HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 08/15/2011 - City Council REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 15, 2011
Mayor Low called the regularly scheduled August 15, 2011 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 City
Administrator Black, Deputy City Administrator Martin, Assistant City Administrator Hobson,
City Clerk Jones, City Attorney McArdle, Construction and Neighborhood Services Director
Schwalenberg, Public Works Director Schmitt, Parks and Recreation Director Merkel, Deputy
Chief of Police Lumber.
Mayor Low invited two members of Boy Scout Troop 131 to lead the assembly in the
Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Low congratulated Alderman Blake and his wife Erin on the birth of their son,
Sean.
PUBLIC INPUT SESSION
There was no one who signed in to speak during the Ten Minutes of Public Input.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Santi, seconded by Wimmer, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented:
A. Ordinance granting a six-month extension of existing conditional use permit for 2210 West Elm Street;
B. Authorize execution of auction agreement with MCCG for September 24,2011 auction and ordinance authorizing sale
by public auction of surplus property;
C. Special use/picnic permits;
D. City Council minutes:
August 8,2011 regularly scheduled meeting;
E. List of Bills:
A-ABLE ALARM SERVICE INC 154.75
AALTO, SARAH M 285.00
ACE HARDWARE, BJORKMAN'S 983.35
ADVANCED AUTOMATION AND 10,586.89
AT&T 68.81
AUTO TECH CENTERS INC 208.50
BANKCARD PROCESSING CENT 1,143.55
BLAKE, ERIN 170.00
BOGO LLC 120.75
BUCK BROS INC 369.34
BUSS FORD SALES 721.50
CARQUEST AUTO PARTS STOR 642.83
CENTEGRA OCCUPATIONAL HE 187.18
CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL TR 112.54
CINTAS CORPORATION #355 1,241.84
COMED 32.87
CONSERV FS 701.20
CONSTELLATION NEWENERGY 18,503.70
CRESCENT ELECTRIC SUPPLY 13.17
D'ANGELO NATURAL SPRING 38.75
DREISILKER ELECTRIC MOTO 371.22
` DURA WAX COMPANY INC, TH 48.30
ED'S RENTAL & SALES INC 200.05
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FOX VALLEY SYSTEMS INC 142.82
FOXCROFT MEADOWS INC 235.00
HAWKINS INC 952.25
HBK WATER METER SERVICE 1,447.50
HIPOINT EMBROIDERY INC 46.94
JIMANOS PIZZERIA 24.00
KALE UNIFORMS INC 45.16
KIMBALL MIDWEST 154.31
LRD SYSTEMS & FORMS 840.00
MCHENRY ANALYTICAL WATER 780.00
MCHENRY COUNTY COLLECTOR 17,713.44
MCHENRY COUNTY RECORDER 321.50
MCHENRY FIRESTONE 80.00
MID AMERICAN WATER OF WA 289.95
MIDWEST METER INC 314.50
MINUTEMAN PRESS OF MCH 1,177.14
MUNIMETRIX SYSTEMS CORP 3,040.00
NAPA AUTO PARTS MPEC 2,180.24
NEUMANN JR, EDWARD J 500.00
PARKSON CORPORATION 52,852.00
PETROLIANCE LLC 8,202.78
PETTIBONE & CO, P F 249.00
PITNEY BOWES INC 203.97
PRECISION SERVICE & PART 1,204.08
PRIME TACK & SEAL CO 968.20
REICHE'S PLUMBING SEWER 280.00
REINDERS INC 506.47
ROAD RAGE INC 2,840.00
ROWE, HERBERT W 115.00
SERVICEMASTER BY DIDIER 2,232.00
SHERMAN MECHANICAL INC 1,617.50
SMALE, GUY 15.00
STANS OFFICE TECHNOLOGIE 285.75
STEINER ELECTRIC COMPANY 210.75
SWIFT CO INC, JOHN S 1,883.00 1
TRAFFIC CONTROL & PROTEC 200.11
ULTRA STROBE COMMUNICAIT 3,599.95
UNITED PARCEL SERVICE 57.22
USA BLUEBOOK 84.78
VALLEY VIEW ACRES 600.00
VERIZON WIRELESS 1,809,41
WASTE MANAGEMENT OF WI P 5,951.49
GRAND TOTALS 153,159.30
FUND TOTALS
GENERAL FUND 28,097.72
DEVELOPER DONATION FUND 7,066.52
CAPITAL EQUIPMENT FUND 6,140.00
WATER/SEWER FUND 33,244.03
UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS FUND 63,218.89
MARINA OPERATIONS FUND 10,640.71
RISK MANAGEMENT FUND 58.80
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FUND 4,192.63
RETAINED PERSONNEL ESCROW 500.00
TOTALS 153,159.30
Voting Aye: Santi, Glab, Schaefer, Blake, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Alderman Condon left the Council Chambers at 7:34 p.m.
