HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 12/13/2000 - City Council REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 13, 2000
A Regular Meeting of the McHenry City Council was called to order by Mayor
Cuda at 7:30 P.M. on Wednesday, December 13, 2000 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, Chief of Police
Kostecki, Director Public Works Batt, Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel,
Director Community Development Napolitano, Assistant Administrator Maxeiner.
TEN MINUTE PUBLIC INPUT SESSION
Mr. Randy Trost of 1022 Chesterfield addressed council requesting council
discuss the deterioration and associated safety hazards of the Whispering Oaks
walking paths. He suggested monies be allocated in the 2001-2002 budget for the
maintenance of the Whispering Oaks walking paths. Mayor Cuda suggested staff
investigate path ownership and discuss this issue at a future Public Works
Committee Meeting. Mr. Trost also informed council vehicular traffic on
Chesterfield has increased significantly. Three school bus stops are located on
this street and crosswalks do not exist at any of the Chesterfield intersections.
Mayor Cuda again suggested this issue be addressed at the next Public Works
Committee Meeting, which has not yet been scheduled.
PRESENTATION: FAPADE GRANT IMPROVEMENT AWARD
Landmark Commission Chairperson Greg Lofgren and Fagade Improvement
Grant recipient, Robert Funk were in attendance. Chairperson Lofgren informed
council, Mr. Funk, as per his grant application, has purchased and installed new
awnings for his property located at 1334 Riverside Drive commonly known as Old
Bridge Tavern. The awnings match the style of awnings already in place on the
building at 1332 and 1328 Riverside. Chairperson Lofgren presented a check in
the amount of$1,200 representing 50% of the improvement cost. Mr. Funk then
thanked the Commission and Council for the grant monies. Old Bridge Tavern
proprietor, Mr. Kevin Plastina, was also in attendance and thanked the
Commission and Council.
2000 TAX LEVY PUBLIC HEARING
Mayor Cuda opened the Public Hearing on the proposed 2000 Property Tax
Levy at 7:45 p.m. He noted the proposed 2000 Property Tax was presented for
Council review and comment at the November 15, 2000 regularly scheduled
Council meeting. The 2000 Tax Levy Ordinance must be filed with the McHenry
County Clerk by the last Tuesday of December, December 26, 2000.
Assistant Administrator Maxeiner explained revenues needed to operate the
various City functions and which are funded through property taxes must be
estimated and submitted to the County Clerk prior to the last Tuesday in
December. As the 2000 Tax levy request of$2,720,300 reflects an increase of
15% over 1999's tax extension of$2,365,897, a Public Hearing must be conducted
to meet the requirements of the Truth in Taxation Act. Public notice for the
Hearing was published in the Northwest Herald on December 1, 2000.
Assistant Administrator MpXeiner stated the actual 2000 Tax Levy extension
will, in all likelihood, be considerably less, after the County Clerk has applied the
property tax extension limitation. If the tax extension limitation has been
exceeded the County Clerk will provide a limiting tax extension. Assistant
Administrator Maxeiner stated it is therefore critical the original tax levy request
be considerably higher than the anticipated levy in order to capture all new growth
in the community, and all of the property tax revenue the City of McHenry is
entitled to receive.
The proposed 2000 Property Tax Levy was presented as follows:
Fund 2000 Requested Extension
Corporate $972,600
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Illinois Municipal Retirement $674,000
Police Protection $298,800
Police Pension $350,800
Audit $ 16,700
Liability Insurance $340,400
Band $ 12,000
Public Benefit $ 50,000
ESDA (Civil Defense) $ 5,000
TOTAL $,;�2,720,300
Assistant Administrator Maxeiner notW the City of McHenry's levy
extension over the past five years has grown,between-5.5% and 7.0%. Some
discussiorr_followed regarding the tax cap policy and its implementation by the
County Clerk's Office. -
Mayor Cuda opened the floor to Public Comment and/or question. There
were none. In response to Mayor Cuda's inquiry, City Clerk Althoff noted no
written or verbal comments and/or questions were received by the Clerk's Office
regarding the proposed 2000 Tax Levy:
Motion by Bolger, seconded by Glab to close the Public Hearing at 7:50 p.m.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Baird
Voting Nay: None
Absent: Murgatroyd
Motion carried.
