HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 07/12/2000 - City Council REGULAR MEETING
JULY 12, 2000
A Regular Meeting of the McHenry City Council was called to order by Mayor Cuda
at 7:30 P.M. on Wednesday, July 12, 2000 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, Chief of Police Kostecki, Director Public Works
Batt, Director Parks and Recreation Merkel, Director Community Development Napolitano,
Assistant Administrator Maxeiner. Absent: None.
TEN MINUTE PUBLIC INPUT SESSION
Phil Hoffstetter of 1021 North Plymouth Lane addressed Council stating his
property, although located outside the City's corporate limits, was experiencing severe
flooding. He opined the cause of this flooding was the recent improvements to the City
street of North Avenue. He also suggested terms of the adjacent Adams Property
Annexation were not being enforced, specifically, landscaping improvements.
Mayor Cuda directed Staff to review the Adams Property Annexation Agreement
and meet with Mr. Hoffstetter regarding his concerns.
PRESENTATION: PUBLIC WORKS/COMMUNITY DEPARTMENT NEW EMPOLOYEE
INTRODUCTIONS
At Mayor Cuda's request Director of Public Works Batt introduced recently hired
Public Works Department Employees:
■ Michael Bartolai Custodian
• Jerry Johnson Engineering Inspector
• Freddy Ramirez Street Maintenance Worker
■ Cliff Runyard Street Maintenance Worker
■ Don Buckmaster Street Maintenance Worker
■ Jim Lein Street Maintenance Worker
• Mike Hildinger Street Maintenance Worker.
and Community Development Department Employee:
■ Dawn Haisma Part Time Receptionist.
Mayor Cuda and Council welcomed the group and wished them well.
City Administrator Lobaito noted most of these employees filled positions vacated
by previous employees leaving the City for other opportunities.
PUBLIC HEARING: ISSUANCE OF MFT BONDS FOR THE CITY OF MCHENRY
STREET PROGRAM
Mayor Cuda opened the Public Hearing to approve the issuance of Motor Fuel Tax
Bonds for the City of McHenry Street Improvement Program at 7:45 p.m.
Assistant Administrator Maxeiner informed Council the purpose of the Public
Hearing is to provide an opportunity for the public to comment on the proposed Street
Improvement Project and on the issuance of Motor Fuel Tax Bonds as the financing
vehicle for the project. The Street Improvement Project consists of resurfacing and
reconstruction improvements to a number of streets within the City of McHenry. Five
million dollars will be borrowed against future Motor Fuel Tax allotments enabling the City
of McHenry to conduct a systematic and timely streets improvement program. A
comprehensive streets improvement program is also less expensive than if each street
were repaired and/or replaced individually. The repayment of bonds will be accomplished
utilizing annual allotments of Motor Fuel Tax Funds received from the State of Illinois.
No taxes, property, sales, or income, will be used to repay the Motor Fuel Tax
Bonds. Assistant Administrator Maxeiner also noted no tax increase is required to
complete the program.
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City Council at its June 19, 2000 regularly scheduled Meeting approved an
authorizing ordinance for the issuance of Alternate Revenue Motor Fuel Tax Bonds to pay
for the City of McHenry's Streets Improvements Program. A thirty-day waiting period began
on June 20th following the passage of the authorizing ordinance. The general public has
until July 20th to file a Petition signed by 7.5% of the registered electorate to delay the
issuance of bonds, and force the issue to a general referendum question. If no objections
are received, the City's financial advisor and bond counsel, Harold Warren, will proceed
with marketing the bonds. Current market conditions indicate the City would be able to
borrow at an approximate interest rate of 5.5%, slightly higher than the rates at which the
City has been able to borrow money over the past several years.
Assistant Administrator Maxeiner opined it would be in the best interest of the City
to issue the bonds as needed rather than issuing the bonds for the entire $5,000,000 four-
year streets program at the current higher interest rate.
In response to Council inquiry, Staff noted the 2000 Streets Program would cost an
approximate $1.6 million. There being no further Council inquiry, Mayor Cuda opened the
floor to audience comment. There was no audience comment and/or inquiry. City Clerk
Althoff, responding to Mayor Cuda's inquiry, informed Council the Clerk's Office has
received no verbal or written comment or inquiry regarding the issuance of Motor Fuel Tax
Bonds.
