HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 02/01/2010 - City Council REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 1, 2010
Mayor Low called the regularly scheduled February 1, 2010 meeting of the McHenry City
Council to order at 7:30 p.m. In attendance were the following Aldermen: Glab, Schaefer, Blake,
Wimmer, Peterson and Condon. Absent: Santi. Also in attendance were: City Administrator
Maxeiner, City Clerk Jones, City Attorney McArdle, Deputy City Administrator Martin, Assistant
City Administrator Hobson, Construction Neighborhood Services Director Schwalenberg, Public
Works Director Schmitt, Finance Director Black, Parks and Recreation Director Merkel, Chief of
Police Brogan.
PRESENTATION: GARDEN QUARTER RESOURCE CENTER
Mayor Low noted Garden Quarter Resource Center Director Megan Sullivan was in
attendance, ostensibly to provide Council with a report on the events conducted at the
resource center. However, the Character Counts! Coalition wished to recognize Megan's
efforts, which was the actual reason for Megan's attendance this evening.
Police Chief Brogan, representing the Character Counts! Coalition, read into the record
of the meeting a plaque recognizing the efforts of Megan Sullivan during her tenure with the
resource center. Chief Brogan noted without Megan's efforts, the resource center would no
longer be in existence, particularly during these difficult financial times.
Ms. Sullivan acknowledged all Garden Quarter Board Members who were in attendance
and noted keeping the resource center going was a group effort. She thanked everyone for
their contributions.
PUBLIC INPUT SESSION
There was no one in attendance who wished to address Council during the Ten Minute
Public Input Session.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Wimmer, seconded by Peterson, to approve the Consent Agenda as
presented:
A. Farm Lease Agreements:
Cunat Property,20 acres,March 1,2010 through February 28,2011,$2,522.90 due November 1,2010;
Levy Property,24.5 acres,March 1,2010 through February 28,2011,$1,964.55 due on November 1,2010;
Petersen Farm Property,54 acres,March 1,2010 through February 28,2011,$4,832.46 due on November 1,2010;
B. Special Event Liquor License:The Church of Holy Apostles,Mardi Gras Dance fundraiser,February 20,2010;
C. Special Event Liquor License:The Church of Holy Apostles,Aid to Haiti fundraiser,March 13,2010;
D. MACC request for temporary advertising signs for 2010 Business Expo;
E. City Council Minutes:
January 11,2010 regularly scheduled meeting;
January 18,2010 regularly scheduled meeting;
F. List of Bills:
A W TOOL SALES INC 57.40
A-ABLE ALARM SERVICE INC 154.00
ADAMS ENTERPRISES INC, R 626.79
Page 2
February 1,2010
ADAMS STEEL SERVICE INC 394.69
ADVANTAGE MECHANICAL INC 1,240.00
AFTERMATH INC 95.00
ALTERNATE POWER INC 783.50
AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASS 75.00
ANCHOR INDUSTRIES INC 84.90
ARAMARK 146.63
AT&T 2,860.73
AT&T LONG DISTANCE 170.65
AUTO TECH CENTERS INC 1,885.22
BERGGREN, LEE 96.00
BERKHEIMER CO INC, G W 491.33
BRANIFF COMMUNICATIONS I 547.50
BROUILETTE, JOEL 53.65
BUSS FORD SALES 57.36
