HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 08/11/1999 - City Council REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 11, 1999
The Regular Meeting of the McHenry City Council was called to order by Mayor
Cuda at 7:30 P.M. on Wednesday, August 11 , 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, Director of Parks
and Recreation Merkel, Director of Public Works Batt, Director of Community
Development Napolitano, Assistant Administrator Maxeiner. Absent: City Attorney
McArdle.
TEN MINUTE PUBLIC INPUT SESSION
Allen Hunt of 2218 Woodlawn Park, requested he be provided a status update
on the Gerstad Diedrich Farm Annexation. Mr. Hunt was informed the property owner
has submitted no new plans, however, he has requested an appointment with Mayor
Cuda and City Administrator Lobaito for next week, presumably to discuss the
annexation.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Bolger, seconded by Murgatroyd, to approve the Consent Agenda as
follows:
■ Resolution honoring retiring Detective Sergeant George Erkenswick;
■ Picnic Permits;
■ City Council Minutes:
■ July 28, 1999 Regularly Scheduled Council Meeting;
■ As-Needed Checks for Approval:
GENERAL FUND
AFLAC 3,951.80
FBI NAA ILLINOIS CHAPTER 30.00
HOME OF THE SPARROW 35.00
ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGU 33.00
ILLINOIS STATE POLICE 190.00
MAGIC WATERS WATERPARK 348.50
MCHENRY CAPITAL DEVELOPM 89,137.00
RAVINIA FESTIVAL GROUP S 470.00
ROBERT G PETERSEN 3,033.20
SULLIVAN FOODS 78.64
UNITED STATES LIFE INSUR 729.00
WOODSTOCK SWIM ASSOC 681.00
EMPLOYEE INSURANCE FUND
HEALTH PLAN MANAGEMENT 25,842.38
POLICE PENSION FUND
ANCEL GLINK DIAMOND COPE 812.50
ANTHONY A MILITANO 2,308.36
CENTEGRA PRIMARY CARE 57.00
DANIEL A KING 913.33
DANIEL E KINNERK 2,470.23
DUANE R LANGE 1,416.61
GREGORY P BURG 2,602.24
HARRIS BANK 2,461.43
JOHN R WEICHMANN 644.51
MARIANNE KRANZ 2,459.30
MCHENRY EMPLOYEE INSURAN 1,849.00
MICHAEL OLIVER 2,572.16
PATRICK J JOYCE 3,750.74
RAMON GREGORIO JR 1,830.25
DEVELOPER DONATION FUND
MCHENRY COMMUNITY HIGH 119,112.35
MCHENRY COMMUNITY SCHOOL 221,208.65
MCHENRY PUBLIC LIBRARY 26,615.00
MCHENRY TOWNSHIP FIRE 26,615.00
ROBERT G PETERSEN 3,033.20
RETAINED PERSONNEL ESCROW
MCHENRY COUNTY RECORDER 48.00
WATER/SEWER FUND
MCHENRY COUNTY RECORDER 60.00
POSTMASTER MCHENRY IL 1,072.50
UNITED STATES LIFE INSUR 113.40
CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT FUND
FIRST MIDWEST BANK 515,000.00
GRAND TOTALS 1,063,585.28
Page 2
8/1 1/99
FUND TOTALS
01 GENERAL FUND 98,717.14
19 EMPLOYEE INSURANCE FUND 25,842.38
36 POLICE PENSION FUND 26,147.66
37 DEVELOPER DONATION FUND 396,584.20
39 RETAINED PERSONNEL ESCROW 48.00
51 WATER/SEWER FUND 1,245.90
55 CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT FUND 515,000.00
**** 1,063,585.28
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Murgatroyd, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Mayor Cuda stated the purpose of this evening's regularly scheduled Council
Meeting was to discuss and prioritize pending capital projects. Staff has prepared a list
of projects including preliminary cost estimates.
