HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 09/15/2003 - City Council REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 15, 2003
The Regular Meeting of the McHenry City Council was called to order by Mayor Low
at 7:30 P.M. on Monday, September 15, 2003 in the Council Chambers of the Municipal
Center. At roll call the following Aldermen were present: Bolger, Glab, Low, Murgatroyd,
Wimmer, Peterson and Condon. Absent: None. City Staff in attendance were: City
Administrator Maxeiner, Assistant Administrator Lockerby, City Clerk Jones, City Attorney
McArdle, Director of Public Works Marcinko, Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel,
Chief of Police O'Meara, Director of Community Development Napolitano, Director of
Finance Kline. Absent: None.
TEN MINUTE PUBLIC INPUT SESSION
No one signed in to speak during the Ten Minute Public Input Session.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Murgatroyd, seconded by Glab, to approve the Consent Agenda as
presented:
• Request to connect to Police Alarm Panel:
o Elstrom and Hall Medical Office Building, 406 North Front Street
o Reiche Development Building, 1229-1241 Adams Drive;
• Requests for Picnic/Special Use Permits;
• Request for Special Event Liquor License and waiver of all associated fees, Church
of Holy Apostles Annual Fall Fest, September 21, 2003;
• Award contract for Crestwood Drive Improvements Project to Payne and Dolan;
Purchase replacement vehicle for Public Works Streets Division from Gary Lang
Chevrolet;
• Amend sections of Municipal Code Chapter 13 Traffic and Motor Vehicle Code
regarding No Parking Areas;
• CALEA General Order Revisions;
• City Council Minutes:
o June 2, 2003 regularly scheduled meeting
o August 18, 2003 regularly scheduled meeting.
As- Needed Checks:
GENERAL FUND
ADAMS ENTERPRISES INC, R 2,150.00
AFLAC 1,548.58
BLUME, VANCE 500.00
CIRONE COMPUTER CONSULTI 5,000.00
DONLEY'S WILD WEST TOWN 540.00
FIRESIDE, THE 2,134.32
FIRST MIDWEST BANK 44.15
HOME DEPOT/GECF 180.45
HOME STATE BANK 300,000.00
ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF 718.00
ILLINOIS STATE POLICE 38.00
KOHL'S 1,032.24
LORI'S ART FUND 50.00
MCHENRY POLICE OFFICERS 554.30
MCHENRY POLICE PENSION F 126,563.97
MICHAEL'S 137.39
POSTMASTER MCHENRY IL 2,555.06
RECORD A HIT 347.50
SAM'S CLUB 904.69
SIX FLAGS GREAT AMERICA 3,472.00
UNITED PARCEL SERVICE 88.23
WALMART COMMUNITY BRC 400.62
ANNEXATION FUND
HOME STATE BANK 200,000.00
DEVELOPER DONATION FUND
September 15, 2003 r
Page 2
MCHENRY COMMUNITY HIGH S 167,796.65 �•
MCHENRY COMMUNITY SCHOOL 311,622.35
MCHENRY PUBLIC LIBRARY 37,674.00
MCHENRY TOWNSHIP FIRE 37,674.00
RECREATION CENTER FUND
MCHENRY SAVINGS BANK 150,000.00
CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT FUND
MCHENRY SAVINGS BANK 500,000.00
UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS FUND
MCHENRY COUNTY SOIL & WA 100.00
RETAINED PERSONNEL ESCROW
MCHENRY COUNTY RECORDER 184.00
GRAND TOTALS 1,854,010.50
FUND TOTALS
GENERAL FUND 448,959.50
ANNEXATION FUND 200,000.00
DEVELOPER DONATION FUND 554,767.00
RECREATION CENTER FUND 150,000.00
CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT FUND 500,000.00
UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS FUND 100.00
RETAINED PERSONNEL ESCROW 184.00
TOTALS 1,854,010.50
List of Bills:
GENERAL FUND
A-ABLE ALARM SERVICE INC 142.50
ACE HARDWARE, BJORKMAN'S 780.27
ACME BRICK & SUPPLY CO 107.25
ADAMS ENTERPRISES INC, R 1,140.94
ADAMS OUTDOOR POWER EQUI 23.70
ADAMS STEEL SERVICE INC 167.08
ALEXANDER LUMBER CO 148.58
AMERICAN HOTEL REGISTER 146.51
AMERICAN SOLUTIONS FOR B 1,176.58
ANDERSON INC, A A 102.98
ARMOR HOLDINGS FORENSICS 117.40
ARNET, ALICE 27.05
ASSOCIATED BAG COMPANY 64.85
BAZILEWICH, GREG 138.00
BONCOSKY OIL COMPANY 9,451.47
BRAKE PARTS INC 300.00
BREMER, CURT 22.00
CARRUTHERS, MARY MARGARE 34.61
CDW GOVERNMENT INC 546.49
CENTEGRA OCCUPATIONAL HE 749.25
