City of Elgin Committee of the Whole met April 27.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
The regular Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order by City Clerk Kimberly Dewis at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Present: Councilmembers Dixon, Good, Martinez, Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, and Thoren. Absent: Mayor Kaptain
Motion to Appoint Mayor Pro Tem
Councilmember Shaw made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Powell, to appoint Councilmember F. John Steffen as Mayor Pro Tem of the meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Good, Martinez, Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw, and Thoren. Nays: None. Councilmember Steffen abstained.
Mayor Pro Tem Steffen announced that Councilmember Martinez asked to attend the meeting electronically and asked if there were any objections. There were no objections and Councilmember Martinez was permitted to participate electronically.
Approval of Minutes
Councilmember Shaw made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Dixon, to approve the minutes of the April 13, 2022 regular meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Good, Martinez, Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw, and Thoren. Nays: None. Mayor Pro Tem Steffen abstained.
Nightmare on Chicago Street Update
Special Events Coordinator Kate O’Leary and City staff reiterated the commitment to producing 2022 Nightmare on Chicago Street if the city council and community sentiment decides to proceed.
Councilmember Thoren made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Good, to reconsider the vote to move forward with the 2022 Nightmare on Chicago Street event. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Good, Powell, Rauschenberger, Thoren, and Mayor Pro Tem Steffen. Nays: Councilmember Martinez and Shaw.
Mayor Pro Tem Steffen asked if anyone had comments regarding this matter.
Greg Shannon spoke in support of holding the event and noted the economic impact beyond the day of the event.
Matt Habib stated support for the event and noted how all could work together to overcome the challenges that were presented of holding the event.
Jennifer Polit stated her support of the event.
Andrew Cuming spoke in support of holding the event and the event having a positive impact on the image of the city.
Urszula Borodzinska spoke in support of holding the event and the positive impacts it has had on her business in the past.
Jen Cook provided her support of the event and ideas to make the event successful this year.
Rich Wagner stated his support of the event and described the positive effects it has had on his business.
Jamie Berry stated her support for the event.
The council discussed the feedback they received from the community. Factors included the weather and a COVID-19 surge, and the budget for the event. Councilmember Powell asked for a cap of $500,000 for this event. Ms. O’Leary noted that staff would be mindful of all costs associated with the event, but stated her concerns of a hard cap since there are often unknown last minute costs. The council asked staff to look at sponsorship opportunities and to provide data regarding hotel stays related to the event.
Councilmember Powell amended the original motion, seconded by Councilmember Rauschenberger, by removing the budget cap of $500,000, to move forward with the 2022 Nightmare on Chicago Street event. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Good, Powell, Rauschenberger, Thoren, and Mayor Pro Tem Steffen. Nays: Councilmember Martinez and Shaw.
Adjourn to City Council
Councilmember Thoren made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Dixon, to adjourn to the City Council meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Good, Martinez, Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Thoren, and Mayor Pro Tem Steffen. Nays: None.
Reconvene
Councilmember Dixon made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Martinez, to reconvene the Committee of the Whole meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Good, Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Thoren, and Mayor Pro Tem Steffen. Nays: None.
Elgin Public Museum
Sherry Blazier, Director of the Elgin Public Museum, presented information on the organization’s accomplishments and continuing plans for improvement. She highlighted challenges of the pandemic and how they were overcome. Ms. Blazier outlined new exhibits, the number of visitors and the increased donations.
Agreement with Mad Bombers Fireworks Production for the 2022 Fourth of July Fireworks
Councilmember Thoren made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Dixon, to enter into an agreement with Mad Bombers Fireworks Productions for an amount not to exceed $48,000 to provide the annual Fourth of July fireworks display for Elgin residents. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Good, Martinez, Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Thoren, and Mayor Pro Tem Steffen. Nays: None.
Purchase of Services Agreement with the Elgin Public Museum to Maintain Public Property Exhibits and Provide Educational Programming
Councilmember Dixon made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Rauschenberger, to approve an agreement with the Elgin Public Museum for one year in the amount of $60,000 to provide services to maintain public property exhibits and deliver educational programming to the community regarding natural history and anthropology. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Good, Martinez, Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Thoren, and Mayor Pro Tem Steffen. Nays: None.
Bond Funded Project List for the Parks and Recreation Department
Councilmember Shaw made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Dixon, to provide feedback to staff regarding the project list developed for projects related to the 2022 bond funding for the Parks and Recreation Department in order to provide quality amenities and facilities within the Parks and Recreation operation. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Good, Martinez, Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Thoren, and Mayor Pro Tem Steffen. Nays: None.
Professional Services Agreement with SmithGroup, Inc., for the final phase development of Jack E. Cook Park and Forest Preserve
Councilmember Powell made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Thoren, to enter into an agreement with SmithGroup, Inc., in the amount of $310,500 to complete the final phase of development of Jack E. Cook Park and Forest Preserve. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Good, Martinez, Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Thoren, and Mayor Pro Tem Steffen. Nays: None.
Announcements from Council
Councilmember Powell announced a Juneteenth event held by the African American Coalition of Kane County at Festival Park on June 18, 2022. She also wished her son, Kyle, a happy birthday.
Councilmember Thoren reminded everyone about the Mayor’s Awards being held on May 3, 2022 at the Fox River Country Day School.
Announcements from Staff
None.
Adjournment
Councilmember Thoren made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Shaw, to adjourn the meeting. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Dixon, Good, Martinez, Powell, Rauschenberger, Shaw, Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None.
The meeting adjourned at 8:29 p.m.
https://www.cityofelgin.org/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/7886
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