000 to upsize upstream and downstream storm sewers, for a combined total of $5,500,000. “The longer we wait to get this approved and out there, the longer it is till we can get it out to bid,” the staff member said, arguing timing could affect bid competitiveness.

Alderman Smith pressed for guaranteed language to ensure minority contractors can participate. A city attorney and staff members said the procurement language includes standard requirements to solicit minority- and women-owned subcontractors and that contractors must document outreach; the attorney said the city requires contractors to present a record of recruitment and why minority subcontracting targets were or were not met, but the city cannot force firms to submit bids.

Council debate included a motion by Alderman January to table the matter to the next meeting and arguments that a two-week delay might not change funding availability but could affect bid timing. After the discussion the council voted to approve the original motion to adopt the IGA.

Votes at a glance — - IGA with Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and Lake County SMC for Lewis Avenue Detention Basin phases 1 and 2: Moved by Alderman Evans; second Alderman Allen. Vote: Smith — Aye; Murphy — Aye; January — No; Jackson — Aye; Coleman — No; Evans — Aye; Allen — Aye. Tally: 5 yes, 2 no. Outcome: approved. Staff said the agreement will be finalized by the city attorney prior to signature. - City bills (see separate vote): the council approved payment of city bills in the amount of $446,505.52 when funds are available. Vote details listed separately in the meeting record.

Council members asked staff to ensure the final contract language documents minority outreach and to provide the final IGA text to aldermen before any signature. City staff also advised that earlier approval may allow the project to be advertised for bid before spring price increases are likely.

Alderman Evans and other aldermen said the project will be publicly bid and that staff will include maps and ward impacts when the final agreement and procurement documents are circulated to council.