Motion by Bolger, seconded by Glab to pass an ordinance establishing the "—
City of McHenry 2000 Property Tax Levy in the amount of$2,720,300 as follows:
Fund 2000 Requested Extension
Corporate $972,600
Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund $674,000
Police Protection $298,800
Police Pension $350,800
Audit $ 16,700
Liability Insurance $340,000
Band $ 12,000
Public Benefit $ 50,000
ESDA $ 5,000
TOTAL $2,720,300
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Baird
Voting Nay: None
Absent: Murgatroyd
Motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA
Alderman Glab requested the Royal Drive Median Engineering Services
Agreement Agenda Supplement distributed to council during this evening's
council meeting be added to the Consent Agenda as an addendum item. He noted
the correlation between the Crystal Lake Road and Royal Drive traffic signal
Engineering Agreement Consent Agenda Item and the distributed Royal Drive
Median Engineering Services Agreement proposed addendum. Some discussion
followed. It was the consensus of council to remove Consent Agenda Item #4,
Engineering Agreement with Smith Engineering for Crystal Lake Road and Royal
Drive Traffic Signal for further discussion and consideration.
Motion by Glab, seconded by McClatchey to approve the Consent Agenda as
presented, subject to the removal of Item #4, Crystal Lake Road and Royal Drive
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Engineering Services Agreement:
■ Request to Connect to Police Alarm Board by PACE
■ Variance for Temporary sign by Kohl's Department Store
■ Abatement of Real Estate Taxes for Various Bond Issues
■ Request waiver of Bid process for Purchase of Wide Format
Copier for Community Development Department
■ Final payment for East Side Water Main Extension to
Gluth Brothers in the amount of$21,991.68
■ City Council Minutes: November 29, 2000
■ As Needed Checks for Approval
APPROVED AS-NEEDED CHECKS MTG 12/13/00
GENERAL FUND
AFLAC 1, 780.62
ALL CITIES BROWNFIELD CO 40.00
ANDERSON'S HOMEMADE CHOC 560.72
INGALLS HOSPITAL HOSPICE 190.00
LANPHIER, JUDY 15.00
MCHENRY COUNTY CHIEFS OF 36.00
MCHENRY POLICE PENSION F 3, 524 .27
PETTY CASH FUND 441.07
RUSHING, RHONDA F LANG- 31.20
STARVED ROCK LODGE 76.33
UNITED STATES LIFE INSUR 810.00
STREET IMPROVEMENTS FUND
HOME STATE BANK 2, 000, 000.00
DEBT SERVICE FUND
HOME STATE BANK 33, 768.75
POLICE PENSION FUND
HARRIS BANK 2, 668.83
HATTER, GREG 10, 675.30
DEVELOPER DONATION FUND
ANDERSON, BRADY MITCHELL 3, 656.78
RETAINED PERSONNEL ESCROW
MCHENRY COUNTY RECORDER 176.00
WATER/SEWER FUND
UNITED STATES LIFE INSUR 129.60
GRAND TOTALS 2, 058,580.47
FUND TOTALS
O1 GENERAL FUND 7, 505.21
23 STREET IMPROVEMENTS FUND 2, 000, 000.00
32 DEBT SERVICE FUND 33, 768.75
36 POLICE PENSION FUND 13, 344.13
37 DEVELOPER DONATION FUND 3, 656.78
39 RETAINED PERSONNEL ESCROW 176.00
51 WATER/SEWER FUND 129.60
TOTALS 2, 058,580.47
CITY OF MCHENRY, IL
APPROVED AS-NEEDED CHECKS MTG 12/13/00
GENERAL FUND
AFLAC 1, 780.62
FIRST MIDWEST BANK 144.37
FOP UNITS I/II 1, 120.00
HEALTH PLAN MANAGEMENT 34.80
IMRF 33, 103.27
NATIONAL GUARDIAN LIFE I 148.83
NCPERS GROUP LIFE INS. 225.00
UNITED STATES LIFE INSUR 810.00
INSURANCE FUND
GALLAGHER BASSETT SERVIC 6, 075.00
EMPLOYEE INSURANCE FUND
HEALTH PLAN MANAGEMENT 17, 090. 98
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POLICE PENSION FUND 32, 007.21
WATER/SEWER FUND
CENTURY 21 CARE 1, 435.02
FUNK, ROBERT 341.29
GRAHAM, EUGENE 66.18
PATZKE, LONA 96.99
POSTMASTER MCHENRY IL 2.30.00
STIEB, SIL 46.15
TIMBER TRAILS CONDO 4, 448.05
UNITED STATES LIFE INSUR 129.60
WILLIAM FUNK 45.60
GRAND TOTALS 99, 378.96
FUNDS
01 GENERAL FUND 37, 366.89
