HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 09/30/2002 - City Council REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 30, 2002
The Regular Meeting of the McHenry City Council was called to order by Mayor
Althoff at 7:30 P.M. on Monday, September 30, 2002 in the Council Chambers of the
Municipal Center. At roil call the following Aldermen were present: Bolger, Glab, Low,
Murgatroyd and Wimmer. Absent: None. City Staff in attendance were: Assistant
Administrator Lockerby, City Attorney McArdle, City Clerk Jones, Director Community
Development Napolitano, Director Public Works Marcinko, Director Parks and Recreation
Merkel and Chief of Police O'Meara. Absent: None.
PRESENTATION: MCHENRY COUNTY TREASURER WILLIAM LEFEW
In attendance was McHenry County Treasurer William LeFew. Treasurer LeFew
noted in going through the archives at the McHenry County Treasury, records were found
which actually belong to the City of McHenry. Treasurer LeFew presented the City with the
McHenry Real Estate Tax Rolls from 1855. He noted the document is leather bound,
however, it is in need of repair.
Mayor Althoff and Council thanked Treasurer LeFew for providing the book to the
City.
PRESENTATION: MCHENRY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT 15 REFERENDUM
In attendance from McHenry Elementary School District 15 were Superintendent Dr.
D. William Dodds, Human Resource Specialist Cherri Rickert, and Gina Swinney, Director
of Learning. Ms. Rickert addressed Council stating in preparation for the November 5,
`- 2002 referendum on the General Election Ballot, District 15 would like to present
information which substantiates the need for the referendum and requested raise in
education fund tax. Ms. Rickert highlighted the points contained in the brochure provided
to Council. The basic reasons for the impending referendum question are:
• Unanticipated State aid cuts;
• Drastically reduced dividends from District 15 investments;
• Ongoing tax caps which impact school revenues captured from real estate taxes.
Ms. Rickert noted schools are basically funded via federal tax dollars, state tax
dollars, and local property tax monies. Ms. Rickert next addressed the tax cap on local
property tax dollars and its impact on local school funds. Because of the cap, monies are
not captured from local real estate taxes and less revenue is available for the District's
use.
Ms. Rickert stated the impact fees which are collected as a result of new growth can
only be utilized on land acquisition and construction of buildings. These monies cannot be
used for education, programs, benefits, etc. Ms. Rickert stated the Operations and
Maintenance Fund support all the renovations, construction of new buildings and
acquisition of the land for the structures. The Education Fund supports salaries, benefits,
programs and instruction. Monies from each fund cannot be utilized for the other. The
greatest portion of the Education Fund is expended on salaries and benefits.
Ms. Rickert noted the Special Education Services must be provided. The cost to
provide them is not underwritten and yet the services cannot be reduced. In order to be
competitive District 15 needs more money in the Education Fund. Attracting and retaining
September 30, 2002
Page 2
teachers is key to the quality of the education provided to our children. Fund balances are
being depleted each year. It is projected by the year 2005 school year there will be a
deficit of$12 million.
The 1998 Tax Referendum monies were targeted for the Operations and
Maintenance Fund. The monies cannot be transferred to the Education Fund. The Board is
not seeking to expand programs and services, but to maintain the high quality of education
currently being experienced. If the referendum is not successful, Staff positions and
programs would be in jeopardy.
The Consolidation/Unification Plan is still being studied. There is a problem which
must be resolved before consolidation or unification can take place. The problem is a
group of students which are currently in District but are not included in District 156. This
must be resolved prior to further action regarding the consolidation of the districts.
In conclusion, Ms. Rickert stated the District 156 Board would like to maintain the
excellent education, recruit quality teachers, and to invest in the children of our community.
Supt. Dr. Dodds noted the District is hosting public information meetings to facilitate
educating the public regarding the need for the proposed Education Fund Tax increase.
Mayor Althoff opened the floor to questions from Council and/or the audience. —�
Alderman Glab opined the District 15 referendum is in competition with the Fire
District referendum. He expressed concern regarding the impact of all of these tax
increases on the senior citizens of our community. Supt. Dr. Dodds responded noting the
tax payouts to school districts are not fair and equitable on the state and federal level.
