[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6332443,"mediaKeyId","2307116-81bc7dec0ef6abb13c2a486b15c74841","parentId",2307116,"title","Elgin council approves multiple procurements, equipment purchases and personnel adjustments (votes at a glance)","audioSeconds",838,"startMs",294000,"endMs",1132000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2307116-81bc7dec0ef6abb13c2a486b15c74841&start=294&end=1132","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2307116-81bc7dec0ef6abb13c2a486b15c74841/thumbnail_294000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6332443/Elgin/Cook-County/Illinois/Elgin-council-approves-multiple-procurements-equipment-purchases-and-personnel-adjustments-votes-at-a-glance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6332443-a63e22283cfe0faf156310bc49f531bf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177737&Signature=HkfM2yIClxw2ga4PjiqHPIDEZceSUCnCNUUWOoBrCnW3nKhdhaBdT8mu3MqZm4IPpQmtFYFW-1m21IbiP~4GIHk9p5Hi8yUm~WysDbTk1mxYCe5MkENXcH1l38DL2Ov5Db4nyBWZ1NazXNkfrTKo7Q5WZpa1UVnQQg575ymEYj9aqQKeypC4GBi7lmGFkJoue07cMrSKNkVHSB-6jivloXajO3mbvGPRP5GNG9l2ZrpLlOWHEdwoM3a~lE5IBS9tbPmxYDUCsHgQ18JeUG0HHHO4pE4EvPlKgOgb~QPC-QYwrrt-4JPtp4pB9~Pk8lDZKsES3KhGlosuw6Sg3mC6eQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Elgin, IL","date","2025-02-13T21:12:10.327Z","article","The Elgin City Council approved multiple routine and higher‑priority items on Feb. 12, covering public‑safety equipment, arts grants, fleet and facility purchases, and personnel pay‑plan adjustments. Because debate on these items was brief, the council handled them largely on consent or with short discussion; below are the actions and vote outcomes.

Key votes and outcomes:
- GreyKey/Magnet Forensics (mobile forensic access software): Council authorized a one‑year purchase agreement to continue use of a mobile forensics extraction tool used by the police department. Vote: 9–0.

- MP 5000 wedge barrier system (Delta Scientific Corporation): Council approved purchase of wedge barricades described as a moveable perimeter safety device for high‑traffic event locations; council discussed use alongside existing Meridian barriers. Vote: 9–0.

- Cultural Arts Commission 2025 grant awards: The council approved recommended awards totaling $61,580 to 11 nonprofit organizations for arts programming, including visual arts, live entertainment and children’s theater. Vote: 9–0.

- 2025 fleet procurement authorization: Council authorized staff to purchase 42 vehicles and multiple pieces of field equipment for departments including public works, utilities, parks and police using cooperative contracts and other purchasing options. Vote: 9–0.

- Extrication units (fire department): Council approved purchase of three battery‑powered extrication units to replace older equipment; the department said the units reduce maintenance and eliminate on‑apparatus gasoline. Vote: 9–0.

- Management pay‑plan amendments: Council approved technical corrections to pay grades, role renamings, and benefit parity changes for police sergeants and lieutenants. Vote: 9–0.

- Lead service line replacement program (Engineering Enterprises Inc. amendment): Council approved an amendment to support the city's Year 4 lead service line replacement program and the bidding of five contracts; Year 4 will replace approximately 1,040 lead service lines using multiple funding sources. Vote: 9–0.

- Waterworks sludge pumps (Dryden equipment): Purchase of two replacement sludge pumps for treatment facilities. Vote: 9–0.

- Elevator power unit upgrade (Cone Inc.) and golf course maintenance equipment (Toro mowers): Both purchases through cooperative agreements were approved. Vote: 9–0 for both.

- Sale of 115–121 Center Street to St. Joseph’s Church: The council authorized execution of a purchase and sale agreement; Council Member Martinez recorded an abstention; motion approved 8–0 with 1 abstention.

- Police academy tuition payment to Macon County Law Enforcement Training Center: Approved 9–0.

