HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 12/16/2002 - City Council REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 16, 2002
The Regular Meeting of the McHenry City Council was called to order by Mayor
Althoff at 7:30 P.M. on Monday, December 16, 2002 in the Council Chambers of the
'— Municipal Center. At roll call the following Aldermen were present: Bolger, Glab, Low,
Murgatroyd and Wimmer. Absent: None. City Staff in attendance were: City Administrator
Maxeiner, Assistant Administrator Lockerby, City Clerk Jones, City Attorney McArdle,
Director Community Development Napolitano, Director Public Works Marcinko, Director
Parks and Recreation Merkel and Chief of Police O'Meara. Absent: None.
Mayor Althoff announced with regret the death of the Village of Algonquin's
President Spella.
Mayor Althoff announced there would be an Executive Session to discuss Potential
Litigation.
TEN MINUTE PUBLIC INPUT
Steve Pool, a resident of 1909 Trappers Court, informed Council the residents of
Olde Mill Pond have serious concerns regarding the proposed Metra Station in Johnsburg
and have prepared and submitted letters to the Mayor and Aldermen voicing those
concerns.
City Administrator Maxeiner informed Mr. Pool discussion regarding the proposed
Johnsburg Metra Station will occur at the December 30, 2002 regularly scheduled Council
Meeting.
DOWNTOWN "VISION" WORKSHOP
Assistant City Administrator Lockerby introduced John Houseal and Devin Lavigne
of Trkla, Pettigrew, Allen and Payne, Inc. (TPAP), who will be conducting a "visioning"
workshop in an effort to obtain general agreement regarding the long term role and
character of Downtown McHenry and the projects and improvements desirable in the
future.
Mr. Houseal informed Council and the audience that developing the Downtown Plan
includes community outreach, data collection and analysis, establishment of an overall
"vision" for Downtown, as well as identifying plans and actions.
The Council and audience were split into small groups of six. Two exercises
ensued, followed by a question and answer session.
Mr. Houseal explained the data would be accumulated and information would be
distributed upon completion. The workshop terminated at 9:00 p.m.
Mayor Althoff thanked the audience for their participation in the exercise.
CONSENT AGENDA
L Motion by Bolger, seconded by Wimmer, to approve the Consent Agenda as
presented:
■ Resolution increasing water sewer rates;
December 16, 2002
Page 2
■ CALEA proposed general order revisions;
■ J.U.L.I.E. Membership Agreement;
■ Request to purchase through State of Illinois Bid Process (1) 4-wheel dump
truck and (1) 6-wheel dump truck from International Truck and Engine Corp.,
Springfield, Illinois;
■ Request to reduce Letters of Credit for Boone Creek Unit 5 to a Construction
Guarantee in the amount of $106,250, with a Maintenance Guarantee of
$157,625;
