City of Elgin City Council met Nov. 4.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Elgin, Illinois, was held in the Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kaptain at 7:00 p.m. and the pledge of allegiance was led by Councilmember Rose Martinez.
ROLL CALL
Roll call was answered by Councilmembers Dixon, Gavin, Lopez, Martinez, Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Absent: None. Councilmembers Gavin, Lopez, and Steffen attended via electronic means. This was allowed with the provision from Public Act 101-0640.
MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 28, 2020, COUNCIL MEETING APPROVED AS DISTRIBUTED
Councilmember Steffen made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Powell, to approve the October 28, 2020, Council Meeting Minutes as distributed. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Gavin, Lopez, Martinez, Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
COMMUNICATIONS
Elgin Public Museum 100th Anniversary Proclamation
Mayor Kaptain read the following proclamation:
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, The natural history collection belonging to Mr. and Mrs. G.P. Lord was first exhibited in the Lords Park Pavilion in 1898 and in 1904, local architect David E. Postle was contracted to design a structure to serve as a permanent building to house their collection; and
WHEREAS, Construction of the current building’s central structure and west wing began two years later, with many delays and waning interest upon the death of Mr. Lord, causing the north and east wings of the building to not be completed as originally planned and the goal of housing a museum collection to be forgotten, with the building then being used as a storage place for hay from 1909-1911 and as the City Dog Pound from 1911-1917; and
WHEREAS, Originally named Lord Memorial Museum, the building finally opened on November 12, 1920 as the Elgin Audubon Museum under an agreement with the City of Elgin for the Audubon Society to operate the museum, with the Society appointing Charles J. Adkins as the first curator; and
WHEREAS, When the Elgin Audubon Society disbanded in 1961, the City of Elgin’s Department of Public Property and Recreation took over complete operation of the Museum, changing the name in 1975 to the Elgin Public Museum and was recognized by the National Registry of Historic Places as an example of Neo-Classical architecture, as well as for its local historical significance; and
WHEREAS, Finally, in August of 1998 ground was broken to complete the east wing and the museum was reopened in 2000 with new exhibits including Exploring the Waterways: the LaSalle Expedition, Nature of Elgin and hands-on Children’s Discovery Room; and
WHEREAS, The Elgin Public Museum is now recognized as the oldest building in Illinois built expressly as a museum that is still serving that purpose.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, David Kaptain, Mayor of the City of Elgin, Illinois, do hereby congratulate the Elgin Public Museum on its 100th anniversary in preserving the unique history of Elgin, and its efforts to enrich lives by sharing its extraordinary collections.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 4th day of November, 2020.
David J. Kaptain
Mayor
RECOGNIZE PERSONS PRESENT
Sandra Davila stated her opposition to the Student Resource Officer program. Abel Barraza, stated his opposition to the Student Resource Officer program.
CONSIDERATION OF RECOMMENDATION OF THE ELGIN HERITAGE COMMISSION TO DESIGNATE THE DC COOK PUBLISHING HOUSE AT 850 N. GROVE AVENUE AS A LOCAL LANDMARK
Marc Mylott, Community Development Director, provided the history for the DC Cook Publishing House building and property located at 850 N. Grove Avenue. He outlined the process for landmark designation of the building and that the Elgin Heritage Commission determined that the property met nine of the eleven criteria to be evaluated for designation. Staff and the Elgin Heritage Commission recommend approval subject to the conditions outlined. He stated the property owner filed an objection to the nomination, which requires a two-thirds vote of City Council to approve the designation.
Mayor Kaptain opened the floor for public comment.
Maralee Parker, via email submitted for public comment, stated her opposition to the landmark designation of the DC Cook Publishing House.
Pat Segel, via email submitted for public comment, stated her opposition to the landmark designation of the DC Cook Publishing House.
Attorney Scott Day and DC Cook CEO Cris Doornbos stated their opposition to the landmark designation of the DC Cook Publishing House. Mr. Doornbos outlined why the building is a health and safety issue for workers as well as for the neighborhood due to flooding, mold, and debris from the ceiling collapse. He stated that they were in early talks with a party that was interested in the property, but that a landmark designation would force that deal to fall through. He outlined the costs to rehabilitate the building versus the cost to demolish, and pledged not to demolish the building for at least six months while in talks regarding options with the aforementioned interested party for the possible future use of the property.
Kerry Kelly stated her support of the landmark designation of the DC Cook Publishing House. Eric Larson stated his support of the landmark designation of the DC Cook Publishing House.
There was discussion by the council and staff regarding the landmark designation findings by the Elgin Heritage Commission, the current state of the building, the overall process of making a building a landmark, tax credits for buildings with landmark status, and property rights. Also discussed was the possibility of developing a vacant building program for commercial buildings similar to the residential vacant building program currently in place in Elgin to prevent buildings falling into disrepair.
Councilmember Steffen made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Rauschenberger, to approve the DC Cook Publishing House located at 850 N. Grove Avenue as a local landmark. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Lopez, Rauschenberger, and Steffen. Nays: Gavin, Martinez, Powell, Shaw, and Mayor Kaptain.
