HomeMy WebLinkAbouth - May 9, 2015 COW special
SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
May 9, 2015
The special Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order by Mayor Kaptain at 9:15 a.m.
at Hawthorne Hill Nature Center located at 28 Brookside Drive. Present: Councilmembers
Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Absent:
Councilmember Prigge.
City Manager Stegall provided opening comments regarding the format of the meeting. He noted
that the purpose was to update the council on where we were, where we are and where we are
going. Using the flood of 2009 as an example of the city’s progress, Mr. Stegall showed how
various innovations are being used to better serve residents. Topics to be reviewed included a
general first quarter update, the new mobile app, public safety technology and a review of the
council rules.
First Quarter Report
Aaron Cosentino, Management Analyst, provided an overview of the strategic plan. He reviewed
the first quarter report highlighting approved items including: the South Street Extension Project,
Bond Refunds, the Educational Alignment Project, online benefit enrollment, and the annual
Daddy Daughter dance.
Mr. Cosentino outlined the first quarter budget results noting expenditures were on track and due
to the timing of various revenue streams, there was little revenue data available at this time. He
also commented on unemployment rates, business vacancy rates, and housing starts. There was
discussion regarding performance measures and crime statistics.
Elgin Technology Update
Dan Ault, Management Analyst, provided information regarding the current and future use of
technology within the city. He highlighted the 311 system and the return on investment of this
system. According to a Nucleus Research study, the city invested $1.5 million and the return
was 120 percent with savings of $553,981 annually.
Mr. Ault detailed a case study on the JULIE permit process. He explained how the paper based
JULIE permit process had been handled, including the use of fax machines, and the transition
into the current process utilizing technologies that allows for increased efficiencies and
accountability.
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May 9, 2015
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There was discussion regarding the staffing and training of citizen advocates, the impact on the
911 call center, and how information is captured to provide consistent responses to residents.
The Council held a brief recess from 10:40a.m. – 10:50a.m.
Introduction of the 311 Mobile Application
Laura Valdez-Wilson presented the 311 Mobile application. She highlighted the three
components of the application: Elgin Today; What’s Happening, across different groups and
agencies; and 311 requests. There was a soft launch in April and the city is currently using word
of mouth to make residents aware of the app. The application was developed in-house with an
intern from Elgin Community College.
Public Safety Technology
Police Chief Swoboda highlighted three initiatives; Records Management System (RMS) and
Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), Real Time Information Center (RIC), and Body Worn
Cameras (BWC). The philosophy for the use of technology in the police department is to see if
it can assist in the following areas: force multiplier, community engagement, data driven
policing, and predictive policing.
Deputy Chief Bill Wolf reviewed the Records Management System (RMS) and Computer Aided
Dispatch (CAD). There is the ability to share data through the county and different agencies;
address specific data to add officer on calls; on line citizen reporting; web based access to crime
data, as well as a social media interface.
Commander Ana Lalley highlighted the Real Time Information Center (RIC). She stated that
there is a remote command center for viewing of cameras that can provide initial ‘video’
response to incidents and allow for accurate manpower deployment and management. There
would be expansion on the use of cameras, further training, and development of best practices.
There was discussion regarding privacy issues; how the work stations are set up; how long the
date is saved; and how the data is accessed.
Commander Ana Lalley presented information regarding Body Worn Cameras (BWC). There
were pros and cons to using the cameras and a committee is being created to evaluate their use
within the department. Before implementing the use of cameras, policies need to be considered
and implemented, such as: where the cameras will be worn, recording features, and the chain of
custody. The department is looking into grant opportunities to cover the costs of the cameras.
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May 9, 2015
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There was discussion on how this could be a used as another tool for the department, officer and
resident input, and the time frame to implement the cameras.
Review of City Council Rules of Procedure
Corporation Counsel Cogley reviewed the materials and the ordinance governing the City
Council Rules. There was discussion on requirements to place items on the agenda by
councilmembers. It was suggested that a minimum of two council members should be required
to add items to the agenda and that materials should be supplied prior to the discussion at the
meeting.
Based on the council discussion, Corporation Counsel Cogley would prepare an ordinance for
council’s final review and consideration.
Adjournment
Councilmember Dunne moved, seconded by Councilmember Steffen, to adjourn. Upon a roll call
vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen,
and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
The meeting adjourned at 12:15 p.m.
s/ Kimberly Dewis May 27, 2015
Kimberly Dewis, City Clerk Date Approved