■ Ordinance amending Municipal Code Section 1-31, codifying the Administrative.
Adjudication Process in the Code Hearing Department;
■ Approve City Council Minutes:
■ Committee of the Whole, November 12, 2002;
■ As Needed Checks:
GENERAL FUND
• AFLAC 1,204.79
• CLERK OF MCHENRY CIRCUIT 750.00
• FIRST MIDWEST BANK 256.75
■ FOP UNITS I/II 1,402.50
• IMRF 34,599.32
• NATIONAL GUARDIAN LIFE I 123.83
• NCPERS GROUP LIFE INS. 243.00
■ NWBOCA 60.00
• RUSHING, RHONDA F LANG- 206.20
■ UNITED STATES LIFE INSUR 915.30
• WALMART COMMUNITY BRC 526.56
• APWA 125.00
• FUGATE, JOHN 25.00
• HOWELL'S GIFTS 6 MORE 215.60
• ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF 566.00
■ ILLINOIS STATE POLICE 114.00
• LUND INDUSTRIES 26.95
• PANERA BREAD 83.92
■ PETTY CASH FUND 198.32
• POSTMASTER MCHENRY IL 2,443.13
• POWERPHONE INC 600.00
• SECRETARY OF STATE 150.00
■ SUNSHINE FARMS 650.00
■ DEBT SERVICE-1997A FUND
• BANK ONE 300.00
• DEBT SERVICE-2000SSA FUND
• HOME STATE BANK 41,275.00
■ DEBT SERVICE-2000A FUND (MFT)
• BANK ONE 379,800.00
■ DEBT SERVICE-2000B FUND (REFUND)
• BANK ONE 276,450.00
■ WATER/SEWER FUND
• UNITED STATES LIFE INSUR 145.80
• BOND 6 INTEREST FUND
• BANK ONE 900.00
• RETAINED PERSONNEL ESCROW
• COUNTY CLERKS OFFICE 125.00
• MCHENRY COUNTY RECORDER 714.00
• GRAND TOTALS 745,195.97 i
■ FUND TOTALS
■ 100 GENERAL FUND 45,486.17
■ 300 DEBT SERVICE-1997A FUND 300.00
• 310 DEBT SERVICE-2000SSA FUND 41,275.00
December 16, 2002
Page 3
■ 320 DEBT SERVICE-2000A FUND (MFT) 379,800.00
■ 330 DEBT SERVICE-2000B FUND (REFUND) 276,450.00
• 510 WATER/SEWER FUND 145.80
• 520 BOND 6 INTEREST FUND 900.00
• 740 RETAINED PERSONNEL ESCROW 839.00
■ TOTALS 745,195.97
• List of Bills:
• GENERAL FUND
■ ACE HARDWARE, BJORKMAN'S 985.71
■ ACME BRICK i SUPPLY CO 43.25
■ ADAMS ENTERPRISES INC, R 119.12
■ ADAMS STEEL SERVICE INC 256.24
■ ADAMS, DENNIS 417.00
• ALEXANDER LUMBER CO 100.01
■ AMERICAN SOLUTIONS FOR B 665.75
■ AMERICAN TELECOMMUNICATI 258.83
■ AMERITECH 503.67
• ARCH 16.57
• ASECOM INC 39.14
■ ASSOCIATED BAG COMPANY 30.00
■ ATSSA 319.50
■ AUTO TECH CENTERS INC 58.99
• B AND H INDUSTRIES 119.93
• BONCOSKY OIL COMPANY 4,680.55
• BOTTS WELDING & TRUCK SE 77.50
■ BUSS FORD SALES 221.66
■ CASTLE PRINTECH 4,087.50
■ CDW GOVERNMENT INC 2,767.82
■ CENTURY AUTOMATIC 175.00
■ CINGULAR WIRELESS 43.27
■ CINTAS CORPORATION #355 467.96
■ CLIFFORD-WALD 613.38
■ COMED 17,923.46
■ CONSERVATION SERVICES 150.00
\ ■ CORPORATE EXPRESS INC 237.69
■ COUGHLIN, DIANE 35.00
■ CRAFT CONCRETE PRODUCTS 136.50
■ CRYSTAL LAKE RADIATOR 6 1,345.00
■ CUSTOM VEHICLE SYSTEMS I 90.00
■ D 6 J AUTOMOTIVE SUPPLY 96.57
■ DARE MCHENRY PARENTS ORG 3,539.60
■ DILLON, JOHN 24.00
■ DIXON, MARYA 8.64
■ DOMINGUEZ, MAYYA 10.00
DON'S TOWING 68.00
• DONE 4 WAGNER INC 504.00
■ EDER CASELLA & CO 8,750.00
■ EISERMAN, JERRY 375.92
• ENTENMANN-ROVIN CO 104.00
■ ETTEN, CHRISTOPHER 50.00
■ FALCON ASSOCIATES INC 175.00