Motion to approve the designation failed.
CONSENT AGENDA
By unanimous consent, Councilmember Shaw made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Martinez, to adopt Resolution Nos. 20-141 through 20-144 by omnibus vote. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Gavin, Lopez, Martinez, Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
RESOLUTION 20-141 ADOPTED AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUSTAINED TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM (STEP) GRANT AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A GRANT AGREEMENT (AGREEMENT NO. HS-21-0142, 04-02)
Councilmember Shaw made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Martinez, to adopt the following resolution. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Gavin, Lopez, Martinez, Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
Resolution No. 20-141
RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SUSTAINED TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM (STEP) GRANT AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A GRANT AGREEMENT
(Agreement No. HS-21-0142, 04-02)
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS, that the City of Elgin, Illinois hereby accepts the Illinois Department of Transportation Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant in the amount of $111,982 for occupant protection and impaired driving enforcement.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS, that Richard G. Kozal, City Manager, and Debra Nawrocki, Chief Financial Officer, be and are hereby authorized and directed to execute a grant agreement with the State of Illinois and the Illinois Department of Transportation regarding the Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP), a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof by reference.
s/ David J. Kaptain
David J. Kaptain, Mayor
Presented: : November 4, 2020
Adopted: : November 4, 2020
Omnibus Vote: Yeas: 9 Nays: 0
Attest:
s/ Kimberly Dewis
Kimberly Dewis, City Clerk
RESOLUTION 20-142 ADOPTED AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A MASTER SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BAXTER & WOODMAN, INC. FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH VARIOUS UTILITY DIVISION PROJECTS RELATING TO WATER DISTRIBUTION
Councilmember Shaw made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Martinez, to adopt the following resolution. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Gavin, Lopez, Martinez, Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
Resolution No. 20-142
RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A MASTER SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH BAXTER & WOODMAN, INC. FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES IN CONNECTION WITH VARIOUS UTILITY DIVISION PROJECTS RELATING TO WATER DISTRIBUTION
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS, that Richard G. Kozal, City Manager, and Kimberly A. Dewis, City Clerk, be and are hereby authorized and directed to execute a Master Services Agreement on behalf of the City of Elgin with Baxter & Woodman, Inc., for professional services in connection with various utility division projects relating to water distribution, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof by reference.
s/ David J. Kaptain
David J. Kaptain, Mayor
Presented: : November 4, 2020
Adopted: : November 4, 2020
Omnibus Vote: Yeas: 9 Nays: 0
Attest:
s/ Kimberly Dewis
Kimberly Dewis, City Clerk
RESOLUTION 20-143 ADOPTED AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH MCCROMETER, INC. FOR THE PURCHASE OF WATER TREATMENT PLANT FLOW METERS
Councilmember Shaw made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Martinez, to adopt the following resolution. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Gavin, Lopez, Martinez, Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
Resolution No. 20-143
RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH MCCROMETER, INC. FOR THE PURCHASE OF WATER TREATMENT PLANT FLOW METERS
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS, that pursuant to Elgin Municipal Code Section 5.02.020B(9) the City Council hereby finds that an exception to the requirements of the procurement ordinance is necessary and in the best interest of the city; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS, that Richard G. Kozal, City Manager, and Kimberly A. Dewis, City Clerk, be and are hereby authorized and directed to execute a Purchase Agreement on behalf of the City of Elgin with McCrometer Inc., for the purchase of water treatment plant flow meters, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof by reference.
s/ David J. Kaptain
David J. Kaptain, Mayor
Presented: : November 4, 2020
Adopted: : November 4, 2020
Omnibus Vote: Yeas: 9 Nays: 0
Attest:
s/ Kimberly Dewis
Kimberly Dewis, City Clerk
RESOLUTION 20-144 ADOPTED APPROVING SETTLEMENTS OF CERTAIN WORKERS' COMPENSATION CASES
Councilmember Shaw made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Martinez, to adopt the following resolution. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Gavin, Lopez, Martinez, Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
Resolution No. 20-144
RESOLUTION
APPROVING SETTLEMENTS OF CERTAIN WORKERS' COMPENSATION CASES
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS, that the proposed settlement of the pending workers' compensation case of Jason Walczak, Case No. 19 WC 35437, in the total amount of $46,017.95 is approved.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the proposed settlement of the pending workers' compensation/occupational illness-disease case of Richard W. Hanks, Case No. 16 WC 17151, in the total amount of $62,795.72 is approved.
s/ David J. Kaptain
David J. Kaptain, Mayor
Presented: : November 4, 2020
Adopted: : November 4, 2020
Omnibus Vote: Yeas: 9 Nays: 0
Attest:
s/ Kimberly Dewis
Kimberly Dewis, City Clerk
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Kaptain made announcements regarding forthcoming meetings.
ADJOURNMENT
Councilmember Shaw made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Martinez, to adjourn the meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Gavin, Lopez, Martinez, Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
The meeting adjourned at 8:29 p.m.
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