Motion by Glab, seconded by Murgatroyd, to close the Public Hearing at 7:48 p.m.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Murgatroyd, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
City Administrator Lobaito noted Staff in researching the feasibility of issuing Motor
Fuel Tax Bonds to finance the proposed Streets Program, discovered this funding option
was common among other State municipalities.
Alderman McClatchey requested Riverside Drive be placed on the 2001 Streets
Program list.
CONSENT AGENDA
At Alderman Glab's request, Consent Agenda Item #1 Resolution: Park Donations
Allocation, was removed from the motion, to be considered separately.
Motion by McClatchey, seconded by Murgatroyd, to approve the Consent Agenda
as follows:
■ Approval: Resolution recognizing the Vietnam Veterans Traveling Wall Exhibit;
■ Approval: Job Description/Request to Advertise for Assistant Water
Superintendent;
■ Approval: Police Department addition to General Orders;
• Approval: Parks and Recreation Department Picnic/Special Use Permits;
• Approval: Police Department request to advertise for Telecommunications Operator
replacement;
■ Approval: List of As-Needed Checks:
GENERAL FUND
AFLAC 1,808.24
FIRST MIDWEST BANK 930.20
IMRF 32,991.54
MCPOA 540.50
MCPOA UNITS I/II 1,087.50
MILLER SIGNATURE SPORTS 190.00
NATIONAL GUARDIAN LIFE I 148.83
NCPERS GROUP LIFE INS. 225.00
PETERSEN, ROBERT G 3,033.20
SPORTS STUFF 4-U 960.00
TEAMSTERS LOCAL UNION #3 3,346.40
UNITED STATES LIFE INSUR 826.20
UNITED WAY OF MCHENRY CO 216.00
WOODSTOCK SWIM ASSOC 714.00
EMPLOYEE INSURANCE FUND
HEALTH PLAN MANAGEMENT 15,955.57
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DEVELOPER DONATION FUND
PETERSEN, ROBERT G 3,033.20
WATER/SEWER FUND
UNITED STATES LIFE INSUR 129.60
GRAND TOTALS 66,135,98
FUND TOTALS
GENERAL FUND 47,017.61
EMPLOYEE INSURANCE FUND 15,955.57
DEVELOPER DONATION FUND 3,033.20
WATER/SEWER FUND 129.60
TOTALS 66,135.98
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Murgatroyd, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
RESOLUTION:PARK DEVELOPER DONATIONS ALLOCATION
Alderman Glab noted as he had previously stated, he did not support discontinuing
the practice of allocating 50% of the collected Parks Developer Donation monies to the
Recreation Center Fund.
Motion by Baird, seconded by McClatchey, to pass a resolution authorizing the
discontinuation of disbursing 50% of collected Parks Developer Donation Funds to the
Recreation Center Fund Account, and to allocate 100% of all Parks Developer Donation
Fees collected as of May 1, 2000 to be contained in the Parks Developer Donations Fund
Account.
Voting Aye: Bolger, McClatchey, Murgatroyd, Baird.
Voting Nay: Glab.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
SIGN VARIANCE REQUEST BY WHITE HEN EXPRESS— 508 SOUTH ROUTE 31
Joseph Doyle of Doyle Signs Inc. was in attendance. Mr. Doyle noted Doyle Signs
Inc. of Addison, Illinois, was requesting on behalf of White Hen Express a variance to
install additional wall signs at their new location, 508 South Route 31. Staff informed
Council a total of four additional wall signs are requested. Proposed signage would be
located on the canopy over the gas pumps. Three identical signs of 50 square feet each
are proposed for the north, west and south canopy elevation. Signage copy is the name
"White Hen Express". The fourth proposed sign is approximately 22 square feet in size and
is the copy of the White Hen logo. This sign would be located on the west canopy facing
Route 31. If approved, the White Hen Express facility would have five wall signs, totaling
222 square feet. City of McHenry ordinance allows one wall sign totaling 135 square feet.
Mr. Doyle expressed White Hen's need to identify itself and its location. Some discussion
followed.
Staff, in response to Council inquiry, stated two signs would be permitted on the
canopy as the property is a corner lot. Staff also informed Council the White Hen Express
is part of a shopping center development and future tenants may request additional free-
standing signs on this property. Current City of McHenry ordinance permits only one free-
standing sign for the total property. Individual wall signs for each tenant, however, are
permitted. Further discussion followed.
