North Cook News

City of Elgin Committee of the Whole met May 24.

Here is the minutes as provided by the committee: 

The regular Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order by Mayor Kaptain at 6:01 p.m.  in the Council Chambers. Present: Councilmembers Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell (6:06  p.m.), Rauschenberger, Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Absent: None. 

Approval of Minutes

Councilmember Good made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Martinez, to approve the  minutes of the May 10, 2023 regular meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers  Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Rauschenberger, Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays:  None.  

Engineering Services Agreement with Engineering Enterprises, Inc. (EEI) for the Lead  Service Line Replacement Plan 

There was discussion regarding the requirements of replacing the Lead Service Lines as defined  by the State of Illinois and how funding opportunities are identified to offset the costs of the  project. 

Councilmember Dixon made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Good, to award an agreement to Engineering Enterprises, Inc., in the amount of $52,061 to update the City’s Lead  Service Line Replacement Plan to meet IEPA requirements and maximize funding opportunities.  Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Rauschenberger,  Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.  

Acceptance Elgin Township Grant for Kids United Summer Program 

Police Chief Lalley provided details of the program and the various ways available to sign up to  participate. 

Councilmember Dixon made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Good, to approve the  agreement with Elgin Township to accept the grant award in the amount of $20,000 to continue  offering programming to support youth initiatives that provide prevention and engagement  opportunities for the city’s youth. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Good,  Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Rauschenberger, Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. 

Purchase of SeaDoo Switch Water Rescue Boat from Neilson Enterprises

There was discussion regarding the number of water rescues performed annually by the fire  department, response times and the critical nature of timeliness with water rescues, and the  location of the new boats along the Fox River. Fire Chief Sagan answered questions regarding  the new boat and its jet propulsion technology, as well as giving details on department training. 

Councilmember Good made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Dixon, to authorize the  purchase of a SeaDoo Switch from Nielson Enterprises in the amount of $26,347 to enhance the  fire department’s water rescue response capabilities by decreasing emergency response time.  Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell,  Rauschenberger, Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.  

Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Grant Acceptance and Agreement  

Councilmember Powell made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Dixon, to execute an  agreement with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to accept a $2  million grant award to defray costs associated with the Civic Center Plaza renovation. Upon a  roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Rauschenberger,  Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.  

Action Plan to Complete Strategic Plan and for City Council and City Manager Goals  

Councilmembers Steffen and Rauschenberger opened discussion regarding hiring a consultant to  help define measurable action steps within the Strategic Plan. The consultant would facilitate  developing criterion to assess the progress of goals outlined within the Strategic Plan, as well as  providing a tool in evaluating the city manager’s performance. The council further reviewed the time and money invested in the Strategic Plan process to date, the cost of future consultant fees,  as well as scheduling the appropriate meetings. 

Councilmember Steffen made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Rauschenberger, to move  forward with hiring a consultant to help create a detailed action plan using the goals outlined  within the current Strategic Plan. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Good,  Ortiz, Powell, Rauschenberger, and Steffen. Nays: Councilmember Martinez, Thoren and Mayor  Kaptain. 

Announcements from Council

Councilmember Thoren detailed the various Memorial Day programs and services being held  over the weekend to honor the veterans.

Councilmember Rauschenberger thanked the owners of Arabica Café and wished them well in  their retirement. 

Councilmember Ortiz congratulated the School District U-46 seniors graduating this year. 

Mayor Kaptain highlighted the Police and Fire Memorials, as well as speaking about the Hope  for Darkness event being held on May 25th at the Heritage Ballroom. 

Councilmember Dixon congratulated his daughter on her graduation from high school. 

Announcements from Staff

Rick Kozal, City Manager, announced upcoming city events. 

Adjournment

Councilmember Martinez made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Good, to adjourn the  meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell,  Rauschenberger, Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. 

The meeting adjourned at 7:12 p.m. 

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