HomeMy WebLinkAboutNovember 23, 1987 COW Committee of the Whole Meeting
November 23, 1987
The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m., in the Council
Conference Room of City Hall. Members present: Councilmen Fox, Gilliam, Moylan,
Popple, Shales, Walters and Mayor VanDeVoorde. Absent: None.
Consideration of Bluff Sprina Fen Mangaqement Contract
The Council reviewed an ecological management agreement with the Nature
Conservancy for the Bluff Spring Fen. This items appears on the regular City Council
agenda.
Consideration of a Contract with ECC for a Functional Spanish Class
Elgin Community College is offering a functional Spanish course for firefighters and
paramedics. A contract for the course of instruction appears on the regular City Council
agenda.
Councilwoman Moylan stated that she will abstain because of a conflict of interest due
to her employment with Elgin Community College.
Consideration of a Proposed Preservation Ordinance
The proposed preservation ordinance is in final form setting out technical elements and
general provisions. The remaining unresolved issue is the designation of interiors.
Heather Hunt of the Heritage Commission pointed out that if a building or structure is
considered historic, then the entire building is considered historic.
Councilwoman Moylan stated that interiors are a matter of taste and convenience. The
ordinance should not address the issue of a new owner's right to change the interior.
Councilman Walters stated that interior items should be limited to those changes and
improvements which require permits.
The City Council will hold a public hearing to consider the proposed ordinance at which
time the issue of interiors will be addressed.
Councilwoman Shales made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Moylan, to set the
public hearing on the proposed Elgin Historic Preservation Ordinance for January 13,
1988. Yeas: Councilmen Fox, Gilliam, Moylan, Popple, Shales, Walters and Mayor
VanDeVoorde. Nays: None.
Consideration of a Recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Board for the,
Allocation of 1987 Park Development Funds
The Council evaluated the recommendations of the Parks and Recreation Board for
allocation of 1987 bond funds. The Board requested funding for the National Little
League fence and storage building, American Little League backstops, Continental Little
League ball fields to new site, St. Francis Park equipment, Gifford Park equipment,
Century Oaks nature trail and tot lot and a new kitchen at the Elgin Historical Museum.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
November 23, 1987
Page 2
Councilman Gilliam supported the package, except for the proposed new kitchen for Old
Main. A new kitchen is not a priority item.
Councilwoman Shales made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Popple, to approve the
package as recommended. Yeas: Councilmen Fox, Gilliam, Moylan, Popple, Shales,
Walters and Mayor VanDeVoorde. Nays: None.
Consideration of a Proposal from the Hemmens Advisory Board to Establish Hemmens
Rates for 1990
The Hemmens Advisory Board submitted its proposed Hemmens rates for 1990. Rates
must be set three years in advance for the benefit of lessees who wish to reserve the
building.
Councilman Walters made a motion, seconded by Councilman Fox, to approve the
proposed rates. Yeas: Councilmen Fox, Gilliam, Moylan, Popple, Shales, Walters and
Mayor VanDeVoorde. Nays: None.
Consideration of a Proposal for Fundinq NHS Leqal Fees
The Neighborhood Housing Services budget does not provide for legal costs in connection
with loans in arrears, default or bankruptcy. Legal fees are an approved expenditure
according to HUD.
Councilwoman Popple made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Moylan, to approve the
expenditure of Community Development Block Grant funds from the Neighborhood
Housing Services rehabilitation program to pay legal costs incurred by NHS. Yeas:
Councilmen Fox, Gilliam, Moylan, Popple, Shales, Walters and Mayor VanDeVoorde.
Nays: None.
Consideration of a Recommendation to Establish a Committee to Review the Dundee
Avenue TIF Proposal
The staff has reviewed the first proposal for the Dundee/Summit Redevelopment Area
and recommends an ad hoc committee be appointed to review the details of the develop-
ment proposal and forward its recommendation to the City Council. The following
individuals were recommended to serve on the Dundee/Summit Review Committee:
Mark Abate President of Elgin State Bank and adjacent property owner.
Denise Hopkins Member of the Elgin Planning Committee and Central Elgin
Neighborhood Council.
Dwain Lutzow Partner in the architectural firm of Dahlquist and Lutzow.
Frank Pratt Economic Development Coordinator, Elgin Chamber of
Commerce.
Ed Schock Member of the Elgin Land Use Committee and Northeast
Neighbors.