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ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR AMENDMENT TO ORDINANCE 0-87-424 PROVIDING FOR A
ZONING MAP AMENDMENT AND AUTHORIZING VARIANCES FOR MCHENRY TOWNSHIP FIRE
PROTECTION DISTRICT PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3610 WEST ELM STREET
In attendance were McHenry Township Fire Protection District (MTFPD) Chief Anthony
Huemann, Architect Tim Schmitt, and Architect Kenneth Schaefer.
Deputy Administrator Martin stated a request was submitted by MTFPD seeking Council
permission to construct an administrative facility addition to their existing building located at
3610 West Elm Street. The addition would be used for operations and administration, meeting
space and miscellaneous office space.
Deputy City Administrator Martin noted Council approved an ordinance in 1987, 0-87-
424, granting a conditional use permit for the firehouse station one administrative
headquarters. Since that time the needs of MTPFD (district) have grown to the point that the
district has purchased adjacent properties in preparation of expanding the facility located on
the site. In order to accomplish the district's request the following needs to occur:
1. Zoning map amendment from residential to commercial (C5 Highway Commercial
District) for the newly-acquired and previously owned parcels which would be
incorporated into one overall zoning lot;
2. Amendment to 0-87-424 allowing for an expansion of the existing conditional use
permit on the premises;
3. Variances to the provisions of the landscape and screening requirements of the
Zoning Ordinance;
4. Variances to the off-street parking and loading requirements of the Zoning
Ordinance.
Deputy Administrator Martin noted the Planning and Zoning Commission considered the
requests at a public hearing held on July 7, 2011 and unanimously recommended the following:
1. Approval of zoning map amendment for parcel 7 from RM-2 to C-5 and for parcels 1
and 5 from RS-4 to C-5;
2. Approval of an amendment to 0-87-424 to allow a building addition and conditional
use permit site expansion of parcels 1-7 to be constructed in substantial
conformance with the geometric site plan and building elevations prepared by 222
Architects dated June 24, 2011, and the landscape plan prepared by uplandDesign
Itd dated June 29, 2011, collectively referred to as the "site plan";
3. Approval of variances to the landscape and screening requirements of the Zoning
Ordinance to allow the development of the subject property subject to the following
conditions:
a. A 4-foot high solid wooden fence shall be erected on the proposed retaining wall
along the entire length of the northern property line;
b. Contribution of $6 per square foot be made to the City in lieu of the installation
of sidewalk from the existing walk terminus at the southern end of Freund
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Avenue on the east side to the northern boundary on the east side of Freund ''\
Avenue;
4. Approval of variances to the off-street parking and loading requirements of the
Zoning Ordinance to allow a third driveway and an increase in total driveway width
for a non-residential driveway.
Deputy Administrator Martin noted the district is working with Illinois Department of
Transportation (IDOT) regarding access issues, particularly with regard to access onto Richmond
Road which would be solely for emergency vehicles. He noted the site plans include the
elimination of existing driveways onto Elm Street for passenger-type vehicles. He further noted
that not all storm water management concerns have been addressed. Staff will be reviewing
the engineering of the site during the permit review process to ensure compliance with all
storm water management criteria.
