City of Elgin Committee of the Whole met Nov. 14.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
The special Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order by Mayor Kaptain at 5:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Present: Councilmembers Dixon (5:10 p.m.), Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Absent: None.
City Manager Kozal provided a brief overview of items to be discussed during the meeting. There would be presentations on the General Fund, River Boat Fund and projects.
General Fund
Debra Nawrocki, Chief Financial Officer, presented projections for the 2018 General Fund and 2019 budget year. A copy of the presentation is on file in the City Clerk’s office. The highlights for 2018 included revenues exceeding budget and expenditures estimated to be under budgeted levels. The three year financial plan for 2019-2021 included a flat general fund levy, no new or increased taxes, the use of reserve funds and the addition of several positions. There was discussion regarding the reserve fund level policy.
Environmental Remediation
Corporation Counsel Cogley, in his role as Chief Development Officer, presented information regarding the status of the environmental remediation of various city owned properties on Grove Avenue. A copy of the presentation is on file in the City Clerk’s Office. Mr. Cogley provided the history of the properties and the work that had been done to date. He outlined the proposal to further remediate city owned properties on Gove Avenue. There was discussion regarding the different levels of remediation, potential uses for the sites, and future maintenance of the properties.
Police Department – Collaborative Crisis Services Unit (CCSU)
Police Chief Lalley presented information on the creation of a new unit, the Collaborative Crisis Service Unit. A copy of the presentation is on file in the City Clerk’s Office. In 2016 the department started tracking calls for service related to individuals dealing with mental health issues. The data showed that there has been an increase in the number of calls and the department researched solutions used in other cities. This unit would provide case management, public awareness, and partnerships with service providers. The proposed unit would initially consist of one full time police officer and three part-time social workers. There was discussion regarding the coordination with city departments and local agencies.
The Council held a recess from 6:50 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Information Technology – Staffing
Jeff Massey, Information Technology Director, provided information on the various responsibilities of the Information Technology Department. The department handles coordination of software acquisitions, in house development, network security, database management, and the help desk. Mr. Massey proposed the creation of an additional IT Specialist position with a focus on security management. There was discussion regarding the current staffing level and the importance of network security.
River Boat
Debra Nawrocki, Chief Financial Officer, presented 2018 River Boat projections for expenditures and revenues, the 2019 budget figures, and the 2019-2021 Financial Plan.
Ms. Nawrocki noted that the Riverboat Fund reserve will be exhausted by 2021. The projects that would traditionally come from the Riverboat Fund such as street resurfacing, and historical rehabilitation grants, will need to be moved to the General Fund or other funding sources.
Intersection Improvements – Dundee Avenue and Summit Street
City Engineer, Mike Pubentz, presented the proposed plans for the Dundee Avenue and Summit Street intersection. A copy of the presentation is on file in the City Clerk’s Office. Mr. Pubentz outlined the existing intersection configuration, described the proposed design and the anticipated project timeline. The proposed changes included lane widening, dedicated turn lanes, and improved signal timing. If the project moved forward benefits would include increased safety, reduced congestion, drainage improvements and ADA compliance. There was discussion regarding right of way acquisitions, pedestrian traffic, and communication to stakeholders.
LED Street Light Conversion Program
Aaron Neal, Public Works Superintendent presented details on the LED streetlight conversion program. He outlined the ComEd incentive program, the benefits of the fixtures, and the process to inventory the streetlights in the city. Mr. Neal provided a timeline for the project should the proposed budget be adopted. Rod Young, The Will Group, provided details about surrounding communities that have similar streetlight projects and types of fixtures that have been used. There was discussion regarding light pollution, the different types of fixtures, ongoing maintenance costs, and the details of the ComEd incentive program.
Adjournment
Councilmember Shaw moved, seconded by Councilmember Gavin, to adjourn the meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
http://www.cityofelgin.org/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/6247
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