09 INSURANCE FUND 6, 075.00
19 EMPLOYEE INSURANCE FUND 17, 090.98
36 POLICE PENSION FUND 32, 007.21
51 WATER/SEWER FUND 6, 838.88
TOTALS 99, 378.96
GRAND TOTALS
FUND TOTALS
01 GENERAL FUND 44, 872.10
09 INSURANCE FUND 6, 075.00
19 EMPLOYEE INSURANCE FUND 17, 090. 98
23 STREET IMPROVEMENTS FUND 2, 000, 000.00
32 DEBT SERVICE FUND 33,768.75
36 POLICE PENSION FUND 45, 4351.34
37 DEVELOPER DONATION FUND 3, 656.78
39 RETAINED PERSONEL ESCROW 176.00
51 WATER/SEWER FUND 6968.48
TOTAL 2, 157, 959.43
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Baird
Voting Nay: None
Absent: Murgatroyd
Motion carried.
ENGINEERING SERVICES AGkEEMENTS:
Crystal Lake Road and Royal Drive Traffic Signal and Royal Drive
Median Agreements
City Administrator Lobaito explained council discussed the desirability of
installing a median on Royal Drive at Crystal Lake Road at the April 5, 2000,
regularly scheduled council meeting. At that time it was the consensus of council
to postpone formal action until the Crystal Lake Road Corridor Planning Study
was completed. The Crystal Lake Road Corridor Planning Study was presented
and discussed by council at a Special Meeting on Wednesday, November 8, 2000.
Mayor Cuda requested staff investigate the feasibility of a boulevard entrance and
median construction on Royal Drive at the November 29, 2000 regularly
scheduled meeting. In response to Mayor Cuda's direction staff requested
engineering firm, Smith Engineering, Inc. of McHenry, Illinois develop and present
an Engineering Services Agreement for the design and cost estimate for the
construction of a median on Royal Drive.
Smith Engineering submitted an Engineering Services Agreement whose
scope includes the development of three design alternatives as well as a project
cost estimate. Alderman Glab also named the resurfacing of Royal Drive, from
Oakwood Avenue to Crystal Lake Road, was postponed until a decision regarding
the installation of a Royal Drive median could be made. A lengthy discussion
followed regarding the development of a curbed median versus a stripped only
median. Alderman Baird suggested Engineering Services Agreement Items 1-3;
Survey
Concept Plan Commission and
Opinion of Probable Cost
totaling $6,515.00 be approved. The balance of the Engineering Services
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Agreement could be considered thereafter, once council determines the desired
median design. The discussion continued. It was the consensus of council to
postpone formal action on the Royal Drive Median Engineering Services Agreement
until the December 20, 2000 regularly scheduled meeting.
Alderman Glab recommended council proceed with the approval of Consent
Agenda Item #4, Crystal Lake Road and Royal Drive Traffic Signal Engineering
Services Agreement with Smith Engineering of McHenry, Illinois.
Motion by Glab, seconded by Baird, to approve the Engineering Services
Agreement for the Royal Drive and Crystal Lake Road traffic signal design and bid
specification development in an amount not to exceed $17,292.00.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Baird
Voting Nay: None
Absent: Murgatroyd
Motion carried.
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR AN AUTOMOBILE SALES LOT AT
917 Front Street
Property owner and petitioner, Bernie M. Matchen was in attendance. Staff
informed council the subject property is located on the West Side of Front Street
approximately 250 feet south of John Street, with a commonly known address of
917 Front Street. The property is currently zoned C-5, Highway Commercial, and
is improved with a one-story office/warehouse building. The petitioner, Mr.