Mayor VanDeVoorde stated that he supported the concept, however expressed concern
that Mark Abate does have an interest in the area.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
November 23, 1987
Page 3
Councilwoman Moylan recommended that an additional member be appointed who has a
background in finance and is not an adjacent property owner.
Councilwoman Moylan made a motion, seconded by Councilman Walters, to appoint the
above referenced individuals to the Dundee/Summit Review Committee and to include
Walter Cardin as an additional member.
Councilwoman Popple recommended property owners have representation on the
committee.
Jim
Cook stated that the committee meetings will be open and individuals with monetary
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interest could attend the meetings and public hearings to express their views on the
prop osa Is.
Philip Wick, a property owner in the area, stated that the property owners are concerned
about whether they will receive a fair market value for their properties. He requested
participation by the owners on the committee.
Councilwoman Moylan amended her motion, seconded by Councilman Walters, to sub-
stitute Walter Cardin for Mark Abate.
Councilman Gilliam stated that Mark Abate should not be excluded from the committee
as he is not directly in the area.
Yeas: Councilmen Fox, Moylan, Popple, Shales, Walters and Mayor VanDeVoorde.
Nays: Councilman Gilliam.
Consideration of Chanqe Order No. I on the Eaqle Heiqhts Pavinq Project
The Eagle Heights Paving Project incurred a cost overrun of $77,364.10 due to unfore-
seen deteriorated conditions.
Councilman Gilliam made a motion, seconded by Councilman Walters, to approve the
change order. Yeas: Councilmen Fox, Gilliam, Moylan, Popple, Shales, Walters and
Mayor VanDeVoorde. Nays: None.
Consideration of Chanqe Order No. 2 on the East Side Resurfacinq Project
The East Side Resurfacing Project was nearly completed with the exception of the
resurfacing of the Public Works area and other minor items which were not a part of the
original contract bid. The contractor submitted a change order for the additional
expenses.
Councilman Walters made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Moylan, to approve the
change order. Yeas: Councilmen Fox, Gilliam, Moylan, Popple, Shales, Walters and
Mayor VanDeVoorde. Nays: None.
Consideration of a Recommendation for Handlinq Sewer Repairs at 153 North Liberty
Street
Jim Cook outlined an ongoing problem with sewer blockage at 153 North Liberty Street
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which would cost approximately $3,700 to repair. If the problem is in the lateral, it is
the owner's responsibility; if the problem is in the main, it is the City's responsibility.
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November 23, 1987
Page 4
The City proposes to locate the main, which is 14 feet deep, and cause its repair. If the
repair is the responsibility of the owner, the owner will repay the City over a five to ten
year period at an interest rate of nine percent annually.
Councilman Walters made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Popple, to approve the
recommendation. Yeas: Councilmen Fox, Gilliam, Moylan, Popple, Shales, Walters and
Mayor VanDeVoorde. Nays: None.
Presentation of an Arts Grant Application
The Council considered a grant application to the United Arts Board for funding of a
showcase of children's entertainment.
Councilman Gilliam made a motion, seconded by Councilman Walters, to approve the
application. Yeas: Councilmen Fox, Gilliam, Moylan, Popple, Shales, Walters and Mayor
VanDeVoorde. Nays: None.
Consideration of a Rental Agreement with the Elqin YMCA
Approval was requested of a proposed rental agreement for the use of the YMCA for the
City's gymnastic program.
Councilman Walters stated that he would abstain as he was a member of the Board of
Managers of the YMCA.
Councilwoman Popple made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Moylan, to approve the
agreement. Yeas: Councilmen Fox, Gilliam, Moylan, Popple, Shales and Mayor
VanDeVoorde. Nays: None. Abstain: Councilman Walters.
Consideration of Christmas Gifts from City Council
The City Council has issued gift certificates to employees and fruit baskets to members
of boards and commissions for Christmas. Councilwoman Moylan said she would like the
board and commission members to receive a paperweight. Mayor VanDeVoorde will look
into the cost of distributing the paperweight in 1988.
Councilwoman Popple made a motion, seconded by Councilman Gilliam, to approve
Christmas gifts from the Mayor and Council. Yeas: Councilmen Fox, Gilliam, Moylan,
Popple, Shales, Walters and Mayor VanDeVoorde. Nays: None.
Adjournment
Councilman Gilliam made a motion, seconded by Councilman Walters, to adjourn the
Committee of the Whole Meeting to go into Executive Session. Yeas: Councilmen Fox,
Gilliam, Moylan, Popple, Shales, Walters and Mayor VanDeVoorde. Nays: None.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Nancy R I, Deputy Clerk