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Home My WebLink AboutMinutes - 06/07/2010 - City Council REGULAR MEETING JUNE 7, 2010 Mayor Low called the regularly scheduled June 7, 2010 meeting of the McHenry City Council to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were the following Aldermen: Santi, Glab, Schaefer, Blake, Wimmer, Peterson, and Condon. Absent: None. Also in attendance were: Deputy City Administrator Martin, Assistant City Administrator Hobson, City Clerk Jones, City Attorney McArdle, Construction Neighborhood Services Director Schwalenberg, Finance Director Black, Parks and Recreation Director Merkel, Police Chief Brogan and City Engineer Chad Pieper. PUBLIC INPUT SESSION In attendance was Mr. Carl Vallianatos of McHenry High School District 156. Mr. Vallianatos expressed thanks and gratitude to the City of McHenry and its employees for their involvement in this year's St. Baldrick's Day event which raised $27,502. Mr. Vallianatos presented Mayor Low with a plaque and noted both she and the City were inspirational in their support of the event. Mr. Vallianatos showed a highlight video of the St. Baldrick's Day event which occurred on March 18, 2010. He noted next year's event will take place on Thursday, March 17, 2011 and Friday March 18, 2010. There would be a community-wide evening event on the 17cn Mayor Low stated St. Baldrick's Day was one of the most inspiring events she has ever participated in. PUBLIC HEARING: PROPOSED LOCAL SALES TAX Finance Director Black provided Council with a summary of events and discussions which have occurred during the past few years with regard to the City's attempt to balance the budget. Several positions, twenty-one, have been cut through attrition and lay-off. In addition the City has deferred all capital purchases. However, as reviewed with Council during 2010- 2011 budget discussions, the time has come to find additional methods of increasing revenue or face the reality of cutting services to the community. To that end it was the consensus of Council and Staff that the City should consider pursuing the implementation of a Local Sales Tax in the amount of%%. Staff published a notice informing the community of a Public Hearing to be held this evening to offer opportunity for public comment with regard to this issue. Mayor Low opened the Public Hearing regarding the proposed implementation of a Local Sales Tax increase at 7:52 p.m. and invited members of the audience to address Council with their questions, comments and concerns. Michael Teta, 5206 Malibu Court, addressed Council. Mr. Teta stated his opposition to any tax increase. He noted families are under economic constraints. Increasing the sales tax and causing families additional expenditures is not the answer to the budget problems. Mr. Teta stated he believes the Police Pension matter should be re-addressed. He inquired how much ti Page 2 June 7,2010 sales tax revenue Wal-Mart provides to the City. Director Black responded the City does not --` have access to that information without Wal-Mart's permission. Ken Diedrich, 307 Dale Avenue, addressed Council noting people drop their yard waste off at the Knox Park drop-off center who are not citizens of the City. He stated there were no police officers in attendance on the site to enforce the vehicle sticker requirements for users of the service during the last couple of weeks (during Saturday yard waste drop-off hours). Mr. Diedrich also expounded about the Riverwalk Center stating his belief that this project caused the City to lose money and create the budget problems. Bill Meath, 403 Dale Avenue, addressed Council, stating he does not agree with raising taxes. He stated his belief that costs should be cut. People who cannot afford the taxes are the ones that will be affected. John O'Neill, 3608 West Clover, addressed Council, stating raising taxes at this time is not a good idea. He opined McHenry is a great community and he would prefer to see cuts made elsewhere, as opposed to raising taxes. Roger Thacker, 308 Glenbrook Trail, addressed Council and inquired if the City had done everything possible to reduce expenses prior to proposing a tax increase. He noted this is a sore subject that many non-residents are able to obtain some of the City benefits without having to pay City property taxes. He suggested Council should be fiscally prudent. Steve Cooney, 2101 Coolidge Avenue, addressed Council, stating he is opposed to a tax increase. He opined it is ridiculous to consider such an idea during the current economy. Mayor Low stated there would be no action taken at this evening's meeting. The matter was scheduled