HomeMy WebLinkAbout1979 Committee of the Whole Minutes COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
January 3, 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by City Manager Leo Nelson
on Wednesday, January 3, 1979 at 7:05 p.m. , in the Council Conference Room of
City Hall. Members Present: Councilmen Barnes, Gilliam, Hill, Kirkland, Nelson,
West and Mayor Verbic. Absent: None.
Also present were: City Clerk, Marie Yearman, and members of the staff.
Proposed Funding for Varsity Drive between Routes 19 and 20
The Council reviewed a memorandum from Gary Miller, Supervisor of Engineering,
wherein he anticipated a bridge cost with the following:
Low Bid $ 69,336.00
Pilings 30,000.00
Bridge Total $ 99,336.00
High Bid $ 85,926.60
Pilings 30 000.00
Bridge Total $115,926.60
The developers have indicated the cost of improving the intersection according to
IDOT standards would amount to approximately $50,500, the City estimates this
intersection improvement to cost $73, 000. Mr, Miller also pointed out that(1116*- traffic signals and full intersection improvements, similar to Larkin/McLean,
this may cost $232,000 at a later date.
Mayor Verbic stated that he had talked with Mr. Ziejewski at IDOT and he stated
there were no funds available for this project.
Councilman Hill stated that the Council had made a commitment for the bridge only
and had a limit on the cost of between $99,000 and $115,000, there was no commit-
ment made to participate in the cost of the intersection.
Councilman Barnes stated he went along with Councilman Hill's comments and was
bothered by the additional $232,000 for signalization and intersection improve-
ments.
Bob Schroeder stated that originally the City said they would limit the bridge
costs to $150,000 and the figures being submitted were fair considering the sales
tax that would be generated. Mr. Schroeder further stated that if the intersection
improvement cost is put entirely on Mr. Small it would knock it out of the ballpark.
Mr. Schroeder further stated that Paul Lawrence had also expressed a desire to have
this road go through to help eliminate the traffic conjestion on Maroon Drive.
Councilman Hill stated he did not understand why the costs would be solely attri-
buted to Bob Small, when Horace, Whalen and others were involved in the project.
Mr. Schroeder stated that the costs are spread out to me and others but the main
- mip thrust comes to Small.
January 3, 1979
Councilman Barnes stated he had a problem going beyond the cost of the bridge
and did not feel we should be responsible because we will not get that much
benefit.
Councilman West stated he had difficulty with the project, particularly to the
point where we are improving the marketability of private property, however,
Councilman West stressed the importance of keeping the dealers in Elgin for
sales tax purposes.
Councilman Hill stated that the City should not be lured into getting into the
intersection improvements in these developments.
Mayor Verbic pointed out the hours spent with Valley Creek and that Parkwood
could ask for something too. Mayor Verbic also felt there would still be a
need to improve Willard Avenue.
Councilmen Barnes, Gilliam, Hill, Kirkland and Mayor Verbic felt the City's
participation should be limited to the bridge. Councilwoman Nelson stated
she would like to help with the intersection.
Proposed Ordinance Relative to Leaf Burning
Councilmen Barnes, Gilliam, Hill, Kirkland and Mayor Verbic asked that a sample
ordinance be drawn for discussion next week.
Proposal to Increase the Legal Drinking Age to 21
The Council reviewed a memorandum for Chief Baird which recommended changing the
drinking age to 21.
Chief Baird pointed out that out of 94 persons charged with DWI from October 1977
to November 11, 1974, 12.7% were 18, 19 and 20 year old individuals. Chief Baird
further stated that the 19 and 20 year olds are buying liquor for persons even
younger and if the drinking age was limited to 21, the liquor might only reach
the 19 and 20 year olds.
Mayor Verbic stated that after talking to Paul Lawrence, Superintendent of U-46
he was advised that students with liquor at school events are a problem because
older persons purchase the liquor for them.
The Council reviewed a mini survey by some fifty patrol officers and Watch
Supervisors which recommended raising the drinking age to 21.
Chief Baird pointed out that a number of communities in the Chicagoland area have
raised the drinking age and if Elgin does not it could become a drinking island.
Chief Baird further stated there is a State House Bill to make 21 a state manda-
tory and if we do it on a local level it would help in the state level.
Michael Vick of the Traffic School of Behavioral Change stated that 19 and 20 year
olds are not social drinkers and it takes less alcohol to make a younger person a
dangerous driver because they do not have the tolerance that a 23 and 24 year old
has.
Councilman Hill stated he thought raising the drinking age would not stop the
younger group from getting liquor at home and he was more concerned about young
people getting into accidents when driving to places where the drinking age is
lower.
January 3, 1979
Mayor Verbic exhibited a petition signed by 9 Elgin liquor license holders who
favored a higher drinking age.
Jim Frazier, owner of the Kimball Street Bridge Club stated he thought more of
the liquor licensees should be contacted for their input. Mr. Frazier also
felt that changing the drinking age would drive the youth to Dundee and other
nearby areas that do not have the home rule power to change the drinking age.
Mr. Frazier stated that home rule powers are something to be exercised with
a great deal of care.
Mr. Vick stated he was very much for raising the age to 21 because it would
cut down the motor vehicle problems.
Mayor Verbic stated that after talking with the State's Attorney he was advised
8 out of 12 speeding homicides are associated with 18 and 19 year old DWI's and
he was in favor of raising the age to 21.
Councilwoman Nelson stated she had lived through prohibition and that was not a
good law, our children are sent off to college at 19 and 20 and they are responsible.
Councilman Kirkland felt raising the age would not solve the problem because every-
thing you read says the drinking by young people is a family problem. Councilman
Kirkland also stated that 18 and 19 year olds are responsible enough to vote and
go to war.
Councilman Hill stated it was not right to sit back and vote away somebody else's
rights.
Councilman West stated some good points were made about rights up to a point.
However their rights cease when they infringe on mine by hurtling their car
down on my family or yours.
Councilman Barnes, Gilliam, Hill, Kirkland and Nelson voted to keep the drinking
age as it is. Councilman West and Mayor Verbic voted to change the drinking age
to 21.
Misc. Discussion
RTA Holding Yard
Mayor Verbic stated that he and Leo Nelson had met with Lewis W. Hill, RTA Chair-
man, for several hours and it appeared that Mr. Hill had come to the meeting with an
open mind.
Mayor Verbic stated Mr. Hill also felt that the downtown area is a poor location
for a yard where trains are stored. Mr. Hill asked the Mayor to approach the Kane
County Council of Mayors relative to the possibility of using some of the 1.1
million excessive gas tax funds to cover the increased operating expenses in
locating the yard west of Elgin.
Mayor Verbic also stated there was a possibility of relocating the yard south of
Route 20 on the west side.
Mr. Nelson stated that Mr. Hill seemed very sincere and was by background a planner
instead of only dealing in transportation.
January 4, 1979
Ed Kelly of the Association of Commerce stated this was a real opportunity to
come to grips with a problem that has bothered us.
The Council approved the Mayor writing a letter to the Kane County Council of
Mayors and Councilman Barnes asked that the Planning Department come up with
other possible sites and suggestions for the present holding yards.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee of the Whole, the
meeting was adjourned at 9:00 P.M.
Marie Yeoman', City Clerk
C
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
January 10, 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by City Manager Leo Nelson
on Wednesday, January 10, 1979 at 7:05 p.m. , in the Council Conference Room of
City Hall. Members Present: Councilmen Barnes, Gilliam, Hill, Kirkland, Nelson,
West and Mayor Verbic. Absent: None.
Also present were: City Clerk, Marie Yeannan, and members of staff.
Status Report and a Request for Additional Funds for the North End Bridge Project
The Council reviewed a status report submitted by H. W. Lochner, Inc. , under date
of December 8, 1978. Said report outlined completion of the following phases
since the engineering agreement was signed in December, 1975:
Initial studies connecting Wing and Summit.
Changing west-side connection from Wing Street to Big Timber Road.
Engineering, planning, socio-economic and environmental studies. Also coordina-
tion with several local, state, federal and private agencies.
Preparing the advanced draft engineering and environmental reports.
IDOT and FHWA review of reports.
Assessment of the State and Federal comments.
Review of the project with the City and County staff; with the IDOT Bi-Monthly
Review Committee; and with the Elgin-Aurora Council of Mayors.
In conclusion the Council was advised the cost of the initial planning stage
will go from $265,000 to $337,333, or an additional $72,333.
Mr. Nelson stated that before the project could proceed this additional money
would have to be approved.
Councilman Barnes asked where the project was time-wise.
Mr. Nelson stated that by mid 1979 they would be ready for a public hearing.
The Council requested that an amendment to the original agreement be prepared,
approving the additional cost.
R_ge uest from Baxter & Woodman, Design Engineers, for the West Side Water Treat-
ment Plant, for a Release of Claim
Ron Zegers advised the Council that the modifications to be installed at the west
side plant had been completed and he was satisfied that there were sufficient tests
run indicating a treatment capacity of eight million gallons per day. Mr. Zegers
recommended that the City execute a release of claim to Baxter F Woodman. The
Council gave their authorization for same.
January 10, 1979
Proposed Ordinance Relative to Leaf Burning
Leo Nelson advised the Council that through a discussion with Steve Sargent,
Executive Director of the Illinois Municipal League, he was advised the State
Pollution Control Board was going to take steps to ban burning of leaves. The
Board would have to go through a hearing process and Mr. Sargent stated it
would take at least a year before anything could be done. Mr. Nelson asked
if the Council wanted to proceed with the proposed ordinance in view of this
information. Councilmen Gilliam and Hill indicated they wished to proceed.
Councilman Hill felt the City was taking this action as an economical measure
to curtail service as a means to reduce costs to the taxpayers.
Mayor Verbic felt the present system left a lot to be desired and although he
had not read any medical reports, he felt it was wise to go ahead.
Councilman Barnes stated he had read some material supplied by Fred Carlson,
but did not find conclusive proof to tie in lung diseases to leaf burning.
Although leaf burning does produce chemicals that do cause problems, it is
in small amounts compared to that of manufacturing plants.
Councilman Barnes stated he could live with leaf burning but the City might
also want to consider monitoring the air quality from time to time.
Councilman Hill passed out a memorandum in which he suggested some amendments
to the proposed ordinance: (1) Burning be permitted during the months of
October, November and April on private property; (2) No fire for the purpose
of burning leaves shall be initiated before 7:30 A.M. or after 3:00 P.M. , and
must be extinguished prior to 6:00 P.M. ; (3) No leaf fire shall be left un-
attended; and (4) No leaf fire shall be permitted on public property includ-
ing city parkways, sidewalks, driveway approaches or in the streets.
Councilman West asked what would happen if the City Park's Department wanted to
burn leaves. Councilman Hill stated the Council could empower the City to do
this.
Councilmen Barnes, Gilliam, Hill, Kirkland and Mayor Verbic agreed to proceed
with an ordinance providing for leaf burning.
Misc. Discussion
Use of Wing Street School as Apartment Dwelling
Mr. Nelson asked the Council to recall the suggestion of Mathew Fox, of Burnham
Mill Developers, that the Wing School building be converted into a low income
apartment building. W. Nelson stated that the City had been advised there is
approximately 4.6 million in untapped federal housing and community development
funds which may be available to finance this project.
Roger Dahlstrom stated that the Burnham Development Company is definitely interested
in this project and have asked the City to apply for the funds in conjunction with
them. Mr. Dahlstrom stated the Wing Street School project would fit ideally within
the Fill) criteria for this grant and it would take a derelict structure for use as an
apartment building. Mr. Dahlstrom stated he had seen the plans for the building and
they looked good and it would improve the neighborhood.
January 10, 1979
Burnham would purchase the building for approximately $200,00 and we would
only assist them in obtaining $611,000 for rehabilitation funds.
Councilman West asked if any city funds would be involved and Mr. Nelson stated
no. Councilman West asked how many units would be involved. Mr. Dahlstrom
stated there would be between 24 and 30 units.
Mayor Verbic asked if the City could use these funds to rehabilitate 20 or 30
of the other older homes in Elgin as opposed to delegating the funds for one
structure.
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that Burnham would not be interested in participating in
a project to rehabilitate older homes since it concentrates on developing
multi-family structures. Mr. Dahlstrom also pointed out that Burnham has a
good track record with HUD.
Mr. Nelson pointed out that if the Council was interested in proceeding with
this project, it would be necessary to conduct a public hearing prior to
January 22nd.
The Council agreed to hold a public hearing on Wednesday, January 17, 1979 at
8:00 P.M.
Meeting adjourned for Council Meeting at 8:00 P.M.
Meeting readjourned at 8:35 P.M.
Snow Removal
Leo Nelson stated that the City had obtained approval from the owner of the
Elgin Watch Factory property to dump snow there. Mr. Nelson stated this would
save in hauling.
Mr. Nelson also pointed out that the story contained in the letter to the editor,
stating the City had an ordinance which enforced residents to clean their sidewalks
was not true.
Counsel Jentsch stated that the courts have held that you cannot have such an
ordinance without involving litigation, wherein a resident could be sued for
negligently plowing his sidewalk.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee of the Whole, the
meeting was adjourned at 8:50 P.M.
Marie Yearman, City Clerk
r
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Committee of the Whole Meeting
January 23 , 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by Assistant
City Manager Bob Malm, on Tuesday , January 23 , 1979 at 7 : 35 P.M. ,
in the Council Conference Room of City Hall . Members present
Councilmen Barnes , Gilliam, Hill , Kirkland, Nelson , West and Mayor
Verbic.
Also present : Marie Yearman , City Clerk; Erwin Jentsch, Corporation
Counsel and members of staff .
Proposed ordinance establishing certain parking provisions for
on-street parking .
The Council reviewed a proposed ordinance that would provide for
emergency parking as follows : motor vehicles will be parked on
the even numbered side of the street on even numbered days and
on the odd numbered side of the street on odd numbered days,
commencing at 8: 00 A.M. , each day. A $ 10.00 ticket will be issued
and a charge made of $ 15 . 00 for towing during the day and $20.00
at night.
Mayor Verbic thought that the $ 15.00 charge was minimal and the
effectiveness might be stimulated if the charge was higher.
Councilman West thought the charge was high enough and stated
that this was just an emergency measure to educate not to make
people mad. Councilman West further stated he would like to see
a permanent ordinance of this kind because it would help to keep
the streets cleaner all year round.
Counsel Jentsch stated he had talked with the City Manager and
he would prepare a suggested permanent ordinance after we see
what happens with this ordinance.
Mayor Verbic stated he had received calls from people who think
the charge should be higher so it will be significant enough for
people to pay attention.
Councilman Barnes stated that just having the car towed would
make him mad .
The Council approved having this ordinance placed on the Council
Agenda.
Proposed resolution authorizing supplemental agreement to the
agreement with H. W. Lochner , Inc. , for the North End Bridge Project
The Council approved placing the above-mentioned resolution on the
Council Agenda for formal action.
• . .
Committee of the Whole Meeting
January 23 , 1979
elk Page 2
Proposed purchase of radio equipment from Motorola, Inc.
The Council approved the purchase of the 1979 radio equipment
from Motorola, Inc. , for a negotiated amount of $ 18, 518. 94.
Memorandum from the Lung Association of North Central Illinois
The Council reviewed the above-mentioned memorandum in connection
with the City ' s proposed leaf burning ordinance.
Letter from R. R. Donnelly & Sons opposing proposed parking
restriction on Davis Road.
The Council reviewed a letter from R. R. Donnelly & Sons objecting
to the proposed restriction of parking on both sides of Davis
Road.
Discussion relative to the City ' s snow removal .
Mel Dahl , Director of Public Works , advised the Council that
everyone is receiving complaints about the snow removal . Mr.
Dahl pointed out that we had 15 inches of snow on the ground
before Christmas and another 21 inches on New Year ' s Day. Then
we had below 200 degree temperatures and it was impossible to
move anything. The City contracted for 5 road graders to be used
along with the City ' s two graders but there was just no way to
keep up with this amount of snow fall .
Mr . Dahl further stated that some of the snow removal workers
were pelted with bricks and bottles and he did not know how
much abuse private contractors would take .
Mr. Malm stated the grant time for federal aid ended tonight and
the crews were out trying to clear as much as possible to qualify
for the funds .
Mayor Verbic stated he wished to congratulate the men for the job
they had done and felt that the people who are complaining are not
obvious to the problem.
Councilman Hill stated that people are frustrated but the vast
majority of people feel we are doing well .
Councilman West stated he agreed with this but since this is the
third hard winter we may want to reassess our snow removal program
in the future.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee of the
Whole, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 P.M.
Marie Yearman, City Clerk
January 10, 1979
Burnham would purchase the building for approximately $200,00 and we would
only assist them in obtaining $611,000 for rehabilitation funds.
Councilman West asked if any city funds would be involved and Mr. Nelson stated
no. Councilman West asked how many units would be involved. Mr. Dahlstrom
stated there would be between 24 and 30 units.
Mayor Verbic asked if the City could use these funds to rehabilitate 20 or 30
of the other older homes in Elgin as opposed to delegating the funds for one
structure.
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that Burnham would not be interested in participating in
a project to rehabilitate older homes since it concentrates on developing
multi-family structures. Mr. Dahlstrom also pointed out that Burnham has a
good track record with HUD.
Mr. Nelson pointed out that if the Council was interested in proceeding with
this project, it would be necessary to conduct a public hearing prior to
January 22nd.
The Council agreed to hold a public hearing on Wednesday, January 17, 1979 at
8:00 P.M.
Meeting adjourned for Council Meeting at 8:00 P.M.
Meeting readjourned at 8:35 P.M.
Snow Removal
Leo Nelson stated that the City had obtained approval from the owner of the
Elgin Watch Factory property to dump snow there. Mr. Nelson stated this would
save in hauling.
Mr. Nelson also pointed out that the story contained in the letter to the editor,
stating the City had an ordinance which enforced residents to clean their sidewalks
was not true.
Counsel Jentsch stated that the courts have held that you cannot have such an
ordinance without involving litigation, wherein a resident could be sued for
negligently plowing his sidewalk.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee of the Whole, the
meeting was adjourned at 8:50 P.M.
Marie Yearman,•lCity Clerk
r
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
(Pk January 10, 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by City Manager Leo Nelson
on Wednesday, January 10, 1979 at 7:05 p.m. , in the Council Conference Room of
City Hall. Members Present: Councilmen Barnes, Gilliam, Hill, Kirkland, Nelson,
West and Mayor Verbic. Absent: None.
Also present were: City Clerk, Marie Yearman, and members of staff.
Status Report and a Request for Additional Funds for the North End Bridge Project
The Council reviewed a status report submitted by H. W. Lochner, Inc. , under date
of December 8, 1978. Said report outlined completion of the following phases
since the engineering agreement was signed in December, 1975:
Initial studies connecting Wing and Summit.
Changing west-side connection from Wing Street to Big Timber Road.
Engineering, planning, socio-economic and environmental studies. Also coordina-
tion with several local, state, federal and private agencies.
Preparing the advanced draft engineering and environmental reports.
IDOT and FHWA review of reports.
Assessment of the State and Federal comments.
Review of the project with the City and County staff; with the IDOT Bi-Monthly
Review Committee; and with the Elgin-Aurora Council of Mayors.
In conclusion the Council was advised the cost of the initial planning stage
will go from $265,000 to $337,333, or an additional $72,333.
Mr. Nelson stated that before the project could proceed this additional money
would have to be approved.
Councilman Barnes asked where the project was time-wise.
Mr. Nelson stated that by mid 1979 they would be ready for a public hearing.
The Council requested that an amendment to the original agreement be prepared,
approving the additional cost.
Request from Baxter & Woodman Design Engineers, for the West Side Water Treat-
ment Plante for a Release of :Claim
Ron Zegers advised the Council that the modifications to be installed at the west
side plant had been completed and he was satisfied that there were sufficient tests
run indicating a treatment capacity of eight million gallons per day. Mr. Zegers
recommended that the City execute a release of claim to Baxter F Woodman. The
Council gave their authorization for same.
January 10, 1979
Proposed Ordinance Relative to Leaf Burning
Leo Nelson advised the Council that through a discussion with Steve Sargent,
Executive Director of the Illinois Municipal League, he was advised the State
Pollution Control Board was going to take steps to ban burning of leaves. The
Board would have to go through a hearing process and Mr. Sargent stated it
would take at least a year before anything could be done. Mr. Nelson asked
if the Council wanted to proceed with the proposed ordinance in view of this
information. Councilmen Gilliam and Hill indicated they wished to proceed.
Councilman Hill felt the City was taking this action as an economical measure
to curtail service as a means to reduce costs to the taxpayers.
Mayor Verbic felt the present system left a lot to be desired and although he
had not read any medical reports, he felt it was wise to go ahead.
Councilman Barnes stated he had read some material supplied by Fred Carlson,
but did not find conclusive proof to tie in lung diseases to leaf burning.
Although leaf burning does produce chemicals that do cause problems, it is
in small amounts compared to that of manufacturing plants.
Councilman Barnes stated he could live with leaf burning but the City might
also want to consider monitoring the air quality from time to time.
Councilman Hill passed out a memorandum in which he suggested some amendments
to the proposed ordinance: (1) Burning be permitted during the months of
October, November and April on private property; (2) No fire for the purpose
of burning leaves shall be initiated before 7:30 A.M. or after 3:00 P.M. , and
must be extinguished prior to 6:00 P.M. ; (3) No leaf fire shall be left un-
attended; and (4) No leaf fire shall be permitted on public property includ-
ing city parkways, sidewalks, driveway approaches or in the streets.
Councilman West asked what would happen if the City Park's Department wanted to
burn leaves. Councilman Hill stated the Council could empower the City to do
this.
Councilmen Barnes, Gilliam, Hill, Kirkland and Mayor Verbic agreed to proceed
with an ordinance providing for leaf burning.
Misc. Discussion
Use of Wing Street School as Apartment Dwelling
Mr. Nelson asked the Council to recall the suggestion of Mathew Fox, of Burnham
Mill Developers, that the Wing School building be converted into a low income
apartment building. Mr. Nelson stated that the City had been advised there is
approximately 4.6 million in untapped federal housing and community development
funds which may be available to finance this project.
Roger Dahlstrom stated that the Burnham Development Company is definitely interested
in this project and have asked the City to apply for the funds in conjunction with
them. Mr. Dahlstrom stated the Wing Street School project would fit ideally within
the HUD criteria for this grant and it would take a derelict structure for use as an
apartment building. Mr. Dahlstrom stated he had seen the plans for the building and
they looked good and it would improve the neighborhood.
COM ITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
January 17, 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by City Manager Leo Nelson,
on Wednesday, January 17, 1979 at 7:15 p.m. , in the Council Conference Room of
City Hall. Members present: Councilmen Barnes, Gilliam, Hill, Kirkland, Nelson,
West and Mayor Verbic.
Also present: Marie Yearman, City Clerk; Erwin Jentsch, Corporation Counsel
and members of staff.
Proposal from Ralph H. Burke, Inc. to Develop Working Drawings and Contract
Documents for the Proposed Park at Clifford- Owasco
The Council reviewed a proposed agreement with Ralph H. Burke, Inc. for the
development of the Clifford- Owasco park.
Mr. Nelson pointed out that there is $20,000 in HDC funds available and if bids
based on construction drawings could be obtained most of the grading could be
done this spring.
Mayor Verbic asked why the Burke firm was approached as opposed to McFadzean
and Everly.
Phil Bennett stated that a lot of the top people at McFadzean and Everly had
left this firm and he felt we should try someone else. Mr. Bennett further
embk stated that the Burke firm was a close second when we were attempting to get
someone to do our Master Plan.
The Council agreed to proceed with an agreement with the Burke Company.
Pr osal to Reinstall 41 Ten-Hour Parking Meters on the East side of Wellington
Venue or of lAce Street
Mr. Nelson stated that these meters were removed sometime ago and put in the
Chicago and Spring Street lots.
Mr. Bolerjack stated this has a direct effect in the lot at Wellington and
Prairie because people will not park in this lot when they can park for free.
Mr. Bolerjack further stated that he does have the ten-hour meters in stock and
the posts are already in place.
Councilmen Gilliam, Kirkland, Nelson and West approved installing the meters.
Proposal to Prohibit Parking on the East Side of North Spring Street Between
Kimball and Cherry Streets
Mr. Nelson stated that this recommendation came from the Traffic Committee due
to safety reasons.
Fifty-five letters were sent to the residents in English and Spanish and there
were only two responses.
January 17, 1979
Councilmen Barnes, Nelson, West and Mayor Verbic approved the parking restriction,
and requested that letters be sent out advising the residents that would be on the
January 23rd Council Agenda.
Proposed Parking Restriction on Davis and Holmes Roads
Mr. Nelson pointed out that restrictions and covenants for this industrial park
prohibit parking on either side of Davis and Holmes Roads. During the construc-
tion of the Park contractors were allowed to use the streets for parking but now
that the Park is substantially completed, and some of the building owners have
constructed parking lots, a number of the industries situated there are asking
that the parking be removed.
The Council requested that a letter be sent to the Industrial Park Association
advising them this matter would be on the January 23rd Council Agenda.
Proposed Emergency Parking Regulations
The Council reviewed a proposed ordinance dealing with the hampering of snow
removal because of parked cars.
A majority of the Council felt that the language contained in No. 2 of said
ordinance would not be understood by the public. Item 2 read as follows:
"On streets that do not have common street addresses the west side of streets
running north and south and the north side of streets running east and west
shall be considered even-numbered addresses and the east side of streets
running north and south and the south side of streets running east and west
shall be considered as odd-numbered addresses."
Councilmen Gilliam and Hill suggested omitting number 2 and going ahead with
the rest of the ordinance.
Councilmen Barnes, Kirkland, West and Mayor Verbic suggested the ordinance be
rewritten so that the public would understand it.
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m. for a public
hearing.
The meeting was reconvened at 9:15 p.m.
Continued Discussion Relative to Conversion of Wing School into Low Income Rental
Units
Mayor Verbic asked Mr. Dahlstrom how many children were in this area. Mr. Dahlstrom
stated he did not know. Councilman West stated that a woman who spoke in the public
hearing indicated there were 25 children who waited for the bus on her corner.
Councilman Hill stated there was no way to retain the site as an open play area
unless the City wanted to buy the property.
Mr. Nelson stated that the contractors chances of succeeding are good and the City
would only be keeping an option open by filing a preapplication.
Councilman Hill pointed out that the developer could turn the property over to a
7-11 store or some other commercial use.
A.
January 17, 1979
Gregg Ziegler stated that people in the area are concerned about the garaging of
automobiles on the street and he was experiencing problems policing his lot now.
Mayor Verbic asked if Mr. Fox had previous knowledge that these funds were avail-
able.
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that he knew about other funds that were available back in
September.
Councilman Barnes stated that he agreed a park would be ideal, but we are talking
about an expenditure of over $300,000 that the City doesn't have. Councilman
Barnes further stated that maybe City control is better than having no control
over the contractor and that although it is a bad situation we should go along
with the application at this time.
Councilmen Gilliam, Kirkland and West also indicated the application should be
filed.
Mayor Verbic felt that an open area was the best use for the property and if the
City waited a year there might be come money available through HCD funds. The
Mayor did not feel the contractor would go ahead on his own.
Councilwoman Nelson stated she was not in favor of filing the application.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee of the Whole, the
meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
Marie Yearman, city Clerk
r
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
rik February 7, 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by City Manager Leo Nelson
on Wednesday, February 7, 1979 at 7:10 p.m. in the Council Conference Room of
City Hall. Members Present: Councilmen Barnes, Gilliam, Kirkland, Nelson, West
and Mayor Verbic. Absent: Councilman Hill.
Also present: Marie Yearman, City Clerk; Erwin Jentsch, Corporation Counsel;
and members of staff.
Recommendations from the Plannin: Committee Relative to thsproposed Uses for
oc rant unn• or isca 'ear • •
Mr. Nelson pointed out to the Council that the Planning Committees' recommenda-
tion did not include $50,000 for improvements to the intersection of Kimball
Street and Dundee Avenue and $50,000 to repave Kimball from Dundee to North
Grove Avenue.
Mayor Verbic felt these two projects should have been given the highest priorities.
In going through the Planning Committee's recommendations the majority of the
Council made the following allocations:
Code Enforcement and Inspection
The Planning Committee's allocation of $40,000 was reduced to $20,000 because
CETA funds would cover one of the two additional building inspectors to be hired.
Community Crisis Center
The Council approved the allocation of $25,000 to the Community Crisis Center.
Said sum to cover a new heating plant, insulation and siding.
Senior Citizens Center
The Planning Committee recommended the stun of $175,000 for the purchase and
repair of the Unitarian- Universalist Church of Elgin at 263 DuPage Street, on
the corner of Villa.
Roger Dahlstrom stated this facility is not limited to that particular structure,
although it does meet the floor space and general location and the staff feels
if this is to be a city project it should be carried out in a Neighborhood
Strategy Area.
Councilman Gilliam asked if the City would own the building.
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that was up to the City.
Jeanette Krupshaw,Executive Director of the Greater Elgin Senior Center, stated
they had looked at three other sites and this site seemed the most adequate
rik because of the nearness to the downtown area and the floor space.
Mayor Verbic stated he had two problems with the site being on a State route and
having no parking facilities.
February 7, 1979
Councilman Barnes asked if the staff had looked at the projected $100,000
acquisition and $25,000 rehabilitation costs because he felt leary because
of what happened to Old Main.
Mr. Dahlstrom stated the staff felt these figures were justifiable.
Mrs. Xrupshaw stated that if they held title to the building they could apply
for additional funding.
Mayor Verbic asked if once we allocate the money would we have any voice as to
location.
Mr. Dahlstrom stated the City could build in an agreement whereby they would
have approval of the site.
Mayor Verbic stated that because of the expense with Old Main and the fact that
this was a 100 year old building he was concerned about the funding.
Leo Nelson stated the Council needed to decide if they wanted to allocate the
$175,000 to this project.
Mayor Verbic and Councilwoman Nelson stated they were in favor of going ahead
with the project.
Councilman Barnes stated that this would be the first time we have expended
money to an agency and once we say we will spend the money for these types
of activities, other organizations will come in and we will have a hard time
saying no.
Councilwoman Nelson did not feel this was a special interest group and felt
we should be taking care of our own.
Councilman West stated he would not have any difficulty saying no to other
groups if they did not fall within the guidelines.
Councilman Gilliam stated this bothered him because he would feel an obligation
to other groups.
Councilmen Barnes, Kirkland, Nelson and West voted to approve this project.
637 Wing Street Parking Lot and Tot Lot Construction
Mr. Dahlstrom stated this project would provide an open space for the housing
project on Wing Street, space to park 10 - 12 cars and the back of the lot could
provide a Tot Lot. This would address a lot of needs and pressure at that
location.
The Council approved the allocation of $30,000 for this project.
Clifford- Frazier Park Development
Mr. Dahlstrom stated the property is presently an eyesore and this would be
developed in an intensive fashion for small children.
The Council approved the allocation of $70,000 for this project.
February 7, 1979
Gifford Park Development
eft. Mr. Dahlstrom stated that this site is less than two acres, is poorly landscaped
and does nothing for the neighborhood. The big items that are needed are light-
ing and playground equipment.
The Council approved the allocation of $70,000 for this project.
Sidewalk and Curb Replacement in Neighborhood Strategy Area
Councilman West asked if this would be a fully funded replacement or fifty-fifty.
Mr. Dahlstrom stated it could be done either way but it was the staff's under-
standing it was to be completed because of the low income residents in the area.
The project would only include those that are really in need.
The Council agreed to reduce the amount allocated from $60,000 to $25,000 for
this project.
State Street Storm Sewer
The Council approved the allocation of $24,000 for this project.
Opticom System
Mr. Dahlstrom stated this would allow safety vehicles to control intersection
traffic lights and these would be installed in the Neighborhood Strategy Area
only.
The Council approved the allocation of $50,000 for this project.
Tree Planti Removal and Service
in the iNei. or oo trategy Area
Mr. Dahlstrom pointed out that trees could only be planted and could not be
removed with this money.
Mr. Nelson stated that last year the City had difficulty in giving trees away
and this would be a good place to cut this thing down to size.
Mayor Verbic stated these funds could be used for the intersection improvement
funds.
The Council agreed to eliminate this allocation of $34,000.
Comprehensive Planning, $60,000; Administration, $50,000 and Contingencies,
$70,000 allocations were approved by the Council.
The following cutbacks are to be allocated to the Kimball and Dundee improvements
and the repaving of Kimball from Dundee to North Grove:
Tree Planting 34,000
One Inspector 20,000
Curbs and Gutters 35,000
89,000
February 7, 1979
Roger Dahlstrom is to seek the additional $11,000 funding needed for these
street improvements from other sources.
Councilman Kirkland pointed out that the funds allocated to the inspectors
salary, sidewalk and gutter replacement, State Street storm sewer, opticom
system and tree planting, would provide funds to change the Wing Street school
project into an open area. Councilman Kirkland stated they do not need
crowded apartments and they do need a park.
Mr. Dahlstrom stated the homes to the north could be torn down to provide
an open space and funds for same sought from something other than HCD funds.
Mr. Dahlstrom further stated that this was not a good location for a park
because of the traffic and the site was really not adjacent to any particular
neighborhood.
Mr. Nelson stated that perhaps the Council might like to think about this next
year after Burnham Development's option on the site has run out.
Mayor Verbic suggested that Mr. Dahlstrom call Mr. Fox at Burnham to see what he
has in mind and advise him of the City's interest in a park. Mayor Verbic
also noted that the children in the neighborhood certainly make use of the
grounds now.
Proposed Ordinance Regulating the Keeping of Dogs
Mr. Binninger stated that one section of the code provides for the keeping of
three dogs and another provides for two dogs. This has made it difficult to
enforce the City's ordinance.
The proposed ordinance provides that no person will be able to have more than
three dogs over four months of age, unless licensed as a pet shop.
Councilwoman Nelson thought two dogs were enough and a majority of the Council
approved the proposed ordinance.
Proposed Repairs to a Motor at the Slade Avenue Water Treatment Plant
The Council approved the repair of a 200 HP GE 4000 volt motor at a cost of
$2700.00.
Proposed Century Oaks West Sanitary Sewer Reimbursement
Gary Miller pointed out to the Council that an oversized sewer was installed by
the developer at the direction of the City and Sanitary District. The sewer
was also constructed deeper than would have been required to serve Century
Oaks West only, and the developer is entitled to recover the additional costs.
