City of Elgin Committee of the Whole met December 6.
Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:
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, Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Powell (arrived at 5:15 p.m.), Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen (arrived at 5:05 p.m.), and Mayor Kaptain. Absent: None.
Approval of Minutes:
Councilmember Dixon made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Martinez, to approve the minutes of the November 15, 2017, regular meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Rauschenberger, Shaw, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
2018 Budget Discussion:
City Manager Kozal provided an overview of the evening budget discussion, specifically about the programming that is funded currently by the River Boat Fund.
Community Development Director Marc Mylott and Christen Sundquist, Historic Preservation Planner, presented information regarding the residential conversion and the architectural rehabilitation programs. They provided data that detailed the impact of these programs including the number of properties and the amount of money awarded. There was discussion regarding the options to continue funding, suspending, and retooling the programs.
City Manager Kozal provided information about options to continue the funding for the Elgin Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (EACVB). In order to continue the funding it was suggested that an additional increase to the hotel/motel tax be used. There was discussion about terminating the current agreements and drafting a purchase of service agreement for the EACVB. There were concerns regarding the current budget for the bureau, in particular personnel, and the level of accountability that should be in the new purchase of service agreement.
Councilmember Dunne stated his concerns about the reserve levels and potentially drawing down funds to cover the proposed tax levy. There was discussion regarding the reserve level policies.
Councilmember Dunne made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Dixon, to direct staff to draw down the reserves to cover the proposed tax levy increase. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmember Dunne. Nays: Councilmembers Dixon, Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Motion failed.
Councilmember Dunne stated his concerns with the proposed changes to staffing levels in the Fire Department and potential impact on the safety of firefighters and residents. He noted previous staffing reductions in the Fire Department and their impacts. He suggested that instead of the change to the staffing that additional revenue opportunities such as adding fire alarm monitoring, vehicle leases and purchasing firefighter’s health insurance through the state organization could be used to close the budget gap. There was discussion regarding the possible cost savings by utilizing these measures and other impacts if these changes were made.
Councilmember Dunne made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Shaw, to fund the gap in the Fire Department budget by utilizing: fire alarm monitoring fees, change to leasing department vehicles, and allowing the firefighters to purchase their insurance through the state organization. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dunne and Dixon. Nays: Councilmembers Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Motion failed.
Consideration of Resolution Establishing a Schedule of City Council Meetings for 2018:
There was discussion about providing additional time in the meeting schedule to discuss budget issues.
Councilmember Gavin made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Martinez, to authorize establishing a schedule of City Council meetings for 2018 to comply with requirements of the Open Meetings Act. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
Consideration of Intergovernmental Agreement with Kane County Division of Transportation for Elgin to Assume Jurisdiction of Highland Avenue from Randall Road to Coombs Road:
There was discussion on the additional costs and responsibilities when the city assumes jurisdiction of a roadway.
Councilmember Dunne made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Martinez, to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with Kane County Division of Transportation in order to transfer ownership of Highland Avenue from Randall Road to Coombs Road. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
Adjourn to the City Council Meeting:
Councilmember Shaw made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Dunne, to adjourn and go into the City Council meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
Reconvene:
Councilmember Gavin made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Dunne, to reconvene the Committee of the Whole meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
Consideration of Fire Protection Agreements with Illinois Tool Works, DSM Desotech and St. Charles Properties:
Councilmember Gavin made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Martinez, to approve fire protection agreements with Illinois Tool Works, DSM Desotech, and St. Charles Properties for a revenue of $66,848 by providing fire protection to properties located outside of City’s borders when required. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
Consideration of Regulations Allowing Honey Beekeeping within the City:
There was discussion regarding the required setbacks and other restrictions in the proposed regulations.
Councilmember Dunne made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Martinez, to approve regulations beginning in 2018 that will allow residents and organizations to keep honeybees on properties that meet site requirements, which will create a community that allows residents to make choices related to sustainable living and local food production. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
Announcements from Council:
Councilmember Dunne noted that December 7th was Pearl Harbor Day and encouraged residents to remember the sacrifices made that day.
Mayor Kaptain announced the Holiday Community Dinner being held on Sunday, December 17th from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Hemmens Cultural Center.
Announcements from Staff:
Molly Center, Management Analyst in the City Manager’s Office, announced upcoming city events.
Adjournment:
Councilmember Dixon made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Dunne, to adjourn and go into the Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the following matters. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Dunne, Gavin, Martinez, Powell, 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
Collective Bargaining Issues or Deliberations Concerning Salary Schedules for One or More Classes of Employees - Exempt Under Section 120/2(c)(2) of the Open Meetings Act
The meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m.
http://www.cityofelgin.org/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/5798
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