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HomeMy WebLinkAboutk - May 24 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING May 24, 2006 The regular Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order by City Clerk Mecum at 6:03 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Present: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, and Walters. Absent: Mayor Schock. Councilmember Gilliam made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Figueroa, to appoint Councilmember Walters as Mayor Pro Tem. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, and Walters. Nays: None. Approval of Minutes Councilmember Figueroa made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gilliam, to approve the minutes of the May 10, 2006, regular meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, and Walters. Nays: None. Consideration of an Ordinance Regulating Condominium Conversions An ordinance will be presented at tonight’s Council meeting for passage by the City Council. Councilmember Sandor made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Figueroa, to remove the proposed ordinance regulating condominium conversions from the table. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, and Walters. Nays: None. Councilmember Sandor made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gilliam, to amend the proposed ordinance to require that all buildings be fully equipped with sprinklers in accordance with all NFP standards. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, and Walters. Nays: None. Presentation by Fox River Renaissance Alliance Councilmember Kaptain gave a presentation regarding the Fox River Renaissance Alliance, which is a newly formed group which has been meeting since late last year. The following is a summary of his presentation. He stated that the group’s purpose is multifaceted. The scope of the project of what we are going to initiate is beyond the work of one organization. We need to combine our energy and resources and develop a fundable plan which we believe will change the face of our community. A number of groups have expressed an interest in participating in the project. We are not here tonight to ask for money. Our goal is to present the plan to the Council and the community and to ask the Council to adopt a resolution of support of the concept. This will enable us to explore potential funding sources that are available through the state and possibly the federal government. Councilmember Kaptain stated that the proposal is split into three separate committees to pursue projects which are varied, have different goals, and involve different groups. The projects are Water Quality, Education, and Wetlands. Our organization is based on three separate groups moving forward independently but in constant communication with each other. This will enable Committee of the Whole May 24, 2006 Page 2 us to most efficiently reach a common goal. Further, if one project can’t get funding, the other two projects can still move forward. The first project is improving water quality, which is the original basis for formation of the Alliance, and it grew from there. Councilmember Kaptain is the chairman of this project, and about a year ago he thought about putting a lighted fountain in the area just north of the Kimball Street Dam as an amenity. It would be an attraction at night and would also serve the purpose of providing aeration. They are looking at aerating the area up to I-90. Supplemental aeration will improve the water quality of the Fox River within the corporate limits of the City of Elgin. This stretch of the Fox River has been declared impaired by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, and one of the reasons for impairment is low dissolved oxygen. There is roughly a quarter of a billion cubic yards of sediment at that stretch of the Fox River, which is the most in any region in the Fox River in Illinois. This aeration portion of the project could be eligible for funding from the IEPA, Illinois DNR, Fox River Water Reclamation District, and it is anticipated that the City of Elgin would also eventually contribute funding for the fountain and potentially for part of the aeration. Councilmember Kaptain stated he believes the educational portion is the most exciting portion of the project. The chairman of this project is Carol Medal of the Gail Borden Public Library. They propose creating an environmental resource and education center at the Gail Borden Library. This will be a multifaceted approach which involves education programs for children and adults, archives for existing environmental research projects, and hands on learning programs which will make this attractive to people of all ages and levels of knowledge. This project will reach out from the library to potentially include the green, environmentally friendly buildings which are currently being proposed for our City. Elgin will become a destination for people from all over Northern Illinois to learn more about the environment. Potential funding sources for this portion could come from the State of Illinois, Kane County, and private foundations. The third phase of the project is a wetlands project which will be directly in front of the Gail Borden Library. Peggy Stromberg of the Elgin Public Museum and Denise Raleigh of Gail Borden Library are co-chairs for this project. This unique project has been tried and used on the Chicago River, and it became an attraction for visitors and tourists to walk by and see what a wetland actually is. They propose floating wetlands as a living classroom and shoreline restoration project for the area adjacent to the library. In the future, the wetland could be expanded up the river, and people would be able to experience what the Fox River shoreline looked like in pre-settlement times. Underwater monitors would be used to provide real time water quality data and perhaps also a look at what is happening underneath the wetland. This type of project was very successful in Chicago last summer. Possible funding sources for this portion would be the State of Illinois for Brownfield sites. This portion will be the link for all three projects. The City of Elgin’s participation is crucial in these projects because both riverbanks are public property owned by the City of Elgin. Committee of the Whole May 24, 2006 Page 3 Through the actions of this Alliance and the success of the projects, Elgin will become the leader in the Fox Valley on environmental issues by taking a proactive step to improve the quality of life for our residents and setting the tone for the growth of our City. This portion of Elgin will become a destination for people interested in the environment, a focal point of Walton Island, and will enhance the value of city-owned property at the Elgin