CAPITAL PROJECT CONSIDERATION
City Administrator Lobaito presented the following Capital Projects for Council
consideration and discussion
Capital Project Projected Cost
■ Streets Program $5,000,000
with an anticipated completion
date of 4-6 years
■ Recreation/Community Center $8,000,000
■ Recreation/Community Building $10,000,000
including indoor Aquatic Center
■ Knox Park Renovations $1 ,500,000
■ Public Works Garage $3,000,000
including a new fueling station
■ City-wide drainage improvements unavailable
■ Elevated Water Storage Tank $1 ,000,000
■ East Side Water Main extension $600,000
■ Central Wastewater Treatment
Plant expansion and modifications:
■ Land Acquisition: $1 ,000,000
■ Nitrification improvements unavailable
City Administrator Lobaito noted the City of McHenry initiates, completes
and continues numerous capital projects every year. Most of these capital projects
are inexpensive and are expensed with available fund balances and annual City
revenues. He explained the capital project currently under consideration will cost in
excess of $500,000 and will, in all likelihood, require funding from sources outside
the City's current budget means. He also noted prioritizing capital projects will
permit Staff to focus on the specified projects and direct future finance decisions.
Alderman Bolger stated the $5,000,000 Street Program should continue and
be expanded to included sidewalks. He noted he had recently received numerous
requests from Clover and Anne Street residents for sidewalks. He opined the _
projected cost for the Recreation Center makes the project cost prohibitive. He
stated the construction of a new Public Works Garage should be investigated.
However, he stated he did not support the inclusion of a fueling station. He
supported citywide drainage improvements, elevated water storage tank design and
construction, and improvements and expansion of the Central Wastewater
Treatment Plant. He suggested Council have further discussion regarding the
extension of water to City properties located east of the Fox River. He also
suggested Council consider the design and construction of two elevated water
storage tanks: One to address future development east of the Fox River and one to
address current needs in the City's southwest quadrant.
Page 3
8/1 1/99
City Administrator Lobaito noted the following Capital Projects should be wholly
or partially funded through the Water/Sewer Enterprise Fund or Capital Development
Fund:
■ Elevated water storage tank
■ East side water main extension
■ Central Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion/modification.
In response to Aldermen Baird and Glab's request for clarification regarding the
Knox Park renovation capital project, City Administrator Lobaito explained the 1999-
2000 Budget, at the Mayor's request, includes $10,000 to investigate possible
renovations, improvements, and/or expansion of Knox Park Pool. Mayor Cuda stated,
in light of the potential postponement of the construction of a Recreational Center,
current park facilities should be improved and/or upgraded. In addition, he expressed
concern with the pool's current capacity. Some discussion followed. Alderman Glab
suggested user fee increases be considered. He requested Staff provide attendance
numbers and revenue figures.
Director Merkel noted the Parks and Recreation Committee has considered
numerous projects including:
■ Petersen Beachfront Development;
■ Skateboard Parks; and
■ Petersen Farm Property Development.
He noted discussions regarding the Knox Park Pool improvements and/or renovation
included mechanical improvements, water slides, wading pools, and expansion of the
concession stand.
Alderman Baird opined several of the proposed capital projects were essential
including:
■ The expansion/modification of the Central Wastewater Treatment Plant;
■ The extension of water to City properties east of the Fox River; and
■ The design and construction of an elevated water storage tank east of the Fox
River.
Alderman Baird also stated his support of the citywide drainage project recommending
funding of the larger areas through Special Service or Special Assessment. Citing
cramped quarters for both personnel and equipment, Alderman Baird supported the
construction of a new Public Works facility. He also stated his support of the Street
Program, but noted significant cost over an extended period of time. He suggested
Council consider in more detail the Knox Park Pool improvements, the construction of a
Recreation Center and the Petersen Park Beachfront development. Alderman Baird
reminded Council a financial commitment of $100,000 has also been pledged for the
West McHenry Bypass. Mayor Cuda informed Council the total cost of the West
McHenry Bypass project has been estimated at $33-$35,000,000. Matching funds
from the local level will be required. It is assumed, however, local monies will be
provided by the State and County.
Alderman Baird also noted the $750,000 Street Light cost associated with
future State Route 120 improvements. He recommended Council consider a future
utility acquisition. Mayor Cuda informed Council he had been notified by a local
financial institution of their impending foreclosure on the referenced property. A future
purchase might be negotiated. Alderman Baird stated a recreational facility was
desirable, however, he opined the cost of construction and operation was prohibitive.
He also stated his support of mechanical and structural upgrades; however, did not
support general improvements. He noted the Parks and Recreation Committee, at its
August 23, 1999 meeting, will be reviewing Parks Capital Projects.
