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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 09/07/1999 - City Council SPECIAL MEETING SEPTEMBER 7, 1999 A Special Joint Meeting of the McHenry City Council and McHenry High School District 156 and McHenry Elementary School District 15 was called to order by Mayor Cuda at 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, September 7, 1999 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, Chief of Police Kostecki (arrived at 7:30 p.m.), Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel, Director of Public Works Batt, Director of Community Development Napolitano. Absent: City Attorney McArdle, Assistant Administrator Maxeiner. McHenry High School District 156 attendees: Superintendent Swartzloff, School Board President James Heffelfinger, William Busse, James Finch, Debra Jacobs, Mary Kay Losch, David Lawson, and Ed Rickert. McHenry Elementary School District 15 attendees: Superintendent Dodds, School Board President Michael Morris, Chris Cardamone, Debbie Guild, Michael Guy, Richard Losch, Lynn Schnelker, Susan Zika. Mayor Cuda stated the purpose of the Special Joint Meeting is to provide an opportunity for the McHenry City Council members and the School District Board members to discuss issues of mutual interest. All three parties submitted topics for discussion. IMPACT FEE DISCUSSION City Administrator Lobaito distributed an analysis of area school impact fees. McHenry fees are calculated using the standard Naperville formula. City Administrator Lobaito noted in addition to impact fees, the City of McHenry requires payment of an operations fee of $1 ,627 at the time of residential occupancy. Annexation Agreements recently approved by Council require even higher impact fees than current City ordinance. Recent annexations include the Pebble Creek Subdivision, the Olde Mill Ponds on Boone Creek Subdivision, and the as yet to be developed Kresswood Trails Townhome Development. As per ordinance and annexation agreements, cost of living increases are automatically initiated. City Administrator Lobaito distributed copies of the appropriate page of the proposed Gerstad Diedrich Farm Property Annexation Agreement addressing impact fees. He noted these fees are substantially higher than previously negotiated impact fees. Some discussion followed regarding impact fees of other municipalities whose resident population attend Elementary School District 15 and High School District 156 schools. It was noted children from the Village of McCullom Lake and the Village of Holiday Hills, as well as from portions of the Village of Prairie Grove, the Village of Lakemoor, the Village of Island Lake, and the Village of Wonder Lake attend Elementary School District 15 and High School District 156 schools. Only the Village of Prairie Grove requires higher impact fees. High School District 156 Superintendent Swartzloff informed attendees petitioning efforts for higher impact fees were still proceeding with the McHenry County Board. Mayor Cuda noted the impact fee amounts collected by the City of McHenry for the school districts equal only 25-32% of the schools' costs for building construction and land purchase. High School Board member and former City Council member David Lawson noted City annexation agreements not only include language regarding annual cost of living increases, but, also include language requiring compliance with City ordinances if a higher impact fee is required. Mayor Cuda also noted, according to the recent decision by a McHenry County judge, impact fee calculation must be based on the cost of land purchase, not the cost of building construction. Page 2 9/7/98 Some discussion followed regarding the impact of existing home sales and the possibility of collecting impact fees from these sales. City Staff noted the difficulty of administering this type of program. Mayor Cuda noted the Naperville formula also takes existing home sales into consideration. Chief of Police Kostecki arrived at 7:30 p.m. Further discussion followed. Currently school impact fees are distributed with a 65% elementary school and 35% high school ratio. In response to High School Board member and former City of McHenry Mayor William Busse's inquiry regarding the number of children produced by a specific zoning classification, Mayor Cuda noted developer Roger Gerstad completed, at the City's direction, such a study in his Pebble Creek Subdivision. The results were very similar to those determined by the Naperville formula. Alderman Baird requested each school board provide more feedback to the McHenry City Council regarding proposed developments within the corporate boundaries of the City of McHenry. High School Board member and former City of McHenry Mayor William Busse noted the high school's operating cost for one student was approximately $20,000. High school board members requested City Council support for future referendums. High school board members suggested Council consider the passage of a supporting resolution. Alderman