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HomeMy WebLinkAboutc - February 08, 2012 COW COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING February 8, 2012 The regular Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order by Mayor Kaptain at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Present: Councilmembers Dunne, Moeller, Powell, Prigge, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Absent: None. Approval of Minutes Councilmember Steffen made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Moeller, to approve the minutes of the January 25, 2012, regular meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Moeller, Powell, Prigge, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. Consideration of Program Year 2012-2013 Community Development Block Grant – Work Session Community Development Director Marc Mylott reviewed the process to date and the next steps after this work session. Councilmember Dunne asked to be provided with information regarding the projects the grant money had been used for in the past. Councilmember Prigge asked if there was any conflict for a religious organization to receive the grant funds. Mr. Mylott noted that the program was open and there would not be a conflict. Councilmember Dunne made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Powell, to select and determine the budget allocation for projects to potentially receive funding from the 2012-2013 Annual Action Plan of the Community Development Block Grant program. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Moeller, Powell, Prigge, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. Consideration of 2011 Property Tax Abatement Councilmember Dunne made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Moeller, to provide information to adopt the annual ordinances abating taxes for the property tax levy. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Moeller, Powell, Prigge, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. Committee of the Whole February 8, 2012 Page 2 Consideration of Purchase of Service Agreement with the Downtown Neighborhood Association Tonya Hudson, Executive Director for the Downtown Neighborhood Association, provided a brief presentation regarding the Association’s overall strategy. (Presentation on file in the City Clerk’s office) There was discussion regarding incentive programs, the proposed Special Service Area (SSA) and the options if the SSA does not move forward. Corporation Counsel Cogley explained the Special Service Area (SSA) process noting that it is for a prescribed area that affects property owners by having an additional tax on the property tax bill. Mayor Kaptain suggested that the City have an ex-officio member on the Board of the Downtown Neighborhood Association. He also suggested reducing the number of tables designated to the City at the DNA events. Councilmember Moeller made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Powell, to enter into a contract with the Downtown Neighborhood Association in the amount of $135,000 to provide economic development services, including assistance to small businesses, with the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Moeller, Powell, Prigge, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. Consideration of Acceptance of Public Improvements within Providence Unit 3D Subdivision Councilmember Dunne made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Moeller, to fulfill the City’s obligation to maintain reliable infrastructure for serving businesses and residents within the Providence Unit 3D in the amount of $10,591 estimated five-year maintenance cost. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Moeller, Powell, Prigge, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. Consideration of Intergovernmental Agreement with the East Dundee Fire Protection District for Automatic Aid Councilmember Dunne made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Moeller, to provide and receive automatic aid with Rutland-Dundee Fire Protection District in an effort to improve response times. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Moeller, Powell, Prigge, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. Committee of the Whole February 8, 2012 Page 3 Consideration of Golf Cart Lease Agreement with EZGO Textron Councilmember Dunne made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Steffen, to enter into a lease agreement with EZGO Textron in the amount of $52,516 to provide quality golf carts to the customers at the Highlands of Elgin. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Moeller, Powell, Prigge, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. Consideration of Proposed Agreement with THKFL, Inc. for Downtown Business Loan Interest Subsidy Program to Create Imago Studios at 216 Prairie Street Councilmember Prigge reviewed the terms of repayment and the legal requirements should the business cease to exist. Corporation Counsel Cogley verified the terms of the program and the City’s minimized obligations Councilmember Prigge expressed his concerns that his was in essence a business incentive program. Councilmember Steffen noted that this is a program that the Council set up and this proposed agreement is adhering to those guidelines. He compared this program to others, such as the grease trap and façade program that are used to help revitalize the downtown. Councilmember Dunne asked about the potential to have the loan come from an Elgin bank, noting the best interest rate was important to the program. Councilmember Moeller asked for clarification on the funding of the loan program and if the funds were from the Riverboat or the TIF funds. City Manager Stegall verified it was a carried over Riverboat funds. Tonya Hudson, Executive Director of Downtown Neighborhood Association, noted that the loan is for a real estate holding company that will invest in start up companies by allowing them to rent space. Councilmember Steffen made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Moeller, to approve the proposed agreement with THKFL, Inc. in the amount of $37,489 over a five year period for the Downtown Business Loan Interest Subsidy program to create Imago Studios at 216 Prairie Street. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Moeller, Powell, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: Councilmember Prigge. NSP Homes Marketing Update Michael Simpson, from Realty World, provided an update regarding the NSP (Neighborhood Stabilization Program) properties, 463 and 457 Chicago Street. He reviewed the marketing that had taken place for the properties and relayed feedback information he has received. He noted Committee of the Whole February 8, 2012 Page 4 that the houses were averaging two showings per month. Mr. Simpson noted some of the negative feedback such as neighborhood concerns and the lack of a garage. There was a brief discussion regarding the NSP program requirements including income requirements. Announcements from Council Councilmember Powell thanked the city staff that was affected by the recent reduction in force for their years of dedicated service. Councilmember Dunne noted that on Sunday February 12th a Have a Heart community dinner would be held to assist those in need. Mayor Kaptain mentioned that this Saturday the Winter Market would be held at the ReStore location. Announcements from Staff Cherie Murphy, Assistant to the City Manager for Community Engagement, announced upcoming city events. Adjournment Councilmember Moeller made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Steffen, to adjourn and go into the Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the following matters. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Moeller, Powell, Prigge, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. 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 Committee of the Whole February 8, 2012 Page 5 Discussion of Minutes of Meetings Lawfully Closed Under This Act - Exempt Under Section 120/2(c)21) of the Open Meetings Act The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m. s/ Kimberly Dewis February 22, 2012 Kimberly Dewis, City Clerk Date Approved