The Council approved the proposed ordinance.
Profram Devel.•ed b the Elfin Fire De•artment to I "rove Fire Prevention and
mp ogee a ety in our oca :usinesses an. n.ustries
Chief VanDeVoorde stated this program had been well received and 12 firms had
signed up, with an additional two applications on hand. Chief VanDeVoorde also
pointed out there was almost no cost for this program.
• ' .
February 7, 1979
Snow Removal
Mr. Nelson reviewed with the Council cost figures for snow removal and plowing
during December 1, 1978 - January 27, 1979.
Salt Purchases 40,194.70
Equipment Costs
City Owned Vehicles 80,128.75
Rented Vehicles 1,800.00
Salaries and Wages 101,125.56
Contracted Services 202,682.83
$425,931.84
The City will be receiving additional invoices and there is no figure yet on what
we will obtain from federal funds. An application for those funds will be on the
next Council Agenda and we should know by next Wednesday what the amount will be.
Councilman Kirkland asked that the staff look into the methods of snow removal
used by states north of us who generally have this type of weather and a report
made to the Council.
Mr. Nelson stated they were looking into this but the biggest obstacle here was
parked cars.
Mr. Nelson also stated that the Council must look at how they want to pay for the
snow removal. Do they want it all out of the contingency fund or deleting some
project from the budget.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee of the Whole, the
meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
M,a �
Marie Year, City Clerk
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Committee of the Whole Meeting
February 14, 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by
City Manager , Leo Nelson, on Wednesday, February 14 , 1979,
at 7 : 10 P.M. , in the Council Conference Room of City Hall .
Members present: Councilmen Barnes , Gilliam, Hill , Kirkland,
Nelson, West and Mayor Verbic. Absent: None.
Also present: City Clerk Yearman, Corporation Counsel Jentsch
and members of staff.
Request from an Elgin Arts and Cultural Council .
The Council reviewed a request from the Steering Committee to
form an Elgin Arts Council in which they ask that the City fund
the committee $ 100.00 which would match the $400. 00 they will
receive from the State.
Mr. Bennett stated this was a non for profit organization and
they would be eligible to receive federal funding and that in
conjunction with the activities the Hemmens Auditorium already
has , the Council will also encourage and support the auditorium
to become a community performing arts center.
Mayor Verbic felt the city should make this contribution because
he knew the City of Aurora is getting grant funding for this
type of program. The Mayor stated that we already have the
building and we should look for ways to use it .
The Council agreed to make the $ 100. 00 contribution.
A proposal to promote three shows at the Hemmens Auditorium
in October, November and December of 1979.
The Council reviewed the following program:
Richard Basehart as "Patton" - Fee $7, 000 (Two performances)
October 14, 1979 (Sunday
3 : 30 P.M. and 7 : 00 P.M.
$4.00 general admission - $5 . 00 reserved
Albuquerque Dance Theater Fee $2, 500 (one performance)
November 10, 1979 (Saturday)
8:00 P.M.
Ticket price undecided at this time
Kingston Trio Fee $7,000 ( two performances)
December 15 , 1979 (Saturday)
3 : 30 P.M. and 7 : 30 P.M.
$5.00 reserved $4.00 general admission
Phil Bennett stated they wanted to book fewer shows with higher
quality.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
February 14, 1979
Page 2
Don Smith stated he would like to tie in Mr. Basehart ' s
performance with the 10th anniversay of the Hemmens Building.
The Council approved the above mentioned programs .
Recommendation to reimburse the Big Timber Investment Company
for oversizing watermains in Unit #5 of Century Oaks West
Subdivision.
Mr. Nelson stated that payment should be held up because the
city was experiencing difficulty in getting as built drawings ,
which seemed to have a low priority with the developers .
Mayor Verbic stated that they should comply with the ordinances
and rules and suggested tabling this item. The Council
concurred with the Mayor.
Recommendation to repair a well at Lavoie Avenue
The Council was advised the Lavoie well went out of service in
September, 1978 and repair bids were let for repair in October.
Layne Western offered two alternative bids for repair (using
new pipe $28, 544.67 - using used pipe $20, 162.47) .
The staff recommended using the used pipe if it proved to be
acceptable after inspection.
The Council agreed to proceed with this repair using the lower
bid.
Recommendation to extend the deadline for purchasing city
vehicle stickers to February 28th.
The Council agreed to follow the State dealline and extend
the time to purchase vehicle stickers to February 28th.
Elgin Y & C Cab Company
The Council reviewed a letter from Francis E . McMullin, President
of the Elgin Y & C Cab Company in which he stated that if the
city wished a re-audit of the Cab Company, he would fully expect
it to be paid for by the City of Elgin.
Mayor Verbicsuggestedthat the staff find out who his auditor is
and the cost of said audit should not exceed $ 1 ,000.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee of
the Whole, the meeting was adjourned at 7 : 55 P.M.
Marie Year an, City Clerk
Committee of the Whole Meeting
February 21 , 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by
City Manager Leo Nelson on Wednesday, February 21 , 1980,
at 7 : 05 P.M. , in the Council Conference Room of City Hall .
Members present: Councilmen Barnes , Hill , Kirkland, Nelson and
West . Absent : Councilman Gilliam and Mayor Verbic.
Designation of a firm to develop the gravel extraction ,
reclamation and recreation plans for the Elgin Mental Health
Center property.
Bob Malm stated that the staff had several discussions with
Design Enterprise and Dunn Geoscience regarding consultant
services for the development of the EMHC property.
Design Enterprise has provided us with a lump sum proposal
which is $7 , 150 to $22, 550 less than their original submission.
This reduction was made possible by adjusting their scope of
services after a lengthy meeting with Phil Bennett and I . In
additional , a schedule of construction design fees has also
been furnished with the revised proposal .
The Dunn Geoscience revised proposal includes the cost of the
reclamation master plan as well as indicating that W. E . Coates
& Associates will be used to prepare the schematic and master
plans .
Mr. Malm recommended that Dunn Geoscience be retained based
on the following factors :
Dunn Geoscience is eminently qualified in the field of geology
and market analysis . The Dunn firm has a very strong staff
and has an excellent reputation among the aggregate producers .
Mr. Dunn is also a member of a National Academy of Sciences
panel which is involved in reclamation studies .
W. E . Coates is very sensitive to reclamation requirements
and the potential recreational possibilities involved in this
project. Mr. Coates will be directly involved in the design
work and during our meeting with him he presented examples of
several excellent reclamation plans that he had completed.
The Duun proposal offers significant savings from the one
submitted by Design Enterprise.
The Council approved the staff recommendation to award the
contract to Dunn Geoscience Corporation .
i
Committee of the Whole Meeting
February 21 , 1979
Page 2
Proposal to expand current parking limitations .
Jim Ayst advised the Council the main topic of discussion
by the committee on parking policies was the identification
of problem areas encountered during the recent snow command
operations . The proposals made at this meeting have been
categorized according to the extended parking limitations
and these limitations include :
Total removal of parking year round .
Limiting parking to one side of the street year round .
Removal of all parking from November through March .
Limiting parking to one side of the street from November
through March .
Establishing no parking zones from 2: 00 A.M. to 8 :00 A .M.
Additional snow routes
Mr. Nelson stated the city needed to develop this list
because we should not depend on ticketing to get the
cars off the street, and there seemed to be more success
by putting the no parking signs up.
Councilman Barnes stated the residents should be notified
by giving it to the newspaper media together with a map
and then advise the residents what night this will be
considered by the Council .
Mr. Nelson stated the information would be given to the
news media and an ordinance submitted to the Council for
their approval .
Parking proposal for Perry Street near St . Edward' s High School .
Mr . Nelson stated a petition was sent to the Mayor from residents
requesting that parking be prohibited on one side of Perry Street
from Locust to Standish . Mr. Nelson stated he predicted this
would happen when the ruling was passed on Elm Street .
Mr. Dahl stated he had received a few calls about the same
problem on Mosely, and this just might be the next one to come
up.
The Traffic Committee submitted three options for the Council ' s
consideration:
Leave the parking situation as is .
Prohibit parking on the west side of Perry St . from Locust
to Walnut at all times .
Prohibit parking on the west side of Perry St . from Locust
to Walnut during the snow months only .
Councilmen Barnes , Hill , Kirkland, Nelson and West stated they
preferred the second option and asked that this be placed on
the March 28th agenda and that letters be sent out to the
residents .
1
Committee of the Whole Meeting
February 21 , 1979
Page 3
Civic Center Parking Lot .
The Council reviewed the staff ' s recommendation of combining
the Civic Center Lot with the Police Employee Lot expansion.
One single plan sheet could be included with the Carl Walker
plans very easily . One set of specifications will cover both
projects . Quantities could be combined and the unit prices
would hopefully come in lower .
The Council approved the staff ' s recommendation .
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee
of the Whole, the meeting was adjourned at 8: 35 P.M.
Marie Yearman, City Clerk
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COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
February 28, 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by City Manager Leo
Nelson on Wednesday, February 28, 1979 at 7:05 p.m. , in the Council Conference
Room of City Hall. Members Present: Councilmen Barnes, Gilliam, Hill, Kirkland,
Nelson, West and Mayor Verbic. Absent: None.
Also present were: Nancy Johnson, Acting City Clerk; Erwin Jentsch, Corporation
Counsel and members of the staff.
A Letter from Ted Schnell on Behalf of St. Edwards High School Relative to the
Proposed Removal of Parking on Perry Street
Mr. Nelson brought to the attention of the City Council a letter from Ted
Schnell which stated in essence that St. Edwards High School had no knowledge
of a survey of area residents; he felt a decision had already been made to remove
parking on the west side of Perry Street; and that St. Edwards favored a com-
promise of making Elm and Perry Streets one way streets and allowing parking on
both sides of these streets. A memorandum from Cliff Pixler of the Traffic
Committee pointed out that a copy of the survey letter was hand-delivered to
Father O'Neill's office and that Gary Michaels and Michael Meyer of St. Edwards
High School were present at the Traffic Committee's February 15 meeting. A
letter was also sent to Father O'Neill notifying him that the matter would be
discussed on February 28 at the City Council Meeting.
A Request from the Elgin Board of Realtors to Assist with Their 6.2 Mile "Foot
Race" Scheduled for April 22, 1979 at 2:00 p.m.
Mr. Nelson pointed out that three organizations have requested the city's
assistance in their sponsoring of foot races. Councilman West favored the
city's support of these races, as they do generate revenue for the City.
Amendment to Ordinance Creating the Greater Downtown Elgin Commission
Mr. Nelson stated that the In-Downtown Elgin Association is presently without
an executive director because of changes within the organization. Because the
Greater Downtown Elgin Commission requires that one of its members be the
executive director of IDEA, they have asked the Council to amend the municipal
code to read: "one member shall be a representative of the In-Downtown Elgin
Association."
Memorandum Regarding the Personal Property Tax
A memorandum was prepared by Erwin Jentsch stating that the personal property
tax will continue in effect until the General Assembly enacts a replacement tax.
An appeal was heard by the Illinois Supreme Court on February 15 and a decision
is expected within a few weeks.
Proposed Neighborhood Housing Services Program
A memorandum was prepared by Don Wagner regarding the proposed Neighborhood Housing
Services Program. The program will assist declining neighborhoods in obtaining
February 28, 1979
funds, either through local lending institutions or the neighborhood housing
services program, for the rehabilitation of structures. The criteria for
selection of neighborhoods will be 50% or more home ownership with incomes
of approximately 80% of the city-wide median income and signs of deterioration.
Mayor Verbic asked what would happen to the rebate program. . Roger Dahlstrom
explained that the rebate program will remain in effect and be expanded city-
wide to anyone who meets the low income requirements of the program. The
rebate plan is extended to absentee owners while the neighborhood housing
services program is not.
Councilwoman Nelson asked if the city had inspectors available for this program.
Don Wagner stated that two inspectors were just hired through the CETA program and
will be ready by June.
Miscellaneous
Mr. Nelson gave the Council a letter from Tom Puklin regarding the rezoning of the
Lester Rath property. It was the concensus of the Council to send this petition
back to the Planning and Land Use Commission.
Mr. Nelson estimated that bids will be out in 1980 for the Highland Avenue and
Chicago Street transportation project.
Mel Dahl was in Springfield recently and stated the city is to get some money
for the repair of the grade crossings at Big Timber Road and North McLean
Boulevard.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee of the Whole, the
meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Nancy L. 4phnso cting City Clerk
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
March 7, 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by City Manager Leo Nelson
on Wednesday, March 7, 1979 at 7:05 p.m., in the Council Conference Room of City
Hall. Members Present: Councilmen Barnes, Gilliam, Hill, Kirkland, Nelson,
West and Mayor Verbic. Absent: None.
Also present were: Nancy Johnson, Acting City Clerk; Erwin W. Jentsch, Corpora-
tion Counsel and members of the staff.
Memorandum from Erwin Jentsch Reference Proposed Legislation in the General
Assembly
The Council reviewed the proposed legislation affecting municipalities.
Councilman West stated that he appreciated receiving these memorandums regard-
ing proposed legislation.
A Request from St. Edwards High School for a Liquor Permit
Mr. Nelson stated that St. Edwards is having a Jubilee celebration and desires
serving alcoholic beverages. The state law provides that licenses may be issued
to churches and private schools to sell alcoholic beverages for promotional
purposes. The city's ordinance does not provide for this type of license so
fik St. Edwards is asking that the city amend its ordinance to permit the serving
of alcoholic beverages for fundraising activities.
Councilman Hill suggested the city amend its ordinance to permit this type of
license.
Councilman Gilliam asked if the ordinance would limit the length of time an
organization could have the license.
Erwin Jentsch stated that this is what would have to be established by the
ordinance. He stated that some communities issue licenses for short periods
of time restricting the number of days and the number of times a year a permit
may be granted.
Councilman Gilliam favored the change as long as the issuance of licenses can
be controlled.
Mr. Nelson asked the Council if they were willing to consider an ordinance which
would permit this type of activity on a limited basis.
Mr. Jentsch stated the ordinance would have to state a fee, the duration of the
permit and a limitation as to the number of licenses issued to an organization
per year.
Councilman Barnes stated he was not opposed to temporary licenses, but did not
feel the licenses should be limited to churches, the licenses should be available
to other organizations.
" March 7, 1979
Councilwoman Nelson stated that she favored this proposal.
It was the concensus of the Council to have an ordinance prepared for approval
at its next regular meeting.
Request by Hemmens Advisory Board to Construct a Mobile at the Hemmens Auditorium
Ashley Arnold, Chairman of the Board for Union National Bank, explained to the
Council that Union National Bank would like to honor both the 75th anniversary
of the bank and the 10th anniversary of the Hemmens Building by placing a
mobile in the Hemmens. The mobile would brighten the lobby and be a conversa-
tion piece.
The Council gratefully accepted the mobile.
Proposed Golf Rates for 1979
Mr. Nelson stated that the rates will stay the same as last year, except for
youth passes which will go down from $52.50 to $45.00 at Wing and from $90.00
to $80.00 at Spartan. Youth play was down substantially from the preceding
year and was attributed to the fees.
Phil Bennett explained the recommendation of the Public Property and Recreation
Board to sell corporation passes to businesses for their use for clients on
weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. , excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays.
The recommended fee is $265 for two passes and $500 for four passes.
Councilman Barnes asked Mr. Bennett if he expected any abuse by corporations
allowing their employees to use the passes.
Mr. Bennett stated the city would have to trust the corporations to use the
passes as they were intended to be used.
Mayor Verbic stated he felt the city needed innovative ideas to keep the golf
courses in use.
Mr. Nelson stated that a date needs to be established for the closing of the
golf courses. October 1st was the recommended date. The Council concurred.
Proposed Bus Route Changes
The Council reviewed a memorandum from Ray Moller outlining changes in the
city's bus route service. The changes will be presented to the RTA and if
approved will be returned to the city for passage by ordinance.
The Council favored the route changes.
Recommendation to Purchase Filter Media for Airlite Street Plant
The Council reviewed a memorandum from Ron Zegers concerning the purchase of
a filter media for the Airlite Street Plant.
Mayor Verbic recommended purchasing the filter media and the Council concurred.
March 7, 1979
Report of Natural Gas Consumption by Municipal and Hemmens Buildings
Mr. Nelson presented the Council with an information item concerning the amount
of gas consumed by the municipal and Hemmens buildings. The city hoped to lower
its gas consumption next year by the use of a small boiler for summertime use and
by shutting down the incinerator.
Construction of Sanitary Sewer Lines on Buesche Trailer Park Property
Mr. Nelson informed the Council that a sewer line is to be constructed across
the Buesche Trailer Park property to serve the Easter Seal Center, the Moose
property and Buesche Trailer Park.
Discussion Regarding Traffic Alteration on West Chicago Street at Crystal Avenue
A memorandum from the Traffic Committee was presented to the Council proposing
changes to allow westbound traffic on West Chicago Street from State Street to
Crystal Avenue. The recommendation was to install a stop sign on the northeast
corner of West Chicago Street at Crystal Avenue and to prohibit parking on the
east side of Crystal Avenue from West Chicago Street to 150 feet north of West
Chicago Street, and to allow parking on the east side of Crystal Avenue from
Chicago Street to South Street.
It was the concensus of the Council to accept the recommendations of the Traffic
Committee.
Proposed Locations for the Coach Yards
Tom Baker of the Department of Community Development presented the Council with
eleven proposed locations for the commuter station and holding yards. The
sites suggested were Walker Road west of Hampshire, a downtown Hampshire location,
Hill Road, between Hampshire and Starks and a site in Starks. Further proposals
included Pingree Grove, a site west of McQueens and another east of McQueens, and
the proposed Almora site near Big Timber Road. Three sites were listed east of
Elgin which included one near Gifford Road, the present freight storage yards at
Spaulding and a site near Shakeproof.
Walker Road would be the best site if the RTA plans to extend service to
Hampshire within the immediate future. This would be convenient to Hampshire
yet would not interfere environmentally with Hampshire. The Starks location
would be a good choice if service is expected to reach Hampshire in the future.
If no service is expected to reach Hampshire, then the McQueens site would be a
good choice. The Spaulding site also was recommended since it is already a
freight holding yard and is large enough to include both facilities.
Councilman Hill pointed out that any site east of downtown Elgin would increase
traffic congestion during peak traffic hours by running empty trains through
downtown Elgin for the start and finish of their daily runs.
The Council stated they will not make a recommendation to the RTA as it is their
decision.
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` March 7, 1979
Miscellaneous
Mr. Nelson stated that the state is giving the city $20,000 for the restoration
of Old Main and the insurance company is giving the city $72,000 for damages to
the building.
Mr. Nelson stated that bids on the Big Timber/McLean improvements will be opened
on April 20.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee of the Whole, the
meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
�titi hnso "arm
ancy �ogcting City Clerk
r
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
March 14, 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by City Manager Leo Nelson
on Wednesday, March 14, 1979 at 7:05 p.m. , in the Council Conference Room of
City Hall. Members Present: Councilmen Barnes, Gilliam, Hill, Kirkland, Nelson,
West and Mayor Verbic. Absent: None.
Also present were: Nancy Johnson, Acting City Clerk; Erwin W. Jentsch, Corpora-
tion Counsel and members of the staff.
Proposed Implementation of Exact Fare System on City Bus Routes
The Council reviewed a memorandum from Ray Moller asking that the Council approve
an exact fare system, as expanded routes and timetables make it difficult for
bus drivers to make change.
Mr. Nelson stated that Elgin in the only community in the six-county area that
does not require an exact fare.
Councilman Hill asked what happens if a rider doesn't have the exact fare?
Ray Moller stated that if a rider doesn't have the exact fare, he will pay more
than the exact fare, then the driver will give the rider a refund slip which the
rider may cash in at city hall.
Ray Moller stated that there will be an extensive transition period and once riders
get used to it, there are very few who do not have the exact fare.
Mr. Nelson stated that it may be helpful to place a change machine at the Grove
Avenue waiting station.
Councilman Hill stated that he did not favor the exact fare system just because
other cities have instituted the system. He felt the exact fare system went into
effect for reasons of safety, and since the Elgin city buses haven't been held up
yet, there is no reason to institute the system.
The majority of the Council favored the exact fare system.
Acceptance of South Street as a City Street from Randall Road to Weld Road
The Council reviewed a proposed resolution to accept the maintenance of South
Street from Randall Road to Weld Road. The Council discussed this proposal in
the spring of 1978 and favored city maintenance of the street, but had not taken
formal action by resolution.
The resolution will be placed on next week's agenda.
Proposed Sidewalk Improvements on the North Side of Villa Street between Willard
Avenue and Varsity Drive
Mr. Nelson asked the Council if they favored the completion of sidewalks on
Villa Street. The state will be widening the street and will replace the existing
sidewalks, but there are locations where no sidewalks exist. The cost would be
about $9,700 and the Council needs to determine if the sidewalks should be
installed and, if so, should the city pay for the project or should it be paid for
by special assessment.
March 14, 1979
The Council favored the installation of the sidewalks. Councilmen Hill, Nelson,
West and Mayor Verbic favored a special assessment. Councilman Gilliam favored
the city paying for the project.
Erwin Jentsch stated that there is no Board of Local Improvements which creates
a problem in forming a taxing district.
The Council asked Mr. Jentsch to prepare a memorandum regarding the formation of
a taxing district for their review.
Review of Ruling from the Internal Revenue Service Regarding Income Taxes by
Municipalities for Utility Services
The Council reviewed a newsletter from the Municipal Finance Officers Association
which stated the Internal Revenue Service ruled that local governments must pay
federal income taxes on income from "nonessential" services, such as the furnish-
ing of water to the public. An article by the National League of Cities stated
that the Internal Revenue Service has no provisions in its code which would allow
it to levy a tax on utilities owned by municipalities.
Miscellaneous
Mr. Nelson gave the Council a copy of a news release relative to an Illinois
Supreme Court Decision regarding personal property taxes. The ruling stated
that 1978 taxes may be collected, but 1979 taxes may not be levied. The
decision overturns a Cook County Circuit Court ruling that said the corporate
personal property tax is valid until the General Assembly institutes a replace-
ment tax.
George VanDeVoorde presented the Council with four photographs of a rescue which had
taken place on March 13 on the Fox River. The rescue included the use of a floata-
tion device which was made by the firefighters. The successful rescue further
demonstrates the need for purchasing rafts for this type of rescue.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee of the Whole, the
meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Nancy L. o on, ng City Cl
r
'#
Committee of the Whole Meeting
March 21 , 1979
The Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order by
City Manager, Leo Nelson, on Wednesday, March 21 , 1979, at
7 : 05 P.M. , in the Council Conference Room of City Hall .
Members present: Councilmen Barnes , Gilliam, Hill , Kirkland,
Nelson, West and Mayor Verbic.
Also present : City Clerk, Marie Yearman, Corporation Counsel
Jentsch and members of staff.
Status Report on the Productivity Improvement Program.
Leo Nelson advised the Council that Brian Stearman, repre-
senting Jorgensen & Associates , was present tonight to
give a status report on the productivity improvement program.
Brian Stearman reviewed with the Council a summary of
improvements and noted that the results thus far were
impressive and this was due to the employees using the
procedures .
Mr. Stearman pointed out that the refuse route had been
restructuered and the current eight refuse routes would
be reduced to seven routes . This change would realize
a 30% saving on gasoline.
Mr. Stearman stated that because of the improved productivity
projected and now being obtained, staffing requirements to
accomplish the work program were actually reduced by 16. 3%.
This reduction has already been implemented by two departments
and if this staffing plan is maintained, it is estimated that
the City will save in excess of $275,000 per year in labor
costs .
Mr . Nelson stated that this figure is based on $6. 00 per hour,
per employee, plus benefits . Employees who have quit or
retired in these two departments have not been replaced,
employees have not been laid off .
Mr. Nelson stated that they are not suggesting the system
is perfect, but we will try it and monitor the system to
see how close we can come to the budget .
A final productivity report will be available in April .
Status Report on Old Main
Mr. Nelson advised the Council that the total amount of assets
in the Old Main fund as of March 15 , 1979, was $253,592.54,
and the estimate of exterior repairs total $261 ,835.00.
A
Committee of the Whole Meeting
March 21 , 1978
Page 2
The Old Main Committee met on Saturday and agreed we should
proceed to award the roof repair bid and masonary restoration
to Illinois Hydralic.
Mr . Burnidge reviewed with the Council an updated exterior
cost analysis.
Mr. Nelson stated that we have the funds to do the entire
exterior restoration, and if the Council were agreeable he
would bring back the bid and negotiated contracts .
The Council approved going ahead with the exterior repairs .
Proposal to purchase additional snow removel equipment.
Mr. Nelson stated this recommendation came from the Public
Works Department in order to continue to upgrade our
equipment in the Street Department for snow removal .
The proposed equipment purchase is as follows :
1 Dump truck with front mounted plow $ 18, 700
1 Dump truck with under-carriage plow $ 19, 000
2-3/4 Ton Pickup with 4-wheel drive $ 15,300
2- 'V ' Box Spreader for pickup $ 5 ,600
2-Power reversible plow for pickup $ 4,000
1 -Endloader , 3 cubic yards $56,000
2-Snow Bucket for Endloaders $ 5 ,000
2-Snow Blower for case backhoes 56 ,000
7 , 00
Mr. Nelson stated that Bob Malm is currently working on a
snow removal plan , based on previous years , and this would be
brought to the Council when completed.
The Council approved the request for additional snow removal
equipment.
Proposed installation of stop sign on Fleetwood at Second
Street.
Due to safety reasons , the Traffic Committee recommended
that a stop sign be installed on Fleetwood Drive at
Second Street.
The Council approved this recommendation.
Proposal for sidewalk cafe in front of Enricos Restaurant.
Mr . Nelson reminded the Council that this issue was before
them last Fall and the Council approved the proposal in
principal , the lease and modification of the liquor ordinance
Committee of the Whole Meeting
March 21 , 1979
Page 3
to allow alcoholic beverages on the Mall , were to be
considered when amended.
It was also agreed that the cost of removing a tree
planter, to provide a new fire lane, was to be borne
by Mr . Barnash , owner of Enrico ' s Restaurant .
Gary Miller estimated the removal cost to be $2852.00.
Mr. Barnash submitted a letter to the Council requesting
that the planter be left where it is so that he would
have this season to test this concept and establish if
it would be successful before spending this additional
money.
Mr . Barnash stated that he was very enthused about this
project and thought the need or requirements of the
fire lane by the Fire Department would not be interfered
with by Enrico' s because the equipment was portable and
could be removed quickly and easily.
Jim Knowles stated that his committee had voted unanimously
in favor of this project and thought it would be a real
asset to the plaza.
Chief Van De Voorde stated he would like to go on record
as strongly opposing the encroachment of this fire lane.
The fire lane we have now is marginal and it is already a
compromise . Chief Van De Voorde stressed the importance
of getting equipment into the area fast.
Mr. Barnash stated he thought he should only have to pay
one-third of the cost for removal and Mayor Verbic stated
he would not want the City to pick up the balance of the
cost.
Councilmen Barnes , Kirkland and West voted to have the
planter removed now.
Councilmen Gilliam, Hill , Nelson and Mayor Verbic voted
to give the project a one year trial .
Councilmen Barnes , Gilliam, Hill , Kirkland, West and Mayor
Verbic voted that Enrico ' s bear the cost of removing the
planter. Councilwoman Nelson voted to share the cost of
removal .
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Commission of the Whole Meeting
March 21 , 1979
Page 4
Misc. Discussion
Civic Center Parking Lot
The Council agreed the City should purchase the parking
lot equipment rather than making it a part of the bid
to convert the parking lot.
Bus Garage
Mr. Nelson stated that included in the 1979 budget are
funds to remodel the bus garage office. This Fall the
RTA will lease the city 17 more transit buses and we
will need space for these additional buses as well as
larger office spaces .
Mr . Nelson asked the Council if the city should proceed
with their money and attempt to obtain reimbursement
from the RTA.
Councilman Barnes thought we should go ahead but we
should try to get our money back.
Councilman West thought we should look at the RTA long
range plans and evaluate.
Mr . Nelson stated that we could go and ask what the
chances of recovering this money would be.
The Council agreed that the city should make an attempt
to find out what the RTA has in mind and what the city
cost factors would be.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the
Committee of the Whole, the meeting was adjourned at 9: 00
P.M.
Marie Yearman, City Clerk
C
Committee of the Whole Meeting
March 28, 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by
Assistant City Manager , James Aydt , on Wednesday , March 28,
1979, at 7 : 10 P.M. , in the Council Conference Room of City
Hall . Members present : Councilmen Barnes , Gilliam, Hill ,
Kirkland, Nelson, West and Mayor Verbic.
Also present : City Clerk, Marie Yearman, Corporation Counsel
Jentsch and members of staff.
Review of plans for Gifford and Davidson Parks
The Council reviewed cost estimates from Novak, Carlson and
Associates , which reflected a preliminary plan estimate for
Gifford Park in the amount of $87 , 543 and Davidson Park in
the amount of $ 10 ,613 .
Phil Bennett stated that both these projects were budgeted
in this year ' s HCD program and $70,000 had been allocated
for Gifford Park.
Councilman Barnes stated he could not see spending any money
on Davidson Park and he thought there would be difficulty in
finding room for 82 trees in Gifford Park.
Mr. Bennett stated that the improvement of Davidson Park
was a request made by the Eastside Neighbors Association.
Councilman West questioned where they would find room for
82 trees and Mayor Verbic questioned the cost of the playground
equipment.
Mr. Bennett suggested that nothing be done to Davidson Park and
the estimate on Gifford Park be cut to bring it into budget.
Councilman West asked what the playground equipment consisted
of. Mr. Bennett stated he had not gone into that but the cost
was up because of the safety liability.
Mayor Verbic stated there were so many parks to develop and
improvements to be made that he wondered if some of the improve-
ments could by done by the Park' s staff.
Mr . Bennett stated that with the present skills and number of
staff it could not be done.
Councilman West asked if any neighborhood survey had been done
to ascertain what was desired.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
March 28, 1979
Page 2
Mr. Bennett said there had been several meetings and it is
pretty much what you see.
Councilman West thought the plans should be deferred until
the Council looks at the Master Plan.
Mr. Aydt stated that these plans were not inconsistent with
the Master Plan.
Mr. Bennett stated they would have to make cuts on the
landscaping and playground equipment in order to bring
the costs down to $70,000 .
Mayor Verbic stated that we should not go hog wild with one,
when there are so many to do. The Mayor also pointed out
there was no provision in these plans for a mini tennis
court or basketball .
Roger Dahlstrom stated there were not that many children in
the area that were in that age group.
Councilman Gilliam thought the plans should be given back to
the staff and brought back at budget or lower .
Mayor Verbic stated they should have the message that the
Council wants the amount reduced.
Proposed parking restriction on North Side of Margaret Place
between Liberty Street and Watres Place.
The Council reviewed a recommendation from the Traffic
Committee that parking be prohibited on the north side
of Margaret Place between South Liberty and Watres Place.
Mrs. Carol Johnson and several other neighbors stated they
were having problems with ingress and egress to their homes
because of the people at the Crisis Center. They stated they
had called the Center several times but they continued to
block the street and would not use their parking lot. These
neighbors asked that parking be restricted on both sides of
the street and they reminded the Council that the Center had
agreed in the beginning to provide off-street parking .
Mrs. Johnson further stated that they would even park their
cars in private driveways or block the driveways on the street.
Chief Baird suggested that when this occurs the police should be
called and the cars will be towed away at the owner ' s expense.
Members of the Council pointed out that part of the problem
might be the severity of the winter and suggested that we go
along with the Traffic Committee ' s recommendation and see
how this would work out.
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Committee of the Whole Meeting
March 28, 1979
Page 3
Acceptance of Poplar Creek Drive for future maintenance.
The Council reviewed a recommendation from the Engineering
Department to accept Poplar Creek Drive for future maintenance .
Mayor Verbic expressed concern over the side streets which he
stated were in terrible condition.
Gary Miller stated these were internal streets and were
privately owned and maintained.
Mayor Verbic asked that the staff talk with the people out
there relative to the maintenance of these streets .
Proposed date for review of Park' s Master Plan.
The Council agreed to review the Park' s Master Plan on
April 4, 1979.
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was adjourned at 8: 00 P.M,
for the Regular Council Meeting, and was reconvened at 9: 10
P.M.
Misc. Discussion.
Corporate Personal Property Tax Replacement
The Council was handed the Illinois Municipal League ' s
Newsletter relative to the Corporate Personal Property
Tax for their review.
Museum Grants
The Council reviewed and approved two grant proposals , which
the Department of Public Property and Recreation are pursuing.
Fox Valley Trot
The Council approved a request from the Elgin Area Life
Underwriters to stage a Valley Fox Trot on May 28, 1979.
Industrial Revenue Bond Application
The Council reviewed a letter from the American Antenna
Corporation, which relates their intention to make application
for a $2, 000, 000 industrial revenue bond. In this regard
they request that the City waive a major portion of the fees
charged by the City.
The Council agreed that this would be unfair to the other
companies who have paid these fees and this Corporation
should comply with the Ordinance.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
March 28, 1979
Page 4
Classification Study
Mr. Aydt advised the Council that through a federal grant
the State of Illinois will conduct a job classification
study of the City employees . There is no cost to the City
for this study.
Proposed amendment to City ' s HCD application.
Leo Nelson advised the Council that the State was not going
ahead with the improvements at the intersection of Dundee and
Kimball . The City ' s share was $50,000, which was allocated
in the 1979 HCD funds .
Mr. Dahlstrom suggested that these funds be used for an off-
street parking lot and a tot lot in the Wing School area.
Mr . Dahlstrom stated that in order to do this he would
have to file an amended application for the HCD funds .
Mayor Verbic and Councilman Kirkland questioned providing
off-street parking and thought this might set a precedent .
Mr . Nelson stated the application must be submitted by Friday
and asked if the application would be worded so the funds
could be used for a tot lot or parking . The Council
approved this suggestion.
Ambulance billing and collection.
The Council reviewed a memorandum from Dave Jepson, which
reflected the following totals :
Amount Applicable Percent
Billing Period Billed Collection Paid
11 /73 - 8/78 $312,615 $217 , 299 69. 5%
Mr. Jepson pointed out the emergency nature of this service
maked the billing and collection very difficult.