for discussion at Public Hearing only. Mayor Low opened the floor to questions and comments from Council. Alderman Condon stated she has put a lot of thought into this matter. In making a final decision, she stated she would base her decision on what she believes is really best for the community. Alderman Condon noted the following ideas/questions which were suggested at her recent community forum: • If taxes are increased and the economy improves, would the tax then be repealed? • Could the tax be % of 1% rather than % of 1%? • Could the City outsource some of its services, thereby reducing associated employee benefit costs? • Could additional budget cuts be made? Alderman Condon expressed her frustration because she feels passionate about the community, but the Council needs to think about the future. She stated she has reviewed the 2010-2011 budget at length. There is no place for additional cuts to be made. Page 3 June 7,2010 Alderman Glab stated he realized with Home Rule status there would be additional tax considerations. He noted he does not support sales tax that goes into the General Fund. He believes any surplus would just go to whoever has a strong lobby. Alderman Glab opined once the tax is implemented it would not be repealed. Responding to Alderman Glab's inquiry regarding use of funds obtained by the implementation of the tax, Director Black stated procedures would not change. He noted there would not be any additional controls on the distribution schedule of City funds by the State of Illinois. Alderman Glab stated he would like to see additional cuts. More research needs to be done to find ways to cut expenditures. He stated he would like to see additional information prior to making a decision. Alderman Santi expressed his appreciation for the public input. He stated he needs some guidance from the Finance Director regarding the Police Pension Fund. He stated he would also like to see retail storefronts filled. However, every community is struggling with vacant storefronts during this difficult economy. He noted when he makes his decision regarding the tax increase he will make his decision based on what is good for the entire community. Alderman Schaefer stated he agrees with what everyone has expressed. He noted this is a difficult decision. He confirmed there is no "fluff' in the budget. He stated he does not want to increase taxes, but sincerely feels he must do what is best for the entire community. Alderman Peterson expressed his appreciation to the residents for their participation and opinions expressed during this Public Hearing. He stated he would like to know what kind of cuts would take place if the sales tax were not instituted. Alderman Glab inquired if the number of positions already cut included seasonal help. . Director Black responded twenty-one positions were cut over the last three budget cycles. He noted the cuts mentioned do not include the elimination of seasonal help. Alderman Glab stated he had hoped with the City's attaining Home Rule status, a tax would be implemented on the sales of gasoline only. Alderman Condon noted as Director Black pointed out, overall the tax burden would still be less on the community than if property tax rates were increased or other alternatives were considered. Mr. Meath inquired if the so-called "sin tax" could be raised in the City. Director Black responded stating he believe that the City does not have the authority to implement specific taxes such as a "sin tax", but he would research that issue. Page 4 June 7,2010 Motion by Wimmer, seconded by Condon, to close the Public Hearing at 8:36 p.m. .� Voting Aye: Santi, Glab, Schaefer, Blake, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon. Voting Nay: None. Absent: None. Motion carried. Mayor Low thanked all citizens present for their input and participation. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Wimmer, seconded by Blake, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented: A. Committee recommendation: schedule a public hearing to consider updates to zoning ordinance regarding revisions to commercial and recreational vehicle parking; B. Release Letter of Credit and acceptance of public improvements upon receipt of maintenance bond in the amount of $4,654.80 for Orchard Beach sanitary sewer extension by Michael Eckstein; C. Resolution designating Open Meetings Act Officers; D. Request to connect to police alarm panel — McHenry Township Storage Facility located At 3703 North Richmond Road- E. Block Party request: Jim McClain,Glenbrook Trail in Abbey Ridge Subdivision Saturday July 3rd; F. City Council Minutes: May 17,2010 regularly scheduled