HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 11/05/1997 - City Council (2) REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 5, 1997
The Regular Meeting of the McHenry City Council was called to order by Mayor
Cuda at 7:30 P.M. on Wednesday, November 5, 1997 in the Council Chambers of the
Municipal Center. At roll call the following Aldermen were present: Bolger, Glab,
McClatchey, Murgatroyd, Baird. Absent: None. City Staff in attendance were: City
Administrator Lobaito, City Clerk Althoff, City Attorney McArdle, Director of Public
Works Batt, Chief of Police Joyce, Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel, City
Planner Phil Maggio. Absent None.
TEN MINUTE PUBLIC INPUT SESSION
No one signed in to speak during the Ten Minute Public Input Session.
PUBLIC HEARING -ANNEXATION AND REZONING OF WEGRZYN PROPERTY - 4811
CRYSTAL LAKE ROAD
Mayor Cuda opened the Public Hearing on the Annexation of the Wegrzyn
property at 7:33 p.m. Petitioner Dr. Kevin Wegrzyn and his attorney from the law firm
Militello, Zanck, and Coen, Mark Saladin, were in attendance.
Mayor Cuda asked if there were any questions or comments from the audience.
There were none. City Clerk Althoff informed Council no written or verbal comments
and/or questions had been received by the Clerk's office.
City Administrator Lobaito informed Council the subject property is located on
the east side of Crystal Lake Road directly across from the southern entrance to
McHenry High School West Campus. The property is comprised of approximately two
acres, 100 feet wide by 830 feet deep, and is currently improved with a single family
dwelling. The Petitioner intends to demolish the existing house and replace it with a
3,000 square foot office building for his dental practice. The Petitioner is requesting
the following:
• Annexation to the City of McHenry;
• Rezoning to C-2 Neighborhood Commercial Zoning District;
• Variance to allow a lot width of 100 feet along an arterial street, Crystal Lake
Road, versus the required 200 feet;
• Variance to allow a ten-foot side yard setback from the residential property to
the south, versus the required twenty (20) feet.
City Administrator Lobaito noted the Annexation Agreement:
• Permits the temporary use of a private septic system subject to the condition
the property shall connect to public sanitary sewer and pay all applicable
connection fees within one year of the date when sanitary sewer service
becomes available to the area;
• Provides for connection to City water and payment of all applicable connection
fees at the time the new building is constructed;
• Grants an access easement in a configuration providing for a shared access
drive onto Crystal Lake Road for the subject property and the adjacent property
to the south. The access drive will be required to line up with the existing
access drive into the High School property in order to prevent conflicting left-
turning movements;
• The access agreement will be prepared and recorded within ninety days of the
execution of the Annexation Agreement;
• The City shall be named as a third party beneficiary in order to insure the
Easement Access Agreement is not modified without the consent of the City;
• The Petitioners are requesting the waiving of the $500 per acre Annexation
Fee to the City.
The Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved the Petitioner's request for
C-2 Neighborhood Commercial Zoning District with variances to allow a lot width of
100 feet along an arterial street and a ten-foot side yard setback. The Plan
November 5, 1997 Page 2
Commission also heard the Petitioner's request as the desired C-2 Neighborhood
Commercial Zoning is in conflict with the current Comprehensive Plan which
designates this area Urban Residential. The Plan Commission recommended approval
of the Petitioner's request subject to the following conditions:
• There be only one curb cut on the property;
• The Petitioner investigate whether the existing pine trees currently located on
the property provide sufficient screening from the adjoining residential lots to
the east;
• Parking lot and building lighting be contained on site.
Alderman Glab stated his concern with the commercial zoning request and the
potential subsequent expansion of commercial zoning in the area. He cited traffic
problems as well as the proximity to McHenry High School's West Campus. He
recommended Council consider the less intense 0-1 zoning classification for this
property. A lengthy discussion followed.
