Zoo space for third bison among Elgin gambling money projects
Space for a third bison at Lords Park Zoo is among the projects that could move forward in Elgin after the long-awaited release of gambling money from the state.
City council members on Wednesday gave a preliminary thumbs-up Wednesday to a list of projects totaling nearly $4.5 million, including $700,000 in rehabilitation work to city bridges, $200,000 to replace failing lights at the Hemmens Cultural Center, $275,000 in repairs to city buildings, about $417,000 to replace trees on city property, and $100,000 for historical architecture restoration grants.
"It's pretty basic stuff," City Manager Sean Stegall said.
The city council will be voting on each item in the weeks and months to come.
The Friends of Lords Park Zoo volunteer group plans to add another bison, which would require renovations including fencing that are expected to cost $200,000 or more, Stegall said. That's the only new item on the list since the city council last discussed it in the fall during the 2016 budget process, he said.
The state had withheld gambling taxes owed to local municipalities, along with motor fuel taxes and emergency telephone system funds, in the absence of a state budget since July 1. Legislators voted to release those in December.
Also at Wednesday's meeting, Community Development Director Marc Mylott said the city plans to use the majority of this year's Community Development Block Grant money for improvements at four public parks - Grolich, Trillium, Woodview and Wing Street - all in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods, as federally mandated by the grant.
The park projects, totaling $750,000, will include replacing playground equipment and making improvements compatible with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Also, $15,000 will be set aside for emergency repairs to water services, utilities and more in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods, plus $35,000 to cover administrative costs.
The city typically disburses the Community Development Block Grant money to nonprofits via a grant application system. This year's decision to use the money for city projects was made in conjunction with the decision to set aside $775,000 for emergency loans to nonprofits agencies and the Ride in Kane program.
Only the Association for Individual Development applied for a loan, in the amount of $200,000, before the December deadline. Councilman Toby Shaw said that based on the association's description of its finances, it doesn't appear the nonprofit is in dire need financially. A majority of fellow council members decided to give their OK to the loan anyway. Councilman John Prigge also voted no.
"They not only do good work," Stegall said. "They are run very well."
City council members decided to extend the program, which has a remaining $425,000 available, and continue accepting applications.