■ FAMILY SERVICES 2,632.50
• FISCHER BROS FRESH 1,702.26
■ FLESCH COMPANY INC, GORD 199.04
■ FOXCROFT MEADOWS INC 385.53
■ FUNK, PAUL D 19.08
■ G COMMUNICATIONS 205.05
• GOPHER SPORT 694.33
■ HAINES 6 COMPANY INC 534.00
■ HARM'S FARM 119.98
• HARRIS 6 ASSOC INC, BRUC 201.12
■ HOLIAN, CAROL 69.84
■ HOLMSTROM, ROBERT 60.00
• HORNING, RUSSELL 74.54
■ I/O SOLUTIONS INC 1,505.00
■ ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF 130.00
• ILLINOIS CITY/COUNTY MAN 145.75
■ ILLINOIS DEPT OF NATURAL 55.00
■ ILLINOIS ISSUES 39.95
■ ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGU 10.00
■ IMPRESSIVE IMAGES 8.90
■ INTERNATIONAL ASSOC FOR 60.00
■ INTERSTATE BATTERY SYSTE 335.85
December 16, 2002
Page 4
' INTRAVARTOLO, TODD 725.00
• IPRA 300.00
• JEWEL FOOD STORES 10.58
• JONES TRAVEL & TOUR 466.00
• KALE UNIFORMS INC 648.90
• KAR PRODUCTS 2,981.77
• KEARNS, DOYLE 68.85
• KIATTA, TAMMY 90.00
• KIRCHNER FIRE 49.40
• KROHN LAWN & LANDSCAPE 2,252.14
• KTD INC 24.00
• LANDS' END INC 166.95
• LANG PONTIAC-CADILLAC-SU 313.04
• LEE & RAY ELECTRIC 34.00
• LETN PRIMEDIA WORKPLACE 576.00
• LEWIS INTERNATIONAL INC 43.96
• LIFT TRUCK INC 275.00
• LOCKER'S FLOWERS 85.00
• LORCH, NANCY 277.00
• LUNKENHEIMER, PATTIE 28.15
• MARCINKO, DANIEL J 28.46
• MCANDREWS PC, THE LAW OF 6,800.00
• MCCANN INDUSTRIES INC 31.71
• MCCARTHY, THOMAS M 915.00
• MCHENRY AUTO PARTS 789.22
• MCHENRY COUNTY CHIEFS OF 36.00
• MCHENRY COUNTY SUPPLY IN 20.00
• MCHENRY FIRESTONE 12.00
• MCHENRY SPECIALTIES 32.50
• MEIER, RICHARD 36.96
• MEYER MATERIAL COMPANY 61.20
` MID-AMERICA TRUCK & EQUI 249.09
• MINUTEMAN PRESS OF MCH 155.00
• MONTRESSOR, ERIN 59.39 ___N
• MORRIE AND SONS INC 50.00
` MOTOROLA 8,842.00
• NATIONAL ARCHERY ASSOC 65.00
• NAVAS, SERGIO 15.00
• NEWMAN, CHRISTINE 337.15
• NEXTEL COMMUNICATIONS 1,997.50
• NICOLET SCENIC TOURS 2,331.00
• NICOR GAS 1,158.13
• NORTH EAST MULTI-REGIONA 110.00
• NORTHWEST ELECTRICAL SUP 637.02
• NORTHWEST HERALD 408.20
• OFFICE DEPOT INC 342.72
` ORIENTAL TRADING CO INC 108.35
• PACE 4,452.37
• PARADISE COMPUTER 247.50
' PATTEN INDUSTRIES INC 625.34
• PETCO & CO, JT 3,930.00
' PETERSEN SAND & GRAVEL 122.41
• PITNEY BOWES INC 248.69
• PRIME COMMERCIAL 30.00
• QUILL CORPORATION 1,815.48
• R & S DISTRIBUTORS INC 161.60
• RADICOM INC 64.92
• RADIO SHACK 102.48
• REDMOND, MARY 150.45
• REGNER, WILLIAM J 58.02
• REICHERT CHEVROLET 352.71
• RELIABLE SAND & GRAVEL 160.00
• RESERVE ACCOUNT 1,200.00
• REX AUTO BODY 132.00
• RIDGEVIEW ELECTRIC INC 2,750.00
• RIVERSIDE BAKE SHOP 24.50
• ROC CONSTRUCTION SUPPLY 136.66
• ROCKFORD INDUSTRIAL 280.00 Il,
' ROCKFORD MAP PUBLISHERS 36.95
• SEXTON, ERIC M 25.60
• SHERMAN MECHANICAL INC 176.00
• SHULL, JAY 75.00
• SOCIETY FOR HUMAN RESOUR 160.00
December 16, 2002
Page 5
• SSMG 877.50
• ST AUBIN NURSERY INC 4,555.55
• STAN'S FINANCIAL SERVICE 278.00
• STANDARD EQUIPMENT CO 442.33
