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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 03/08/1999 - City Council COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING MARCH 8, 1999 A Committee of the Whole Meeting of the McHenry City Council was called to order by Mayor Cuda at 7:30 P.M. on Monday, March 8, 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, Director of Public Works Batt, Director of Community Development Napolitano, Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel. Absent: Chief of Police Joyce, City Attorney McArdle. - Mayor Cuda explained the purpose of this evening's Committee of the Whole Meeting was to review Comprehensive Plan Update Draft complete by Planning Resources of Wheeling, Illinois. Owner and Principal Pete Pointner was in attendance, in addition to Gary Overbay of Civiltech Engineering. Mr. Pointner noted Civiltech Engineering was hired by Planning Resources as both the McHenry City Council and Staff had expressed a desire to address to address transporation concerns during this planning process. Mr. Pointner presented a brief overview of the Comprehensive Plan's purpose. Goals and development policies have been established reflecting an understanding of the City of McHenry's existing conditions, problems and opportunities. He noted the following unique McHenry characteristics: ■ The Municipal Building reflecting the community's commitment to improvement and quality; ■ The adoption of an Historic Preservation Ordinance establishing an identity, a sense of place, and a tie with the historical accomplishments of earlier generations; ■ The development of a bike path and open space, adding to the community's aesthetics and to the general quality of life. The current plan updates the 1990 Development Plan incorporating approved amendments and changes as well as recognizing future community aspirations and development opportunities. As State Statute permits a municipality to plan for areas up to one and one-half miles beyond its municipal boundaries, the update draft addresses the preferred land use for most of the land located within the one and one-half miles not already incorporated within another municipality. Development policies addressing ■ growth management and annexation; ■ residential, industrial and commercial development; ■ public open space; ■ transportation; and ■ community appearance have been developed. Mr. Pointner highlighted the following design guidelines: ■ Areas with septic systems, substandard streets, no curb and gutter or sidewalks should only be annexed if there is a funding mechanism by which to remedy these deficiencies; ■ Annexation priorities should be established based upon the ability to logically extend and fund sewer and water lines to encourage compact and contiguous growth and discourage leap frog development; ■ Estate residential development and rural non-farm homes on septic and well should be allowed only where it is infeasible to provide community sewer services; ■ The preservation, expansion and connection of environmental corridors to protect wetlands, flood plains and mature forests for the purpose of maintaining diversity of wildlife habitat for environmental health, recreational and aesthetic reasons. Mr. Pointner also noted the following average municipal land use percentages: March 8, 1999 Page 2 ■ 40-60% Residential; ■ 20% Public Right-of-Way/Streets; ■ 20% Commercial, Industrial and Business Park; ■ Balance reserved for open space. An additional benefit of networked open space is the development of alternative transportation avenues, specifically bike and walk paths. Mr. Pointner opined residential _ and open space land use will dominate McHenry's future development. The proposed Comprehensive Plan Update designates the majority of the large and undeveloped tracts of land as low density residential. The Plan also recommends the adoption of six specific policies for low-density residential development and provides a formula to ensure diversity of residential neighborhood development. In response to Council inquiry regarding the development of commercial centers, Mr. Pointner noted the Plan provides for new commercial centers located in each of the major quadrants of the City to serve area residents. The Plan also recommends the development adoption of gateway treatments with entry signs, landscaping, and other design features. The gateway design and construction should reflect the community's character. New development projects should also maintain the character of the landscape and preserve mature trees as well as incorporate preservation of environmental corridors, bike paths and parks. In response to Council inquiry, Mr. Pointner stated the adopted landscape standards could only be required for new developments. Mr. Pointner continued responding to comments submitted by Council. Language will be included within the development policies under growth management and annexation, clarifying the City of McHenry may wish to annex areas with septic system, substandard streets, etc., if the need to improve these areas outweighs other considerations. The word "compact" used on pages 15 and -- 24 will be removed. Mr. Pointner explained "compact" is a planning term referencing sewerable density. Additional language under development policies referencing residential, encouraging more upscale housing, will be included. In response to Alderman Murgatroyd's comments regarding Main Street policies (page 31) Mr. Pointner stated as each vacant or obsolete building becomes available west of the railroad tracks on Main Street, consideration should be made