City Planner Phil Maggio stated the entire area should be examined with regard
to appropriate zoning, not just the subject property. He noted the 0-1 zoning would
not substantially change the traffic impact on the area.
In response to Alderman McClatchey's inquiry, Dr. Wegrzyn stated the lighting
would be residential style and the proposed fencing and landscaping had been
presented to and received approval from the neighboring property owner to the north.
Mayor Cuda noted the numerous commercially zoned properties in the area
citing Harms Farm, Ace Hardware, the City of McHenry Post Office, Oaks Marathon
Gas Station, and Alden Terrace. Alderman Baird also expressed his concern with the
commercial zoning. In response to Alderman Baird's request, City Administrator
Lobaito reviewed the plans for extending sanitary sewer service to this area from
DePaul Avenue in the Park Ridge Estates Subdivision. Again, in response to an inquiry
from Alderman Baird, City Administrator Lobaito explained the access easement was
required in an attempt to create a single access road for the southern properties
located along Crystal Lake Road. The access drive will be required to line up with the
existing access drive into the High School property in order to prevent conflicting left-
turning movements.
Additional easements north will not be sought as only one lot exists prior to
Kelter Street.
Motion by McClatchey, seconded by Bolger, to close the Public Hearing at 7:58
p.m.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Murgatroyd, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
The Public Hearing was closed at 7:58 p.m.
Alderman Bolger noted Council, in an effort to encourage commercial
development, had waived Annexation Fees for the last commercial annexation, the
Colomer property on North Route 31 .
Attorney for the Petitioner, Mark Saladin, stated his client would agree to the
0-1 Office Zoning but would not agree to appearing before the Zoning Board of
Appeals again for the 0-1 Office Zoning Classification. City Attorney McArdle and
City Administrator Lobaito informed Petitioner Dr. Wegrzyn and his attorney, Mr.
Saladin, appearance before the Zoning Board of Appeals would not be necessary as
the 0-1 Office classification was a less intense use. The Petition, Annexation
Agreement and Zoning Ordinance will require amendment to reflect the 0-1 Office
Zoning.
November 5, 1997 Page 3
Motion by Baird, seconded by Glab, to pass an ordinance approving and
authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk's execution of the Wegrzyn Annexation
Agreement subject to the change in zoning from C-2 Neighborhood Commercial to 0-1
Office.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Murgatroyd, Baird, Cuda.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Motion by Murgatroyd, seconded by Bolger, to pass an ordinance annexing the
-- Wegrzyn property comprised of approximately two acres located at 4811 West Crystal
Lake Road, McHenry, Illinois, subject to the property being zoned 0-1 Office, and
authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk's execution of the ordinance.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Murgatroyd, Baird, Cuda.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Motion by Baird, seconded by Glab, to accept the unanimous recommendation
of the Zoning Board of Appeals and pass an ordinance reclassifying the Wegrzyn
property located at 4811 West Crystal Lake Road, McHenry, Illinois, from County 1-1
Industrial District to City 0-1 Office District with a variance allowing a lot width of
100 feet along the arterial street of Crystal Lake Road and a ten foot side yard setback
from the residential property to the south.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Murgatroyd, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by McClatchey, seconded by Baird, to approve the Consent Agenda as
follows:
(1) October 15, 1997 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes;
(2) Request from McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce for Use of Petersen Park
and Waiver of Associated Fees for 1998 Annual Country Meadows Craft Show;
(3) Payment to Earth Developments, Inc. of Richmond, IL in the amount of
$49,275 for Turf Establishment at Brookside Park;
(4) Release of Letter of Credit in the amount of $1 1,050.00- Oaks of
McHenry/Target Detention Pond, Gerstad Builders;
(5) Payment to Contour Contracting in the amount of $69,871.50 for Lakeland
Park Drainage Program - Parkway and Central;
(6) Payment to Gluth Brothers in the amount of $28,636.88 for Lakeland Park
Drainage Program - Prairie and Eastern;
(7) Ordinance Authorizing Sale of Office Trailer through Negotiation;
(8) List of As-Needed Checks.
