Elgin to vote on block grants

A committee composed of Elgin councilmen and city staff members recently reviewed applications for Community Development Block Grants and has finalized its recommendation of nine local agencies. The council will discuss tentative funding at its meeting Wednesday.

Out of the 15 eligible applicants, the committee chose to fund nine with the $920,000 Elgin expects to receive from the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Councilman Dave Kaptain and Robert Gilliam joined three staff members on the committee. Kaptain said the team focused on funding projects addressing food, clothing and shelter.

“Because of the very difficult economic times, we looked at the basic needs of the human being,” Kaptain said.

Projects addressing safety or energy improvements also were given preference.

Ultimately, more money was requested than the city has to give. The Renz Center, Habitat for Humanity of the Northern Fox Valley, the Ecker Center, Feeding Greater Elgin, Neighborhood Housing Services of the Fox Valley and One Hope United were not recommended for funding this year.

The full council will review the recommendations Wednesday and decide whether to approve them or make changes.

Gilliam said based on past discussions, the funding will likely remain at the recommended levels.

“It could happen this is a different council but normally we're pretty much on the same page,” Gilliam said.

There will be a 30-day public review and comment period after the council decision. It will last from Feb. 12 through March 15 before a final public hearing at 7 p.m. March 23 in the city council chamber on the second floor of 150 Dexter Court, Elgin.