Salvage site because there will be improvements along that stretch of the river. By providing a downtown destination, we will be supporting the goals of our community which include: the river as a resource, recreational, cultural, leisure issues, an active downtown, a bike path and bikeway system, and economic growth. This is an opportunity for the City of Elgin to join a partnership with other institutions and organizations to create a new image for our City. Elgin will become a City where children can bike safely to the library and see and learn about the river that flows through our town. Elgin will become the City where people can visit unique natural areas and learn about the environment from professionals and volunteers and perform research, all in one location. The Fox River Renaissance Alliance requests a resolution from the Council in support of the concept presented tonight. Councilmember Gilliam made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Figueroa, to instruct staff to develop a resolution in support of the project presented by Councilmember Kaptain. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, and Walters. Nays: None. Consideration of Parking Places for Disabled Person – Increased Minimum Fine for Violations Councilmember Sandor made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gilliam, to approve the proposed ordinance increasing the minimum fine for unlawfully using a parking place designated for disabled persons and to create a violation for unlawfully displaying a disability license plate, parking decal, or placard. Discussion was held regarding increasing the requirement in the Illinois Vehicle Code that municipalities impose fines for such violations in an amount not less than $250 or more then $350. The proposed ordinance provides for a fine of $250. However, Councilmembers favored increasing the minimum fine to $350. Councilmember Sandor made a motion, to amend the minimum fine for unlawfully using a parking place designated for disabled persons to $350. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, and Walters. Nays: None. Upon a roll call vote to approve the proposed ordinance as amended to revise the City’s parking regulations to increase the minimum fine to $350 for unlawfully using a parking place designated for disabled persons and to create a violation for unlawfully displaying a disability license plate, parking decal, or placard: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, and Walters. Nays: None. Committee of the Whole May 24, 2006 Page 4 Consideration of the Fourth Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Hitchcock Design Group for Festival Park Construction Services Councilmember Rodgers made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gilliam, to approve the Fourth Amendment to the Professional Service Agreement (PSA) with Hitchcock Design Group for Festival Park construction services and additional Phase II design fee expenses in the amount of $292,118. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, and Walters. Nays: None. Consideration of Amendment No. 1 to an Agreement with Baxter & Woodman for Additional Design Engineering Services for the Bowes Road Interceptor Sewer-Trunk 20 Project Councilmember Figueroa made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Rodgers, to authorize Amendment No. 1 to the engineering services agreement with Baxter & Woodman in the amount of $99,000 for additional design engineering services for the Bowes Road Interceptor Sewer – Trunk 20 Project. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, and Walters. Nays: None. Consideration of an Engineering Service Agreement with Burns and McDonnell Engineering Company, Inc. for Design Services of a Wash Water Recovery Basin at the Riverside Water Treatment Plant and the Modification of Two Booster Pumps for the Airlite Water Treatment Plant and the Lyle Avenue Booster Pump Station Councilmember Kaptain made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Figueroa, to authorize an agreement for engineering services with Burns and McDonnell Engineering Company, Inc. in the amount of $89,940 for preparation of plans and specifications, bidding, and construction services for the construction of an additional Wash Water Recovery Basin at the Riverside Water Treatment Plant, and the modification of two booster pumps, one each at the Airlite Water Treatment Plant and the Lyle Avenue Booster Pump Station. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, and Walters. Nays: None. Consideration of the 2006 Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program – Large Project Applications Discussion was held regarding the fact that five of the six applications are in the purview of another taxing body. Councilmembers indicated their desire to have more neighborhood groups apply for the grants. This issue will be discussed at the upcoming Elgin Community Network Summit. Some neighborhood groups have stated they are taking a year off because of the requirement for sweat equity because of the work they have performed regarding recent projects. Councilmember Sandor made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gilliam, to approve the grant recipient eligibility list for a total of five grants, in the amount of $42,247.50 for the 2006 Neighborhood Improvement Program – Large Project Fund. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, and Walters. Nays: None. Committee of the Whole May 24, 2006 Page 5 Consideration of Proposed Changes to the Rental License Ordinance Councilmember Rodgers made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Sandor, to approve the proposed changes to the rental license ordinance as outlined in the agenda memorandum. Councilmember Rodgers made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Sandor, to amend the rental license ordinance by increasing the number of units to be inspected from 20% to 30%. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, and Walters. Nays: None. Community Development Director Deering stated that they will want to review the possibility of increasing the fee since more units will have to be inspected. Upon a roll call vote of the proposed ordinance as amended: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, and Walters. Nays: None. Consideration of a Façade Improvement Project at 5-13 South Spring Street Councilmember Figueroa made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gilliam, to approve Phase 1 of the Façade Improvement project in the amount of $5,468.75 for the property located at 5-13 South Spring Street dba Kim’s Black Belt Academy currently owned by Ken Ok Hyung Kim. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, and Walters. Nays: None. Consideration of Grant Application with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for Casa Linda Park Councilmember Figueroa made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Rodgers, to approve a grant application with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to assist with the development of the Casa Linda property. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, and Walters. Nays: None. Consideration of the 2006/2007 Budget for Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association Councilmember Kaptain made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Rodgers, to approve the fiscal year 2006/2007 budget for the Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association, of which Elgin is a member. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, and Walters. Nays: None. Committee of the Whole May 24, 2006 Page 6 Consideration of an Amendment to Elgin Municipal Code Chapter 3.80 Regarding The Centre Advisory Board Councilmember Rodgers made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Kaptain, to approve the proposed amendments to the Elgin Municipal Code Chapter 3.80 regarding The Centre Advisory Board. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, and Walters. Nays: None. Consideration of Centre Membership Rates for Elgin Township Residents Councilmember Figueroa made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Rodgers, to approve the proposed amended fees and charges for the use of the Centre by non-incorporated Elgin Township residents be set at the same rate as South Elgin residents. Anticipating that residents from other townships such as Hanover, Dundee, etc. may also request fee reductions, Councilmember Sandor suggested that the entire issue be reviewed instead of considering fee reductions in a piecemeal manner. Councilmember Sandor made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Figueroa, to remand the proposed amendment to the ordinance establishing fees and charges for the use of the Centre to the Centre Advisory Board for a holistic view of all rates regarding residents of unincorporated areas of surrounding townships. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, and Walters. Nays: None. Consideration of a Co-sponsorship Agreement with the Elgin Puerto Rican Parade Committee for the Puerto Rican Day Parade and Festival Councilmember Figueroa made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Sandor, to approve entering into a co-sponsorship agreement with the Elgin Puerto Rican Parade Committee for a not to exceed amount of $7,566 in financial and in-kind support to organize the Puerto Rican Day Parade and Festival on Saturday, August 12, 2006. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, and Walters. Nays: None. Councilmember Figueroa abstained due to a conflict of interest. Consideration of a Purchase of Service Agreement with Downtown Neighborhood Association for the 4th of July Parade Councilmember Figueroa made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Kaptain, to approve a purchase of service agreement with the Downtown Neighborhood Association in the amount of $29,754 for the 4th of July parade. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, and Walters. Nays: None. Committee of the Whole May 24, 2006 Page 7 Consideration of a Purchase of Service Agreement with Elgin Proud & Beautiful, Inc. Councilmember Rodgers 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 2006 funding to be used for activities that include planning and coordination of the annual Citywide 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, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, and Walters. Nays: None. Consideration of a Purchase of Service Agreement with the Elgin Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Councilmember Gilliam made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Figueroa, to approve the purchase of service agreement with the Elgin Area Convention and Visitors Bureau in the amount of $73,000 to market and promote the Elgin Area as a premier visitor destination. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, and Walters. Nays: None. Consideration of the Senior Citizen Property Tax Rebate Program for 2006 Councilmember Sandor made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gilliam, to approve the senior Citizen Tax Rebate Program for 2006 in an amount totaling $800,000. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, and Walters. Nays: None. Announcements from Council Councilmember Figueroa stated that it has been over a year since the City approved the agreement with Waste Management for a transfer station. He asked that a status report regarding the progress of this project be furnished to the City Council. Councilmember Kaptain announced that Elgin Community Network is sponsoring a Neighborhood Summit on June 10, 2006. The ENC and City Council will hold a Budget Roundtable on June 7, 2006. Councilmember Walters announced that on June 6 the World Champion White Sox trophy will be on display at the Centre from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. He also outlined the many events to be held on Memorial Day including the Kiwanis pancake breakfast, the Fox Trot race, floral tribute on the Highland Avenue Bridge, the Elgin Patriotic Memorial Association program at Bluff City Cemetery, and the rib fest on Walton Island. Committee of the Whole May 24, 2006 Page 8 Councilmember Sandor stated that it is important to reflect on the reason for Memorial Day. There are millions of people who have died in the service of this country and a great number of them are doing the same thing today. He encouraged everyone to be at the Memorial program to honor them. Councilmember Rodgers congratulated the Elgin High School boys track team which is going downstate this weekend. She wished them well. Announcements from Staff Deputy Chief Duffy stated that the Police Department is offering a Citizens Emergency Response Training (CERT) program every Monday and Thursday night from June 5 to June 22. The program trains a group of citizens if there is an emergency in the City of Elgin. The program was developed in 1994 by the Los Angeles Fire Department. It provides a comprehensive understanding of what occurs in a disaster and how citizens can assist public safety officials. It is a very important and viable program for the City of Elgin to have in place. They would like to see as many citizens as possible enroll in the CERT program. If you are interested, contact Community Relations to enroll. 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 call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Rodgers, Sandor, and Walters. 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 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 6:58 p.m. s/ Dolonna Mecum June 14, 2006 Dolonna Mecum, City Clerk Date Approved