GENERAL FUND
CHECK# VENDOR NAME AMOUNT
87736 MCHENRY COUNTY RECORDER $ 15.00
87737 MCHENRY COUNTY RECORDER $ 81.00
87738 INSURANCE CLAIMS ACCOUNT $ 7895.84
87739 BEHRENS, GLORIA $ 35.00
87740 MCHENRY COUNTY RECORDER $ 139.00
87822 INSURANCE CLAIMS ACCOUNT $ 20108.98
�- 87823 SECRETARY OF STATE $ 25.00
87824 PAYROLL ACCOUNT $ 122714.36
87825 CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT $ 110.00
87826 FLEX TRUST ACCOUNT $ 1391.76
87827 ICMA RETIREMENT TRUST-457 $ 4041.64
87828 NACO CLEARING ACCOUNT $ 1133.46
87829 ILLINOIS DEPT OF REVENUE $ 4958.05
87830 POLICE PENSION FUND $ 5541.92
87831 CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT $ 9413 .00
87832 WATER/SEWER FUND $ 2610.00
Report Totals 180214.01
November 5, 1997 Page 4
WATER/SEWER FUND
CHECK# VENDOR NAME AMOUNT
13910 FREISE, DAVID & SHARON $ 175.62
Report Totals 175.62
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Murgatroyd, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None. --
Motion carried.
Alderman Baird referencing Consent Agenda Item #3, Payment to Earth
Developments, Inc. of Richmond, Illinois, requested contractual payments with change
orders in excess of 5% be submitted as separate Agenda items as opposed to
inclusion as part of the Consent Agenda.
FENCE VARIATION REQUEST - 1906 HIGHVIEW AVENUE
Petitioner Trudy Burke was in attendance. City Administrator Lobaito informed
Council Petitioners Trudy and Tim Burke of 1906 Highview Avenue are requesting a
variance from the City's fence regulations. The Burkes are requesting Council
approval to permit the addition of wire mesh to their existing 42" split rail fence
located in their front yard. The Burkes cited access restrictions to their rear yard as
well as their dog's inability to negotiate stairs because of a hip problem. Weather
treated or plastic coated wire will be utilized to insure aesthetics.
Alderman Baird and Alderman Glab stated concerns with permitting this specific
variance citing the establishment of precedence. In response to Mayor Cuda's inquiry,
Mrs. Burke agreed to remove the mesh in the event of the dog's death or notification
of unsightliness.
Motion by McClatchey, seconded by Bolger, to grant a variance to Mr. and Mrs.
Timothy Burke, to install weather treated or plastic coated wire to the existing 42"
split rail fence in their front yard at 1906 Highview Avenue.
Voting Aye: Bolger, McClatchey, Murgatroyd.
Voting Nay: Glab, Baird.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
1996-1997 ANNUAL TREASURER'S REPORT-PRESENTATION BY CITY TREASURER,
DAVID WELTER
Senior Principal Account Clerk Susan Christensen and City Treasurer David
Welter were in attendance. City Treasurer Welter presented and interpreted the City's
1996-1997 Treasurer's Report, noting as per State Statute, the Report was published
on October 20, 1997 in the Northwest Herald. In addition, he compared the City's
current fiscal status to its previous condition in 1996, noting an overall 10 percent
increase in revenues and an 8.6 percent increase in expenses. Treasurer Welter also
informed Council a new investment policy was being developed by City Administrator
Lobaito, City Clerk Althoff, Senior Principal Account Clerk Christensen, and himself.
This new investment policy will be presented to Council for review, amendment, and
final approval.
RESOLUTION DETERMINING 1997 ESTIMATED TAX LEVY
City Administrator Lobaito informed Council as per State Statute Council must
consider the proposed Tax Levy and schedule a date for Public Hearing. The 1996
Tax Levy passed by the City Council and extended by the County was $2,002,216.