Matchen, is requesting a conditional use permit to allow an open sales lot for
automobiles. The petitioner appeared before the Zoning Board of Appeals on
November 20, 2000 receiving a unanimous recommendation to grant a conditional
use permit to allow an open sales lot for the display and sale of automobile
vehicles. Staff noted the site plan included with the original Zoning application
illustrates that automobiles would be displayed on the southern portion of the
existing paved area in front of the existing building, which leaves adequate area
for customer parking. Staff also noted as the subject property is relatively small
and there is no clear delineation between properties, the proposed open car sales
lot business, may overflow onto adjoining properties. Some discussion followed.
Motion by Bolger, seconded by McClatchey to direct staff to draft an
ordinance granting a conditional use permit to Bernie Matchen for an open car
sales lot to allow the display and sale of vehicles at the 917 North Front Street
property.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Baird
Voting Nay: None
Absent: Murgatroyd
Motion carried.
In response to council inquiry, City Administrator Lobaito noted the ordinance will
be presented to council for formal action as a Consent Agenda Item at the
December 20, 2000 regularly scheduled meeting.
McHENRY RIVERWALK MASTER PLAN PRESENTATION
-- Riverwalk Co-Chairperson Kit Carstens introduced Richard Hitchcock,
President and Principal of Hitchcock Design Group as well as Tim King, Project
Manager and Lance Thies. He also acknowledged several members of the
Riverwalk Committee in the audience.
Alderman Murgatroyd arrived at 8:10 p.m.
Co-Chairperson Carstens stated the Riverwalk Master Plan addresses and
promotes downtown revitalization, contributes to the community's overall
character, establishes a benchmark for future commercial development as well as
promotes area tourism. Hitchcock Design Group President, Richard Hitchcock,
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addressed council. Mr. Hitchcock, noting the availability of this great natural
asset, specifically the Fox River and Boone Creek/Lagoon area, presented the
completed final draft of the Riverwalk Master Plan. Mr. Hitchcock stated the
Riverwalk Master Plan as presented is similar to a municipality's Comprehensive
Plan in that it presents a concept design and should be utilized as a planning tool.
He presented two types of walkway cross-sections; one located directly adjacent to
the water and one extending over the water. The proposed cost of the project over
several years is approximately $9 million. The designated project area runs from
Weber Park on Riverside Drive and the Fox River, traveling south to the
intersection of the Fox River and Boone Lagoon thence turning north to Route
120. The project has been phased with each phase being further abbreviated into
segments.
The plan is flexible in nature and only makes recommendations regarding
phasing and procedure. Mr. Hitchcock suggested the proposed architectural and
landscaping standards be adopted as policy as it affects the entire designated
Riverwalk area. Some discussion followed regarding the Boone Lagoon area
near the former McHenry Theatre on Green Street in the downtown area. Council
noted the water quality in this area was unsightly. Some discussion
followed regarding the need and feasibility of installing aerators in this area.
Alderman Glab referencing the proposed Capital Improvements Plan stated
the plan as presented includes only $100,000 in fiscal year 2001-2002 and
$500,000 in fiscal year 2002-2003 for the Riverwalk project. He requested further
clarification regarding project funding. Co-Chairperson Carstens stated one of
the four stated requests by the Riverwalk Committee is permission to seek and
apply for various types of funding and grants. He opined the Riverwalk project
will not compete with other city projects for funding. It is not the intent of the
Riverwalk Committee to depend solely upon the City of McHenry for project
funding. In response to Alderman Baird's statement Co-Chairperson Carstens
agreed all grant and funding applications should be presented to council for
approval prior to final submittal. The Committee concurred with this direction.
In response to Alderman Baird's inquiry, Co-Chairperson Carstens reported
the Venice Avenue property owners living along Boone Lagoon will be contacted
individually by members of the Riverwalk Committee after the Master Plan's
formal approval to obtain their comments, and concerns regarding the Riverwalk
Master Plan.
