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HomeMy WebLinkAboutl - June 27, 2007 COW COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING June 27, 2007 The regular Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order by Mayor Schock at 6:03 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Present: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Powers, Steffen, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Absent: None. Approval of Minutes Councilmember Powers requested that the minutes regarding Phase I and Phase II of the Comprehensive Retail Plan be amended to reflect that he felt the phone survey would not be useful, but that the retail site analysis and demographic study would be useful tools. Councilmember Walters made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Figueroa, to approve the minutes of the June 13, 2007, Committee of the Whole meeting as amended above. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Powers, Steffen, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of the Channing Square Redevelopment Project The Channing Square Redevelopment Project was introduced to the Council by Assistant City Manager Sean Stegall and Management Analyst RuthAnne Hall. Their presentation was broken down into three main components: the project in the context of the neighborhood; the project’s intended impact on the neighborhood; and the actual details of the project. The project is located at 111 N. Channing Street and covers approximately three acres. One of the key elements of the project has been the relationship with the Gifford Park Association. The goals of the project are to increase the percentage of owner occupied homes in the neighborhood and raise the medium home value in the Historic District. These goals can be accomplished through housing rehabilitation, improved infrastructure, and the introduction of new construction. Mr. Stegall reported that the City’s various grant programs have been very helpful to assist with housing rehabilitation and that $270,000 worth of improvements have been made to Gifford Park and, if approved at this evening’s City Council meeting, a $350,000 investment will be made to Channing Park. The price points for the new homes will be at approximately $260,000 or $270,000 without upgrades. The 70 closest properties to the site have an average value of $170,000 and the two most expensive properties are multifamily units. Mr. Stegall stated that it was necessary for the City to offer an incentive to the developer; otherwise the quality of the housing would have been much lower. Joe Safin of Bloodgood, Sharp, and Buster, architects of the project, presented the land plan and architecture of the project. He indicated that the project includes 14 single family homes and a pocket park. All of the architecture will face the street and will be four-sided. The garages will be Committee of the Whole June 27, 2007 Page 2 accessed from an alleyway or will be tucked back behind the houses. A variety of massing, roof lines, unique window arrangements, masonry fireplaces, porches, and colors will be incorporated into three floor plans ranging from 1900 square feet to 2400 square feet. Mr. Safin then reviewed the floor plans. Councilmember Figueroa asked how much participation the neighborhood had in the process or whether any survey had been conducted regarding a park versus a development. Assistant City Manager Stegall answered no because the City Council had already had previous discussions regarding this issue. Staff was aware, though, that a number of residents were in favor of a park, and that other residents were in favor of a high quality, residential development. Councilmember Figueroa expressed his concerns that there was little neighborhood involvement in the process. Mayor Schock reminded Council that in 2003 the Council directed staff to proceed in this direction. Councilmember Walters stated that the Gifford Park Association did provide input. Councilmember Figueroa asked about reducing the number of homes to ten and increasing the open space. Mr. Safin replied that fourteen lots was the threshold of making this project affordable, yet desirable. Bruce Hawkins of Aspen Builders confirmed that, considering the cost of cleaning up the site, making the planned improvements, and building quality, affordable homes, the project would need fourteen homes. Councilmember Kaptain questioned who was paying for utilities and Assistant City Manager Stegall replied that the City is providing the land, the incentive which covers the cost of site improvements; i.e. sidewalks, streets, and utilities, and for the upgraded architecture. Councilmember Powers inquired about deconversion progress. Assistant City Manager Stegall replied that one deconversion is already in the process due to this development and that two others are under consideration to be purchased and deconverted. Councilmember Steffen questioned why a park was not considered. Assistant City Manager Stegall replied that Channing Park is only two blocks away and is twice the size of this property. He said that based on the demographic statistics, the primary need for the neighborhood was for new investment. Councilmember Steffen asked if consideration could be given to small children crossing the street. Councilmember Walters mentioned that the Gifford Park Association has purchased a number of homes and then resold them to interested persons who restored them. Councilmember Powers felt the key statistic for him was the 66% of residences that are rental and this is the single most opportunity in a generation to provide significant investment to the neighborhood. He compared this project to infill projects in Chicago. Councilmember Gilliam also commented that he this was the City’s chance to invest in an eastside neighborhood. Councilmember Kaptain stated that although he was in favor of the project, he did not feel the pocket park was suitable for the neighborhood and that he would like a meaningful park. Mayor Schock stated that Channing Park is only .2 of a mile from this property and that the passage across Committee of the Whole June 27, 2007 Page 3 Chicago Street is protected by signalization. Councilmember Powers suggested that a tot park be incorporated into the pocket park and that someone contact KaBoom to see if they would be interested in partnering on this. Councilmember Gilliam made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Powers, to approve entering into a development agreement with Channing Partners, LLC in the amount of $950,000 for the purposes of developing the site of the former Channing YMCA as well as 272 and 279 N. Spring Street with detached single family homes. Councilmember Figueroa again stated his concerns about the lack of neighborhood input. Councilmember Steffen also indicated that he had some concerns about the same issue. Councilmember Walters said that four years ago he was in favor of a park, but that he has since changed his mind because of what this will do for the neighborhood. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers, Gilliam, Kaptain, Powers, Steffen, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: Councilmember Figueroa Consideration of a Change Order Number 1 for the Construction of Fire Station 7 Councilmember Figueroa made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gilliam, to authorize Change Order No. 1 in the amount of $69,612 with FGM Architects, Inc. for the increase in design services and engineering of Fire Station 7. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Powers, Steffen, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of a Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association Reciprocal Van Use Agreement Councilmember Kaptain made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gilliam, to approve the reciprocal Van Use agreement with Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Powers, Steffen, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of a Co-sponsorship Agreement with DNA for the Elgin Cycling Classic Bike Race Councilmember Gilliam made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Figueroa, to approve an agreement with the Downtown Neighborhood Association for a not-to-exceed amount of $31,335.40 in financial and in-kind support to organize and conduct the Elgin Cycling Classic Bike Race on Sunday, August 5, 2007. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Powers, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Councilmember Steffen abstained due to a conflict of interest. Committee of the Whole June 27, 2007 Page 4 Consideration of Amendment No. 1 to the Engineering Services Agreement with Bollinger, Lach & Associates (BLA) for the Frazier Avenue Lowering Project Councilmember Figueroa made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Powers, to approve Amendment No. 1 to an agreement with Bollinger, Lach & Associates in the amount of $84,124.36 for construction related engineering services and additional design engineering services for the Frazier Avenue Lowering Project. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Powers, Steffen, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of an Easement Agreement for Public Streets and Utilities with Nicor Gas Councilmember Kaptain made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gilliam, to approve an easement agreement for public streets and utilities with Nicor Gas at Randall Point Business Subdivision. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Powers, Steffen, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Randall Point Business Park Subdivision Councilmember Kaptain made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gilliam, to accept two easement agreements with Nicor Gas to allow the construction of a public roadway and other necessary and approved underground public utilities at Randall Point Business Park Subdivision. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Powers, Steffen, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of an Otter Creek Interceptor and Water Main Phase 5B Proposed Highway Permit with Kane County Councilmember Walters made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Figueroa, to approve the proposed highway permit with Kane County with respect to sanitary sewer and water main crossings of Damisch Road and Highland Avenue. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Powers, Steffen, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of Acceptance of Public Utilities and Associated Easements Constructed to Serve Various Single Lot Developments Councilmember Figueroa made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Kaptain, to accept the public utilities and related easements for ownership and maintenance from various developers of single lot developments. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Powers, Steffen, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Committee of the Whole June 27, 2007 Page 5 Consideration of an Extension of Contract with Meade Electric for Traffic Signal Maintenance Councilmember Gilliam made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Kaptain, to approve a one year extension of the existing contract with Meade Electric Company, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $53,460 for traffic signal maintenance. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Powers, Steffen, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of Amendments to Chapter 11 of the Elgin Municipal Code, Entitled “Vehicles and Traffic” Councilmember Kaptain made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Figueroa, to approve the recommendations from the neighborhood Services Committee to amend Chapter 11 Elgin Municipal Code, entitled “Vehicles and Traffic” at a cost of $750. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Powers, Steffen, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of a Performance Agreement with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra Councilmember Gilliam made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Figueroa, to approve a performance agreement with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra in the amount of $91,000 for the FoxFireFest, the establishment of a Friday Matinee Series and for the expansion of the Pops Series. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Powers, Steffen, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Announcements from Council Councilmember Figueroa asked whether the rules at the Wing Park or Lords Park pools also apply to Festival Park. Randy Reopelle replied that the splash pad playground concept is so new that no criteria have been established. Councilmember Powers apologized that the “Wizard of Oz” sing-along had to be canceled due to muddy conditions. In the future, he stated he will be the contact person, the series will continue, and the next movie is “Some Like It Hot”. Announcements from Staff Public Information Officer Olafson reviewed upcoming events for the 4th of July. The rain date for the fireworks is July 5. The City’s summer concert series continues at both Lords Park and Wing Park. Committee of the Whole June 27, 2007 Page 6 Adjournment Councilmember Gilliam made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Figueroa, to adjourn the meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Powers, Steffen, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. The meeting adjourned at 7:13 p.m. s/Diane Robertson July 11, 2007 Diane Robertson, City Clerk Date Approved