• STANS OFFICE TECHNOLOGIE 6,396.74
• STATE POLICE SERV FUND 326.00
■ STATE TREASURER IDOT 291.33
• SUBURBAN BUILDING OFFICI 80.00
• SUMMERS PORTABLE TOILETS 280.00
■ THOMAS TRUCKING INC, KEN 460.00
■ THOMPSON ELEVATOR INSPEC 2,532.00
• TJ CONEVERA'S INC 1,234.00
• TOLEDO, ARMANDO 10.00
• TONYAN & SONES, WM ,30.00
• TURF PROFESSIONALS EQUIP 369.92
• UNITED PARCEL SERVICE 85.67
■ VIRGILS, LAURA L 450.00
■ WEARGUARD 565.22
■ WILLIAMS ELECTRIC SERVIC 124.76
■ WILLIAMS, JANICE H 46.76
• WISCOMP SYSTEMS INC 6,664.00
■ WOLF CAMERA & VIDEO 499.98
• WOOD, ROLAND 83.52
• ZEP MANUFACTURING COMPAN 163.56
• ZMT INC 225.63
■ DEVELOPER DONATION FUND
■ CONSERVATION SERVICES 1,408.02
• HIGHLAND PARK POOLS & SU 8,898.00
• TIF FUND
■ ORR & ASSOCIATES, KATHLE 139.50
■ TERRACON 14,650.00
■ TRKLA PETTIGREW ALLEN & 7,220.86
■ STREET IMPROVEMENTS FUND
■ PAYNE & DOLAN INC 109,713.38
■ CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FUND
■ RIDGEVIEW ELECTRIC INC 8,000.00
■ WATER/SEWER FUND
■ ACE HARDWARE, BJORKMAN'S 444.13
• ALLEN ENGINEERING CO INC 198.66
• AMERICAN TELECOMMUNICATI 21.98
■ AMERITECH 780.53
• AQUAPREP 7,156.50
■ BAEHNE, BOBBI 15.00
• BONCOSKY OIL COMPANY 453.10
• BOTTS WELDING & TRUCK SE 134.10
• CAREY ELECTRIC 4,098.00
■ CARMEUSE LIME INC 3,520.00
■ CDW GOVERNMENT INC 392.84
• CINTAS CORPORATION #355 295.00
■ COMED 27,290.65
• CRESCENT ELECTRIC SUPPLY 93.34
• D & J AUTOMOTIVE SUPPLY 22.48
• D'ANGELO NATURAL SPRING 35.00
• DEL'S ELECTRIC SERVICE I 150.00
■ DICKMAN, ROB 60.00
• ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE A 99.75
• KTD INC 78.76
■ LANG CHEVROLET INC, GARY 19,790.00
• LANG PONTIAC-CADILLAC-SU 77.13
■ LEACH ENTERPRISES INC 32.67
■ MCHENRY ANALYTICAL WATER 453.00
• MCHENRY AUTO PARTS 139.93
■ MCHENRY COUNTY SUPPLY IN 297.00
• MCMASTER-CARR SUPPLY CO 45.82
■ MEYER MATERIAL COMPANY 59.40
• MIDWEST METER INC 8,415.43
• NCL OF WISCONSIN INC 353.85
■ NEXTEL COMMUNICATIONS 185.22
December 16, 2002
Page 6
' NICOR GAS
2,009.26
• NORTH SUBURBAN WATER 50.00
• PETERSEN SAND & GRAVEL 61.20
• PITNEY BOWES INC 62.16
■ QUILL CORPORATION 16.38
• REICHE'S PLUMBING SEWER 150.00
' RESERVE ACCOUNT 300.00
' SCHAID, MARK 60.00
' SCHMITT, JON 90.51
• UNDERGROUND PIPE & VALVE
1,672.60
• UNITED PARCEL SERVICE 5.03
' USA BLUEBOOK 39.47
■ VIKING CHEMICAL COMPANY 1,076.80
■ WASTE MANAGEMENT 9,790.80
' WATER ENVIRONMENT 128.00
' WERHANE, MATT 63.24
■ WOLF CAMERA & VIDEO 249.99
■ 2MT INC 381.60
• UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS FUND
' GRAVERS AUTOMOTIVE SERVI 100.00
■ MCHENRY COUNTRY CLUB 2,056.46
■ SCHLEEDE HAMPTON ASSOCIA 2,318.00
• RISK MANAGEMENT FUND
' ADAMS AUTO BODY 675.11
• RETAINED PERSONNEL ESCROW
' BAXTER & WOODMAN 4,189.68
' MCHENRY ANALYTICAL WATER 130.00
• POLICE PENSION FUND
• EDER CASELLA & CO 2,650.00
• GRAND TOTALS 393,060.26
■ FUND TOTALS
■ 100 GENERAL FUND
• 280 DEVELOPER DONATION FUND 139,514.94
■ 290 TIF FUND 10,306.
