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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebuary 10, 1988 COW Committee of the Whole Meeting February 10 , 1988 The Committee of the Whole Meeting was called to order by Mayor Van De Voorde at 6 : 30 p.m. Members present : Councilmen Fox, Gilliam, Moylan, Popple , Shales , Walters and Mayor Van De Voorde, Nays: None. Consideration of a resolution extending the agreement between the Police Department and Centro de Informacion. In January, 1968, the City of Elgin entered into an agreement with Centrol De Informacion to provide counseling services for Hispanic youth ages 12-17 years , who have been adjudicated by the court or referred by police as appropriate. Kane County Juvenile Court Services along with several police agencies have signed the agreement . In order for Centro De Informacion to continue their grant funding, they require an updated-signed agreement . Most of the referrals come through the Juvenile Court system. The staff assessed this program as viable . The Council indicated approval of this agreement , said agreement being on the Council Agenda for formal adoption. Consideration of Petition 85-87 requesting a rezoning from R-2 Single Family Residence District to R-3 Two Family Residence District , rezonings from R-2 Two Family Residence District , a rezoning from R-2 Single Family Residence to R-4 General Residence District , Special Use for a Planned Unit Development and Preliminary Plan Approval for a Multiple Use Subdivision to be known as The Fairways , property located on South McLean Blvd. Tim Hernandez , representing this development advised the Council the development plan now called for a reduced density, by changing the duplexes to single family dwellings. The lot sizes have been expanded to exceed the lot size required by the City code. The open space has been increased and a path-way system is proposed. Councilwoman Shales stated she was concerned with the proposed size of the homes and the cost range , because she did not think this was the best development for the subject area. Tom Stankee, representing the developer stated he had done an extensive marketing study which indicated this development would blend in well with the Summerhill Development , which is just east of this project . Councilwoman Moylan asked what the range was for the size of the dwellings, and whether or not they had basements . Committee of the Whole Meeting February 10 , 1988 Page 2 Mr. Stankee stated the range is from 830 square feet to 1750 square feet , and basements are an option. Mayor Van De Voorde stated that if you looked across the country at developments which back up to golf courses , the homes and lots are larger and more expensive. The subject area has a beautiful golf course and community college adjacent to the proposed development , and he had hoped for a higher level development . Mr. Stankee stated this developer has been very successful due to the extensive research they conduct , and in addition, this plan was developed because in talking to people they expressed a desire to have something that is reasonable. Mr. Stankee did not feel the homes being proposed would detract from this area. The Mayor pointed out there are homes within a ten mile radius which are a higher value home. Mr. Stankee said they have been in this business for 22 years, they do not do a slip-shod job, and what they do is something they are proud of. Councilman Walters asked how many phases there were to the project . Mr. Hernandez stated there are four phases and it would take four or five years to complete. One-Third of the homes would have a golf course view. Councilwoman Popple stated she was concerned with the amount of traffic that would be generated by this many homes when the traffic on McLean is already overflowing. Mr. Stankee stated they were also concerned with the amount of traffic because it would have an impact on their project . The Council asked if there were any development sites , with models, which they might inspect . Mr. Stankee stated there were developments in Sleepy Hollow, Streamwood, Algonquin, and a subdivision you could reach by taking Route 59 south to Ogden, and turning right for one mile. Further consideration of this petition was deferred to the Council Meeting. Committee of the Whole Meeting February 10 , 1988 Page 3 Consideration of an application from the Northend Businessmen' s Association for the use of Trout Park. Gil Nore, President of this Association stated this was the 37th year of the Association ' s existence, and it would also be the 37th Festival put on by this organization. Mr. Nore further stated all proceeds