HomeMy WebLinkAboutzz - December 6, 2014 COW (special)
Special Committee of the Whole Meeting
December 6, 2014
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, Martinez, Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen and Mayor Kaptain. Absent:
Councilmember Prigge.
Budget Overview
Aaron Cosentino, Senior Management Analyst, provided of the budget process overall and the
interconnection with the strategic plan. A copy of the presentation is on file in the City Clerk’s
office.
There was discussion on unfunded state mandates, public safety pensions and how much of
public safety funds are directed to public works and community development. There was a
discussion about different projects listed under the strategic priority “Neighborhoods.
Public Comment
Mayor Kaptain invited the following residents to address the council:
Armida Dominguez asked that the council revisit the idea of conducting a citizen survey and
emphasized the value of obtaining information from the residents.
Dan Palmer commented on the conditions of the streets in certain areas of the city. He noted it
was difficult for emergency vehicles to navigate certain roads. He urged the council to make
street repairs a priority.
Roy Chapman asked that the council keep in mind those on a fixed income when they made their
budget decisions.
Laura Knoerr commented on the progress of the bikeways and the efforts in the downtown area.
She also asked about further sustainability and technology improvement throughout the city.
Danise Habun asked that the council consider modifying how grant funds were allocated to the
not-for-profit organizations. She also asked that the council continue funding diversity
initiatives.
Committee of the Whole Special Meeting
December 6, 2014
Page 2
Budget Discussion
Mayor Kaptain provided each City Council member time to make comments regarding the
budget. All of the members thanked staff for their work in preparing the budget. Other topics
of concern were: code enforcement, retail development, unfunded mandates, contractual
services, the responsible bidder ordinance, pension obligations, additional combined sewer
separation and street rehabilitation projects, economic development, cultural arts, the use of debt
to complete street projects, grant funding for not-for-profit organizations, potential tax relief,
diversity efforts, and handling of reserve funds.
City Manager Stegall stated that the citizen survey has a potential funding source from Elgin
Community Network. He noted there would be an update in January regarding Code 2.0. He
also outlined the current schedule for street rehabilitation to Wellington Avenue.
Adjournment
Councilmember Steffen made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gavin, to adjourn the
meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Powell,
Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None
The meeting adjourned at 10:11 a.m.
s/ Kimberly Dewis December 17, 2014
Kimberly Dewis, City Clerk Date Approved