The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About04 - February 23, 2011 COW COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING February 23, 2011 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 Dunne, Gilliam, Kaptain, Prigge, Steffen, Warren, and Mayor Schock. Absent: None. Approval of Minutes Councilmember Dunne made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Steffen, to approve the minutes of the February 9, 2011, regular meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gilliam, Kaptain, Prigge, Steffen, Warren, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of Execution of a Grant Agreement with the Regional Transportation Authority for the Chicago Street Station Area Plan Project Councilmember Dunne made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Steffen, to approve a grant agreement with the Regional Transportation Authority for the Chicago Street Station Area Plan Project. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gilliam, Kaptain, Prigge, Steffen, Warren, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Downtown Neighborhood Association – Economic Development Update Tonya Hudson, Executive Director of Downtown Neighborhood Association, gave on update of the services provided in 2010 by the organization. They included 2010 SPECIAL EVENTS PRESENTED BY DNA July 4th Parade (July 3) | 16,000 attendees, 2,500 participants Harvest Market (Thursdays, June-October) | 200-300 attendees weekly Next Wave Art Salon (September 10-11) | 1,000+ attendees, 110 artists Downtown Elgin Car Show (September 25) | 200 attendees, 60 participants DNA Awards Gala (October 14) | 250 attendees Halloween Howl & Downtown Trick-or-Treating (October 30) | 500 attendees Window Wonderland (December 4) | 1,000 attendees PROMOTIONS & MARKETING Branding – Launched new “downtown Elgin” and DNA branding in conjunction with new City logo. Social Media Promo (January, 2010) – social media campaign promoting discounts at downtown businesses to encourage downtown businesses to use free social media tools for marketing. Committee of the Whole February 23, 2011 Page 2 Downtown Employee Appreciation Week (August 2-6, 2010) – web, e-mail and social media promotion to reward downtown employees and encourage more frequent patronage of downtown businesses “Explore Your City” (September, 2010) – promotions geared toward Judson University & ECC students Downtown Gift Certificate Promotions – run in conjunction with 2010 holidays; also used as community outreach tool for other non-profits’ fundraising events Downtown Neighborhood News “Top 10” e-blast – increased subscribers from 1,500-2,150 (Jan-Dec) Downtown Elgin Facebook Page – increased “likes” (“fans”) from 270 to 740 (Jan- Dec). Created social networking and cross promotion among downtown businesses and community partner organizations (The Centre, Hemmens, YWCA, etc.) Ms. Hudson stated that DNA worked with twenty-one new business prospects in 2010, of which twelve of them relocated or opened a new business in downtown. She said that the organization also assisted applicants with the Business Loan Program, the E-Elgin Incentive Program, the Grease Trap Incentive Program, the Facade Improvement Program, the Projecting Sign Program, and with the individual development agreements. She also announced a new program entitled “For Sale or Lease in Elgin” that will include: educational workshops on leasing trends, grant programs, and tax incentives; assistance from consultation team; downtown “clean-up day” with volunteers; comprehensive marketing, advertising and public relations campaign; an open house for available spaces and properties; and administrative support from DNA staff. Ms. Hudson thanked the city for their continued partnership. Consideration of Purchase of Armored Transport Vehicle from Ballistic Armored Tactical Transport for the Police Tactical Response Team Police Chief Jeff Swoboda gave a presentation of the armored transport vehicle highlighting the following questions: How is an Armored Rescue Vehicle used? o To quickly and safely remove citizens and first responders from a scene where firearms pose a threat. He noted that the vehicle would have been used at least fifteen times in the past five years. o To immediately and safely rescue injured victims and unable to escape or be evacuated. o To safely insert TRT members into a high risk scene. In the past five years, the vehicle could have been used during forty-four high risk search warrants. Committee of the Whole February 23, 2011 Page 3 Why does Elgin need one? o No equipment in the department’s inventory provides complete ballistic protection. o The vehicle needs to be immediately accessible to police during the first crucial minutes of a violent incident. Why are we purchasing it? o It has been identified as a need during post-incident debriefings o It will be purchased with Drug Asset Forfeiture Funds o The local manufacturer providing vehicle at a reduced cost Councilmember Steffen asked if any other needs have been deferred to purchase this vehicle. Chief Swoboda said no, that this was the number one priority. Councilmember Kaptain asked if it was an armored personnel vehicle or a defensive vehicle. Chief Swoboda said it was for defensive purposes relating to the safety of the community and officers. Councilmember Prigge said it was good to be able to buy this with drug forfeiture money. Councilmember Dunne asked if this was a five year purchase. Chief Swoboda said it was being purchased as a long-term item. He also noted that maintenance costs will be taken out of drug forfeiture funds. Councilmember Gilliam made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Kaptain, to approve the purchase of an armored transport vehicle from Ballistic Armored Tactical Transport for the Police Tactical Response Team for a cost of $196,000. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gilliam, Kaptain, Prigge, Steffen, Warren, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of Contract with Capital Recovery Systems for Debt Collection Services Councilmember Gilliam made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Steffen, to approve a contract to Capital Recovery Systems, Inc. for debt collection services in the amount of $11,750. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gilliam, Kaptain, Prigge, Steffen, Warren, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of Purchase of Service Agreement with Hamilton Wings to Implement Its SCORE! Councilmember Gilliam made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Steffen, to approve a Purchase of Service Agreement with Hamilton Wings in the amount of $13,400. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gilliam, Kaptain, Prigge, Steffen, Warren, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Committee of the Whole February 23, 2011 Page 4 Consideration of Revision of Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program to Incorporate the City’s Sustainability Goals Councilmember Kaptain made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gilliam, to approve revisions to the Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program for 2011. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gilliam, Kaptain, Prigge, Steffen, Warren, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of Purchase of Service Agreement with Boys and Girls Club of Elgin Councilmember Gilliam made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Steffen, to approve a Purchase of Service Agreement with the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin to provide financial assistance in 2011 in the amount of $119,000. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gilliam, Kaptain, Prigge, Steffen, Warren, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of Amendment Agreement No. 1 with Burns and McDonnell on the Eagle Heights North Street Rehabilitation and Water Main Project Councilmember Warren made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Prigge, to approve Amendment Agreement No. 1 with Burns and McDonnell on the Eagle Heights North Street Rehabilitation and Water Main Project to add construction services in the amount of $448,584.54. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gilliam, Kaptain, Prigge, Steffen, Warren, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Consideration of Proposed Amendments to the City’s Liquor Code (No Cost to the City) Councilmember Kaptain made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gilliam, to create a new liquor license classification for accessory beer and wine package liquor licenses and regulate the number of certain other liquor license classifications. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gilliam, Kaptain, Prigge, Steffen, Warren, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. Announcements from Council Councilmember Warren stated that Senior Services is in need of space and that the property next door is available. He would like staff to review this situation and work to help Senior Services secure this space. Mayor Schock said that he has had conversations with the building owner and that this offers a good opportunity to expand the space. He noted that the prospective building meets all codes. Councilmember Dunne suggested also partnering with Hanover Park Township on this project. Mayor Schock announced that Green Town will be hosting a meeting in Elgin on April 28, 2011. More information will follow. Committee of the Whole February 23, 2011 Page 5 Councilmember Kaptain thanked the community for its good wishes after a recent accident that involved him and his wife. He also announced that the Salvation Army is in immediate need of volunteers to assist with its Meals-on-Wheels Program. He would also like to see a clearing house for both organizations in need of volunteers and those individuals who are looking to volunteer. Announcements from Staff Cherie Murphy, Assistant to the City Manager for Community Engagement, announced upcoming city events. Adjournment Councilmember Gilliam made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Warren, to adjourn the meeting to Executive Session for the following purpose:  Purchase or Lease of Real Property for Use of the Public Body (Exempt Under Section 120/2(c)(5) of the Open Meetings Act ) Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gilliam, Kaptain, Prigge, Steffen, Warren, and Mayor Schock. Nays: None. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. s/ Diane Robertson March 9, 2011 Diane Robertson, City Clerk Date Approved