City Council

VOLUME XC OCTOBER 8, 2025 COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS COUNCIL-MANAGER FORM OF GOVERNMENT REGULAR MEETING The regular meeting of the Council of the City of Elgin, Illinois, was held on October 8, 2025, in the Council Chambers. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kaptain at 7:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor David Kaptain. ROLL CALL Roll call was answered by Councilmembers Alfaro, Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Absent: None. MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 24, 2025, COUNCIL MEETING APPROVED AS DISTRIBUTED Councilmember Ortiz made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Martinez, to approve the September 24, 2025, regular council meeting minutes as distributed. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Alfaro, Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. COMMUNICATIONS Domestic Violence Awareness Proclamation Mayor Kaptain read the following proclamation: PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, domestic violence continues to be a prevalent problem and is not confined to any group of people regardless of gender, race, religion, ethnicity, or economic class, and is supported by societal indifference; and WHEREAS, the crime of domestic violence violates an individual’s privacy, dignity, security, and humanity through the systematic use of physical, emotional, sexual, psychological, and economic control and abuse; and WHEREAS, the impact of domestic violence ranges across the entire society, directly affecting families, schools, and neighborhoods everywhere; and 525 OCTOBER 8, 2025 VOLUME XC WHEREAS, it is fitting to set aside a special time to bring this issue to the attention of all residents of the City of Elgin so they can become better informed and involved in programs to eliminate this epidemic from our society. NOW, THEREFORE, I, David Kaptain, Mayor of the City of Elgin, Illinois, do hereby proclaim the month of October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the City of Elgin and encourage our residents to join forces with victim services programs, criminal justice officials, and concerned citizens across the country to raise public awareness of domestic violence. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 8th day of October 2025. David J. Kaptain Mayor Danise Habun Proclamation Councilmember Powell read the following proclamation: PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, Danise Habun was an integral member and devoted citizen of the City of Elgin. Danise was deeply committed to helping create the beloved community so often envisioned and spoken of by Dr. Martin Luther King; and WHEREAS, she faithfully served on the Elgin Human Relations Commission, the Reverend Dr. King Celebration Committee, the YWCA Board of Directors and actively devoted her time in support of the Open Door Health Clinic, Elgin Pride and the African-American Coalition of Kane County contributing to programs that strengthen equity, justice, and inclusion; and WHEREAS, Danise also dedicated her service to the Hanover Park Mental Health Board as both an employee and board member, along with the Community Crisis Center and Elgin Township Mental Health Board, where she consistently worked to protect mental health services; and WHEREAS, she continued her service on the City of Elgin’s Community Task Force on Policing (2021-2022), always working toward fair and just practices in law enforcement; and WHEREAS, Danise consistently held individuals and institutions accountable, including the Elgin Police Department and City Hall, with the goal of ensuring Elgin would be a safer, warmer, and more welcoming community for all people; and NOW, THEREFORE, I, David Kaptain, Mayor of the City of Elgin, Illinois, do hereby recognize and honor the life and legacy of Danise Habun, expressing our deepest gratitude for her tireless commitment to justice, equity, and community. 526 VOLUME XC OCTOBER 8, 2025 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 8th day of October 2025. David J. Kaptain Mayor PUBLIC COMMENTS Carroll Bailey asked for volunteers to assist in the various events being held to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. in January of 2026. Linda Searcy stated her concerns about the proposed project at 890 Galt Boulevard. Jane Lamkin asked if the city could investigate rules for e-bikes and e-scooters. SOURCEWELL JOINT PURCHASING AGREEMENT APPROVED WITH SHAW INTEGRATED & TURF SOLUTIONS, INC., FOR THE EDWARD SCHOCK CENTRE OF ELGIN CARPET Councilmember Thoren made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Steffen, to approve a contract with Shaw Integrated & Turf Solutions, Inc., in the amount of $155,426 for the replacement of carpeting in the preschool areas at the Edward Schock Centre of Elgin. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Alfaro, Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. SOURCEWELL JOINT PURCHASING AGREEMENT APPROVED WITH SHAW INTEGRATED & TURF SOLUTIONS, INC., FOR FIRE STATION 5 FLOORING REPLACEMENT Councilmember Ortiz made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Alfaro, to approve the contract with Shaw Integrated & Turf Solutions, Inc., in the amount of $32,969 for the replacement of ceramic tile flooring at Fire Station 5. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Alfaro, Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. PETITION 26-25 APPROVED FOR 2125 POINT BOULEVARD; AMENDMENT TO SPECIAL REGULATIONS FOR STREET GRAPHICS TO CONSTRUCT A LARGER- THAN-PERMITTED MONUMENT SIGN ALONG I-90 TOLLWAY Marc Mylott, Community Development Director, outlined Petition 26-25 to amend a special regulation for street graphics to construct a larger than permitted monument sign. Staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval subject to the conditions outlined. 