Elgin council approves grant-writing agreement to pursue Safe Streets planning grant

The Elgin City Council voted unanimously May 5 to move forward with a grant application to the U.S. Department of Transportation and to authorize the city manager to execute a proposal with engineering firm Kimley Horn for grant-writing services.

Michael Gonzales, director of public works, told the council the federal program offers planning and implementation awards and recommended pursuing the planning portion to improve competitiveness. "The grant before you tonight is federal transportation dollars by the U.S. Department of Transportation," Gonzales said, explaining the work would support County Line Road phase 3, including sidewalks and ADA transition planning.

Council members pressed staff on the application timeline and readiness. "I saw that we got, like, 20 days to put this grant together. Are we... rushing rather than applying competitively?" asked Councilmember Saint Pierre. Gonzales and the city manager said staff had the materials needed and that focusing on the planning grant would reduce cost and timeline pressures.

The item was posted on the agenda at $40,000, but staff clarified the city manager has authority to execute the smaller planning contract. The city manager said the administration could proceed at a not-to-exceed amount of $10,000 for the planning portion while leaving the agenda language unchanged to show the council the city had explored all options.

Mayor Teresa McShane called for a vote after a motion and second; the clerk recorded votes from Frazier, McShane, Kesnoski, Gibson, Swain, Love, Saint Pierre, Rodriguez and Crim — all voting yes. The motion carried 9–0.

The council did not authorize execution beyond the city manager's stated authority; staff said the next step is for the city manager to finalize the agreement and proceed with the planning-phase grant application. The council then adjourned into executive session for unrelated personnel and legal matters and later reconvened.