Elgin City Council Regular Meeting – June 24, 2026

The Elgin City Council held a regular meeting on June 24, 2026, beginning at 7:00 PM (following a Committee of the Whole session that started at 5:00 PM). The meeting was temporarily recessed due to a tornado warning, during which council and attendees sheltered in the City Hall basement. Key items included adoption of minutes, proclamations honoring community leaders, public comments on diversity and police accountability, approval of zoning petitions for a church parsonage and a homeless shelter expansion, adoption of the 2025 financial audit report, and a detailed presentation on the city's emergency siren activation policies.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of the minutes of the June 10, 2026 regular meeting was moved and seconded. After corrections (adding a sixth initiative area – civic engagement – and noting a discussion on all appointments, not just CDBG), the minutes were approved 8–0 (one abstention recorded in the earlier session).
• The consent agenda for the regular meeting was approved 9–0.
• Miscellaneous business was approved 9–0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tracy Howell expressed a desire for updates on the city’s diversity ordinance, information on city spending per resident by demographic, and a review of all policies that have been ignored in the past five years, citing a statement by City Manager Koval that policies are enforced only when needed.
• Annalise Jackson raised several questions: seeking clarification on how many court orders have been filed regarding 619 sightings and 182 abductions since September (the city manager stated no such incidents had required action since the ICE-free resolution). She also asked about the Trust Act advocacy by Kane County for traffic and crowd control purposes, wondering why the focus was not on helping the community. Additionally, she sought clarification on a previous statement that only two senior staff members identify as people of color. Council did not answer questions during public comment but noted the concerns.

Proclamations

• Carol Geese was honored for 40+ years of service, including raising over $55 million for health care and community services, leading the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce from 2007 to 2026, and various community initiatives. Mayor Captain read the proclamation; Ms. Geese thanked the council and community.
• Walter Porter, a Navy veteran and community leader who passed away on May 27, 2026 at age 68, was honored posthumously. Councilmember Thorne read the proclamation; the family was unable to attend.
• LaSalle Expedition II – Councilmember Stefan read a proclamation recognizing the 1976 reenactment crew and liaison team on the occasion of their 50th high school reunions. A recognition ceremony will be held on August 22, 2026, at noon at the Elgin Public Museum in Lord’s Park. Crew members and descendants were acknowledged.

Discussion Items

• Property Insurance Program Renewal (Item A) – Risk Manager Kelly Wazlewski obtained a renewal premium approximately $70,000 lower than the previous year due to expanded market capacity and competition. The item was on both agendas and approved at the regular meeting (9–0).
• 2025 Annual Consolidated Financial Report – Tom Swicki of Sikich LLC presented the audit results. The city received an unmodified (clean) opinion for the 45th consecutive year. Key points: General fund unassigned fund balance of $123.9 million (about 8 months of expenditures); the general fund decreased by $2.1 million (budgeted decrease of $23.8 million); water fund operating loss offset by IEPA loan forgiveness; net pension liability for IMRF decreased to $1.6 million (99.3% funded); police pension 63.1% funded ($126 million liability); fire pension 67.1% funded ($79 million liability); no internal control deficiencies were noted; only one adjusting journal entry was required. Councilmember Powell asked about critical funding challenges; Swicki cited reliance on state funding and potential drying up of grants.
• Lead Service Line Replacement Program Year 6 (Item E) – Engineering Services Agreement with Engineering Enterprise Inc. for design and bidding to replace approximately 1,000 services, potentially using IEPA and DECIO grant funds. Approved 8–0 (Councilmember Alfaro abstained).
• Consideration of Petitions 36-25 & 37-25 – Emanuel Church of Elgin Parsonage – A map amendment and planned development conditional use to divide 1152 and 1172 Larkin Avenue, allowing the church to convey the parsonage (rezoned to RC2) to its pastor, with remaining church property rezoned to Planned Community Facility. No physical changes proposed. Approved 9–0.
• Consideration of Petition 07-06 & 08-06 – Wayside Cross Ministries / PADS Shelter Expansion – To expand existing emergency shelter and establish transitional housing at 1730 and 1740 Berkeley Street. Expansion would increase capacity from 60 to 118 persons (PADS: up to 48 emergency shelter; Wayside: up to 70 transitional housing). Exterior improvements include parking lot upgrades (40 to 44 spaces) and masonry refuse area. Future additions planned. Approved 9–0.
• Resolution Ratifying Grant for Unsheltered Pilot Project – Grant from Illinois Department of Human Services for temporary housing and supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness. Councilmember Martinez thanked Representative Moeller for advocacy. Approved 9–0.
• Emergency Warning Sirens & Enhanced Activations (Presentation) – Fire Chief Sagan and Communications Manager Josie Beecher Crady presented. Chief explained that Illinois leads the nation in tornadoes (196 as of June 24, 2026, vs. 83 in Mississippi). The city's sirens are now activated for National Weather Service “considerable” and “destructive” severe thunderstorm warnings (70+ mph winds) in addition to tornado warnings. Multiple activations can occur as storm warning boxes move. Zoning technology allows activating only the specific sirens under threat. Messaging emphasizes: “Seek shelter and get more information.” A communications campaign is underway with social media, print handouts, videos, and targeted outreach to vulnerable populations. Councilmember Powell suggested adjusting wording to clarify that indoor residents should also seek shelter. Councilmember Ortiz asked about push notifications via the city app; Chief indicated separate systems are maintained.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved (8–0 for committee session, 9–0 for regular session).
• Proclamations recognized Carol Geese, Walter Porter, and LaSalle Expedition II.
• Zoning petitions for Emanuel Church parsonage and Wayside/PADS shelter expansion both approved unanimously (9–0).
• Property insurance renewal approved 9–0.
• Lead service line replacement engineering contract approved 8–0 (one abstention).
• Grant acceptance for unsheltered pilot project approved 9–0.
• 2025 annual financial report accepted; clean audit opinion noted; no internal control deficiencies.
• Emergency siren activation policy reaffirmed; campaign to educate public will proceed. Council to continue monitoring public feedback.
• Next meetings: Committee of the Whole on July 8, 2026 at 6:00 PM; Regular Council on July 8, 2026 at 7:00 PM.
• Executive session was called to discuss lease/property sale; approved 9–0 to adjourn to closed session.