Chief Van De Voorde stated that it was not the intention
of the City to make money in rendering this service and
the fees were established to avoid use of the services
as a taxi .
Adj ournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee
of the Whole, the meeting was adjourned at 9: 40 P.M.
Marie Yearm n , City C erk
T
Committee of the Whole Meeting
April 4, 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by
Leo Nelson, City Manager , on Wednesday , April 4, 1979, at
7: 05 P.M. , in the Council Conference Room of City Hall .
Members present : Councilmen Barnes , Gilliam, Hill , Kirkland,
Nelson , West and Mayor Verbic. Absent : None.
Also present : Yearman , Jentsch and members of staff .
Review of the proposed Park' s Master Plan.
Warren Wood and John Weiss , representatives of McFadzean
& Everly reviewed with the Council recommendations for
20 park and recreational areas in the city.
Mr. Wood pointed out the city ' s valuable natural resources ,
marchlands , woodlands , botanical specimens , hills , and
riverfronts and urged the Council to consider the establishment
of a city-wide nature interpretation environmental program
staffed by a full time naturalist.
Councilman Barnes stated he did not think Elgin was ready
for this type of program and he had problems with this in
terms of the interest of the community , after seeing what
they do in Trout Park.
Mr. Wood responded stating that if the existing natural areas
are disregarded or treated badly, that indicates a lack of
respect. To generate respect the public must be educated.
Mr. Wood pointed out some serious safety hazards because of
traffic using the parks as a shortcut to go from one major
road to another . The Master Plan calls for a limited access ,
circulation system, that would serve only park users .
Following a slide presentation, Mr . Nelson asked that the
report not be shelved, but that the Council at least make a
statement of intent about following through with the
recommendations before the next budget discussions . A
capital improvement program over a 5 or 10 year period could
be put together .
Review of final plan for Phase II park development at the
former Lincoln School site at National- Street and St. Charles .
Phil Bennett stated that the staff had two meetings with
the Eastside Neighbors Organization, who felt that an attractive
park would have a positive effect on the surrounding home-
owners . The plans for the park call for a basketball court
with lights , play apparatus for smaller children and the rest
of the area would be left natural with some nice landscaping.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
April 4, 1979
Page 2
Councilman Barnes asked if this is what the people living
in the housing units want or if it is something the Eastside
Neighbors Group want.
Mr. Bennett stated the Eastside Neighbors had been unable
to get any representation from the housing development .
The Council did approve going ahead with this portion of
park improvements .
Proposed revision of the sanitation routes as a result of
the Productivity Improvement Program.
The Council reviewed sanitation route changes which would
cut the distance sanitation crews have to drive by about
twenty per cent . The routes have been designed to eliminate
the need for trucks to make left turns , saving the city both
time and money.
Mr. Nelson pointed out the revised routes would also allow
for the expansion which would be needed for Parkwood and
Valley Creek.
Mr. Nelson stated a notice would be placed on the door of
each home in the city showing the changes . Mr. Nelson
said he would like to be able to do this weekend, because
a Boy Scout group would be doing this as a service project.
The Council approved the proposed sanitation route changes .
Request from the Kane County Regional Planning Commission
for a contribution of $440.00 for special reports which the
Commission is preparing on the Fox River.
Mr. Nelson pointed out that the letter requesting the contri -
bution indicated Elgin had pledged $440. 00 for this year ' s
work, and this was not true .
Mayor Verbic stated these reports have been furnished to all
the riverfront municipalities and he thought the information
was good and hoped it could be implemented. The reports involve
a lot of time and they are just asking for the printing costs.
The Council approve the request for $440.00
Request from the Hemmens 10th Anniversary Steering Committee
to sponsor a special event commemorating the 10th Anniversary
of the Hemmens Auditorium.
The above mentioned Committee requested that the 10th Anniversary
be programmed around the appearance of Richard Basehard as
"Patton" ; that a social hour be held in the lower level , along
with the cutting of an anniversary cake. Mr . Basehart would
Committee of the Whole Meeting
April 4, 1979
Page 3
present in a meet the star atmosphere, and that 500 tickets
for the second performance be sold as a package deal , which
would include a catered social hour , including hors-d-oeuvres ,
punch and coffee at a cost of $ 10.00.
The Council approved this request.
Councilman Hill stated he thought it was about time that
some thought be given to some signage for the Hemmens
Building and the events taking place there.
Mr. Nelson stated he would bring something back for the
Council ' s consideration.
Proposed amendment to the Reimbursement Ordinance established
for the recovery of fees for the connection and use of the
Schroeder Industrial Park Watermain Extension.
The Council reviewed a recommendation from the Engineering
Department to amend Ordinance S4-77 so that any person
desiring to connect to the aforesaid watermain improvements
may pay said amount in full without interest , if payment
is made prior to July 1 , 1978, and that if said full payment
is not made by July 1 , 1978, then payment shall be made in
full plus interest at the rate of 7% per annum, accruing
and after July 1 , 1978 , to the date of payment .
The Council approved this recommendation.
Letter from the Elgin Metal Casket Company commending he
Fire Department for the Fire Prevention and Life Safety
Course which the members of the department are presently
conducting.
Chief Van De Voorde commented that these courses have been
well received and he thought his men were doing a super job.
Final review of the parking limitations proposed at the
Public Hearing on February 25 , 1979.
The Council reviewed a list of revised parking limitation
proposals which provided for the following:
No Parking Year Round
No Parking One Side of Street - Year Round
No Parking 2: 00 a.m. - 8: 00 a.m.
No Parking November through March
No Parking one side of street - November through March
No Parking 8: 00 a.m. - 4: 00 p.m. Monday through Friday,
November through March
Snow Routes
Councilman Kirkland stated he thought some consideration
should be given to the side streets because those are the
people who could not get to the main streets .
Committee of the Whole Meeting
April 4, 1979
Page 4
0"
The Council approved the revised parking limitations and
directed that this be put in ordinance form.
House Bill 800
Mr. Nelson stated that this House Bill is very anti -management
and favors the proliferation of collective bargaining units .
The Bill contains a binding arbitration provision for police
and fire departments and includes all supervisors in the
bargaining unit except for the department head. Hearings
on this Bill will take place this week and perhaps the
Council would like to take a position regarding this proposed
legislation.
Councilman Hill proposed that a resolution be drawn because
the city should be on record reflecting their objection to
this unbalanced approach.
Mr. Nelson stated that the city would be able to respond
better if we had a copy of this Bill . Bob Malm and other
I -PELRA members are going to Springfield on Friday to
testify against this Bill .
Sherman Hospital Watermain Reimbursement
eft The contractor for Sherman Hospital has completed the
installation of a 10 inch watermain along Cooper Avenue ,
between Spring Street and Prospect. This particular 10
inch watermain was extended at the same time a block
further eat (Center and Prospect) to complete a loop in the
City watermain distribution system. The City agreed earlier
to reimburse Sherman Hospital for work beween Center and
Prospect because it improve the overall City network system.
Gary Miller recommended that the City pay E .M. Melahn
Construction $ 10, 771 . 15, which represents a partial billing
for work which has been completed to date between Center and
Prospect. The Contractor has been notified that as-built
drawings will be required for all the new underground utilities
(water and sewer) before a final payment is made. A final
payment will amount to roughly $5,670. 00.
The Council approved the partial payment of $ 10, 771 . 15 .
Morning Kiawanis Club
Mr . Nelson stated the Morning Kiawanis Club hoped to sponser
the 4th of July Carnival and they were going to Elgin Community
College to see if this could be held there in conjunction with
the firework program. If this is not possible they asked if
they could use Wing, their long range plan is to use the State
Hospital property but they would like Wing Park as a back-up
site.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
April 4, 1979
Page 5
The Council asked that this matter be deferred until they
were advised of Elgin Community College ' s decision.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee
of the Whole, the meeting was adjourned at 9: 30 P.M.
Marie Yearmar , City Clerk
r
Committee of the Whole Meeting
April 11 , 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by
City Manager, Leo Nelson, on Wednesday, April 11 , 1979, at
7: 10 P.M. , in the Council Conference Room of City Hall .
Members present: Councilmen Barnes , Gilliam, Hill , Kirkland,
Nelson, West and Mayor Verbic.
Also present: City Clerk, Marie Yearman, Corporation Counsel ,
Erwin Jentsch and members of staff.
Proposed improvements for the Big Timber/McLean/Sleepy Hollow
Intersection.
Leo Nelson suggested that the bids for this improvement be
deferred until we receive County approval and the Council
concurred.
Authorization to pay W. R . Meadows for hot mix for street
repairs.
Mr. Nelson asked that this authorization be placed on tonight ' s
Council Agenda for approval , and the Council concurred.
Request from the City of Danville to participate in the Tax
Increment Defense Fund thorough a contribution of $3, 000.
The Council reviewed a communication from the City of Danville
which set forth the tax increment legislation allows a City to
capture increased property tax revenues generated by a redevelop-
ment project to pay for the public costs that were required to
make the project feasible.
Council Jentsch stated it was the intent of this act to use it
in areas of blight or areas in need of revitalization. The
tax would not be raised over what it was at the commencement
of the improvement and the bonds would be sold for the cost
of the improvement.
The letter from the City of Danville points out the city of
Canton, Illinois, has filed a suit contesting the constitutionality
of the act and it will be eventually carried to the State Supreme
Court. The cost of said suit will be approximately $75,000 and
Danville is soliciting contributions from other cities to help
defray these costs .
Councilwoman Nelson stated she would like to see what six other
cities may do first.
Mayor Verbic thought this act could be beneficial to Elgin in
the future.
Councilman Hill thought the project was a good idea but did
not feel Elgin should pay $3 ,000.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
April 11 , 1979
Page 2
Councilman Gilliam felt the City should participate.
Mayor Verbic suggested that Counsel Jentsch contact the
City of Danville and obtain a further evaluation as to
what they are doing and inquire as to the formula they
used to determine Elgin ' s assessment.
House Bill 800
The Council reviewed a synopsis of House Bill 800 and
Bob Malm advised the Council that hearings on this Bill
will be conducted this Friday.
Mr . Nelson pointed out that this Bill contains a binding
arbitration provision for police and fire departments and
includes all supervisors in the bargaining unit except for
the department head, and is very anti -management .
Mr. Malm stated that he and other I -PELRA members would
be going to Springfield this Friday to testify against
this Bill .
Mr. Nelson suggested that Council might like to take a
position regarding this proposed legislation.
The Council approved sending a letter of protest to our
State Representatives and Mayor Verbic suggested we also
include Representative Skinner and Waddell .
Recommendation to increase our HCD application for 1979
by $40,000.
Mr. Nelson stated the City was advised by HUD that our 1979
grant amount had been revised to $838,000. This transmittal
was ignored due to a combination of human error and mis-
understanding and our 1979 HCD budget must now be expanded
by $40,000.
Mr. Nelson reminded the Council that at the original hearing
the amount of $65 ,000 was suggested for sidewalk, curb and
gutter improvements in the Neighborhood Strategy Area on the
near east side, and this amount was cut to $25 ,000. Mr. Nelson
suggested that this additional $40,000 be budgeted with the
$25,000 for these improvements , or put toward a new project.
The total need for such improvements in that area of the city
could amount to $ 1 . 5 million.
The Council approved budgeting the additional $40, 000 for
sidewalk, curb and gutter improvements in the above mentioned
area.
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Committee of the Whole Meeting
April 11 , 1979
Page 3
The Appellate Court ' s Opinion relative to the Area I Case
Mr. Nelson stated this was an informational item for the
Council .
Mayor Verbic congratulated Counsel Jentsch for his services
in defending this case.
Fourth of July Carnival
Mr. Nelson advised the Council that Jim Uecker, representing
the Morning Kiwanis, was here tonight to obtain permission
to hold the Fourth of July Carnival at Wing Park. Mr . Nelson
further advised the Council that the Elgin Community College
had denied this group permission to hold the carnival in-
conjunction with the fireworks display.
Phil Bennett stated that it was his understanding that last
year would be the last time the carnival would be held at
this site and he had already committed the use of this area
to softball teams .
Mr. Nelson stated he hated to see social clubs knocked out
of fund raisers .
Chief Baird stated that he felt the primary problem was the
fireworks but he did not feel a carnival belongs in a public
park, and he was in favor of a cut off date for this type of
activity.
Councilman Gilliam stated he would be in favor of granting
permission this year .
Councilman Kirkland abstained.
Councilman West stated he would give permission for this year
but he thought a time limit should be set , not to exceed three
years. Councilman West indicated the State Hospital property
might be available for this type of activity at that time .
Councilman Barnes stated that last year the Council set a
deadline and he was not sure he wanted to open it up again.
Councilwoman Nelson stated she had some reservations but
would be willing to give permission this year.
Councilman Hill stated he did not object to this year but did
object to a time limit of three years . Councilman Hill felt
they would have a full year to look elsewhere and he would
only vote yes to this year .
Mayor Verbic voted yes for this year only.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
April 11 , 1979
Page 4
Request by the RTA for additional bus service
The Council reviewed a letter from the RTA in which they state
that bus routes 803 and 805, between Elgin, Carpentersville and
Crystal Lake, are currectly operated by Commuter Bus Systems
under contract to the RTA. This contract expires June 4, 1979,
at which time it would be our preference to have the Elgin
Department of Transportation assume this service.
Mr . Nelson stated this is a step toward Elgin eventually
becoming the RTA sub- regional center to serve McHenry, northern
Kane and western Cook counties .
Mr. Nelson stated that the city has submitted an application
for a new bus garage, which the RTA has projected a completion
date of two years . However , the RTA also made a point that
they are being charged rent and therefore should not have to
pay for any improvements to the present garage.
Mr. Moeller stated his department could squeeze in the extra
four buses at the present garage but they still need the
additional office space.
Mr. Nelson suggested that the city could use the surplus gas
tax money and the staff would like to go ahead with the
necessary improvements . Mr. Nelson also pointed out that
the City could raise the RTA rent after the improvements
are made.
The Council agreed to have the City assume the additional
bus routes and gave approval to going ahead with the
improvements to the present garage site.
Agreement with Dunn Geoscience Corporation
Mr. Nelson advised the Council that Dunn had reported that
instead of drilling 500 feet to find the end of gravel , they
will have to drill further and may have to go 800 feet. In
this connection the cost of this operation may be increased
by $3 ,000.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee
of the Whole, the meeting was adjourned at 9: 40 P.M.
Marie r n City Clerk
M ar Y ea C ty C r
Committee of the Whole Meeting
April 18, 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by
City Manager, Leo Nelson, on Wednesday, April 18, 1979, at
7 : 00 P.M. , in the Council Conference Room of City Hall .
Members present: Councilmen Barnes , Gilliam, Hill , Kirkland,
Nelson, West and Mayor Verbic.
Also present: City Clerk, Marie Yearman, Corporation Counsel ,
Erwin Jentsch and members of staff.
Recommendation to purchase a used Hough 530 Endloader for
the Public Works Department.
Mr . Nelson reminded the Council that several weeks ago they
authorized Mel Dahl to find a new or used endloader. Mel
Dahl , Glenn Schultz and Laverne Cleland made inquiry of the
different dealers in the area and as a result of that inquiry
they are recommending to the Council the purchase of a new
International Hough 530 Endloader for $56, 375, with our old
Hough as a trade.
The Council approved the recommended purchase.
1978 Tax Rate payable in 1979.
The Council reviewed a memorandum from Jim Bolerjack, in which
he pointed out that the total tax rate, payable in 1979, is
equal to the tax rate for last year .
Mr. Nelson stated this was just an informational item and the
City should look for a seven cents reduction next year provided
the State of Illinois replaces the personal property tax.
Proposed Agreement with Arnold Thompson Associates to initiate
and erepare a planning grant application for State and Federal
Funding for an Elgin Airport .
Mr. Nelson stated that this subject was discussed with the
Council late last summer and a majority of the Council agreed
to re-examine the airport issue. Following this decision Mr.
Nelson met with the FAA in DesPlaines to request federal funding
for the purchase of the present airport or the acquisition of
land for a new airport site. At this time Mr. Nelson was advised
there was no funding available.
Mr. Nelson further stated that the funding is now available and
the firm of Arnold Thompson Associates are requesting authorization
to initiate and prepare the planning grant application so that
State and Federal funding may be forthcoming ; and subject to the
issuance of a planning grant, the City would retain Arnold
Thompson Associates to undertake the preparation of a study design.
The cost of the study design would be appropriated as follows:
FAA-Planning Grant $ 134,000; State-Grant in aid $ 16,800 and
City of Elgin $ 16,800.
J
Committee of the Whole Meeting
April 18, 1979
Page 2
Mr. Call representing the Chamber of Commerce stated that such
a move would be in the City ' s best interest because if nothing
is done about acquiring the present site, it could be conceivable
that the present airport won ' t be an airport in the future, if
we have a couple of more winters like we have had. Mr . Call
further stated that development of the present airport is a
business venture by the City, and a none losing proposition.
The land there would give a good return when the new site is
ready.
Councilman Gilliam stated he did not see any need for an airport
and did not think it was a top priority.
Mr. Call stated the people who have planes or dollars coming
through the airport should be considered.
Mr. Edgcomb stated this not for just the convenience of a few
people but it has the means of attracting industry which will
provide more jobs .
Councilman Hill stated that he is on the Economic Development
Commission who have been working to bring interested industry
into the City and although it appears there is no crying need
for an airport, if one major corporation decided to locate in
Elgin because it had an airport, they could provide jobs that
people need. Councilman Hill also stated the present airport
site would provide a good industrial site and yield more tax
dollars and he thought it would be better to have the airport
out of town. Councilman Hill felt it was a highly responsible
thing for the City to do.
Mayor Verbic stated he concurred with Councilman Hill , especially
in view of the fact that 142,000 jobs have been lost in this
state. The Mayor stated he had talked with groups who may
come into the City and they were very interested in an airport.
Councilman Kirkland felt the Council should look down the road
ten or twenty years from now, although he did not feel the
present site was a proper one.
Councilman Barnes thought the two and one-half million dollar
cost should be considered and he opposed going ahead with this
project.
Rick Jakle stated an airport is a tremendous asset for any
community and there is a substantial need for more airport
facilities . Mr. Jakle stated that at this point they were
not asking for approval of the airport , but were just asking
the city to proceed with the study.
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Committee of the Whole Meeting
April 18, 1979
Page 3
Councilman Hill , Kirkland, Nelson and Mayor Verbic voted to
proceed with the study .
Councilman West stated he did not approve of the present
airport site but could support it as an interim site, he
could agree with the need, but he would like to find out
if money is available for funding of this project.
Mayor Verbic stated that every dollar spent would be
returned and it is important to provide jobs to the
community.
A proposal to prohibit the keeping and propagation of pigeons
within the corporate limits .
Assistant Corporation Counsel , Jim Binninger, advised the
Council that the Health Department has had complaints from
the neighbors of people who keep pigeons on their premises .
Fred Carlson, City Public Health Officer advised the Council ,
by way of memorandum, that they were not only concerned with
the nuisance of pigeon droppings on neighboring residences
and property, but also the threat of respiratory diseases
rik transmitted from pigeon droppings.
Mr . Nelson stated that apparently some persons were raising
pigeons for food, which could be unsafe because of the disease
pigeons carry.
Bob Andrews and several other members of the Elgin Chapter of
the American Racing Pigeon Union objected to the proposed
ordinance and stated that responsible people who raise racing
pigeons for sport should not be penalized because come people
were not careful . Mr . Andrews went on to say he had never
encountered any health problems from being around pigeons
and had never known of one death that was caused by a pigeon.
Councilman Hill suggested that a license be issued to those
people who only raise pigeons for racing .
The Council requested that an ordinance be developed to deal
with the health problems and yet not penalize persons who
raise pigeons for sport .
Proposal to purchase a snow plow for a one ton truck in the
Water Department .
Mr. Nelson stated that because of last winter ' s problems
the Water Department would like to mount a snow plow blade
to their one ton dump truck in order to plow their own roads
and parking lots . This truck could also be used at times
in the Public Works Department
Committee of the Whole Meeting
April 18, 1979
Page 4
r
The Council approved the request for a snow plow blade.
Proposed 1979 swimming pool fees recommended by the Park and
Recreation Board.
Councilman Gilliam asked if it was true that the use of a
season golf pass would cease on October 1st, and if so, how
was this made known to the public.
Phil Bennett stated this was true and it was printed on the
season golf pass .
Dave Stites asked if the city pools could not be kept open
longer because there were many warm days in September.
Mr . Nelson stated that the city hires college and high school
students to staff these pools and they are back in school by
September.
Councilman Hill suggested that perhaps the pools could be
kept open in the evenings for family swims .
Mr . Nelson stated he could look into this .
Councilman Barnes suggested that this be taken to the Parks
and Recreation Board for their imput .
The Council approved the proposed 1979 swimming pool fees .
Recommendation from the Greater Downtown Elgin Commission to
amend the ordinance relative to vendors operating on the Mall .
The Council reviewed a request from the Greater Downtown Elgin
Commission to provide for the following:
1 ) There shall be two twelve-month licenses issued
for the sale of food;
2) There shall be one twelve-month license issued
for the sale of popcorn and peanuts ; and
3) There shall be two twelve-month licenses issued
for the sale of non-food items .
Mr. Schulz of John ' s Market exhibited photographs of two
different types of vehicles which would be used in selling
food. Mr. Schulz stated that he would like to offer an
extensive menu. Mr. Schulz stated the cost of this vehicle
would run approximately $ 12, 000 and he would seek the approval
of the Mall Commission before purchasing same.
Mayor Verbic asked if the restaurants in the area had been
contacted regarding this venture and wondered if they would
object to same.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
April 18, 1979
Page 5
Jim Knowles stated that they have not been contacted. The
Mall Commission had preferred one small vendor type operation.
Mr. Knowles felt there was a disadvantage to vehicles on the
Mall because they did not fit in with the Mall concept and
this type of operation would be in direct competition with the
restaurants , however, the Commission voted to bring the matter
to the Council .
Councilwoman Nelson stated that you want traffic on the Mall
and she thought that people will see a vehicle and go down
into the Mall .
Councilman West stated he would hate to see vehicles on the
Mall that look like those you see in Carnivals .
Councilmen Hill , Kirkland, Nelson and Mayor Verbic voted for
the proposed changes .
Proposal for a Farmer ' s Market to be operated in the Municipal
Parking Lot south of the Crocker Theatre.
The Council approved the operation of a Farmer ' s Market in
the City parking lot on South Grove, directly south of the
Crocker Theatre, on Tuesdays from 8: 00 A.M. , to 4: 00 P.M. ,
commencing Tuesday , July 17 , 1979 through October 2, 1979.
The fee per space would be $3 .00 per week and all items to be
sold must be home grown or home baked.
Amendment to liquor ordinance to allow Enrico ' s to serve
alcoholic beverages on the Mall .
Mr . Nelson stated it would be necessary to amend the liquor
ordinance to provide for the serving of alcoholic beverages
on the Mall and in that connection what did the Council want
to chargefor this extension of the license.
Councilman West felt the charge should be equal to the cost
of removing the planter or by square foot .
Councilmen Gilliam, Hill , Kirkland, and Nelson felt a $ 100. 00
fee was adequate. Mayor Verbic felt $25 .00 was adequate.
Engine replacement for Sanitation Truck
Mr. Nelson advised the Council that an engine had failed on one
of the Sanitation Trucks and was in need of replacement.
The Council approved this replacement at a cost of $3100.00.
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Committee of the Whole Meeting
April 18, 1979
Page 6
Tax Petitions
Mr. Nelson stated that the citizens of Glenview had presented
the City Council with tax petitions , which they refused to
place on a ballot. The case went to court and the Court
ruled that it would have been unconstitutional to place this
on a ballot because Glenview is under Home Rule.
Proposed amendment to Zoning Ordinance.
Councilman Hill proposed that the Legal Department prepare
an ordinance amending the zoning ordinance deleting the
following: "No amendment which is not recommended to the
City Council shall be made except upon a vote of two-thirds
of the corporate authorities . "
Mr. Nelson stated that this would have to go before the
Planning Commission in the form of a petition and a public
hearing held thereon.
Councilman Barnes stated he felt this procedure had been
established in order to protect the Zoning Board and suggested
the process could be revised to provide for a "simple majority
vote" .
A majority of the Council agreed to file a petition with the
Planning Commission and Councilman Barnes requested that it
also be submitted to the Land Use Commission.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee
of the Whole, the meeting was adjourned at 9: 15 P.M.
Marie Yearm n , City Clerk
r
Committee of the Whole Meeting
April 25 , 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by
City Manager, Leo Nelson, on Wednesday, April 25 , 1979, at
7 : 05 P.M. , in the Council Conference Room of City Hall .
Members present : Councilmen Barnes , Gilliam, Hill , Kirkland,
Nelson , West and Mayor Verbic.
Also present : City Clerk, Marie Yearman, Assistant Corporation
Counsel ,Jim Binninger and members of staff .
A Slide presentation by the Elgin Fire Department depicting
the rescue deck for water rescues .
Chief Van De Voorde, Officer Sphatt and Newby, presented a film
of a 1974 New York dam tragedy which resulted in the death of
five firefighters . This accident occurred two weeks after Elgin
lost two firefighters in a rescue attempt beneath the Elgin dam.
Pee Wee Football proposal for the use of Drake Field.
Mr. Pat Sharp, representing the Elgin Pee Wee Football League,
stated that in keeping with the Master Plan development of
Drake Field they were asking permission to build a new concession
stand with washroom facilities . Mr. Sharp estimated the cost
for same at approximately $ 19, 000. The Elgin League would absorb
this cost and would ask that the City furnish the necessary rough
in plumbing for the washrooms , the $ 100. 00 permit fee and the
$ 100.00 tap in fee.
Phil Bennett stated that the Park Board , at their meeting on
April 24, 1979, approved the floor plan, size and location of
a proposed new concession stand and approved the relocating of
the electric score board from the North end of the football
field to the South end of the football field at the expense of
the Pee Wee Football League. The Board did not reply to the League ' s
request that the City pay for extending water and sewer lines
to their new concession stand.
The Council approved this project and the resposibility of
furnishing the rough in plumbing, tap in fee and city permit
fee.
Review of the emergency sanitary sewer repair on Center Street
Mr . Nelson stated it was fearful that we would have another
Lincoln/Logan situation but todate it now looks like the cost
to make this repair, including material , labor and equipment
is $ 15,800.
Discussion of arrangements for a special meeting on May 2nd•
or t e purpose o swearing i - • _ . . - • - • __ —
Committee of the Whole Meeting
April 25 , 1979
Page 2
Mayor Verbic stated there would be a special meeting on May 2,
1979, for the purpose of inducting the Mayor and three Councilmen.
The Mayor stated he was arranging for one of the Circuit Judges
to be present for the installation , which would commence at
7 : 30 P.M.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee
of the Whole, the meeting was adjourned at 7 : 45 P.M.
Marie Yearmarl,, City -Clerk
r
r
Committee of the Whole Meeting
May 2, 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by
City Manager , Leo Nelson, on Wednesday , May 2, 1979, at
7 : 10 P.M. , in the Council Conference Room of City Hall .
Members present : Councilmen Barnes , Gilliam, Hill , Kirkland,
Nelson, West and Mayor Verbic. Absent: None.
Also present: City Clerk, Marie Yearman, Assistant Corporation
Counsel , Jim Binninger , and members of staff.
Proposed agreement with Alfred Benesch & Company to design
the improvements for Riverside Drive between Chicago and
Highland.
Mr . Nelson pointed out that this structure was in need of
repair, including application of a waerproofing membrane
and new ashaltic service. The staff recommended Alfred
Benesch & Company because of the excellent job they did
on the Kimball Street Bridge. The city has $ 125 , 000 in
the budget for this work.
The Council approved the agreement with Alfred Bensch &
Company.
Proposed parking restriction on the north side of Standish
Street between Woodard and Ely .
Mr. Nelson stated that he had talked with Reverend Clark of
the First United Presbyterian Church and he was opposed to
the removal of parking on the north side of the street. The
questionnaires sent to the residents indicated they wanted
the parking removed on the south side of the street. Basically
the city has let the neighborhood decide what they wanted unless
it would create a traffic hazard.
The Council approved having an ordinance drawn removing parking
from the south side of the street.
Request from Rollins Sewer and Water Company to provide Elgin
Estates with standby water service.
Mr. Nelson stated the Mr . Rollins is a private provider of water
to residents of Elgin Estates and he has asked if the city
would be willing to provide water on a standby basis . Mr . Nelson
said that when this had been done in the past, it usually becomes
a permanent situation and he did not know if the Council wanted
to supply any more water outside the city. Mr. Nelson further
pointed out that several of the residents had been investigating
possible annexation to the city.
Don Wagner stated he did not think they could get a majority
to annex because of the high sanitary sewer hook on fees.
Councilman Hill stated that someone should talk to them about
Committee of the Whole Meeting
May 2, 1979
Page 2
who would pay for the cost of such a service.
Mr. Nelson stated he would talk with Mr . Rollins further
and bring the matter back to the Council .
Paul Speer & Associates
The Council reviewed a letter from Paul Speer & Associates
in which they express that they are satified that Capsonic
Group, Inc. and American Antenna, Inc. , are financially
responsibile to undertake, jointly , the obligations necessary
to support the proposed $2,k85 ,00 of bonds .
The Council agreed to act formally on this matter at the
next Council Meeting.
WestCo Transportation Co. - Elgin Yellow Cab
Mr. McMullin, president of the Elgin Yellow Cab Company requested
that the city allow him until after June 1 , 1979, to furnish an
audit because his fiscal year ended at that time.
The Council approved said request.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee
of the Whole, the meeting was adjourned at 8: 10 P.M.
-4-.1 4-
Marie Yearma' , City C er
r
Committee of the Whole Meeting
May 9, 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by
City Manager, Leo Nelson, on Wednesday, May 9, 1979, at
7 : 05 P.M. , in the Council Conference Room of City Hall .
Members present: Councilmen Barnes , Gilliam, Hill , Kirkland,
Nelson, West and Mayor Verbic. Absent : None.
Also present: City Clerk, Marie Yearman, Assistant Corporation
Counsel , Jim Binninger and members of staff.
City of Elgin ' s participation in an LEAA demonstration grant
program known as "POSSE" .
Leo Nelson stated that the city had just been advised of
this grant availability last week and the grant amount is
approximately $80,000. Mr. Nelson said that Elgin was
selected as one of four in the nation to participate in
this program.
Chief Baird stated that Elgin was chosen mostly because of its
background in crime analysis . Money will be allocated by LEAA
for the purchase of a mini computer, which the city would keep,
and instead of compiling data in a manual file, this information
could be put on micro film and installed in a computer program.
This computer program would result in saving time and money
and would require no additional staff. The city would have to
pay between $ 10,000 and $ 15 ,000 in late 1979 or 1980 as match
funds to the grant funds .
Councilman West asked if there were any hidden costs .
Chief Baird stated they would just require a room to install
the computer.
Councilman West asked what about a cooling system for the heat
generated by the computer.
Chief Baird stated the computer does not require a cooling system.
The Council approved the city ' s participation in this grant.
Proposed agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation
for State Route Maintenance for fiscal years 1980 and 1981 .
The Council approved the subject agreement.
Proposal to close Big Timber Road in connection with Big Timber
Road/ McLean Street Improvements .
Mr. Nelson stated that the article appearing in the Daily
Courier News relative to a $75 ,000 savings if Big Timber
were closed is not true. Mr . Nelson stated the savings
Committee of the Whole Meeting
May 9, 1979
Page 2
would only be about $27 ,000 and that other items making up
the $75 ,000 savings would be realized whether the road is
closed or not. Mr. Nelson advised the Council that the
Contractor is the one who wants the road closed but if the
Council will recall the bid was awarded on the basis that
it would be open. The city would encourage people to take
alternate routes and routes would be marked indicating there
is construction ahead.
Don Berna of Berna Moving & Storage, located at 1333 Timber
Drive, stated it would be impossible for him to operate his
business if this road were closed.
Councilmen Barnes , Hill , Kirkland, Nelson and Mayor Verbic
voted to keep the road open. Councilman Gilliam voted to
close the road because he felt the project would be finished
faster with less inconvenience. Councilman West voted to
close the road because he was in favor of saving the city
some money.
Proposed agreement with Novak, Dempsey and Associates to
evaluate approximately 20 miles of paved streets.
The purpose of the pavement evaluation is to determine the
kind of pavement repair necessary that would give a reasonable
service life based upon specific tests on the existing pavement .
Mr. Nelson pointed out the difficulty in the constant repair
of Country Knoll Lane as well as several streets in Eagle
Heights and Lord' s Park Manor and the subject study might
recommend that these streets be taken out and reconstructed.
Councilman Barnes asked if the present code would eliminate
this problem in the new subdivisions .
Mel Dahl stated the restrictions now in the code would eliminate
these problems when the streets are put in by the developers and
this study would give the city a handle and answers as to why
some of these streets are not standing up.
The Council approved entering into an agreement for the subject
study.
Proposed agreement with the Elgin Community Theatre for the
Summer Youth Theatre Production.
The Council approved the subject agreement.
Proposed closing of the Elgin National Guard Armory.
The Council reviewed a letter from Lt. Colonel Gene W. Blade
of the Illinois National Guard relative to the proposed closing
of the Elgin National Guard Armory .
Committee of the Whole Meeting
May 9, 1979
Page 3
Mr. Nelson stated officials of the State ' s Military and Naval
Department were trying to save the building and had approached
the city about sharing the armory and allowing it to remain open.
Mr. Nelson further stated that the building and especially the
roof is in a real state of disrepair.
Mayor Verbic stated the cost of maintaining the old building
would be prohibitive and Councilman Barnes stated he thought
this is one public building the city does ' nt need to bail out .
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee
of the Whole, the meeting was adjourned at 9 : 15 P.M.
Marie Yearm n, City Clerk
Committee of the Whole Meeting
May 16 , 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by
City Manager, Leo Nelson, on Wednesday, May 16, 1979, at
7 : 10 P.M. , in the Council Conference Room of City Hall .
Members present : Councilmen Barnes , Gilliam, Hill , Kirkland,
Nelson, West and Mayor Verbic. Absent : None.
Also present: City Clerk, Marie Yearman, Assistant Corporation
Counsel , Jim Binninger, and members of staff.
Proposed Marketing Analysis of the Central Business District .