Motion by Baird, seconded by Bolger, to grant a sign variance to White Hen
Express, located at 508 South Route 31, to permit the installation of four wall signs:
+ Three 50 square feet each with the letter graphics "White Hen Express" on the
north, west and south canopy fagade; and
■ One 22 square foot sign with the White Hen logo graphic on the west canopy
fagade.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Baird.
Voting Nay: Murgatroyd.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
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CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AMENDMENT — COMMUNITY SELF STORAGE, 4108
ORLEANS STREET
Property owner and Community Self-Storage business operator Jean Muscat was in
attendance. Ms. Muscat is requesting an amendment to her conditional use permitting a
mini-warehouse facility. She is proposing the construction of six additional mini-warehouse
buildings adjacent to Oak Drive west of the existing facility. The proposed expansion would
add 139 self-storage units to the existing 366 units on the site. Ms. Muscat stated the west
end of the proposed additional buildings will be constructed with a similar type of
decorative split-faced concrete block, as seen on the existing storage buildings. Similar
wall mounted lighting with downward shields will also be installed. Landscaping and
berming will be installed along Oak Drive to improve the appearance of the additional
buildings. Staff noted no new curb cuts to Oak Drive are being proposed.
In response to Council inquiry, Ms. Muscat stated she has agreed to the Zoning
Board of Appeals conditions, including:
■ Developing the subject property in substantial conformance with the site plan
prepared on 7/28/99 and last revised on 3/28/00, and the building elevations
dated 4/11/00;
■ Installation and maintenance of extensive landscaping along Oak Drive and to
the south of the proposed expansion area;
• A detailed landscape plan of the area shall be provided for Staff review prior to
final occupancy.
Staff also noted drainage will be addressed during the planning review process.
Council complimented Ms. Muscat on the development, noting the absence of
nuisance complaints. Ms. Muscat also noted in response to Council inquiry, the entire
facility will be enclosed by fencing.
Motion by Baird, seconded by Glab, to accept the unanimous recommendation of
the Zoning Board of Appeals and to direct Staff to draft an ordinance granting an
expansion of the conditional use permit granted by the City of McHenry Ordinance No. 0-
98-860 permitting the construction and operation of six additional mini-warehouse units
adjacent to the existing mini-warehouse facility located at 4108 Orleans Street, subject to
the following conditions:
■ The subject property shall be developed in substantial conformance with the site
plan prepared on 7/28/99 and last revised on 3/28/00, and the building
elevations dated 4/11/00;
■ Extensive landscaping shall be installed and maintained along Oak Drive and to
the south of the proposed expansion area;
■ Submission of a detailed landscape plan of the area for Staff review shall be
provided prior to final occupancy.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Murgatroyd, Baird.
Voting Nay: McClatchey.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
AWARD OF BID:TESTING SERVICES 2000 STREETS PROGRAM
Director of Public Works Batt explained as part of the Illinois Department of
Transportation's requirements for use of Motor Fuel Tax monies, soil testing must be
conducted prior to street reconstruction and/or maintenance programs. Quotes for soil
testing services were sought from three entities. However, only Schleede Hampton and
Associates and Testing Services Corporation, soil material consultants, submitted quotes.
Schleede Hampton and Associates was the apparent low bidder for both the Street
Maintenance Program in an amount not-to-exceed $5,982.20 and the Street
Reconstruction Program in an amount not-to-exceed $14,567.60.
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Motion by McClatchey, seconded by Murgatroyd, to award the soils testing services
contract to Schleede Hampton and Associates of McHenry, Illinois, for the Street
Maintenance Program in an amount not-to-exceed $5,982.20; and for the Street
Reconstruction Program in an amount not-to-exceed $14,567.60.
Voting Aye: Glab, McClatchey, Murgatroyd, Baird.
Voting Nay: Bolger.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
MAYOR STATEMENT AND REPORTS
Mayor Cuda reported the Public Works Committee had met just prior to this
evening's regularly scheduled Council Meeting with Oak Drive residents Diana Mantzoros
and Ed Rous. He informed full Council these residents, although concerned with the
residential damage caused by the water main break, complimented and expressed
satisfaction with the professionalism and responsiveness of the City's Public Works Staff.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
There were no Committee Reports.
STAFF REPORTS
Director of Community Development Napolitano reported Home Depot and Meijer's
Store, represented by Rubloff Development Groups, will be appearing before the Zoning
Board of Appeals on Monday, July 17, 2000 at 7:30 p.m. requesting zoning map
amendments and conditional use permits for an outdoor garden center, an automobile
service station, and a drive-through pharmacy. Director Napolitano also reported Joe
Green of Concorde Homes requested a second appearance before Council sometime in
August to consider revisions to the Shamrock Farm concept plan.