from these festivals have been donated to the City to upgrade Trout Park, and many other City projects . There is no alcohol allowed and there are no games of chance permitted. The Association has endeavored to keep this a family affair. Parking facilites have been provided in the Brethren parking lot , and after the event Boy Scout Troop 18 has helped to clean up the area. Mayor Van De Voorde stated the Council would like to see if another site could be found for next year. Mr. Nore stated other sites had been explored and thus far a viable site had not been found, but he would continue in this effort to find another place. Councilman Fox stated this Festival has been like a tradition on the eastside of town and he would hate to see it leave . Councilman Fox made a motion, seconded by Councilman Walters to approve the request to hold this event in Trout Park this year. Yeas: Councilmen Fox, Gilliam, Moylan, Popple , Shales , Walters and Mayor Van De Voorde. Nays: None . Consideration of swimming pool fees and rates for 1988. Councilman Walters made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Shales to approve the fees and rates recommended for 1988 . Yeas: Councilmen Fox, Gilliam, Moylan, Popple, Shales , Walters and Mayor Van De Voorde. Nays: None. Consideration of a request for conversion of loading zones on Chicago Street . Councilwoman Moylan made a motion, seconded by Councilman Fox to approve the recommendation that the two loading zones adjacent to 167-169 East Chicago Street in the Central Business District be changed to 30 minute parking spaces. Yeas: Councilmen Fox, Gilliam, Moylan, Popple , Shales , Walters and Mayor Van De Voorde. Nays: None. Consideration of a change order for the contract for dredging the lower lagoon in Lord' s Park. Councilman Walters made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Shales to authorize the execution of Change Order No. 1 for excavation and/or dredging of the lower lagoon in Lord' s Park for $4 , 851. 50. Yeas: Councilmen Fox, Gilliam, Moylan, Popple, Shales , Walters and Mayor Van De Voorde. Nays: None. Committee of the Whole Meeting February 10 , 1988 Page 4 Consideration of the motor fuel tax resolution for street maintenance for 1988. Councilman Fox made a motion, seconded by Councilman Gilliam to approve the resolution appropriating $832 , 000 of Motor Fuel Tax Funds for street maintenance. Yeas: Councilmen Fox, Gilliam, Moylan, Popple , Shales , Walters and Mayor Van De Voorde. Nays : None. Consideration of the paramedic fund budget for 1988. The fund balance at the beginning of 1988 is $8 , 050 .43 . Councilman Fox made a motion, seconded by Councilman Walters to approved the requested expenditures for paramedic equipment in the amount of $7 , 594 . Yeas : Councilmen Fox, Gilliam, Moylan, Popple, Shales , Walters and Mayor Van De Voorde. Nays: None. Consideration of the Heritage Commission historical survey_ award recommendation. The Council reviewed the following bids : Mississippi Valley Planning and Survey, Bloomington, Illinois , $3 , 905; Hasbrouck Peterson Associates , Chicago, Illinois , $5 , 000; and Dahlquist and Lutzow Architects , Elgin, Illinois, $5 , 150. The Elgin Heritage Commission recommended the award be made to Dahlquist and Lutzow, for a total cost of $5 ,150. It was their contention this firm is a local firm which is familiar with Elgin ' s history and architecture, and has documented experience in various preservation related activities , including architectural surveys. Although they are not the low bidder, the Commission felt they were the most qualified to conduct the architectural surveys. Heather Hunt , representing the Commission stated they wanted the best job done and felt the low bidder was so low they would not obtain the results they desired. On the other hand Dahlquist and Lutzow is a local firm and has a great interest in the project , and somebody from this area can give historical value and background. Councilman Gilliam made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Moylan to award the bid to Dahlquist and Lutzow. Mayor Van De Voorde thought there might be some question of propriety in making this award to a former member of this Commission. Ms . Hunt stated that Mr. Dahlquist was quite willing to withdraw this bid if this issue because a problem. Councilwoman Moylan stated she would like to withdraw her second to the motion on the floor. (The motion then died for lack of a second) Committee of the Whole Meeting February 10 , 1988 Page 5 Councilman Gilliam made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Moylan to make this award to the low bidder. Yeas: Councilmen