Elgin City Council Meeting – February 25, 2026

The Elgin City Council met on February 25, 2026, in both a Committee of the Whole (6:00 PM) and a Regular Council session (7:00 PM) at City Hall. Key actions included approval of a single-use plastic bag ban effective June 1, 2027, and a lengthy discussion on a proposed inclusivity and diversity ordinance, which was ultimately deferred for revisions. Public comments addressed environmental concerns over plastic pollution and urgent immigration-related issues. All routine agenda items were approved unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Council unanimously approved remote attendance for Councilman Thorne (9-0).
• Minutes of the February 11, 2026 meeting were approved with amendments (9-0).
• Other routine approvals: change order for East Side Streets resurfacing ($143,697), three EMS training mannequins, seven ventilation fans (under $37,000), water filter agreement with 120 Water, Taekwondo recreation services agreement, property tax abatement, and sale of $27 million in general obligation bonds. All passed 9-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Plastic bag ban: Gary Swick (Friends of the Fox River) urged passage, noting plastic bags found in trees and rivers. Christina Agison showed a bag found in her yard and described harm to birds. Paul Berlin cited climate and health data. Paul Miller supported the ban but asked to preserve plastic bag exemptions for delivery services. Bob (Elgin Fresh Market) opposed, citing costs for SNAP customers and competition from adjacent towns. Roy Coombs (Walmart manager) warned customers would shop outside Elgin. Keith Rochford (Blain’s Farm & Fleet) called for a level playing field with all retailers included.
• Inclusivity/diversity ordinance: Numerous speakers shared personal stories of fear from ICE activity. Maria Elena described her father avoiding Elgin and recounted conditions in detention centers. Diana Ortega urged passage, calling the ordinance both symbolic and actionable. Susanna Padilla relayed middle school students’ anxiety about parents being taken. Others (Jocelyn Navarro, Ebenezer Amal Raj, Daisy Samora) highlighted the need for safety, clarity, and action.
• Other: Danielle Laha (AID) supported a mural text amendment. Linda Ramirez introduced a new Puerto Rican cultural organization. Two speakers criticized federal immigration enforcement and urged the council to act.

Discussion Items

Retail Single-Use Plastic Bag Ordinance (Committee of the Whole)

• Sustainability Manager Kristen Ifner and Coordinator Jessica Van Dyke presented survey results (2,185 responses: 38% support, 57% oppose, 5% undecided) and outreach efforts. Tony Lusenko (EDG) reported business feedback, including letters from Ace Hardware (opposed) and Target (supported, with a request to allow non-stitched reusable bags).
• Council discussion: Councilmembers Good, Dixon, Powell, Stefan, Alfaro, Ortiz, and Mayor Captain voiced support, calling the ban a “first step.” Councilmember Martinez opposed, citing the 57% opposition survey result and concerns about customer confusion and equity. Councilman Thorne opposed, arguing the impact was minimal.
• An amendment to exempt the 10-cent paper bag fee from sales tax passed 8-1 (Martinez opposed). A second amendment to accept Target’s non-stitched reusable bag design failed. The original ordinance passed 7-2 (Martinez and Thorne opposed). The ordinance takes effect June 1, 2027.

Discussion: Adopting an Inclusivity and Diversity Ordinance (Regular Meeting)

• Councilmembers Dixon and Alfaro introduced a draft ordinance codifying measures including a municipal ID program, language access plan, immigrant legal defense fund, inclusive procurement, and reporting every other month. Staff review is pending.
• Council debate: Councilmember Powell asked for the ordinance to explicitly address racial disparities. Councilmember Martinez questioned costs and need, noting the city already provides services. Mayor Captain proposed breaking the ordinance into separate pieces for easier passage. Councilmember Ortiz cited unknown costs for the ID and legal defense fund as a barrier. Councilman Thorne opposed the comprehensive package, preferring standalone items. Councilmembers Stefan and Dixon argued the ordinance strengthens existing trust and policies.
• After extended discussion, no vote was taken. The motion was withdrawn, and sponsors agreed to incorporate feedback, especially budget estimates, and return the ordinance to council by the second meeting in March 2026.

Key Outcomes

• Plastic bag ban adopted (7-2) with a 10-cent fee on paper bags (tax exempt), effective June 1, 2027. Retailers with 12 or fewer locations or fewer than 250 full-time employees are exempt, along with gas stations, restaurants, SNAP/WIC customers, and delivery/online pickup orders.
• Inclusivity ordinance deferred for revisions; revised draft expected for council consideration in March 2026.
• Other approvals (all unanimous):
  • Clock Tower Plaza entertainment venue amendment (9-0)
  • Indian restaurant/banquet hall at former Golden Corral (9-0)
  • U46 elementary school on former D.C. Cook site (9-0)
  • Mural text amendment for NB and CF zoning districts (8-0, Martinez abstained)
  • Delta Scientific crash barriers (9-0)
  • Various consent items and purchase agreements (all 9-0).
• Interpretation/translation software was tested during the meeting; feedback welcomed.