This represented a rate of .6013 per $100 in Equalized Assessed Valuation. The
proposed 1997 Tax Levy of $2,226,687 represents an increase of 11 .22 percent over
the 1996 Tax Levy. This Levy amount represents a rate of .6279 per $100 in
Equalized Assessed Valuation. The proposed 1997 Tax Levy Rates and extended Levy
amounts by fund type are as follows:
November 5, 1997 Page 5
Fund Name Proposed Levy Levy Rate Rate Limit
Corporate $ 690,101 .1946 0.25
IMRF $ 600,000 .1692 No Limit
Police Pension $ 300,012 .0846 No Limit
Audit $ 13,830 .0039 No Limit
Police Protection $ 259,940 .0733 0.075
Liability Insurance $ 300,012 .0846 No Limit
Band $ 9,929 .0028 0.04
Public Benefit $ 48,000 .0135 0.05
ESDA $ 4,800 .0014 .25/capita
TOTAL $2,226,687 .6279
As the 1997 Estimated Tax Levy represents an increase of 1 1 .22 percent, as
per the Truth and Taxation Act of 1981 , Notification of the Proposed 1997 Tax Levy
Amount shall be advertised in the newspaper and a Public Hearing shall be scheduled
for November 19, 1997.
Motion by Baird, seconded by Murgatroyd, to pass a resolution authorizing the
publication in accordance with the Truth in Taxation Act of 1981 of the City of
McHenry's proposed 1997 Tax Levy of $2,226,687 representing an increase of 11 .22
percent over the 1996 Tax Levy and to schedule a Public Hearing for Wednesday,
November 19, 1997.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Murgatroyd, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
PROPOSED INCREASE IN THE WATER/SEWER RATES
City Administrator Lobaito informed Council the Finance Committee at their
October 8, 1997 meeting unanimously voted to recommend a ten percent increase
annually for the years 1998, 1999 and 2000, effective with the May billing for both
water and sewer rates. Flat sewer rates will also increase proportionately. The debt
service charge will remain unchanged at $3.00 per month.
Finance Committee Chairman Alderman Murgatroyd explained an increase in
rates was necessary to meet the rise in operational, maintenance and replacement
costs, as well as federally mandated facility improvements. He explained the Finance
Committee reviewed anticipated expenditures including labor and equipment costs
attributable to the water and sewer funds over the next five years. He also noted the
City of McHenry's water and sewer rates, even with the ten percent increase, were
comparably lower than other municipalities located within McHenry County.
City Administrator Lobaito also noted the Finance Committee has recommended
Council consider an annual increase in the water and sewer rates based on the
Chicago Area Consumer Price Index effective with the May, 2001 billing. The
Consumer Price Index increase would be subject to annual review by Council and
would be rounded to the nearest one-half percent.
Motion by Baird, seconded by Murgatroyd, to acknowledge the unanimous
recommendation of the Finance Committee and to direct Staff to draft an ordinance
as follows:
• Increase the water and sewer rates ten percent annually for years 1998, 1999,
and 2000, effective each May billing period;
• Increase the flat sewer rates proportionately;
• Adjust the water and sewer rates by the Chicago Area Consumer Price Index
Annual Average effective with the May, 2001 billing, and each May thereafter,
subject to annual review by the City Council.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Murgatroyd, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
November 5, 1997 Page 6
PROPOSED INCREASE TO THE CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT FEES
City Administrator Lobaito reported in conjunction with the review of water and
sewer rates, the Finance Committee also discussed and recommended an increase in
the Water and Sewer Capital Development Fees. These fees have not been increased
since 1991 . City Administrator Lobaito explained the basis for determining the
increase in Sewer Capital Development Fees was the current cost of the South
Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion, land costs, and the revised population
equivalents (P.E.) for various residential dwelling types. The P.E. figures were
obtained from the Illinois School Consulting Services which were last updated in 1997.
