The Committee of the Whole and Regular City Council Meeting held on September 10, 2025, in Elgin, Illinois, focused on the redesign of the city’s mobile app, aiming to enhance user experience and functionality based on community feedback.

The meeting began with a presentation by Chief Technology Officer Aaron Cosentino, who outlined the key features of the app redesign. The initiative is part of a support agreement with 7 Hills Technology, which includes monthly support and 20 hours of development each month. This agreement is designed to keep the app updated and secure while integrating it with the existing web portal.

Cosentino explained that the redesign will prioritize a centralized city news feed, allowing residents to access curated news from various city sources without needing to navigate multiple platforms. The app will also enhance features such as submitting service requests, viewing city maps, and paying utility bills, all aimed at improving usability.

Council member Ortiz raised questions regarding the one-year agreement with 7 Hills Technology, noting that it allows for flexibility in assessing the city's needs for support and development. Cosentino confirmed that this approach enables the city to adjust its reliance on external contractors as in-house resources become more available.

Further discussions included inquiries about the integration of payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay, which are in development by the city's payment processor. Cosentino assured that these features are on the roadmap but are not part of the current agreement.

Council members also expressed interest in ensuring community participation in the app's development process. Cosentino acknowledged previous challenges in gathering user feedback and emphasized the importance of engaging residents directly. Plans were discussed to have representatives from 7 Hills Technology present at various city locations, including potentially the library, to gather input from a broader audience.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of the app redesign in enhancing communication and service delivery to residents. The council approved the initiative, marking a significant step towards improving the city's digital engagement with its community.