Alderman Santi stated he wants to be certain drainage concerns are addressed so water
does not flow onto Freund Avenue. Alderman Santi inquired if there would be a possibility of
emergency vehicles accessing the station from Freund Avenue. Fire Chief Huemann responded
that would happen only if extra companies were on the premises and responded to a call.
Alderman Glab inquired about the proposed fence and inquired if it could be
constructed of composite materials instead of wood. He noted he supports wood construction
rather than metal fabrication. Fire Chief Huemann noted the fence would likely be of composite
construction.
Alderman Glab stated since Council will not have any opportunity to address drainage
issues after tonight's discussion he opined the drainage issues should be discussed at this time.
He inquired if storm water sewers were capable of accepting runoff from the site. He further
noted the site runoff should be more restrictive. Architect Schmitt explained the surface runoff
and planned drainage system for the site. Alderman Glab continued to inquire about drainage
issues. Architect Schmitt noted calculations have not yet been prepared by the project
engineer.
Alderman Glab expressed his concerns about the antenna and its placement on the
premises.
Alderman Schaefer stated his concern with the area off of Freund Avenue and the
potential for vehicles entering and exiting the site from this location. Chief Huemann responded
vehicles utilizing this driveway would be solely non-emergency vehicles.
Alderman Schaefer expressed concerns regarding the egress and ingress at the
Richmond Road access point. He noted the access at this point is already a nightmare and he
does not foresee any improvements in light of the site plan. Architect Schaefer explained that
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IDOT and the district have come to a determination regarding the entrance/exit onto Richmond
Road and noted use of this access point would be infrequent.
Alderman Schaefer inquired what would be in place at the end of the retaining wall.
Architect Schaefer responded the retaining wall will run east and west and there would be
natural grass where the wall ends.
Alderman Blake noted he had questions regarding the Richmond Road access but his
concerns have been addressed.
Alderman Wimmer inquired if the district is awaiting IDOT approval regarding the
Richmond Road access. Architect Schaefer responded that is correct. He noted IDOT is on board
with the access point in concept but it is slow moving through the approval process.
Alderman Wimmer inquired of Director of Public Works Schmitt if IDOT could potentially
alter the plans being viewed this evening. Director Schmitt responded if IDOT alters the plans
the adjustments would be incorporated into the City's review of the engineering for the site.
Alderman Wimmer also expressed concerns regarding drainage from the site. Director
Schmitt stated there is no question there are existing drainage issues. He stated once the final
engineering has been received by the City, the City engineer will review the plans for
acceptance and potential changes. He further noted Staff is very aware of drainage concerns on
the property and these concerns will be addressed.
Alderman Peterson also expressed concerns about drainage. Architect Schmitt
responded drainage grates would be installed so that there would be clear access across
driveway access points.
Alderman Peterson inquired about snow removal from the site. Architect Schaefer
responded the snow would be pushed as far back as possible away from Freund Avenue. If
necessary, the snow would be hauled from the premises. Alderman Peterson requested
assurance that snow would remain onsite and not be pushed across Freund Avenue.
Alderman Santi inquired as to the frequency of training sessions which would be held in
the expanded facility. Fire Chief Huemann responded training sessions would be conducted on
Monday evenings, once per quarter. He noted there would be approximately 100 firefighters,
paramedics and EMTs present for the training sessions. In response to further inquiry, he noted
that during the week up to three additional pieces of equipment would be onsite, possibly two
or three times per week.
Alderman Santi inquired if work would begin on the project prior to final IDOT approval
being granted. Architect Schaefer responded no work would be done until IDOT has approved
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of the plans. Director Schmitt noted the building permit would not be issued until approval has
been received from IDOT.
Alderman Peterson asked Fire Chief Huemann if the site is a viable location for station
one and the administrative offices. Fire Chief Huemann responded the four mile area around
station 1 is the busiest in the 56 square mile area of the district. The site is accessible from all
directions and it is centrally located. The site is also in close proximity to all assisted living
facilities. The district feels very strongly that this is the right location for station 1 and the
district's administrative facilities
Alderman Glad inquired as to the need to landscaping requirement variances. Architect
Schaefer responded by eliminating one of the required parking lot landscape islands, the
premises would be easier to maintain as far as snow removal is concerned.
