North Cook News

City of Elgin Committee of the Whole met Jan. 22

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 (6:05 p.m.), 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 January 8, 2025, regular meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Good, Martinez, Powell, Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. Councilmembers Ortiz and Rauschenberger abstained.

Public Comment

Reverend Danise Tracey spoke about her grandchildren’s concerns about their friends being deported. Mayor Kaptain noted several groups holding information sessions regarding immigration.

Ordinance Prohibiting Pedestrian Activities within Public Roadways

There was discussion regarding the proposed changes. It was noted that there has been an increase in accidents involving pedestrians within the public roadways, and requests to find a way to increase pedestrian safety. Corporation Counsel Beck provided details about the proposed changes and the most recent First Amendment rulings from the Supreme Court. Chief Lalley explained how enforcement of the ordinance would take place with an emphasis on education.

Councilmember Rauschenberger made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Dixon, to approve moving forward with the proposed ordinance prohibiting pedestrians from using roadway medians to ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Rauschenberger, Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. 

Acceptance of Public Improvements within the Site for 335 Locust Street—Watermain and Stormwater Management and Plat of Easement and Abrogation for Watermain and Stormwater Management Purposes

Councilmember Powell made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Steffen, to approve the acceptance of the public improvements and related easement for ownership and maintenance within the site located at 335 Locust Street to fulfill the city’s obligation to maintain reliable infrastructure for serving businesses and residents. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Rauschenberger, Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.

Public Improvements Acceptance for 455 Shepard Drive

Councilmember Powell made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Dixon, to approve the acceptance of the public improvements for the site located at 455 Shepard Drive to fulfill the city’s obligation to maintain reliable infrastructure for serving businesses and residents. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Rauschenberger, Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.

Removal and Disposal of Water Treatment Lime Residuals for 2025—Amendment Agreement No. 3 with Stewart Spreading, Inc.

Councilmember Martinez made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Thoren, to award Amendment Agreement No. 3 to Stewart Spreading, Inc. in the amount of $2,886,000 to continue treatment of the city’s drinking water by responsibly handling the lime softening waste residual from the city’s water treatment process. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Rauschenberger, Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.

Lead Service Line Replacement Program Year 4—Engineering Services Agreement with Engineering Enterprises, Inc.

Councilmember Martinez made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Good, to award an agreement to Engineering Enterprises, Inc., in the amount of $660,610 for engineering services related to Lead Service Line Replacement Program Year 4 to implement remedial action relating to lead water service replacement. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Rauschenberger, Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. 

Lead Service Line Replacement Program, Year 4 – Illinois Environmental Protection Public Water Supply Loan Program Requirements

Councilmember Good made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Martinez, to authorize the city manager to sign the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s Public Water Supply Loan Program documents and approve a debt authorization ordinance in accordance with said program to secure $3,027,000 in funding for city’s Lead Service Line Replacement Program, Year 4. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Rauschenberger, Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.

Announcements from Council

Councilmember Thoren congratulated Christen Sundquist on her recognition for the 2023 Historical Preservation Award by the U.S. Department of Interior for the certified local government program.

Councilmember Ortiz made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Good, to direct the city manager to investigate the feasibility of installing cameras on the Lexington Inn side of Route 25. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Rauschenberger, Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.

Councilmember Martinez stated her concerns regarding emails from Elgin Math and Science Academy (EMSA) parents that indicated the city council was putting children in harms way by using the Lexington Inn.

Councilmember Steffen announced the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast being held on January 25th from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Applebee’s Restaurant.

Announcements from Staff

None.

Adjournment

Councilmember Good made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Martinez, 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 6:45 p.m.

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