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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 04/08/2019 - Community Development CommitteeCommunity Development Committee Meeting Minutes April 8, 2019 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, Deputy Chief Walsh, Public Comment None. Motion to approve the February 11, 2019 Community Development Meeting Minutes Alderwoman Condon asked if any of the Committee Members had any questions or comments on the February 11, 2019 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 February 11, 2019 Community Development Meeting Minutes as presented. Roll call: Vote: 3-ayes by unanimous voice vote. 0-nays, 0- abstained. Motion carried. Taxi Cab License Discussion Director Polerecky commented on the fact that Chapter 25 of the City Municipal Code requires A operators of vehicles for hire within the City limits register with the City. He reported that Staff struggles with enforcement of this ordinance due to several factors. Such as the new trend in ride share companies like Uber and Lyft which are regulated by the State and the fact that many of the taxi cab companies coming in and out of the City limits are not located within the City. In addition, there is a large turnover with taxi company drivers, which would require a tremendous amount of Staff time to track the drivers and the City does not have adequate Staff to do so. Director Polerecky concluded his overview with respect to the concerns relative to chapter 25 of the City Municipal Code by stating his goal is to provide the community with fair enforcement of regulations as set forth by the governing body. Deputy Chief Walsh agreed with Director Polerecky overview of the issues with respect to this section of the City Code. A lengthy discussion ensued. At the end of the lively conversation the Committee Members recommended bringing the question on eliminating Chapter 25 of the City of McHenry's Municipal Code to the full City Council for consideration. Snow Shoveling Discussion Director Polerecky reported that snow removal concerns is a topic that comes up yearly after now events. He reported that the Committee for the past nine years has discussed this topic. In 2013 the City voted to eliminate a snow removal ordinance due to commercial liabilities. Director Polerecky reported that currently Staff educates the public on the importance of snow removal especially sidewalks adjacent to schools, bus stops and pedestrian pathways. However, the City has avoided targeting the Commercial Districts due to the business owners personal liability if they were to remove snow from public right of ways. A lengthy discussion ensued with respect to the Commercial Businesses snow removal obligations. Director Polerecky stated he will continue to research how other communes handle these types of concerns. Alderwoman Condon recommended Staff along with other community leaders contact their legislators and lobby for them to clarify the language regarding Commercial Businesses' obligations with respect to snow removal along public right of ways. The Committee Members agreed. Moving forward this topic will be discussed by the Committee Members annually. Department Updates Director Polerecky reported that D.R. Horton has built 35 single family homes and 5 multi -family units. In addition, they will be hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony in the near future. Director Polerecky reported that the Waterfront Marina project is proceeding as planned. They already have 40 boat slips rented and are in the process of installing the concrete piers. Director Polerecky reported that he plans on drafting an RFP for a Capital Improvement Fee Study along with a Development Fee Study. Director Polerecky reported that the Building Department had terminated their building inspector's service agreement with Prairie Grove effective May 111. Due to the fact that the City is experiencing an increase in both residential and commercial development and they no longer have adequate Staff to support inspecting on behalf of Prairie Grove. He noted that the agreement was not a revenue generator and Prairie Grove representatives were sympatric to the City's staffing needs. Director Polerecky continued on to report that Speedway Representatives along with Staff and IDOT had meet recently to discuss the Speedway project and Speedway will be resubmitting some plans per IDOT's recommendation. Director Polerecky concluded his report by commenting on Graham's BP plans. He noted that they will be closing the Bull Valley Road gas station and demolishing the site. The Ringwood/Rt. 120 site will be removed or remolded by 12/2020. Alderwoman Condon questioned if Hidden Pearl's construction had resumed. Director Polerecky replied yes and Staff had reinstated their building permit. Alderman Devine questioned the status of Town Club. Director Polerecky reported that the site was not deemed to be historic and the building is for sale. Alderman Santi questioned the status of the vacant McHenry Savings Bank and the vacant funeral home sites. Director Polerecky reported that both sites are scheduled to be demolished in the very near future. Director Polerecky reported that he will be working on drafting a Vacant Building Ordinance and policy. Alderwoman Condon believed that was an excellent idea. The Committee Members and Staff thanked Alderwoman Condon for her 16 years of service as Community Development Chairwoman. Motion to adjourn the meeting There being no further public business to discuss, a Motion was made by Alderman Devine and seconded by Alderman Santi to adjourn from the public meeting at 8:30 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