Mayor Althoff thanked the representatives from District 15 for their presentation on
the November 5, 2002 General Election Referendum Question regarding the proposed tax
increase for the District's Education Fund.
PRESENTATION ON DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT: RIVERWALK FOUNDATION,
RIVERWALK STATUS AND DOWNTOWN TIF PLAN
Mayor Althoff stated this evening's presentation is to provide Council with a status
update regarding the various elements of the downtown redevelopment. The proposed
Downtown Redevelopment Plan has been initiated. The Steering Committee met on
September 24, 2002. Interviews are being scheduled for October 9t' and 16t'with key City
individuals.
Results of Riverwalk Due Diligence
Mr. Cliff DiLorenzo of Trkla, Pettigrew, Allen and Payne (TPAP) addressed Council
regarding the result of the Riverwaik Due Diligence. The soil borings have been
completed. There were 59 borings taken and not one turned out poorly. The Environmental
Phase I was completed. Almost sixty properties were surveyed and there were only five
properties requiring a Phase II. Regarding the Topographical Survey, Mr. DiLorenzo stated
a survey paralleling the riverfront and Boone Lagoon almost one mile in length has been
September 30, 2002
Page 3
completed. The survey is currently being reviewed by TPAP Staff. At this point TPAP is
completing the requirements for the Request for Proposal for a Landscape Architect. A
draft will be submitted sometime in October for review by the City Staff.
Mr. DiLorenzo stated he has met with two potential developers who are proposing
projects within the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Area. An assessment of the financial
needs of these developers should be available within the next few weeks. Mr. DiLorenzo
will be seeking the following from Council in the near future:
• Develop a short list of landscape architectural firms;
• Engage a financial advisor who could determine debt service for the future as
compared to income;
• Preliminary schedule for downtown redevelopment plan will be submitted for Council
consideration and approval and direction.
In response to Alderman Bolger's inquiry, Mr. DiLorenzo noted the Riverwalk has to
be self-sustaining from a revenue standpoint. The financial advisor would analyze the
bond indebtedness to determine how much monies could be loaned to developers. In
response to Alderman Murgatroyd's inquiry, Mr. DiLorenzo stated the developers indicated
beginning their projects in the spring with an anticipated substantial completion within one
year. Alderman Murgatroyd noted there are other expenditures relative to the Downtown
Redevelopment other than the Riverwalk, i.e. parking, utilities, etc.
`-- Some discussion followed regarding the advisability of delaying construction until
monies are realized from development improvements. In response to Alderman
Murgatroyd's inquiry, Mr. DiLorenzo stated the landscape architect would be in essence
the general contractor of the Riverwalk as well as the other elements of the Downtown
Redevelopment Plan.
Riverwalk Foundation
Mayor Althoff introduced Riverwalk Foundation Chairman Kit Carstens and Vice
Chairman Scott Smith. Mr. Carstens presented a video taken during a recent visit to the
San Antonio Riverwalk in Texas. Mr. Carstens stated meetings of the Riverwalk
Foundation were on hold until results of the Riverwalk Due Diligence were completed with
satisfactory results. It is the philosophy of the Riverwalk Foundation that the Riverwalk
must be done "right" or not at all. Additionally, it is the philosophy of the Foundation that
the Riverwalk pay for itself. A community the size of McHenry cannot afford to pay $10
million for the Riverwalk.
Mr. Carstens noted the McHenry County EDC is focusing on ways to secure tourism
dollars for the County. Tourism dollars create a greater impact than any other single
source. The best way to secure these monies is to capitalize on tourism draws within the
county. Once such draw could be McHenry's Riverwalk. The trip to San Antonio provided
insight on how to bring the riverwalk down to the local level. The way to recruit tourism is
to sell the entire County in order to draw overnight stays. Overnight stays will facilitate
making more grant funding available from the State level.
The projected budget per mile of the McHenry Riverwalk is the same as San
September 30, 2002
Page 4
Antonio's. It is the goal of the Riverwalk Foundation to keep the annual operating costs
down through encouragement of Riverwalk businesses maintaining their own properties.