Leo Nelson advised the Council that the city is ready to
proceed with the revitalization of the area between Prairie
and National Streets and South Grove Avenue. Mr . Nelson
thought it would be foolish to develop plans to do this without
first knowing what is possible for the area, and what the
market would be for these projected uses.
Mr. Nelson introduced Mr . John C . Melaniphy of Melaniphy &
Associates , Inc.
Mr. Melaniphy stated he had worked in marketing and economics
for 22 years , working with shopping centers and department
stores . His firm had also been called in on the Oak Park
Mall when it was found to be unsuccessful .
Mr. Melaniphy reviewed his proposal with the Council pointing
out the need for a present inventory of available office space,
retail space, a determination of who the customer is today and
who is the most frequent customer . Mr. Melaniphy said the parking
situation and competition should be evaluated and the impact
of the Spring Hill and Bloomingdale shopping centers should
be measured.
Councilman Barnes questioned if this was a good time to gather
this data in view of the present energy crisis and Spring Hill
and Bloomingdale shopping centers in the future.
Mr . Melaniphy stated that something should be done before the
punch comes along, there is a need to have the answers and
there is no perfect time to do this .
Councilman Barnes asked what conclusions were arrived at
relative to the Oak Park Mall .
Mr. Melaniphy stated his firm found a parking problem, because
employees and retailers were using the consumer ' s parking space,
there was a circulation problem, a signage problem and an
apathy problem on the part of the merchants .
Committee of the Whole Meeting
May 16, 1979
Page 2
Councilman Gilliam asked if a city took the advice of the
marketing analysis , how could they measure the success of
such advice.
Mr. Melaniphy stated this could be done by looking at the
sales tax and the filling of vacancies .
Councilman Kirkland asked how this study would go on beyond
what Stan Douglas is presently doing.
Mr. Nelson stated that Mr. Douglas does not do this type of
work but that he could use the information derived from this
analysis . Mr. Nelson said that both Ed Kelly and Mr. Douglas
were out of town and could not attend the meeting tonight,
but they both recommended that this study be made.
Mayor Verbic stated that the information that would be gathered
now would not be factual when the new shopping centers open.
Mr. Melaniphy stated the plans should be made now.
Councilman Hill asked what the cost of the Oak Park study
was . Mr . Melaniphy stated it was $24,000 and this did not
include any interviewing. Councilman Hill felt that the
merchants and property owners in this area should be concerned
about their future and they should be approached relative to
the fee for the proposed analysis .
Councilman Gilliam felt that in view of the large investment
the city already has in the Mall something should be done
to protect our investment.
A majority of the Council felt this proposal should be put
on the Committee of the Whole agenda for next week when Ed
Kelly and Stan Douglas could be present.
Proposal from Clarke Outdoor Spraying for annual mosquito
control program.
The Council approved a two year contract for the treatment
of identified mosquito breeding sites with an approved
larvicide.
Proposed vacation of a section of Villa Place.
Mr. Nelson stated this was a request from two of the residents
at the west end of Villa Place. The request was reviewed by the
traffic Committee and it was recommended that it be vacated
and transferred to the abutting property owners .
Mr . Kox and Mr. Harris expressed their concern, Mr. Harris
having had his house hit by a vehicle and Mr. Kox having
had his car hit several times.
The Council approved the proposed vacation.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
May 16 , 1979
Page 3
Proposed list of equipment needed for the Bus Garage.
The Council reviewed a list of tools which are needed
by the Bus Garage before the city can take on the additional
(5) new buses and routes . Among the items listed was a
Brake Drum Lathe at a cost of $ 12, 355 .00. Mr . Nelson
suggested that this item be rented because the RTA, at this
point in time, would pay the rental costs , and then when
it is put in the RTA budget it could be purchased. Mr . Nelson
suggested that if the RTA Auditing Department can assure us
of reimbursement we should go ahead and purchase these tools .
The Council directed Mr. Nelson to proceed as suggested.
Proposed purchase of three cardiopulmonary resuscitation
devices .
The Council approved the proposed purchase.
Proposed Management Agreement for the purpose of complying
with N. I . P.C . ' s 208 Program which will be submitted to the
Governor.
The Council was furnished with a copy of N . I . P.C . ' s proposed
Management Agreement together with Elgin ' s revised proposed
Agreement. Mr . Nelson pointed out that one change the city
made was to state "the city would consider doing"the outlined
responsibilities . Mr . Nelson stated that many other cities
were rewriting their agreements and he did not know if N. I . P.C .
will accept this but it was worth running it by them.
The Council agreed to go ahead with the Elgin Proposed Agreement.
Proposed ingress , egress and traffic circulation plans for
Wing and Lords Parks .
Mr. Nelson stated tt� city had received a petition from the
neighbors in the area of Tefft and Oakwood requesting that
through traffic to Lord ' s Park be closed at Tefft and Oakwood.
Several residents from this area related problems with speeders,
motorcyclists running up on their lawns and trash being thrown
in their yards .
Councilman Kirkland asked how the city proposed to barricade
these streets .
Phil Bennett stated that public works had some heavy barricades
and in addition they would take out the hard road surface.
One citizen stated that the barricades would not work because
the motorcyclists would just run up on the lawns to get around
them.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
May 16 , 1979
Page 4
Councilman Barnes suggested that the Council agree to closing
off the streets and then direct the staff to come up with
the proper type of barricade. The balance of the Council
concurred with this suggestion.
Mr . Nelson stated that the proposed closings for Wing Park
would not be easy to deal with on an immediate basis as was
with Lord ' s Park. The problem in Wing Park deals with vehicles
cruising around the park and this would be hard to deal with
on a temporary basis .
Mayor Verbic suggested the staff work up cost figures on a
permanent basis . Councilman Barnes also suggested that we
wait until we are ready for permanent measures . The balance
of the Council concurred with this thinking.
Proposed carpeting of the terrazzo area between the Municipal
Building and the Police and Fire Building.
The Council examined samples of in-door - outdoor carpeting
proposed for the subject area. Mr. Nelson stated it was too
costly to tear out the terrazzo and the current use of rubber
mats and ropes had not eliminated the safety hazzard. The
cost of carpeting is approximately $ 1 , 000.
The Council approved the purchase of the carpeting.
Proposed one-way Westbound for Franklin Street from Dundee
Avenue to Douglas .
This request was made by the Second Baptist Church at 280
Franklin Street. The Traffic Committee decided to send out
questionaires to obtain imput from the residents . 55 letters
were sent, in English and Spanish) . Six questionnaires were
received, of which four desired no change, and two people wanted
no parking on the north side of the street. The questionnaire
did not ask about the one-way street proposal because it did
not address the problem of parking.
Councilman Gilliam stated he would like to have the city try
the one-way westbound for Franklin Street from Dundee to Douglas
and if this did not prove to be feasible it could be changed.
The Council directed that letters be sent out to the residents
advising them this proposed ordinance would be on the Council
Agenda next Wednesday night .
Fuel Consideration
Mr. Nelson stated he was advised by Texaco that the city
allotment would be cut to 80% of the gas used in 1978.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
May 16, 1979
Page 5
The Police Department is the largest user and then public
works . Mr. Nelson stated that the staff is in the process
of working up plans to reduce this useage and they would
have this ready for the Council next week.
Councilman West stated that it is time for the city to stop
buying large model squad cars , having just returned from
California, he had seen smaller cars being used efficiently .
Mr. Nelson stated he would have a more detailed report
next week.
Lawyer ' s Building
Mr . Nelson stated that John Schmidtke and an engineer from
Carl Walker & Associates had examined this building and
while there no immediate danger of the building falling,
there is a strong feeling that the owners of the building
will not be too cooperative in having the building demolished
or repaired.
Mr. Nelson stated that the building is unsafe for entry and
the city has had to post a policeman at the site.
The Council authorized a special Council meeting on Friday,
May 18, 1979, at 5: 30 P.M. , to act formally on a resolution
which would permit the legal department to go to court to
seek legal remedies.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee
of the Whole, the meeting was adjourned at 9: 10 P.M.
Marie Yearman, City Clerk
Committee of the Whole Meeting
May 23 , 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by City
Manager, Leo Nelson, on Wednesday, May 23 , 1979, at 7 :00 P.M. ,
in the Council Conference Room of City Hall . Members present :
Councilmen Barnes , Gilliam, Hill , Kirkland, Nelson and West.
Absent : Mayor Verbic.
Also present : Marie Yearman, City Clerk, Erwin Jentsch, Corporation
Counsel and members of staff .
Proposals for July 4th fireworks display at the Spartan Meadows
Golf Course.
The Council reviewed proposals from Chicago Fireworks Company
in the amount of $5 ,000 and from Galaxy Fireworks Manufacturing
in the amounts of $4,800 and $5,600.
Mr. Nelson stated this would be the third year for this show and
the city had experienced good results in the past by using Chicago
Fireworks.
Councilman Hill stated he agreed that Chicago Fireworks did a good
job, but he was not impressed with the ground display because of
the inability of many people to see this display. Councilman Hill
suggested there may be a better display available but the city
would never know it unless they tried something different.
Councilmen Hill , Kirkland, Nelson and West voted to try Galaxy
this year . Councilman Barnes stated he did not care and was
satisfied with the display last year.
Proposed closing of Big Timber/McLean intersection.
Mr. Nelson stated that the contractors working on this improvement
are requesting limited closures of Big Timber and sections, and
have suggested the following procedures :
While the Milwaukee Railroad is doing their work, the contractor would
close Big Timber Road, plus McLean from the centerline of Timber
Drive to the south right-of-way of Big Timber. Access would be
maintained to the business establishments on Timber Drive. The
contractor would complete all work except the surface course. The
Milwaukee Railroad will have McLean Blvd. closed for two weeks ,
July 16-27. The contractor is requesting one additional week
extension to August 3rd to complete his work.
McLean, between Big Timber and Todd Farm Drive would be closed
for short periods for the purpose of installing the storm sewer
crossings. The contractor would close off this section August 6th
through August 26th. Big Timber and McLean south from Big Timber
will be open to traffic.
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Committee of the Whole Meeting
Page 2
May 23, 1979
McLean , from the centerline of Timber Drive to south of the
Northwestern tracks would be closed. It is anticipated the
Northwestern Railroad crews will do their work September 17th
through October 1st . Access to all business establishments on
Timber Drive will be maintained at all times from Big Timber.
The Council approved the proposed closings .
Proposal to resurface certain streets
The staff recommended including in the resurfacing program for
1979, the repair and resurfacing of the following streets :
Morningside Drive (All of it)
West River Road (Rt. 31 east to just east of entrance to
Willow Lake Estates)
Adeline Avenue (Royal to Getzelman)
Clayton Avenue (Royal to Getzelman)
Councilman Hill asked if the city planned to finish off the
shoulder of the roads in Century Oaks .
Mr. Nelson stated this was not done because the residents wanted
to finish this off in either stone or grass .
Councilman Hill stated that in order to do this dirt would be
required.
The Council approved the resurfacing recommendation.
Proposed marketing analysis for the continued development of
the Central Business District.
Mr. Nelson asked the Council for comments on the presentation
made by John Melaniphy at their meeting last Wednesday.
Councilman Hill stated he would like to see the business interest
of Elgin participate in the cost of the study, they pay half of
the cost and the city pay the other half.
Councilman West thought the concept was sound but stated that he
would like someone else to take a shot at it.
Councilwoman Nelson stated she did not think it was the right
time for such a study.
Councilman Barnes stated he did not have any problems with the
presentation but he did have problems with doing this at this
time when we don ' t know the impact of the energy problem or the
new shopping centers.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
May 23 , 1979
Page 3
Councilman West stated we need to plan now with the best information
available and we should do something now instead of letting the
house burn down and then put out the fire.
Mr. Nelson stated there was no sense bringing in someone else unless
the Council agreed with the concept.
Stan Douglas, Chairman of the Central Elgin Corporation stated that
he needed the data as the first step to show what direction they
should go. We don ' t know what function the downtown should serve.
Councilman Hill stated the findings of the study will benefit
the downtown businessmen as much as it will the city and it ' s
only fair that they should pay a portion of the cost.
Mr. Douglas stated the results of the study would not benefit the
businessmen directly and would only provide a data base from which
future plans could be made.
Councilmen Hill Kirkland, Nelson and West felt the study was needed
but would like to see two or three other proposals.
Councilmen Barnes , Hill , Nelson and West felt the cost of the study
should be shared and Councilman Kirkland stated he was not sure
about this.
Request from the Elgin Committee on Recycling to collect and dispose
of its non-recyclable waste material .
Mr. John Post , representing the Elgin Committee on Recycling,
stated that this group has provided an ongoing recycling program
within the city since 1971 and maintain a collection site on the
Zayre parking lot.
Mr. Post pointed out that all the profits from this project have
been donated to various city and community beautification projects
and that the majority of the work involved in the project has been
done by youth groups in Elgin.
Mr. Post stated that the present market value for recycled news-
print has dropped and he asked if the city could assist them in
the removal of non-recyclable material . Collection days are the
2nd and 4th Saturday of each month and if the city could lend
this assistance it would reduce the increased cost of waste removal
by a private scavenger.
Mr. Nelson stated that to make these pickups on Saturday would
cost the city overtime and he wondered if the material could
be picked up during the week.
Mr. Post stated this would create problems for them and suggested
that the city furnish them with a container which they could use
on the designated Saturdays and then the city could take it away
on their regular pickups .
Committee of the Whole Meeting
May 23 , 1979
Page 4
Mr. Dahl stated that the city did not have an extra container
at the present time.
Councilman Gilliam asked what the cost would be for a container.
Mike Sarro stated approximately $600.00
The Council approved the purchase of the additional container
which would remain the property of the city.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee of
the Whole, the meeting was adjourned at 9: 45 P.M.
Marie Y Year n, City Clerk
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Committee of the Whole Meeting
June 6, 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by
City Manager Leo Nelson on Wednesday, June 6, 1979, at 7 :05
P.M. , in the Council Conference Room of City Hall . Members
present : Councilmen Barnes , Gilliam, Hill , Nelson, Kirkland,
West and Mayor Verbic. Absent: None.
Also present : City Clerk Yearman , Corporation Counsel Jentsch
and members of staff.
Proposed amendment to Chapter 9. 24 of the Elgin Municipal Code
relative to garbage and refuse containers.
Mr. Nelson stated the proposed amendment did not provide for
any change in present policy and simply updated the ordinance
to provide for watertight garbage containers or heavy gage plastic
bags of at least one and one half millimeters in thickness .
Garbage containers shall not exceed fifty pounds in weight
and shall not be put out for collection more than 24 hours
prior to its scheduled collection.
The Council approved this amendment.
Acceptance of Change Order #1 to the EMHC Reclamation Contract.
Mr. Nelson stated that because the gravel reserves were much
greater than anticipated additional drilling would be necessary
to determine the size of the deposit. Dunn Geoscience has
submitted a change order for $ 15 , 122 to cover the increased drilling
and sampling program.
Mayor Verbic asked if there would be any additional charges .
Mr. Nelson stated no and this was only being done due to the
additional gravel deposits .
Mr. Nelson further stated that the staff was preparing to go
before the Land Use Committee petitioning for a mining use and
Dunn Geoscience would be coming in with an updated report in
about a month.
The Council approved the proposed change order.
Proposed amendment to the Residential Rehabilitation Program.
Mr. Nelson advised the Council that the proposed changes to the
rebate program would allow a minimum 40% rebate to any landlord
participating in the Section 8 rehabilitation programs. Owner
occupant landlords eligible for 40 to 50 percent rebates would
still receive this ame consideration. Participating absentee
landlords would now be eligible for a flat 40% rebate. Mr.
Nelson stated this would do two things, gets into rehabilitation
and opens up Section 8 rentals .
Committee of the Whole Meeting
June 6 , 1979
Page 2
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that he felt the proposed changes will
make the program more attractive to landlords who are presently
reluctant to participate.
Councilman Barnes asked if there were any limits on areas in
the city.
Mr. Dahlstrom stated the program would cover the entire city.
Mayor Verbic asked how this program would be advertised.
Mr. Dahlstrom stated that public notice would be made showing
the entire procedure and benefits .
Councilman Barnes felt that any units renovated under this
program should be left open to Section 8 renters for at least
five years and a majority of the Council concurred with this .
The Council approved the proposed amendment.
Proposed repairs to the ceiling at the Slade Avenue Water
Treatment Plant.
The Council reviewed two quotes for the repair of the filter
room ceiling and side walls as follows :
Marotto Plastering Company $4,650
Farrell Plastering Company $5 ,680
The Council approved the staff ' s recommendation that Marotto
Plastering be authorized to proceed with the repair.
Request to implement the exact fare system on July 30, 1979.
Mr. Nelson stated that although the Council had approved the
implementation of an exact fare system they had expressed a
desire to coordinate the initiation of the exact fare program with
the implementation of a monthly pass program. The RTA is currently
undergoing a feasibility study for a monthly pass program and
it appears that a final decision would not be made prior to
January of 1980.
Councilman Hill asked if the fares are established by the RTA.
Mr. Nelson stated the fares must be approved by the RTA.
Councilman Hill stated that we would also need approval for
the monthly passes and he did not understand this when the
matter was discussed earlier.
Councilmen Barnes , Gilliam, Hill , Nelson, West and Mayor Verbic
agreed to go ahead with the exact fare system and to wait for
the results of the feasibility study for a monthly pass program.
Councilman Kirkland stated he would rather wait for the results
of the study before making any changes .
Committee of the Whole Meeting
June 6, 1979
Page 3
Review of memo from Steve West relative to a Downtown Marketing
Study .
Councilman West suggested to the Council that the Rouse Company,
which is a subsidiary of the American City Corporation, be
considered as a potential consultant for a downtown marketing
study.
Mayor Verbic stated that nothing would be lost by obtaining
another opinion.
Mr. Nelson stated the city should have a commitment from the
Elgin Central Corporation to share the cost of such a study
before seeking another proposal .
Review of Master Park ' s Plan
Country Knolls - Hawthorne Hills
Phil Bennett stated the Plan recommends that this site be
preserved in its natural state of marshland and wetland, serving
primarily as a nature interpretation area with a full -time
naturalist to direct a nature interpretation program.
Councilman Barnes stated he had problems with the idea that
there are hundreds of people in Elgin who will wander around
and study nature.
Councilman Gilliam agreed with Councilman Barnes .
Mr. Bennett state that the thinking is to work with school children.
Mayor Verbic stated that Councilman Barnes has a good point ,
because you don ' t see a lot of people interested in this at
Trout Park.
Mr. Bennett stated the shelter that is there now could be used
for a day camp area.
Councilman Hill thought the park should either be called Country
Knolls Park or Hawthorn Hills Park, but not both.
Mr. Bennett stated the would like to have a school contest involved
in selecting the park names .
Mr . Nelson stated the staff was asking for concept approval only.
Councilman Barnes stated he would agree with the concept but suggested the staff work with part time employees only and see
what the demand is .
Councilman Gilliam stated he approved the concept but not the
money.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
June 6, 1979
Page 4
Clifford/Owasco Street Park
Mr. Bennett stated that a scheduled meeting with the neighbors
has proved to be unsuccessful although they did have imput from
one neighbor which the staff considered valid.
Councilman Barnes questioned the cost of $24,000 for sun shelters.
Mr Bennett stated this would be nice for joggers and people who
are fishing.
Grolich Park
Mr. Bennett stated the Plan recommends this park be left as it
is basically.
Drake Field
Councilman Barnes stated he had problems with spending $60,000
for tennis courts because he did not think there was that great
a demand for them.
Mr. Nelson stated he agreed with this and would want to see
people standing in line to get on the courts before we build
any more.
Wright Avenue Park
Mayor Verbic suggested that perhaps a service club in Elgin
might be interested in taking on some of the landscaping
recommended for this park.
Greater Elgin Emergency Medical Services Council
The Council approved a contribution of $600. 00 to help defray
expenses in the distribution of a mobile intensive care program
brochure in Elgin.
Cancellation of Richard Basehart ' s performance at the Hemmens
Auditorium.
Don Smith advised the Council that Richard Basehart would not
be available to perform in Elgin and he asked for approval to
accept Ray Charles as the performing artist for the 10th anniversary
of the Hemmens Auditorium. Mr . Smith stated that if the two
performances are sold out the city should take in between $ 18,000
and $ 19, 000.
The Council approvelthis request.
North End Bridge
Mr. Nelson advised the Council that the County will pick up an
additional $70,000 for the North End Bridge. The consultants
are presently working on the engineering phase and they should
be ready for a public hearing sometime late this summer .
Committee of the Whole Meeting
June 6, 1979
Page 5
Signage for Hemmen ' s Building
Mr. Nelson stated that at the Council ' s direction he had looked
into the availability of signs for the Civic Center and Hemmen ' s
Building. Mr . Nelson passed out for the Council ' s review several
photographs of individuals signs and marquee signs . The individual
signs would run between $6 , 000 and $9,000 each and the marquee
would run $4, 000 each. Mr. Nelson felt that if the staff developed
the specifications we could get lower bid prices.
Councilman West stated he could see the marguee sign but not
tacking a sign on any building .
Mr. Nelson stated he would suggest going with the marquee sign
and the Council agreed with him.
The Council suggested that the Hemmen ' s Advisory Board be
contacted so they could look at the different designs .
Proposed changes for summer meetings of the Committee of the
Whole.
Mayor Verbic suggested that instead of meeting every Wednesday
night that the Committee of the Whole Meeting be held twice a
month preceding the regular Council Meeting, starting at 6: 30
P.M.
The Council agreed to try this for the summer months .
The regular meeting of the Council on July 11th was changed to
July 12th because of the Chamber ' s annual golf outing.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee of
the Whole, the meeting was adjourned at 9: 00 P.M.
Marie Yearman' City C er
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Committee of the Whole Meeting
June 13 , 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by
City Manager Leo Nelson, on Wednesday, June 13, 1979, at
6 : 35 P.M. , in the Council Conference Room of City Hall .
Members Present : Councilmen Barnes , Gilliam, Kirkland,
Nelson, and West. Absent : Councilman Hill and Mayor Verbic.
Also present : City Clerk Yearman, Corporation Counsel Jentsch ,
and members of staff.
Proposed amendment to the City ' s Ordinance relative to making
adjustments in water bills as a result of water leaks under
certain circumstances .
Mr. Nelson stated that the City ' s present ordinance is very
strict and provides that no deduction shall be made on account
of leakage after water has passed through a meter. The proposed
amendment was taken from the City of Decatur ordinance and this
would provide some relief where an adjustment can be justified.
The intent of the amendment would not apply to people who are
negligent and would only apply to single family residences .
The Council approved the proposed amendment.
Proposed repairs to the Fire Department ' s Engine #3 .
Mr. Nelson pointed out that at the last meeting the Council
approved authorization of payment to American LaFrance for
repairs to Engine #3 , and this was in error. The repairs
which were made and the costs therefor should have been allocated
to the Fire Department Aerial Platform Truck #1 .
The Council reviewed the following options recommended by Chief
Van De Voorde, relative to the proposed repair of Engine #3 .
1 ) Make these temporary repairs (estimated cost $4,860) and
continue to use Engine #3 for another five years .
2) American LaFrance will put a new cab, new body, new air
brakes , power steering , and new water tank on Engine #3 .
This would give us a nearly new unit for $38,000. Estimated
life of 10- 15 years or more.
3) Do nothing with Engine #3 this year and budget $85 ,00 (estimate)
for a new engine in 1980. Estimated life 25 years .
Chief Van De Voorde stated that rust is a major problem with fire
equipment and this should be considered when future purchases are
made. The Chief also stated he would like to see a smaller size
vehicle considered in the future, which would enable his department
to get into narrow streets and apartment complexes .
The Council approved going ahead with Option #1 .
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Committee of the Whole Meeting
June 13 , 1979
Page 2
Proposal from the Argonee National Laboratory to conduct an
analysis of Radium 226 and 22B in the City ' s raw water supply.
Ron Zegers stated that at the present time the City lacks any
radioactivity data at the west side water treatment plant and
the proposed analysis of Radium 226 and 228 would provide the
City a more complete picture of raw water concentration, removal
efficiency, concentration in sludge and concentration of waste
water .
Councilman Gilliam questioned that it would take approximately
one year after receipt of the last sample for the analyses of
Radium 228 to be completed.
Mr. Zegers stated this was correct because this is a method
that Argonne feels very secure with.
Mr. Nelson stated that according to recent news releases several
communities would have to come up with plans for elimination of
radioactivity because the State is leaning on them to get this
done. Mr . Nelson cited an article which appeared in a recent
issue of the Subburban News which pointed out that Elgin had
water treatment facilities that ensured that water reaching
consumers was hazard free.
The Council approved proceeding with the Argonne National
Laboratory analyses at a cost of $3 , 000.
Proposed changes to the hourly rates charged to various
organization which employ the City ' s regular and reserve
police officers on an off-duty basis .
The Council reviewed a recommendation from the Elgin Police
Department to change the hourly rate of hire of off-duty regular
officers to $ 14.50 per hour and $9. 50 per hour for reserve.
Mr. Nelson stated this change was necessary in order to recover
the City ' s cost.
The Council approved this recommendation.
Proposal to increase fees charged to developers for engineering
and construction inspection services provided by the City.
Mr. Nelson stated that Gary Miller had spent considerable time
making a study of these fees and as a result of a survey, it was
determined the City ' s fees are much lower than other communities .
The inspection fee is other nearby communities is between 2-3%,
and it is recommended Elgin raise their fee to 1 . 5%, which is the
maximum amount we have experienced to date.
The Council approve this recommendation.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
June 13, 1979
Page 3
Illinois Municipal League 66th Annual Conference.
Mr. Nelson distributed registration forms to the Council for this
conference to be held in Chicago, September 28th, 29th, 30th, and
October 1st.
Proposed supplemental agreement with the Milwaukee Railroad.
The Council reviewed a proposed supplement to an existing license
agreement between the Milwaukee Railroad and the City of Elgin,
which grants the City the right to install and maintain a storm
sewer on the railroad' s right-of-way at the Big Timber/McLean
intersection. Mr. Nelson stated this will save the City quite
a bit of money and we should take advantage of their offer.
The Council approved the proposed supplemental agreement.
Proposed changes in the City ' s bus routes .
Mr. Nelson stated these changes were reviewed and approved by
the Council several months ago. Since that time the changes were
submitted to the RTA and they have approved same. Mr. Nelson
further stated that if the Council still felt these changes were
in order they could be implemented on July 2nd.
ribk The Council approved the proposed route changes .
Review of Park' s Master Plan
Mr. Nelson remided the Council they were only to approve the
proposed development plans in concept only.
Trout Park - Campbell Property
Mr. Bennett stated the Master Plan suggested that Trout Park
would be left pretty much as it is now and would function as a quasi
neighborhood park. The trail system should be restored and the
placement of observation areas with benches at intervals along
the trails . The Plan also suggests the closing of the portion
of Trout Park Boulevard which separates the two designated nature
areas . A traffic count would be conducted to determine whether
the closing of this street would divert an unacceptable amount
of traffic into residential streets .
Councilman West stated that if you close this road there would
be no way to drive to the proposed boat ramp and this should be
left open regardless of the results of a traffic count .
Councilman Barnes called attention to the large area set aside
for nature study centers and while he did not think there was any
big interest for this , he suggested that any improvements be
made at this site to see how it would work out here before adding
additional nature centers elsewhere.
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Committee of the Whole Meeting
June 13 , 1979
Page 4
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Mr. Bennett stated it was recommended that the operation of
the Trails and Treasures Restaurant and boutiques be continued
and a boat ramp to the north of the restaurant be constructed.
Councilman Barnes questioned the need for the two proposed
shelters at a cost of $45 , 000.
Mr. Bennett stated these would be used in connection with a
proposed nature day camp program.
Councilman Gilliam also stated he would question the need
for these shelters .
Mr. Bennett pointed out the need for the present pavilion
to be eliminated. Mr. Bennett stated the structure was too
large and this winter ' s weather had damaged the structure
beyond repair. Mr. Bennett stated he had talked with the
North End Business Men ' s Association and they favored replacing
the present pavilion with a smaller unit, using the existing
slab.
Mr. Nelson stated that the insurance settlement should take care
of the cost of a smaller unit .
Kiwanis Park
Mr. Bennett stated the Plan recommended this site remain as a
neighborhood park with a shelter building just below the center
of the park.
Councilman Gilliam stated he would question the need for a shelter.
Zayre Park
Mr. Bennett stated the Plan recommends a play lot, playground
equipment and some hard surface area.
Burnidge Park
Mr. Bennett stated the Plan recommends that this 22 acre park
remain as a neighborhood park with picnicing area in conjunction
with the school property.
Mr. Nelson stated that this property has large mature oak trees
which should not be removed.
Central Park
Mr. Bennett stated it was recommended this remain a neighborhood
park with some additional playgound equipment. This park should
also be made accessible to the senior citizens for use.
Councilman West asked with the land so steep how could this be
made accessible for senior citizens .
Committee of the Whole Meeting
June 13, 1979
Page 5
Mr. Bennett stated that this could be done be installing
winding acclivous walks . Mr. Bennett pointed out the need
for a traffic light for senior citizens to get across the
street.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee
of the Whole, the meeting was adjourned at 7 : 55 P.M.
Marie Yearma , City Clerk
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Committee of the Whole Meeting
June 27 , 1979
The Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order
by City Manager , Leo Nelson, on Wednesday, June 27 , 1979,
at 7 : 10 P.M. , in the Council Conference Room of City Hall .
Members present : Councilmen Gilliam, Hill , Kirkland, Nelson
and Mayor Verbic. Absent : Councilmen Barnes and West.
Also present : City Clerk Marie Yearman , Corporation Counsel ,
Erwin Jentsch and members of staff .
Proposal to terminate an earlier agreement with the Milwaukee
Railroad for the grade crossing improvement as a part of the
Big Timber Road/ McLean Boulevard intersection improvement.
Mr . Nelson advised the Council that the city has received
approval for the expenditure of federal funds for the
Big Timber/McClean intersection crossing improvements . The
City , Milwaukee Railroad and Illinois Department of Trans-
portation have executed a three-party agreement which covers
the federal funding and therefore the original two-party
agreement should be voided.
The Council approved voiding the agreement executed by the
City and the Railroad on March 21 , 1979.
Discussion relative to Steve West ' s memo regarding the issuance
of vendors licenses on the Fountain Square Plaza.
Mr. West asked in his memo why Concern , Inc. , was told that
their wagon must be removed from the Plaza when not in use.
Jim Knowles stated this had been a security problem, the
wagon they used was light weight and portable.
Mayor Verbic asked Mr. Knowles if he had any opportunity
to talk with Mrs . Sears , President of Concern, Inc. , before
she wrote letters to the Council .
Mr. Knowles stated he had talked with Mrs . Sears once last
Fall and once this winter, but most of the contacts were
made through Betsy Armistead.
Councilman Gilliam asked if Concern was turned down because
of their smaller unit .
Mrs . Armistead stated this was not the reason , it was because
of the hours they wanted to keep.
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Committee of the Whole Meeting
June 27 , 1979
Page 2
Mrs. Sears stated they were told the unit had to be portable
and thats why it was purchased. They never discussed having
a larger permanent fixture. The Commission also stated they
would not negotiate the hours .
Mr. Knowles stated that originally small carts selling items
like popcorn , plants and ice cream were invisioned but
financial problems killed all but the popcorn wagon. Mr.
Knowles further stated the Commission thought a larger
permanent type wagon at a fixed location could offer a more
varied menu.
Councilman Gilliam asked if Concern had not been notified
to re-apply.
Mr . Knowles stated that this was rubbish, they were advised
of the new hours and asked to re-apply.
Mrs. Sears stated she thought the Council should know how
this Commission jumps back and forth and nobody knows what
they are doing , so it is impossible to be competitive. Mrs .
Sears asked how come a fire lane is negotiable and hours are
not. Mrs . Sears asked that they be given the same consideration
as others next year.
Mayor Verbic suggested that Concern Inc. , and the Mall Commission
set up some direct communication system in order to avoid
similar problems next year .
Memo from Steve West relative to Tax Free Housing Bonds .
The Council reviewed Mr. West ' s memo and attached article .
Mr. Nelson stated that perhaps the City should wait until we
see what Congress does because it may be they would pass a
Bill which would effect what the City would propose to do.
Councilman Hill stated this was a good article but it did
not cover much more than what the City Council had discussed
earlier.
Proposal to install stop signs on Franklin Blvd. at Grand Blvd.
Mr. Nelson stated that due to the closing of Tefft Avenue at
Franklin Boulevard the traffic volume entering and leaving
Lord ' s Park at Franklin Boulevard had increased.
The Traffic Committee recommended that two-way stop signs be
installed on Franklin Boulevard at Grand Boulevard.
The Council approved the Traffic Committee ' s recommendation.
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Committee of the Whole Meeting
June 27 , 1979
r Page 3
Further discussion relative to parking on Davis and Holmes
Roads .
Mr . Nelson stated that in January the Traffic Committee
recommended that on-street parking be removed. This
recommendation was based on the request of a number of
property owners in the Park. At the Council meeting a
number of objectors appeared claiming there was insufficient
off-street parking at the present time. The Ordinance was
tabled and sent back to the Traffic Committee.
Since that time a second survey has been made to determine
the extent of on-street parking (Council was furnished with
a copy of said survey) . This recent survey indicates
sufficient off-street parking and the removal of on-street
parking would not create any hardship.
Gary Miller stated that the Elgin Plaza Building plans to
add additional parking spaces and additional spaces in the
parking lot to the east of Bank Americard is under construction
now.
Councilman Hill stated that the Elgin Plaza Building for the
first time was almost filled with tenants and he felt that
rib's if any parking was taken away at this time the tenants might
move. Councilman Hill suggested that with additional parking
under construction, this matter should be deferred until
construction of additional spaces is completed.
Mr. Nelson stated there was no pressing traffic problem,
although the covenants state the developers will provide
sufficient off-street parking. Mr. Nelson suggested that
the petitioners for off-street parking come before the
Council under communications .
The Council felt the petitioners should be notified that
the Council feels this is premature at this time and let
them know the reasoning for this decision.
Proeosed amendments to Burnidge, Cassell & Associates and
Illinois Hydraulic Agreements, for the restoration of Old Main.
Mr . Nelson advised the Council the City was going to get an
additional $35 ,000 grant from the State Department of
Conservation and there is a possibility there may be $40,000
more in matching grants .