02
■ 410 STREET IMPROVEMENTS FUND 122,,010..36
■ 440 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FUND 8,000.00
• 510 WATER/SEWER FUND 91,396.31
■ 580 UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS FUND 4,474.46
■ 610 RISK MANAGEMENT FUND 675.11
■ 740 RETAINED PERSONNEL ESCROW 4,319.68
■ 760 POLICE PENSION FUND 2,650.00
TOTALS 393,060.26
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
PETERSEN PROPERTY LAND BUYOUT
City Administrator Maxeiner summarized the land purchase agreement with Mr.
Robert Petersen dated January 1998 for the purchase of the Petersen homestead and
surrounding acreage. The agreement required the City to pay $373,072 at closing and an
additional $500,000, amortized over a 120-month period at 8% interest. The payments,
amounting to $6,066.40 per month were scheduled to continue until March 1, 2008.
With the death of Mr. Petersen, an inquiry was made by the attorney for the estate
regarding the City's interest in paying off the installment contract. City Administrator
December 16, 2002
Page 7
Maxeiner informed Council an analysis revealed the City of McHenry could save between
$30,000 and $35,000 by paying off the installment contract.
w
Staff is requesting Council authorization to pay approximately $308,000 to the
Estate of Robert Petersen to complete the purchase of the Petersen property, one-half
from the General Fund and one-half from the Park Donations Fund.
Alderman Murgatroyd opined he would prefer 100% of the cost of purchase come
from the Park Donations Fund. Alderman Glab concurred with Alderman Murgatroyd.
Responding to Alderman Murgatroyd's inquiry, City Administrator Maxeiner stated
the Trust Agreements and Last Will and Testament of Mr. Petersen have not been
thoroughly researched with regard to his intent for the land use and any potential
restrictions.
It was the consensus of Council to direct Staff to research the Trust Agreement and
Last Will and Testament of Mr. Petersen regarding his intent for use of property and to
return the matter to Council for review and consideration at the December 30, 2002
regularly scheduled Council Meeting.
POLICE DEPARTMENT CANINE UNIT
City Administrator Maxeiner informed Council at the December 2, 2002 Finance and
Personnel Committee meeting the possibility of a mid-year budget amendment was
discussed to implement a canine officer program. He stated the program has an estimated
$15,000 start-up cost, which has been covered by donations and pledges from the
community. He noted much of the recurring annual costs for the program have been
covered as well. City Administrator Maxeiner stated the Finance and Personnel Committee
unanimously recommended approval of the mid-year budget amendment to allow for the
creation of a canine officer program in the City of McHenry Police Department.
Motion by Low, seconded by Murgatroyd, to approve a mid-year budget amendment
in the amount of $20,000 to allow for the creation of a canine officer program in the City of
McHenry Police Department.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
REQUEST FROM THE MCHENRY GROUP LIMITED PARTNERSHIP TO DONATE 5013
ACRES OF LAND TO THE CITY OF MCHENRY
Mayor Althoff informed Council in April 2002 the City of McHenry was approached
by the McHenry Group Limited Partnership regarding a donation to the City of
approximately 50 acres of land located adjacent to Curran Road in McHenry Township. An
1. appraisal of the site was performed in August 2002, which placed the fair market value of
the property at $30,000 per acre, for a total approximate value of$1,505,000.
December 16, 2002
Page 8
Mayor Althoff stated the current owner has placed certain terms and conditions on
the donation as follows:
• The property must be used "exclusively for public purposes;"
• The city waives, releases and discharges the donor with respect to any and all
environmental conditions at or affecting any part of the property;
• Title insurance will be at the City's expense; and
• A qualified appraisal must be performed at the City's expense.
Mayor Althoff stated Staff, in order to address Condition No. 2, is obtaining a Phase
I Environmental Study. The results are not yet available but will be distributed to Council
upon receipt.
Responding to Alderman Glab's inquiry, City Attorney McArdle agreed to research
the phrase "exclusively for public purposes."
Motion by Bolger, seconded by Wimmer, to authorize the City's acceptance of the
land donation by the Levy Corporation, beneficiary of LaSalle National Bank Trust No.
49711; and to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk's execution of the following
documentation related thereto, following review by the City Attorney:
1. Letter of donation by the McHenry Group Limited Partnership;
2. Acknowledgment of donation attached as an exhibit to LaSalle National
Bank's Trustee's Deed;
3. Internal Revenue Service Form No. 8283, relating to the donation
acknowledgement; and
4. Any and all related closing documents to facilitate the City's acceptance of
the donated property.
