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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 12/10/2018 - Community Development Committee (2)Community Development Committee Meeting Minutes December 10, 2018 Call to Order/Roll Call Alderwoman Condon called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Members present: Alderman Santi, Alderman Devine and Alderwoman Condon. Others present: Director Polerecky and Deputy Clerk Meadows. Public Comment None. Motion to approve the October 22, 2018 Community Development Meeting Minutes Alderwoman Condon asked if any of the Committee Members had any questions or comments on the October 22, 2018 meeting minutes. The Committee Members offered no comments. There being no further discussion on the motion, A Motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderman Devine to approve the October 22, 2018 Community Development Meeting Minutes as presented. Roll call: Vote: 3-ayes by unanimous voice vote. 0-nays, 0- abstained. Motion carried. Review of 2018 Director Polerecky discussed the dramatic spark in building and development within the City limits. He continued on to note that all though the building permit revenues were slightly higher in 2017. The 2018 building permits issued were for much larger scaled projects which will have a significant positive economic impact on the community. Director Polerecky provided the Committee Members with a summary of the changes in contractual service expenses. He reported that the mowing expenses had decrease from $32,118.00 in 2014 to $1,759.50 in 2018. He commended his Staff for taking a proactive approach in educating property owners on the Municipal Code sections relative to property maintenance, which also included a personalized door-to-door campaign. In addition, Staff's efforts to utilize social media outlets to educate the public on property maintenance regulations. Director Polerecky also noted that the decrease in property maintenance violations also alleviated a workload demand on the Finance Department Staff as filing and tracking the property liens with the County is time consuming and takes away from the Finance Department's primary duties. Director Polerecky provided the Committee Members with a summary of the Community Development Committee topics and the outcome of those topics for the calendar year 2018. He reported that in January 2018 the Committee had reviewed the department's minor building permit fees and in a motion the Committee had recommended bringing the fee amendments to the full City Council for consideration. He reported that amending the fee schedule is a major project and he has been working on this matter as time has allowed. He reported that he will be placing this matter on an upcoming January 2019 Council agenda for consideration. Director Polerecky reported in March 2018 the Committee had discussed amendments to the recreational burning ordinance and recommended this matter be placed on a City Council agenda as presented by Staff. The City Council went on to approved the recreational burning code amendments which amended the size of the fireplace, length of the time the fire may burn and the proximity of the fireplace relative to other structures. Director Polerecky continued on to report that in June of 2018 the Community Development Committee along with Public Affairs Officer Polidori discussed implementing a community involvement group. Director Polerecky noted that this matter is still on the table. However, it is difficult to find residents or organizations that are interested in participating. Director Polerecky commented on the codification process. He reported that during the codification process the section of the code referencing political signs will need to be amended to mirror the state statues. Director Polerecky concluded his discussion on the 2018 accomplishments by thanking the Council Members for concurring with Staffs recommendation to reduce the impact fees. By amending the impact fees the City has seen a tremendous increase in residential development. Various developers have stepped forward and committed to complete the remaining subdivisions that had been idle for years. In addition, there has been a renewed interest in building new homes on various single family lots throughout the City. In his opinion, the fee reduction will have a positive economic impact for years to come. The Committee Members discussed the proposed Community Development Committee's draft 2019 meeting schedule. Alderwoman Condon suggested reviewing the schedule at the first meeting in February. In addition, she suggested including a list of discussion items. The Committee Members concurred with Alderwoman Condon's recommendations. Department Updates Director Polerecky provided the Committee Members with an update on the various projects under construction. He reported that Jexal's has passed all the City required inspection and is just waiting for the Health Department's inspection and approval. They should open by the end of the week. Director Polerecky reported that JA Frate's facility addition is on schedule and should be completed in the near future. Director Polerecky provided the Committee Members with an update on the Jessup watermain project. He reported that all easements had been aquired and the project is moving forward. Director Polerecky continued on to report that Centegra Hospital expansion is proceeding as planned. He noted that this is a huge expansion project and Staff spends many hours conducting inspections. There was some discussion with respect to the delay with the opening of Hidden Pearl (coffee shop). Director Polerecky reported that he is anticipating receiving an email from owner of the property, which he will share with the Committee Members. Director Polerecky provided the Committee Members with an update on the BP and Speedway gas stations progress. He noted that both have submitted their engineering plans and have received comments. They continue to move forward. Director Polerecky commented on Ricky Rockets, he noted that they are looking to secure a corporate name. Director Polerecky discussed Starbuck's progress with respect to what once was the Twisted Burger location. He noted that the IDNR's concerns have been addressed and the majority of their improvements will be interior in nature. Director Polerecky commented on School District 15 improvement plans to update Hilltop, Edgebrook and Valleyview's drop-off and pick-up lanes. Director Polerecky commented on the recent Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) investigation which uncovered Legionella bacteria and structural issues with the plumbing system at the McHenry Villa Senior Living facility. He reported that they have hired a licensed plumber who will remediate the situation. In addition, they have chlorinated the water system and installed filters on all the water taps. The Committee Members collectively discussed the VFW renovations that are currently in progress. In addition, to the parking lot improvements, they will updating the restrooms, constructing a beer garden and installing fire suppression sprinklers. Motion to adjourn the meeting There being no further public business to discuss, a Motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderman Devine to adiourn from the public meeting at 8:00 p.m. Roll call: Vote: 3-ayes by unanimous voice vote. 0-nays, 0- abstained. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, Debra Meadows Approved this day of 2019 Alderwoman Condon