Charles Burnidge proposed a Change Order #1 to the contract
with Illinois Hydraulic Construction Company to provide for
roof cedar shingles in lieu of asphalt, and Marine Plywood
Fascia in lieu of exterior plywood. Mr. Burnidge submitted
the following quotes :
Base Bid $69, 000
Cedar Shingles 9, 200
Marine Plywood Fascia 3 , 300
$81 , 500
Committee of the Whole Meeting
June 27, 1979
Page 4
Mr. Burnidge also proposed an additional architectual fee
in the amount of $2, 700, to cover additional services in
aiding the City to acquire additional funding and interior
estimates for the first floor .
Mr. Burnidge stated added elements like the authenic shingle
roof could increase the value of the project and could help
obtain further grants .
Mr. Nelson stated the City should contact the Elgin Historical
Society relative to their participation with interior repairs
because if they are not interested, the senior citizens are
still interested in the building .
The Council approved Change Order #1 and authorized the
additional $ 2700.00 for Architectual fees .
Labor Association - Industrial Revenue Bonds .
Mr. Nelson advised the Council he had recently discussed with
representaives of the Labor Temple the possibility of using
industrial revenue bond financing for the purchase of a new
building. If they qualify they were talking about between
$600,000 and $950,000.
rik Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee
of the Whole , the meeting was adjourned at 9: 20 P.M.
Marie Yearm n, City Clerk
r
Committee of the Whole Meeting
July 12, 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by
City Manager, Leo Nelson, on Thursday , July 12, 1979, at
6 :40 P.M. , in the Council Conference Room of City Hall .
Members present: Councilmen Barnes , Hill , Kirkland, Nelson,
West and Mayor Verbic. Absent : Councilman Gilliam.
Also present : Nelson, Yearman, Jentsch and members of staff.
Discussion re cost overrun on the Lincoln Avenue Watermain
Extension.
The Council reviewed a memorandum from Syed Ally which stated
the subject project was completed at a cost of $ 108,015.00,
whereas the bid was for $89, 500. 00, resulting in an overrun
for the project of $ 18, 515. 00.
Mr . Alley ' s memorandum listed the following reasons for the
overrun:
One fire hydrant, 6" valve , 16"x16"x6" Tee and Valve Vault
added after project was awarded $ 2, 200.00
During construction it was discovered that the storm sewer
is near pavement edge of the 20 feet wide seal coat surface,
this is the location where the 16 inch watermain was designed
to go. As a result the watermain had to be moved to the ditch
line which is steep. The vegetation was destroyed at the ditch
line and in order to control erosion , we had to construct a
paved ditch with aggregate base and bituminour concrete.
$ 5, 535 .00
Unusually bod soil condition was encountered for about
200 feet and this required wider trench, more trench backfill ,
addition bituminous concrete and 200 feet of curb that was
lost . $ 6, 005 .00
The existing manholes were too close together and it was
necessary to change the location of the new watermains
at Lincoln/Douglas $ 2,455 .00
Additional fittings $ 2, 300.00
Other misc. minor items $ 20.00
$ 18, 515.00
The Council approved the additional cost for this project.
Discussion re repair of Well #3 at the Slade Avenue. Water
eft. Treatment Plant.
The Council reviewed a memorandum from Ron Zegers in which he
pointed out that Well #3 was bid for repair this year, but
before repairs could begin the motor stopped running. Upon
pulling the pump and motor a hole was found in the pipe which
caused a hold in the cable because of the water which wore a
Committee of the Whole Meeting
July 12, 1979
Page 2
hole through it . The column pipe was pitted extensively and
will require replacement , because the hole is crooked both
6 inch and 8 inch pipe will be required.
Mr. Zegers gave the following quotes :
Chicago
Layne Western Tube and Iron
300 ft. of 6" pipe 3,993 . 00 2,395. 80
400 ft . of 8" pipe 6, 317 . 50 4 ,660. 80
$ 10, 310.50 $7 ,056.60
The Council approved the bid of $7 , 056.60 from Chicago Tube
and Iron.
Mr. Zegers stated the pitless adapter is also pitted and corroded
and will require replacement. The cost of the pitless from
Baker Manufacturing is $5 ,567.00.
The Council approve the purchase of the pitless adapter from
Baker Manufacturing.
Discussion re repair to the motor for the LaVoie Avenue Well .
Mr. Zegers stated that the motor that operates the shaft
driven Well at LaVoie Avenue stopped running and was sent to
National Electric Coil for analysis and repair. The cost
for rewinding, dipping and baking is $2750. 00, which because
of the need for the Well to be in service, Mr . Zegers authorized
National Electric Coil to proceed with repair .
The Council authorized payment for the repair of the subject
motor in the amount of $2750. 00.
Discussion of House Bill #2167 .
Mr. Nelson stated that this Bill has passed the General Assembly
and is now on the Governor ' s desk awaiting his signature or
veto. Mr. Nelson stated that this Bill provides that : employers
would be required to grant a leave of absence due to pregnancy;
employers would be required to grant a one-year child care lease
of absence; and public employers might be mandated to bargain
collectively with their employees .
Councilman Hill asked if it would do any good to communicate
with the Governor giving him our feelings on this Bill .
The Council agreed that a letter should be sent to the Governor,
signed by the Mayor, requesting that he veto this Bill .
_Discussion re request to let bids for two motorcycles in lieu
of one additional sedan.
The Council reviewed a request from Chief Baird which stated
it was the consensus of his department staff that the motorcycles
will be a benefit not only from a gas savings standpoint but
operationally as well .
Committee of the Whole Meeting
July 12, 1979
Page 3
Chief Baird stated that a committee of officers had discussed
this idea and decided it warranted experimentation. The
vehicles would be used in patrolling parks and late night
building checks .
Councilman Barnes asked why this type of program had previously
been disbanded.
Chief Baird stated this was due to the number of injuries but
they hoped to minimize this by a careful selection of men
assigned to this division and no cycle patrols would be used
on the Route 20 By-Pass , the 1 -90 Tollway, or for high speed
chases .
Mayor Verbic stated that at the Conference of Mayors he became
aware that many cities are favoring smaller cars for patrol
purposes .
Chief Baird stated he had just received the results of study
which indicated practically no difference between gas usage
between standard sized sedans and the next size smaller vehicles.
The Council approved the letting of bids for two motorcycles .
(Pk Discussion re Telephone Franchise Agreement.
Mr. Nelson stated that for the last ten months Bob Malm and
Ery Jentsch have attempted to modify the City ' s franchise
agreement with Illinois Bell to substitute cash payments for
service credits and to obtain a definite franchise term. To
the present date the City has not received any response to
our requests to amend or even discuss the franchise agreement.
Mr . Nelson stated he thought they might not want to pay cash
because this could be used to purchase other telephone equipment
and engage a private system.
Mr. Malm stated that the Village of Park Forest has undertakne
a similar protest against the phone company and has even stopped
paying its bills .
The Council directed that a resolution be sent to Illinois Bell
giving them a 60 day notice of the City ' s intention to terminate
the existing franchise agreement.
Discussion re review of Park' s Master Plan.
Phil Bennett stated that the Master Plan provided that Wing
and Lord ' s Park should basically remain the same except for
roadway changes , replace of some very old equipment and two
additional tennis courts.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
July 12, 1979
Page 4
Mayor Verbic stated that he observed the basketball court being
full all the time.
Phil Bennett stated it would get even more use if it was lighted
at night .
Councilman Barnes stated he had a problem with the two additional
tennis courts .
Mr. Bennett stated at the time the Plan was being developed
tennis was at its peak.
Mayor Verbic asked if there had been any study made for golfers
wanting to play 9 holes and finding parking, it seemed to him
that the parking was inadequate.
Mr . Nelson stated that the last couple of golf seasons had
been real financial losers .
Mr. Bennett stated that Lord ' s Park should remain pretty much
as it except for the roadway changes, which people have called
on and complimented the city, some new playground equipment
and retention of the zoo.
Mr . Nelson stated that if the city wanted to keep the zoo
there this would become a high priority item and we should
start to design something now.
Mr . Bennett stated that we could not go through another year
with the present condition of the interior fences .
Mr. Nelson pointed out that the recent problem with dogs
killing the animals was not due to the condition of the
fences because the dogs were digging under the fences .
Mayor Verbic asked Mr. Bennett if he thought the zoo area was
too large.
Mr . Bennett stated the area was too big and at times it was
impossible for the public to see the animals . The Master
Plan reduces the zoo area and provides for walkways .
Mayor Verbic stated that with the present energy problems he
thought more people would be using the parks as opposed to
leaving the city and we should be upgrading the playground
equipment .
Councilman Barnes stated he could not see the nature boardwalk
or the two tennis courts at $60,000 each.
The Council did approve obtaining a proposal to redesign the zoo.
Mr. Bennett stated the Plan proposed that the South State Street
Park remain a neighborhood park with replacement of equipment,
consolidation of the play area to provide an open area for
picnics .
Committee of the Whole Meeting
July 12, 1979
Page 5
Mr . Nelson stated that the Plan does not say 9 anothin about
upgrading the existing playground equipment and some of this
is so old it has become unsafe. Mr. Nelson said the chips
and sand facilities should also be looked into.
Mr. Nelson stated he would take all of the Council ' s comments
relative to the Master Plan proposals and bring something
back for the Council ' s review.
Old Main
Mr. Bruce Dahlquist of Burnidge & Cassell reported to the
Council that they were advised the city would receive $24,000
additional grant funds for the restoration of Old Main,
bringing to the total amount of grant funds received to $79, 000.
Discussion re additional costs for sidewalk installation
around perimeter of new park in Parkwood East Unit 2.
Rob Roll advised the Council that when the acquisition of
this parkland was discussed he did not include in the purchase
price the installation of perimeter sidewalk on two sides of
the park. Both Phil Bennett and Gary Miller have indicated
there is a need for these walks to be continued from existing
residences along the east and south sides rather than abruptly
stopping the walks at the residential lot lines .
Mr . Sorenson has agreed to install the sidewalks at his actual
construction costs , or a total of $4,620, and I would recommend
that we proceed with the sidewalk installation for the price
quoted by U. S . Shelter.
The Council approved Mr. Roll ' s recommendation.
Discussion re sludge removal .
Mr. Nelson stated that we are at the point where we must develop
our own facility to dispose of our lime sludge. The State
Hospital property has the proper soil condition and we should
instruct Black & Veatch to start designing such a facility. Mr .
Nelson stated we are talking about $800, 000.
Councilman Barnes asked if we would have a problem with the
State in using the property for this type of use .
Mr. Nelson stated that the contract with the State provides
for use of the property as a sanitary landfill .
The Council approved going ahead with the design and obtaining
the necessary permits.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee
of the Whole the meeting was adjourned at 9: 30 P.M.
M'ar i eQ`Y ar� , C i ty C erk
t
Committee of the Whole Meeting
July 24, 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by Leo
Nelson, City Manager, on Tuesday , July 24, 1979, at 6 :40 P.M. ,
in the Council Conference Room of City Hall . Members Present:
Councilmen Gilliam, Hill , Kirkland, Nelson, West and Mayor
Verbic. Absent: Councilman Barnes .
Also present : Yearman , Jentsch, Binninger and members of staff.
Discussion relative to the gravel deposit located on the Elgin
Mental Health Center property.
Mr . James Dunn of Dunn Geoscience Corporation advised the Council
that his firm has now completed the sample drilling and survey
of this site, and although the original plan called for drilling
30 feet down they had gone down to 100 feet in order to determine
the depth of the gravel .
Mr. Dunn stated the deposit consists of sand and gravel and
eleven million tons would be a minimal estimate, and it would
be difficult to come up with a really precise landscaping plan
at this time, but it does look like there would be one lake and
possibly a second one.
Councilman Hill asked if the sites lend themselves for sanitary
landfill use .
Mr. Dunn stated this was not feasible in the sand and gravel areas .
Mayor Verbic asked how long a mining period was estimated.
Mr. Dunn stated this would depend on what tonnage was mined each
year .
Mayor Verbic stated that he has had comments from neighbors in
this area relative to the problems with a mining operation.
Mr . Dunn stated there could be problems but these could be
minimized. The only tenants who will be able to see the mining
operations are the tenants in Burnham Mill , but this could be
overcome by screening the area. The dust must be suppressed with
water or chemicals since federal regulations control the amount
of dust particles allowed in the air . Mr. Dunn further stated
he did not think the noise would be heard over the sound of the
local traffic.
Councilman West asked Mr . Dunn if he thought 25 per ton was
realistic.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
July 24, 1979
Page 2
Mr. Dunn stated this is higher than a lot of people are getting ,
but there would be a good advantage in having a site so close
and I would think there would be a stong bidding situation for
the mining contract.
Councilman Gilliam asked what the timetable would be insofar
as commencing this operation.
Mr. Dunn replied as early as next Spring.
Mr . Nelson stated that the city would first have to go to the
state because the installment contract with them for the purchase
of this land does not permit the deveopment of revenue until
the purchase contract is paid in full . Mr. Nelson stated the
staff was in the process of trying to work out this problem
and then the project would be subject to a public hearing
and the Land Use Committee.
Councilman West stated why not defer any revenue from the
mining operation until the land is paid in full .
Mr . Nelson stated the Corporation Counsel would have to review
the contract with the State .
Mr. Earl Tillery stated there is no such thing as a clean mining
operation and he objected strongly to the city putting a mining
operation in his back-yard.
Mayor Verbic stated that Dunn ' s experience warrants that this
will be done according to specification.
Councilman West stated the operation would be under the city ' s
control .
Mr. Tillery stated that ' s what you think and he just wanted to
know when to start a petition drive to oppose the project.
The Council approved Mr . Nelson ' s suggestion that the City retain
Dunn ' s firm on an occasional basis to monitor the progress of
the mining operation.
Discussion re proposed improvements to the Trout Park Pavilion.
Mr. Nelson advised the Council that Phil Bennett had met with
members of NEBA and had shown them some pictures of prefabricated
units . Mr . Bennett advised them the city would like to have
some less imposing but NEBA stated they would like the same
type of structure built as they had before.
Councilman Gilliam asked what would happen if we put up a smaller
unit with the insurance proceeds and then gave them any proceeds
•
Committee of the Whole
July 24, 1979
Page 3
that might be left.
Mr . Nelson stated he was not sure the insurance proceeds would
take care of everything.
Mayor Verbic stated he would agree with the sentiments for a
smaller unit .
Councilman Gilliam stated he was in favor of putting up a less
imposing structure , giving NEBA the choice of structure as long
as the insurance proceeds cover it.
Councilman West asked if the city could sell the salvagable
portion of the present structure.
Mr. Bennett stated he thought the insurance would do this as
part of the claim settlement .
Councilwoman Nelson thought we should try to sell them on the idea
of selecting a smaller unit.
Councilman Hill stated we should build something that is
appropriate for the park.
Mayor Verbic suggested that he and Mr . Bennett approach the
NEBA representatives again and try to sell them the smaller
unit.
Discussion re revised plans for the conversion of the Civic
Center parking lot .
Mary Smith representing Carl Walker and Associates , reviewed
two proposed alternatives for the Council ' s consideration :
Eliminate entrance number 4 between the City Hall
metered lot and the Civic Center lot.
Approximate Savings $ 7 , 000. 00
Eliminate the exit at entrance exit #3
Approximate Savings $ 13 ,000.00
Have Carl Walker & Associates coordinate the construction
and assist the city in taking bids from the contractors .
Councilman West asked if the city could act as the general
contractor.
Mr . Nelson stated this was possible but we have plenty of work
at this time and we have not done this type of work.
Councilman Gilliam asked what the cost of the project was .
Committee of the Whole Meeting
July 24, 1979
Page 4
Mr . Nelson stated around $ 142,000 , plus $55 , 000 for equipment.
Councilman Gilliam suggested the project be bid again in this
manner and if it goes over again forget the project.
The Council agreed to proceed with the project as proposed
by Carl Walker & Associates .
Discussion re proposal to proceed with the preliminary design
of the parking deck at Highland, Chicago, and Spring Streets .
The Council reviewed a request from Carl Walker & Associates
to proceed with a schematic design of the proposed facility .
The schematic design fee will be 15% of the total fee. The
dollar amount of this will be approximately $ 15 ,000 and this
does not include fees for the demolition of the existing
buildings.
Councilman Hill stated he thought the design should include
space for commerical shops .
Mayor Verbic stated he has always been in favor of this but
he did not want the city involved.
Mr . Nelson stated that Stan Davis was opposed to having shops
here.
Councilman West stated he thought we should keep the option
open because we may need it to replace retail space that will
be lost.
Mr. Nelson suggested that the city proceed with this design
and then bring back some recommendations.
The Council agreed to proceed as recommended.
Discussion re request for industrial revenue bonds by Elgin
Trades Council .
Mr. Nelson told the Council that the Labor Temple tenants would
be moving to the building on Federation Place on October 1st and
they are seeking 1 . 2 million in industrial revenue bonds. Because
they are a non-for-profit organization they are asking the city
to waive the $5 , 000 fee for a financial background check.
Councilman Hill stated this would bring others in asking for
the same thing and he favored waiving the fee because of treat
of condemnation of the building left the tenants no choice.
Mr . Nelson asked Councilman Hill if he proposed that the city
engage and pay Speer.
Councilman Hill replied, drop Speer.
Fred Smith, representing the Trades Council stated they have
a tight time schedule and he did not feel they should have
to be investigated.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
July 24, 1979
Page 5
Counsel Jentsch stated he felt Speer & Associates should make
a report.
Councilman Hill stated that Speer ' s comfort letter is just a
crutch for the Council .
Counsel Jentsch stated the purpose is to give information
about the feasibility of the project and to avoid default on a bond.
Councilmen Hill , Kirkland , Nelson, West and Mayor Verbic approved
obtaining the Speer report and paying the fee. Councilman Gilliam
stated he could not see paying the fee.
Proposed traffic signal installations at the intersections of
Summit-Hiawatha and Larkin-Lyle.
The Council was advised the State proposed to install and
maintain temporary semi -actuated traffic signals at Summit-
Hiawatha and the City will install and maintain temporary
pre-timed traffic signals at Larkin-Lyle . The City will be
required to construct approximately 132 square yards of roadway
widening which is included as part of the original permanent
improvements proposed for funding. Most of this work can
probably be done with City crews and within the $4,000 budgeted
originally for Summit-Hiawatha.
The Council approved proceeding with this project.
Proposal to proceed with the Service Development/Demonstration
Grant Program in cooperation with PLUS , Inc. and the RTA.
The Council was advised this project will be funded in accordance
with SD/DGP guidelines , whereby the RTA will provide up to 75%
of the net project cost, not to exceed $63 , 960, or up to a manimum
of $ 1 . 50 per onw-way passenger trip, with the remainder being
provided by local funding sources . The grant is for a period of
up to 12 months from the date specified in the agreement and the
RTA will also provide 3 small buses to operate the service.
The Council approved proceeding with this grant program.
Proposal to acquire equipment for the application plication of liquid
calcium chloride to sodium chloride and sand as a prewetting
agent for snow and ice control .
Mr. Dahl advised the Council that while attending a recent
conference he had talked with several public works official
who felt that the use of calcium (applied to sand and to sodium
chloride as a prewetting age) was both effective and economical
in the control of snow and ice on city streets .
Mr. Dahl recommended to the Council that he pursue the purchase
of the necessary equipment with which to store and apply the
calcium chloride.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
July 24, 1979
Page 6
The Council approved Mr. Dahl ' s recommendation.
Proposed ordinance creating the Hemmens Advisory Board.
The Council reviewed a proposed ordinance which provides
for thirteen members .
Mayor Verbic felt this number of members for an advisory
board was too many.
Councilman Gilliam stated he thought it should consist
of only seven members .
A majority of the Council felt Councilman West should
be made an Ex-Officio member of this board.
Mr. Nelson stated he would check to see just how many
members were active and would bring this back to the
Council .
Proposal to acquire used parking meters and parts .
The Council reviewed a recommendation from Jim Bolerjack
relative to the purchase of used parking meters , which
read as follows :
150 used Model N Park-O-Meters @ $26.50 $3 , 975. 00
Assortment of parking meter parts , mostly new 500. 00
$4,475. 00
The Council approved Mr. Bolerjack' s recommendation.
Logo for 1980 Vehicle Sticker
The Council agreed to use the Old Main for the 1980 Vehicle Sticker.
Proposed Deferred Compensation Program.
Mr . Nelson stated this program is being sponsored by the U.S .
Council of Mayors and his only concern would be that the plan
is run properly and that it will benefit the employees . There
is no cost to the City.
Mayor Verbic stated he had looked into this program and in other
municipalities where this plan was being offered almost 25% of
the employees decided to contribute to the plan . The Mayor
pointed out there is an 8% interest figure guaranteed for the
first year .
Councilman Gilliam stated he would like to be furnished with
more information before making any decision.
Mr . Nelson suggested that the plan be presented to the employees
and in the meantime he would furnish the Council with additional
information.
,
Committee of the Whole Meeting
July 24, 1979
Page 7
("*.'
Discussion re Homart Development Corporation water runoff plan.
Councilman West stated that this development now has some
buildings up and they should have some plan by now as to
how they are going to treat the water runoff. Since the
City has recently received reports indicating the river is
in good shape, I would hate to see it made worse and if
they don ' t have a plan we should enjoin them from polluting
the river.
Ron Zegers stated that Dick Young and Ruth Pearsall , who are
with the County, have been meeting with Homart officials - regarding
this problem.
Councilman West stated he wanted some guarantees .
There being no further business to come before the Committee
of the Whole , the meeting was adjourned at 9: 50 P.M.
Marie Yearma , City Cler <
C
Committee of the Whole Meeting
August 8, 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by
Leo Nelson , City Manager, on Wednesday, August 8, 1979, at
6: 55 P.M. , in the Council Conference Room of City Hall .
Members present: Councilmen Barnes , Gilliam, Hill , Kirkland,
Nelson , West and Mayor Verbic. Absent : None.
Also present: Yearman, Jentsch, Binninger and members of staff .
Discussion re proposal from McFadzean and Everly to prepare
preliminary plans for the Lord ' s Park Zoo improvement .
The Council reviewed a proposal from McFadzean and Everly to
prepare preliminary drawings and estimates in connection with
the Lord ' s Park Zoo improvement , for a not-to-exceed $6,000
fee.
Mr. Nelson stated we should develop a preliminary plan and
then put this project in the 1980 budget .
Councilman Barnes indicated we should go ahead with the
improvements but he was concerned after reading the examples
of work done by McFadzean and Everly because those kind of things
mean a lot of money. Councilman Barnes suggested that Mr. Nelson
tell this firm we want an economy version.
Councilman West asked if the staff had looked into the possibility
of any grants .
Mr. Nelson stated this had not been done but it could be looked into.
Councilman Barnes stated it looked like this firm had designed
several projects which were standing still waiting for money to
go ahead and he would rather have something we could afford to
go ahead with.
A majority of the Council agreed to proceed with the preliminary
design and instructed Mr . Nelson to advise this firm the Council
is looking to the original cost estimate that was submitted three
years ago in the amount of $ 100, 000.
Discussion re proposed Grant Program to create a traffic unit
within the Elgin Police Department.
The Council reviewed a staff memorandum relative to a traffic
grant proposal which would establish a Police Traffic Unit in
the Elgin Police Department. The funding for this project is
75% Federal , 25% City for the first year ; 50% Federal and 50%
City for the second year ; and 30% Federal and 70% City for the
third year .
Chief Baird stated this is a viable means of increasing personnel
to handle and investigate all fatal accidents and hit and run
accidents , it would also address more men to crime areas.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
August 8, 1979
Page 2
Councilman Gilliam asked how many fatal and hit and run accidents
have occurred in a year .
Chief Baird stated approximately 7 to 12 fatal and between 400
and 500 hit and run .
Councilman Gilliam asked is there was a commitment on our part
to retain the program after the three year period .
Chief Baird stated that if the program is successful he would
request that we continue it, and if it was not successful he
would request the officers be absorbed into the regular force.
Councilman Hill asked if the 1980 budget would request additional
personnel .
Chief Baird indicated he would ask for 2 civilans to relieve
2 officers for police duty and if the Council did not approve
this project he would need to request additional help.
Councilman West stated that financially he did not like it but
in view of the growth with Valley Creek we would need to increase
the number of policemen .
A majority of the Council approved filing an application for
the subject grant .
Proposed agreement with the Pitometer Associates to update the
1974 Water Distribution Report .
The Council reviewed a staff request for an additional distribution
analysis by Pitometer Associates . This program would update the
1974 distribution report and optimize the system to provide
information on pump head requirements and demand requirements for
the distribution system in Elgin. The cost not to exceed $4,500.
The Council approved the proposed agreement.
Proposal to acquire 8- inch water main pipe.
The Council reviewed a staff recommendation to purchase 1 , 200 feet
of 8- inch water pipe from Griffin Pipe Company for $7 ,428.
The Council approved said purchase.
Proposed repairs to the sanitary sewer in the 1100 block of
Fairwood Drive in Century Oaks .
Mel Dahl exhibited to the Council , by way of a televion tape,
the necessary repairs needed in the sanitary sewer line on
Fairwood Drive. Mr. Dahl stated repairs were also needed on
Triggs and he would come back to the Council with an estimate
of the costs for said repairs .
Committee of the Whole Meeting
August 8, 1979
Page 3
Tyler Towers
Mr. Lee Vance and Mr . and Mrs . Hagler, owners of penthouse
units in Tyler Towers , requested that the Council waive the
requirement of having a sprinkler system installed in these
units . Mr. Vance pointed out that these units have been
decorated at great expense and there is no way the sprinkler
units could be installed at this time without disturbing
the decor .
Counsel Jentsch stated that although the lower court ruled
in favor of the developers of Tyler Towers, who sought to
eliminate the sprinkling system, the Appellate Court ruled
in favor of the City . Mr . Jentsch stated these proceedings
were filed of record for the benefit of any perspective
purchasers .
After further discussion the Council did not feel there
should be any exception to this safety requirement.
Closing of Villa Place.
Mr. Nelson reminded the Council that at the July 25th Council
Meeting, Mr. Herman Smith had filed a petition protesting the
closing of Villa Place and Mr . Nelson looked for further
direction on this issue. Mr . Nelson stated that Public Works
was in the process of closing this street at the present time.
Chief Van De Voorde stated that it is not possible to get any
equipment up this street because it is too narrow and it is
of no major use to this department. They can use the street
to lay out hose lines but this could also be done with the
street closed.
Counsel Jentsch stated that through previous Council action
the street has been vacated.
A majority of the Council agreed they should abide by their
decision to close the street and Mr. Smith should be so advised.
Mid-Year Budget Report
Mr. Nelson pointed out to the Council that the projected unencumbered
cash balance for December 31 , 1979 is $ 1 , 526, 375 , which is $419, 085
more than anticipated. The increase in the revenues can be
attributed to an increase in the transfer from Federal Revenue
Sharing of $237 ,050, a transfer from Transportation of $ 126, 900,
an increase in the transfer of Motor Fuel Tax of $63, 000, a
federal grant for snow removal of $85 ,950, a county grant for
the North End Bridge of $70, 000, and an increase in investment
income of $73 , 200.
Mr. Nelson further pointed out that personal services will be
$83 ,365 less than estimated due primarily to the productivity
program in Public Works and Parks .
Committee of the Whole Meeting
August 8, 1979
Page 4
Councilman Gilliam commented that the productivity study had
paid for itself .
Mr. Nelson called the Council ' s attention to a reserve in the
Transportation fund of $408 , 000, which fund was established in
1968, prior to any agreement with the RTA, to offset bus
depreciations . Mr . Nelson stated that since the RTA is now
replacing the buses , the funds in this reserve could be used
elsewhere. Mr. Nelson stated that while this amount did not
appear in the budget , it did appear in the annual financial
report.
Mr . Nelson suggested that these funds could be used to clear
the debt to the State for the purchase of the hospital site.
If this were done the city could collect $24,000 in income
from the farming operation on this site.
Mayor Verbic stated that some thought should also be given
to reducing the balance due on the South Grove Avenue property
because of the high interest that is being paid.
Mr . Nelson also mentioned the possibility of using these funds
to build a parking deck following the demolition of the Labor
Temple , then these funds could be replaced with revenue from
general obligation bonds.
Mr. Nelson stated he did not expect a decision on this matter
tonight and it would be brought back to the Council .
Projosal from Robert J . Irmen Associates for a Management
Training Programs .
The Council approved the fee of $2,000 for the subject program.
Status of Paul ' s Tap.
Counsel Jentsch advised the Council that the Illinois Liquor
Control Commission on August 1 , 1979, affirmed the City ' s
order of revocation.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee
of the Whole, the meeting was adjourned at 9: 45 P.M.
Marie Yearman , City Clerk
Committee of the Whole Meeting
August 22, 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by
Leo Nelson, City Manager , on Wednesday , August 22, 1979, at
6: 40 P.M. , in the Council Conference Room of City Hall .
Members present: Councilmen Gilliam, Hill , Kirkland, Nelson
and West. Absent : Councilman Barnes and Mayor Verbic.
Also present: Yearman, Jentsch, Binninger and members of staff.
Discussion re preliminary plans for the parking deck, east
of Spring Street between Chicago Street and Highland Avenue .
Frank Transue and Mary Smith from Carl Walker and Associates
displayed an exhibit of the proposed parking structure. Ms .
Smith stated that the proposed structure provided for strictly
parking and the commercial space had been eliminated. By this
elimination the function of the structure was improved we would
be able to utilize the one-way street system. Traffic would be
able to enter the deck from either Highland or Chicago and traffic
from Chicago Street would be directed to the deck' s lower level
and from Highland, to the upper level . Ms . Smith stated that under
the old plan, traffic would have had to exit through the Home
Federal parking lot. All automobiles on the deck will be angle
parked to eliminate the possibility of exiting the wrong way.
Councilman West asked if they were proposing metered parking or
attendant parking.
Ms . Smith stated the proposed plan called for two parking attendants .
Councilman West thought it would be worth looking into to have
a cashier in the middle of the traffic flow to handle both
entrances and thus save one salary.
Mr . Transue stated that the Traffic Advisory Board had requested
a plan for vehicles to get in and out into traffic with the least
amount of delay. Mr. Transue stated that once the plan is in
operation the City would have to option to revise this plan and
that during the off-days and nights , it might be feasible to
close one entrance .
Councilwoman Nelson asked what the plan provided for in terms of
security.
Ms. Smith stated the structures would have glass blocked stairwells
and elevators for visibility to the streets .
Councilman West asked about the possibility of adding a grill or
mesh type of security screen around the lower lever. Councilman
West stated that he had seen this done in another city and it
not only looked attractive but provided a unique safety measure.
Councilman Gilliam questioned the need for two elevators , stating
that the last elevator approved by the City cost $80,000.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
August 22, 1979
e''' Page 2
Mr. Transue stated he did not think the cost of the proposed
elevators would exceed $85 ,000.
The Council directed that the Walker firm proceed with the
preliminary design and estimate costs and that same be brought
back to them.
Discussion re installation of sixteen bus block heaters in the
parking lot immediately north of the Crystal Street Garage facility.
The Council reviewed two bids as follows : Ron Jones Election, Inc. ,
$2110. 00 and Paar Electric, Inc. , for $2877 . 00.
Mr . Nelson pointed out that these heaters would be necessary
in order to store the additional buses which have been transferred
to Elgin for Routes 803 and 805 .
Mr. Nelson further pointed out that the RTA approved the bid
and authorized the City to proceed with this project, on the
estimate submitted by Ron Jones .
The Council approved proceeding with this project.
Discussion re modification of the sound system in the Hemmens
Building.
Mr. Nelson stated that $2300. 00 was included in the 1979 budget
for the relocation of the speaker cluster in the Hemmens Auditorium,
based upon a May 1978 proposal from Ancha Electronics , Inc.
Don Smith advised the Council that to fully correct the feedback
problem that has developed since the orchestra pit was covered,
an additional horn and driver would be required, which was not
a part of the 1978 estimate .
Mr. Nelson stated the new proposal in the amount of $2873 .00,
which takes into consideration these additional charges and the
City has had excellent success with Ancha Electronics.
The Council approved proceeding with this project based on the
revised proposal in the amount of $2873 . 00
Discussion to purchase and install play equipment at the Eagle
Heights Park.
The Council reviewed a proposal from Paul Buckley & Associates
to furnish three items of playground equipment at a cost of
$3599 .00.
elk Phil Bennett stated that this particular manufacturer makes only
aesthetic equipment and he felt because of the imput at the
neighborhood meetings , this type of equipment should be purchased
for this park. Mr. Bennet further stated that you need modest
colors in this area park.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
August 22, 1979
Page 3
Councilman West asked if this would compromise the equipment
safety.
Mr. Bennett replied no, all playground equipment must meet
safety standards .
Councilman Gilliams asked what the difference in price would be.
Mr. Bennett stated approximately a couple of hundred dollars .
Councilman Gilliam asked if we would be setting a precedent
for other neighborhood parks .
Mr. Bennett stated that this is the first area constructed with
our own forces and usually when the park construction goes out
for bid, the bid includes the park equipment .
Councilman Gilliam stated he would not approve this request
because he did not know what the difference in price would be.
Councilman West stated that surely there are more vendors who
have this equipment in colors and he joined in with Councilman
Gilliam' s statement.
The Council requested that this equipment be put out for bids .
Discussion re bus charter rates for the school year 1979- 1980.
The Council reviewed a staff recommendation to amend charter
rates for bus service. Mr. Nelson stated this recommendation
provided for an increase in rates effective now through December
31 , 1979 and an increase from January 1 , 1980 through August 30,
1980. The increase in January is requested because of the increase
in wages and gas anticipated at that time . Mr . Nelson stated we
do not want to charge any more than what it takes to retrieve our
costs .
Mr. Nelson stated that U-46 has been advised of these increases
and if the Council approved same , it could be acted upon at
tonight ' s formal meeting.
The Council approved the increased rates .
Discussion re proposal to remove the No Turn on Red sign for
northbound Dundee Avenue traffic at Summit Street.
The Council reviewed a staff recommendation to remove the No
Turn on Red sign for the northbound traffic on Dundee at Summit.
Mr. Nelson stated that because of intersection improvements the
need for this movement has been eliminated. ' DOT has been advised
and they are in agreement with this recommendation.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
August 22, 1979
Page 4
Discussion re City ' s program for the impoundment and redemption
of dogs.
