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HomeMy WebLinkAboutd - February 27, 2008 COW COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING FEBRUARY 27, 2008 The regular Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order by Mayor Schock at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Present: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Powers, Steffen, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Absent: None. Approval of Minutes Councilmember Walters made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Steffen, to approve the minutes of the February 13, 2008, regular meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Powers, Steffen, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of Request from Midwest Compost LLC for a Cook County Class 6b Real Estate Tax Incentive for the Property Located at 1320 Spaulding Road Councilmember Figueroa made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Kaptain, to recommend adopting a resolution supporting the application of Midwest Compost LLC to the Cook County Assessor’s Office for participation in the 6b Real Estate Tax Incentive Program for the property located at 1320 Spaulding Road. Councilmember Walters asked if this had been discussed with School District U-46 and City Manager Folarin said that it had. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Powers, Steffen, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of Illinois Municipal Retirement Corporation Resolution for Purchase of Service Credit for Military Service Councilmember Walters made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Powers, to recommend adopting a resolution to increase the amount of prior military service an Illinois Municipal Retirement Corporation (IMRF) employee may purchase from two to four years for IMRF service credit. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Powers, Steffen, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of Amendment No. 1 to the Engineering Services Agreement with Hitchcock Design Group for the Riverside Drive Plaza Councilmember Walters made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Powers, to approve Amendment No. 1 to the agreement with Hitchcock Design Group in the amount of $594,882 for the final design engineering services for the Riverside Drive Plaza. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Powers, Steffen, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Committee of the Whole February 27, 2008 Page 2 Consideration of Purchase of Mini Express Electric Train from Wattman Trains and Trams for Festival Park Councilmember Walters made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Figueroa, to award a contract to Wattman Trains and Trams in the amount of $59,730 for the purchase of a mini express electric train to be used for family rides at Festival Park. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Powers, Steffen, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of Sponsorship Agreement with the Elgin Racers of the International Basketball League for the 2008 Season Councilmember Kaptain made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Walters, to approve a sponsorship agreement with the Elgin Racers of the International Basketball League for the 2008 season, which runs from March 31, 2008, to July 1, 2008, the details of which are outlined in the memo provided to Council. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Powers, Steffen, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of Amendment to Chapter 11 of the Elgin Municipal Code, Entitled “Vehicles and Traffic” Councilmember Walters made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Figueroa, to approve an amendment to Chapter 11 “Vehicles and Traffic” as provided by the Neighborhood Services Committee for a cost of $600 as outlined below. Councilmember Walters stated that the City needs to communicate with the neighborhoods that if they want no parking in their areas, they need to have the full support of the neighborhood. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Powers, Steffen, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Additions: 1. Stop Intersections (11.32.030) - A request was submitted by Millie Kellie for the installation of a stop sign on Powder River Drive at Portage to improve traffic flow. This intersection was identified as uncontrolled, and the addition of a stop sign meets the current policy of the City for no uncontrolled intersections. 2. Stop Intersections (11.32.030) - A request was submitted by Sgt. Glenn Theriault for a stop sign to be installed in front of the Hemmens to control traffic exiting the Hemmens and entering on- coming traffic on Grove Ave and Symphony Way. 3. Stopping, Standing, Parking Prohibited (11.60.050) - A request was submitted by Rebecca Graves to make Genesee Avenue no parking from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. The initial survey was submitted to the NSC showing that of the four residences that would be affected by the ban, all Committee of the Whole February 27, 2008 Page 3 residents responded in favor of the parking changes. A follow-up survey was conducted by Sgt. Glenn Theriault which found that of the four residences, all residents responded in favor of the parking ban. Revision: The following recommendation for revision to the Elgin Municipal Code is based on a request made to and approved by the NSC. 1. Stopping, Standing, Parking Prohibited Where (11.60.050) - In conjunction with the parking restrictions being placed on Genesee Court, the committee has recommended lifting the ordinance on Clifford Street as stated in the ordinance. The director of the Elgin Housing Authority also is in support of the parking revisions. The committee recommends allowing parking from 12 midnight until 6 a.m. on the east side of Clifford Street from Frazier Avenue to Owasco Avenue. The ordinance will maintain the parking restrictions on the west side of Clifford Street from Frazier Avenue to Owasco Avenue. This will provide the additional parking needed for Clifford Court Apartment residents and visitors. Consideration of Purchase of Service Agreement with the Downtown Neighborhood Association for the 4th of July Parade Councilmember Gilliam made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Figueroa, to approve a purchase of service agreement with the Downtown Neighborhood Association in the amount of $41,836 for the 4th of July parade. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Powers, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Councilmember Steffen abstained due to conflict. Consideration of Proposed Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance Chapter 19.50 Entitled “Street Graphics” Councilmember Kaptain made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Powers, to authorize the filing of a petition which would provide for the amendments summarized below to Chapter 19.50 of the Zoning Ordinance entitled “Street Graphics”. Councilmember Powers stated that he felt this was a good idea. Councilmember Steffen stated he liked the opportunity to have awning signs. He also asked if future proposed changes in the I- 90/Randall Road area had to come to Council for approval. Corporation Counsel Cogley stated proposals would go to the Planning and Development Commission first and then to the Council. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Powers, Steffen, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Committee of the Whole February 27, 2008 Page 4 Randall-I-90 Area of Special Character: Commercial properties located along North Randall Road and the Interstate 90 Tollway have expressed the need for signs that use technology that is currently prohibited by the sign ordinance, such as electronic designs using LED technology. The City has also recognized that these commercial properties stand to benefit from new technologies that will attract traffic from the Tollway and Randall Road. This was recently evident with the approval of electronic signage for the new Auto Mall at the intersection of Randall Road and I-90. A map depicting the proposed Randall I-90 Area of Special Character is attached. The creation of an Area of Special Character under the city’s Street Graphics ordinance would then allow for the subsequent review and approval of special regulations for properties within such a district. Such special regulations could include approving electronic signs. Exempt Signs: Flags: The zoning ordinance does not provide for the installation of flags within public rights-of- way. It is recommended that Chapter 19.50.120 be amended to provide for government owned street graphics such as flags to be exempt from the requirements of the ordinance. Political Campaign Signs: Currently, the zoning ordinance prohibits political campaign signs from being displayed for more than 60 days prior to an election. The elimination of this provision is being recommended in response to recent federal court decisions. Under the proposed amendments, a political campaign sign placed more than 60 days before an election will be considered a “noncommercial street graphic” and subject to the existing number, surface area and location requirements associated with that sign type. There will continue to be no limitation on the number of political campaign signs that may be erected during the 60 day political campaign period. Prohibited Signs – Neon tube lighting used to outline doors and windows: The proposed amendments recommend that neon tube lighting used in such a manner be listed under Section 19.50.110 - Prohibited (Graphics). Awning signs: The sign ordinance does not provide for signs to be placed on awnings of commercial buildings. Signs have traditionally been a feature of awnings on commercial buildings. It is recommended that the sign ordinance be amended to allow for signs to be included on awnings within commercial districts in an area not to exceed 25% of the area of the awning on which it is installed. Awning signs will be treated as wall signs and their area will be deducted from the total allowable surface area of wall graphics for each occupant or building on each zoning lot. Wall Graphic Projections: Chapter 19.50.080.B – Wall Graphic Projections is proposed to be amended to change the maximum allowable distance a wall mounted graphic can project from the surface to which it is attached from 9 inches to 12 inches. This will allow for signs containing cabinets with internal lighting mechanisms to be utilized. Committee of the Whole February 27, 2008 Page 5 Consideration of Amendment to Title 20 of the Elgin Municipal Code to Amend the Elgin Design Guideline Manual for Landmarks and Historic Districts Councilmember Walters made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Figueroa, to approve the amendment to the Elgin Design Guideline Manual for Landmarks and Historic Districts and amend Title 20 of the Elgin Municipal Code entitled “Elgin Historic Preservation Ordinance” as outlined in the memo provided to Council. Councilmember Steffen stated he was very glad this project is finished. Councilmember Powers echoed those remarks. