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HomeMy WebLinkAboutg - April 13 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING April 13, 2005 The regular Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order by Mayor Schock at 6:05 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Present: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Rodgers, Sandor, Walters and Mayor Schock. Absent: None. Approval of Minutes Councilmember Sandor made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Rodgers, to approve the minutes of the March 23, 2005, regular meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Rodgers, Sandor, Walters and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Presentation by Hampton, Lenzini, and Renwick on the Preliminary Design for the New CBD Traffic Signal System Mike Magnuson of Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick outlined the purpose of the project. The project boundaries are State Street east to Villa/Center/Dundee and National Street north to Kimball Street and encompass 29 traffic signal controlled intersections. The existing traffic signal system equipment was reviewed and inspected. A number of public meetings were held to involve all CBD stakeholders, and the public input was very beneficial. He stated that a key part of the study was how to manage downtown traffic better and not to speed the traffic through downtown or move more traffic through. The benefits of installing a new traffic signal system rather than replacing the current system. include being able to coordinate the system of signals with the ability to change and monitor signal timings remotely, emergency vehicle pre-emption, and troubleshoot incidents and equipment from the office, which minimizes operating costs. He outlined the project phases and costs involved. The next steps will be to develop the final design engineering, prepare plans, specifications, cost estimates, bid documents and bid construction contracts, and begin construction. Councilmember Sandor suggested they look at the possibility of removing the tree planters located in the right-of-way on Douglas Avenue between Chicago Street and Highland Avenue, to increase the number of parking spaces. Consideration of a Proposed Lease with T-Mobile to Establish a Cellular Communications Tower at Fire Station No. 4 Councilmember Figueroa made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gilliam, to approve the proposed lease agreement with T-Mobile to establish a cellular communications tower at Fire Station No. 4. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Rodgers, Sandor, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of an Agreement with Thomson-West for Westlaw Local Government Committee of the Whole April 13, 2005 Page 2 Practitioner Online Legal Research Councilmember Walters made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gilliam, to approve the agreement with Thomson-West for Westlaw Local Government Practitioner Online Legal Research for online legal research services tailored to government law attorneys in the amount of $15,256.80. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Rodgers, Sandor, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of the Purchase of Four Digital Patroller Video Systems from Digital Safety Technologies Councilmember Gilliam made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Figueroa, to authorize the purchase of four Digital Patroller mobile video systems at a cost of $23,700 from Digital Safety Technologies as a sole source provider. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Rodgers, Sandor, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of the Purchase of Police Radio and Data Equipment from Motorola Councilmember Rodgers made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Figueroa, to authorize the purchase of six Motorola MW800 Mobile Data Terminals at a cost of $45,515.40, four Motorola XTS500 radios at a cost of $15,421.60, six CDM750 mobile radios at a cost of $3,244.50, and two Motorola XTL5000 mobile radios at a cost of $9430.00 for a total cost of $73,611.50. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Rodgers, Sandor, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of Amendment No. 3 to the Environmental Testing Services Contract with Terracon Inc. at 464 McBride Street Councilmember Rodgers made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Walters, to authorize a third amendment to the current contract with Terracon Inc. for environmental testing services at 464 McBride Street for an amount not to exceed $144,050. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Rodgers, Sandor, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of a Purchase of Service Agreement with Elgin Community Network Councilmember Walters made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Rodgers, to approve the purchase of service agreement with Elgin Community Network at a cost of $28,946. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Rodgers, Sandor, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of a Purchase of Service Agreement with Re Addiction Counseling Center for a Community-based Gambling Addiction Treatment and Prevention Program Committee of the Whole April 13, 2005 Page 3 Councilmember Figueroa made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Walters, to approve the purchase of service agreement with the Renz Addiction Counseling Center to support the Community Based Gambling Addiction Treatment and Prevention Program at a cost of $24,900. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Rodgers, Sandor, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of a Purchase of Service Agreement with Elgin Proud & Beautiful, Inc. Councilmember Gilliam made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Figueroa, to approve the purchase of service agreement with Elgin Proud & Beautiful, Inc. in the amount of $4,560 for 2005 that will be used for activities that include planning and coordination of the annual city- wide clean-up and beautification day, planting projects, volunteer recruitment and participating in various community events to promote anti-litter and recycling. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Rodgers, Sandor, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of a Resolution Regarding the Efforts by the Villages of Bartlett, Wayne, and Carol Stream to Disconnect from School District U-46 Councilmember Rodgers made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Figueroa, to approve the proposed resolution attached to the April 8, 2005, agenda memorandum. Councilmember Sandor made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gilliam, to amend the proposed resolution by replacing the current language in Section 2, which provides that an independent comprehensive study be completed regarding the proposed disconnection, and inserting the following language: “That the proposed disconnection of the Village of Bartlett, Wayne, and Carol Stream would not be in the best interest of the City of Elgin and that a prolonged attempt by these communities to disconnect from School District U-46 will cause resources, both financial and human, to be expended, and that the City of Elgin believes these resources could be better utilized in the education of students throughout the U-46 community.” Councilmember Rodgers made a motion to amend the aforesaid proposed amendment by adding language that 11,000 students will be affected by disconnection. The motion died for lack of a second. Mayor Schock stated that he would not support the amendment, which deleted the provision regarding completion of an independent study or analysis. He stated that he has always believed that the best decisions are made in the light of good information. Upon a roll call vote on the proposed amendment to the resolution: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Rodgers, Sandor, Walters. Nays: Mayor Schock. Upon a roll call vote of the proposed resolution as amended: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Committee of the Whole April 13, 2005 Page 4 Gilliam, Rodgers, Sandor, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of a Proposal from Standard Equipment for the Refurbishment of Two Elgin Pelican Street Sweepers Councilmember Gilliam made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Figueroa, to approve an exception to the procurement ordinance to authorize the refurbishment of two 1999 Elgin Pelican Street Sweepers with Standard Equipment Company in the amount of $49,990. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Rodgers, Sandor, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of an Engineering Services Agreement with Christopher B. Burke Engineering, LTD for the 2005 Annual Street Light Program, 2005 Mid-block Street Light Program, and the Congdon Avenue/Shoe Factory Road Lighting Improvements Councilmember Figueroa made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Walters, to authorize an agreement with Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. for engineering services for the 2005 Annual Street Light Program, 2005 Mid-Block Street Light Program and the Congdon Avenue/Shoe Factory Road Lighting Improvements in the not-to-exceed amount of $112,487.27. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Rodgers, Sandor, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. As a point of information, Public Works Director Loete explained that not all the street lights are owned and maintained by the City. Approximately half of the lights are owned and maintained by Commonwealth Edison and are mounted on wood poles. The other half, which are mounted on metal poles, are owned and maintained by the City. Consideration of a Co-sponsorship Agreement with the Downtown Neighborhood Association to Host a Carnival on City Property Councilmember Figueroa made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Rodgers, to approve entering into a co-sponsorship agreement with the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) to organize a three and a half day carnival in Elgin’s Center City to be scheduled for May 5-8, 2005 for a not-to-exceed amount of $4,785 in financial and in-kind support. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Rodgers, Sandor, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of a Co-sponsorship Agreement with the Hispanic Heritage Coalition to Host a Carnival in the Meijer Parking Lot Councilmember Sandor made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Rodgers, to approve a co- Committee of the Whole April 13, 2005 Page 5 sponsorship agreement with the Hispanic Heritage Coalition (HHC) to co-sponsor a three and a half day carnival in the Meijer parking lot scheduled for May 5-8, 2005 for a not-to-exceed amount of $4,873 in financial and in-kind support. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Gilliam, Rodgers, Sandor, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Councilmember Figueroa abstained due to a conflict of interest. Consideration of a Proposal from Charles H. Schrader and Associates for Grant Administration Services Councilmember Walters made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Figueroa, to award an extension to the 2004 contract for 2005 grant administration services to Charles H. Schrader and Associates in the amount of $12,000. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Rodgers, Sandor, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of Eligibility for Veteran’s Preference Points for Police Department Promotions Councilmember Rodgers made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Sandor, to adopt the proposed ordinance amending Elgin Municipal Code Chapter 2.52, entitled “Police Department.” Said proposed ordinance clarifies the current practice and which provides for a calculation of veteran’s points based exclusively on the certificate of release or discharge from active duty form issued by the armed services (commonly referred to as a “DD214” form), as is currently being used by the Illinois State Board of Fire and Police Commissioners. Councilmember Sandor asked that Sergeant Glenn Theriault, who brought to light the ambiguity in the application of the current state law regarding the application of military preference points for police promotion, be allowed to address the Council on an alternative proposal. Sergeant Theriault stated that there are two issues to be addressed. One is policy direction regarding the awarding of preference points, and the second is a decision on whether those points should be applicable to the current lieutenant’s list. He stated that he believes there is a flaw in the interpretation of state statutes governing veteran preference points, and he described his views regarding this matter. He requested that the Council consider adopting the following alternative, which sets forth a three-level system of awarding points to all military veterans. Qualification for the first level of service is in the reserve forces of the United States. The second level of service is for active duty or a reservist who is activated for deployment in a hostile combat situation. Qualification for the third level is for a member of the armed services who is disabled in the line of duty. A system like this, already tested at the state level, is effective and fair and recognizes the value of service to one’s country. He also stated that if the Council approves his suggested alternative, he believes it is fair and reasonable to apply it to the current list. Councilmember Gilliam stated that the proposed ordinance recommended by the City Manager Committee of the Whole April 13, 2005 Page 6 simply clarifies and codifies the practice which has been used by the City since 1965 of using the DD214 form to calculate veteran’s points. He believes it is wrong to change this and that Sergeant Theriault’s proposal is self-serving in that he would personally benefit by this change. Councilmember Sandor stated that he does not agree that a change in the procedure now should be made retroactive. However, he thinks the military service has changed dramatically since 1965, and there didn’t used to be the wholesale activation of reservists that there is now. Councilmember Walters stated he would be more willing to consider changing the procedure if it didn’t affect the current list. Councilmember Figueroa said that things change a lot in 40 years, and perhaps consideration should be given to updating the method used to calculate veteran’s points. Mayor Schock suggested that the City Manager’s recommendation to pass the proposed ordinance which clarifies the existing practice of using the DD214 form as the standard for awarding promotional preference points. If in the future the Council believes this policy should be re-evaluated, an alternative practice can be considered and adopted. After clarification regarding the nature of the motion on the floor, a vote was taken on the City Manager’s recommendation to adopt the proposed ordinance whereby active duty will be determined by the DD214 discharge form. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Rodgers, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: Councilmember Sandor. Announcements from Council Councilmembers made suggestions regarding retreat agenda items including open gym, location for a public safety site in the Far West Area, exploring the possibility of expanding the Neighborhood Business Improvement Program to include properties located on entry-way corridors, discussion regarding having Not-for-Profit organizations make brief presentations at Council meetings regarding what services their specific organizations offer, consideration of banning parking on certain streets, and discussion regarding Wing Park. Adjournment Councilmember Sandor made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Figueroa, to adjourn and go into the Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the following matters. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Rodgers, Sandor, Walters and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Establishment of Reserves or Settlement of Claims as Provided in the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act - Exempt Under Section 120/2(c)(12) of the Open Meetings Act Purchase or Lease of Real Property for the Use of the Public Body - Exempt Under Section 120/2(c)(5) of the Open Meetings Act Committee of the Whole April 13, 2005 Page 7 Selection of a Person to Fill a Vacant Office, Including a Vacancy in a Public Office, When the Public Body is Given Power to Appoint Under Law or Ordinance, or the Discipline, Performance or Removal of the Occupant of a Public Office, When the Public Body is Given Power to Remove the Occupant Under Law or Ordinance - Exempt Under Section 120/2(c) (3) of the Open Meetings Act The meeting adjourned at 7:06 p.m. s/Dolonna Mecum April 25, 2005 Dolonna Mecum, City Clerk Date Approved