Mr. Nelson advised the Council that Dr. Tabbert, owner of the
Larkin Avenue Animal Hospital , is going to sell his business .
The City has been using this facility for stray dogs which
have been picked up by the city ' s animal control officer. For
the first six months of this year approximately 424 dogs were
picked up and there is a fee of $25. 00 paid by the City for
each dog disposed of , there is no charge to the city if the
animal is reclaimed by the owner.
Mr. Nelson further stated that Bob Malm and Lt. Pfortmiller had
met with the officials of the South Elgin Shelter to explore
the possibility of impounding the dogs at that facility. They
were advised there was no room to handle the estimated dogs
that would be brought from Elgin . The Shelter proposed that
the City prepay the impounding fees for about a five year period.
The funds , approximately $ 100,000 would then be used to finance
an addition to their present facility. During the five year
period, no handling fees would be charged to the City and the
$30.00 per dog handling fee would remain the same .
Anne Dewees , Kent and Sally Homfeldt , who have recently formed
and chartered the Lola Brewster Memorial Foundation for Animals ,
were present at the meeting and advised the Council they hoped
to present an alternative proposal at the Council ' s next meeting.
Mr. Nelson stated he did not expect the Council to make any
decision tonight but he did want the Council aware of these
pending options .
Discussion re request from Lamp Incorporated to reimburse them
for additional pavement work associated with the installation
of a TO- inch water main on Cooper Street between Center and
Prospect.
The Council reviewed a staff recommendation to pay Lamp, Inc. ,
$7, 033 . 50 for additional pavement work in connection with the
installation of the 10- inch water main extension on Cooper
between Center and Prospect.
Mr . Dahl stated that because of the soil conditions more pavement
was removed than was originally estimated.
The Council approved the payment to Lamp, Inc.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
August 22, 1979
Page 5
Discussion re proposed bids for squad cars .
The Council directed the staff to obtain bids on both full -size
and mid-size cars with large engines and for mid-size cars
with smaller engines .
Monthly advances for expenses at the Northwestern University
Traffic Institute.
The Council was advised the Sgt. Bruce Zweig is attending the
"Long Course" at the Northwestern University Traffic Institute.
Over the span of the next nine months it will be necessary
to advance approximately $6 ,400 to Sgt. Zweig for room deposit ,
rent, utility, meal and transportation expenses . Through the
provisions of the IDOT grant , approximately $4, 900 will ultimately
be reimbursed to the City , with $ 1 , 500 representing the City ' s
approximate cost for the listed expenses .
The Council approved the above mentioned advancements .
Deferred Compensation Plan
The Council approved having this offered to the city employees
as long as there was no cost to the City.
Council Meetings
Mr . Nelson stated that the Council might want to review their
feelings as to meeting twice a month or every Wednesday night.
Mr. Nelson stated that it would be necessary to meet every week
during the months of November and December in order to go through
the budget.
The Council agreed to go back to the every Wednesday night meeting
during November and December and when the budget has been completed
they would review and consider future meeting nights .
Adj ournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee
of the Whole, the meeting was adjourned at 8: 55 P.M.
At
IPA c:k—it
Marie Year n, City Clerk
Committee of the Whole Meeting
September 12 , 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by
City Manager , Leo Nelson, on Wednesday, September 12, 1979,
at 6: 50 P.M. , in the Council Conference Room of City Hall .
Members present : Councilmen Barnes , Gilliam, Hill , Kirkland,
Nelson, West and Mayor Verbic. Absent: None.
Also present : Yearman, Binninger and members of Staff .
Discussion relative to alterations in the Civic Center
Parking Lot .
Mr . Nelson pointed out to the Council that tonight ' s
Council Agenda included the bids for the alterations to
the Civic Center Lot .
Mayor Verbic stated he thought the project should be delayed
until Spring rather than have the lot tied up during the
Christmas season.
Councilman Gilliam asked if the project were started now
what the time element was for completion.
Mel Dahl stated the project should take about 30 days .
Councilman Hill stated that we have over two months to
complete the project and we should give it the green
light.
Councilman Kirkland stated he agreed with Councilman Hill .
Mr . Dahl pointed out that we could have a bad Fall and they
would not be able to get the asphalt work done.
Mr. Nelson asked if any provisions had been made for handi -
capped parking.
Mr. Dahl stated that the plans provide for these spaces .
Gary Miller stated that the contractor advised him they
could start the project on October 1st and could complete
same by the middle of November.
Mayor Verbic stated it would be safer to wait for Spring .
Councilmen Hill , Kirkland, Nelson and West voted to proceed
with the project now.
r
Committee of the Whole Meeting
September 12, 1979
Page 2
r
Discussion relative to a facility to be operated in
conjunction with our animal control program.
Mr. Nelson stated that he had not received any further
word from the people associated with the Brewster Foundation
and felt that perhaps they were not ready to move ahead.
Mr . Nelson suggested that the staff meet again with the
South Elgin Animal Shelter and bring back a proposal to
the Council .
Mr. Nelson further suggested that perhaps the City should
take another look at the dog license fees .
The Council asked that a proposal be submitted to them.
Discussion relative to replacement of the shelter at
Trout Park.
Mr. Nelson stated that the Mayor and Phil Bennett had met
with the N. E . B. A. Board of Directors and had persuaded them
to approve the erection of a more suitable facility for
the replacement of the Trout Park Shelter.
The shelter dimension is to be 44 ft. x 60 ft . , erected on
the North West section of the existing concrete slab in
order to provid as much ice skating surface as possible on
the slab.
Mr. Bennett stated he would get back to the Council with
some firm cost figures for the erection of this facility.
Discussion relative to the Family Service Association
request to waive our rights to agrant from the Illinois
Law Enforcement Commission.
Mr. Nelson stated this request is similiar to those made
each year wherein the City provides a resolution waiving
the right to the Illinois Law Enforcement Commission funds
for Changes , Elgin Township, for the period December 1 , 1979
through November 30, 1980, in the amount of $6,696 .
The Council requested that the appropriate resolution be
placed on the Council agenda for formal action.
Discussion relative to request from Carlson ' s Paint Store
to remain in the Labor Temple Building for a short period
of time beyond October 1 , 1979.
The Council reviewed a request from Kenneth Carlson, owner
of the Carlson Paint Store, that he be allowed to remain
at his present location until the remodeling is completed
at his new location at 221 East Chicago St .
Mr . Nelson stated that he had spoken to Mr . Carlson and he
Committee of the Whole Meeting
September 12, 1979
Page 3
stated that Mr . Carlson was just talking about the first
week in October. Mr. Carlson stated he was not trying to
delay moving but if at all possible he would like to avoid
any interruption of his business .
Mr. Nelson further advised the Council the staff hoped to
have the demolition bids in for the October meeting.
The Council felt the City should cooperate with Mr. Carlson
and grant him an extension of time to move.
Discussion relative to recommendation to repair the roof
of the building at 138 S . Grove.
The Council reviewed a staff recommendation to repair the
roof of the building at 138 S . Grove, which is being rented
presently by U-46 as a central warehouse building .
The Staff submitted a proposal from Singles Roofing Company
in the amount of $4, 307 and the Council approved the requested
repairs .
Proposed Agreement with the Neighborhood Reinvestment
Corporation for neighborhood housing services .
The Council reviewed a proposed agreement with the National
Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation which provides for
assistance to residents to improve their homes and bring
them at least to minimum code standards . City representatives
would work closely with this program by participating in
decisions on reinvesting in the selected neighborhood.
The Council agreed to have this agreement placed on the
Council Agenda for formal action.
Proposed 1980 budget for the performing arts at the Hemmens
Building.
Don Smith, Hemmens Auditiorum Manager, advised the Council
he would like their approval to pass the budget for City
sponsored events at least by February of the previous year.
Mr. Smith stated that because of the present system he was
denied grants for the Performing Arts for Young People Series
in 1980, because it should have been submitted to the Arts
Council in April of 1979.
For Spring programs in 1980 the grants should have been in
by April of 1979. For summer of 1980 grants must be in by
November of 1979 and for programs in the winter of 1980 the
grants must be in by April of 1980. Before the grants can
Committee of the Whole Meeting
September 12, 1979
elimk Page 4
written proof must be submitted that the artist has been
booked and a contract signed before the Illinois Arts
Council will even look at a grant .
The feedback from the schools indicates they are very
enthused about the programs and the Hemmens Advisory
Board has also recommended that we proceed with these
programs .
Councilman Kirkland asked where we were in connection
with the purchase of Marquee for the Hemmens Building.
Mr. Nelson stated he would check with Bob Malm and
Mike Sarro to see where we are and would then bring
back a report.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee
of the Whole, the meeting was adjourned at 7 : 55 P.M.
Marie Yearm n, City Clerk
•
Committee of the Whole Meeting
September 26 , 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by
City Manager , Leo Nelson, on Wednesday , September 26 , 1979,
at 6 : 35 P.M. , in the Council Conference Room of City Hall .
Members present: Councilmen Barnes , Gilliam, Hill , Kirkland,
Nelson, West and Mayor Verbic. Absent : None.
Also present : Yearman , Jentsch , Binninger and members of
Staff .
Proposed deferred compensation program sponsored by the U.S .
Conference of Mayors .
Mr. James Agan, representing PEBSCO, stated that he had been
retained by the U. S . Conference of Mayors to offer a deferred
compensation program for all public employees . Mr. Agan stated
he represented one of the largest companies in the nation. The
program has been presented to the staff and was well received.
Mr. Agan pointed out that there would be no cost to the City
for said program.
Councilman Kirkland asked what the advantage of this program
would be as opposed to the present pension plan.
Mr. Agan stated the program is designed as a tax relief
because you would not pay income tax on the money deducted
and put into the plan until you actually withdrew the money .
Councilman Hill asked what the limit was on the amount you
could contribute to the plan .
Mr . Agan stated there was a 25% of gross earnings limit.
Mayor Verbic stated this was a good plan and it would enable
employees to build for a pension .
Councilman Barnes asked if the government would not obtain
the income tax from persons in this plan where would they
replace this amount of tax.
Mayor Verbic stated it may even itself out if these people
do not have to ask for money for additional assistance.
The Council approved the program.
Proposed agreement with the Central Elgin Corporation.
The Council reviewed a proposed agreement with the Central
Elgin Corporation which provided that the City would pay
$ 1 .00 for every $2.00 raised by C . E .C . , for the purpose
Committee of the Whole Meeting
September 26 , 1979
Page 2
of aiding continued economic productivity of the Central
business district. Under all circumstances , the maximum
amount that the City shall be liable for is $25 , 000, during
any calendar year.
Mr . Nelson stated that the money for this purpose had been
put in the 1979 budget.
Councilman Hill stated he thought this was a project that
should be supported but he did not think an open end contract
was in order and that this type of agreement should be reviewed
annually by the Council . Councilman Hill further stated that
the agreement could cover 1979 and 1980, since we were so far
into 1979, and then the agreement should be on a yearly basis .
The Council agreed with Councilman Hill and Mr . Nelson stated
the legal department would make this change in the agreement
before same was presented to the Council for formal action.
Proeosed agreement with the Humane Society of North Central
Illinois to provide for the impoundment of dogs .
The Council reviewed a proposed agreement with the Humane
Socity in South Elgin which would provide for the impoundment
of dogs for the City of Elgin.
Mr. Nelson stated that the Humane Society ' s full Board had
not approved this agreement so there was a possibility of
some future changes .
Councilman West stated he thought they were asking for a
pretty good lump payment and maybe the other group that
came in should be considered.
Mr. Nelson stated that this group was supposed to come back
in on September 12th with a proposal and they failed to do this .
Councilwoman Nelson stated a Dr. Miller had purchased the
Taebert business and he may be interested in this program.
Mr. Nelson stated that Dr . Miller had not contacted the city .
Councilwoman Nelson stated that Dr. Miller was unaware that
this was coming up.
The Council agreed to table this matter.
Proposal to retain the services of International Systems, Inc. ,
for the purpose of securing federal funds .
Mr. Nelson stated this firm has approached the City relative
to retaining their services in assisting Elgin obtain grants
Committee of the Whole Meeting
September 26, 1979
Page 3
and seek out federal funds .
Mr . Nelson further stated that if the Council is interested
in such a program a representative from the firm is willing
to make a presentation.
The Council approved having a representative out to speak
to them relative to the program.
Request to replace the City Garage ' s engine analizer.
The Council approved the staff' s request for replacement
of this equipment .
Proposal to develop an expanded parts storage area in the
Crystal Street garage.
Mr. Nelson advised the Council that the City would be
receiving five new flxible buses around the end of October
and in order to accomodate the substantial amount of spare
parts for these buses it would be necessary to make certain
improvements in the garage.
Mr. Nelson further stated that the RTA had approved these
improvements and the cost thereof in the amount of $ 13 , 222.
The Council authorized the requested improvements .
Proposed revision to the Management Group' s group hospital
and medical plan.
Mr. Nelson stated that with the rise of medical costs today
there was a real need to revise the present hospitalization
coverage. The new proposal provides for a major medical
limit of $250,000, as opposed to the current coverage of
$20,000.
A representative from Washington National recently spoke
with a group of management employees , who unanimously approved
the revised coverage.
Mr . Nelson stated that this new coverage was discussed with
the employees during negotiations two years ago and they
expressed no interest in changing the coverage.
The monthly premium for the new coverage would be reduced
and as a preventative measure a proposal was made to provide
management personnel with a$50. 00 reimbursement toward an
annual physical .
The Council approved the revised medical coverage and the
reimbursement for an annual physical .
Committee of the Whole Meeting
September 26, 1979
Page 4
Request for additional data processing equipment.
The Council reviewed a request for additional data processing
equipment. The total addition to the 1980 budget for equipment
rental will be $ 11 , 200.
The Council approved the staff ' s request.
Market Analysis for Mineral Aggregates prepared by Dunn
Geoscience Corporation.
Mr. Nelson distributed copies of this study to the Council
for their review.
Mr. Malm stated that the study indicates the Elgin State
Hospital sand and gravel deposits appear to be readily
marketable and the potential rate of production of the Elgin
deposit could be over 1 , 000, 000 tons per year. A royalty
based on a minimum production of 750,000 tons per year would
be appropriate so that at 8% of the sales price per ton, the
minimum to Elgin would be $ 180,000 per year if the average
price is $3 . 00 per ton .
This property should have a current value of over $3 ,000 ,000
and there are several major operators in the area who are
interested in obtaining rights to the property .
Mr . Nelson stated the city is ready to go into operational
detail and a meeting should be arranged with Jim Dunn and
Bill Coats .
Councilman Hill asked if any thought had been given as to
what would be done with this income .
Mr. Nelson stated that when the Council reviewed this earlier
they had indicated the income would be used to develop this
particular site and the development of other parks .
Request for plants in the Hemmens Building Lobby .
Mr. Nelson stated that the Hemmens Advisory Board would like
to have the City acquire plants for the Hemmens Lobby, in
time for the Hemmens anniversary reception . The Board made
contact with a local florist and he will furnish, at cost,
$2900. 00 for plants and $ 1100. 00 for pots .
The Council approved this request .
Golf Season Passes.
Mr. Nelson stated that the golf rates established last year
included season passes that were only valid up to October 1st .
There were many complaints and the Park ' s Board recommended
they be extended to November 1st.
The Council approved this recommendation.
Committee Qf the hole Meeting
September Lb , 1973
Page 5
r
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee
of the Whole, the meeting was adjourned at 9 : 20 P.M.
Marie Year n , City Clerk
elk
r
Committee of the Whole Meeting
October 10, 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by
Leo Nelson, City Manager , on Wednesday, October 10, 1979,
at 6: 35 P.M. , in the Council Conference Room of City Hall .
Members present: Councilmen Barnes , Gilliam, Hill , Kirkland,
Nelson, West and Mayor Verbic. Absent : None.
Also present : Marie Yearman , City Clerk, Erwin Jentsch,
Corporation Counsel and members of staff .
Discussion re proposal of International Systems , Inc. to
secure additional federal funds for the city.
Mr. Nelson introduced Margaret Calhoun, a representaive of
International Systems , Inc.
Ms . Calhoun stated that this company had been formulated to
assist smaller cities to secure grants and they were now
servicing 38 states and their proposal provided for trained
people to hande grants and process same . The City at all
times would reserve the right to decide if they wanted the
grant.
Councilman West asked what initiative the company would have
to go beyond the stipulated $22,000 in grants .
Ms . Calhoun stated they would be looking for repeat business .
Mr. Nelson asked what would happen if the city did not obtain
any grants .
Ms . Calhoun stated a full refund would be made to the city.
Councilman West stated he thought the city would brake even
because of the amount of staff time that would be saved.
The Council approved the proposal .
Discussion re preliminary design plan for parking structure.
Frank Transue of Carl Walker & Associates and John Schmidtke
reviewed with the Council the preliminary design plans for
the proposed parking structure east of Spring Street between
Highland and Chicago Streets .
Councilman West stated that they had previously talked about
this structure, he had mentioned the possibility of a tower
in the middle of the structure as opposed to one in each end.
Mr. Schmidtke stated that the building code says you must
have two exits for every level . The present plan provides
an exit for people who would be going north or south of the
structure. As to the requirement for two elevators, Mr .
Schmidtke stated he would have to check the new code .
Committee of the Whole Meeting
October 10, 1979
Page 2
Mr. Transue stated the although the theme would not change
they have not looked into all the options and when they
develop the costs the Council could make further decisions .
Discussion re ero osed agreement with Humane Society of North
Central Illinois (South Elgin Animal Shelter) .
Mr. Bill Cutter, who is a member of the board governing the
South Elgin Animal Shelter , stated that their present facility
was acquired through a grant and he would like to appraise the
Council of the present statistics relative to the operation of
this facility. In 1978 this facility received 1 ,470 strays , and
6 , 284 animals . A total of 2, 071 animals were adopted or
redeemed. Mr. Cutter stated that at the present time their
facility would be unable to handle anymore animals. The
proposal that was made to this city has been done in other
cities but in the case of Elgin the Shelter was asking for
a prepayment of fees in order to add on to their present
facilities.
Mr. Nelson stated that Mr. Cutter was not here tonight for any
definite answer on their proposal , that he just wanted to
explain to the Council their inability to care for any more
animals in their present facility.
Mr . Kent Homfeldt, representing the Lola Brewster Memorial
Fund for Animals , Inc. , asked the Council to give consideration
to their proposal which asked the city to purchase a facility
suitable to house 30 animals per day, provide the operating
cost of the facility, and the option to purchase the facility
from the City at the end of the first ten years of operation.
Mr. Homfeldt stressed that their primary concern was the welfare
of the animals .
Councilman Hill thought that all the municipalities using the
South Elgin facilities should be asked to put up money to
construct the additional facilities .
Councilman Gilliam stated that if we can ' t find a veterinary
he did not want to spend $ 100,000 to expand the South Elgin
facility and he wanted to know what the alternatives would be.
Mayor Verbic asked Mr . Cutter if he would go back to his board
and ask them to consider asking the other communities to join
in funding the additional facilities .
Mr. Nelson stated he would explore the possibilty of another
veterinary ' s interest and would bring back further staff
recommendations.
Discussion re RTA ' s proposed bus fare increase.
Mr . Nelson stated this was by way of informing the Council
of the increase in adult fare from 30 to 35 , effective
November 1st.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
October 10, 1979
Page 3
Discussion re proposed agreement with the Sanitary District
to retain the services of Warren & Van Praag, Inc. , for the
purpose of updating the 1975 Combined Sewer Overflow Study.
Mr. Nelson stated that the Council will recall that the
first study was done in 1975, the cost of this study to the
City was $40,361 , of which $30,000 was to have been reimbursed
to the City by federal funding . In the middle of the study the
Federal E . P.A. revised their regulations and nullified said
study. Thus far the City has not been successful in obtaining
this reimbursement and we are advised this will not be forth-
coming until the second study is made.
Councilman Barnes stated it sounded like ransom.
Mr . Nelson stated this matter was taken to McClory and this
also proved to be unsuccessful . Mr . Nelson stated he would
pursue guarantees for reimbursement of the first study as
well as payment for this second study as the job is done.
Councilman Hill asked if it was mandatory to have such a
study made.
Mr . Nelson stated the Federal E . P.A. rules say you have to do it before
you can erect a facility . Mr . Nelson stated he could have
the Elgin Sanitary Trustees and Warren & Van Praag consultants
scheduled in for a meeting to discuss this study.
The Council approved having such a meeting.
Discussion re proposed increase in rates for water service
installations .
Mr . Nelson stated the last increase for this service was in
1976 and since that time cost for labor and materials has
increased substantially. The current charge for a 1 inch service
is $200. 00 and the cost is $221 . 50. Mr. Nelson stressed that
we should be able to recover our costs .
The Council approved the staff ' s recommended increase in rates .
Discussion re financing the Civic Center Parking Lot and
refinancing the South Grove property.
Mr. Bolerjack advised the Council that the financing for the
Civic Center Lot and the South Grove Avenue property should
be completed by October 31 , 1979. It would be economically
sound to combine these two projects into one larger issue of
unsecured general obligation notes . There is a final payment
of $ 173 ,618.41 due on the South Grove Avenue property and
the estimated cost of the Civic Center Parking Lot is $ 130,000.
Mr . Bolerjack recomended that these proposals be put out for
a single bid with our local banks .
The Council approved this recommendation.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
October 10, 1979
Page 4
Discussion re renewal of a lease with the Chicago and Northwestern
Transportation Company for the pureose of leasing the right of
way for Wellington Avenue from National Street to Bent Street.
The Council reviewed a lease agreement for property on which
the Wellington Avenue pavement is constructed. The fee has
been $550.00 per annum, however , this has been increased to
$675 .00.
Mr . Nelson stated that back in 1973 or 1974 the city did discuss
the prospect of buying this property and at that time the
railroad wanted $ 10, 000.
The staff recommended approval of the proposed lease and the
Council approved this recommendation .
Discussion re current taxicab fares .
Mr . McMillen , owner of the Westco Transportation Company (Elgin
Taxi Cabs) submitted petitions to the Council containing 437
signatures of customers who do not object to paying a surcharge
of 25 per trip.
Councilman Gilliam stated that he had not changed his stand
since the last meeting , and still felt there should be an audit.
He said he was encouraged to see that Mr . McMillen is willing
to proceed with an audit , but felt we should give him a certain
amount of time to furnish the audit and if he does not produce
it by that time, then we should reverse the fares back.
Councilman Barnes felt the auditor should be acceptable to
both parties and the deadline should be set for December 31 , 1979.
Mayor Verbic stated he thought the Council was unanimous in that
we have to have the audit before we can consider anything else.
Councilman Barnes stated he would like to have a resolution
ready for the next Council meeting which would provide that the
maximum rate of fare be established at $ 1 . 10 for the first 1 /8
mile and 11 . 5 for each addition 1 /2 mile thereafter and a
minimum fare of $ 1 . 25. These rates would remain in force until
December 31 , 1979 , or until an audit by a C . P. A. , who meets
with the approval of the City , is submitted to the City.
Mr. Howard Hoagland, who is an independent taxi cab driver
advised the Council that Mr. McMillen ' s cabs do not post the
current rates , they are unsafe to be on the streets and they
do not provide good service because they favor taking riders
on trips out of the city as opposed to trips within the city.
The Council concurred with Councilman Barnes request for
a resolution to be acted upon at the next Council meeting.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
October 10, 1979
eft Pe 5
Area One
Corporation Counsel Jentsch advised the Council the Illinois
Supreme Court is not going to consider the Area One case and
now is the time for the city to decide on how they are going
to proceed. Mr. Jentsch stated it would be necessary to go
back to the Circuit Court to get the rest of the assessment
roll confirmed, it would be necessary to have a public hearing
to proceed or to abandon the project. The city could also
elect to award the contracts and file a supplemental roll
after the project is finished. To abandon would mean the
city would have to start all over.
Councilman Barnes stated that if we proceed the objectors
will have their day in court and how long would this take.
Mr. Jentsch stated it would depend on whether they appeared
individually or if they consolidated their hearings .
Mr. Nelson stated that in any case it would still be faster
than starting all over .
Councilmen Barnes , Gilliam, Hill , Kirkland , Nelson and West
voted to proceed. Mayor Verbic stated he would like to see
a estimate of what the costs will be at today ' s rates .
Adjournment
There being no foruther business to come before the Committee
of the Whole , the meeting was adjourned at 10 : 15 P.M.
Marie Yearm , City Clerk
r
Committee of the Whole Meeting
October 24, 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by
Jim Aydt , Acting City Manager, on Wednesday , October 24,
1979, at 7 : 05 P.M. , in the Council Conference Room of City
Hall . Members present: Councilmen Barnes , Gilliam, Hill ,
Kirkland, Nelson, West and Mayor Verbic. Absent : None.
Also present: Marie Yearman, City Clerk, Corporation Counsel
Jentsch and members of staff .
Discussion re demolition of Labor Temple.
Mr . Aydt advised the Council that all three bids received
were way over the engineer ' s estimate, and in addition the
demolition work could not be completed in thirty days , so
there would be less parking for the forthcoming Christmas
shoppers.
Mary Smith, from Carl Walker & Associates , stated that part
of the problem was the fact that the building is so close
to Spring and Highland, which would have to remain open,
and the bidders felt the building would have to be taken
down almost by hand. Ms . Smith stated she did not feel it
was feasible to do the project now and she would propose
that the bids be rejected now and then re-bid the project
in January or February . Ms . Smith stated the low bidder
did offer to review the estimate and they would be ready
with something around December 8th, that could be under
$ 100,000
The Council agreed to reject the bids on the Council Agenda.
Discussion re Illinois Department of Transportation proposal
for Traffic Signal Maintenance.
Mel Dahl advised the Council that through the hasseling of
the Public Works Committee of the Illinois Municipal League,
IDOT proposes to revise their policy to provide that they
will assume the maintenance responsibility on all signals
which are at the interesection of two highways . Mr . Dahl stated
IDOT would assume the maintenance of seven intersections, plus
four other locations which could be classified as two highway
intersection.
It is the policy of IDOT to contract with Meade Electric to
maintain these traffic signals and Mr. Dahl recommended that
the City seek a contractual agreement with IDOT for the City
to maintain those signals and seek reimbursement from IDOT.
Mr . Dahl pointed out that the City crews are capable of maintaining
these signals and they could respond in a much shorter time
Committee of the Whole Meeting
October 24, 1979
Page 2
than Meade Electric, and the City would be receiving an income
for maintaining traffic signals which we now do at our own
cost.
The Council approved the proposed agreement with IDOT.
Discussion re Illinois Department of Transportation proposal
for improvements to the intersection of By-Pass 20 and Randall
Road.
Mr. Dahl advised the Council that the County plans to make
Randall Road four lane between Big Timber and Highland. The
long range plans call for Randall becoming four lane from
Huntley Road south to Aurora. Mr. Dahl and Mr. Miller
reviewed with the Council a plan view of the proposed
improvements to the intersection of Randall Road with U.S . 20
by the Illinois Department of Transportation. These improvements
include adding another structure to that Randall Road could be
widened to four lanes , and relocating Foothill and Weld Roads .
The relocation of Foothill Road would necessitate the purchase
of a sliver of park land from the City along Randall Road.
Mr. Dahl and Mr. Miller stated that these improvements would
eliminate some of the present traffic confusion at this inter-
section and would improve traffic control and safety.
The Council approved the proposed improvements .
Discussion re proposed repairs to the Geneva Street Parking Lot.
Mr. Dahl stated that the three concrete barriers which contain
the parking meters in this lot are badly deteriorated and there
is $8,000 in the budget for this work. Two proposals were
obtained for this work as follows : Wayne Zimmerman Construction,
$8, 784, and Duewel Concrete, $5 ,891 .
Mr. Dahl stated that this work could be completed this year.
The Council concurred with the staff ' s recommendation that
the project be awarded to Duewel Concrete.
Discussion of consultant ' s proposals for Downtown Economic Study.
Don Wagner stated that the Central Elgin Corporation had selected
several proposals that they wished presented to the Council , but
Mr . Wagner and Roger Dahlstrom disagreed with their recommendations
and set forth their assessments in a memorandum submitted to the
Council . Mr. Wagner stated he would need to know how many
interviews the Council would like to set up.
Councilman Barnes suggested that Trkla, Pettigrew, Allen & Payne/
Arthur Rubloff and Company , and Real Estate Research Corporation
RTKL Associates , Inc. , which firms are the first and second choice
firms recommended by staff , and American City Corporation, which
was the first choice of the Central Elgin Corporation , be invited
to make a presentation.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
October 24, 1979
Page 3
The Council concurred with Councilman Barnes and asked that
these interviews be limited to one-half hour each.
Mr. Aydt stated he would try to get these firms in for the
next meeting.
Discussion re status of Well 3A.
Ron Zegers reported to the Council that the barium in the Airlite
Street well had clogged the intake screen and because of this
build-up it may be the reason for a stainless steel shaft
breaking and shutting down the pump. Mr . Zegers stated this
well has been pulled and it will remain so until some soultion
is found. Mr . Zegers stated the shutdown probably will not
effect the city ' s water supply because this is a low demand
time of the year and because of the lime softening system
of purifying the water removes the barium, the water is within
the federal guidelines for safe drinking water.
Mr. Aydt reported to the Council that the plans for the new
water treatment plant had been approved and they were in the
process of obtaining permits for the intake valves . Mr. Aydt
stated a meeting would be scheduled soon to establish timetables
and obtain authorization to proceed with bids .
Discussion re composition of the Board of Local Improvements .
Mr. Jentsch stated that Mr. Schroeder is anxious to arrange
for the financing to cover the improvements at his Industrial
Park. This assessment is to be borne solely by Mr. Schroeder
and he would like to proceed as fast as possible.
Mr. Jentsch pointed out that there had been previous discussion
as to the composition of the Board of Local Improvements and
he would like the Council comments as to how they would like
to establish this Board.
Councilman Barnes stated that since two members of the Council
already sit on the Liquor Commission, it might be well to have
the remaining four members of the Council make up this Board.
Councilmen Hill and Kirkland felt further discussion of this
matter should be confined to an Executive Session .
Budget Calendar
The Council agreed to meet for the purpose of reviewing the
budget on November 6, 8, 13 , 15 and 20th, at 6 : 30 P.M.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
October 24, 1979
Page 4
Status Report on Civic Center Alteration Financing .
Mr. Bolerjack advised the Council he had not received any
bids on the bonds which are presently at 5-3/4%. Mr .
Bolerjack felt this was due to the present tight money
market. Mr. Bolerjack suggested that he try bidding again
next Monday raising the limit to 6- 1 /2 or 7% and see what
happens . Mr. Bolerjack pointed out that if this is not
successful there were other avenues to pursue.
Mr. Aydt stated that next week the staff would be ready
to discuss rates and policies for this parking lot.
North End Bridge
Mayor Verbic advised the Council of the possible 4.6 million
dollars available for the construction of this North End
Bridge. Mayor Verbic thought this was a successful conclusion
to something we really need. Mel Dahl and Gary Miller are
to follow through with this project.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee
of the Whole, the meeting was adjourned at 8: 55 P.M.
Marie earmn City C ty Clerk
eft.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
October 10, 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by
Leo Nelson, City Manager , on Wednesday, October 10, 1979,
at 6: 35 P.M. , in the Council Conference Room of City Hall .
Members present: Councilmen Barnes , Gilliam, Hill , Kirkland,
Nelson , West and Mayor Verbic. Absent : None.
Also present: Marie Yearman, City Clerk, Erwin Jentsch,
Corporation Counsel and members of staff.
Discussion re proposal of International Systems , Inc. to
secure additional federal funds for the city.
Mr. Nelson introduced Margaret Calhoun, a representaive of
International Systems , Inc.
Ms. Calhoun stated that this company had been formulated to
assist smaller cities to secure grants and they were now
servicing 38 states and their proposal provided for trained
people to hande grants and process same. The City at all
times would reserve the right to decide if they wanted the
grant.
Councilman West asked what initiative the company would have
to go beyond the stipulated $22,000 in grants .
Ms . Calhoun stated they would be looking for repeat business .
Mr. Nelson asked what would happen if the city did not obtain
any grants.
Ms . Calhoun stated a full refund would be made to the city.
Councilman West stated he thought the city would brake even
because of the amount of staff time that would be saved.
The Council approved the proposal .
Discussion re preliminary design plan for parking structure.
Frank Transue of Carl Walker & Associates and John Schmidtke
reviewed with the Council the preliminary design plans for
the proposed parking structure east of Spring Street between
Highland and Chicago Streets .
Councilman West stated that they had previously talked about
this structure, he had mentioned the possibility of a tower
in the middle of the structure as opposed to one in each end.
Mr. Schmidtke stated that the building code says you must
have two exits for every level . The present plan provides
an exit for people who would be going north or south of the
structure. As to the requirement for two elevators, Mr.
Schmidtke stated he would have to check the new code.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
October 10, 1979
Page 2
Mr. Transue stated the although the theme would not change
they have not looked into all the options and when they
develop the costs the Council could make further decisions.
Discussion re fro osed agreement with Humane Society of North
Central Illinois (South Elgin Animal Shelter) .
Mr. Bill Cutter, who is a member of the board governing the
South Elgin Animal Shelter , stated that their present facility
was acquired through a grant and he would like to appraise the
Council of the present statistics relative to the operation of
this facility. In 1978 this facility received 1 ,470 strays, and
6 , 284 animals . A total of 2,071 animals were adopted or
redeemed. Mr. Cutter stated that at the present time their
facility would be unable to handle anymore animals . The
proposal that was made to this city has been done in other
cities but in the case of Elgin the Shelter was asking for
a prepayment of fees in order to add on to their present
facilities.
Mr. Nelson stated that Mr . Cutter was not here tonight for any
definite answer on their proposal , that he just wanted to
explain to the Council their inability to care for any more
animals in their present facility .
Mr. Kent Homfeldt, representing the Lola Brewster Memorial
Fund for Animals , Inc. , asked the Council to give consideration
to their proposal which asked the city to purchase a facility
suitable to house 30 animals per day, provide the operating
cost of the facility, and the option to purchase the facility
from the City at the end of the first ten years of operation.
Mr . Homfeldt stressed that their primary concern was the welfare
of the animals .
Councilman Hill thought that all the municipalities using the
South Elgin facilities should be asked to put up money to
construct the additional facilities .