CASSIDY TIRE & SERVICE 327.50
CDW GOVERNMENT INC 362.22
CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL TR 769.31
CONNEY SAFETY PRODUCTS 313.37
CONSTELLATION NEWENERGY 47,485.15
CORPORATE TRAINING CENTE 70.00
CRESCENT ELECTRIC SUPPLY 616.22
CURRAN CONTRACTING COMPA 797.22
CYNOWA, LEROY A 1,012.23
DURA WAX COMPANY INC, TH 112.20
ED'S RENTAL & SALES INC 132.99
FISCHER BROS FRESH 545.00
FLESCH COMPANY INC, GORD 121.37
FONE ZONE-MCHENRY, THE 62.98
G IMPRESSIONS INC 55.00
GROWER EQUIPMENT & SUPPL 232.55
HAWKINS INC 1,870.38
HD SUPPLY WATERWORKS 262.65
HETTERMANN, KATHLEEN 170.70
HP SHOOTING CENTER INC 270.00
IAEI 102.00
IMAGETEC LP 2,888.07
J G UNIFORMS INC 2,855.47
JC LICHT/EPCO 92.58
JONES, JOHN 540.00
JULIE INC 117.50
KALE UNIFORMS INC 771.96
KIMBALL MIDWEST 368.61
KIRCHNER FIRE 980.75
KRATZ PLUMBING COMPANY 300.00
LANG PONTIAC-CADILLAC-SU 163.41
LANGE, MICHAEL 55.94
MACEY, KRISTINE 31.00
MARK'S PLUMBING PARTS 304.34
MARSH USA INC 360.00
MAXEINER, DOUGLAS K 14.00
MCCANN INDUSTRIES INC 2,616.44
MCHENRY ANALYTICAL WATER 240.00
MCHENRY COUNTY COUNCIL 0 1,260.00
MCHENRY POWER EQUIPMENT 29.96
MCHENRY SCHOOLS TRANSPOR 476.70
. MCMASTER-CARR SUPPLY CO 26.82
MENARDS - CRYSTAL LAKE 222.78
MERKEL, PETE 12.80
MEYER MATERIAL COMPANY 769.49
MIDCO 267.50
MINUTEMAN PRESS OF MCH 37.00
MORTON SALT 17,257.01
NELSON, MICHAEL D 50.00
NEXTEL 1,789.63
NICOR GAS 6,911.68
NORTH SUBURBAN WATER 45.00
OTTOSEN BRITZ KELLY COOP 805.00
PACE 14,696.69
PETROLIANCE LLC 23,277.16
PETTIBONE & CO, P F 179.99
Page 3
February 1,2010
PORTER LEE CORPORATION 1,150.00
PRECISION SERVICE & PART 160.99
PRINCE SPORTS INC 203.69
PROSAFETY INC 78.16
.� REBARS & STEEL COMPANY 57.00
REESE, KEN 13.88
REX AUTO BODY 1,000.00
RIETESEL, BYRON 125.00
ROWE, HERBERT W 400.00
RUSHING, RHONDA F LANG- 10.82
SANDERS, SHARON 11.50
SCALISE, SUE 80.00
SCHATZ, DONALD 195.00
SCHILLER, JEAN 75.00
SEC GROUP INC 415.00
SEXTON, ERIC M 7.10
SHERMAN MECHANICAL INC 1,213.17
SHRM 160.00
SICALCO LTD 2,443.54
SIRCHIE FINGER PRINT LAB 315.20
ST PAULS EPISCOPAL CHURL 448.20
STANARD & ASSOCIATES INC 790.00
STAPLES BUSINESS ADVANTA 278.07
SWEDO, CAROL 30.00
TEMPLE DISPLAY LTD 15,600.00
TONYAN & SONS INC, WILLI 2,600.00
TRAFFIC CONTROL & PROTEC 1,712.10
UNITED PARCEL SERVICE 84.97
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS P 110.00
USA BLUEBOOK 1,467.00
VACULA, JOHN T 2,100.00
VALLEY POPCORN CO 1,038.46
VAN GALDER BUS COMPANY 725.00
VERIZON WIRELESS 45.06
VIKING CHEMICAL COMPANY 3,852.09
WALMART COMMUNITY 52.84
WALWORTH COUNTY SHERIFFS 1,000.00
WASTE MANAGEMENT OF WI P 8,067.06
WHOLESALE DIRECT INC 463.93
WILKUS ARCHITECTS 950.00
ZAHN, DAN 288.00
ZUKOWSKI ROGERS FLOOD & 4,987.50
GRAND TOTALS 201,132.00
FUND TOTALS
GENERAL FUND 95,164.70
CIVIL DEFENSE FUND 547.50
MOTOR FUEL TAX FUND 19,700.55
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FUND 3,757.59
WATER/SEWER FUND 75,594.12
RISK MANAGEMENT FUND 1,360.00
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FUND 2,202.54
RETAINED PERSONNEL ESCROW 2,805.00
TOTALS 201,132.00
Voting Aye: Glab, Schaefer, Blake, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Santi.
