HomeMy WebLinkAbouty - November 19, 2014 COW COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING November 19, 2014
The regular Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order by Mayor Kaptain at 5:00 p.m.
in the Council Chambers. Present: Councilmembers Dunne (electronically), Gavin, Martinez,
Powell, Prigge, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Absent: None.
Approval of Minutes
Councilmember Steffen made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gavin, to approve the
minutes of the November 5, 2014, regular meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas:
Councilmembers Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Prigge, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and
Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
2015 Budget Discussion
City Manager Stegall reviewed the previously discussed General Fund topics and highlighted
what items would be discussed at this meeting. Mr. Stegall outlined the General Fund
expenditure priorities: first are the unfunded mandates (HB5484), then maintaining current
service levels, and finally expanding service levels.
City Manager Stegall and Fire Chief Fahy outlined the impact of HB 5484, a proposed unfunded
state mandate, on the city’s budget and personnel policy decisions. There was discussion
regarding the mandatory minimum manning requirements proposed in HB 5484. Mr. Stegall
indicated that if two additional firefighter positions were required it could cost the city $800,000.
Chief Fahy explained the currently staffing model that was being used. He noted that based on
data it was determined to change staffing levels and equipment to create an effective and efficient
department. This legislation would take the level of service decision out of the hands of the city
council.
There was discussion regarding the potential impact of this legislation including costs, the city’s
options and the potential impact on the budget. Also discussed was the responsible bidders’
ordinance, its requirement to have apprenticeship and training programs, and the ordinance’s
financial impact on city construction projects.
Tax Levy
Assistant City Manager Rick Kozal reviewed the property tax cycles and focused on the
assessment, equalization and the levy aspects of the cycle. He walked through examples of a
property owner’s tax levy in both Cook and Kane counties. Mr. Kozal explained the process by
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November 19, 2014
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which the city’s tax levy is determined and what is done to establish the value of property. He
reviewed the tax levy from the last several years and noted that there would be a flat increase for
2015. The tax levy has decreased since the revenue diversification policies took place. There
was discussion regarding revenue diversification and its impact on the levy and the performance
of the natural gas tax, electricity tax and the refuse fee.
TIF (Tax Increment Financing) Districts
Assistant City Manager Rick Kozal reviewed the location and the terms of the various TIF (Tax
Increment Financing) districts in the City. He focused on the Central Area TIF which is the
largest and most successful. Mr. Kozal reviewed the proposed revenue and expenditure number
for the Central Area TIF for 2015 and highlighted the Elgin Tower Redevelopment and the
Central Business District (CDB) streetscape. There was discussion about how the TIF funds
could be used and the economic development benefits of establishing the districts.
Adjourn to the City Council meeting
Councilmember Shaw made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Steffen, to adjourn and start
the City Council meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gavin,
Martinez, Powell, Prigge, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
The meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
Reconvene
Councilmember Steffen made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Powell, to reconvene the
Committee of the Whole meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gavin,
Martinez, Powell, Prigge, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
The meeting reconvened at 7:56 p.m.
Consideration of Resolution Establishing a Schedule and Funding Policies and Priorities
for the 2015 Community Development Block Grant Program Year
There was discussion regarding the process to review the applications and the timing of the
review of riverboat grants.
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November 19, 2014
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Councilmember Prigge made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Steffen, to approve
Establishing a Schedule and Funding Policies and Priorities for the 2015 Community
Development Block Grant Program Year to establish a calendar and the funding policies and
priorities for the 2015 Community Development Block Grant program year. Upon a roll call
vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Prigge, Rauschenberger, Shaw,
Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
Consideration of Sole Source Agreement with Braniff Communications, Inc. and Federal
Signal Corporation for the Purchase and Installation of Warning Siren Equipment to
Improve Current Siren Notification Coverage
Councilmember Shaw made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Martinez, to approve a sole
source agreement with Braniff Communications, Inc. and Federal Signal Corporation in the
amount of $113,314.00 for the purchase and installation of additional warning sirens to areas that
are currently not serviced by existing warning sirens, and upgrade several existing warning siren
heads to eliminate gaps in coverage within the existing warning siren coverage grids. Upon a roll
call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Prigge, Rauschenberger,
Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
Consideration of Agreement with B & F Construction Code Services, Inc. to Continue to
Administer and Enforce Chapter 16.42, “Vacant Residential Buildings,” of the Elgin
Municipal Code, 1976
There was discussion regarding the performance of B & F Construction and if the vacant home
inspection program was successful.
Councilmember Gavin made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Martinez, to authorize an
agreement with B & F Construction Code Services, Inc. to continue to identify, register, inspect
and monitor vacant residential buildings to minimize the likelihood that such buildings become a
burden to neighboring properties and the city. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers
Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Prigge, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain.
Nays: None.
Consideration of Adoption of Chicago Street Station Area Plan Municipal Code, 1976
There was a discussion regarding the results of the study and how it would be utilized in the
future.
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Councilmember Steffen made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Martinez, to adopt the
Chicago Street Station Area Plan to provide guidance for developing the properties surrounding
the Chicago Street Metra station into a walkable, mixed used environment that capitalizes on the
city’s multimodal transit hub and enhances the existing downtown. . Upon a roll call vote: Yeas:
Councilmembers Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Prigge, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and
Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
Announcements from Council
Councilmember Powell recently attended the Reflejos’ Reflecting Excellence Awards held at
Elgin Community College, with Roberto Garza as a guest speaker. She congratulated the
recipients of the awards.
Councilmember Powell thanked those that supported the Tish-tini Fundraising event that was
held at the Martini Room. The funds that were raised went to support the 2-3-1 project.
Councilmember Prigge provided a recap of the Pet Health Expo that was held at the Hemmens
Cultural Center on November 1st.
Councilmember Prigge announced that on November 30th at the Elgin Police Department
residents can have their pet’s photos taken with Santa.
Councilmember Rauschenberger announced the opening of the Winter Market to be held
Saturdays at Elgin Restore from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. She also noted that two new restaurants, Abe
Froeman’s and Solo, were opening in the downtown.
Announcements from Staff
Laura Valdez-Wilson, Management Analyst in the City Manager’s Office, announced upcoming
city events.
Adjournment
Councilmember Steffen made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Shaw, to adjourn and go
into the Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the following matters. Upon a roll call
vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Prigge, Rauschenberger, Shaw,
Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
Committee of the Whole
November 19, 2014
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Establishment of Reserves or Settlement of Claims as Provided in the Local
Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act - Exempt
Under Section 120/2(c)(12) of the Open Meetings Act
Pending, Probable or Imminent Litigation Against, Affecting, or on Behalf of the
Public Body Before a Court or Administrative Tribunal - Exempt Under Section
120/2(c)(11) of the Open Meetings Act
Setting of a Price for Sale or Lease of Property Owned by the Public Body - Exempt
Under Section 120/2(c)(6) of the Open Meetings Act
The meeting adjourned at 8:24 p.m.
s/ Kimberly Dewis December 3, 2014
Kimberly Dewis, City Clerk Date Approved