A discussion continued to ensue.
Motion by Glab, seconded by Murgatroyd, to call the question.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Motion by Bolger, seconded by Wimmer authorizing the City's acceptance of the
land donation by the Levy Corporation, beneficiary of LaSalle National Bank Trust No.
49711 and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk's execution of the following
documentation related thereto following review by the City Attorney for the City of
McHenry:
1. Letter donation by the McHenry Group Limited Partnership;
2. Acknowledgment of donation attached as an exhibit to LaSalle National
Bank's Trustee's Deed;
3. Internal Revenue Service Form No. 8283, relating to the donation
acknowledgement; and
4. Any and all related closing documents to facilitate the City's acceptance of
December 16, 2002
Page 9
the donated property.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer.
Voting Nay: Glab.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
DISCUSSION REGARDING THE PROPOSED RAIL YARD AND METRA STATION IN
THE VILLAGE OF JOHNSBURG.
City Administrator Maxeiner informed Council on November 18, 2002, two meetings
were conducted with Rick Mack and Phil Pagano of Metra to determine the status of the
proposed Metra rail yard and station in the Village of Johnsburg. He stated Alderman Low
attended the first meeting and Alderman Wimmer was present during the second meeting.
Also in attendance were Mayor Althoff, Assistant City Administrator Lockerby and himself.
City Administrator Maxeiner stated Mr. Pagano provided a presentation on two
adjacent sites in Johnsburg with the potential to serve as the sites for both the rail yard
and the new station. The rationale for identifying the Johnsburg sites as the preferred
location(s) for the improvements stems from the proximity of the Pingree Station in Crystal
Lake to the Pacini property and the inadequacy of the existing Main Street Station in
McHenry for expanded service. Mr. Pagano suggested the Pacini property is too close to
the Pingree Station and does not provide adequate spacing between stations.
City Administrator Maxeiner explained Metra would like to store the trains at the end
of the line for convenience purposes and does not want to retrace routes to park trains at
night. Metra plans to move the storage of approximately half the trains from the Barrington
Yard to Woodstock with the remaining trains to be located at the Johnsburg rail yard. Mr.
Pagano stated the Johnsburg Yard would initially store five to seven trains, which could
eventually increase to ten to twelve trains.
City Administrator Maxeiner stated Mr. Pagano produced two drawings of a
conceptual site plan for the Johnsburg station and rail yard for review. The conceptual
drawings of the station and yard were based on the Elburn Station, which appears to be
the current standard for Metra. The proposed stations would be very similar to the
facilities in Antioch and Fox Lake. Mr. Pagano explained commuter parking could
eventually reach 1,000 to 1,500 spaces, but plans initially call for half that amount.
Employee parking would require 50 to 60 spaces.
At the meeting Messrs. Mack and Pagano discussed the current level of Metra
service in McHenry, three trains in both morning and evening. Should the new schedule
and yard be approved and funded, the schedule would initially increase to five to seven
routes in both the morning and evening, with weekend service provided. Service would
have the potential to expand to ten to twelve routes per day on the weekdays based upon
ridership.
L
City Administrator Maxeiner noted Mr. Pagano stated Metra's standard operating
procedure is to expand services where they are wanted, not to force services upon a
December 16, 2002
Page 10
community. However, both Metra representatives suggested if the proposed service ~`
expansion is not supported by the communities they would focus their efforts for
improvement on other rail lines, which would likely jeopardize the existing commuter rail
service in McHenry. Mr. Pagano suggested if the current line in McHenry is abandoned it
is likely to be gone for good.
When speaking of the increased service's impact on the City of McHenry, Mr.
Pagano suggested there would be upgrades to crossings within the City limits. He also
suggested it may be necessary to construct a relatively small segment of double tracks
within the City to allow trains to pass one another. Double tracks would not be required
over the entire distance of the track within the City limits. Responding to concerns
regarding pedestrian safety at Petersen Park, Metra suggested they would construct a
pedestrian under/overpass to reduce the potential for pedestrian/train encounters.
Recognizing the traffic situation on Route 120, Mr. Pagano stated stops at the
existing McHenry station would be facilitated in such a way as to keep traffic on Route 120
unobstructed. Trains will not block traffic during loading and unloading. In addition,
signals would be programmed in such a way that crossing guard bars will not be down
while the train is stopped at the Main Street Station. Mr. Pagano opined the traffic on
Route 120 would be interrupted for approximately 30-45 seconds during a crossing.