Motion carried.
Page 4
February 1,2010
APPROVE ORDINANCES:
1. DESIGNATING CITY OF MCHENRY A CITY-WIDE RECOVERY ZONE:
2. PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF $2.03 MILLION GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS
(SERIES 2010A):
3. PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF $3.51 MILLION TAXABLE GENERAL OBLIGATION
BONDS (SERIES 2010B)TO FUND LOCAL ROAD IMPROVEMENTS
Finance Director Black noted Dan Forbes, Vice President of Speer Financial, was in
attendance at this evening's meeting.
Director Black stated the City Council had previously approved a bond refunding of
$2.05 million for the General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source) issued by the City in
2002. Council also approved the issuance of$3.44 million in General Obligation Bonds for local
road improvements. The road improvements bonds will consist of$2.5 million in Recovery Zone
Bonds and $940,000 in Build America Bonds.
Director Black reported a bid opening was scheduled for and held today. Prior to
Council consideration and action on the authorization to issue bonds, however, an ordinance
designating the City of McHenry as a City-Wide Recovery Zone must be approved.
Mr. Forbes reported seven bids were received at the bid opening conducted earlier
today. The bids provided for:
1. Issuance of$2.03 million in General Obligation Bonds (Series 2010A) to refund Series 2002 General
Obligation Bonds;and
2. Issuance of$3.51 million in Taxable General Obligation Bonds (Series 2010B) in order to fund local
road improvements.
Mr. Forbes noted there were revisions to the original amounts to be issued. Initially, the Series
2010A was estimated to be in the amount of $2.05 million and Series 2010E was estimated to
be in the amount of $3.44 million. These figures were amended when the actual bids were
received. Relative to Series 2010A refunding the 2002 Bonds, he noted the savings to the City
would be approximately$141,000 over the life of the bonds. Mr. Forbes complimented Director
Black and stated he did an excellent job in preparation of the bond sale.
Alderman Glab inquired if the bonds would increase taxes. Director Black responded the
City has annually abated the property taxes for the Series 2002 Bonds and would continue to do
so with Series 2010A. He noted the City is committing MFT Funds to pay for the Series 2010B
Bonds, and property taxes would be abated for this issue as well.
Motion by Schaefer, seconded by Wimmer, to accept Staffs recommendation to pass an
ordinance designating the City of McHenry as a City-Wide Recovery Zone.
Voting Aye: Glab, Schaefer, Blake, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Santi.
Motion carried.
Page 5
February 1,2010
Motion by Schaefer, seconded by Blake,to accept Staffs recommendation to:
1. Pass an ordinance authorizing the issuance of$2.03 million General Obligation Bonds, Series 2010A, to
refund Series 2002 Bonds;
2. Pass an ordinance authorizing the issuance of $3.51 million Taxable General Obligation Bonds, Series
20108,to fund local road improvements.
Voting Aye: Glab,Schaefer, Blake, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon.
Voting Nay; None.
Absent: Santi.
Motion carried.
REQUEST FOR SIGN VARIANCES FOR MCHENRY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT 15:
1. PARKLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL, ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTER:
2. MCHENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL, ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTER:
3. DISTRICT 15 ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES, MONUMENT SIGN WITH ELECTRONIC
MESSAGE CENTER
Deputy City Administrator Martin stated a request was submitted by McHenry
Elementary School District 15 to allow the installation of electronic message centers at Parkland
Middle School and McHenry Middle School. Additionally, District 15 is seeking a variance to
permit the installation of a new monument sign with an electronic message center on its
Administrative Offices property. As all three sites are located in a residential zoning district, a
variance to allow the signs is required. Staff has reviewed the request and recommends
approval.
