Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutw - November 16, 2013 COW (special)Special Committee of the Whole Meeting November 16, 2013 The special Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order by Mayor Kaptain at 9:04 a.m. at the Heritage Ballroom in the Centre, 100 Symphony Way. Present: Councilmembers Dunne, Gavin, Moeller, Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen and Mayor Kaptain. Absent: Councilmember Prigge. City Manager Stegall provided an overview of the day’s agenda and the budget process overall. Mayor Kaptain invited the following residents to address the council. Linda Collins Elgin Theater Company, addressed the council about the importance of the arts for the community, the local economy and surrounding areas. Dennis Hewitt Executive Director of PADs , noted the impact of Larkin Center closing on other local agencies and the importance of funding social services. Armida Dominguez asked that the council revisit the idea of conducting a citizens survey and emphasized the value of obtaining information from the residents. Gretchen Vapnar Executive Director for the Community Crisis Center; provided a history of how the Riverboat Fund was established and how they funds were to be allocated. She asked that the council revisit the use of these funds and consider funding for Human Services. Angel Pedraza stated his support of the Boys and Girls Club and provided data on the impact they have on the children and families that they serve. Eduardo Cruz a member of Boys and Girls Club stated his support of the club and the positive impact it has had on him. Cathy Malkani, Executive Director for Boys and Girls Club, provide information regarding the impact the club has had on her family and asked for the city’s support. Oscar Huerta a member of Boys and Girls Club stated his support of the club and the positive impact it has had on him. Josh Campanelli, President of Boys and Girls Club, provided information regarding the families that the club serves and how it keeps the children safe. Danise Habun, Human Relations Commission member, asked that the council continue their diversity initiatives. Committee of the Whole Special Meeting November 16, 2013 Page 2 Kristen Therans invited the council to visit the Boys and Girls Club to see the positive impact it has on the members and the community. Kevin Perez, a member of Boys and Girls Club, stated his support of the club and the positive impact it has had on him. Damanian Benton, a member of Boys and Girls Club, stated he appreciate the staff and the help with homework he otherwise might not receive without the club. Xavier Hare, a member of Boys and Girls Club, stated his support of the club and the positive impact it has had on him. Jesus Godinez, a member of Boys and Girls Club, stated he appreciate the staff and the help with homework he otherwise might not receive without the club. Amy Hutchinson, a parent of a Boys and Girls Club member, told the council about her daughter’s experiences at the club. Peggie Stromberg, Executive Director of the Elgin Public Museum, hoped to receive funding after making several cuts they are still struggling and they no longer meet the Riverboat grant fund criteria. Christina Jakuluwski of the Fox Valley Theatre spoke of the diversity of the company and the benefits of the program. Kathy Matthews, Executive Director of Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra, told of the history of the group and impact the programs have had in the community. Tom McCarthy talked about the recent City Council Chamber improvements and specifically the bullet proof sections. He felt that it was unnecessary and urge the council to cut wasteful spending. Dan Butler, a supporter of Boys and Girls Club, spoke of the clubs impact on the working family and how the club is an investment in community. David Metzger, a local artist, talked about arts programs he had been involved in and how the arts impact the city on an economic level. Sonya Mdavigal, from the BFH (Ballet Folklórico Huehuecoyotl) dance group, spoke of her experience with the group and how it gave her confidence and helped her to become a leader and teacher. Committee of the Whole Special Meeting November 16, 2013 Page 3 Julian Hernandez, director for BFH (Ballet Folklórico Huehuecoyotl) dance group, asked for the council support in their efforts. Vicki Montgomery, supporter of Boys and Girls Club, asked for the city’s continued support of the club and noted the diversity of its members. There was a break from 10:45 a.m.-10:55 a.m. Carl Missele addressed the council regarding retention pond issues in the Lincolnwood Terrace area and was hopeful that the city can assist in the repairs. Lynn Tjaden, from the Tuscan Woods neighborhood, spoke about retention pond issues and efforts to work with Home Owners Association for a solution to water issues. Jack Werner, from Children’s Theater of Elgin, spoke of his experience and the skills he acquired while participating in the program. Terry Gabel, Friends of Lords Park Zoo, talked about the return of the farm at the zoo. He also noted a previous fencing project in which the city provided matching funds. Rick Vanderforest, Ecker Center, talked about how human services impact the community and the other organizations. Joe Salas, who was previously homeless, spoke of his experience with the Ecker Center and thee positive impact on his life. He urged the council to continue to support the center. Cameron Coffiand, of the Children’s Theater of Elgin, provided information regarding the theater and how it impacted him. He also read a letter from Amy Swanson about her experiences with the theater group. Lisa LaForge, Director of Family Service Association for Greater Elgin Area, spoke of the network of support from the human service organization in the city. Julia McLendon, YWCA, addressed the council about her concerns to the changes to the CDBG program. Susan Heaton, Children’s Theatre of Elgin, spoke of the history and the successes of the company as well and the numbers of audience members. Lynn Davis, a participant of the Children’s Theatre of Elgin, described the positive impact the program made on her life. Committee of the Whole Special Meeting November 16, 2013 Page 4 Mary Dulah, a participant of the Children’s Theatre of Elgin, talked about her expericnes with the group and the positive impact it has on the community. Rick Poulton spoke about catch basins, stream bank erosion; stream blockages and stormwater other issues and hoped the city would provide funding the help resolve these issues. Ina Dews urged for continued support of not for profits and asked that the council give new ideas a chance. Todd Martin urged the city to implement railroad quiet zones and other safety measures at the rail crossings. Chuck Keysor requested the council examine how to reduce the size and cost of government. Provided feedback on the items used for revenue diversification such as the refuse tax, alcohol tax and utility tax. Julie Schmidt, Elgin Octave, provided an overview of the groups session on city finances held on October 30th and expressed concerns regarding pension fund shortfalls. Ron Ainsworth, Valley Creek Homeowners Association, suggested the benefits of trees and an increase to the forestry budget. Chris Johnson, Elgin Choral Union, was supportive of the arts and the quality of life it adds to residents. Jon Bierman noted he liked the bike friendly improvements that were included in the city infrastructure improvements. Libby Hoeft stated the original intent of the Riverboat Funds was to support the local not for profit groups and she felt that should continue. Tom Armstrong provided a hand out and other date regarding the impact of bike route four and how it would like with other local trails. He pointed out that this route was in the bikeway master plan and urged the council to support this project. Tricia Dieringer addressed the council about flooding issues in her neighborhood. She stated it was a chronic issue and that several neighbors have had insurance issues. Committee of the Whole Special Meeting November 16, 2013 Page 5 Adjournment Councilmember Moeller made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Steffen, to adjourn the meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gavin, Moeller, Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None The meeting adjourned at 12:20 a.m. s/ Kimberly Dewis December 4, 2013 Kimberly Dewis, City Clerk Date Approved