Additionally, he suggested some efforts could be made to insulate track noise from certain
residential areas. When asked about increased freight train traffic, Mr. Pagano stated this --
item is beyond their control and he would not expect an increased volume of freight train
traffic unless an industrial user on the line requires the added volume.
Regarding the timing of the project, Mr. Pagano stated if the project were fully
funded today, services would not be expanded to these locations for approximately five
years. He noted funding is not in place for these improvements at this time. He stated
Metra hopes to complete the decision making process for the Johnsburg location within the
next six to eight months.
Some discussion followed. Alderman Glab opined there is no benefit to the City of
McHenry by construction of a rail yard and station in the Village of Johnsburg.
RESOLUTION RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY OF THE MAYOR
Mayor Althoff recognized Alderman Murgatroyd who read a Resolution relating to
the authority of the Mayor to represent the City of McHenry in meetings and negotiations.
Alderman Murgatroyd stated the Council deems it necessary to remove any apparent
authority of the Mayor to meet and/or negotiate with any persons except under the
following conditions:
• A majority of the City Council shall authorize the meeting or negotiation;
• The City Administrator and any other staff requested by the City Administrator or the
majority of the City Council shall be present;
• A member of the City Council shall also be present if it is deemed appropriate by a
majority of the City Council
• The City Council shall in a timely fashion be kept apprised of matters discussed at
these meetings.
December 16, 2002
Page 11
Motion by Murgatroyd, seconded by Glab, to approve a Resolution Relating to the
Authority of the Mayor to Represent the City of McHenry in Meetings and Negotiations.
Voting Aye: Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer.
Voting Nay: Bolger.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Alderman Bolger read a statement in opposition to the Resolution.
MAYOR—STATEMENT AND REPORT
Mayor Althoff informed Council she received notice from Senator Dick Klemm that
member initiative dollars in the amount of $80,000 would be released shortly to be used
specifically for road improvements and/or infrastructure projects.
Mayor Althoff stated a telephone call was received from Paul Pacini requesting
discussion concerning his property located on Route 31 and Bull Valley Road.
Mayor Althoff invited the Council to participate in the Employee Christmas breakfast
and luncheon scheduled to take place on Friday, December 20, 2002 beginning at 6:30
a.m.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Alderman Low apologized for the late notice of cancellation of the Parks and
Recreation Committee meeting originally scheduled for December 11, 2002. She stated
the meeting has been rescheduled to January 9, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. in the Aldermen's
Conference Room.
DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS
Assistant City Administrator Lockerby informed Council the Landmark Commission
attended a meeting in which the contents of Robert Petersen's Last Will and Testament
were made public. He stated representatives of the Petersen Estate have expressed an
interest in moving the decision-making process along and he suggested a discussion
regarding the Petersen Property could be added to the Parks and Recreation Committee
Agenda on January 9, 2003.
Chief of Police O'Meara informed Council he and Sergeant Jones traveled to
Springfield on Friday, December 13, 2002 to attend the graduation of Officer Keene.
City Administrator Maxeiner informed Council Administration hopes to have the
Agenda Packets out on December 23, 2002 for the Regular Council Meeting scheduled on
December 30, 2002.
't- NEW BUSINESS
Alderman Murgatroyd stated he has received comments from residents in the
vicinity of Fox Ridge Park regarding the gate being open. He iterated assurances were
December 16, 2002
Page 12
made to the residents stating the gate would be closed at dusk.
Motion by Glab to form a Committee for a Comprehensive Traffic Study.
Alderman Murgatroyd opined he would prefer to permit Staff adequate time to
accumulate and present information regarding a comprehensive traffic study suggesting
January as a better time to review forming such a Committee. Alderman Glab withdrew the
motion.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Bolger, seconded by Low, to go into Executive Session at 10:07 p.m. to
discuss Potential Litigation.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Council went into Executive Session at 10:10 p.m.
Motion by Bolger, seconded by Murgatroyd, to return to Open Session at 10:52 p.m. —
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Council went back into Open Session at 10:52 pm.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Low, seconded by Glab, to adjourn the meeting a 10:53 p.m.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
The Meeting was adjourned at 10:53 p.m.
MA)YC c�
OR / CLERK
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