Alderman Condon stated she is conflicted by the request. She expressed concern that
the LED sign would rotate and potentially distract drivers. She stated she would like to help the
school district, but is concerned about safety.
Alderman Glab stated he does not see the necessity for such a large sign at the District
15 Administrative Offices property. He opined the size of the sign seems too large. He stated he
is concerned that previous District 15 signs were installed that were never approved by Council.
He noted he does not have an issue with the Middle School signs.
Alderman Schaefer concurred with Alderman Condon regarding the signs being a
possible distraction. He noted the proposed sign at the Administrative Offices would be quite
close to the High School sign. He stated placement of another electronic message center at this
location seems excessive. Alderman Schaefer stated the signs look good for Parkland Middle
School and the McHenry Middle School.
Alderman Blake concurred with Aldermen Condon and Schaefer.
Mayor Low suggested separating the request into two separate motions: one for the
`� Middle School signs; one for the Administrative Offices property sign.
Page 6
February 1,2010
Alderman Condon stated her biggest concern is the location of a flashing LED sign at the --�
entrance to Parkland Middle School. She asked Chief Brogan if there were any statistics
regarding traffic crashes at this intersection. Chief Brogan responded he would be happy to
research this issue.
Alderman Peterson stated he is in favor of all three signs.
Motion by Wimmer, seconded by Schaefer, to accept Staffs recommendation to
approve a variance granting the installation of electronic message centers at Parkland Middle
School located at 1802 North Ringwood Road and McHenry Middle School located at 2120
West Lincoln Road, as presented.
Voting Aye: Schaefer, Blake, Wimmer, Peterson.
Voting Nay: Glab,Condon.
Absent: Santi.
Motion carried.
Motion by Wimmer, seconded by Condon, to accept Staffs recommendation to approve
a variance granting the installation of an electronic message center on the McHenry Elementary
School District 15 Administrative Offices property located at 1011 North Green Street, as
presented.
Voting Aye: Blake, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon.
Voting Nay: Glab, Schaefer.
Absent: Santi.
Motion carried.
MCHENRY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE REQUEST TO:
1. APPROVE 2010 FIESTA DAYS SCHEDULE:
2. APPROVE USE OF CITY PARK FACILITIES FOR FIESTA DAYS:
3. APPROVE CITY SUPPORT SERVICES FOR FIESTA DAYS EVENTS:
4. APPROVE SPECIAL EVENT LIQUOR LICENSE FOR FIESTA DAYS:
5. APPROVE TEMPORARY SIGNS TO ADVERTISE FOR FIESTA DAYS EVENTS;
6. APPROVE WAIVER OF ALL ASSOCIATED FEES
In attendance were CEO Kay Rial Bates, Jane Manny and Lee Lockwood from the
McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce.
Assistant City Administrator Hobson stated the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce
has requested several items with regard to the 2010 Fiesta Days. Fiesta Days will begin on
Friday, July 9, 2010 and conclude with the parade on Sunday, July 18, 2010. Family Faith Nite is
scheduled for Saturday, July 31, 2010. The Chamber is requesting the use of Petersen Park and
Veterans Memorial Park for the events and is seeking City sup-port services from the Police,
Parks and Public Works Departments as well. Assistant City Administrator Hobson noted an
accounting of services rendered for Fiesta Days 2009 showed a City contribution of
Page 7
February 1,2010
approximately $30,000. The Chamber has offered to partially offset the cost of City support
services for the events.
Assistant City Administrator Hobson noted the Chamber is also seeking a Special Event
Liquor License, permission to post temporary advertising signs, and a waiver of all fees
associated with conducting the event.