Alderman Schaefer inquired what would prevent people from cutting through on the
site to Freund Avenue. Architect Schaefer responded he hoped vehicles would not cut through
the site. Fire Chief Huemann noted this is also a concern of the district. The district is
considering installing signs indicating access is for "emergency vehicles only". He assured
Council the district is cognizant of the potential problem. He further noted he would assess with
the Police Department what can be done if this issue becomes a problem.
Alderman Schaefer again expressed concern that drainage from the site must be
adequately addressed.
Alderman Glab noted the owner of the property at 3614 Freund Avenue seems to have
concerns regarding the landscaping being proposed. Architect Schaefer responded the owner of
the property, Mr. Walsh, is in the landscape business. He noted nothing has been depicted yet
on the renderings for the site. Alderman Glab stated he feels a fence belongs adjacent to Mr.
Walsh's property; it would be more appropriate than shrubs.
Mayor Low noted as a point of interest Mr. Walsh specifically stated he did not want a
fence constructed adjacent to his property.
Alderman Glab again stated he feels a fence would be more appropriate than bushes.
Architect Schaefer noted the district has no problem with the installation of a fence on the
north side of the property except the adjacent property owner, Mr. Walsh, does not want a
fence at this location.
General discussion followed regarding the benefits of fencing versus shrubbery being
utilized for screening purposes on the north property line.
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Alderman Santi expressed his belief that the bushes provide a sufficient buffer to
`- residential property to the north and that they would satisfactorily buffer any vehicle headlights
from neighboring properties.
In response to Alderman Glab's statement that he wished to keep the screening issue,
fencing or shrubs along the north property line, open, Alderman Santi reiterated he is
comfortable with Staff's recommendation for the use of shrubs.
Motion by Santi, seconded by Wimmer, to accept the unanimous recommendation of
the Planning and Zoning Commission to pass an ordinance providing for the following as
requested by the McHenry Township Fire Protection District for its property located at 3610
West Elm Street:
1. Approval of zoning map amendment for parcel 7 from RM-2 to C-5 and for parcels 1
and 5 from RS-4 to C-5;
2. Approval of an amendment to 0-87-424 to allow a building addition and conditional
use permit site expansion of parcels 1-7 to be constructed in substantial
conformance with the geometric site plan and building elevations prepared by 222
Architects dated June 24, 2011, and the landscape plan prepared by uplandDesign
Itd dated June 29, 2011, collectively referred to as the "site plan";
3. Approval of variances to the landscape and screening requirements of the Zoning
Ordinance to allow the development of the subject property subject to the following
conditions:
a. A 4-foot high solid wooden fence shall be erected on the proposed retaining wall
along the entire length of the northern property line;
b. Contribution of$6 per square foot be made to the City in lieu of the installation
of sidewalk from the existing walk terminus at the southern end of Freund
Avenue on the east side to the northern boundary on the east side of Freund
Avenue;
4. Approval of variances to the off-street parking and loading requirements of the
Zoning Ordinance to allow a third driveway and an increase in total driveway width
for a non-residential driveway.
Voting Aye: Santi, Schaefer, Blake, Wimmer.
Voting Nay: Glab, Peterson.
Absent: Condon.
Motion carried.
Alderman Condon returned to Council Chambers at 9:04 p.m.
REQUEST FROM MTFPD FOR SIGN VARIANCES FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3610 WEST
ELM STREET
Deputy Administrator Martin stated MTFPD has submitted a request for sign variances
for its facility located at 3610 West Elm Street. The district would like to construct a second
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freestanding sign including an additional 43.3 square feet area which would incorporate an
electronic message display. Staff has reviewed the request and believes the sign would provide
a public benefit and recommends approval.
Motion by Wimmer, seconded by Schaefer, to accept Staffs recommendation to
approve sign variances as requested by the McHenry Township Fire Protection District for its
property located at 3610 West Elm Street as presented.