meeting; May 24,2010 regularly scheduled meeting; G. List of As-Needed Checks: f AMELIO, ROBERT 282.00 AT&T 2,323.92 BANK OF NEW YORK, THE 1,178.00 BANKCARD SERVICES 1,500.02 BENTZ, DONALD J 204.00 BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD O 109,493.30 COMMUNICATIONS REVOLVING 105.00 CUSTOM LANDSCAPING 1,680.00 DELISI, PHIL 225.00 FOP UNITS I/II 1,862.00 FOWLER, JEFF R 184.00 HAWKINS INC 1,567.65 HERITAGE TITLE COMPANY 750.00 HOME STATE BANK 2,750.00 ILLINOIS DIRECTOR OF 3,855.94 IUOE, LOCAL 150 983.25 MAZZUCA, JOE 322.00 MISS MCHENRY COUNTY QUEE 125.00 MOORE, KEVIN 178.50 NCPERS GROUP LIFE INS. 304.00 NICOR GAS 917.23 PACE 9,970.09 PETROLIANCE LLC 1,493.14 PETTIBONE & CO, P F 1,362.09 POSTMASTER MCHENRY IL 3,063.42 STAPLES CREDIT PLAN 57.56 UNITED PARCEL SERVICE 130.30 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-G 4,421.00 UNUM 1,593.87 VIKING CHEMICAL COMPANY 10,669.88 WALMART COMMUNITY 443.51 ZUKOWSKI ROGERS FLOOD & 5,186.24 GRAND TOTALS 169,181.91 Page 5 June 7,2010 FUND TOTALS GENERAL FUND 39,971.82 PAGEANT FUND 125.00 DEBT SERVICE-1997A FUND 3,928.00 WATER/SEWER FUND 13,645.29 UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS FUND 750.00 EMPLOYEE INSURANCE FUND 109,493.30 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FUND 108.50 RETAINED PERSONNEL ESCROW 1,160.00 TOTALS 169,181.91 H. List of Bills: AALTO, BRIAN 70.55 ADAMS STEEL SERVICE INC 80.52 ADAMS, JOHN 69.14 AFFILIATED ENT PHYSICIAN 170.00 AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASS 75.00 ARAMARK 272.42 AT&T 860.22 BANKCARD SERVICES 985.13 BARNES, NANCY 7.00 BAXTER & WOODMAN 178.00 BERGGREN, LEE 415.50 BREMER, CURTIS H 78.00 BRENNAN, DAN 1,720.00 BUSS FORD SALES 2,301.35 CAREY ELECTRIC 105.00 CENTEGRA OCCUPATIONAL ME 58.80 CONCRETE SOLUTIONS CORP 154.99 CRUZ, MICHAEL 25.00 DAWSON, CHRISTINE 126.73 DIXON ENGINEERING INC 1,250.00 DOCUMENT IMAGING DIMENSI 338.00 DURA WAX COMPANY INC, TH 91.70 EAST JORDAN IRON WORKS 614.00 ED'S RENTAL & SALES INC 255.00 FERRARI, TRACEY 40.00 FISCHER BROS FRESH 1,175.63 FLESCH COMPANY INC, GORD 142.02 FOERSTER, JEFFERY S 39.44 GANTZ, DEYONNA 144.00 GILPIN, GARY 60.00 GOLD MEDAL PRODUCTS 669.83 GOODMARK NURSERIES LLC 508.00 HD SUPPLY WATERWORKS 935.21 HEADLEY, JEAN 6.24 I-PAC C/O WILLIAM WALSH 50.00 ILLINOIS STATE POLICE 500.00 INTOXIMETERS 189.00 KALE UNIFORMS INC 273.96 KUS, TOM 102.00 LAKE COUNTY CLERK 10.00 LISAFELD, JEFF 162.72 MCHENRY COUNTY RECORDER 250.00 MORITZ, SHERRIE 40.66 MUNICIPAL CLERKS OF LAKE 20.00 NCL OF WISCONSIN INC 482.31 NORTHERN ILLINOIS SPECIA 145,596.00 PEARCE, JAMISON 220.50 PEPSIAMERICAS 391.02 PETROLIANCE LLC 5,680.89 PITEL SEPTIC INC 600.00 POOL SPECIALISTS, THE 162.00 POPP, LARRY 24.30 REINHART, EMILY 14.00 SCHMITT, JON 60.00 STAPLES BUSINESS ADVANTA 335.68 TRAFFIC CONTROL & PROTEC 596.73 TRITON ELECTRONICS INC 965.00 Page 6 June 7,2010 ULTRA STROBE COMMUNICAIT 66.78 UNITED PARCEL SERVICE 73.41 UNITROL / STINGER SPIKE 259.00 VALENTINES REPAIR 86.80 WASTE MANAGEMENT OF WI P 7,705.00 ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH 30.00 GRAND TOTALS 178,970.18 FUND TOTALS GENERAL FUND 164,716.38 WATER/SEWER FUND 11,913.12 RISK MANAGEMENT FUND 58.80 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FUND 683.88 RETAINED PERSONNEL ESCROW 1,428.00 POLICE PENSION FUND 170.00 TOTALS 178,970.18 Voting Aye: Santi, Glab, Schaefer, Blake, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon. Voting Nay: None. Absent: None. Motion carried. AMENDMENT TO EXISTING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR GLS CORPORATION 833 RIDGEVIEW DRIVE Deputy City Administrator Martin stated a request was submitted by Steven Mattler of GLS Corporation seeking an expansion of their conditional use permit for their facility located at 833 Ridgeview Drive. Deputy City Administrator Martin noted GLS received a conditional use permit to allow outside storage silos on their site in 1997. Expansions of the conditional use permit were granted by Council in 2002 and 2008. Deputy City Administrator Martin stated at this time GLS is seeking a third expansion to their permit to allow the addition of a 29' long by 14.5 wide concrete pad on the north side, near the midpoint of the building, and the installation of a larger dust collector on the pad, replacing the smaller dust collector granted by previous Council action. Deputy City Administrator Martin stated Council has the authority to: • Grant the request for expansion of the conditional use permit; • Deny the request for expansion of the conditional use permit; • Refer the matter to the Planning and Zoning Commission for consideration at a Public Hearing. He noted Staff has reviewed the request