Alderman Glab stated he does not believe Family Faith Nite is part of Fiesta Days. He
opined it should be addressed separately. He challenged the Chamber to encourage additional
family participation in the event.
Mayor Low commented that the Chamber and City have worked together to establish
lines of communication between the two organizations. Mayor Low complimented the
Chamber on their efforts.
Motion by Condon, seconded by Wimmer, to accept Staffs recommendation to approve
the following as requested by the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce:
1. Annual Fiesta Days Schedule commencing on Friday,July 9,2010,concluding on Sunday,July 18, 2010;
2. Family Faith Nite event on Saturday,July 31,2010 from 4 p.m.until 10 p.m.;
3. Use of Petersen Park and Veterans Memorial Park for Fiesta Days and Family Faith Nite;
4. City support services from the Parks, Police and Public Works Departments for Fiesta Days events and
Family Faith Nite;
S. Special Event Liquor License for Fiesta Days;
6. Installation of temporary advertising signs and local sponsor signs as presented;
7. Waive all associated fees for the events.
Voting Aye: Glab, Schaefer, Blake, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Santi.
Motion carried.
Chamber member Dick Paegelow presented the City with a donation in the amount of
$3,000.
REQUEST FOR SIGN VARIANCE:JEWEL/OSCO, 4222 WEST ELM STREET
In attendance was Peter Theodore, an art technician for Jewel Osco Corporation.
Deputy City Administrator Martin stated a request was submitted by Jewel Osco
Corporation seeking permission to replace their front fagade and modernize their wall signage.
Variances are required in order to install the requested signs: one for the number of allowable
wall signs permitted; one for the total square footage of wall sign area allowed on a building.
Staff has reviewed the request and supports its approval.
ti
Page 8
February 1,2010
Mr. Theodore addressed Council noting that the corporation is investing more than $2
million in renovations to the building. The corporation is attempting to bring new customers
into the store.
Motion by Schaefer, seconded by Peterson, to accept Staffs recommendation to
approve the following variances to allow the installation of signage on the Jewel/Osco building
located at 4222 West Elm Street:
1. Increasing the number of allowable wall signs on the site to six signs as presented;
2. Increasing the amount of total square footage allowable for wall signs on the building to a total of 787
square feet as presented.
Voting Aye: Glab, Schaefer, Blake, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Santi.
Motion carried.
REQUEST FOR SIGN VARIANCE: MCDONALD'S.4411 WEST ELM STREET
Deputy City Administrator Martin stated McDonald's plans on demolishing its current
building and constructing a new prototype building on the premises located at 4411 West Elm
Street. Additionally, McDonald's is seeking to update their signage. The following table includes
information on allowable signs for the site and proposed signage for the site:
Signage Permitted by Ordinance McDonald's Requested Signage
Wall Signs:68 sq ft (two permitted) Wall Signs:162 sq ft (five proposed)
Menu Board sign:32 sq ft;8'ht(one permitted) Menu Board sign:48 sq ft ea;5.30'ht(two proposed)
Directional Signs:5 sq ft;3'ht(one permitted per entrance/exit) Directional Signs:4.7 sq ft;3.30'ht(three proposed)
Freestanding Sign:Max ht of 15%max area of 106 sq ft(one permitted) Freestanding Sign:96.64 sq ft;17'ht(one proposed)
Deputy City Administrator Martin stated the proposed signage is consistent with
McDonald's current branding and marketing image.
Deputy City Administrator Martin noted McDonald's originally requested to keep their
existing freestanding sign which is currently nonconforming in height and area. The existing sign
is 232 square feet and is 26' in height. Staff requested McDonald's reevaluate the freestanding
sign in an effort to bring it into closer conformance with sign regulations. McDonald's agreed
and is proposing a 96.64 square foot sign, 17' in height which includes an electronic reader
board. The proposed sign conforms to sign area but exceeds maximums allowed by 2 feet.
