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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09 - May 13 Special COW SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING May 13, 2009 The special Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order by Mayor Schock at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Present: Councilmembers Dunne, Gilliam, Kaptain, Prigge, Steffen, Warren, and Mayor Schock. Absent: None. Odd/Even Parking Trials Assistant City Manager Sean Stegall stated this program had started approximately one year ago in the Gifford Park/Summit Park neighborhood, in the southwest neighborhood, in Cobbler’s Crossing, and in Randall Ridge. He said that Elgin is both a city and a suburb and that a “one size” approach does not fit. He noted that changes in parking regulations are direct, personal, and impactful and that they affect everyone differently. Mr. Stegall recommended the following: Odd/Even parking should be made permanent in the Gifford Park/Summit Park are and in the southwest neighborhood area. The ban should be lifted in the Cobbler’s Crossing area and in Randall Ridge. An implementation plan should be developed that would gradually introduce odd/even parking in “leaf rake out areas”. In leaf bagging areas, gradually introduce no overnight parking where appropriate. All new subdivisions shall be required to be no overnight parking. RuthAnne Hall, Management Analyst, stated that the current parking restriction were not consistent nor were they adequately enforced. She stated that the parking ban trials were a result of the public outcry regarding public services. The presentation given by Mr. Stegall and Ms. Hall is attached. Councilmember Steffen asked for the definition of “where appropriate”. Ms. Hall stated that this would have to be determined on a case-by-case basis. Mr. Stegall said that all of the answers aren’t known yet. Councilmember Steffen said that the Northeast Neighborhood Association is very interested in participating in the next phase of odd/even parking. Mr. Stegall said that they might be considered next, but there are no plans to expand the program at this time. Mayor Schock said that he agrees with the four initial recommendations, but wondered how many days does Public Works actually need access to the streets. He would like to see all other options explored before implementing any parking restrictions. Councilmember Kaptain said that he disagreed with the Mayor and that he felt there had been great improvements in the affected neighborhoods. He said he wants the city to move forward on this and that it would not be acceptable to wait. He would also like staff to come back with a city-wide proposal. Special Committee of the Whole May 13, 2009 Page 2 Councilmember Kaptain then thanked staff for their efforts on this project. Mayor Schock said that he agrees that services have been improved, but that the city is doing something to the citizens instead of for the citizens. Councilmember Prigge asked how these recommendations would impact the Police Department. Chief Womack said the ability to enforce will actually impact the success of the program. Sgt. Udelhoven reported that it has had a positive effect on abandoned cars. Last year there were a total of 2,500 abandoned cars and this year to date, there have only been 600. He also said that visibility has been improved. Chief Womack said that consistency is important. Councilmember Prigge noted that parking on both sides of a street plus having a snow plow push snow on both sides creates a very narrow pathway for vehicles. Councilmember Warren asked for more explanation on the 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. parking. He said that he liked the balanced aspect of listing to the neighborhood concerns and that he liked the idea of gradual implementation. Mayor Schock asked if there were any exemptions for the churches on Sundays in the Giffort Park area. Ms. Hall said yes, that the ban was not enforced on Sunday mornings near the churches. Mayor Schock then asked about properties that had no driveways. Ms. Hall said there could possibly be some flexibility and that city property could be looked at as an alternative for parking. Mr. Stegall said that issues will have to be addressed one at a time. Councilmember Dunne asked if permits would be available for those who might want to have a large party. Mr. Stegall said this will have to be addressed. Councilmember Steffen made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Kaptain, to approve the recommendations that Odd/Even parking should be made permanent in the Gifford Park/Summit Park are and in the southwest neighborhood area, that the ban should be lifted in the Cobbler’s Crossing and in Randall Ridge areas effective immediately, that staff should plan to move forward with odd/even parking ban trials in neighborhoods that request it, and that an overall parking plan be presented to council by the end of the year. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gilliam, Kaptain, Prigge, Steffen, Warren, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. First Quarter Review and Update Finance Director Jim Nowicki introduced Assistant Finance Director Colleen Lavery. Ms. Lavery gave a report on the 2008 Year End Overview and reviewed the status of the General Fund and Expenditures, the Riverboat Funds, the Water Fund, and Sewer Fund. Mr. Nowicki then reported on the status of the first quarter of 2009. He stated that it is difficult to make any projections based on only the first quarter. He did express concerns about the Special Committee of the Whole May 13, 2009 Page 3 property assessments, and sales tax and income tax revenues. He stated that he is optimistic that the year will end as budgeted, but that 2010 is worry-some. The presentation given by Mr. Nowicki and Ms. Lavery is attached. Mr. Nowicki had referenced a memo that had previously been sent to the council earlier in the year and Councilmember Dunne asked that a copy of that memo be made available to the new councilmembers. Councilmember Kaptain asked if the effects of high unemployment rates had been considered in the budget. Mr. Nowicki said the 2009 budget was very conservative, but he did have concerns about projections for 2010. He stated that staff is looking at ways to decrease expenditures. Councilmember Warren asked if any of the pension fund losses can be repaid on a prolonged basis. Mr. Nowicki said this was being looked at by both the state and other professional organizations. Councilmember Steffen asked if any of the seasonal projects that had been put on hold could now be released. He was wondering in particular about the grant program. Mr. Nowicki said there was funding available up to $100,000 and that he would be comfortable with that at this point. Mr. Stegall said the recommendation would be to release what has been budgeted at this time. Mr. Stegall said that the city was prepared for the current economic conditions as well as it could be. He said there will need to be a planning session in July to consider expenditure reduction and anticipated inflation. He noted that recent decisions have paid off and that more decisions will be needed to prepare for the future. Mayor Schock thanked staff for their hard work on both presentations. Adjournment Councilmember Kaptain made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Warren, to adjourn the meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gilliam, Kaptain, Prigge, Steffen, Warren, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. s/ Diane Robertson May 27, 2009 Diane Robertson, City Clerk Date Approved