A new Pharaoh in Elgin

We officially have a new city council and already staff is feeling the difference.

Council members were making comments to staff, suggesting improvements and ideas to be researched, explored, and included in the business of the city. And there was no resistance from the old guard to do so.

In fact, the mayor himself suggested that when a foreclosed home is purchased the city ought to inspect the place for safety violations, remove any overcrowded living arrangements created by the former owners, and educate the new owners about city codes and rental requirements.

That is an awesome idea. The city fathers know that many Elgin homes were purchased by multiple buyers who resided in those homes in violation of occupancy standards. Many of those homes ended up in foreclosure.

Rather than allow the home to be sold under the same circumstances, the city now has an opportunity to make an impact on the problem.

The trigger would be the transfer stamp. Funding would most likely come from a fee at closing.

No one likes the city poking around when you are trying to buy your dream home, but until we get to the root of the problem we need to do something. Besides, such an act just might prevent someone from buying a money pit.

There was an interesting moment last night when staff tried to push through a commercial project where the use had changed. As it turned out they wanted to put in a paint shop. Rich Dunne (who knows fire safety and knew this project specifically) asked some rather pointed questions about the change.

Although Dunne’s concerns did not carry the day, staff will surely have their ducks in a row next time.

(It should be noted that Bob Gilliam mentioned Dunne’s concerns about some older buildings in town that were not up to code, and asked for a staff report on those buildings.)

To be sure, there were some missteps last night. Two new council members had been out to inspect a new project and entered into negotiations with the parties involved. Maybe it’s just me, but the council ought to leave the negotiations up to staff. It’s great that they inspect the things they will be voting on; not so great if a couple of them start talking for the entire council. But they are learning.

There was no real harm done. Certain adjustments need to be researched and added to the proposal before a vote can be taken, but such reviews and changes should be handled by staff.

More dangerous are the negotiations we don't know about, where a more experienced politician does the work of staff and the whole thing is pass on to the council for a vote as if it had an unbiased review. We welcome the fresh eyes of Dunne, Prigge and Warren in reading before they sign on the dotted line.

All in all, I think the city is better off having this change of leadership. Time will tell. But discussion is good. So is giving direction to staff.