These items were approved in single votes or as part of consent, reflecting staff recommendations and, in some cases, brief council questions or favorable comments from council members. Where grants or purchases use cooperative purchasing or grant funds, staff noted transparency and planned follow‑up reporting for vendor selection and final pricing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Committee of the Whole and Regular City Council Meeting - February 12, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its Feb. 12 meetings the Elgin City Council approved a slate of purchasing and personnel items including barrier systems, public-safety equipment, grant awards, fleet procurement authorization, and pay‑plan amendments; most items passed unanimously or by large margins.","taxTitle","Elgin, Cook County, Illinois","taxId",2637,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6332448,"Elgin moves forward accelerated TIF payment for Courtyard at 40 to address construction shortfall",209,714000,923000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2307116-81bc7dec0ef6abb13c2a486b15c74841&start=714&end=923","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2307116-81bc7dec0ef6abb13c2a486b15c74841/thumbnail_714000.jpg","/articles/6332448/Elgin/Cook-County/Illinois/Elgin-moves-forward-accelerated-TIF-payment-for-Courtyard-at-40-to-address-construction-shortfall","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6332448-c66350d35d3d55cf24ed86cb8b045c8d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177737&Signature=NIfpAemspj4OzVSg81FYZVjE9vPA869s61JDZ5KbfUop4CcTBAHqpeqcs~HVdK3ja-a99wTGuKYilCQaxKOihU3mfU~Umagpr8pj~~6Hp~jOIv66I8gba0wvgK-XgBlqZDC5C6Dkrvy2IApVWFskSH06rGvtkqxw8hr5et14YlGSPSOUZPKSCK64LxV8nZFQx7tA~GjGiH6lkVroQhFsdI-m~CzRWLyuLD7-5UlySnYtCT9gnGCyX1~qpJkRNwjfKKdqxVpdj8A55ucfdBYh9BEJjoVFba~ntM9Xu4X39BRC1OvoP8SGYV3R9bxYy~~FSnNV3XkDAf9IvuaKSt8DGw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Elgin City Council voted 9–0 on Feb. 12 to authorize a partial accelerated payment of tax‑increment financing (TIF) funds to Courtyard 40 LLC for the Courtyard at 40 redevelopment at 40 DuPage Court.

Community Development Director Mark Malott told the council the original redevelopment agreement (2021) included $3.93 million in TIF assistance toward an $11.34 million redevelopment; the first amendment in 2023 raised the city’s assistance to a not‑to‑exceed $6.77 million as project costs increased. The developer requested partial remittance of $2.13 million from the additional 2023 allocation to cover unexpected structural findings uncovered during demolition and rising material and interest costs.

Staff said the amendment accelerates payment timing but does not increase the city’s total not‑to‑exceed commitment of $6.77 million. City remittances to date total just under $3.0 million; the council will retain $1.7 million in development assistance pending final completion. Project construction is reported at more than 75% complete with occupancy expected in June.

Council discussion was brief. Supporters said the partial payment avoids forcing the developer to seek additional market financing and higher interest costs that could delay completion. The council approved the second amendment 9–0.","Council approved an amendment allowing a $2.13 million partial payment from previously committed TIF funds to Courtyard at 40 to cover unexpected structural findings and higher construction costs; city said total city commitment remains unchanged.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6332453,"Elgin council approves impact-fee exemption for existing homeowners adding bedrooms",379,333000,712000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2307116-81bc7dec0ef6abb13c2a486b15c74841&start=333&end=712","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2307116-81bc7dec0ef6abb13c2a486b15c74841/thumbnail_333000.jpg","/articles/6332453/Elgin/Cook-County/Illinois/Elgin-council-approves-impact-fee-exemption-for-existing-homeowners-adding-bedrooms","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6332453-55c37e85e8947af44051d36ed218419c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177737&Signature=mC0~eAXG3VNpnOT9hPLDNEh3jD0SCsisA7Jlcejugtk7H-zG6fh9678xUtAhs1MtDofyWWe36bOQG17lf5soosMJZfAoLA-WPe4uLMllIggD3puNAQ4983us1Sl5YgM8FAP~tcBEoW3cACPOHoUw-GgxZqOg0a7J4CA1tsOeGCf3DxnxuC-pgZCWpvjb6JCRW~pD4lg6SwsgRCr2X00YSGLlSZQjMasC0yxMWTzQ7FWlbC3UVF25GaGvEZCUh04Y-jcZJlYS~QIOcz8-KGWRwhmkfePs9xKV0eQ8oTUYkT8SkVFzSJYOqmpwi47MlnbNFRmILRToPwNcZIC8gVVlrg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Elgin City Council approved an impact‑fee exemption on Feb. 12 designed to reduce remodeling costs for existing homeowners who add bedrooms to single‑family homes in established neighborhoods.

Staff presented the proposal, led by Community Development Director Mark Malott, noting typical remodeling permit fees run $500–$3,500 while impact fees can add $5,000–$10,000 when a project creates an additional bedroom. The exemption applies to owner‑occupied single‑family homes in established neighborhoods that add one or more bedrooms, and to eligible rehab projects in established neighborhoods funded by city, township or county funds to provide housing for lower‑moderate income persons. Exemptions do not apply to newly developing neighborhoods covered by annexation agreements or to rental properties.