Director of Public Works Batt reported bid requests have been developed and
sought for the Main Street Downtown Revitalization Project. The bid opening is scheduled
for Tuesday, August 8tn
Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel reported the Parks Department Staff has
been busy preparing for Fiesta Days which begin Friday, July 14t'. He also noted the Twin
Cities —Wisconsin — Chicago AIDS Ride would be arriving in McHenry on Friday, July 140'.
As in past years, bikers will camp at Knox Park, leaving for the final leg of their ride on
Saturday morning.
Chief of Police Kostecki reported use of the newly purchased squad car laptop
computers began this week. Patrol officers are documenting time saved through computer
usage as per grant requirements.
City Administrator Lobaito reported the Economic Development Commission sought
and received six proposals from planning firms for the design and development of the
proposed Riverwalk. Three firms were selected to receive an interview. Interviews are to
be conducted tomorrow, Thursday, July 13''. The Riverwalk Committee's recommendation
will be submitted for Council review and/or approval at the July 19, 2000 regularly
scheduled Council Meeting. Copies of the six proposals are available in both the City
Administrator and City Clerk's offices.
In response to Council inquiry, City Administrator Lobaito noted interviews will be
conducted by Riverwalk Committee Chairman Kit Carstens, Director Community
Development Napolitano, and City Planner Maggio, in addition to selected Riverwalk
Committee members.
NEW BUSINESS
Alderman McClatchey thanked Mayor Cuda and City Clerk Althoff, in addition to
Community Development employee Ryan Schwalenberg and the Parks Department, for the
success of the City's Employee Appreciation Picnic on Saturday, July 8`n.
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In response to Alderman Glab's inquiry, Staff noted the Crystal Lake Road Traffic
Study was delivered by Planning Resources and will be presented to full Council for
consideration within the next few weeks.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: POTENTIAL LITIGATION
Motion by Glab, seconded by Bolger, to go into Executive Session to discuss
Potential Litigation at 8:15 p.m.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Murgatroyd, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Council went into Executive Session at 8:15 p.m.
Motion by Bolger, seconded by Glab, to go back into Open Session at 8:37 p.m.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Murgatroyd, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Council went back into Open Session at 8:37 p.m.
In response to Council inquiry, Assistant Administrator Maxeiner provided a status
update report on the proposed Recreation Center Referendum Question. He reported
bond counsel Kelly Cost of Chapman and Cutler has informed Staff of the extreme
complexity of the Recreation Center financing through a property tax increase referendum
question. The advisory question regarding the construction of a recreation facility through
the issuance of Alternate Revenue Bonds and implementation of a Telecommunications
Tax to repay the Bond Principal and Interest, is not a problem.
Four separate questions must be posed to the electorate for authority to construct
and equip a community recreation center, appropriate general fund monies, to levy an
annual tax, and to levy an annual tax in excess of .09% of the value of all taxable property.
In addition to the overall complexity of the proposal, Assistant Administrator Maxeiner
noted the County Clerk permits a maximum of three Referendum Questions per taxing
entity.
It is Staffs position the Referendum Questions as presented in compliance with
required State Statutes could not succeed.
Mayor Cuda then referenced the letter Council received from the McHenry
Economic Development Commission requesting Council reconsider placing the Recreation
Center Referendum Questions on the November ballot in direct competition with the high
school referendum question. He also noted he had met with McHenry High School District
156 representatives and Kit Carstens of the McHenry Economic Development
Commission. Both entities were requesting the City support the District 156 High School
Referendum Question. Some discussion followed.
Alderman Murgatroyd suggested anticipated sales tax revenues from the proposed
Kohl's and Meijer Store be earmarked for future recreation center development. Further
discussion followed regarding the desirability of including a Recreation Center Advisory
Referendum Question on the November ballot. Council directed Staff to develop and
present for Council consideration Advisory Referendum Question alternatives.
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Motion by McClatchey, seconded by Bolger,, to enter into a service agreement
contract with City Engineering firm Baxter & Woodman and to authorize the expenditure in
an amount not-to-exceed $10,000 to conduct a smoke test of the Anne Street area.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Murgatroyd, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by McClatchey, seconded by Glab, to adjourn the meeting at 9:03 p.m.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Murgatroyd, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:03 p.m.
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