Vice Chairman Smith presented Council with a slide show of the San Antonio
Riverwalk and noted copies are available for further Council review. He noted the straight
stretches of the walk were addressed through strategic placement of trees and bushes to
provide a meandering feel to the walk. The close proximity of buildings to each other and
to the water is similar to the existing situation in McHenry. He noted the closeness
provides an intimacy that is a plus for the walk. Aesthetic enhancements along the walk
are utilized to "hide" more unsightly infrastructure improvements. Tree shading along the
walkway is essential. Artificial lighting is soft and aids in movement over the 24-hour
walkway.
Chairman Carstens noted adjacent uses to the San Antonio Riverwalk are
compatible and tied in to the uses of the walk. Riverwalk uses such as restaurants,
convention centers, band shows, marinas, and yacht clubs need to be tied in to existing
downtown uses and avalable entertainment opportunities in the County. San Antonio
chose to celebrate uniqueness. This concept would be valuable to the McHenry business
community so that each entity can decorate as they individually choose.
Chairman Carstens stated the San Antonio Riverwalk utilizes the services of the
Senior Citizen community to assist in maintaining and providing hospitality along the walk. .�
This is a concept which could work in McHenry. He noted concessions along the walk
could be operated by the City with the revenues being returned to the City funds.
Chairman Carstens in conclusion noted the foresight of Council to look to the future
and the implementation of the Riverwalk. The limits are boundless as long as the
community continues to dream and follow through with it.
Alderman Bolger expressed his admiration for the vision of the Riverwalk
Foundation. In response to Alderman Bolger's inquiry, Mr. Carstens stated the San
Antonio Riverwalk is three miles long.
In response to Alderman Glab's inquiry, the hotels and all amenities are located
within walking distance of the elements of the walk. Alderman Glab opined parking and
transportation within the City will be the primary issues confronting the implementation of
the riverwalk.
Mayor Althoff noted Mr. Robin Prendergast has donated aerial photographs of the
City's Riverwalk area which will remain on display in the Council Chambers.
Acting Administrator Lockerby noted the Downtown Redevelopment Plan
encompasses both the TIF District and the Main Street Area. The Riverwalk is one
component of the process. Acting Administrator Lockerby stated to date the City has
realized $1.2 million in grants and donations. Thus far expenditures total $225,000.
Council will be asked to take action within the next month regarding the financial advisor
and finalization of the firms who will be issued the Requests for Proposal for Landscape
September 30, 2002
Page 5
`.. Architect for the project.
TEN MINUTE PUBLIC INPUT
Josh Ruer of 3939 West Main Street addressed Council regarding the McHenry
Zone Skatepark. Mr. Ruer expressed his gratitude for having the skatepark and stated his
concern regarding its misuse and abuse of the area. He requested the City chain the trash
cans and picnic benches so they cannot be moved.
McHenry Fire Chief Wayne Amore addressed Council and thanked City Staff for the
coordination of the Memorial Service conducted on September 110'. The outpouring from
the community was admirable. Chief Amore reported the Fire District received an award
from the National Fire Safety Council for not having any fire deaths within the District.
Chief Amore also reported next week is Fire Prevention Week, beginning October 6'h. He
noted representatives of the District will be visiting all schools within the District during Fire
Prevention Week. Each fire house will have an open house and provide demonstrations. In
closing, Chief Amore thanked the community for its support of the Fire District.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Glab, seconded by Bolger, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented:
■ Request for Block Party — Pioneer Center's Family Fall Fest, 4001 Dayton
Street;
■ Request to advertise for bids to re-roof Water Plant No 2 on Beach Road;
■ City Council Minutes:
■ August 5, 2002 regularly scheduled Council Meeting;
■ September 4, 2002 regularly scheduled Council Meeting;
■ September 16, 2002 regularly scheduled Council Meeting.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
YMCA OF MCHENRY PROJECT FEASIBILITY STUDY RESULTS AND
RECOMMENDATION
In attendance was Mr. Robert Klein, President and CEO of the YMCA for McHenry
County. Mayor Althoff reported a feasibility study of the possible Joint Venture between the
McHenry County YMCA and the City of McHenry to construct a Recreation Center was
authorized by Council. The study has been completed. A presentation of the results of the
study was made before the Parks and Recreation Committee. It was the recommendation
of the Parks and Recreation Committee to bring the matter before Council to seek
direction.
