HomeMy WebLinkAboutn - August 12, 2015 COW
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
August 12, 2015
The regular Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order by Mayor Kaptain at 6:00 p.m.
in the Council Chambers. Present: Councilmembers Dunne, 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 July 8, 2015, regular meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers
Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Prigge, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain.
Nays: None.
Councilmember Gavin made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Steffen, to approve the
minutes of the July 18, 2015, special meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers
Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Prigge, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain.
Nays: None.
Consideration of Dissolution of Spring Street Parking District Special Service Area
There was discussion regarding the parking spaces that were used by R. R. Donnelly and the
Department of Public Works vehicles.
Councilmember Dunne made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Shaw, to allow for the
operating and maintenance costs of the Spring Street Parking District to be the sole responsibility
of the city consistent with the other parking decks in the downtown and to move forward with the
dissolution of the Spring Street Parking District Special Service Area. Upon a roll call vote:
Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Prigge, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen,
and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
Consideration of Designation of the Elgin Bungalow Thematic Historic
City Manager Stegall provided information regarding the proposed process to receive the historic
designation. He addressed concerns about future property owners by suggesting that if the
property had not received a grant for ten years the historic designation could be removed with a
staff review.
Councilmember Gavin made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Shaw, to allow removal of
designation, by staff review provided there are no grants awarded to the property within the last
ten years. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Powell,
Prigge, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
Committee of the Whole
August 12, 2015
Page 2
Councilmember Steffen made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Dunne, to increase the
effectiveness of the historic preservation ordinance through the designation of Thematic Historic
Districts. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Prigge,
Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
Consideration of Designation of 121 Monroe Street within the Elgin Bungalow Thematic
Historic District
Councilmember Steffen made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Dunne, to approve the
designation of 121 Monroe Street within the Elgin Bungalow Thematic Historic District to
preserve, enhance and sustain the active use of historically and architecturally significant
properties in Elgin. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gavin, Martinez,
Powell, Prigge, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
Consideration of Designation of 903 Cedar Avenue within the Elgin Bungalow Thematic
Historic District
Councilmember Gavin made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Steffen, to approve the
designation of 903 Cedar Avenue within the Elgin Bungalow Thematic Historic District to
preserve, enhance and sustain the active use of historically and architecturally significant
properties in Elgin. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gavin, Martinez,
Powell, Prigge, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
Consideration of Approve a List of Selected Recipients for the 2015 Residential Conversion
Grant Program
There was discussion regarding the properties being owner occupied, if any properties had been
converted back after receiving the grant and if an audit of the program could be conducted.
Councilmember Powell made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Martinez, to approve the
list of selected recipients for the Residential Conversion Grant Program in the amount of
$139,000, to award grants to owners of lawful nonconforming residential properties to return
these properties to a lawful conforming state, as well as authorize staff to continue to review and
award subsequent grants to eligible properties based on the approved priorities for selection .
Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Prigge,
Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
Committee of the Whole
August 12, 2015
Page 3
Consideration of Amendment to Chapter 11.32.040 of the Municipal Code, Entitled “Yield
Intersections”
Councilmember Powell made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gavin, to approve the
installation of a yield sign northbound at the intersection of Alft and Madeline Lanes to increase
safety at the intersection. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gavin, Martinez,
Powell, Prigge, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
Consideration of Review of Potential Time Limit for Designation of Dangerous Dogs
There was discussion regarding the proposed time limit and requirements to remove a dog from
the dangerous dog list. Also discussed was the number of dogs on the list, if the list has been
made public, if any requests to be removed from the list have been received and the level at
which the dogs on the list are monitored.
Councilmember Powell made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Steffen, to review the city's
ordinance regarding designation of dangerous dogs and whether a time limit should exist on the
designation in certain cases. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Martinez,
Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: Councilmember Prigge.
Councilmember Gavin abstained.
Announcements from Council
Councilmember Gavin announced that the Illinois Department of Employment Services Elgin
office would be closing on August 21st.
Councilmember Powell reminded the public that school would be starting next week and to be
cautious for students.
Announcements from Staff
Police Chief Swoboda provided information on recent activities in the city. He noted that while
it may seem that there is an increase in criminal activity the data shows overall crime is down.
He pointed out that the Police Department’s communication with the public has increased and
this change is likely the reason that there is a perceived increase in crime.
Laura Valdez-Wilson, Management Analyst in the City Manager’s Office, announced upcoming
city events.
Committee of the Whole
August 12, 2015
Page 4
Adjournment
Councilmember Shaw made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Martinez, to adjourn the
meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Prigge,
Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance or Dismissal
of Specific Employees of the Public Body - Exempt Under Section 120/2(c)(1) 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
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
Discussion of Minutes of Meetings Lawfully Closed Under This Act - Exempt
Under Section 120/2(c)(21) of the Open Meetings Act
The meeting adjourned at 6:59 p.m.
s/ Kimberly Dewis August 26, 2015
Kimberly Dewis, City Clerk Date Approved