Council discussion centered on safeguards. Council Member Dixon asked why a six‑month owner‑occupancy requirement was included; Malott said the six‑month minimum is borrowed from existing plumbing code language and is intended to discourage rapid flips and ensure the exemption goes to permanent homeowners rather than short‑term speculators. Dixon asked whether seniors and veterans could receive waivers; staff said the ordinance applies uniformly and the six‑month requirement would still apply.

Council Member Thorne was the lone vote against the exemption, citing concerns it could encourage overcrowding. Several councilors, including Powell and Stixson, praised the measure as a targeted affordability step for homeowners seeking to add space for aging family members and others. The motion passed 8–1 on a roll call vote.

The ordinance exempts impact fees only for qualifying owner‑occupied projects in established neighborhoods; staff will implement the exemption through the building‑permit process and will verify owner occupancy and neighborhood status as defined in the ordinance.","Council voted 8–1 to exempt impact fees for established single-family homeowners adding one or more bedrooms, and for rehab projects funded with public assistance in established neighborhoods; the exemption excludes new developments and rental properties and requires six-month owner occupancy.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6332457,"Parents, school leaders urge caution as Elgin approves cameras at Lexington Inn shelter site",36,4520000,4556000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2307116-81bc7dec0ef6abb13c2a486b15c74841&start=4520&end=4556","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2307116-81bc7dec0ef6abb13c2a486b15c74841/thumbnail_4520000.jpg","/articles/6332457/Elgin/Cook-County/Illinois/Parents-school-leaders-urge-caution-as-Elgin-approves-cameras-at-Lexington-Inn-shelter-site","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6332457-3864f402bd2637b860ca634549031350/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177737&Signature=BP5173XwBljRyDT9xVQSqLxsgz91xXiET~6r8EvCf3UT4PKplCtBMIofepkDIpOwJJ9jDf3MlGnHLQ6OsJmueSJSkzDGUzsdl7s4nOmVuhDlUyO-UXxFqgnwwCuV09eeVpeqMwiFhfPeQmPX7yfmE0Hpp84ydU8VIa2UYZrFJVsKEb8Z-07eWGBkhH1j9votJmCumCHpNFdoGQyFRkW5RPCkPVEO7FDNoBvdHLqcEbUt9ef~~LevMWZUto3DFfAecd52Ylg59wH7uZwxRW0AfheJSY-Ur-bY6XhhnYEB1Zri1pUUPSgV40Dwdq1yNJkn~S1jyxD4gTJwFIHhYrjS6w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Elgin City Council approved installation of two city-owned cameras at the Lexington Inn and Suites on Feb. 12, a measure city staff said would integrate the new cameras into the citywide surveillance system to monitor activity near Illinois Route 25 and the eastern border of Elgin Math & Science Academy (EMSA).

Catherine Martinez, executive director of Elgin Math and Science Academy, told council during public comment that the school appreciates lighting repairs and extra patrols but urged the city to consider alternatives to using the Lexington Inn as a permanent homeless shelter because of its proximity to two elementary schools. “We value the open communication and the shared commitment to ensuring the safety and well‑being of our students and the broader community,” Martinez said.

Several other parents and residents echoed concerns about long‑term placement, transparency and the process used to select the hotel as a shelter site. Nicole Fornow (spoke under a different spelling in the record) said she filed a Freedom of Information Act request and received no documentation showing that alternative locations had been studied; she said 70% of respondents to an EMSA parent survey opposed a permanent shelter at the Lexington Inn.

City staff described the cameras as part of a prior agreement with the hotel that had secured rooms to temporarily house people experiencing homelessness. The two cameras will be positioned at the hotel’s monument sign to monitor the intersection of Route 25 and the property line adjacent to the school. The council approved the camera purchase and integration 9–0.

Public commenters asked for additional safeguards: written documentation of site-selection rationale, regular reporting on shelter outcomes and coordination with EMSA on security measures. Dave Fornell, who identified himself as an EMSA community member, requested a permanent fence along the school border and reiterated concern about the potential long-term use of the hotel. City manager staff said the cameras were recommended for integration after the hotel was used temporarily to move people out of cold-weather encampments.