Fox, Gilliam, Moylan, Popple, Shales , Walters and Mayor Van De Voorde. Nays: None. Consideration of an amendment to the ordinance allowing for a waiver of residency in a case of disabled fireman. The Council reviewed the proposed amendment and recommended that in the event of a fulltime sworn officer of the fire or police department being found to be disabled by the Pension Board, said officer may apply to have the City residency requirement waived. The Pension Board will make the findings and submit same to the City Clerk for filing purposes. An ordinance providing for this amendment to be prepared for the next Council Agenda. Consideration of participation in a railroad crossing gate on North McLean Blvd. The Council, at a previous meeting, expressed concern about the increased speed of the trains at this crossing, and the potential for an accident because of no crossing gates , and staff was requested to contact the ICC. The Council reviewed a letter from the ICC, who upon investigation, concurred that warrants exist for the addition of gate units . The City' s share of the cost to revise the crossing signals and add gates would be approximately $10 , 000. Mayor Van De Voorde called attention to the fact that sometimes the signal lights are not working and he would like this called to their attention also. Councilman Walters made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Moylan to approve participation in this project . Yeas: Councilmen Fox, Gilliam, Moylan, Popple, Shales, Walters and Mayor Van De Voorde. Nays : None. Consideration of a schedule for meetings on allocation of the Community Development Block Grant Program for 1988-89 . The City Manager advised the Council the City was notified it had been allocated a total of $649 , 000 for its 1988 CDBG Program, and it would be necessary for the Council to set the Public Hearing date. Councilman Walters made a motion, seconded by Councilman Gilliam to meet on March 14 , and April 5 , 1988. Yeas: Councilmen FoH, Gilliam, Moylan, Popple, Shales , Walters and Mayor Van De Voorde. Nays: None. Committee of the Whole Meeting February 10 , 1988 Page 6 Consideration of a report on sewer calls for 1987 . Council was furnished with a sewer call analysis for 1986 and 1987. Consideration of a report on bike trail extension south of Elgin. The Council was furnished with a status report on the extension of the Kane County Forest Preserve District bikeway south of Elgin. Consideration of a report from the Bureau of Inspection Services for the year 1987 . Council was furnished with a report on the 1987 activities for the Bureau of Inspection Services . Consideration of a report from the Public Housing Liaison Committee. Council was furnished with a summary of a joint staff meeting between the City of Elgin and the Housing Authority of Elgin. Consideration of a report on approval of acquisition for Big Timber right-of-way. Council was advised the right-of-way plats have been submitted to IDOT for approval. With the purchase of the necessary right- of-way and the completion of the project plans ( 55% completed) , the City, County and IDOT can authorize the construction of the improvements included in Stage 1 and 2 as FAU funds become available. The estimated cost for the right-of-way is $100, 000 with the FAU portion being $75 , 000 , and the City and County each paying $12 , 500 . Councilwoman Popple made a motion, seconded by Councilman Walters to approve the City' s participation in the subject project . Yeas: Councilmen Fox, Gilliam, Moylan, Popple, Shales, Walters and Mayor Van De Voorde. Nays : None. Consideration of a report on capital projects for the month of January, 1988. Council was furnished with a status report of the various City capital projects. Consideration of a request for waiver from Hemmens admissions tax. The Chamber Theatre Productions , Inc. , asked for a waiver of this tax. This request was considered by the Hemmens Advisory Commission, which determined this was a profit making business and did not recommend a waiver. t Committee of the Whole Meeting February 10 , 1988 Page 7 Councilwoman Moylan made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Walters to deny said request . Yeas : Councilmen Fox, Gilliam, Moylan, Popple , Walters and Mayor Van De Voorde. Nays: Councilwoman Shales. Adjournment Councilman Fox made a motion, seconded by Councilwoman Popple to adjourn the Committee of the Whole Meeting to go into Executive Session to discuss Personnel, Litigation and Property Acquisition. Yeas: Councilmen Fox, Gilliam, Moylan, Popple, Shales , Walters and Mayor Van De Voorde . Nays : None. The meeting adjourned at 9 : 35 p.m. Marie YearmWn, City Clerk