527 OCTOBER 8, 2025 VOLUME XC Councilmember Ortiz made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Good, to approve Petition 26-25 subject to conditions. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Alfaro, Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. PETITION 25-25 APPROVED FOR 1475 LARKIN AVENUE; PLANNED DEVELOPMENT AS A MAP AMENDMENT TO CONSTRUCT IMPROVEMENTS TO THE EXISTING ATHLETIC FIELD AT LARKIN HIGH SCHOOL Marc Mylott, Community Development Director, outlined Petition 25-25 to allow a map amendment to construct improvements to an existing athletic field. Staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval subject to the conditions outlined. There was discussion regarding the impacts of the project on traffic and the surrounding neighborhoods. Councilmember Ortiz made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Martinez, to approve Petition 25-25 subject to conditions. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Alfaro, Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. ORDINANCE G45-25 DISCUSSED AMENDING CHAPTER 2.08 OF THE ELGIN MUNICIPAL CODE, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED “CITY COUNCIL” AND TITLE 3 OF THE ELGIN MUNICIPAL CODE, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED “BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS” Councilmember Dixon made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Martinez to approve Ordinance G45-25. There was no vote taken on this motion. There was discussion to add language about event tickets being transferable to board and commission members, but they would be non-transferable to relatives and friends. Also, that exceptions for illness, and family and work emergencies would be allowed. Councilmember Ortiz, seconded by Councilmember Thoren, to strike the transfer of tickets from 48 hours to one business week to the events timeline, as well as making the tickets transferable to board and commission members only, but the tickets would be non-transferable to relatives and friends. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: Councilmembers Alfaro, Dixon, Powell and Steffen. None. Motion approved. A straw poll was taken for the following items: There was discussion regarding the process of appointments to boards and commissions. The consensus of the council is to have the initial appointment applications reviewed on a rotating basis by two councilmembers, with all nine members participating on rotation. There was discussion regarding remote attendance and the evolving technology being used to attend remotely. There was dialogue regarding attending remotely for council meetings in 528 VOLUME XC OCTOBER 8, 2025 comparison to executive session. The consensus was to require cameras on when attending meetings remotely, and to not allow attendance to executive session remotely. Corporation Counsel Beck would compile the ideas discussed in an updated ordinance. RESOLUTION 25-175 ADOPTED AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A CHANGE ORDER NO. 2 WITH RAMBOLL AMERICAS ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS, INC. FOR SUPPLEMENTAL SITE INVESTIGATION SERVICES (356-358 DUNDEE AVENUE) Councilmember Ortiz made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Good, to adopt the following resolution. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Alfaro, Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. Resolution No. 25-175 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A CHANGE ORDER NO. 2 WITH RAMBOLL AMERICAS ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS, INC. FOR SUPPLEMENTAL SITE INVESTIGATION SERVICES (356-358 Dundee Avenue) WHEREAS, the City of Elgin has heretofore entered into an agreement with Ramboll Americas Engineering Solutions, Inc. for site remediation program services for the property 356- 358 Dundee Avenue; and WHEREAS, it is necessary and desirable to modify the terms of the contract as is described in Change Order No. 2 attached hereto. WHEREAS, 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 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS, that Richard G. Kozal, City Manager, be and is hereby authorized and directed to execute Change Order No. 2, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof by reference. s/ David J. Kaptain David J. Kaptain, Mayor 529 OCTOBER 8, 2025 VOLUME XC Presented: October 8, 2025 Adopted: October 8, 2025 Omnibus Vote: Yeas: 9 Nays: 0 Attest: s/ Kimberly Dewis Kimberly Dewis, City Clerk RESOLUTION 25-176 ADOPTED ACCEPTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS) AND FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA) GRANT UNDER THE STAFFING FOR ADEQUATE FIRE AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE (SAFER) PROGRAM Councilmember Dixon made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Martinez, to adopt the following resolution. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Alfaro, Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. Resolution No. 25-176 RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS) AND FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA) GRANT UNDER THE STAFFING FOR ADEQUATE FIRE AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE (SAFER) PROGRAM BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS, that Richard G. Kozal, City Manager, be and is hereby authorized and directed to accept the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Grant under the Staffing For Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Program on behalf of the City of Elgin in the amount of $3,028,501. s/ David J. Kaptain David J. Kaptain, Mayor Presented: October 8, 2025 Adopted: October 8, 2025 Omnibus Vote: Yeas: 9 Nays: 0 Attest: s/ Kimberly Dewis Kimberly Dewis, City Clerk 530 VOLUME XC OCTOBER 8, 2025 CONSENT AGENDA By unanimous consent, Councilmember Good made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Martinez, to adopt Resolution Nos. 25-172 through 25-174 by omnibus vote. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Alfaro, Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. RESOLUTION 25-172 ADOPTED AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH MIDWEST VETERINARY HOSPITALS, PLLC, D/B/A GOLF ROSE ANIMAL HOSPITAL FOR ANIMAL SHELTER SERVICES Councilmember Good made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Martinez, to adopt the following resolution. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Alfaro, Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. Resolution No. 25-172 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH MIDWEST VETERINARY HOSPITALS, PLLC, D/B/A GOLF ROSE ANIMAL HOSPITAL FOR ANIMAL SHELTER SERVICES 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 an Agreement on behalf of the City of Elgin with Midwest Veterinary Hospitals, PLLC, d/b/a Golf Rose Animal Hospital, for animal shelter services, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof by reference. s/ David J. Kaptain David J. Kaptain, Mayor Presented: October 8, 2025 Adopted: October 8, 2025 Omnibus Vote: Yeas: 9 Nays: 0 Attest: s/ Kimberly Dewis Kimberly Dewis, City Clerk 531 OCTOBER 8, 2025 VOLUME XC RESOLUTION 25-173 ADOPTED ADOPTING THE 2025 CLIMATE ACTION AND RESILIENCY PLAN Councilmember Good made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Martinez, to adopt the following resolution. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Alfaro, Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. Resolution No. 25-173 RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE 2025 CLIMATE ACTION AND RESILIENCY PLAN WHEREAS, the City of Elgin is committed to building a vibrant, safe, and resilient community for present and future generations; and WHEREAS, the City has demonstrated longstanding leadership in sustainability through the adoption of the Sustainable City Master Plan (2008), Sustainability Action Plan (2011), the Greenest Region Compact (2017), and the Resolution Declaring a Climate Emergency (2020); and WHEREAS, the City completed a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory in 2023 and established goals to reduce emissions 60% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050; and WHEREAS, the City has developed the Climate Action & Resiliency Plan through extensive community engagement to provide a comprehensive roadmap for reducing emissions, adapting to climate change, and improving public health, equity, and resilience; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS, that the Climate Action & Resiliency Plan is hereby adopted as the official framework to guide the City’s climate action and resiliency efforts. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that City staff are directed to integrate the Plan into municipal operations and work collaboratively with residents, businesses, and community partners to implement its goals. s/ David J. Kaptain David J. Kaptain, Mayor Presented: October 8, 2025 Adopted: October 8, 2025 Omnibus Vote: Yeas: 9 Nays: 0 Attest: s/ Kimberly Dewis Kimberly Dewis, City Clerk 532 VOLUME XC OCTOBER 8, 2025 RESOLUTION 25-174 ADOPTED AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH ABSOLUTE SUPPLIERS, INC. D/B/A ABSOLUTE WATER PUMPS FOR TWO, SIX-INCH BYPASS PUMPS AND REQUIRED HOSES Councilmember Good made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Martinez, to adopt the following resolution. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Alfaro, Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. Resolution No. 25-174 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH ABSOLUTE SUPPLIERS, INC. D/B/A ABSOLUTE WATER PUMPS FOR TWO, SIX-INCH BYPASS PUMPS AND REQUIRED HOSES 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 Absolute Suppliers, Inc. d/b/a Absolute Water Pumps, for two, six-inch bypass pumps and required hoses, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof by reference. s/ David J. Kaptain David J. Kaptain, Mayor Presented: October 8, 2025 Adopted: October 8, 2025 Omnibus Vote: Yeas: 9 Nays: 0 Attest: s/ Kimberly Dewis Kimberly Dewis, City Clerk REPORTS/MINUTES RECEIVED AND ORDERED PLACED ON FILE Councilmember Powell made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Martinez, to place the following reports and minutes on file. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Alfaro, Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. 533 OCTOBER 8, 2025 VOLUME XC Cultural Arts Commission August 11, 2025 Heritage Design Review Subcommittee September 9, 2025 Committee of the Whole September 10, 2025 City Council September 10, 2025 Alcohol Tax Cannabis Tax Hotel Motel Tax Local Motor Fuel Tax Natural Gas Tax Riverboat Revenue ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Kaptain made announcements regarding forthcoming meetings. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Martinez made a motion, seconded by Councilmember Good, to adjourn the meeting and go into the Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the following matters. Upon a roll call vote: Yeas: Councilmembers Alfaro, Dixon, Good, Martinez, Ortiz, Powell, Steffen, Thoren, and Mayor Kaptain. Nays: None. Collective Bargaining Issues or Deliberations Concerning Salary Schedules for One or More Classes of Employees - Exempt Under Section 120/2(c)(2) of the Open Meetings Act The meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m. s/ Kimberly Dewis October 22, 2025 Kimberly Dewis, City Clerk Date Approved 534