Staff is recommending approval of the variance requests as presented.
Alderman Wimmer noted he could understand the reason for the request. He stated he
is happy the City is getting a new prototype restaurant.
Alderman Condon complimented McDonald's on the renovations and proposed
improvements to the site. She opined the new building would fit nicely into the area. Alderman
Condon expressed some concerns with the drive-thru, particularly with the new dual lane
Page 9
February 1,2010
approach. Deputy City Administrator Martin responded, noting Staff did not think the new
design would have an adverse impact, and, in fact, McDonald's would be correcting and/or
addressing some of the issues currently noted on the site.
Alderman Condon inquired if the outer drive-thru lane would be curbed. Mr. Rich
Neubauer, Rebuild Manager, responded noting the new restaurant will have two ordering
points. He noted 70% of McDonald's business is drive-thru traffic. The customer will have a
choice of which lane to use. Mr. Neubauer noted the lane would not be curbed; striping would
be used to separate the lanes. A customer would have the option of getting out of line at the
ordering point if desired.
In response to Alderman Condon's inquiry as to whether this matter would be coming back to
Council for further deliberation, Deputy City Administrator Martin responded in the negative, stating it
would not, as the drive-thru was in place prior to the adoption of the revised 1986 Zoning Ordinance
which introduced the need for a conditional use permit for drive-thru establishments.
Alderman Glab expressed his dismay that the old sign is being removed. He stated
McDonald's would be losing its identity. He stated he is not impressed with the proposed new
construction prototype.
Mayor Low noted the only issue currently before Council for consideration this evening
is the proposed signage for the site.
Responding to Alderman Blake's inquiry, Mr. Neubauer stated McDonald's will be closed
for approximately four months while under demolition and construction. Alderman Blake
inquired what would happen to the current McDonald's employees at this location. Mr.
Neubauer responded the employees would go to other stores. Their jobs would be held. Some
employees might choose to take advantage of the time off.
Motion by Wimmer, seconded by Condon, to approve variances for signs for the
McDonald's site located at 4411 West Elm Street as follows:
Five Wall Signs having a total square footage of 162 sq ft;
Two Menu Board Signs,48 sq ft each,with a maximum height of 5.30 feet;
Three Directional Signs,4.7 sq ft each,with a maximum height of 3.30 feet;
One Freestanding Sign,96.64 sq ft,with a maximum height of 17 feet.
Voting Aye: Glab, Schaefer, Blake, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Santi.
Motion carried.
RENEWAL OF LEASE AGREEMENT: RIVIERA MARINA, 3302 WEST WAUKEGAN ROAD
City Administrator Maxeiner stated Jerry Danko of D's Marine Service has leased the
Riviera Marina from the City since 2001. Mr. Danko has proven to be a diligent caretaker for the
Page 10
February 1,2010
property and has maximized its potential as a marina. Staff is proposing a two-year lease which
incorporates the same terms as in years past, i.e. 40% of the gross receipts received for slip
rental and winter storage.
Motion by Schaefer, seconded by Blake, to accept Staff's recommendation to approve a
two-year lease with Jerry Danko of D's Marine Service with an expiration of February 29, 2012
for the Riviera Marina property located at 3308 West Waukegan Road, as presented.
Voting Aye: Glab, Schaefer, Blake, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Santi.
Motion carried.
MAYOR STATEMENT AND REPORT
Mayor Low reported the Character Counts! Pillar for February is Citizenship.
Mayor Low also reminded everyone that tomorrow, February 2, 2010, is Primary
Election Day.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
There were no Committee Reports.
STAFF REPORTS
There were no Staff Reports.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Alderman Peterson expressed concern that the City of McHenry is not a real pedestrian
or "walk" friendly municipality, particularly during the winter months.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Wimmer, seconded by Condon,to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 p.m.
Voting Aye: Glab, Schaefer, Blake, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Santi.
Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Mayor City Clerk