Alderman Bolger suggested Council consider utilizing the $750,000 earmarked
for the construction of a Recreational Facility for Knox Park Pool improvements. A
lengthy discussion followed regarding the proposed construction of a Recreational
Page 4
8/1 1/99
Facility. Council discussed the advisability of pursuing a Recreational Center
Referendum Question. It was noted a Referendum Question would give Council clear
direction on the advisability of constructing a recreational facility.
Alderman Murgatroyd suggested Staff investigate the total amount of tax dollars
lost through tax levy reduction over the past ten years. He opined these figures might
be used as a sales tool to promote the construction of a recreational facility.
Alderman McClatchey stated his support for a Recreational Facility Referendum
Question. He requested Council consider the following two projects: development of
the riverfront; and dredging of McCullom Lake. He also stated his support for the
development of the Petersen Park Beachfront Property.
Mayor Cuda, citing the projected cost of $3,000,000, suggested Council
consider an existing structure as opposed to constructing a new Public Works Garage.
He supported the design and construction of an elevated water storage tank as well as
the expansion and modification of the Central Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Alderman Murgatroyd also reminded Council previous discussion had determined
the need for a new water plant facility, in addition to a second elevated water storage
tank. The second elevated water storage tank can be expensed with capital
development monies, as it would be used by future development. Alderman
Murgatroyd stated the extension of water service to City properties located east of the
Fox River, the expansion and modification of the Central Wastewater Treatment Plant,
and the design and construction of an elevated water storage tank east of the Fox
River were essential.
Some discussion followed regarding funding mechanisms. It was noted a —`
telecommunications tax up to 5% could be initiated by Council. All revenues could be
earmarked for specific projects. Mayor Cuda opined, if informed, the McHenry
community would support the initiation of said tax. Mayor Cuda also noted he had
been approached by several entities indicating their willingness to donate substantial
monies to the construction of a recreational facility.
City Administrator Lobaito informed Council the Streets Program could be
financed through the issuance of bonds. Future Motor Fuel Tax dollars could be
earmarked for bond repayment. Council directed Staff to pursue this funding
mechanism. In addition, Director of Public Works Batt informed Council further
investigation of available Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs
(DCCA) grants for the design and construction of elevated water storage tanks would
be conducted by Staff.
In response to Alderman Glab's inquiry, Mayor Cuda noted recapture of City
monies expended for the water service extension to City properties east of the Fox
River was being investigated. Some discussion followed regarding extending water
service east of the Fox River. Staff confirmed the extension would not serve the
Roberts Property located south of State Route 120 east of the river. The extension
would be adequate to service development until a second additional loop was obtained
across the Fox River. Mayor Cuda also stated the design and construction of an
elevated water storage tank east of the Fox River should be done in conjunction with
the extension of water service east of the Fox River. He noted the proposed site for
the elevated water storage tank would result in no public outcry as the site was
located in an industrial business park.
In response to Alderman Bolger's request for clarification regarding
developmental activity occurring on the west side of State Route 31 , Staff noted the
Pacini Group had been issued a Site Development Permit authorizing the movement of
dirt from the Route 31 location to the Kresswood Trails Townhome Development
located north of Bull Valley Road.
Page 5
8/1 1/99
In response to Alderman Glab's request for clarification regarding the location of
a second elevated water storage tank, Alderman Bolger explained the storage tank
should be located in the southwest quadrant of the City's corporate limits, specifically,
south of Bull Valley Road and west of Crystal Lake Road. Some discussion followed.
Council also noted the need for an elevated water storage tank on the north end of the
City's corporate limits. Staff reminded Council a proposed site in this location was
denied by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Alderman Glab, citing safety concerns, requested Staff investigate the recent
tree trimming by Commonwealth Edison along Crystal Lake Road, north of the Park
Ridge Estates Subdivision.
Alderman Baird requested funding mechanisms for the Shamrock Lane/Route 31
Traffic Signal be addressed. City Administrator Lobaito stated the Finance Committee
had considered paying approximately $220,000 as the Public Benefit portion of the
project. The balance was to be paid by a combination of State grant monies of
$150,000, a private contribution of $60,000, and approximately $220,000 from the
Special Service Area. Staff is also recommending Council consider bonding for the
total project cost, reserving the Public Benefit amount for other projects. The project's
original estimated cost was approximately $650,000. Project bids were recently
opened and the cost will be closer to $550,000. Some discussion followed regarding
the status of the $60,000 contribution. The property in question is currently included
in the proposed Special Service Area. Mayor Cuda requested Staff schedule a meeting
with the property owner in question. Alderman Murgatroyd suggested Council consider
bonding for the complete project cost and reserving the $220,000 Public Benefit
amount for the Citywide drainage improvement project. Council directed Staff to
investigate the issuance of bonds for the total project cost, reserving the Public Benefit
amount for the citywide drainage improvement project.