Mr. Klein noted members of Council had previously been provided with copies of the
�.. results of the Feasibility Study. Mr. Klein noted the following recommendations as a direct
result of the Study:
1. Have YMCA of USA's Building and Furnishing Services and Tonyan provide the
September 30, 2002
Page 6
planning committee a cost projection of the project.
2. With the YMCA of USA projections write a pro-forma that will show the funds raised
with funds from the City and operation being able to sustain a financially viable project
for both the YMCA and the City of McHenry.
3. Evaluate comments made to study team during the interviews and fine tune the project
to address valid concerns.
4. Communicate with summary letter the results and progress of the project with the
interviewees.
5. Provide tours to interviewees to the YMCAs of the area to start developing our Public
Relations and committee structure.
6. Review the recommendations of the study director and fine tune with specific goals for
each committee.
Mr. Klein stated, in closing, he is looking for continued support of Council to
proceed.
Alderman Low opined this is an exciting concept, and would be a very worthwhile
venture for both the City of McHenry and the YMCA.
Mayor Althoff stated the next step would be to schedule times for joint committee
meetings, to project estimated cost of the building, and finally to determine at what level
the City of McHenry would like to participate to make this venture a reality. —�
Motion by Murgatroyd, seconded by Bolger, to continue supporting the proposed
Joint Venture between the YMCA of McHenry County and the City of McHenry to construct
a Recreation Center and to move forward with the feasibility study recommendations, and
to schedule a joint committee meeting between the City's Parks and Recreation Committee
and Finance and Personnel Committee to discuss the City's participation, including a
financial commitment.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
REQUEST FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION —
STONERIDGE COMMUNITY CHURCH, 768 RIDGEVIEW DRIVE
In attendance for applicant Stoneridge Community Church were Attorney Jerry
Majewski, Dr. Dan Markwalder, and properly owner Kathy Loos Shaw. Attorney Majewski
stated the Stoneridge Community Church is seeking a conditional use permit to allow a
religious institution at the Ridgeview Commons, specifically at 768 Ridgeview Drive.
Attorney Majewski noted the Church has been in existence for eight years and
currently meets at the McHenry Middle School. Attorney Majewski stated the City has
previously permitted religious institutions in the Industrial District in Tonyan Industrial Park.
He reported the major concerns raised by the Planning and Zoning Commission at a Public
Hearing held on August 15, 2002 included condominium covenants and adequate parking.
September 30, 2002
Page 7
`.. The Commission unanimously recommended approval subject to conditions relating to
these issues:
• Landlord or condominium association must notify the City when other uses are
proposed with weekend hours;
• Only weekend worship services and normal day-to-day administrative office operations
for the pastoral staff shall be permitted;
• 'All non-administrative activities shall be limited to weekend hours or weekday hours 'Jr
recognized religious holidays;
• Other ancillary uses may be allowed provided they comply with the association's
parking regulations.
Attorney Majewski, citing condition #3, stated the applicant is proposing modification
of this condition. The applicant is requesting that all organized services be limited to
weekend hours or weekday hours for recognized religious holidays. The applicant
envisions the need to utilize the facility for non-administrative functions, such as bible
studies, choir practices, youth club gatherings, and ministry meetings, during weekday
evening hours. He also noted the other ancillary uses could occur during weeknight hours,
as well.
Mayor Althoff suggested the ordinance granting approval of the conditional use
should clearly define what is meant by "organized services" as well as "other ancillary
uses" for clarification both for the applicant as well as Staff.
Motion by Bolger, seconded by Wimmer, to accept the unanimous recommendation
of the Planning and Zoning Commission, and to direct Staff to prepare an ordinance
granting a conditional use permit to Stoneridge Community Church for the property located
at 768 Ridgeview Drive in Ridgeview Commons, subject to the following conditions:
• Landlord or condominium association must notify the City when other uses are
proposed with weekend hours;
• Only weekend worship services and normal day-to-day administrative office operations
for the pastoral staff shall be permitted;
• All non-administrative activities shall be limited to weekend hours or weekday hours for
recognized religious holidays;
• Other ancillary uses may be allowed provided they comply with the association's
parking regulations;
• Definitions be included in the text of the ordinance as to "organized service" and "other
ancillary uses".