Voting Aye: Santi, Glab, Schaefer, Blake, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE ECONOMIC INCENTIVE AGREEMENT
WITH MCHENRY COMMONS SHOPPING CENTER
Mayor Low announced Agenda Item #8. An Ordinance authorizing an amendment to the
Economic Incentive Agreement with McHenry Commons Shopping Center, has been pulled
from this evening's Agenda by the applicant and will be considered at a later time.
ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING MUTUAL AID AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF MCHENRY AND
THE VILLAGE OF JOHNSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENTS
Deputy Chief Lumber stated the McHenry Police Department has been working with the
Village of Johnsburg to develop an intergovernmental agreement which would provide mutual
aid between the two police departments. He noted the proposed mutual aid agreement would
be similar to the agreements in place between various fire district jurisdictions. Deputy Chief
Lumber outlined the highlights of the proposed agreement and noted it is Staffs
recommendation to authorize the Mayor's execution of the agreement as presented.
Alderman Santi inquired if the County offers backup when necessary. Deputy Chief
Lumber responded they provide backup dependent upon their availability. He noted it depends
greatly upon the circumstances of the call.
Alderman Glab stated he is not thrilled with the section of the agreement indicating
there would be "no reimbursement". He stated his belief that McHenry's Police Department
would be inundated with requests for assistance without compensation.
In response to an inquiry by Alderman Glab, Deputy Chief Lumber noted the Johnsburg
Police Department has not received CA.LEA certification.
Alderman Schaefer stated he always wants to see the McHenry Police Department serve
McHenry first. He expressed overtime concerns. Deputy Chief Lumber noted overtime due to
mutual assistance would be possible, but would not be a huge encumbrance to the McHenry
department. He further noted that City of McHenry calls would always take priority. Alderman
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Schaefer stated he has a number of questions relating to the procedures involved within the
agreement.
Alderman Condon stated she likes the fact that the communities have an opportunity to
cooperate. She requested an evaluation be made after one year regarding how the mutual aid
agreement is functioning. Deputy Chief Lumber stated his belief than an evaluation could be
implemented.
Motion by Santi, seconded by Condon, to accept Staff's recommendation to pass an
ordinance providing for a mutual aid agreement between the City of McHenry Police
Department and the Village of Johnsburg Police Department as presented.
Voting Aye: Santi, Schaefer, Blake, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon.
Voting Nay: Glab.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
MAYOR STATEMENT AND REPORT
Mayor Low reported on the second annual "Keep the Spirit of 45 Alive" event hosted at
Veterans Memorial Park last Saturday evening. The event was arranged by Ron and Linda
Bykowski and was well-attended. She noted there were twice the number of WWII Vets as were
in attendance for the first year of the event.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Chairman Alderman Condon announced there would be a Community Development
Committee meeting on Tuesday, August 23, 2011 at 7 p.m. in the Aldermen's Conference
Room.
STAFF REPORTS
Director of Public Works Schmitt announced the fall brush pickup program begins on
August 29tn
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Alderman Schaefer inquired if the storm damage pickup had been completed. Director
Schmitt responded that pickup for the most part has been completed.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: PROPERTY ACQUISITION AND POTENTIAL LITIGATION
Motion by Wimmer, seconded by Santi, to go into Executive Session to discuss Property
Acquisition and Potential Litigation at 9:25 p.m.
Voting Aye: Santi, Glab, Schaefer, Blake, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
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Council went into Executive Session at 9:27 p.m. '1
Motion by Condon, seconded by Blake, to go back into Open Session at 10:04 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 10:04 p.m.
OPEN SESSION REGARDING MATTERS DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION
There was no action taken in open session regarding matters discussed in Executive
Session.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Wimmer, seconded by Santi, to adjourn the meeting at 10:05 p.m.
Voting Aye: Santi, Glab, Schaefer, Blake, Peterson, Condon.
Voting Nay: Wimmer.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 p.m.
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Mayor City Clerk
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