The proposed Sewer Capital Development Fee Schedule recommended by the Finance
Committee by residential dwelling type is as follows:
SEWER CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT FEES
Current Proposed
Detached Single Family:
2 bedroom or less $ 980.00 $ 1,493.00
3 bedroom 1,418.00 2,145.00
4 bedroom 1,818.00 2,785.00
5 bedroom or more 1,781.00 2,790.00
Current Proposed
Attached Single Family:
1 bedroom $ 1,027.00 $ 883.00
2 bedroom 1,027.00 1,473.00
3 bedroom 1,178.00 1,806.00
4 bedroom 1,651.00 2,327.00
Apartments:
Efficiency 867.00 958.00
1 bedroom 867.00 1,301.00
2 bedroom 1,379.00 1,416.00
3 bedroom 867.00 2,259.00
The proposed effective date for the new fees is May 1 , 1998.
The basis for determining the Water Capital Development Fees was based on land
costs, development of water supply, and water storage. The proposed Water Capital
Development Fee schedule is as follows:
Water Capital Development Fees
Detached Single Family: Current Proposed
2 bedroom or less $ 615.00 $ 666.00
3 bedroom 891.00 $ 957.00
4 bedroom 1,142.00 $1,242.00
5 bedroom or more 1,1 19.00 $1,244.00
Attached Single Family:
1 bedroom $ 645.00 $ 394.00
2 bedroom 645.00 $ 657.00
3 bedroom 740.00 $ 789.00
4 bedroom or more 1,037.00 $1,037.00
Apartments:
Efficiency 545.00 $ 427.00
1 bedroom 545.00 $ 580.00
2 bedroom 545.00 $ 632.00
3 bedroom or more 866.00 $1,007.00
The proposed effective date for the Water Capital Development Fees is also May 1 ,
1998.
Alderman Bolger questioned the proposed Sewer Capital Development Fee
Schedule noting the Capital Development Cost for a three-bedroom apartment was
higher than a three-bedroom attached single family home. City Administrator Lobaito
noted both the Water and Sewer Capital Development Fee schedules were based on
the Naperville formula. Some discussion followed.
November 5, 1997 Page 7
Council directed City Administrator Lobaito to resubmit the proposed increase
in Water and Sewer Capital Development Fees at the next regularly scheduled Council
Meeting, November 12, 1997, after recalculating the proposed Capital Development
Fee schedules.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING LAND TRANSFER TO MCHENRY COUNTY FOR THE
BULL VALLEY ROAD ARTERIAL
City Administrator Lobaito noted City property obtained for the Bull Valley
Arterial right-of-way has not yet been transferred to McHenry County. Council must
pass a resolution authorizing the transfer of the property in question to McHenry
-- County and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk's execution of the Quit Claim Deed.
Motion by Baird, seconded by McClatchey, to pass a resolution authorizing the
transfer of City property obtained for the Bull Valley Arterial right-of-way and to
authorize the Mayor and City Clerk's execution of the Quit Claim Deed for the
properties as presented.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Murgatroyd, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
AGREEMENT FOR USE OF PUBLIC WAY - ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL
TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE MAINTENANCE FEE ACT
City Administrator informed Council the Illinois General Assembly has adopted
the Municipal Telecommunications Infrastructure Maintenance Fee Act, Public Act 90-
154. The Act is intended to eliminate the ability of a municipality to require a fee for
telecommunication retailers for the use of its right-of-way. In lieu of a franchise fee,
the Act provides for a replacement fee known as an Infrastructure Maintenance Fee.
A municipality may impose an Infrastructure Maintenance Fee at a rate of up
to one percent of the gross revenues of the telecommunications retailers. Currently
the City of McHenry collects a franchise fee from Ameritech in an amount of $60,000
annually. The City of McHenry will not be able to renew the franchise agreement with
Ameritech once the contract expires in February of 2001 . The City of McHenry has
no other franchise agreements with telecommunication retailers.