Council members thanked the school leaders for their input and noted that the city will continue coordinating with EMSA. The council vote was unanimous; staff said the cameras will be added to the citywide system and recommended for activation following cleanup and integration steps.","Elgin council approved two city cameras at the Lexington Inn to monitor activity near Elgin Math & Science Academy after parents and school officials raised safety and transparency concerns about homeless shelter placement across from campus.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6332461,"Elgin council bans sale of unregulated THC edibles, rejects age-limited alternative",1771,1423000,3194000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2307116-81bc7dec0ef6abb13c2a486b15c74841&start=1423&end=3194","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2307116-81bc7dec0ef6abb13c2a486b15c74841/thumbnail_1423000.jpg","/articles/6332461/Elgin/Cook-County/Illinois/Elgin-council-bans-sale-of-unregulated-THC-edibles-rejects-age-limited-alternative","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6332461-b83967e24f8286d08d41275cdd2d4dbe/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177737&Signature=MafXF8eXnPaW0qbjfYl6gYAGGqQDdAKPK5NNfofyKPwDKlhDKM54DMY6sKov-goZPIhcGX5-tVLwF7cMK~HIXEi-KcWbMfwVCiw0ErPrL6ovLYpy3Xp23TGIvof~3GZAJBw96PMBe1IlNKvLvXeMFUCxilRNKqwbcfLC9xqJ4uw4UJ5sf~y900g6txbYogF-twLEj0VlkD8sOu0gCsDa-NwfpjkuhCgcJxrzmHCRvdlKmk-ORErQTsU~f49-0ik9v5BKC32~AvkISCGy3lzjKPTj6juXCz3usP2tOeA0zcMdrvD11hMsn5O81-cSWiJsSF6pbViSjc1n2mhk4GTH2w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Elgin City Council voted 7–2 on Feb. 12 to make the advertisement, display, sale and delivery of certain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products for human consumption unlawful within city limits, citing concerns about unregulated concentrations, packaging attractive to minors and limits of state testing.

The ordinance targets products derived from hemp that are being marketed and sold as edible or ingestible THC items without state regulation, and sets a minimum fine of $1,000 for violations plus reimbursement for city testing costs, according to the ordinance presented to council.

Council Member Anthony Ortiz, who sponsored the item with Council Member Rafael Goode, said the measure responds to a regulatory “loophole” that allows synthetically derived Delta-8 and other hemp-derived THC products to be sold in convenience stores, vape shops and gas stations. Ortiz showed packaging he said resembled candy or cereal and said product labels lacked ingredient lists and reliable potency information. “Until the state regulates this the way it does marijuana, these products are unregulated and unsafe,” Ortiz said.

Council members debated alternatives and enforcement. Council Member Chris Powell and Council Member Rauschenberger pushed for a less restrictive approach: requiring 21+ identification and behind-the-counter storage, similar to cigarette or alcohol sales. Rauschenberger moved an amendment to require that affected products be kept behind the counter and sold only to customers 21 or older; the amendment failed 5–4.

Corporation Counsel Sam Beck said the proposed ordinance, as worded, would ban “any products for human consumption that are derived from hemp under the loophole described in the ordinance” and confirmed that topicals such as lotions and shampoos are excluded because the ordinance applies to items used for consumption. Chief Anna Lally told council that testing and enforcement raise technical challenges, including difficulty that some labs have distinguishing Delta-8 from Delta-9 in samples.

Supporters argued the ban is a stopgap while the Illinois Legislature and federal authorities catch up. Opponents said a ban could harm small hemp retailers and undercut regulated cannabis dispensaries, and urged a restriction tied to state action or a time-limited “sunset.” Council Member Dixon, who had previously tabled the item to wait for state action, said he would support the ban to avoid another two-year delay.

The final roll call was 7 in favor, 2 opposed. Council members Ortiz, Goode, Dixon, Martinez, Stefan, Thorne and Mayor David Captain voted yes; Council Members Powell and Rauschenberger voted no.

Votes at a glance: earlier in the meeting the council voted separately on an amendment to make the ordinance age-restricted and behind-the-counter; that amendment failed 5–4 (yes votes: Powell, Rauschenberger, Stefan, Rauschenberger — recorded roll shows dissenting votes and a close count). The main ordinance then passed 7–2.

The council directed staff to prepare a revised ordinance implementing the council’s decision; the city attorney said the ordinance will be updated and returned for formal codification and enforcement planning.","After extended debate about youth safety, advertising and economic effects, the Elgin City Council voted 7–2 to outlaw local sale and delivery of certain tetrahydrocannabinol products for human consumption until state rules change; an amendment to limit sales to people 21+ and require behind-the-counter display failed 5–4.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Elgin council approves multiple procurements, equipment purchases and personnel adjustments (votes at a glance)

Elgin moves forward accelerated TIF payment for Courtyard at 40 to address construction shortfall

Elgin council approves impact-fee exemption for existing homeowners adding bedrooms

Parents, school leaders urge caution as Elgin approves cameras at Lexington Inn shelter site

Elgin council bans sale of unregulated THC edibles, rejects age-limited alternative