North Cook News

City of Elgin Committee of the Whole met Oct. 23

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 Good made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Martinez, to approve the minutes of the October 9, 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

None.

2025 Health Insurance Program with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois

A resolution was presented at the Council meeting for adoption to provide a fiscally sound health insurance program to employees, retirees and their dependents.

Railway Safety & Monitoring Coalition – Intergovernmental Agreement

A resolution was presented at the Council meeting for adoption to continue Elgin’s participation in the Railway Safety & Monitoring Coalition (formerly the “Coalition to Stop CPKC”) by working collaboratively with partnering municipalities and the county during the federally mandated monitoring period with the purpose of identifying and communicating impacts in coalition communities.

Predictive Mobility and Advanced Warning System Installation with LinqThingz – Agreement Between City of Elgin and the Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway Limited

Fire Chief Cagann provided an overview and demo of LinqThingz predicative mobility system. There was discussion about sensor placement, ongoing costs, and quiet zones.

A resolution was presented at the Council meeting for adoption to authorize LinqThingz to install a predictive mobility system designed to detect trains, predict their duration and deliver advanced notice of blocked crossings to citizens, police, fire and rescue operations.

Kimball Street Bridge Alternatives Presentation and Discussion

Public Services Director Mike Pubentz presented conceptual design options for the replacement of the Kimball Street Bridge. He included an assessment of the relative viability and costs of each option. Mr. Pubentz presented bridge style options such as Steel Through Truss, Tied/True Arch, Suspension, and Cable Stayed. Also noted were various aesthetic elements such as decorative railing, lighting, and pedestrian overlooks A copy of the presentation is on file in the City Clerk's Office. There was discussion regarding the various options, the potential costs, and the viability of the designs.

City Council Meeting Schedule for 2025

Councilmember Good made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Dixon, to move forward with establishing the 2025 schedule of city council meetings in compliance with the Open Meetings Act. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Rauschenberger, Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.

Public Works Fleet Division Epoxy Flooring Replacement – Change Order No. 1 and Final for Job Order Contract

Councilmember Dixon made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Good, to approve Change Order No. 1 and final to the contract with F.H. Paschen in the amount of $62,200 to complete the epoxy floor in the Public Works fleet division with additional moisture prime coat. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Rauschenberger, Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.

Wing Park Golf Clubhouse Simulator Purchase – RFP 24-050

Councilmember Powell made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Dixon, to award a contract to Full Swing Golf, Inc. in the amount of $274,165 to improve the design detail of the proposed clubhouse plans at Wing Park with technology-based upgrades to the golf facilities and establish a technology partner for a golf simulator manufacturer for future upgrades at other facilities.

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 provided details on the events to honor U.S. Army Cpl. Eriverto Oritz, who was considered missing in action during the Korean War.

Councilmember Powell thanked all those involved in making this year’s Nightmare on Chicago Street a success. She also reminded everyone that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Councilmember Steffen announced the upcoming Kiwanis Pancake breakfast on November 9, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Applebee’s Restaurant and Grill.

Announcements from Staff

Fire Chief Cagann provided information on recent issues with ambulance billing.

Adjournment

Councilmember Good made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Powell, 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 7:22 p.m.

https://il-elgin4.civicplus.com/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/9050