The Infrastructure Maintenance Fee is imposed on all telecommunication
providers who have service addresses within the corporate limits of the City of
McHenry. This includes hardware providers as well as wireless providers, i.e. cellular
and PCS services. It is estimated with a one percent Infrastructure Maintenance Fee
the City of McHenry would collect more than the $60,000 it is presently receiving
from Ameritech.
In response to Council inquiry, City Administrator Lobaito explained if Council
elects to establish an Infrastructure Maintenance Fee, the 90 day notification must be
provided Ameritech informing them the City of McHenry shall be waiving the franchise
fee and imposing the Infrastructure Maintenance Fee instead. The City will continue
to collect franchise fees during the 90 day notification period. All other provisions of
the franchise agreement will remain in effect until the date of expiration.
In response to Alderman Baird's inquiry, City Administrator Lobaito noted a line
item reflecting the one percent Maintenance Fee can be included on consumer's
monthly bills. Alderman Glab requested Staff investigate what entity or at whose
authority the Telecommunications Retailer can charge an amount not to exceed two
percent of the municipality 's Infrastructure Maintenance Fee for reimbursement of
expenses incurred in accounting for and remitting the fee. In response to Alderman
Glab's inquiry, City Administrator Lobaito noted the telecommunications Infrastructure
Maintenance Fee Act did not affect cable television providers. Some discussion
followed. Council inquired as to the necessity of taking immediate action on this
ordinance as there were several outstanding issues unresolved. City Administrator
Lobaito explained in order to take advantage of the Illinois Municipal League's global
November 5, 1997 Page 8
1 notification to all telecommunication retailers, Council needed to take formal action
on the Infrastructure Maintenance Fee ordinance immediately.
Further discussion followed regarding what Infrastructure Maintenance Fee rate
should be imposed. Council requested Staff investigate whether the rate once
imposed could be reduced.
Motion by Murgatroyd, seconded by Bolger, to pass the Telecommunications
Infrastructure Maintenance Fee Ordinance imposing a one percent Infrastructure
Maintenance Fee subject to the ability to reduce the Infrastructure Maintenance Fee —"
rate sometime in the future, and clarification of the telecommunication retailer's
reimbursement fee not to exceed two percent of the municipality's Infrastructure
Maintenance Fee.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Murgatroyd.
Voting Nay: McClatchey, Baird.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
City Administrator Lobaito noted it will be necessary to adopt comprehensive
construction standards for utilities in the public right-of-way. This will be done in
Spring 1998.
MAYOR - STATEMENT AND REPORTS
Mayor Cuda reported State Representative Michael Brown has requested a
prioritized list of road projects for the City of McHenry citing probable increases in the
State Gasoline Tax for road improvement. A letter was compiled enumerating the
following three road projects:
• U.S. Route 120 widening west to Charles Road;
• U.S. Route 31 widening from Route 120 South;
• Shamrock Lane and U.S. Route 31 intersection reconfiguration and traffic —
signalization.
Alderman Baird requested City Administrator Lobaito investigate how the gas
tax funds are distributed and whether they return to the County in which they were
collected.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Alderman Baird reported the Parks and Recreation Committee had met on
Tuesday, November 4, 1997. Representatives from the architectural firm Burnridge
& Cassell were in attendance and presented information on the development and
financing of a Recreational Center. A status update report was presented on the
Brookside Park Grant. A unanimous recommendation was made to purchase
playground equipment from the firm of Gametime, Inc. of Oswego, Illinois, for both
the Pebble Creek and North Oak Parks. The minutes will be forthcoming.
Finance Committee Chairman Alderman Murgatroyd requested that a Finance
Committee Meeting be scheduled for November 12, 1997 or December 3, 1997 prior
to the regularly scheduled Council Meeting to begin review of the current City of
McHenry Personnel Policy Manual. The date of November 12, 1997 at 6:30 p.m. was
selected and scheduled.