regarding future usage. Some sites may be appropriate for condominium or townhome development, and commuter and retail parking. The Steering Committee expressed interest in retaining the Train Station located on Main Street, in addition to pursuing a second location near Bull Valley Road. As train service might then be expanded, parking would be a key component. Mr. Pointner also stressed appropriate land use review should be considered when properties are vacated. Existing uses should not be forced out. Mr. Pointner also noted, at this time, the future land use map will be revised, incorporating a better distinction between estate residential and low density residential. TRANSPORTATION Mr. Pointner stated as recommendation was made to maintain the rural and open space character of the City, a 150-foot easement is recommended between the right-of- way of arterial roads and the closest residential property line in new developments. In addition, he informed Council grant monies are available for pedestrian and bike path linkage projects. Mr. Pointner provided definitions of the following roadway classifications: ■ Primary Roadways - routes servicing the primary centers of activity within a city. These roadway display inter-city continuity, regional importance, and are used to travel from one town to another. Examples: State Route 31 , State Route 120, Bull Valley Road. ■ Secondary Roadways - routes which interconnect and augment the primary roadway. They accommodate travel across town and are used to gain land access. March 8, 1999 Page 3 ■ Collector Streets — routes used to gain access to the Arterial System, facilitating efficient movement, which may penetrate residential neighborhoods. ■ Local Streets — routes which take vehicles to their final destination, provide direct access to abutting lands, and provide connections to the higher street classifications. Some discussion followed regarding the extension of Dartmoor Drive to connect with Glenbrook Trail on the west side of the Union Pacific Commuter Rail Lines. Connection across the rail line would invite industrial and commercial oriented trips through the residential neighborhood and encourage cut-through traffic. It would be difficult for Dartmoor Drive to maintain Collector Street characteristics. Mr. Pointner expressed concern regarding truck usage of Dartmoor Drive from State Route 31 to the West McHenry Bypass, even with street weight and speed restrictions. In response to Council inquiry, Mr. Pointner stated the Bull Valley Road improvement will be sufficient to accommodate traffic for an extended period of time. The proposed Comprehensive Plan Update recommends during the annexation and development of parcels along Bull Valley Road, the City should strive to obtain 120 feet of right-of-way to allow for construction of a five-lane facility. In response to Alderman Murgatroyd's inquiry, Mr. Pointner noted, if Dartmoor Drive were extended across the railroad tracks, traffic calming measures could be incorporated to reduce cut-through and commercial oriented trips. Traffic calming measures include islands, traffic circles, pedestrian extensions, textured streets, such as cobblestone, winding streets, and stop signs. The construction of the West McHenry Bypass will significantly impact current transportation deficiencies and should be pursued. The feasibility study prepared by the McHenry County Highway Department should be the basis for continuing engineering and implementation. Preliminary Engineering suggests Bypass alignment north of Bull Valley Road be developed in conjunction with existing Curran and Ringwood Roads. Mr. Pointner suggested roadway standards identified within the Comprehensive Plan Update be adopted and incorporated in the City of McHenry's Subdivision Control Ordinance. In response to Alderman Murgatroyd's inquiry regarding the necessity of another crossing for the proposed second Metra Train Station, Mr. Pointner informed Council the ICC will not approve any additional railroad crossing unless under major duress. He noted the extension of Dartmoor Drive over the Union Pacific Railroad Tracks may therefore be moot. Some discussion followed with Mr. Pointner noting railroad crossings are expensive ventures and the Union Pacific Railroad Tracks serve as a logical boundary for existing residential developments located west of the railroad tracks. In response to Alderman McClatchey's inquiry, traffic consultant Gary Overbay stated the timeframe for petitioning the ICC for a railroad crossing currently takes between eighteen months and two years. He noted preliminary engineering and IEPA review can occur simultaneously. Criteria includes the number of railroad crossings per day. In response to Alderman Murgatroyd's inquiry, Mr. Pointner noted the crossings can be either freight or commuter trains. Alderman Baird stated his support for the extension of Dartmoor Drive. He opined the extension would alleviate traffic congestion and noted the developer has agreed to construct the extension as per the City of McHenry's direction. In addition, monies have been collected as per annexation agreement conditions for a traffic signal at the intersection of Dartmoor Drive and Crystal Lake Road, in anticipation of this extension. Mr. Overbay stated the development of the West McHenry Bypass has reduced the need for Dartmoor Drive's extension. Alderman McClatchey left the meeting at 8:35 p.m. Alderman Bolger made the following comments: March 8, 1999 Page 4 ■ The location map on page 4a should include the City of Crystal Lake; ■ Page 2 should include information regarding the development of the McHenry Corporate Center; ■ On page 5 of Chapter 2, Community Profile, information addressing the City's municipal water distribution should be included; ■ On page 7, within the commercial district, mention should be made of the Richard Adams Business Park; .