Murgatroyd opined adopting an isolationist attitude toward development, particularly residential development, is non-productive. Development outside the City of McHenry's corporate boundaries may still impact the City and its schools. Mayor Cuda noted all annexation agreements and proposed developmental plans are sent to each school district for review and comment. Mayor Cuda stated the only residential development currently before Council for consideration is the Gerstad Diedrich Farm annexation. He did note, however, Shamrock Beef Farm property owner, Mr. Johnson, has expressed an interest in annexation and residential development. High School Board member and former McHenry City Council member David Lawson suggested Council adhere to the directives of the recently approved City of McHenry Comprehensive Plan Update. Mayor Cuda requested each district inform Council of their land needs, including future site locations as well as size requirements. Alderman Glab suggested each party determine their future needs based on the total buildout and development of the City of McHenry. Mayor Cuda informed attendees land planners contracted by the City of McHenry to update the Comprehensive Plan, opined McHenry's population will reach 50,000 between the years 2040 and 2060, if current developmental trends are maintained. Population estimates were based on current Elementary School District 15 and High School District 156 boundaries. High School Board President James Heffelfinger stated the High School District's concerns are more immediate. In response to Alderman Baird's inquiry, High School Board members stated current property tax monies are not enough to fund new school construction. It has been determined a referendum is necessary. Alderman Baird requested Staff obtain examples of annexation agreements requiring developers build new school facilities. Alderman McClatchey requested Council be provided the number of children attending Elementary School District 15 and High School District 156 schools living outside the City of McHenry's corporate limits. COMMUNITY GROWTH AND RELATED ISSUES City Administrator Lobaito, referencing the Agenda handouts, noted as of July 1 , 1999, 629 vacant lots remain available from previously approved residential developments. Currently six residential developments are being marketed and 1 1 1 Page 3 9/7/99 single family permits have been issued as of August, 1999. High School Board member William Busse noted a net increase of 70 students at West Campus High School and 30 students at East Campus High School. Elementary School Superintendent Dodds stated District 15's school enrollment appears to be stable this school year, 1999-2000; however, he noted even with the construction of a new middle school, District 15 has not gained any additional space. The construction of a middle school will only accommodate those students currently housed in mobile units. Two additional school sites have been reserved for future Elementary School District 15 growth: ■ Forty acres at the northwest corner of the intersection of Chapel Hill Road and Lincoln Road; and ■ Six acres on the Backhaus property located south of the Dartmoor Drive extension. In response to Council inquiry, High School Board members noted the current enrollment at East Campus is 1 ,015 students and the current enrollment at West Campus is 1 ,061 students. The total 2,076 is 30 students higher than current projections. In response to Alderman Baird's inquiry Elementary School Board member Richard Losch stated residential feathering and upscale housing benefited the school districts only if overall density is reduced. Some discussion followed regarding quality of life issues and the true cost per child of providing a quality education. The addition of 100 students requires the hiring of four teachers, which creates a salary expense in excess of $100,000. Some discussion followed regarding school district financing limitations, including the tax cap as well as the increase in service costs and teacher salaries. The districts requested Council consider actively supporting school referendums as well as raising the standard of developer contributions. Alderman Murgatroyd also requested both school districts provide Council with feedback on all proposed development, including industrial and commercial. In response to school board inquiry, City Staff noted, historically, new construction was divided equally between residential and commercial/industrial. It was noted all development, whether residential or commercial/industrial, has an impact on traffic, City services, and public safety. Elementary School Board member Richard Losch requested Council consider eliminating the practice of charging other taxing bodies for services, specifically, hookup, inspection, and capital development fees. He noted the elementary district does not charge the City for use of their school facilities. He opined the City of McHenry has more opportunity than either school district to generate revenue. Speaking for both districts, he