Elgin City Council Regular Meeting – December 17, 2025

The Elgin City Council met in a committee-of-the-whole session at 6:00 pm and a regular meeting at 7:00 pm on December 17, 2025. The council adopted the 2026 budget and property tax levy (both 8‑1), approved numerous consent items, and heard extensive public testimony on recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity and a proposed temple development at 890 Gulf Boulevard. Police Chief Lally provided an update on investigations into the December 6 ICE incident.

Consent Calendar

• Fire protection agreements with Illinois Tool Works and Covestro LLC (one‑year renewals, ~$98,000 in revenue from tax rates).
• FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map revisions and Kane County stormwater ordinance amendments to maintain certified community status.
• Resolution committing local funds for federal Surface Transportation Program projects (11 areas, previously received $22.5 million since 2018).
• Joint funding agreement with IDOT for Kimball Street Traffic Signal Interconnect project (80% federal CMAQ grant, city share $135,306 of ~$500,000 total).
• Intergovernmental agreement with Hanover Township for winter maintenance services (extension through 2025‑26, revised multi‑year agreement planned for 2026).
• Acceptance of public improvements at 1007 North Randall Road (Starbucks) – sanitary main and appurtenances.
• Change order #1 for parking structure repairs at Spring Street deck – repairs of broken tendons; completion by April 2026.
• Fourth amendment with Stewart Spreading for removal/disposal of water treatment lime residuals through 2026.
• First amendment with Engineering Enterprises Inc. for lead service replacement program (year 5) – planning to replace ~900 services and ~20,000 feet of water main.

All consent items passed 9‑0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sue Webb (President, Southwest Area Neighbors) – Requested advocacy for a railroad crossing on National Street and completion of the Lord Sewer Basin project, noting safety concerns.
• Joe Van Dyke – Described an ICE incident at his girlfriend’s restaurant, demanding transparency on what Elgin Police can do to protect residents. Challenged the council to identify “the bad guys.”
• Lynn Hutchins (Oak Ridge resident) – Opposed the temple project at 890 Gulf Boulevard, stating the developer misrepresented neighborhood support. Raised traffic, safety, and resale value concerns; announced her recent cancer diagnosis.
• Jessica Astrog – Presented a petition with 200+ signatures against the temple, citing incompatibility with the comprehensive plan, traffic, safety, and the developer’s own social media showing outdoor events with loudspeakers and colored smoke. Urged a denial.
• Delany Hernandez – Expressed fear and anger over ICE actions; stated she was tear‑gassed and pepper‑sprayed on December 6. Asked what the city and police will do to protect minority residents.
• Linda Searcy – Detailed the consent decree governing the Oak Ridge subdivision and argued the temple proposal would violate it. Called the developer’s claims “falsehoods.”
• Fel Blackwood – Described being tear‑gassed during the ICE incident; called for the city to stop enforcing state open‑carry bans so citizens can defend themselves. Asked what the “line” is for using force.
• Caroline Hernandez – Argued Chief Lally’s non‑response policy violates 128 Illinois statutes. Announced she has prepared an “Equal Protection for Everyone” ordinance and 74‑page notice of a § 1983 action. Accused the council of ignoring the law and warned of regulatory complaints.
• Angel Manuel Martinez – Stated he was tackled by ICE agents on December 6, suffered a fractured rib, and criticized the council and police for failing the community. Called for Chief Lally to resign.
• David Tees – Questioned the need for a property tax increase given new revenue from video poker and cannabis dispensaries. Noted senior citizens on fixed incomes are struggling and asked the council to explore other options.

Discussion Items

• Police Chief Lally’s update on ICE enforcement (December 6) – Over 50 calls to the emergency center; 11 police reports taken as of December 16, including a traffic crash and reports of pepper‑ball strikes and chemical irritants. The department is working with the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office on potential criminal charges. A link to the department’s transparency site was provided.
• 2026 Budget and Property Tax Levy – Councilmember Alfaro explained her “no” votes, citing the property tax increase and noting it was transparent with the community.
• Fee Ordinance – Alfaro asked about increases for refuse collection (tied to contract), cemetery fees, and why resident/non‑resident rates are the same for some golf passes (to attract non‑residents). The ordinance passed 9‑0.
• Three‑Year Financial Plan – Alfaro voted no because it includes the property tax increase; passed 8‑1.
• Signs by Tomorrow – The council thanked staff for expediting signage after resident feedback; noted 500 signs remain available.

Key Outcomes

• 2026 Budget adopted 8‑1 (Alfaro opposed).
• Property Tax Levy (fiscal year ending Dec 31, 2025) adopted 8‑1 (Alfaro opposed).
• Fee Ordinance for city services adopted 9‑0.
• Three‑Year Financial Plan adopted 8‑1 (Alfaro opposed).
• Special Service Area No. 19 levy adopted 9‑0.
• Fire protection agreements with Illinois Tool Works and Covestro LLC approved 9‑0.
• All other consent items, pay plan amendments, and miscellaneous business passed unanimously (9‑0).
• Proclamation – January 10, 2026 declared “Dr. Risa Don Jones Day” in Elgin.
• Next meetings – Committee of the Whole and Regular Council meeting scheduled for January 14, 2026 at 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm, respectively.