-. ■ On page 29, Bikeways, Alderman Bolger stated his opposition to providing an on- street bike lane on Orleans Street. Mr. Pointner noted Orleans is a Collector Street between two significant bike trails. ■ References to Brookside Park should be changed to Wm. H. Althoff Park; ■ In conclusion, Alderman Bolger requested the planners review the future land use map. Alderman Bolger noted no residential development is reflected along Route 31 in the area of Anne and High Street. Some discussion followed regarding the possibility of condominium and townhouse development along Route 31 between commercial areas. Mr. Pointner suggested consideration should also be given to office development. Planning alternatives should be developed specifically for this area. City Administrator Lobaito stated past Council action has supported the zoning of State Route 31 between Kane Avenue and Knox Drive with 01 Office on the east side and C-3/C-5 Commercial Zoning on the west. Alderman Bolger also noted the future land use map incorrectly reflects the area of Court and Venice as residential. It should be designated as commercial. Alderman Bolger, citing his support for the annexation of West Shore Beach, requested the language referencing growth management be amended. He suggested the inclusion of language requesting property owner participation in infrastructure improvements upon annexation. Alderman Glab expressed concern regarding the proposed future residential land use along south State Route 31 next to industrial zoning. Some discussion followed. Alderman Bolger left the meeting at 9:05 p.m. Mr. Pointner noted this land use mix was considered good planning, particularly if the area included a large concentration of jobs. Development of walkup residential units, 11/12 to an acre, would be standard planning practice. Alderman Glab expressed his opposition to the extension of Dartmoor Drive citing the negative impact on existing residential neighborhoods, increase in vehicular traffic on local north/south streets accessing Dartmoor Drive, and significant impact on the Crystal Lake Road and Dartmoor Drive intersection. Traffic Consultant Gary Overbay stated the extension of Dartmoor Drive would not increase the vehicular traffic on local north-south streets as the current traffic pattern is local street to Collector Street (Dartmoor Drive) to Arterial street (Crystal Lake Road). He stated, however, the extension of Dartmoor would significantly impact State Route 31 , Crystal Lake Road and Curran Road, as these thoroughfares would be used as alternative routes to Bull Valley Road and State Route 120. Mayor Cuda informed Council and the consultants, the extension of Dartmoor Drive _ has been planned for the past twenty years. At this time, planner Mr. Pointner noted an additional error on the land use map, noting the South Wastewater Treatment Plant is reflected as a commercial land use. It will be corrected to reflect municipal use. Some discussion followed regarding the presentation of the proposed Comprehensive Plan Update at the Public Hearing. Alderman Murgatroyd suggested the current draft be presented at the Public Hearing, comments be solicited, with final Council discussion and deternination thereafter. In response to City Administrator Lobaito's inquiry, Mr. Pointner stated future land use proposals designate the area located at the corporate boundary north on State Route 31 as Business Park. It is suggested this area be developed as the north gateway to the City of McHenry. A suggested alternative would be a large-scale commercial planned unit March 8, 1999 Page 5 development. Mr. Pointner also cited curb cut restrictions, additional setback requirements, and noted the proximity to FAP 420. In response to Mayor Cuda's statement regarding the extension of Dartmoor Drive, Alderman Glab noted previous planners recommending Dartmoor Drive's extension had no knowledge of the recent plans to develop a West McHenry Bypass. In response to Alderman Glab's inquiries regarding the desirability of a traffic study on Crystal Lake Road and determination if the proposed Bypass will alleviate traffic on Crystal Lake Road, Mr. Overbay recommended the McHenry County Transportation Department investigate and analyze the effects of the Bypass on traffic patterns for Crystal Lake Road, State Route 31 , and Curran Road. Alderman Glab requested Council consider authorizing a comprehensive traffic study addressing the extension of Dartmoor Drive. Some discussion followed. It was the consensus of Council to go forward with the Comprehensive Plan Update approval prior to any traffic study regarding the Dartmoor Drive extension. In response to Alderman Glab's inquiry, Mayor Cuda directed Staff to provide Alderman Glab with a copy of the Traffic Study completed by Bartman Ashman in 1995. Alderman Baird expressed concern with the proposed expansion of commercial development west of Crystal Lake Road on Bull Valley Road. City Administrator Lobaito also noted the extension of Dartmoor Drive will be considered by Council in conjunction with prior to the Comprehensive Plan Update Public Hearing. Motion by Glab, seconded by Baird, to adjourn the meeting at 9:48 p.m. Voting Aye: Glab, Murgatroyd, Baird. Voting Nay: None. Absent: Bolger, McClatchey. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 9:48 p.m. CITY �LLERK MAYOR