HomeMy WebLinkAboutp - November 18, 2020 COWCOMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
November 18, 2020
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 Dixon, Gavin, Lopez, Martinez, Powell
(5:10 p.m.), Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Absent: None. All members,
with the exception of Mayor Kaptain, attended via electronic means. This was allowed at this
time granted by Governor Pritzker's Executive Order 2020-07.
Approval of Minutes
Councilmember Dixon made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Steffen, to approve the
minutes of the November 4, 2020 regular meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas:
Councilmembers Dixon, Gavin, Lopez, Martinez, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor
Kaptain. Nays: None.
Proposed 2021 Budget and Three -Year Financial Plan
City Manager Kozal introduced the topics for this evening's continuing discussion on the
proposed 2021 Budget and Three -Year Financial Plan. Staff would present information
regarding the Utility Fund, the Hommen's Cultural Arts Center, Cultural Arts programs, and the
Parks and Recreation Department.
Debra Nawrocki, Chief Financial Officer and Budget Director, provided an overview of the
Utility Fund. She noted that expenditures and revenues were in line with the budget, and the fee
increase for this service would be less than projected. The Water Department would be
requesting an additional staff member and are in the process of changing the water meter vendor.
There was discussion regarding the aging receivables; strategic initiatives including a study on
dam removals; and the status of the debt service.
Eric Weiss, Water Director, provided details on the department's initiative of a new water meter
reader system. He outlined the differences between the current system and the proposed system.
There was discussion on the water meter changes and the impact on the billing process.
Eric Weiss, Water Director, provided an update on the Lead Service Line Replacement Project
including the status of an application for grant money to assist those property owners that need
line replacements.
Maria Cumpata, Parks and Recreation Director, provided details on the measures taken during
2020 in response to the pandemic. She noted that program cancellations impacted projected
revenues to be $1.7 million which is down from $4.2 million in the previous year. Further
impacts included staff furloughs, and job cuts for both part time and seasonal positions.
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November 18, 2020
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The Parks and Recreation Department's proposals for the 2021 budget include closing Lords
Park Pool, closing the East Side Recreation Center (ERC), cancelling various special events,
postponing a marketing study and delaying capital improvements such as the installation of a
concrete pad at Festival Park. The governor's stay at home order saw an increase in residents
using parks, open spaces and bike trails. This may result in investing in playground equipment
in the near future.
Amanda Harris, Assistant to the City Manager, presented information regarding how the
pandemic impacted the Hemmen's Cultural Arts Center and Cultural Arts overall.
In 2020, the Hemmen's Cultural Arts Center saw staffing furloughs and rebooking of events.
Changes proposed for 2021 will include new rental packages with cleaning, equipment and labor
fees, and live streaming opportunities.
Ms. Harris outlined a new initiative that was in response to the boards up used during protests
over the summer. The project would include a documentary about the art created on the board
ups and efforts to preserve this work. Also the project will include a mural, an expanded
Juneteenth event and a new scholarship.
Engineering Services Amendment Agreement No. 2 with Baxter and Woodman, Inc. for
the Dundee Avenue and Summit Street Intersection Water Main Design ($18,590)
Councilmember Gavin made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Shaw, to approve
Amendment Agreement No. 2 with Baxter and Woodman, Inc. in an amount not to exceed
$18,590 to prepare the designs, specifications, estimates and construction documents necessary
to include additional design considerations in the Dundee Avenue/Summit Street intersection
project. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Gavin, Lopez, Martinez, Powell,
Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
Renaming the "Farm Zoo" in the Lords Park Zoo to "Tefft's Farm" (No cost)
Councilmember Powell made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Martinez, to approve the
recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board "Farm Zoo" at the Lords Park Zoo
to "Tefft's Farm" in order to recognize the historical contributions of Joseph Tefft to the Elgin
community. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Gavin, Lopez, Martinez,
Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
Announcements from Council
Councilmember Gavin wished everyone a happy thanksgiving.
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November 18, 2020
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Councilmember Dixon announced that on November 21, 2020 there would be a drive thru health
fair held at Wing Park.
Mayor Kaptain reminded everyone to be safe and practice social distance, wash their hands, and
wear a mask.
Announcements from Staff
None.
Adiournment
Councilmember Martinez made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Dixon, to adjourn the
meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Gavin, Lopez, Martinez, Powell,
Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
The meeting adjourned at 6:47 p.m.
s/ Kimberly Dewis December 2, 2020
Kimberly Dewis, City Clerk Date Approved