HomeMy WebLinkAboutm - July 18, 2015 COW special
SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
July 18, 2015
The special Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order by Mayor Kaptain at 8:05 a.m.
at Hemmens Cultural Arts Center located at 45 Symphony Way. Present: Councilmembers
Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Prigge, Rauschenberger, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Absent:
Councilmember Shaw.
City Manager Stegall provided a brief overview of items to be discussed during the meeting.
Topics to be reviewed included a second quarter update, presentations from the Hemmens Task
Force, concerns regarding the Sports Complex, and marijuana enforcement.
Presentation by Hemmens Task Force
Dr. Clare Ollyaos and other members of the Hemmens Task Force provided a presentation on the
Task Force findings. A copy of the presentation is on file in the City Clerk’s office.
The framework the task force utilized included the operational impact, the strategic plan, past
investments, community input and lessees. The task force members outlined the two options that
they were recommending. Option A included making necessary repairs and equipment
replacement such as stage lighting, HD projector, LED stage lighting, plaza repairs and
renovations to the existing restrooms. Option B included additions and improvements while
keeping the facility open. Those improvements included; restrooms relocated to the main floor,
modernized stage infrastructure, improvements to the loading dock. Both options intend to
create the Hemmens as a cultural anchor in Downtown, to allow the facility to remain viable, and
increase versatility and rentability.
The Task Force provided information on the current economic impact of having such a facility in
the downtown area. They noted that the average family spends an estimated $24.60 per person
beyond the cost of the ticket. A recent weekend event at the Hemmens had 1400 attendees, over
100 bouquets of flowers sold by Town and Country gardens and over $1,000.00 in sales at Elgin
Instant Print.
There was discussion regarding the structural integrity of the building, the architectural
significance, performing a cost benefit analysis, determining costs of each option, potential
impact to rental fees, and the next steps in the process.
Councilmember Powell made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gavin, to direct staff to
move forward with the RFQ (request for quotation) phase for economic analysis and schematic
design. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Powell,
Rauschenberger, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
Committee of the Whole
July 18, 2015
Page 2
The Council held a brief recess from 9:20 a.m. – 9:35 a.m.
Presentation concerning the Sports Complex
Randy Reopelle, Parks and Recreation Director, provided a presentation on the Sports Complex.
A copy of the presentation is on file in the City Clerk’s office.
Mr. Reopelle outlined the history of the property and the amenities available, such as softball
fields, soccer fields, a BMX track, volleyball courts, concessions, and the Highlands Golf
Course. He further outlined local trends in sports and the types of tournaments currently
utilizing the complex. After outlining the property acquired, including the buildings, he
highlighted potential development elements such as a roadway, bike paths, outdoor sports
facilities with synthetic turf, and an indoor sports facility.
Mr. Reopelle outlined the next steps including a site inventory, data collection, multi-
jurisdictional development, developing a concept plan with the Parks and Recreation Board, cost
estimates and researching partners and grant funding opportunities.
There was discussion regarding the condition of the property, potential development,
public/private partnerships, groups that use the sports complex, economic impacts, and
connectivity potential to the city’s downtown.
Second Quarter Report
Aaron Cosentino, Management Analyst, provided an overview of the strategic plan. He reviewed
the second quarter report highlighting city council approved items including: the water main
replacement at Woodward and Standish, redevelopment agreement for the Elgin Tower Building,
and an intergovernmental agreement with South Elgin and Countryside Fire Protection District
for Emergency Dispatch Services. A copy of the presentation is on file in the City Clerk’s office.
Debra Nawrocki, Chief Financial Officer, outlined the second quarter budget results noting
revenues and expenditures were on track and highlighting the status of the Golf Fund. She also
commented on unemployment rates, business vacancy rates, and housing starts. City Manager
Stegall addressed the current bidding environment for road construction projects and right of way
maintenance.
There was discussion regarding unemployment figures, resolution to the right of way
maintenance issues, and the potential impact of the lack of a state budget.
Committee of the Whole
July 18, 2015
Page 3
Marijuana Enforcement (Councilwomen Powell and Rauschenberger)
There was clarification on the process and timing for adding this item to the agenda.
Councilmember Powell noted the recent changes in Cook County for the prosecution of
marijuana possession of fewer than 30 grams. There is also legislation pending at the state level.
There was a discussion about creating regulations to have consistent enforcement in the City
Elgin since it is located in two different counties.
Councilmember Powell moved, seconded by Councilmember Rauschenberger, to direct staff to
draft an ordinance to address local decriminalization of possession of less than 30 grams of
marijuana. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Powell,
Rauschenberger, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
Adjournment
Councilmember Dunne moved, seconded by Councilmember Gavin, to adjourn. Upon a roll call
vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Rauschenberger, Steffen, and
Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
The meeting adjourned at 11:45 p.m.
s/ Kimberly Dewis August 12, 2015
Kimberly Dewis, City Clerk Date Approved