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
REQUEST FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A REMOTE DRIVE-THRU FACILITY
— HARRIS TRUST AND SAVINGS BANK, 1712 NORTH RICHMOND ROAD
Mayor Althoff reminded Council the conditional use permit for a remote drive-thru
for Harris Bank was discussed by Council at its August 19, 2002 regularly scheduled
September 30, 2002
Page 8
meeting. Following a lengthy discussion, Council recommended approval subject to
several conditions. As the recommendation did not receive unanimous Council approval,
the ordinance is being presented as a regular Agenda item.
Alderman Glab expressed his concern regarding the large number of financial
institutions coming into the City and seeking to be located in all of the high visibility sites of
the City's newest developments. The City might be better served if retail establishments
were sited at these locations so that retail sales tax dollars could be realized.
Motion by Low, seconded by Murgatroyd, to pass and approve an ordinance
granting a conditional use permit to Harris Trust and Savings Bank for 1712 North
Richmond Road in McHenry Plaza Shopping Center, subject to the following conditions:
• Harris Bank shall lease the vacant space directly to the east of its present location and
expand its present location, subject to lease terms acceptable to both Harris Bank and
its landlord;
• If the Harris Bank is abandoned for more than ninety (90) days or in the alternative if
the drive-thru facility is abandoned for more than ninety (90) consecutive days, except
during the period of any remodeling, closings by order of any constituted authority, or
during the period of any strikes, lockouts, emergencies, or other causes beyond the
Lessee's control, the drive-thru facility shall be completely removed by Harris Bank
and the subject property shall be fully restored by Harris Bank to its original condition
prior to the construction of the drive-thru facility, within six(6) months; .�
• Directional arrows shall be provided, at Harris Bank expense, indicating traffic flow
patterns in and around the drive-thru facility;
• Harris Bank shall work with the City of McHenry Police Department in providing a video
surveillance security system and fulfilling any other requirements of the Police
Department.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer.
Voting Nay: Glab.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE FREUND FIELD RENOVATION PLAN
Mayor Althoff stated the Freund Field Renovation Plan was part of the Parks and
Recreation Master Plan and was also included in the Capital Improvement Program. The
Renovation is included as a line item in the 2002-2003 Budget in an amount not-to-exceed
$50,000.
Director Parks and Recreation Merkel noted the conversion of the Freund Field
tennis courts into a basketball complex represents Phase II of the renovations to this park.
Phase I included the installation of playground equipment. Phase III will include off-street
parking and renovation of the baseball field.
Director Merkel stated quotations were sought to provide the work for Phase Il.
When completed there will be three basketball courts: one of high school regulation size,
two junior high sized courts. Director Merkel noted the Althoff Family has expressed an
September 30, 2002
Page 9
interest in making a donation toward these improvements in memory of Tim Althoff.
The Phase II Freund Field Renovations were discussed at the Parks and
Recreation Committee. It was the recommendation of the Committee to bring the matter to
Council for authorization and approval.
In response to Alderman Murgatroyd's inquiry, Director Merkel noted the combined
quote total in the amount of $50,000 is all inclusive of any accessories and/or incidental
expenses associated with the renovation project.
Alderman Low expressed her pleasure in the renovations of Freund Field.
Motion by Low, seconded by Murgatroyd, to approve Staffs recommendation to
waive the bid requirements, and to award the Freund Field Phase II renovations to convert
the tennis courts to a three-court basketball complex to the following:
• Archambault Company in an amount not-to-exceed $10,800;
• Sport Court of Illinois in an amount not-to-exceed $19,796;
• First Team in an amount not-to-exceed $11,400;
• Accessory costs including spectator bleachers, benches, water fountain and signage, in
an amount not-to-exceed $8,004.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
CONTINUED DISCUSSION — MEYER MATERIAL ANNEXATION
In attendance were Mr. Allen Miller of Meyer Material and Attorney Thomas Zanck
of Militello, Zanck and Coen. Mayor Althoff reminded Council the Meyer Material
Annexation discussion last occurred on September 16, 2002 at the regularly scheduled
meeting, three outstanding items were left to review:
• Annexation Fees;
• Reclamation bond amount;
• Air quality test concerns.
