HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 05/13/1998 - City Council REGULAR MEETING
MAY 13, 1998
The Regular Meeting of the McHenry City Council was called to order by Mayor
Cuda at 7:30 P.M. on Wednesday, May 13, 1998 in the Council Chambers of the
Municipal Center. At roll call the following Aldermen were present: Bolger, Glab,
McClatchey, Baird. Absent: Murgatroyd. City Staff in attendance were: City
Administrator Lobaito, City Clerk Althoff, City Attorney McArdle, Director of Parks and
Recreation Merkel, Director of Public Works Batt, Director of Community Development
Napolitano, Chief of Police Joyce.
City Administrator Lobaito requested Executive Session be held at this evening's
meeting to discuss Potential Litigation, Personnel, and the Sale of Surplus City
'— Property.
TEN MINUTE PUBLIC INPUT SESSION
Sara Wilhelm, City of McHenry Landmark Commission Student Representative,
addressed Council requesting the speedy adoption of the proposed Historic
Preservation Ordinance. She expressed the need to preserve historic structures for
future generations. Mayor Cuda stated consideration of the proposed Historic
Preservation Ordinance is scheduled for the May 20, 1998 regularly scheduled Council
meeting.
PRESENTATION RECOGNIZING TRAVIS BASARA FOR WINNING THE STATE OF
ILLINOIS ARBOR DAY POSTER CONTEST
Mayor Cuda recognized Riverwood School Fifth Grader Travis Basara.
Addressing the audience, Mayor Cuda stated each year the National Arbor Day
Foundation sponsors a poster contest for students across the country. Individual
State winners are submitted to the Foundation and a National winner is chosen. This
year the State of Illinois winner was McHenry's own Travis Basara. The City of
McHenry, having been a member of the National Arbor Day Foundation for over fifteen
years, and designated as a Tree City U.S.A. community since 1994, would like to
congratulate Travis Basara on winning the 1998 Illinois Arbor Day Poster Contest.
Mayor Cuda presented Mr. Basara with two bricks which shall be placed at the base
of a tree located in Whispering Oaks Park at Fort McHenry with the following
inscription:
T. Basara
1998 IDNR Arbor Day Poster Contest
Illinois Winner
Mr. Basara explained the meaning of his poster design to Council and thanked them
for the recognition honor.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Baird, seconded by Bolger, to approve the Consent Agenda as
follows:
1. April 29, 1998 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes;
2. Payment Request #1 to Custom Landscaping in the amount of $22,117.75 for
Playground Installation at North Oak Park;
3. Payment #5 to J.J. Henderson in the amount of $803,388.06 for South Wastewater
Treatment Plant Improvements, Phase I.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Murgatroyd.
Motion carried.
May 13, 1998 Page 2
AWARD OF BID - BROOKSIDE PARK EQUIPMENT
Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel informed Council at the April 15, 1998
regular meeting, Council directed staff to proceed with bid advertisements for the
purchase of bleachers, player benches, picnic tables, and a shelter for Brookside Park.
A total of eleven bids were submitted and opened at 1 1 :00 A.M. on Monday, May 4,
1998. It is staff's recommendation to award the purchase of park equipment,
including bleachers, tables, and benches, to the low bidder, Kay Park Recreation
Corporation of Janeville, Iowa in an amount not to exceed $28,372.90, and to award
the purchase of the 24-foot hexagon shelter to low bidder Recreation Concepts, Inc.
of Oswego, Illinois in an amount not to exceed $5,280.00.
Director Merkel noted the installation of the shelter will be bid as part of the
playground equipment installation.
Motion by McClatchey, seconded by Baird, to award the purchase of park
equipment for Brookside Park, including bleachers, tables, and benches, to the low
bidder Kay Park Recreation Corporation of Janeville, Iowa in an amount not to exceed
$28,372.90; and to award the bid for purchase of a 24-foot hexagon shelter to the
low bidder, Recreation Concepts, Inc. of Oswego, Illinois in an amount not exceed
$5,280.00.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Murgatroyd.
Motion carried.
FINAL PLAT - LAKESIDE SHORES SUBDIVISION
Petitioners Richard and Kathleen Meyers and David and Michelle Johnston were in
attendance. Director of Community Development Napolitano informed Council the --
petitioners are requesting Council approval of a subdivision which would create two
legal RS-4 high density single family residential lots. The subject property is located
on the north side of Shore Drive near the intersection of Shore and Rogers Avenue.