welcomed the opportunity to continue working together for the benefit of the community. Mayor Cuda responded noting, although Council would consider many methods in which to assist both districts, the waiving of capital development fees would not be considered. COMMUNITY FORUMS High School Board President James Heffelfinger informed all attendees District 156 would be hosting Community Forums. Two forums have already been scheduled: ■ Tuesday, October 5, 1999 at Harrison School in Wonder Lake; ■ Saturday, October 16, 1999 at East Campus. Board members would like to host additional forums in the areas of Holiday Hills, Lakemoor and McCullom Lake. SHARING OF FACILITIES Mayor Cuda reported Council was considering the construction of a Recreational Facility. Consensus has not yet been established whether to proceed, as it has become apparent current City revenues could not fund the construction of a Recreational Center. The Parks and Recreation Committee is recommending Council initiate a referendum addressing the financing of a Recreational Center. It has also been Page 4 9/7/99 determined Council does not wish to compete with any future District 156 High School referendum. Some discussion followed regarding the possibility of sharing a recreational facility with Elementary School District 15 and High School District 156. City Staff raised concerns regarding scheduling conflicts, as well as service area differences. Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel noted the City of McHenry's corporate boundaries are substantially smaller than either Elementary School District 15 or High School District 156 boundaries. Both school district boards stated community support for a shared facility. Alderman Glab requested Staff provide Council with information from other districts who have shared recreational facilities. Alderman Glab informed attendees of the City of McHenry's plans to initiate a planning study including traffic for the Crystal Lake Road area. At Alderman Glab's direction, study results should be provided High School District 156 Staff. Some discussion followed regarding the feasibility of expanding West Campus High School. PARKING ISSUES SURROUNDING EAST CAMPUS Mayor Cuda enumerated the many attempts made by the City of McHenry to alleviate parking problems in the area of East Campus High School, including efforts to obtain additional parking spaces from area property owners. Meanwhile, in response to area complaints, "No Parking" signs have been installed throughout the neighborhood. Some discussion followed. In response to High School board inquiry, City Staff reported Green Street resurfacing and curb and gutter installation will be completed sometime during the week of September 24th. City Administrator Lobaito apologized for all the inconvenience to both Elementary School District 15 and High School District 156. POLICE LIAISON OFFICER PROGRAM Chief of Police Kostecki reported a grant application had been submitted requesting two additional officers for school service. If obtained, grant monies would facilitate the placement of two officers within High School District 156, one for East Campus and one for West Campus, as well as the hiring of an officer for Elementary School District 15. Chief Kostecki explained grant monies would not be available until after January 1", 2000, prohibiting the placement of the additional officers in schools until the 2000-2001 school year. CLOSING REMARKS Alderman Baird informed both boards if either chose to lobby State Legislators in Springfield, the City Council will support these efforts. Mayor Cuda opened the floor to audience comment. Allen Carlson of 3310 Turnberry Drive, addressed the attendees, complimenting them on their decision to conduct a joint meeting. He requested Council consider the passage of a supporting resolution for the next school referendum. Michael Oliver of 1717 Woodlawn Park, addressed the attendees, noting the community's support of cooperative efforts by the taxing bodies. He encouraged Council to consider better controlled growth. Mary Meyer of 2705 Rose Avenue, addressed the attendees, expressing concerns with traffic on Crystal Lake Road in the area of West Campus. She also requested Council's support of future school referendums. Allen Hunt of 2218 Woodlawn Park, inquired as to how the proposed Gerstad Diedrich Farm Property annexation would impact both Elementary School District 15 and High School District 156. Elementary School Superintendent William Dodds offered to meet with Mr. Hunt individually. Page 5 9/7/99 It was also noted smaller groups from each party, McHenry City Council, McHenry Elementary School District 15, and High School District 156, will be created to address the sharing of recreational facilities. ADJOURNMENT Motion by McClatchey, seconded by Glab, to adjourn the meeting at 9:50 p.m. Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Murgatroyd, Baird. Voting Nay: None. Absent: None. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 0 p.m. n MAYOR CITY CLERK