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Powers, Steffen, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of First Amendment to the Intergovernmental Agreement with Fox River Water Reclamation District for the Lime Waste Disposal Main Project Councilmember Kaptain made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gilliam, to authorize the amendment to the intergovernmental agreement with Fox River Water Reclamation District for the joint venture to construct the additional Lime Waste Disposal main for the Water Department. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Powers, Steffen, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of Purchase of Service Agreement with Senior Services Associates, Inc. Commissioner Gilliam made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Walters, to approve the 2008 purchase of service agreement with Senior Services Associates, Inc. in the amount of $15,200 to be utilized as outlined below. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Powers, Steffen, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. • Neighbor to Neighbor - a program matching community volunteers with specific senior needs. • Triad - an educational program designed to reduce the criminal victimization of senior citizens and enhance the delivery of law enforcement services to senior citizens. • To provide information to Elgin residents requiring access to City services. • Recruitment of volunteers for City and community needs. Committee of the Whole February 27, 2008 Page 6 Consideration of Additional Technical Amendments to Title 14 of the Elgin Municipal Code in Compliance with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Permits for the City’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System and Combined Sewer Overflow System Councilmember Figueroa made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Kaptain, to authorize amendments to the Elgin Municipal Code necessary to comply with permits issued to the City by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for the City’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System and the Combined Sewer Overflow System. The amendments are summarized below. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Powers, Steffen, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Title 14.08.180 Prohibited Substances • Includes the “combined sewer” with storm and sanitary to prohibit unlawful material to be discharged or placed in same. Title 14.08.010 Storm and Sanitary; Separate systems to be maintained • Adds provision that requires property owners to disconnect from a combined sewer and reconnect to separated sanitary and storm systems once both are available. Title 14.08.050 Storm and COMBINED Sewer; Control and Supervision: • Adds the term combined sewer to a historically storm sewer ordinance, to address the dual nature of a combined sewer. • Adds provisions to require detention whenever connecting a new storm sewer system to a combined sewer. This provision is a good measure to prevent the surcharging of combined sewers during heavy rain events. Consideration of Acceptance of Public Improvement in the Fox River Business Park Subdivision Councilmember Walters made a motion, seconded by councilmember Powers, to accept the public improvements in the Fox River Business Park Subdivision. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Figueroa, Gilliam, Kaptain, Powers, Steffen, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Announcements from Council Councilmember Walters asked if staff would look for additional money in the budget to use for street improvements. He stated that the weather has had an adverse effect on the condition of City streets and he hopes that more streets can be repaired this coming construction season. Councilmember Gilliam stated that he agreed with this request. Councilmember Folarin said that staff is already looking for additional funds and have identified a possible $6 million in addition to what had already been allocated. This would allow the City to resurface an additional twenty to thirty miles of streets. He said once this had been finalized, the information would be brought back to the Council for review and approval. He expected this would be done very quickly. Committee of the Whole February 27, 2008 Page 7 Councilmember Kaptain requested that staff prepare a Committee of the Whole memo regarding the naming of new City parks. He also asked about the creation of an Elgin Hall of Fame and wondered if this could be done through the Image Commission. Announcements from Staff Sue Olafson announced upcoming City events. 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, Powers, Steffen, Walters, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance or Dismissal of Specific Employees of the Public Body - Exempt Under Section 120/2(c)(1) of the Open Meetings Act 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 Use of the Public Body (Exempt Under Section 120/2(c)(5) of the Open Meetings Act ) Appointment to Boards and Commissions (Exempt Under Section 120/2(c) (3) of the Open Meetings Act) The meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m. s/Diane Robertson March 12, 2008 Diane Robertson, City Clerk Date Approved