Council and committees approve permits, conditional uses and service agreements; one committee item had a negative committee recommendation

Waukegan aldermen on March 3 approved a slate of routine land-use and administrative items including conditional-use permits, parking-permit agreements and professional services for an economic development plan. One item carried a negative recommendation out of committee but was approved by the full council.

Key approvals and votes - 3030 Washington Street (motor vehicle sales, B-3 General Commercial): The council granted a conditional-use permit after the applicant, Sergei Moknadko, confirmed he had read and agreed to 15 conditions established by Planning and Zoning. The committee approved the permit by roll call; the motion passed in committee and was ratified at council.

- 699 Lakehurst Road (indoor recreation/pickleball courts): The council approved a conditional-use permit for a recreation facility in the entertainment district. The applicant confirmed intended uses; the permit passed on a voice and roll-call vote.

- Parking permits for Joslyn Center (225 North County parking garage): The council approved an agreement to provide parking permits for the Joslyn Center at the 225 North County parking garage.

- Board of Trustees of College of Lake County (extension of conditional use at 100 West Madison): Council authorized a second extension of a conditional-use permit allowing the Board to operate an educational institution at that address.

- Amendment to purchase and sale agreement with Associated Bank (1 South Genesee): Council approved amendment No. 1 to the purchase and sale agreement; staff reported the city will reduce its purchase price and commit $75,000 for environmental remediation from TIF 8 funds.

- TIP Strategies professional services (economic development strategic plan): Council approved a professional-services agreement not to exceed $200,000. Council and staff said the money comes from a one-time state grant and will fund a consultant-led strategic plan for citywide economic development.

- Northern Illinois Municipal Electric Collaborative participation: Council authorized the city to participate in a group-buying arrangement and gave the mayor authority to sign a contract with the lowest-cost electricity provider for up to 36 months.

- La Chuparosa (760 North Green Bay Road) alcohol license: The council approved a Class E restaurant liquor license for an applicant who identified as Daniel Andre, with the council amending the approval to make it contingent on the applicant applying for a Class E-1 license if outdoor seating will be used. The committee recommended conditional approval contingent on the applicant filing the required paperwork.

Committee negative recommendation that went to council At the Committee on Community Development, a professional services agreement with S.B. Friedman Development Advisors LLC for advisory services relating to Parking Lot B (131 North County Street) failed to pass the committee (negative recommendation). Committee members debated who should be the supervisory point person for the RFQ/RFP process; some members proposed the mayor’s chief of staff oversee the work while others said Planning and Zoning should retain direct oversight. The item proceeded to the full council with a negative committee recommendation but was approved by the council by roll call.

What council said about oversight and conditions Committee members pressed staff about who would oversee consultant work when multiple departments and possible election transitions could change staff. Chief of staff George Bridges told the committee he would work with departments but said he was not aware of a proposed ordinance change naming him as a point person. Council accepted the applicants’ confirmations that they understood zoning and licensing conditions when applicants spoke to the body.