The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink Abouts - November 4, 2015 COW COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING November 4, 2015 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, Gavin, Martinez (arrived at 5:42 p.m.), Powell (arrived at 5:02 p.m.), Prigge, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Absent: None. Approval of Minutes Councilmember Shaw made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Steffen, to approve the minutes of the October 14, 2015, regular meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gavin, Prigge, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. Consideration of Acceptance of the Bureau of Justice Assistance - Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program for Implementing a Body-Worn Camera Program There was discussion regarding the timing of the acceptance of the grant funds and the use of the drug asset forfeiture fund as a source for the matching funds. A resolution will be presented at tonight’s Council meeting for adoption by the City Council. 2016 Budget Discussion Larry Suffredin, city lobbyist, provided an update on the current situation with the state budget and pending legislation that may release Motor Fuel Tax, E-911, and gaming funds owed to the city. City Manager Stegall presented an overview of the 2016 proposed budget. A copy of the presentation is on file in the City Clerk’s office. He outlined which funds would be discussed in detail at each of the budget meetings and the timing for the approval of the final budget. Mr. Stegall noted the city council’s financial stewardship allowed the city to be in a strong financial position. He outlined the challenges that will be faced due to the lack of a state budget and the impact on the city. The proposed budget outlined a realistic budget plan to address the uncertainty caused by the lack of a state budget. There was discussion regarding debt limitations, the property tax levy and the implications of the potential property tax freeze legislation. City Manager Stegall outlined opportunities, should it become necessary, to amend the city’s budget after it has been approved. Mr. Stegall reviewed the three key points to the budget strategy: borrowing $25 million for street and utility improvements, positioning the property tax levy, and utilizing rolling forecasts. Committee of the Whole November 4, 2015 Page 2 Human Services Summit Recap Laura Valdez-Wilson, Management Analyst in the City Manager’s Office, presented a summary of the Human Services Summit held on October 20, 2015. A copy of the presentation is on file in the City Clerk’s office. The meeting resulted in three key concepts aimed at assisting social service agencies with their current financial constraints. The two long-term ideas discussed were increased communication and collaboration to streamline operations. The short-term solution was for agencies to obtain funding to compensate for the delayed state payments. City staff is working with United Way of Elgin on ways to address this goal. There was discussion regarding the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, other potential funding sources, how emergency funds would be distributed, potential criteria for emergency loans, and the time frame for the program to take place. Adjourn to the City Council Meeting Councilmember Gavin made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Steffen, to adjourn and go into the City Council meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Prigge, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. Reconvene Councilmember Gavin made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Steffen, 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. Consideration of Resolution Establishing a Schedule of City Council Meetings for 2016 Councilmember Powell made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Shaw, to approve moving forward with establishing a schedule of city council meetings for 2016 to comply with requirements of the Open Meetings Act. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Prigge, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. Consideration of Acceptance of Public Improvements within Shadow Hill Unit 4 - Phase 1 Councilmember Gavin made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Steffen, to approve the acceptance of the public improvements for ownership and maintenance in Shadow Hill Unit 4 ‐ Phase 1 to fulfill the city’s obligation to maintain reliable infrastructure for serving businesses and residents. 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 4, 2015 Page 3 Consideration of Transfer of Bluff Spring Fen Parcels to the Forest Preserve of Cook County Councilmember Steffen made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Gavin, to transfer ownership of 20.21 acres of city owned land to the Forest Preserve of Cook County to consolidate the parcels comprising the Bluff Spring Fen under one owner. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Prigge, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. Announcements from Council Councilmember Dunne announced the Marines Corps Toys for Tots program and noted that they would be collecting toys for the program on November 11th from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., at the local Colonial Ice Cream. Councilmember Powell commented on the success of Nightmare on Chicago Street, and thanked staff for their efforts. She also expressed condolences to the family of Dave Christensen, a Public Works equipment operator, who recently passed away. Councilmember Martinez welcomed back Carol Gage to the meeting and wished Elinor Richoz a happy 91st birthday. Councilmember Prigge announced a cleanup event being held on November 14th from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Waste Management Transfer Stations at 12225 Gifford Road. Announcements from Staff Laura Valdez-Wilson, Management Analyst in the City Manager’s Office, announced upcoming city events. Adjournment Councilmember Shaw made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Steffen, 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. 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 Committee of the Whole November 4, 2015 Page 4 Selection of a Person to Fill a Public Office, Including a Vacancy in a Public Office, When the Public Body is Given Power to Appoint Under Law or Ordinance, or the Discipline, Performance or Removal of the Occupant of a Public Office, When the Public Body is Given Power to Remove the Occupant Under Law or Ordinance - Exempt Under Section 120/2(c)(3) of the Open Meetings Act The meeting adjourned at 8:46 p.m. s/ Kimberly Dewis November 18, 2015 Kimberly Dewis, City Clerk Date Approved