Mayor Althoff reported in the interim the City received a letter from District 15
regarding several concerns about the air quality test. The City responded to District 15 to
several of the District's concerns. Mayor Althoff stated with regard to the air quality testing
level, the current contract with Secor exceeds the 1997 testing criteria. The City is also
testing for silica. A canister will be placed within Valley View School for testing purposes.
The City has received assurances from Meyer Material they will donate properties needed
for the development of an eastbound right hand deceleration and turn lane at the entrance
to Valley View School. In speaking with representatives of Illinois Department of
Transportation (IDOT), Mayor Althoff further noted the deceleration lane is part of the
�-' overall route 120 widening and improvement project.
Mayor Althoff iterated the only two outstanding District 15 issues are:
September 30, 2002
Page 10
• Annual testing of the air quality; or in the alternative "1
• Requesting Meyer Material provide air conditioning for Valley View School.
Mayor Althoff stated at the conclusion of this evening's discussion, comments
and/or questions from the audience will be permitted.
Mayor Althoff opened the floor to continued Council discussion of the outstanding
issues of the Meyer Material Annexation.
Alderman Bolger opined with regard to the air quality issue, either option:
• Option 1: If and when an air quality test is needed, the City will pay the cost of the
testing. If the test results come back negative, Meyer Material will pay for the test;
• Option. 2: Requires air quality testing as needed not-to-exceed one test every 36
months at the expense of Meyer
Alderman Glab stated his preference for Option 1. Some discussion occurred
regarding who should be responsible for payment of the annual air quality tests, the City
or Meyer Material. Mayor Althoff noted consensus has not previously been reached
regarding the need for or frequency of air quality tests, or who should be responsible for
their cost.
In response to Mayor Althoffs inquiry, Mr. Miller stated Meyer Material is opposed .�
to conducting future air quality tests. Records indicate the gravel mining operation does
not pollute the air. He stated, if however, the City elects to test the air quality, and the
results are not within permitted guidelines, Meyer Material would pay for the test, as stated
in Option 1. Meyer Material is opposed to subsidizing the cost of air conditioning
installation at Valley View School.
Alderman Murgatroyd opined the issues relating to the Meyer Material Annexation
are tedious and time-consuming, and the matter should not be deferred for discussion so
late in the Agenda. Alderman Murgatroyd concurred there should be some language
contained in the agreement covering air quality tests and unsatisfactory results.
Director Community Development Napolitano reported he has talked with Illinois
Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) representatives regarding a reported non-
compliance advisory issued to Meyer Material for the height of the sand pit in the ready
mix yard. Following IEPA inspection the matter was corrected by. Meyer. Some discussion
ensued regarding the regulatory agencies and their specific areas of jurisdiction. It was the
consensus of Council Meyer Material should be required to comply with the McHenry
County Groundwater Protection Ordinance.
Discussion continued regarding the proposed Annexation Fees. Mayor Althoff noted
Meyer Material has proposed the following:
• $.03/ton for the third ten million tons, or until March 31, 2003 whichever event occurs
first;
• $.04/ton for the fourth ten million tons or until March 31, 2008 whichever event occurs
first;
September 30, 2002
Page 11
• $.05/ton for the fifth ten million tons or until March 31, 2013 whichever event occurs
first;
• $.06/ton for the sixth ten million tons or until March 31, 2018 whichever event occurs
first.
Discussion took place regarding the prepared analysis of potential mining fees.
Mayor Althoff opened the floor to audience questions and/or comments.
Judy Juske of 2907 Cherryhill Court inquired if there would be a ten-foot berm along
the perimeter of the expanded pit operation. Mayor Althoff concurred the berm would be
included. Ms. Juske related her concerns regarding the perceived value of the revenue
resulting from the mining operation versus the impact on the City at large with regard to its
implementation at the City's northwest boundary.
Fred Cook of 2410 Martin Road addressed Council noting McCore is motivated to
protect the neighborhood from the impact of the gravel pit. Mr. Cook expressed concerns
regarding Meyer Material's past response to complaints, violations, and requests for
compliance from regulatory agencies.