Motion by Bolger, seconded by Glab to
■ Endorse, publicly, the Riverwalk Master Plan as presented;
■ Authorize city staff and the city attorney to coordinate efforts with the
Riverwalk Committee to develop land/easement acquisition agreements,
address maintenance responsibilities as well as the development of a
private Riverwalk foundation/entity;
■ Authorize the Riverwalk Committee, in conjunction with city staff, to
pursue funding opportunities using the City of McHenry as the
applicant; and
■ Designate Segment One [Green Street east to the intersection of Boone
Lagoon and the Fox River], as depicted on Page 16 of the Master Plan as
the first phase of the Riverwalk Project.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Murgatroyd, Baird
Voting Nay: None
Absent: None
Motion carried
MAYOR STATEMENT AND REPORTS
Mayor Cuda complimented the entire Public Works Department Staff for
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their excellent performance snowplowing the streets during Monday evening's
snowstorm. Council concurred with Mayor Cuda's evaluation and extended their
compliments on the Department's spectacular overall performance.
DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS
Public Works Director Batt requested the Public Works Committee schedule
a Public Works Committee Meeting to discuss the proposed parking plan for John
Street between Green Street and Center Street in conjunction with the 2001
Streets Program. He also suggested the proposed 2001 Streets Program be
included as an agenda item. Public Works Committee Chairperson Alderman
Bolger stated a Public Works Committee Meeting will be scheduled for sometime
in mid to late January.
Parks and Recreation Department Director Merkel requested the Parks
Committee schedule a Parks Committee Meeting to discuss the Recreational
Center referendum question and the Project Zone Skate Park project. Parks and
Recreation Committee Chairperson Baird scheduled a Committee Meeting for
Monday, January 15t' at 7:00 p.m.
Chief of Police Kostecki reported the City experienced very few accidents
during the Monday night/Tuesday morning snowstorm. He attributed this
phenomenon to the excellent snow removal efforts of the city's Public Works
Department crew. He also reported a motorist traveling on Crystal Lake Avenue
struck a female City of McHenry resident Monday evening during the snowstorm.
It is surmised the heavy snowfall caused the resident to be walking in the
roadway. The motorist did return to the scene and the victim is currently in
intensive care. Chief Kostecki also informed council he is in receipt of a request,
from one of the department's patrol officers, for a ten-month leave of absence.
The officer in question has been summoned to report to his Army Reserve
squadron. Some discussion followed regarding the department's current staffing
status. Staff noted the 2000-2001 budget overtime line item for the Police
Department has been exceeded and four months remain in the city's current fiscal
year. In response to council inquiry Chief Kostecki reported three newly hired
officers will be sent to the police academy for training January 10, 2001. This
training expense is reimbursed. He also noted current City of McHenry ordinance
authorizes a staff of 33 patrol officers. Staff informed council City of McHenry
salary levels do not compare favorably with surrounding McHenry County
municipalities which may affect the City's ability to hire and retain officers. It was
the consensus of council to direct staff to include the police department staffing
issue on the December 20,2000 regularly scheduled council meeting agenda for
further consideration and discussion.
City Clerk Althoff reported the McHenry County Municipal Association
dinner scheduled for Monday, December 11th has been rescheduled for Tuesday,
December 19tn
NEW BUSINESS
In response to Alderman Bolger's inquiry City Administrator Lobaito
informed council a letter of intent was given to marina operator, Jerry Danko
for his consideration. Mr. Danko was asked to consider entering into a contract
agreement with the City of McHenry to operate the Rivera Marina. The Riveria
Marina was purchased by the City of McHenry in July 2000, to facilitate the
necessary Central Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion. City Attorney McArdle
is currently drafting a lease agreement, which will be personally delivered to Mr.
Danko by City Administrator Lobaito. Council will be kept apprised of the
progress of this agreement.
Alderman Glab referencing the Friday Report of December 8th regarding the
McHenry School District 156 Staff meeting requested Staff obtain information
from the High School District addressing stormwater detention, specifically the
drainage study. He also requested staff provide him with a copy of this study.
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ADJOURNMENT
Motion by McClatchey, seconded by Glab, to adjourn the meeting at 9:20
p.m.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Murgatroyd, Baird
Voting Nay: None _
Absent: None
Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
MAYOR CITY C RK i