Building and Zoning Committee Chairman Alderman McClatchey reported the
dates of November 19, 1997 and November 20, 1997, have been selected to conduct
interviews with the final four planning firms. The Building and Zoning Committee, City
Administrator Lobaito, City Planner Maggio, and Plan Commission Chairman Sheppard
will then present their recommendation to full Council for final determination. The
selected firm will direct the City of McHenry's Comprehensive Plan Update. Specific
interview times will be forthcoming.
November 5, 1997 Page 9
STAFF REPORTS
Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel informed Council the Wonder Lake
Water Ski Club fund raising event, the Haunted Hayride, held at Petersen Park October
25th, 26th, 31 st, and November 1 st was a resounding success. Director Merkel also
informed Council it was the unanimous recommendation of the Parks and Recreation
Committee to purchase playground equipment from Gametime Inc. of Oswego, Illinois
to facilitate the development of both Pebble Creek and the Oaks Parks including the
installation of playground equipment. Director Merkel reported Smith Engineering,
while developing the engineering specifications of the next phase for the development
of Brookside Park, discovered a drainage problem in the southwest corner of the
soccer field area. This is a low area with poor soils that still retains water. Smith
Engineering will be making recommendations to resolve the drainage problem. These
recommendations will be presented to Council at a future date. Director Merkel also
referenced the letter from Linda Taillon, Logistics Director of the Twin Cities Wisconsin
to Chicago AIDS Ride, thanking the City of McHenry for their participation in the 1997
Twin Cities Wisconsin to Chicago AIDA Ride, and requesting participation again from
Thursday, July 9, 1997 through Saturday, July 11 , 1998. Director Merkel stated Ms.
Taillon and Mr. Wallace will appear before Council sometime in January to make their
formal request.
City Administrator Lobaito reported he had met with Pacini's land planner, Greg
Gabel. The Pacini family has purchased twenty acres of property located west of the
railroad tracks along Bull Valley Road. Conceptual development plan include multi-
family housing units. City Administrator Lobaito will keep Council apprised.
NEW BUSINESS
Alderman Bolger in response to the parking problem on John Street west of
Green Street recommended Council pass an ordinance prohibiting parking on the
south side of John Street from Green Street west to Fourth Street, and to prohibit
parking on the north side of John Street west of Green Street approximately fifty feet
west of the westernmost point of the City's right-of-way on Green Street. Chief of
Police Joyce noted 31 tickets were issued within the last eight weeks in this area.
Some discussion followed.
It was the consensus of Council to draft an ordinance prohibiting parking on the
south side of John Street from Green Street west to Fourth Street from 8:00 a.m. to
4:00 p.m. on school days, and to prohibit parking on the north side of John Street
fifty feet west from the westernmost point of the western edge of the Green Street
right-of-way.
In response to Alderman Glab's inquiry, City Administrator Lobaito informed
Council he had met with Woodstock City Manager Timothy Clifton to discuss the
feasibility of negotiating the new telecommunications franchise with TCI together,
sharing legal expenses equally. Council input will be sought, in addition to community
input. Alderman Glab also requested Staff investigate the feasibility of street light
installation at Royal Drive and Crystal Lake Road.
Alderman McClatchey informed Council 26 residents had attended his Ward
Meeting on Tuesday, November 4, 1997. He thanked City Administrator Lobaito, City
Clerk Althoff, and Director of Public Works Batt for their attendance.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Bolger, seconded by Murgatroyd, to go into Executive Session to
discuss Property Acquisition.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Murgatroyd, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Council went into Executive Session at 9:38 p.m.
November 5, 1997 Page 10
Motion by Bolger, seconded by McClatchey, to go back into Open Session.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Murgatroyd, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Council went back into Open Session at 10:14 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Glab, seconded by McClatchey, to adjourn the meeting at 10:15 p.m.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Murgatroyd, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m.
/` MAYOR CITY,: LERK