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HomeMy WebLinkAboutn - July 27 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING July 27, 2005 The regular Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order by Mayor Schock at 6:05 p.m. in the Heritage Ballroom of The Centre. Present: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, Walters and Mayor Schock. Absent: None. Approval of Minutes Councilmember Walters made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Figueroa, to approve the minutes of the July 13, 2005, regular meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, Walters and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of a Lease Agreement with Sprint for a Temporary Cell Tower on the Riverside Drive Parking Deck Councilmember Walters questioned whether the new cell tower was agreeable to the adjacent River Park Place development. Raymond Moller, Economic Development and Business Services Director, stated that the cell tower would be located north of the River Park Place development and should not impact the development at all. A resolution will be presented at tonight’s Council meeting for adoption by the City Council. Consideration of Acceptance of a Grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation for Driving Under the Influence Roadside Safety Checks Councilmember Kaptain made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Figueroa, to accept a grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for DUI Roadside Safety Checks in the amount of $3,770. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of Acceptance of Public Improvements in Northwest Corporate Park Subdivision, Phases 1 and 3 Councilmember Gilliam made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Figueroa, to accept the water main, storm sewer, sanitary sewer and pavement improvements, including all appurtenances, for the Northwest Corporate Park Subdivision Phases 1 and 3 and direct staff to prepare the necessary resolution. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of an Amendment of Chapter 16.28 of the Elgin Municipal Code, 1976, Committee of the Whole July 27, 2005 Page 2 Entitled Fire Prevention Code Councilmember Figueroa made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Kaptain, to approve the 2003 International Fire Code as amended as the Fire Prevention Code for the City of Elgin. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of Adoption of Chapter 16.29 of the Elgin Municipal Code, 1076, Entitled Life Safety Code Councilmember Gilliam made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Figueroa, to approve the proposed ordinance that will update the Life Safety Code to the 2003 edition. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of an Intergovernmental Agreement with Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for the Maintenance of Municipal Streets Councilmember Sandor stated that he was surprised that the funding from IDOT was so low, with IDOT paying only 25 to 50 percent of the costs for street repairs, and felt that since the City is doing all of the work that the State should be paying a higher percentage. City Manager Folarin responded that the percentages listed in the agreement with the State are the most common and highest offered for this type of agreement for any municipality. Councilmember Kaptain asked if any of the neighboring communities had similar agreements and if it was common for conflicts to arise with IDOT about the standards for maintenance of the streets when the City is responsible for the repairs. David Lawry, General Services Group Director, stated that the City is subject to the standards set by IDOT, and IDOT notifies the City if the streets are being under-maintained according to these standards. Mr. Lawry also stated that most of the surrounding communities, if they have State routes, have similar agreements with IDOT. Councilmember Rodgers, requested that the Council be notified once the letter of confirmation from the State regarding the maintenance of State routes within the City is received. Councilmember Figueroa made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Walters, to approve the intergovernmental agreement with Illinois Department of Transportation for the maintenance of State routes within the city limits of Elgin, and to renew the agreement at seven month intervals during the term of the agreement. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of the Roof Consulting Service Contract for 2005 Committee of the Whole July 27, 2005 Page 3 Councilmember Walters made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Sandor, to approve the execution of an agreement with Raths, Raths, and Johnson in the amount of $20,323 for the 2005 roof replacement project. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of Amendment No. 3 to an Agreement with Baxter & Woodman for the Dundee/Summit and Waverly/Summit Intersection Improvement Projects Mayor Schock inquired if the City was on schedule for beginning the construction in 2006. David Lawry, General Services Group Director, stated that we were on schedule for the beginning of construction according to the projected budget timeline. Councilmember Figueroa made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Rodgers, to approve Amendment No. 3 with Baxter & Woodman for the Dundee/Summit and Waverly/Summit Intersection Improvement Projects in the amount of $168,278. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of Renewal of a Legislative Representation Agreement Sean Stegall, Assistant City Manager, introduced Larry Suffredin, one of the City’s legislative lobbyists, who made a short presentation outlining the continued need for the City’s representation in Springfield and to a lesser degree in Washington. He stated that the lobbyists for Elgin have played a critical role in monitoring and providing feedback to numerous legislators regarding the City’s position on various bills and proposals which include: income tax distribution, taxes on gaming licenses, and numerous other bills which would impact the City of Elgin if signed into law. Mr. Suffredin feels that the role of a lobbyist is to educate, advocate, and provide solutions that benefit both the City and the State. He also stated that without the coordinated approach of the lobbyists and the City Manager’s Office, it is highly likely that the City would have been unaware of many of the State proposals, let alone be able to take a position on them. Councilmember Walters expressed concern that the State would try to change the portion of income tax revenue received by municipalities. Mr. Suffredin responded by saying that because of the upcoming elections he feels that very little will change at all as far as distribution formulas in the near future. Mayor Schock thanked Mr. Suffredin and his associate for all of their hard work on behalf of the City of Elgin. Councilmember Walters made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Rodgers, to approve a three year agreement for continued legislative representation by Larry Suffredin and Steven Nemerovski at an associated cost of $30,000 for 2005, and $35,000 for 2006 and 2007. Upon a Committee of the Whole July 27, 2005 Page 4 roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Discussion regarding Water Conservation Councilmember Sandor asked that residents be mindful of the use of water in the hot weather even though Elgin has no water restrictions. He also commended the Water Department for informing residents about water saving techniques. Councilmember Walters suggested that conservation tips be posted on Channel 17 or listed on water bills, to encourage residents to conserve water. Councilmember Kaptain commented on the difficulty of legislating water conservation and suggested that in the future the Council may want to consider asking developers to include native plantings and other landscaping options that can conserve energy and water naturally versus the traditional lawns that require constant watering. Kyla Jacobsen, Water System Superintendent, stated that water conservation tips are available on the website for residents to utilize. She also suggested that one way residents can get the most for their money is to water their lawns later in the day, otherwise, only about 60 percent of the water is absorbed by plants, with the other 40 percent evaporating. Announcements from Council Councilmember Figueroa stated that several businesses on Kimball Street have contacted him with concerns regarding road closures for special events negatively impacting their revenues. He was hoping the City Manager’s Office could work with the businesses to lessen the negative impact and reduce revenue loss. Councilmember Rodgers thanked the Elgin Police Department for allowing her to do a ride along about two weeks ago. She commended the officers for their professionalism in handling a variety of stressful situations when they are called upon to assist the public and was amazed at the many different roles they are required to adopt in order to do their jobs effectively. Announcements from Staff City Manager Folarin announced that the new Police Chief, Lisa G. Womack, was present tonight and that he would be introducing her to the Council and public at tonight’s regular Council meeting. Adjournment Councilmember Gilliam 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 Committee of the Whole July 27, 2005 Page 5 call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, 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 Pending, or Probable or Imminent Litigation Against, Affecting, or on Behalf of the Public Body Before a Court or Administrative Tribunal - Exempt Under Section 120/2(c)(11) of the Open Meetings Act The meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m. s/ Jennifer Quinton August 10, 2005 Jennifer Quinton, Deputy City Clerk Date Approved