Organizer seeks waivers for late‑night Nocturn Market; former museum director urges council to reconsider depot agreement

At the June 2 Elgin City Council meeting, public comment included a request from Jessica McCulla, organizer of a proposed Nocturn Market, and criticism from Regina Malvin about the depot museum's management.

"Nocturn Market was designed specifically as a night market experience," Jessica McCulla told the council, asking officials to approve ordinance waivers to allow the market to operate until 10:00 p.m. and to exempt food‑truck fees. McCulla said extended hours and on‑site food vendors are essential to create a family‑friendly evening event that keeps residents in Elgin and supports small businesses.

Regina Malvin, who said she recently resigned as director of development with the Elgin Historical Association along with two board members in January, urged the council to reconsider reinstating an agreement with the depot museum. Malvin said the museum has operated opaquely and has not effectively engaged younger residents, and she suggested the current arrangement does not justify continued city investment.

Council did not take immediate action on either public comment item during the meeting.