North Cook News

City of Elgin Committee of the Whole met July 10

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The regular Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order by Mayor Kaptain at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Present: Councilmembers Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Rauschenberger, Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Absent: None.

Approval of Minutes

Councilmember Dixon made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Steffen, to approve the minutes of the June 26, 2024 regular meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Rauschenberger, Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain.

Nays: None.

Public Comments

Warren Tejes spoke about traffic circles and was in support of removing two of the current traffic circles in the city.

Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery (RISE) Grant Application with Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin as Co-Applicant ($1 Million City Funding With Up to $500,000 Reimbursement Under RISE Grant Guidelines)

A resolution was presented at the Council meeting for adoption by the City Council to approve authorization to submit a Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery (RISE) grant application to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) with the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin (DNA) as co-applicant.

Traffic Calming Circles Overview and Discussion (Councilmembers Powell and Steffen)

Mike Pubentz, Public Works Director, presented information on the use of traffic calming circles within residential neighborhoods to slow traffic speeds and reduce accidents. A copy of the presentation is on file in the City Clerk’s office. Particular focus and discussion was had regarding the traffic circle at the Division and Gifford Streets intersection and the traffic circles on College Green Drive. Also, the criteria used to remove or add traffic calming measures was examined. The timeline for possible removal of traffic circles was reviewed.

Councilmember Ortiz made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Martinez, to direct staff to begin the work necessary to remove the traffic circle at the Division and Gifford Streets intersection and the traffic circles on College Green Drive. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Rauschenberger, Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. 

Waterford Subdivision Development Agreement with TRG Venture Two, LLC

Councilmember Ortiz made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Steffen, to execute an agreement with TRG Venture Two, LLC to restart construction of single-family homes within the Waterford subdivision. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Rauschenberger, Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.

Central Business District Contractual Landscape Maintenance Contract—Change Order No. 1 for Bid No. 24-025A

Councilmember Good made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Rauschenberger, to increase the contract awarded to Cornerstone Horticultural Services by the amount of $19,988 in 2024 and $36,794 per year in subsequent years of the contract to provide landscaping services for the city’s seven fire stations. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Rauschenberger, Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.

Summerhill Park Renovation Design and Engineering Services with Upland Design, Ltd.

Councilmember Steffen made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Good, to approve an agreement with Upland Design, Ltd. in the amount of $110,000 to complete the final architectural and engineering design elements, prepare construction documents, provide bid assistance and construction management for the renovation of Summerhill Park. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Rauschenberger, Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.

Announcements from Council

Councilmember Martinez thanked the city staff, police, and fire, for holding a fun and safe 4th of July celebration. She also thanked all those involved in organizing Michelada Fest.

Councilmember Thoren thanked Amanda Harris and her special events staff for a wonderful 4th of July parade.

Councilmember Ortiz thanked the police department for keeping everyone safe at the concert and the 4th of July fireworks.

Councilmember Dixon noted that the New Hope Baptist church was recognized at the recent Mayor's Awards as well as had an unveiling of new signage, partnering with the Heritage Commission and the Elgin History Museum.

Councilmember Steffen announced a kayak event with RiverLife on Thursday July 23, 2024, from 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park. He also noted the upcoming bike race being held on Friday July 26, 2024, at the starting point of the intersection of Spring Street and Cooper Street.

Announcements from Staff

Rick Kozal, City Manager, announced upcoming city events.

Adjournment

Councilmember Good made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Steffen, 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 7:00 p.m.

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