The proposed two-lot subdivision is approximately one acre in area. Lot 2 would be
vacant; Lot 1 is improved with existing buildings, a home with an attached garage, a
detached garage, and a small shed. Director Napolitano stated all City services are
currently in place, therefore, no public improvements will be required. The proposed
Final Plat is in conformance with the City of McHenry's Comprehensive Plan and the
City of McHenry's Subdivision Control Ordinance. Napolitano also noted staff has
reviewed the proposed lots and the existing house, ensuring their conformance with
the bulk requirements of the City of McHenry's Zoning Ordinance.
Alderman Glab expressed concern with regard to the ownership of the property
directly adjacent to McCullom Lake. He noted the owner of record for this property
was the City of McHenry. He, again, stated concern with the practice of lakefront
property owners extending fencing beyond their property line onto the City of
McHenry's McCullom Lake shoreline property. Some discussion followed. City
Attorney McArdle noted Alderman Glab's concern was a title policy issue, and could
easily be resolved. Property owner David Johnston informed Council he was aware
of the City's ownership of this strip of shoreline property. Mayor Cuda, noting the
proposed plans of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Meyers to construct a home on Lot 2, inquired as to their knowledge of developer donation fee requirements. Mr. and Mrs. Meyers
stated they had been informed of the developer donation fee requirements by Director
of Community Development Napolitano.
Motion by Baird, seconded by McClatchey, to approve the Final Plat of Lakeside
Shores Subdivision, prepared by Charles Mionske dated April 30, 1998, subject to the
condition that the Final Plat be recorded within six months of the date of approval, and
that all developer donation fees for Lot 1 be waived.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Murgatroyd.
Motion carried.
May 13, 1998 Page 3
JOB DESCRIPTION AND ADVERTISEMENT FOR JUNIOR CLERK POSITION -STREETS
DIVISION
Director of Public Works Batt presented the job description for the Street
Division's Junior Clerk position. He reminded Council this position had been
considered and approved during the Finance Committee's budget discussions. Staff
is requesting Council approval to seek candidates internally, and if necessary,
externally.
Motion by McClatchey, seconded by Bolger, to direct staff to advertise
internally for the Streets Division Junior Clerk position, and if necessary, to advertise
externally, with a starting salary of $20,664.00.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Murgatroyd.
Motion carried.
MAYOR - STATEMENT AND REPORTS
Mayor Cuda reported he, City Administrator Lobaito, and Director of Public
Works Batt had met with Carl Moon of Baxter and Woodman, the City's engineering
firm, to determine nitrification options for the Central Wastewater Treatment Plant,
and preliminary cost estimates for same. Mayor Cuda informed Council detailed
information will be provided for their review, however, he noted with no improvements
to the Central Wastewater Treatment Plant, treatment capacity will be cut to one-
third. Construction of a trunk line to divert sewage flow to the South Wastewater
Treatment Plant would cost several million dollars. In addition, the South Wastewater
Treatment Plant would then have to be expanded to accommodate the additional
capacity.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Chairman of the Public Works Committee Alderman Bolger, reported the Public
Works Committee had met this evening at 7:00 P.M. with City residents from the
McHenry Shores area to discuss the feasibility of installing a stop sign on Broadway
at Biscayne. The Committee unanimously recommends to full Council the passage of
an ordinance permitting the installation of stop signs northbound and southbound on
Broadway at Biscayne. The Committee also recommends the survey letter regarding
the opening of Beach Street include a question as to the desirability of a four-way stop
sign at the Beach and Broadway intersection.
Motion by Bolger, seconded by Baird, to direct staff to draft an ordinance
permitting the installation of a stop sign both southbound and northbound on
Broadway at Biscayne, and to include in the survey letter regarding the opening of
Beach Street, a question as to the desirability of a four-way stop sign at the
intersection of Broadway and Beach.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Murgatroyd.
Motion carried.
STAFF REPORTS
Director of Community Development Napolitano informed Council the City of
McHenry windshield survey, including City Administrator Lobaito, Building Inspector
Schwalenberg, representatives of Planning Resources, and himself, was conducted
on Friday, May 8, 1998. The Comprehensive Plan Update Steering Committee
meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 28, 1998 at 7:30 P.M.
May 13, 1998 Page 4
Director of Public Works Batt reported the streetlight bases were currently being
installed on Green Street in conjunction with the City's Downtown Revitalization
Program. He opined this phase of the project would be completed within three to four
weeks.
Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel reported the next Parks and Recreation
Committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 21 , 1998 at 7:00 P.M. The
proposed recreation center information, compiled by architectural firm Sente & Rubel,
will be discussed. Director Merkel also informed Council the heavy equipment —`
currently located in Whispering Oaks Park is required as part of the Prairie Trail Bike
Path construction. A bridge over Boone Creek must be constructed. In response to
Alderman Glab's inquiry regarding completion, Director Merkel noted the heavy
equipment will be removed within the week, however, complete bridge construction
will require additional time. Alderman Glab requested staff monitor this project closely
to ensure the park area is left in good condition.
City Administrator Lobaito noted public notice will be posted for the
Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee meeting in the event any Aldermen care to
attend.
Drawing Council's attention to the letter received from the Concerned Citizens
of Ridge Road which was distributed to Council just prior to this evening's regularly
scheduled Council Meeting, City Administrator Lobaito explained the residents of the
Burr Ridge Subdivision and Ridge Road property owners are requesting a revision to
the Meyer Material Annexation Agreement which was approved at the regularly
scheduled April 22, 1998 Council Meeting. The request is to amend that portion of
the Annexation Agreement addressing the Ridge Road berm landscaping, as the parties
involved have, at their own volition, reached an agreement with Meyer Material. The
City of McHenry has an obligation,through the Meyer Material Annexation Agreement,
to install r45,000 of landscape screening on Ridge Road, to be guaranteed for two r'
years. City Administrator Lobaito noted the bid process required for public work in
excess of $10,000 would take approximately 45-60 days, prohibiting the planting of
landscape screening on Ridge Road until mid Summer. Concern has been expressed
as to the advisability of planting this late in the season. An annexation amendment
would also require a public hearing and appropriate notification. This lengthy process
would also delay the planting of any landscape screening until mid-July.
City Administrator Lobaito stated his concern as to how many, and which, Burr
Oak Subdivision residents and Ridge Road property owners are, in fact, represented
by the Concerned Citizens of Ridge Road. He suggested the three signators to the
May 12, 1998 letter provide the City of McHenry with the signatures of a majority of
the objectors in attendance at the Zoning Board of Appeals Public Hearing on the
Meyer Material rezoning and variance request. Council concurred. A lengthy
discussion followed. Alderman Glab suggested this item be tabled, permitting Council
more time to consider the request. City Attorney McArdle suggested the Ridge Road
berm landscape screening obligations found within the Meyer Material Annexation
Agreement simply be deleted. Alderman McClatchey suggested Council waive the bid
process and permit the nursery which provided the $45,000 quote to the Ridge Road
Concerned Citizens group to proceed. The City would then make payment to the
specified nursery. Alderman Bolger stated the desirability of Council review of the
landscape screening plan. Further discussion followed. In response to City —
Administrator Lobaito's request, Council agreed to inform the Concerned Citizens of
Ridge Road of Council's approval in general, subject to the submission of a landscape
plan and the signatures of a majority of the objectors attending the Zoning Board of
Appeals Public Hearing on Meyer Material's request for rezoning and a use variance.
Some discussion followed.
May 13, 1998 Page 5
Motion by Glab, seconded by Baird, to table the request of the Concerned
Citizens of Ridge Road regarding Ridge Road berm landscape screening until the May
20, 1998 regularly scheduled Council Meeting, when affected Ward 4 Alderman
Steven Murgatroyd can be in attendance.
Voting Aye: Glab, McClatchey, Baird.
Voting Nay: Bolger.
Absent: Murgatroyd.
Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Noting the general state of disrepair and lawn overgrowth, Alderman Baird
requested staff investigate the status of property located at 207 N. Green Street. City
Administrator Lobaito informed Alderman Baird staff is currently investigating the
status of this specific property. Alderman Baird also requested staff investigate
complaints he had received regarding the property located at 3719 W. Grand.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Bolger, seconded by Baird, to go into Executive Session to discuss
Personnel, Potential Litigation, and the Sale of Surplus City Property.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Murgatroyd.
Motion carried.
Council went into Executive Session at 8:30 P.M.
Motion by Bolger, seconded by Baird, to go back into Open Session.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Murgatroyd.
Motion carried.
Council went back into Open Session at 9:15 P.M.
Motion by McClatchey, seconded by Glab, to authorize a cost of living increase
of 2.7% for regular part-time employees Anne Kranz and Patricia Lunkenheimer for the
1998-99 Fiscal Year.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Murgatroyd.
Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by McClatchey, seconded by Glab, to adjourn.
_ Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Murgatroyd.
Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:17 P.M.
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