and supports the expansion of the conditional use permit as requested, and would recommend Council passing an ordinance allowing for the expansion of the conditional use permit as-presented.. Motion by Glab, seconded by Condon, to accept Staff's recommendation, to pass an ordinance granting an expansion to the existing conditional use permit for GLS Corporation for their facility located at 833 North Ridgeview Drive, to allow the addition of a 29' by 14.5' concrete pad and installation of a larger dust collector on the pad, subject to the removal of the existing smaller dust collector. Page 7 June 7,2010 Voting Aye: Santi, Glab, Schaefer, Blake, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon. Voting Nay: None. Absent: None. Motion carried. ADDENDUM #1 TO ENGINEERING SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS SOLIDS HANDLING—SEC GROUP INC IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $11,600 SEC Group City Engineering Consultant Chad Pieper addressed Council regarding Addendum #1 to engineering services agreement for the Wastewater Treatment Plants solids handling. Engineering Consultant Pieper noted Council approved an engineering services agreement for this project in the amount of $341,950 on January 18, 2010. Since the approval of the agreement the IEPA has reviewed the plan and is requiring the gas chlorine chemical facilities at the CWWTP to be brought into compliance with the current code. SEC Group has submitted an addendum to the initial agreement which would bring the gas chlorine chemical facilities into compliance. The amount of the addendum is $11,600. Alderman Glab opined the engineering costs for this entire project are too high. Engineering Consultant Pieper noted this is a very specialized project which calls for a lot of specific technical work, thereby increasing the engineering costs to complete the project. Motion by Wimmer, seconded by Schaefer, to accept Staffs recommendation to authorize the Mayor's execution of Addendum #1 to the Engineering Services Agreement for wastewater treatment plants solids handling with SEC Group in an amount not-to-exceed $11,600. Voting Aye: Santi, Schaefer, Blake, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon. Voting Nay: Glab. Absent: None. Motion carried. MAYOR STATEMENT AND REPORT Mayor Low expressed her amazement by the size of the crowd for the first ever Cruise Night in McHenry this evening. Mayor Low also noted there was great attendance at the season's first City Band Concert. Mayor Low congratulated Marian Central Baseball Team who won their Super-Sectional Game and are in the final four in state competition. Mayor Low announced she attended Krystal Schwartz's welcome home celebration upon her return from overseas combat. The Mayor was surprised by the Warrior Watch with a presentation of an honorary membership in the Warrior Watch including a gift of one of their ti Page 8 June 7,2010 symbolic leather vests, as well as a plaque. Mayor Low stated she was deeply honored by the -� presentation and donned the vest to show her appreciation. COMMITTEE REPORTS There were no Committee Reports. STAFF REPORTS Assistant City Administrator Hobson announced the following events are scheduled for this week: • The Lions Carnival at Petersen Park from Wednesday through Saturday; • Jaycees Fishing Derby on Saturday at Whispering Oaks Park; • Kiwanis Club Soapbox Derby on Saturday at Waukegan Road and Green Street. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS There were no Future Agenda Items discussed. EXECUTIVE SESSION: POTENTIAL LITIGATION Motion by Santi, seconded by Wimmer, to go into Executive Session to discuss Potential Litigation at 8:51 p.m. Voting Aye: Santi, Glab, Schaefer, Blake, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon. Voting Nay: None. ` Absent: None. Motion carried. Council went into Executive Session at 8:54 p.m. Motion by Wimmer, seconded by Blake, to go back into Open Session at 9:10 p.m. Voting Aye: Santi, Glab, Schaefer, Blake, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon. Voting Nay: None. Absent: None. Motion carried. Council went back into Open Session at 9:10 p.m. OPEN SESSION REGARDING MATTERS DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION There was no action taken in Open Session regarding matters discussed in Executive Session. Page 9 June 7,2010 ADJOURNMENT Motion by Wimmer, seconded by Blake, to adjourn the meeting at 9:11 p.m. Voting Aye: Santi, Glab, Schaefer, Blake, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon. Voting Nay: None. Absent: None. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 9:11 p.m. Mayor f' City Clerk