Barbara Shur of 7318 West Route 120 addressed Council stating her property is
adjacent to the proposed Meyer expansion. Ms. Shur expressed her concern that her home
L.. would be surrounded on three sides by a gravel pit.
McHenry Elementary School District 15 Superintendent Dr. D. William Dodds noted
the District is still concerned regarding the air quality in the vicinity of Valley View School.
In response to Mayor Althoff inquiry, Mr. Miller stated if the City elects to deny the
Meyer annexation, Meyer Material will seek annexation from the Village of Wonder Lake or
seek mining approval from McHenry County. Meyer intends to mine the gravel on the
property north of Route 120. Mr. Miller noted the proposed expansion is for gravel
extraction only. There would be no processing done north of Route 120.
In was the consensus of Council that Option 1 regarding the air quality testing was
acceptable. In response to Mayor Althoff's inquiry, it was also the consensus of Council
that Meyer Material's proposed mining fees are acceptable.
Alderman Murgatroyd, while he is not concerned regarding the proposed fees,
expressed his concerns regarding the proposed land use in light of the adjacent school
and residential properties.
Alderman Bolger read a prepared statement expressing his and Council's gratitude
to the residents and concerned citizens with regard to their input in the Meyer Material
Annexation Process.
MAYOR - STATEMENT AND REPORT
Mayor Althoff reported the City has received a Petition for Pre-Annexation
September 30, 2002
Page 12
Agreement from the Howe Trust. '1
Mayor Althoff also reported she, Acting Administrator Lockerby and City Engineers
have met with representatives of the Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission (NIPC)
regarding pursuing Facility Planning Area (FPA) expansion.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Public .Works Committee Chairman Alderman Bolger scheduled a Public Works
Committee Meeting for Monday, October 7, 2002 at 6:30 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Committee Chairman Alderman Low scheduled a Parks and
Recreation Committee Meeting for Thursday, October 7, 2002 at 7 p.m. to discuss skate
park issues.
DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS
Director Parks and Recreation Merkel reported the Illinois Department of Natural
Resources has complete Phase I of the grant review for the Petersen Park Improvements.
He has been invited to the hearings scheduled in Springfield on October 23`d.
Director Community Development Napolitano reported Hallmark Homes is
interested in making a presentation regarding their development before the Committee of
tth8e Whole. It was suggested a Committee of the Whole meeting be scheduled for October .�
th
Alderman Murgatroyd opined the availability of October 281n might be better utilized
for joint committees to meet and discuss the YMCA Joint Venture affecting the Parks and
Recreation Committee and the Finance and Personnel Committee. Alderman Glab
concurred with Alderman Murgatroyd.
NEW BUSINESS
Alderman Glab stated he would like to meet and discuss some drainage issues with
Director Public Works Marcinko and Acting Administrator Lockerby on either Thursday,
October 3`d or Friday, October 4tn
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Glab, seconded by Low, to go into Executive Session at 10:40 p.m. to
discuss Personnel: Hiring/Collective Bargaining.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Council went into Executive Session at 10:45 p.m.
September 30, 2002
Page 13
I
Motion by Glab, seconded by Wimmer, to return to Open Session at 11:22 p.m.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Council went back into Open Session at 11:22 p.m.
Motion by Low, seconded by Murgatroyd, to accept the executed Employment
Agreement between Douglas Maxeiner and the City of McHenry, and to authorize the hire
of Douglas Maxeiner as City Administrator effective November 11, 2002, with a starting
salary of$89,876, Grade 29, Step 5.
Voting Aye: Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer.
Voting Nay: Bolger.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Motion by Murgatroyd, seconded by Glab, to authorize Out of Class Pay at Grade
29, Step 1, for Assistant Administrator John Lockerby, retroactive to September 16, 2002
and to remain in effect until November 11, 2002 at an amount not-to-exceed $3,000.
Voting Aye: Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer.
Voting Nay: Bolger.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Low, seconded by Glab, to adjourn the meeting a 11:27 p.m.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
The Meeting was adjourned at 11:27 p.m.
YOR CITY CL
l
1
1