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HomeMy WebLinkAboutb - January 23, 2013 COW COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING January 23, 2013 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, Gilliam, Moeller, Powell, Prigge, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Absent: None. Approval of Minutes Councilmember Gilliam made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Moeller, to approve the minutes of the January 9, 2013, regular meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gilliam, Moeller, Powell, Prigge, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. Council Chambers, City Hall Operational and Security Improvements Presentation City Manager Stegall provided an overview regarding the project. He noted that to accommodate the expansion of the council changes needed to be made to the council chambers. Staff looked into making basic security upgrades to the chambers and city hall while the changes were being made to accommodate for the expansion of the council. There was discussion regarding requirements the circuit court may have, potential funding from the Illinois Terrorism Task Force, protection for audience members, and what other communities have done to upgrade their security. Sherman Health Community Update Richard Floyd, President and CEO of Sherman Hospital, made a presentation about changes at the Center Street campus and an update on the Advocate merger. A copy of the presentation is on file in the City Clerk’s office. There was a discussion regarding the hospital’s future community involvement and the open space restrictions. Mr. Floyd indicated the Sherman would remain involved and hoped to create a useful open space at the Center Street campus. Elgin Symphony Orchestra Financial and Operational Update David Bearden, Interim Chief Executive Officer, presented a history of the financial situation and the current business model for the Elgin Symphony Orchestra (ESO). A copy of the presentation is on file in the City Clerk’s office. Committee of the Whole January 23, 2013 Page 2 There was discussion about the Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s fundraising efforts; current and future financial planning; funds owed to the city for use of Hemmens and office space, and the impact of the city’s potential as funding source. Also discussed were the uses and the status of the Hemmens Cultural Center. There were concerns about the size of the facility, the cost to rent out, the necessary repairs and upgrades, and the potential impact if the ESO no longer utilized the facility. Adjourn to City Council meeting Councilmember Dunne made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Powell, to adjourn and to convene the City Council meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gilliam, Moeller, Powell, Prigge, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. Reconvene The regular Committee of the Whole meeting was called back to order by Mayor Kaptain at 9:15 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Present: Councilmembers Dunne, Gilliam, Moeller, Powell, Prigge, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Absent: None. Presentation regarding Liberty Street Traffic Concerns Aaron Cosentino, Management Analyst, and Police Commander Glen Theriault, presented a report on the citizen’s concerns for Liberty Street. A copy of the presentation is on file in the City Clerk’s office. The areas of initial concern were: pedestrian safety, speeding, noise, truck volume and trucks utilizing side streets. The current citizen requests were: a no passing zone, speed limit reduction, engine braking, pedestrian crossing, traffic calming and bike lanes, truck restrictions and a Route 25 re-route. Mr. Cosentino outlined each of the concerns, the actions taken by the city and the response from the State regarding the requests. There was discussion regarding the options the city had to address the issues in light of the road being under the state’s jurisdiction. Also discussed were the potential costs involved if the city took over the roadway. Ms. Mary Ellen Barbezat addressed the council and provided information regarding the ongoing resident’s concerns. She requested that the city council and staff continue to assist the residents with the Liberty Street concerns. Committee of the Whole January 23, 2013 Page 3 Presentation Regarding Whether to Continue with the City’s Existing Prohibition of Video Gaming (Elgin Video Gaming Committee) Mike Flannagan, Chair of the Elgin Video Gaming Committee, addressed the council about the concerns the city establishments have about video gaming. He noted that the majority of businesses surveyed were interested in having video gaming. He also listed the surrounding communities that currently allowed video gaming. He stated that if the city allowed video gaming it would create a level playing field for the local businesses. There was discussion about how to handle revenue from video gaming. Mayor Kaptain suggested that the proceeds go to fund social services. The majority of the council was in favor of the Mayor’s suggestion for revenues. There was discussion on how to handle different issues regarding the video gaming link to the liquor license. Staff will look into issues such as the distance from a church and school and other zoning issues; establishments that hold the salon license (Class X); and what role the local liquor commission would play in the process. There was a consensus to move forward with allowing video gaming in the city and the council asked staff to move forward with the process as soon as possible. Consideration of Cultural Arts Commission 2013 Grant Award Recommendations There was discussion about the funds coming from the general fund, the required reports from recipients and the status of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s grant request. Councilmember Gilliam made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Moeller, to approve the funding of the grant awards to support the arts programming in the community in the total of $66,242, holding back $6,564 to the Elgin Symphony Orchestra for future Council consideration. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gilliam, Moeller, Powell, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: Councilmember Prigge. Consideration of Adoption of a Code of Conduct for Members of Council-Appointed Boards, Commissions, Task Forces or Committees Councilmember Dunne made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gilliam, to provide clearly defined guidelines and expectations to assure a high standard of conduct from members of council-appointed groups. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gilliam, Moeller, Powell, Prigge, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. Committee of the Whole January 23, 2013 Page 4 Consideration of 2012 Property Tax Abatement Councilmember Moeller made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gilliam, to provide information to adopt the annual ordinances abating taxes for the property tax levy. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gilliam, Moeller, Powell, Prigge, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. Consideration of Change Order 1 and Final (Bid 12-044) for Roof Repairs at Various Buildings Councilmember Dunne made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Moeller, to approve a change order with CSR Roofing Contractors, Inc. for roof repairs at various locations in the amount of $12,476. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gilliam, Moeller, Powell, Prigge, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. Consideration of Fifth and Final Amendment to the Agreement with Waste Management Councilmember Gilliam asked if this amendment included changes to the fee charged to seniors. City Manager Stegall indicated that the fee structure would be looked at when the new contract was presented. He indicated that the Strategic Plan Commission would be involved in looking at alternatives during the bid process. Councilmember Prigge made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Dunne, to approve the fifth and final amendment to the solid refuse and household hazardous waste collection agreement with Waste Management in the amount of $4,825,290 for residential and hazardous waste collection in 2013. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gilliam, Moeller, Powell, Prigge, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. Announcements from Council Councilmember Dunne commended the Fire Department’s efforts at a house fire that required a multiple department response. He urged residents to use caution when using space heaters. Councilmember Dunne invited residents to the Have a Heart community dinner on February 9, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church. Councilmember Moeller congratulated Police Chief Swoboda and the department on the report noting a forty year low in the city’s crime rate. She also noted that groups, such as the Boys and Girls Club, contribute to this statistic being lowered. Committee of the Whole January 23, 2013 Page 5 Announcements from Staff City Manager Stegall thanked Councilmember Moeller for her efforts in bringing forward the tree ordinance and her assistance in creating the finished product. Adjournment Councilmember Dunne made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Powell, to adjourn and go into the Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the following matters. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gilliam, 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 Discussion of Minutes of Meetings Lawfully Closed Under This Act - Exempt Under Section 120/2(c)(21) of the Open Meetings Act The purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body, including meetings held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired. The meeting adjourned at 10:50 p.m. s/ Kimberly Dewis February 13, 2013 Kimberly Dewis, City Clerk Date Approved