Councilman Gilliam stated that if we can ' t find a veterinary
he did not want to spend $ 100,000 to expand the South Elgin
facility and he wanted to know what the alternatives would be.
Mayor Verbic asked Mr . Cutter if he would go back to his board
and ask them to consider asking the other communities to join
in funding the additional facilities .
Mr. Nelson stated he would explore the possibilty of another
veterinary ' s interest and would bring back further staff
recommendations.
Discussion re RTA ' s proposed bus fare increase.
Mr . Nelson stated this was by way of informing the Council
of the increase in adult fare from 30 to 35 , effective
November 1st.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
October 10, 1979
Page 3
Discussion re proposed agreement with the Sanitary District
to retain the services of Warren & Van Praag, Inc. , for the
purpose of updating the 1975 Combined Sewer Overflow Study .
Mr. Nelson stated that the Council will recall that the
first study was done in 1975 , the cost of this study to the
City was $40, 361 , of which $30, 000 was to have been reimbursed
to the City by federal funding . In the middle of the study the
Federal E . P.A. revised their regulations and nullified said
study. Thus far the City has not been successful in obtaining
this reimbursement and we are advised this will not be forth-
coming until the second study is made.
Councilman Barnes stated it sounded like ransom.
Mr. Nelson stated this matter was taken to McClory and this
also proved to be unsuccessful . Mr . Nelson stated he would
pursue guarantees for reimbursement of the first study as
well as payment for this second study as the job is done.
Councilman Hill asked if it was mandatory to have such a
study made.
e Mr. Nelson stated the Federal E . P.A. rules say you have to do it before
you can erect a facility. Mr. Nelson stated he could have
the Elgin Sanitary Trustees and Warren & Van Praag consultants
scheduled in for a meeting to discuss this study.
The Council approved having such a meeting.
Discussion re proposed increase in rates for water service
installations .
Mr. Nelson stated the last increase for this service was in
1976 and since that time cost for labor and materials has
increased substantially . The current charge for a 1 inch service
is $200. 00 and the cost is $ 221 . 50. Mr. Nelson stressed that
we should be able to recover our costs .
The Council approved the staff ' s recommended increase in rates .
Discussion re financing the Civic Center Parking Lot and
refinancing the South Grove property.
Mr. Bolerjack advised the Council that the financing for the
Civic Center Lot and the South Grove Avenue property should
be completed by October 31 , 1979. It would be economically
sound to combine these two projects into one larger issue of
unsecured general obligation notes . There is a final payment
of $ 173 ,618.41 due on the South Grove Avenue property and
the estimated cost of the Civic Center Parking Lot is $ 130,000.
Mr. Bolerjack recomended that these proposals be put out for
a single bid with our local banks .
The Council approved this recommendation .
Committee of the Whole Meeting
October 10, 1979
Page 4
Discussion re renewal of a lease with the Chicago and Northwestern
Transportation Company for the purpose of leasing the right of
way for Wellington Avenue from National Street to Bent Street.
The Council reviewed a lease agreement for property on which
the Wellington Avenue pavement is constructed. The fee has
been $550. 00 per annum, however, this has been increased to
$675.00.
Mr . Nelson stated that back in 1973 or 1974 the city did discuss
the prospect of buying this property and at that time the
railroad wanted $ 10,000.
The staff recommended approval of the proposed lease and the
Council approved this recommendation .
Discussion re current taxicab fares .
Mr . McMillen , owner of the Westco Transportation Company (Elgin
Taxi Cabs) submitted petitions to the Council containing 437
signatures of customers who do not object to paying a surcharge
of 25 per trip.
Councilman Gilliam stated that he had not changed his stand
since the last meeting , and still felt there should be an audit.
He said he was encouraged to see that Mr . McMillen is willing
to proceed with an audit , but felt we should give him a certain
amount of time to furnish the audit and if he does not produce
it by that time , then we should reverse the fares back.
Councilman Barnes felt the auditor should be acceptable to
both parties and the deadline should be set for December 31 , 1979.
Mayor Verbic stated he thought the Council was unanimous in that
we have to have the audit before we can consider anything else.
Councilman Barnes stated he would like to have a resolution
ready for the next Council meeting which would provide that the
maximum rate of fare be established at $ 1 . 10 for the first 1 /8
mile and 11 . 5 for each addition 1 /2 mile thereafter and a
minimum fare of $ 1 . 25. These rates would remain in force until
December 31 , 1979, or until an audit by a C . P. A. , who meets
with the approval of the City , is submitted to the City.
Mr. Howard Hoagland, who is an independent taxi cab driver
advised the Council that Mr . McMillen ' s cabs do not post the
current rates , they are unsafe to be on the streets and they
do not provide good service because they favor taking riders
on trips out of the city as opposed to trips within the city.
The Council concurred with Councilman Barnes request for
a resolution to be acted upon at the next Council meeting.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
October 10, 1979
Page 5
Area One
Corporation Counsel Jentsch advised the Council the Illinois
Supreme Court is not going to consider the Area One case and
now is the time for the city to decide on how they are going
to proceed. Mr. Jentsch stated it would be necessary to go
back to the Circuit Court to get the rest of the assessment
roll confirmed, it would be necessary to have a public hearing
to proceed or to abandon the project. The city could also
elect to award the contracts and file a supplemental roll
after the project is finished. To abandon would mean the
city would have to start all over .
Councilman Barnes stated that if we proceed the objectors
will have their day in court and how long would this take.
Mr. Jentsch stated it would depend on whether they appeared
individually or if they consolidated their hearings .
Mr. Nelson stated that in any case it would still be faster
than starting all over.
Councilmen Barnes , Gilliam, Hill , Kirkland , Nelson and West
voted to proceed. Mayor Verbic stated he would like to see
a estimate of what the costs will be at today ' s rates .
Adjournment
There being no foruther business to come before the Committee
of the Whole, the meeting was adjourned at 10 : 15 P.M.
Marie Yearm , City Clerk
r
Committee of the Whole Meeting
October 24, 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by
Jim Aydt, Acting City Manager, on Wednesday , October 24,
1979, at 7 : 05 P.M. , in the Council Conference Room of City
Hall . Members present: Councilmen Barnes , Gilliam, Hill ,
Kirkland, Nelson, West and Mayor Verbic. Absent : None.
Also present: Marie Yearman, City Clerk, Corporation Counsel
Jentsch and members of staff.
Discussion re demolition of Labor Temple.
Mr. Aydt advised the Council that all three bids received
were way over the engineer ' s estimate, and in addition the
demolition work could not be completed in thirty days , so
there would be less parking for the forthcoming Christmas
shoppers.
Mary Smith, from Carl Walker & Associates , stated that part
of the problem was the fact that the building is so close
to Spring and Highland , which would have to remain open,
and the bidders felt the building would have to be taken
down almost by hand. Ms . Smith stated she did not feel it
was feasible to do the project now and she would propose
that the bids be rejected now and then re-bid the project
in January or February. Ms . Smith stated the low bidder
did offer to review the estimate and they would be ready
with something around December 8th, that could be under
$ 100,000
The Council agreed to reject the bids on the Council Agenda.
Discussion re Illinois Department of Transportation proposal
for Traffic Signal Maintenance.
Mel Dahl advised the Council that through the hasseling of
the Public Works Committee of the Illinois Municipal League,
IDOT proposes to revise their policy to provide that they
will assume the maintenance responsibility on all signals
which are at the interesection of two highways . Mr. Dahl stated
IDOT would assume the maintenance of seven intersections, plus
four other locations which could be classified as two highway
intersection.
It is the policy of IDOT to contract with Meade Electric to
maintain these traffic signals and Mr . Dahl recommended that
the City seek a contractual agreement with IDOT for the City
to maintain those signals and seek reimbursement from ( DOT.
Mr. Dahl pointed out that the City crews are capable of maintaining
these signals and they could respond in a much shorter time
Committee of the Whole Meeting
October 24, 1979
Page 2
than Meade Electric, and the City would be receiving an income
for maintaining traffic signals which we now do at our own
cost.
The Council approved the proposed agreement with IDOT.
Discussion re Illinois Department of Transportation proposal
for improvements to the intersection of By-Pass 20 and Randall
Road.
Mr. Dahl advised the Council that the County plans to make
Randall Road four lane between Big Timber and Highland. The
long range plans call for Randall becoming four lane from
Huntley Road south to Aurora. Mr. Dahl and Mr. Miller
reviewed with the Council a plan view of the proposed
improvements to the intersection of Randall Road with U. S . 20
by the Illinois Department of Transportation. These improvements
include adding another structure to that Randall Road could be
widened to four lanes , and relocating Foothill and Weld Roads .
The relocation of Foothill Road would necessitate the purchase
of a sliver of park land from the City along Randall Road.
Mr . Dahl and Mr . Miller stated that these improvements would
eliminate some of the present traffic confusion at this inter-
section and would improve traffic control and safety.
The Council approved the proposed improvements .
Discussion re proposed repairs to the Geneva Street Parking Lot.
Mr. Dahl stated that the three concrete barriers which contain
the parking meters in this lot are badly deteriorated and there
is $8 ,000 in the budget for this work. Two proposals were
obtained for this work as follows : Wayne Zimmerman Construction,
$8, 784, and Duewel Concrete, $5 , 891 .
Mr. Dahl stated that this work could be completed this year .
The Council concurred with the staff ' s recommendation that
the project be awarded to Duewel Concrete .
Discussion of consultant ' s proposals for Downtown Economic Study.
Don Wagner stated that the Central Elgin Corporation had selected
several proposals that they wished presented to the Council , but
Mr . Wagner and Roger Dahlstrom disagreed with their recommendations
and set forth their assessments in a memorandum submitted to the
Council . Mr. Wagner stated he would need to know how many
interviews the Council would like to set up.
Councilman Barnes suggested that Trkla, Pettigrew, Allen & Payne/
Arthur Rubloff and Company, and Real Estate Research Corporation
RTKL Associates , Inc. , which firms are the first and second choice
firms recommended by staff , and American City Corporation, which
was the first choice of the Central Elgin Corporation, be invited
to make a presentation.
� s
Committee of the Whole Meeting
October 24, 1979
Page 3
The Council concurred with Councilman Barnes and asked that
these interviews be limited to one-half hour each .
Mr. Aydt stated he would try to get these firms in for the
next meeting.
Discussion re status of Well 3A.
Ron Zegers reported to the Council that the barium in the Airlite
Street well had clogged the intake screen and because of this
build-up it may be the reason for a stainless steel shaft
breaking and shutting down the pump. Mr . Zegers stated this
well has been pulled and it will remain so until some soultion
is found. Mr . Zegers stated the shutdown probably will not
effect the city' s water supply because this is a low demand
time of the year and because of the lime softening system
of purifying the water removes the barium, the water is within
the federal guidelines for safe drinking water .
Mr. Aydt reported to the Council that the plans for the new
water treatment plant had been approved and they were in the
process of obtaining permits for the intake valves . Mr. Aydt
stated a meeting would be scheduled soon to establish timetables
and obtain authorization to proceed with bids .
Discussion re composition of the Board of Local Improvements .
Mr. Jentsch stated that Mr . Schroeder is anxious to arrange
for the financing to cover the improvements at his Industrial
Park. This assessment is to be borne solely by Mr . Schroeder
and he would like to proceed as fast as possible.
Mr. Jentsch pointed out that there had been previous discussion
as to the composition of the Board of Local Improvements and
he would like the Council comments as to how they would like
to establish this Board.
Councilman Barnes stated that since two members of the Council
already sit on the Liquor Commission, it might be well to have
the remaining four members of the Council make up this Board.
Councilmen Hill and Kirkland felt further discussion of this
matter should be confined to an Executive Session.
Budget Calendar
The Council agreed to meet for the purpose of reviewing the
budget on November 6, 8, 13 , 15 and 20th, at 6 : 30 P.M.
r
Committee of the Whole Meeting
October 24, 1979
Page 4
Status Report on Civic Center Alteration Financing .
Mr. Bolerjack advised the Council he had not received any
bids on the bonds which are presently at 5-3/4%. Mr.
Bolerjack felt this was due to the present tight money
market. Mr. Bolerjack suggested that he try bidding again
next Monday raising the limit to 6- 1 /2 or 7% and see what
happens . Mr. Bolerjack pointed out that if this is not
successful there were other avenues to pursue.
Mr. Aydt stated that next week the staff would be ready
to discuss rates and policies for this parking lot.
North End Bridge
Mayor Verbic advised the Council of the possible 4.6 million
dollars available for the construction of this North End
Bridge. Mayor Verbic thought this was a successful conclusion
to something we really need. Mel Dahl and Gary Miller are
to follow through with this project.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee
of the Whole , the meeting was adjourned at 8: 55 P.M.
Marie Yearm n City ty Clerk
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4
Committee of the Whole Meeting
October 31 , 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by
Leo Nelson, City Manager, on Wednesday, October 31 , 1979,
at 7 :05 P.M. , in the Council Conference Room of City Hall .
Members present : Councilmen Barnes , Gilliam, Hill , Kirkland,
Nelson, West and Mayor Verbic. Absent: None.
Also present : Marie Yearman, City Clerk, Erwin Jentsch,
Corporation Counsel and members of staff.
Discussion re request from the Kane County Regional Planning
Commission to contribute $440.00 to the Fox River Mayors
Committee.
Mr . Nelson advised the Council that this is an annual request
from Ivan Alten , Secretary of the Kane County Regional Planning
Commission and he pointed out that Elgin has not made any
contribution in the last two years .
Councilman Barnes stated he thought the Council had voted to
make this contribution.
Mr . Nelson stated that sometime ago Mr . Allen had made some
very derogatory remarks about Elgin through a letter to
John Spiess .
Mayor Verbic stated that he had since talked with Mr. Allen ,
and he now seems aware of the efforts being made by Elgin
to improve the shorelines of the Fox River . The Mayor stated
the Planning Commission recently released a phamplet to people
owning property on the Fox River, which gives some helpful
suggestions as to how they might improve their property.
Councilman West stated he would not be in favor of making
any contribution until Mr . Allen expresses a more positive
picture of Elgin.
The remaining members of the Council voted to contribute the
requested $440.00.
Discussion re request from the Northern Illinois Planning
Commission for a $4,098 contribution for 1980 .
Mr. Nelson stated there was $3 , 050 in the budget last year
for this project .
Councilman Hill asked if we have to give them whatever they
ask for .
Mayor Verbic asked if we really get that much help.
Mr. Nelson stated their staff had been helpful and they appear
to be very professional .
OCommittee of the Whole Meeting
ctober 31 , 1979
Page 2
Councilman West stated that he did not appreciate them telling
us what to do because this is our town and we pay the taxes .
Mr . West stated he would vote no to this request.
Councilman Kirkland stated this was an establishment with
power and whether we agree or not a contribution denial will
not make them go away.
Councilman Hill stated if there is a set figure in the budget
he would not like this adjusted.
Councilwoman Nelson stated she agreed with Councilman Kirkland.
Mayor Verbic stated he thought this was a token amount for
the amount of assistance received.
Councilman West stated they are asking for a 34% increase and
he felt they could be a little more responsible with the money.
Councilman Barnes stated he approved the request.
Mr. Nelson said he would have a formal resolution ready for
the next Council Agenda for formal action.
Discussion re proposed amendment to the Municipal Code and
the BOCA Code adjusting hearing requirements in rental units .
Mr. Nelson advised the Council that we have a situation where
we presently have tow standards within our municipal code which
deal with heating requirements . The staff , in order to better
comply with recommended federal guidelines , but also provide a
reasonable degree of comfort for tenants , recommend amending
Chapter 9. 04.090 to provide :
October 1st of each year to June 1st of the succeeding
year to an average temperature of at lease 62° at 6 : 30 a.m. ,
65° at 7 : 30 a.m. , 68° from 8: 30 a.m. , until 10: 30 p.m. ,
and 62° from 10: 30 p.m. , until 6 : 30 a.m.
Councilwoman Nelson stated that he had recently heard of some
new federal law on heating requirements for senior citizens .
Mr . Carlson stated he was not aware of this but would check
into same.
The Council approved the proposed amendment .
Discussion re request from the City of Aurora to increase our
contribution to the Solid Waste Study completed in 1977.
Mr. Nelson stated that when the City agreed to join in with
Aurora and several other communities for a solid waste study,
the resolution passed by the Council stipulated the city ' s
participation would not exceed $23 ,061 . The City of Aurora
has billed Elgin in the amount of $26, 825. 15 which is $3, 764. 15
greater than the not to exceed figure of $23 ,061 . Mr . Nelson
stated that this change may be due to several communities
who were originally committed dropping out.
•
Committee of the Whole Meeting
October 31 , 1979
Page 3
The staff recommendation was to pay the City of Aurora
the additional $3 ,764. 15 for the study.
Mayor Verbic stated he thought we should go ahead with
this because it is all part of the original agreement.
Councilmen Barnes, Hill , and Kirkland approved paying
the additional amount.
Discussion re sanitary sewer repairs on Fairwood Drive and
Triggs Avenue.
Mr. Nelson stated that the Council would remember watching
closed circuit television film showing several lenghts of
cracked pipe on Fairwood and a sewer pipe offset at one joint
on Triggs . Mr. Nelson stated the staff has tried to obtain
proposals for this repair work and have received some pretty
heavy quotes . The staff is recommending they seek quotes
from the contractors on an hourly basis which would give
the City a much better means of controlling the work.
Mr. Dahl and Mr. Miller recommend that Gluth Brothers be
awarded the repair work for the Fairwood sewer because they
installed the existing sewer and Illinois Hydraulic be awarded
the repair work for the Triggs Avenue sewer.
The Council approved the staff ' s recommendation.
Discussion re providing a new water service and sanitary sewer
for Old Main.
The Council reviewed a staff recommendation to award the bid
for this work to the low bidder, Hans and Sons for $9, 890,
which was only $890 above the architects estimate of $9, 000.
The Council approved the low bid.
Discussion re procedures for new Water Treatment Plant.
Mr. Nelson stated he would like to bid this project in December
because this is a good time to bid and he did not feel the costs
will go down after the first of the year. The city is getting
a lot of interest from contractors who are interested in this
project and this would give them some time to collect materials .
Mr. Nelson pointed out that the bond market is not good and
Paul D. Speer has recommended that we bid the bonds in December.
We could go for temporary financing and hold up the bonds but
we would be under the gun to sell when the project is under
construction.
Mr. Nelson recommended that we take the bids for the plant
on December 10th and 11th and take the bids on the bonds
on December 12th. We should know if the estimate is good
and what the cost of money is at that time. If the bonds
come in high we can decide whether to go or not .
Committee of the Whole Meeting
October 31 , 1979
Page 4
Councilman Barnes asked when the construction bids would be
awarded.
Mr . Nelson stated you usually have from 30 to 60 days to award
but it would not be before December 26th and it could be early
in January. Mr. Nelson further stated that if the bids are
bad they could be rejected and re-bid in the Spring .
The Council approved proceeding with the project as recommended.
Proposed New Elgin Bus Service
Mr. Nelson advised the Council that the RTA has approved and
is ready to authorize additional bus services in Elgin, which
provide two new routes and night service being extended to
9: 15 P.M. In view of the energy crisis Mr . Nelson felt this
service would be welcomed in Elgin .
Councilman Gilliam stated it would be nice if we could make
this service available in time for the Christmas Season.
Proposed 1980 Budget
Mr. Nelson distributed copies of the proposed 1980 budget
to the Council and re-affirmed the meeting dates to go over
same.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee
of the Whole, the meeting was adjourned at 8: 05 P.M.
Marie Yearm , City Clerk
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1
Committee of the Whole Meeting
November 7 , 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by
Leo Nelson, City Manager, on Wednesday, November 7, 1979,
at 7 : 05 P.M. , in the Council Conference Room of City Hall .
Members present : Councilmen Barnes , Gilliam, Hill , Kirkland,
Nelson , West and Mayor Verbic. Absent : None.
Also present : Marie Yearman, City Clerk, Erwin Jentsch,
Corporation Counsel and members of staff.
Discussion re proposed conbined sewer overflow study to be
undertaken by the Sanitary District and the City.
Al Pagorski , representing the Elgin Sanitary District, Tom
Rowlett and Dale Richards , representing Warren & Van Praag,
Inc. , were present at the subject meeting.
Mr. Pagorski stated that everybody was aware that the study
made in 1975 is not acceptable because of the revisions made
in the State and Federal regulations . Mr. Pagorski said he
and representatives from Warren & Van Praag had met several
times with the IEPA to clearly establish what they want and
as a result Mr . Pagorski felt they do have knowledge of what
is required.
Mr. Rowlett stated that the new federal and state requirements
call for monitoring of flow into the river at three locations ,
upstream and downstream from the city, and at St. Charles . Mr.
Rowlett said that all older cities , which have combined storm
and sanitary sewers are under the EPA gun and they are currently
looking for solutions to the overflow problem, which results
in pollutants being dumped into rivers with every substantial
rainfall . The federal agency also asked the engineers to use
the 208 study and the stated implied that if this study was
not used it might affect the acceptability of the study. Mr .
Rowlett pointed out that much of the information used in the
first study could be included in this second study.
Mr . Nelson asked which agency was the strictest , the federal
or state.
Mr. Rowlett stated the state requirements were the strict ones
but the relaxed EPA standards are the reason why the solutions
offered by the 1975 study are now invalid.
Mr . Nelson pointed out that the state recently agreed to loosen
its barium standards for drinking water and he wondered if they
might also relax their standards for sewer overflow contaminants .
Mr. Pagorski replied no and stated they are taking a hard line
stand.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
November 7 , 1979
Page 2
Mayor Verbic asked what type of testing was done in the 1975
study.
Mr. Rowlett replied, BOD and suspended solids .
Councilman Barnes asked what plant capacity was being suggested
now.
Mr. Rowlett stated the first plant recommended would have had
a capacity of 100 million gallons per day, at a cost of $ 11 ,000,000.
Because of the EPA revisions it may be possible to reduce the
size of this facility to 25 or 30 gallons per day which would
result in considerable cost savings to the city and sanitary
district.
Councilman West asked if there was any anticipation that the
EPA would change their requirements again and blackmail us
into having another study made.
Mr. Rowlett stated they could do this but he hoped they would not.
Mayor Verbic stated he felt it was irritating to approved payments
on something mandated far away and then have them change their
standards and he thought the city should stand up and say no
and see that they do.
Mr. Pagorski stated that the best thing that could happen is
the study would show there is no harm to the water because of
the combined sewer overflow and he felt we were committed to
the study.
Mr. Nelson stated the city would be reimbursed up front for
the first study made in 1975 and payments would be made for
the second study on a pay as we go basis . Mr . Nelson further
stated the staff is looking into the possibility of HCD funding
for the proposed study.
Councilmen Barnes , Gilliam, Hill , Kirkland, Nelson and West
approved the proposed study and Mayor Verbic indicated he
did not wish to go ahead with the second study.
Discussion re proposed bus routes and expanded hours of operation
for the City ' s bus system.
Ray Moller stated that the goal of this proposal is to improve
service, maintain the 30 minute headway and expand the areas of
service. The plan provides for earlier starting times to enable
commuters to connect with the 6: 40 a.m. train and the night
routes would run until about 9:45 p.m. The changes include a
split of the Chicago Street route to begin a Park-Summit Street
route serving Parkwood; Dundee Avenue route would serve the
Blackhawk and Lord' s Park subdivisions , with a back and forth
service on Dundee Avenue ; the South Street route would be
changed to delete Burnham Mill and College Park areas , these
would be serviced by a new North McLean route.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
November 7 , 1979
Page 3
Mr. Moller pointed out that these additional services would
require three additional buses , 7 to 8 additional drivers ,
and additional maintenance employees , but this proposal has
been approved by the RTA and is fundable by the RTA. Mr.
Moller also requested that the city bus depot be allowed
to remain open until after the last bus leaves the downtown
area.
Councilman Gilliam asked if these services could be made
available for the Christmas shopping season.
Mr. Moller stated he did not think this was possible because
the city would not be able to hire the additional drivers
that quickly, but he did think the service could be available
by January 1st.
Mr . Moller also advised the Council that the ridership has
increased 45% in the past three years .
The Council approved the proposed bus routes and expanded
hours of operation.
Discussion re recommendation from the Board of Health to
increase the license fees for restaurants and food stores.
Fred Carlson advised the Council that the present fee schedule
was adopted in 1962, and it is considerably lower that what
other communities are charging. Mr . Carlson stated he was
only interested in trying to recover the costs for the inspections
and overhead.
Councilman Barnes stated he was not interested in matching other
communities ,but felt the city should be recovering their costs.
Councilman Gilliam asked if the proposed fee schedule included
increases that would be in effect after the 1st of the year ,
because he would like to ordinance to be effective for at
least one year.
Mr . Carlson indicated that he had not taken this into consideration
when calculating the proposed fees .
The Council asked the staff to re-calculate these fees , send
letters to the vendors , and have an ordinance drawn for the
November 28th meeting .
Discussion re proposed hours of operation and parking fees for
the Civic Center parking lot and a proposal to increase parting
meter rates in other selected areas of- the cental business
district.
The Council reviewed a recommendation from Jim Bolerjack, which
suggested the following parking fees for the Civic Center
Parking Lot :
Committee of the Whole Meeting
November 7 , 1979
Page 4
1 hour or less 10
2 hours or less and over 1 hour 20
3 hours or less and over 2 hours 30
4 hours or less and over 3 hours 55
5 hours or less and over 4 hours 80
6 hours or less and over 5 hours $ 1 .05
7 hours or less and over 6 hours $ 1 . 30
8 hours or less and over 7 hours $ 1 . 55
8 hours and over $ 1 . 55
Mr. Bolerjack further suggested that after the Christmas season,
employee permit parking should be allowed in a designated area
on the North side of the lot for 11 months . The monthly fee
should be $20.00 for Monday thru Friday, $25 . 00 for Monday thru
Saturday, and a 10% discount could be allowed for the payment
of 11 months at one time. December would exclude permit parking.
Councilman Barnes asked what fee was being charged elsewhere.
Mr. Bolerjack stated between $ 15. 00 and $20. 00 per month.
Councilman Kirkland felt the fee should be higher for people
parking more than three hours in the lot .
Mr. Nelson stated the staff was trying to keep the fees
consistent with those being charged by Spiess and Ackemanns .
Councilman Barnes felt we should go along with this plan
because he did not feel anybody would come up with a plan
that would keep the people out.
Councilwoman Nelson stated it would be nice to see how well
the lot is accepted.
Councilman Hill stated that we won ' t get any reliable idea of
use during the Christman season.
Mr. Nelson suggested that the approval of the permit parking
be delayed until after the 1st of the year and until the
city sees how the parking goes with the aforementioned fee
schedule.
The Council agreed with Mr. Nelson ' s recommendation.
Mr. Bolerjack further suggested to the Council that the 5
meters in prime parking spaces be raised to 10 and that
meters be installed in the library parking lot .
Mr. Nelson disagreed and stated he thought the library lot
should be left as it is with no meters . Mr . Nelson stated
that people have been encouraged to park in this lot for
free instead of parking and meter feeding .
Committee of the Whole Meeting
November 7, 1979
Page 5
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Councilman Gilliam stated that a 5 increase is not unreasonable.
Councilman Hill stated he felt an increase to 25c for prime
spots would keep meter feeders out .
Councilman Barnes stated he like Councilman Hill ' s suggestion
of 25 .
Councilman Hill stated that if we are going to raise the fee
he would like to make it a deterant so employees will not
suck up the shoppers space.
Councilman Barnes , Hill and Kirkland favored raising the meters
to 25 .
Mr . Nelson stated he would bring this matter back with further
recommendations .
Discussion re elimination of parking on Davis Road.
The Council reviewed a letter from Attorney Roeser, who
stated he represented a group of the majority of the building
owners located along Davis and Holmes Roads , and who were
requesting the elimination of parking on Davis Road.
Mr. Nelson stated that the Council would recall that during
a Council meeting, at which this subject was on the agenda,
two individuals appeared and asked to the Council to defer
any action that would eliminate the parking because of
insufficient off-street parking.
Councilman Hill stated that since that time Visa has finished
construction of an additional parking lot and the parking decks
out there are in the process of being repaired. Mr . Hill
suggested that the city wait until the final deck is repaired,
which should only be a matter of one week, and then consider
taking the parking off.
Mr. Nelson stated he would have the staff check into this and
an ordinance prepared for December 14th.
Discussion of parking proposal on Cooper and Prospect.
Mr. Nelson stated that during the construction of the parking
deck, Sherman Hospital will be losing 136 spaces and in order
to make up part of this deficiency, they would like to follow
the recommendation made by Mr. Beebe for diagonal parking on
the south side of Cooper from Spring to Prospect, the street
being converted to one-way eastbound. On Prospect between
Cooper and Slade the recommendation is diagonal parking on
the west side and the street would remain two-way.
The staff recommended that the ordinance should be from
November 15 , 1979 to December 31 , 1980 , subject to an
Committee of the Whole Meeting
November 8, 1979
Page 6
extension clause, should the deck construction take more
than one year .
Mr . Nelson stated that at a meeting with the Traffic Committee
and Sherman neighbors a consensus was reached on this scheme.
Councilman Barnes asked at what stage the Sherman Hospital
petition is at the present time .
Don Wagner stated the Land Use Committee have not approved
the final draft but they have approved the PUD.
Councilman Barnes asked how we could consider this tonight
when we haven ' t approved the PUD.
Councilman West stated that if the petition is denied they
will need even more room on the street, and that is what
this would give .
Mel Dahl stated that the only intent of this proposal is to
provide additional parking .
Councilmen Barnes , Gilliam, Hill , Nelson voted to approve
the proposal and Councilman West abstained.
Misc. Discussion
Councilman West stated that in view of a recent cyanide spill
at the Elgin Metal Casket Company he felt an ordinance should
be enacted requiring businesses handling toxic compounds to
have antidotes and neutralizers on hand in the event of an
emergency.
Mr . Nelson stated the staff would work with Fred Carlson and
the State and will bring back some recommendation to the
Council .
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee
of the Whole, the meeting was adjourned at 9: 05 P.M.
Marie YearmalQ, City Clerk
Committee of the Whole Meeting
November 20, 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by
Leo Nelson, City Manager , on Tuesday , November 20, 1979,
at 6 :40 P.M. , in the Council Conference Room of City Hall .
Members present: Councilmen Barnes, Gilliam, Hill , Kirkland,
Nelson , West and Mayor Verbic. Absent: None.
Also present : Nelson, Yearman, Jentsch, members of Staff , and
members of the Central Elgin Corporation.
Presentation by American City Corporation, a subsidiary of the
Rouse Company.
Mr. Edward Pontier, Executive Vice President of American City
Corporation stated that this corporation has worked in some
sixty cities since their inception eleven years ago. The
American City Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary established
by the Rouse Company in 1968 . The sole purpose of The American
City Corporation is to provide technical assistance to governments ,
investors and developers in community development .
eink Mr . Pontier stated the predevelopment stage of any significant
development requires the determination of the economic development
potential ; establishing development objectives and negotiating
these objective with the essential parties at interest; preparation
of a development program which is site specific and costs out all
development responsibilities and preparation of a development
strategy to launch, finance and manage the development process .
While focusing on potential for retain and office development,
attention would also be given to development opportunities and
constraints that are relevant to the overall economic development
of downtown Elgin and this could include other uses such as a
residential hotel , entertainment, recreational , institutional and
community facilities .
A development plan would include consideration of what will be
required and what will be produced in terms of jobs , return on
investment, business opportunities and increased tax ratables .
What the land requirements are ; what buildings must be constructed
to produce the highest and best use of the land, and what traffic
and parking facilities would be needed.
The work program would include reconnaissance and preparation
of data base; market analysis and consumer profile; establishing
development objectives ; development program; land use and site
planning; marketing strategy; management structure and identification
of prospective investors .
Councilman Barnes asked what kind of a breakdown there was between
private and public financing on some of American City ' s current
projects .
Committee of the Whole Meeting
November 20, 1979
Page 2
Mr. Pontier stated that with the Buffalo project the first phase
was paid for by the city, using federal funds . The developer
recommended to the Mayor that the implementation phase should be
paid by the private sector and the city. The Mayor decided he
wanted to use all city money in order to have complete control
and in this instance they used HCD funds .
David White asked if all their projects had proved to be
successful .
Mr . Pontier stated that they are not far enough along with the
projects to determine this and that they have only been totally
involved for four years .
Councilwoman Nelson pointed out that none of the projects listed
in the proposal and within Illinois and she wondered if there was
anything about the State which had kept the company out of the
state .
Mr. Pontier stated they had not been asked to do a job in this
state thus far .
Councilman Barnes asked about the company ' s project in Des Moines
and the financial elk just Mr . Pont i er stated they were just starting this project, and he
did not have this information at the present time.
The fee for this study is $98, 700 and the projected time
for completion is 35 weeks .
Presentation by Trkla, Pettigrew, Allen & Payne - Arthur Rubloff
& Company.
Mr. Nicholas Trkla, President of Trkla, Pettigrew, Allen & Payne,
stated his company is a Chicago based firm, dealing with develop-
ment management and urban planning revitalization in cities with
populations from 25 , 000 to 100, 000.
Mr. Trkla stated their Project Team had visited the Elgin downtown
area and had talked with local officials concerning conditions in
the area. Based on their initial investigations, they feel that
the Elgin program must address and ultimately resolve several key
issues related to local involvement, market and economic conditions ,
planning and design, and program management and implementation.
Mr . Trkla illustrated a preliminary work program consisting of
three phases : Phase 1 - Development framework, 10- 12 weeks ;
Phase 2 - Evaluation of Alternatives , 8- 10 weeks ; and Phase 3 -
Refinement of Plans , Programs and Strategies , 8- 10 weeks.
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Committee of the Whole Meeting
("' November 20, 1979
Page 3
Mr . Trkla stated that key community leaders , as well as downtown
landowners and businessmen would be interviewed to obtain
performance and opinion study input and these interviews would
prove particularly useful in obtaining fundamental impressions
regarding the downtown ' s present problems .
Mr. Ronald Bussey , Vice President , Arthur Rubloff & Company
stated it would be necessary to assess what Elgin presently
has , determine what product is viable , identify location
opportunities and assess plan as to workability .
The estimated fee for this study $75 , 000 - $ 100 , 000 and the
projected time for completion 175 - 230 days .
Miscellaneous Discussion
Councilman Hill suggested that a straw vote be taken among
the Council and members of the CEC committee to ascertain
the choices of the four presentations which were made.