Alderman Baird, referencing the Central Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion
and modification project, requested clarification regarding State monies received from
Representative Franks and Senator Klemm. Mayor Cuda stated both officials have
obtained $500,000 for the Central Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion and
modification project, providing a total of $1 ,000,000 for the City of McHenry. Staff is
seeking clarification regarding its use for land acquisition for the Treatment Plant's
expansion. Council directed Staff to provide the following financial information:
■ The increase in cable franchise fee revenues if the franchise fee was
increased from 3% to 5%;
■ The overall affect on the current General Fund balance if General Fund
monies were allocated to specific Capital Projects.
MAYOR STATEMENT AND REPORTS
Mayor Cuda requested Council concurrence to direct property owner Roger
Gerstad to the Plan Commission for review with any new conceptual plans for the
Gerstad Diedrich Farm development. Council concurred. Staff has also been directed to
determine the status of the Illinois Department of Transportation's purchase of the
proposed FAP 420 right-of-way.
NEW BUSINESS
Alderman Bolger requested Staff investigate the cost and feasibility of installing
sidewalks along Clover and Anne Streets to provide safe passage to Edgebrook School
for area students. In response to Alderman Bolger's request, Staff was directed to
coordinate appropriate signage with existing ordinances regarding U-Turns. Alderman
Bolger also requested the Police Department address violators of the No Left Turn
Ordinance from Green Street onto State Route 120. In response to numerous
complaints, Alderman Bolger also requested the Police Department enforce the recently
approved ordinance regarding tobacco possession by minors, particularly in front of
McHenry High School East Campus and McHenry High School West Campus.
Page 6
8/1 1/99
Noting his inability to attend the September 29, 1999 regularly scheduled
Council Meeting, Alderman Bolger requested Council reschedule the September 29,
1999 regularly scheduled Council Meeting to September 22, 1999.
Motion by Glab, seconded by Murgatroyd, to reschedule the September 29,
1999 regularly scheduled Council Meeting to September 22, 1999.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Murgatroyd, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
In response to Alderman Murgatroyd's request to prioritize the capital projects,
Council selected:
■ The extension of water service to City properties east of the Fox River;
■ The design and construction of an elevated water storage tank; and
■ The expansion and modification of the Central Wastewater Treatment Plant;
as the most important capital projects.
Council also agreed to defer consideration of the Recreation Center to a later
date.
Mayor Cuda directed Council to prioritize the remaining capital projects and
provide that information to City Administrator Lobaito by 5 p.m. Friday, August 14,
1999.
In response to Alderman Glab's request, Skateboard Parks will be added to the
August 23, 1999 Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting Agenda. Mayor Cuda
requested Staff invite Mr. Bud Smith, a local resident, to the meeting. Mr. Smith has
expressed interest in pursuing the development of a Skateboard Park.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Bolger, seconded by Murgatroyd, to go into Executive Session to
discuss Personnel at 8:55 p.m.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Murgatroyd, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Council went into Executive Session at 8:55 p.m.
Motion by Bolger, seconded by Baird, to go back into Open Session at 9:23
p.m.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Murgatroyd, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Council went back into Open Session at 9:23 p.m.
Page 7
8/1 1/99
Motion by McClatchey, seconded by Baird, to hire William Eckert of McHenry
and Michael Lange of Algonquin, for the Street Maintenance Positions at Grade 6, Step
1 , with a starting salary of $25,755, and Michael Hummel of McHenry and Russell
Ruzicka of McHenry for the Wastewater Treatment Positions at Grade 7A, Step 1 ,
with a starting salary of $27,438, effective immediately, upon successful completion
of a pre-employment physical.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Murgatroyd, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by McClatchey, seconded by Baird, to adjourn the meeting at 9:25 p.m.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, McClatchey, Murgatroyd, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
MAYOR CITY CLERK