North Cook News

City of Elgin Committee of the Whole met June 25

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 Alfaro, Dixon (6:06 p.m.), Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Absent: Councilmember Steffen.

Approval of Minutes

Councilmember Good made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Martinez, to approve the minutes of the June 11, 2025 regular meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Alfaro, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.

Public Comment

Sherry Liske commented on recent ICE activity and treatment of immigrants.

Property Insurance Program Renewal—July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026

A resolution was presented at the Council meeting for adoption by the City Council to accept Alliant Property Insurance Program’s proposal for renewal of property, inland marine and cyber liability insurance to protect the city’s financial resources and provide business interruption insurance.

2024 Annual Consolidated Financial Report—Presentation by Sikich, LLC

Sikich, LLC principal James Savio reviewed the City of Elgin’s 2024 Annual Consolidated Financial Report. He provided a high-level overview and noted the unmodified auditor opinion.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan—2025 Program Year

There was discussion regarding the process of soliciting applications and how the city councilmembers were chosen to assist with recommendations.

Councilmember Ortiz made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Martinez, to release for public comment the activities and funding amounts recommended by the Community Development Block Grant review panel for the 2025 program year. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Alfaro, Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. 

Metro West Council of Government—Membership Renewal

Councilmember Thoren made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Martinez, to approve the city’s annual membership renewal with the Metro West Council of Government in the amount of $30,000 to maintain membership with a council of governments comprised of far west suburban area municipalities organized to advance regional issues through intergovernmental problem solving and cooperation. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Alfaro, Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.

Country Knolls South 2025 Resurfacing Project—Resolution for Improvement Under the Illinois Highway Code, Section Number 25-00212-00-RS

Councilmember Dixon made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Martinez, to approve moving forward with the Resolution for Improvement Under the Illinois Highway Code to expend $2,997,869 of Motor Fuel Tax funds which will provide for the construction of the Country Knolls South 2025 Resurfacing Project and for the engineering services using proceeds from the Illinois Motor Fuel Tax Fund. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Alfaro, Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.

City Council Rules of Procedure—Review

There was a review of the city council rules of procedure, as required by ordinance within 60 days following each city council election. At this time staff did not recommend any amendments to the rules of procedure.

Councilmember Ortiz suggested changes to the duties of city council liaisons to Boards and Commissions. He also suggested changes to how materials for executive sessions are handled.

Councilmember Powell suggested changing the order for the roll call vote and conference attendance for councilmembers.

Councilmember Good suggested documenting meetings in a different way, suggesting a transcript from YouTube video.

There was discussion about how materials for executive sessions are currently handled and what procedures need to improve. It was suggested that there be records kept of the documents that leave executive session. There was also discussion regarding the order of roll call voting and the use of electronic voting systems.

Councilmember Powell made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Alfaro, to alternate the order for roll call votes at each meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Alfaro, Dixon, and Powell. Nays: Councilmembers Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Thoren. Abstain: Mayor Kaptain.

Motion failed.

Announcements from Council

Councilmember Thoren announced the availability of “no fireworks” signs. He also complimented the new citizen recognition event that was held on June 24, 2025.

Councilmember Alfaro also complimented the new citizen recognition event. She also thanked the Cultural Arts Commission and the Special Events Department for all their work.

Councilmember Powell also complimented the new citizen recognition event. She also noted the success of the Juneteenth and Michelada Fest events.

Councilmember Ortiz provided an update on the White Sox’s season.

Mayor Kaptain gave details about the city’s policy regarding ICE activity. He noted that the city is not involved in any of the ICE activity.

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 Alfaro, Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.

The meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m.

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