Councilmen Barnes , Kirkland, Nelson and West agreed with
Councilman Hill ' s recommendation.
Mr. Zumkellar and Mr . Peruacco stated they would rather meet
with their committee and then come back to a meeting with
the Council to discuss their choice.
Mayor Verbic stated he thought it would be better to have
the CEC committee meet separately and bring their decision
back to the Council .
The Council and CEC members agreed to meet on December 7th,
at 5 : 30 to make a final selection.
IDOT ' s proposed improvement of the intersection of Randall Road
and U.S . Route 20.
Mr. Nelson stated that the land needed for this easement is
not a part of the Girl Scout property, but is a part of the
property donated by Stolt & Egner for park purposes . This
would eliminate a necessity for a public hearing . The Council
approved the proposed improvement and waived a public hearing
on same.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee of
the Whole Meeting , the meeting was adjourned at 9: 20 P.M.
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Marie Year n, City Clerk
Committee of the Whole Meeting
November 14, 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by
Leo Nelson, City Manager, on Wednesday, November 14, 1979,
at 6: 05 P.M. , in the Council Conference Room of City Hall .
Members present : Councilmen Barnes , Gilliam, Hill , Kirkland,
Nelson, West and Mayor Verbic. Absent : None.
Also present: Nelson, Yearman, Jentsch, and members of staff.
Presentation by Larry Smith & Co. , Allen L. Kracower & Associates ,
Planning and Parking Consultants , Lakewood Industries , Develop-
ment Control Corporation.
Dick Beebe of Richard L. Beebe & Associates , a division of
Planning and Parking Consultants , advised the Council their
proposal includes three firms who have grouped together as a
joint venture for the planning and development of downtown
Elgin. Mr. Beebe stated there were very few firms having all
their expertise under one roof. The proposal submitted by them
covers all the work set forth in the City ' s Request for Proposal ,
and the work would be done by the people here tonight .
Mr . Beebe pointed out their experience includes projects all
over the United States , from larger cities to smaller cities
than Elgin. Mr . Beebe stated their goal would be to strenghten
the downtown area, which would be difficult in view of Springhill
and Schaumburg, but this could be overcome with unified land
uses for the downtown area.
Mr. Beebe stated the downtown area would be evaluated as a single
functional entity and as a composite consisting of : The Retail
Core; The South Grove Street Area; The Office Core; The Eastern
Periphery ; The Area North of the Civic Center and the Gateway
Area located west of the Civic Center .
Mr. David Foster, a real estate economist , with Larry Smith
and Company stated he would complete a market analysis for
revitalization of the downtown area. This analysis would
project from a historical view and would define the primary and
secondary trade areas . A survey would be made by talking with
people to establish what their use or non-use was of consumers.
The would project population, sales, housing , building and general
growth for the area as a whole. Through the analysis they could
see what can be developed, based on what is existing and what
should be brought in to the city.
Mr. Foster did not think the South Grove Avenue should be
designed as a commercial area, but the use of offices , condos ,
and light industry could be determined by a market analysis .
Committee of the Whole Meeting
November 14, 1979
("' Page 2
Mr . Allen Kracower stated he had been in this business for ten
years and he felt there was no miraculous cure for the re-
vitalization of a downtown area. It would be necessary to
know the economic validity and they would need imput from
the Economic Planning Committee.
Mr . Kracower pointed out that if the plan had any merit, they
would need a design firm to assemble the final plan. There
would be a need for some system to work out financing with
the banks and they would need to know the particulars of people
who own or lease property in this area.
Mr. John Gree of Development Control Corporation stated they
have been in the business for ten years and cited his company ' s
success with a project in Green Bay, Wisconsin, which was
presently in the process of adding a third major department
store to the project .
Mr . Green stated they have an organization experienced with
downtown areas and team members who are capable of identifying
problems and solutions .
The Council reviewed a slide presentation of the Green Bay
project.
Councilman Barnes asked to what extent the city financed the
Green Bay project.
Mr. Greene stated they assumed responsibility of a parking
structure and he did no know the dollar figure for this .
Councilman West asked if the increased traffic flow through
Elgin from the shopping centers would be considered.
Mr. Kracower stated this would be considered in their plan.
Councilman West asked if the developers of the plan would be
ready to invest their money in the project.
Mr. Beebe stated could assist in obtaining investors and
perhaps some federal funding.
Councilman Hill asked how long the planning state would take.
Mr. Beebe stated they projected nine months or within one year .
The fee for this study would be $ 106, 000 plus out-of-pocket
costs not to exceed 5% of the total study cost.
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2
Committee of the Whole Meeting
November 14, 1979
Page 3
Presentation by Real Estate Research Corporation and RTKL
Associates .
Dick Starr, Vice President of Real Estate Research Corporation,
stated they are the oldest companies in the world and they
operate out of eight cities in the United States. Mr. Starr
said he has come conprehension of what is going on in the
downtown area and they are currently working with Decatur
and Oshkosh who are experiencing similar problems with their
downtown areas .
Mr. Starr pointed out that with the completion of the Springhill
Shopping Center and the proposed St. Charles Mall some of the
local retailers may determine that their marketing potential
could be improved by relocating to one of these facilities . Mr .
Starr stated that Elgin has great access and an attractive
potential waterfront . The City has a variety of tools which
can be employed to stimulate downtown revitalization. New
projects must be economically and physically feasible. Each
sector will need an overall plan or program to implement re-
development in downtown Elgin.
Mr. Starr stated it was the intent of their proposal to show
how they could prepare such a plan, which would involve both
the public and private sectors and in addition they would also
be available to assist in the actual implementation by providing
ongoing consultation.
Mr. Starr stated that RTKL have worked with them on over 16
assignments and they implement all their projects . Every
body would be fully involved, and if along the way you did
not like or understand, they would stop and iron out the
situation. Mr . Starr suggested periodic workshops so that
generally everybody would understand the project .
Mr. Starr stated that one additional aspect of RERC , and
perhaps the most improtant to the design of and implementable
program, is the fact that they are a component of the First
Chicago Corporation. This corporation, which includes the First
National Bank of Chicago, includes a wide range of expertise on
key components of downtown revitablization, including private
investment constraints , special district financing, bond programs
and municipal finance issues .
Mr. Starr suggested it was important to assemble a Task Force
which will be able to work with their team on a continuing
basis . This group should include representation from both
public and private sectors , including representatives from
the City Council , Central Elgin Corporation, financial institutions ,
retailers , educational institutions , and the Chamber of Commerce.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
November 14, 1979
Page 4
Ms . Cheryl Baxter , Assistant Vice President of Real Estate
Research, stated the need for assessment of the market, physical
profile of the downtown area, general overall strategy, step by
step development plan and implementation approach.
Councilman Kirkland asked if Mr . Starr had any thoughts as to
the southern part of the downtown area.
Mr. Starr commented that he did not know the area well enough
at this point.
Councilwoman Nelson asked if a cinema was feasible in the
downtown area.
Mr . Starr stated that here in Illinois these are generally
constructed within shopping centers where there is a sea
of asphalt parking available.
The fee for this study would be $70, 000 and the projected
time for completion six months .
Proposed Ordinance providing for emergency towing and the
towing of abandoned vehicles .
Mike Sarro stated that the proposed changes in fees represent
a $5 .00 increase in the rates that were established in 1975 ,
and is necessary in order to be competitive with cost of
non-police towing.
The Council approved the proposed Ordinance.
Review of letter from the Northwest Suburban Mass Transit.
District requesting a meeting with the City Council at the
Gail Borden Library on Thursday, December 6th at 7 : 30 P.M.
A majority of the Council agreed to meet, as requested, but
stipulated they would like to have the meeting in the City
Hall as opposed to the Library , and they would not consider
such a meeting unless a majority of the funding agencies were
present.
Mr. Nelson stated he would make the Council wishes known to
Mrs. Geister at Northwest Suburban Mass Transit.
Review of Industrial Revenue Bond Activity.
The Council reviewed an updated report from Jim Bolerjack
which reflected a comparison of the fees expected under the
1978 ordinance with the financing fees that would have been
received under the 1975 ordinance . The amount under the 1975
ordinance could actually be greater since most issues have
been greater than the companies originally estimated at the
time of application . In any case the City would have realized
at least an additional $41 ,550 in fees .
. .
Committee of the Whole Meeting
November 14, 1979
C Page 5
Mr. Bolerjack stated that the tight money market has created a
situation where industrial revenue bonds are very attractive
and he has almost daily contact with someone who is interested
in the city issuing these bonds .
Councilmen Kirkland, Nelson and West thought that because
of this attractive method of financing it might be advantageous
to revert back to the city ' s original fees for the financing
of these bonds .
Mayor Verbic pointed out that all of the firms who have used
this method of financing have been firms that are already
Elgin established, and that thus far it has not been used
by firms who are relocating in Elgin.
1979 Operational Report on new boiler at City Hall .
Mr . Nelson stated that after three months of operation the
results of the new boiler which was installed on the recommen-
dation of Frank Kaiser, had turned out better than anticipated.
it is projected that this project will have a pay back period
of 32 to k years , at the present price of gas not including
labor savings .
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee
of the Whole, the meeting was adjourned at 9: 35 P.M.
Marie Yearman, City Clerk
C
4
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
November 28, 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by City
Manager Leo Nelson on Wednesday, November 28, 1979, at 7 : 10 P.M. ,
in the Council Conference room of City Hall . Members preent :
Councilmen Barnes , Gilliam, Hill , Kirkland, Nelson, West and
Mayor Verbic. Absent : None .
Also present : City Manager Leo Nelson, City Clerk Marie Yearman,
Corporation Counsel Jentsch, and members of staff .
Proposed Gravel Extraction and Reclamation Plans for the Elgin
Mental Health Center Property.
Bill Coates of Dunn Geoscience Corporation stated that the land
use strategy alternatives he would go through this evening would
show various approaches to utilization of the entire site, which
include :
Gravel extraction and processing,
Limeslurry deposition and permanent storage,
Park Use and development .
The Council reviewed three alternative site plans which included
the following :
Alternative No. 1
1 . Plant is as far south as possible.
2 . Lime sludge storage takes place in mined out eastern deposit
no natural surface covered with sludge .
3 . No immediate mining near Highway 20 and apartment building.
4. Largest deposit is opened as second step - provides major
income early in project.
Alternative No. 2
1 . Permanent plant site is set below grade in worked-out eastern
deposit for screening benefits - remote location.
2. Lime sludge storage takes place in disturbed area - temporary
gravel plant and stockpile area.
3 . No immediate mining near Highway 20 and apartment building.
4. After permanent plant site is set up, outlying areas are
extracted as soon as possible .
Alternative No. 3
1 . Permanent plant site is centrally located within all deposits
and has shortest distance to McLean Blvd . - lowest operating
costs .
2 . Mining near Highway 20 and apartment building is over as soon
as possible.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
November 28, 1979
Page 2
rik
Mr . Coates stated there is a walth of aesthetic possibilities
open to the City through the development of this land . There
will be ample opportunity for winter sports , toboggaining, skiing
and ice surfaces . In addition there can be picnic facilities ,
plenty of space for courts for racket sports ; trails ; and two
bodies of water, one on the western end of the site and a larger
lake along the east which would provide for fishing, boating
and water fowl accommodation.
A majority of the Council felt that the consultant ' s recommendation
of Alternative 3 was the best choice .
Mr . Nelson stated the staff would talk to Elgin Mental Health
Center officials to see if the city could negotiate for at least
temporary use of an access road from Rt . 31 , which runs along the
southern edge of Rt . 20.
Councilman Barnes requested that whatever firm wins the gravel
mining bid be urged to negotiate use of a truck roadway through
the Giertz-Melahn property onto Rt. 31 to avoid truck traffic
on McLean if possible .
Mr. Coates stated that the estimated mining of the two gravel sites
nearest the apartment complex could be completed within one year.
en*. The operation would be designed to minimize noise and dust
suppressants would be used. No mining would be done during the
evening hours .
Mayor Verbic asked when the excavation could commence.
Mr. Nelson stated this would depend on how fast the Land Use
Committee would have the public hearing , how soon the bids
could be let and what the market value for gravel is .
Proposal to install permanent traffic signals at Illinois Route
58 and Hiawatha Drive .
The Council approved a proposal from the State to replace the
temporary traffic signals at Route 58 and Hiawatha Drive with
permanent signals . The cost to the City is $4, 500 .00, State
$4, 500.00 and Federal $51 , 000. 00.
Request to replace a Pressure Washer at the Bus Garage.
The Council approve a request from the staff to purchase a
Pressure Washer for the Bus Garage. Mike Sarro was instructed
to negotiate for this purchase .
Proposal to insall high pressure sodium vapor light fixtures
on Douglas Avenue between Chicago Street and Highland Avenue.
Mr. Nelson advised the Council that the merchants on Douglas
between Chicago Street and Highland Avenue would like to have
Committee of the Whole Meeting
November 28, 1979
Page 3
high pressure sodium vaopor light fixtures installed. They
have the funds and they want to experiment with that section
to try to persuade other businessmen to use the new lighting
system.
Mr. Nelson further stated these lights were going to be installed
in the Civic Center Plaza and the Civic Center Parking Lot.
The Council approve this request.
Resthaven Property.
Councilman Barnes asked if there had been any follow-up on
the petitions received regarding the Resthaven property.
Chief Van De Voorde stated that his department and the State
Fire Marshall ' s inspectors have been making inspections for
two days . Thus far they have a long list of violations and
have determined this property is really going downhrll .
Mayor Verbic stated he had numerous complaints regarding the
noise.
Chief Van De Voorde stated the State and his Department would
be giving a report shortly.
Councilman Barnes asked that someone in Inspection or some
other department put on all the pressure that we can because
the neighbors are going crazy and we should do something to
help them. Councilman Barnes suggested that we pursue all the
legal aspects to see if we can get them out.
Counsel Jentsch stated that the Community Development Department
is checking this out .
Councilman Barnes asked that letters be sent out to all the
petitioners and let them know we are looking into this matter.
There being no further business to come before the Committee
of the Whole, the meeting was adjourned at 8 : 55P.M.
Marie Yearman, City Clerk
r
COMMI'1TEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
,.. December 5, 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by City Manager Leo
Nelson on Wednesday, December 5, 1979 at 7:00 p.m. , in the Council Conference
Room of City Hall. Members Present: Councilmen Barnes, Gilliam, Hill,
Kirkland, Nelson and Mayor Verbic. Absent: Councilman West.
Also present were: City Manager Leo Nelson, Acting City Clerk Nancy Johnson,
and members of the staff.
Progress Report from the Elgin Economic Development Commission
George Perruco, Elgin Economic Development Commission, advised the Council of
the progress of the Commission. He stated that in 1979, 989 new jobs were
created with 354 being directly attributable to the Elgin Economic Development
Commission efforts, causing $3,894 in new payroll and $10,903,200 in new
economic activity. The return on the investment of the City of Elgin is
$908.00 for each $1.00 invested.
Ed Kelly, Executive Vice-President of the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce,
discussed the goals of the Elgin Economic Development Commission for 1980.
He stated the Commission would maintain contacts with Chicago area industrial
realtors and local firms with plans for expansion. The Commission hopes to
develop a prospect-recruiting program for 1981, when about 400 additional
industrial sites should be available in the City.
Discussion of Tourism and Convention Program
Liz Leibert, Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce, discussed the activities of the
Tourism and Convention Program of the City of Elgin for 1979. She stated the
information booth distributed more than 200,000 brochures promoting the City
as a convention center, over 200,000 Explore the Elgin Area were reprinted
and distributed, and over 6,000 postcards of the City have been made available
through the joint efforts of the Altrusa club.
Ms. Leibert stated the economic impact of the program on the City to date is
over $7,000,000. The goal for 1980 is to generate over $8,300,000 new dollars.
Councilman Barnes asked if there had been much "repeat business". Ms. Leibert
stated a number of organizations have returned to hold a second convention in
Elgin.
Proposed Parking Restriction on Watres Place
The Council reviewed a proposal of the Traffic Committee to prohibit parking
on both sides of Watres Place, from Laurel Street to Ellis Junior High School.
The Council approved the recommendation.
Proposed Installation of a Stop Sign on Cooper Avenue at Prospect Boulevard
The Council reviewed a recommendation from Cliff Pixler for the installation
of a stop sign on Cooper Avenue at Prospect Boulevard. A previous Council
decision to make a portion of Cooper Avenue one-way produced a traffic hazard
December 5, 1979
�.• as vehicles travelling westbound on Cooper Avenue encountered the one-way
street at Prospect Boulevard and were forced to make a quick decision as to
turning left or right.
The Council recommended the installation of stop signs.
Proposal to Adjust Cemetery Fees for 1980 and 1981
Mr. Nelson presented a memorandum from Jim Bolerjack concerning the increase
of cemetery fees. He stated this would be the first increase in two years and
is required primarily to cover the increased cost of labor, commodities and
supplies. The proposed increase would put the cemetery in a sound position
for two years.
Mayor Verbic questioned Mr. Bolerjack as to why there isn't anyone in the
cemetery office on Saturday, to arrange for funerals to take place on Monday.
He stated he had received some complaints from citizens trying to get through
to the office. Mr. Bolerjack stated that the cemetery director is generally
at the cemetery on Saturday mornings, but many times is out of the building.
It was suggested that an answering service be established.
The Council recommended the rate increase.
Proposed Water Rate Increase
Mr. Nelson gave the Council a memorandum from James Bolerjack and David Jepson
,wg' concerning a proposed water rate increase. Mr. Nelson stated there was a lot
of material to be absorbed, and didn't expect the Council to make a decision
on the rate increase at the present time. The memorandum projected water
usage for the next five to six years and illustrated a projected rate schedule
for three years. The increases would meet the City's requirements through
1982, at which time any changes that needed to be made would be recommended
prior to the adoption of the 1983 budget. The proposed increase would have no
effect on the sanitary district rates.
The Council agreed to look at the recommendation more closely at its next
committee of the whole meeting, with formal Council action to take place
December 26.
Application for Conservation Grant
A memorandum from Frank Kaiser regarding an application to the Illinois Institute
of Natural Resources was reviewed by the Council. Mr. Kaiser stated that if the
City is to receive technical assistance, the application must be submitted by
December 10. This is a matching fund program, with the highest allotment being
$20,035. The Council questioned whether acceptance of grant monies would subject
the City to required capital improvements. Mr. Kaiser stated the City would not
have to make any capital improvements, is would merely have to conform to federal
guidelines of lowering thermostats, etc.
The Council recommended that the application be made, stipulating that prior
�.. to acceptance the City verify that no capital improvements be required by the
City to qualify for the grant.
December 5, 1979
Personnel Requirements for Municipal Garage
Mel Dahl stated that increased bus service through nighttime operations,
expanded service on the Fox Valley route and the special handling required
for the new vehicles has created a need for additional personnel at the
municipal garage.
It was the concensus of the Council to hire the additional personnel.
Water Treatment Plant Bids
Mr. Nelson stated that the bids for the water treatment plant were to be due
December 18, but some contractors have asked that the bid date be extended
because those bidders who were on the direct bidders list did not receive
the plans timely. He stated it would be to the City's advantage to extend
the due date by permitting more companies to submit bids.
The Council agreed to extend the bid date to mid-January.
HCD Block Grant Program
Mr. Nelson presented the Council with a memorandum outlining the activities
of the Housing and Community Development Block Grant Program. The rehabilita-
tion of the Crocker Theater was suggested to induce someone to go in and
operate it under a lease option. Mr. Nelson stated that the project could
be abandoned at a later date, however, if it were not included at the start,
fir• it could not be added later. Councilman Gilliam stated he thought it would
be a good idea to look into the rehabilitation.
Also to be included in the HCD funding is the Spring Street improvement, which
includes resurfacing of several streets in the C.B.D. ; Neighborhood Strategy
Area street improvements, which will include those streets south of Bluff
City Boulevard and east of St. Charles Street.
Mr. Nelson asked if there were any other projects the Council would be
interested in having included in the HCD budget.
Miscellaneous
Mr. Nelson stated that the Economic Forecast luncheon sponsored by the Chamber
of Commerce was to be held on December 6 at the Blue Moon.
Mr. Nelson presented the Council with a copy of a letter from the Prairie State
Legal Services, stating that they would be coming to the Council in the near
future to request monetary support from the City.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee of the Whole, the
meeting was adjourned at 9:10 P.M.
Nancy o n, ting City Clerk
Committee of the Whole Meeting
December 12, 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by
City Manager Leo Nelson on Wednesday, December 12 , 1979 , at
7 : 00 P.M. , in the Council Conference Room of City Hall .
Members present : Councilmen Barnes , Gilliam, Hill , Kirkland,
Nelson, West and Mayor Verbic . Absent : None .
Also present : City Clerk Marie Yearman, Corporation Counsel
Jentsch, Counsel Binninger and members of staff .
Status report on Williamswood Retirement Center .
Rob Roll stated that several years ago this property was known
as Resthaven and was licensed by the State as a nursing home .
In 1972 the State changed their code adding more stringent
requirements . Mrs . Tyrell , the owner at that time , did not
make the many expense repairs in order to meet the revised
code , and allowed her license to expire . In 1972 the owners
of this property filed a petition with the city to change the
zoning from R-4 to R-5 , which would allow a roominghouse or
retirement home, this petition was approved . In 1976 the city
amended their residential zoning ordinance deleting the R-5
zoning and the property in question was allowed to continue
their present operation as a non-conforming use .
Councilman Gilliam stated, then they are legal as far as the
use of the property is concerned.
Councilman West asked how many people were housed in the facility .
Mr. Roll stated between 50 and 72 .
Councilman Barnes asked if any of the tenants were patients that
had been released from the State Hospital .
Rob Roll stated that many of them are from the State Hospital .
Councilman Hill stated that all we can do is pursue the State
Fire Violations and Housing Code Violations .
Councilman Barnes stated he had a call from one of the neighbors
who stated things were a little better since the manager of the
facility became aware that the city has become involved.
Councilman Gilliam asked if any of the fire violations were
serious enough to close them down .
Captain Sanders stated this is not the case , but the fire
department had given them 30 days to eliminate the violations .
Committee of the Whole Meeting
December 12, 1979
Page 2
Chief Van De Voorde stated that this type half-way housing
is in various areas of the city and he believed the city would
pay for this in the future .
Councilman Kirkland suggested that the city crack down on the
landlord instead of calling the tenants bad .
Councilman Barnes asked that the Council be given a follow up
report after 30 days .
Proposed agreement with the Animal Hoseital of Elgin to provide
for the impoundment , care and disposition of dogs .
Mr . Nelson stated that the veterinarian who has purchased Dr.
Taebert ' s facility has not contacted the city regarding any
continuation of the service provided by Dr . Taebert . Dr . Ronald
Rocke, who has a facility at 1061 Villa Street , has submitted
an agreement for the care of animals for the Council to consider.
Mr . Nelson stated that the costs set forth in this agreement
are the lowest he has seen to date, and the Police Department
has checked the clinic and found the same to be acceptable.
Councilman Gilliam asked if the facility was large enough .
Mr. Nelson stated the facility was adequate and if more room
was needed in the future, there was room for expansion, and
outside runs .
Chief Baird stated he had inspected the facilities and found
them to be suitable and he would like to be able to use same
by the 1st of the year.
The Council approved the agreement .
Discussion whether to continue or discontinue Franklin Street
as a one-way street westbound from Dundee Avenue to Douglas .
Mr . Nelson stated that this was passed several months ago and
the Council had asked that it be brought back for review. Mr .
Nelson stated there had been no problems arise as a result of
this change.
Councilman Gilliam stated he had not heard anything negative
and it was a very positive situation for the Church .
Councilman West said if it is working well lets continue it.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee
of the Whole , the meeting was adjourned at 7 : 35 P.M.
Marie Yearman , City Clerk
" Committee of the Whole Meeting
December 19, 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by
City Manager Leo Nelson on Wednesday, December 19, 1979, at 7 : 10
P.M. , in the Council Conference Room of City Hall . Members
present : Councilmen Barnes , Gilliam, Hill , Kirkland, Nelson,
West and Mayor Verbic. Absent : None.
Also present were : City Manager Leo Nelson, City Clerk Marie
Yearman , Corporation Counsel Jentsch and members of staff .
Discussion of proposed parking meter rate changes .
Mr. Nelson stated that when this matter was discussed several
weeks ago there was a general feeling that the prime meter
spaces should be raised from 5 to 10 per hour . Mr. Nelson
also pointed out that the merchants are supportive of this
increase.
Mr. Bolerjack recommended that the meters on Dexter between
North Spring & Center be raised to l0 an hour , with a ten
hour limit; Douglas between North & Dexter 10 an hour with
a five hour limit; Douglas between North & Dexter 10 an hour
with a two hour limit ; Division between North Spring & Center
10 an hour with a five hour limit ; Division, Center & East
5 an hour with a ten hour limit ; East Highland - Center & East
5 an hour with a ten hour limit ; Geneva - DuPage & North 5
with a ten hour limit ; Geneva between DuPage & Fulton 5 an hour
with a ten hour limit; Geneva between DuPage & Fulton 10 an
hour with a two hour limit ; East Chicago between Center & Geneva
10 an hour with a thirty minute limit ; East Chicago between
Center & Geneva 10 an hour with a five hour limit; East Chicago
between Geneva & Chapel 5 an hour with a ten hour limit ; East
Chicago between Geneva & Chapel 10 an hour with a two hour limit;
East Chicago between Geneva & Chapel 10 an hour with a thirty
minute limit; East Chicago on Bridge 10 an hour with a five hour
limit ; East Chicago on Bridge 10 an hour with a thirty minute
limit ; DuPage between Villa & Geneva 5 an hour with a ten hour
limit ; South Grove between Prairie & Lake 5 an hour with a ten
hour limit; South Grove between Prairie & Lake 10 an hour with
a two hour limit; Lake Street between Villa & Wellington 10 an
hour with a two hour limit ; Lake Street between Villa & Wellington
l0c an hour with a thirty minute limit ; Lake Street - Wellington
to River 10 an hour with a two hour limit ; Lake Street - Wellington
to River 5 an hour with a ten hour limit ; State Street - W.
Chicago & South 10 an hour with a two hour limit ; West Highland
between State & Crystal 10 an hour with a ten hour limit ; Prairie
& Wellington Lot 5 an hour with a ten hour limit ; Water Street
"'' 5 an hour with a ten hour limit ; Brook Street between North
& Kimball 5 an hour with a ten hour limit, 10 an hour with a
thirty minute limit ; Highland Avenue between Riverside Drive
& State St. 10 an hour with a ten hour limit ; Kimball Street
Lot 5 G an hour with a ten hour limit, 10 an hour with a thirty
Committee of the Whole Meeting
December 19, 1979
Page 2
minute limit ; State Street between Chicago & Highland 10 an
hour with a two hour limit.
Councilman Barnes stated he felt the non-paying area in
the Library area on Kimball Street should remain as it is .
Mr. Nelson stated that the recommendation at this time did
not include the re- installing of meters in the library lot
because when they were taken out it was hoped that employees
would use this lot for parking and they are presently doing
just that.
Mayor Verbic asked if there were any handicapped parking spaces
available in the library .
Mr. Nelson stated there were none and some thought should be
given to this .
Mayor Verbic asked Mr. Nelson to take this matter up with
the library.
A majority of the Council approved the proposed meter increases ,
in prime areas, previously set forth, and agreed to leave the
library lot as it is for the present time .
eliw‘ Discussion re proposed agreement with International Systems ,
Inc.
Debbie Baker, representing International Systems , Inc. , advised
the Council that as a part of their services they would submit
a summary of grants available together with an evaluation form,
which they will ask the Council to complete, Grants will only
be processed after they have been approved by the Council .
Ms . Baker stated that it would be necessary for them to know
what projects the City has in mind in order that they might
ascertain if there are grants available. Ms . Baker stated
she would be in Elgin all day Thursday and would work with
the staff regarding any proposed projects .
Ms Baker stated that Kathy Steiner would be the City ' s local
representative. Ms . Steiner lives in Illinois and she will
contact the City in advance of her visits .
Proposed water rate changes .
Mr . Nelson stated that if there were no questions relative
to the proposed water rate changes he would have an ordinance
prepared for passage.
Mayor Verbic stated there was no choice in view of the bond
commitment.
Mr . Nelson stated this increase was not only necessitated by
the bond issue but was also needed to offset rising costs .
Committee of the Whole Meeting
December 19, 1979
Page 3
Councilman Gilliam asked how these rates compare with those
of other communities .
Mr . Jepson stated it was difficult to tell because the other
communities do not treat their water like Elgin does , but
Elk Grove Village, Arlington Heights and DesPlaines are very
close to what Elgin is proposing.
Councilman Barnes asked if the rates are based on a population
increase over the next six years.
Mr. Nelson stated that 3% may be light but that is the
assumption.
Councilman Barnes stated there is the possibility that in four
years the city may not have to make that jump.
Mr. Nelson stated this is possible because we should know how
we came out with the bond issue and we will also know the
cost of operating the new plant.
The Council approved the proposed water rates .
Proposed Civic Center and Parking Lot Lighting.
Mr. Nelson called the Council ' s attention to the two types
of lights installed in the Civic Center.
Mr. Dahl stated that there is $21 ,000 left in the HCD budget
which could be used to install 57 units of lights in this area.
The Council agreed they preferred the sodium vapor lights
and approved the installation of the 57 units .
Correspondence from Elgin Chamber of Commerce re Comprehensive
Plan.
Mr. Nelson stated that from the contents of this letter it would
appear that several businessmen are uneasy because we do not
have a land use plan available.
Councilman West stated that we should join in this concern.
Don Wagner stated that he had submitted a final draft to the
Planning Committee at their last meeting.
Mayor Verbic stated that we should push on this because it is
something we must have.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
December 19, 1979
Page 4
Mr . Wagner stated the Planning Committee had reviewed a good
portion of the proposed plan and they should be able to review
this last section in a short period of time.
Mayor Verbic asked if all of the comprehensive plan could be
completed in 1980.
Mr. Wagner stated that the staff portion of the work could be
done but he could not estimate the amount of time needed by
the Committee.
Mayor Verbic thought a good approach would be to send the
Committee a letter asking that they give this their top
priority.
Councilman West stated that the letter could not be a soft
one because that would not get any results .
Additional Bus Storage Space.
Mr. Nelson advised the Council that the City had cancelled
their lease with LeeWards for the rental at the south end
of their parking lot , which belongs to the city . Mr. Nelson
(114, stated this area would provide space for 24 additional buses.
The RTA has authorized the bids for fencing and lighting
and head box heaters will be next . The RTA is really authorizing
about $75, 000 in improvements .
The Council approved the staff ' s recommendation to award the
bid for the fencing to Fox Valley Fence Company.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee
of the Whole, the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 P.M.
Marie Yearma , City Clerk
C
COMvITI"1'EE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
December 26, 1979
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by City Manager Leo
Nelson on Wednesday, December 26, 1979 at 7:45 P.M. , in the Council Conference
Room of City Hall. Members Present: Councilmen Barnes, Gilliam, Hill,
Kirkland, Nelson, West and Mayor Verbic. Absent: None.
Also present were: City Manager Leo Nelson, Acting City Clerk Nancy Johnson,
and members of the staff.
Removal of a Parking Restriction on Gifford Street
The Council reviewed a memorandum from the Traffic Committee regarding the
duplication of parking restrictions on a portion of Gifford Street. Section
11.36.050 of the Elgin Municipal Code imposed a partial parking restriction,
and the adoption of the snow route ordinance prohibited parking from November
through March.
The Council agreed to repeal the previous restriction.
Proposed Agreement with Trkla, Pettigrew, Allen €, Payne
The Council reviewed a contract with Trkla, Pettigrew, Allen E Payne for the
preparation of a market analysis and planning study for the downtown. The
Council questioned some of the provisions of the contract, i.e. , causes for
,. � termination of the contract, specificity of materials to be provided by the city,
etc.
Mayor Verbic suggested that CEC have an opportunity to review the contract since
they are participating financially in the study.
Councilman Hill stated that the city's corporation counsel should make any
changes he feels necessary to protect the city.
Councilman West asked that the consultants give the city a line item report
with each statement.
The contract will be brought back to the Council after review by CEC and the
corporation counsel.
Discussion of Taxicab Rates
Mr. Nelson stated he wanted to alert the Council to the fact that on October 24,
1979 a resolution was passed establishing new rates of fares for taxicabs in the
City of Elgin, which was to be in force until December 31, 1979 pending the sub-
mission of an audit by a certified public accountant.
Mr. Bolerjack stated that Mr. McMullin had contacted an auditing firm, but the
firm could not complete the audit prior to December 31. The firm also would
not quote a firm fee for the audit, of which the city is responsible for any
..rsost over $1,000.
December 26, 1979
Councilman West suggested that the taxicabs be required to pass a state safety
test prior to issuance of a city license.
The Council agreed to accept the auditing firm selected by Mr. McMullin and
directed a letter be prepared notifying Mr. McMullin that if an audit is not
on file with the city by December 31 he must set his fares at the previously
established rates.
Meeting adjourned for Council Meeting at 8:10 P.M.
Meeting reconvened at 8:55 P.M.
Donation to Elgin Fire Department
Mr. Nelson informed the Council that Elgin Metal Casket Company desires to make
a donation to the Elgin Fire Department Industrial Fire and First Aid Training
Program in the amount of $100, and asked if the Council had any objections to
such a donation. He stated that no one would be gaining personally from the
donation, but this is the first time a company has made a donation. All previous
donations have been from individuals or organizations.
Councilwoman Nelson stated she was against accepting the check, since this was
something the city has not done in the past and could be construed improperly.
The Council agreed to accept the check.
Hemmen's Building Mobile
Mr. Nelson stated that the artist of the mobile at the Hemmen's Building, Max
Von Isser, wants to make a gift to the city of the mobile. The Council will
consider a resolution accepting the gift at its upcoming meeting.
Slade Avenue Water Treatment Plant
Mr. Nelson stated that a pipe had broken at the Slade Avenue Water Treatment
Plant, and Sinnett Builders proposed to repair the pipe for a sum not to exceed
$5,550. This was the only proposal the city received and asked if the Council
would authorize the repair. The Council agreed to have the pipe repaired by
Sinnett Builders.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the Committee of the Whole, the
meeting was adjourned at 9:05 P.M.
Nancy L. onCkecing City Clerk