CENTURY AUTOMATIC 310.50
CHICAGO FLOWER & GARDEN 250.00
CHICAGO TRANS-AXLE & 1,195.00
CINGULAR WIRELESS 14.15
CINTAS CORPORATION #355 550.86
CLIFFORD-WALD 114.00
COMMUNICATIONS REVOLVING 1,053.95
COMPTON, LANA 110.00
CONSERV FS 477.00
COOKIE CUTTERS 30.00
COUGHLIN, DIANE 15.00
CRAFT CONCRETE PRODUCTS 110.00
CRYSTAL LAKE TIRE & 272.38
CURRAN CONTRACTING CO 2,086.02
CUSTOM VEHICLE SYSTEMS I 235.00
DILLON, JOHN 76.62
DONS CLEANERS 20.10
ELDER, WENDY 75.00
ETHERIDGE, WENDY 346.00
GALLS INCORPORATED 117.98
GEN-POWER INC 1,180.00
GERSTAD BUILDERS INC 30.00
GROWER EQUIPMENT & SUPPL 303.00
HAGG PRESS INC 4,733.00
HALOGEN SUPPLY COMPANY 1,152.35
HARM'S FARM 24.00
September 15, 2003
Page 3
HARRISON JR, JOHN J 36.45
HERNE, BRYAN 178.00
HI-VAC CORPORATION 769.00
HOME DEPOT INC 30.00
ILLINOIS LAWN EQUIPMENT 136.41
JEWEL 30.00
JOHNSON, TERI 32.00
JULIE INC 124.00
K-MART 30.00
KALE UNIFORMS INC 1,570.15
KUS, TOM 64.50
LANE, PATIE 40.00
LEACH ENTERPRISES INC 46.43
LEONARDI'S FOOD SPECIALT 835.75
LEWIS INTERNATIONAL INC 258.48
LOCKER'S FLOWERS 40.00
LOW, SUSAN 206.56
LUNSMANN, JOAN 84.30
MACUK, MAYLEE 129.50
MARENGO DISPOSAL CO 5,850.00
MCANDREWS PC, THE LAW OF 6,800.00
MCANDREWS, JUSTIN 37.50
MCHENRY COMMUNITY HIGH S 331.50
MCHENRY COUNTY CHIEFS OF 36.00
MCHENRY FIRESTONE 1,303.60
MCHENRY KNIGHTS OF COLUM 205.00
MCHENRY NAPA 1,612.10
MCHENRY PAINT GLASS & 97.20
MEYER JR, DONALD 357.00
MINUTEMAN PRESS OF MCH 3,756.59
MIONSKE INC, CHARLES A 1,441.67
MOLNAR, JAMES 102.94
MOORE, KEVIN 365.50
MOTHERHOOD MEMORIES 30.00
MUNICIPAL CLERKS OF 150.00
NATIONAL RECREATION AND 640.00
NET SPECIALISTS INC 100.00
NORSHORE ALARM CO INC 79.00
NORTHERN ILLINOIS MACK I 82.22
NORTHERN ILLINOIS POLICE 25,000.00
NORTHERN ILLINOIS SPECIA 1,466.00
NORTHWEST ELECTRICAL SUP 153.89
NORTHWEST FORD & STERLIN 152.33
NWBOCA 30.00
OHLIN SALES INC 88.12
PARADISE COMPUTER 1,310.50
PECHOUS, ROGER 53.23
PINTER, WILLIAM S 330.00
PITNEY BOWES INC 248.67
POTEMPA, PAT 25.00
QUICK, KATHLEEN 68.22
QUILL CORPORATION 16.36
ROGERS, KAREN 84.00
SCHWALENBERG, RYAN 55.00
SEARS HARDWARE 30.00
SHERMAN MECHANICAL INC 6,162.24
STAN'S FINANCIAL SERVICE 278.00
STANDARD EQUIPMENT CO 65.46
STANS OFFICE TECHNOLOGIE 2,551.07
TAYLOR STREET PIZZA 190.00
THOMAS TRUCKING INC, KEN 690.00
TROCKI, TODD A 184.00
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS 790.00
UNRUH, BRETT 64.50
US DEPT OF COMMERCE 200.00
VISU-SEWER CLEAN & SEAL 2,295.00
WARE, JAMES 107.50
WEARGUARD 542.71
WHITE HEN EXPRESS 30.00
WINDSOR HEALTHCARE 30.00
YOUNG, DAWN 124.00
ZMT INC 50.00
BAND FUND
CULVERS 153.44
AUDIT EXPENSE FUND
EDER CASELLA & CO 1,050.00
September 15, 2003
Page 4
DEVELOPER DONATION FUND �-
CHICAGO TITLE INSURANCE 522.00
SMITH ENGINEERING CONSUL 2,969.75
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FUND
SMITH ENGINEERING CONSUL 29,368.57
WATER/SEWER FUND
ACE HARDWARE, BJORKMAN'S 291.13
ACME BRICK & SUPPLY CO 30.00
ADAMS STEEL SERVICE INC 5.10
AMERICAN SOLUTIONS FOR B 36.75
APCO VALVE & PRIMER CORP 293.51
AQUAPREP 2,821.50
BONCOSKY OIL COMPANY 985.58
CARMEUSE LIME INC 3,586.50
CENTEGRA OCCUPATIONAL HE 142.00
CINTAS CORPORATION #355 542.19
CRAFT CONCRETE PRODUCTS 1,659.60
HACH COMPANY 461.85
JULIE INC 248.00
KOELLER, JUDY 34.26
LEWIS INTERNATIONAL INC 212.28
LUND, ERIKA 25.54
MCHENRY NAPA 281.72
MCHENRY PAINT GLASS & 54.60
MEYER MATERIAL COMPANY 581.55
NATIONAL WATERWORKS 2,981.74
NCL OF WISCONSIN INC 289.55
NORTHERN SAFETY CO INC 52.75
PITNEY BOWES INC 62.18
SCHEEL, BRYAN 95.84
SCHMITT, JON - 182.05
SETTLERS HILL RDF 11,140.05
SHERATON MILWAUKEE NORTH 194.82
UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS FUND
JETCO LTD 80,740.61
RISK MANAGEMENT FUND
CAREY ELECTRIC 3,708.15
CENTEGRA OCCUPATIONAL HE 440.00
CRESCENT ELECTRIC SUPPLY 176.88
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FUND
ADVANCE NETWORK DESIGN I 1,312.50
CDS OFFICE TECHNOLOGIES 34,725.00
CDW GOVERNMENT INC 405.99
HARRIS, TIMOTHY 198.42
NETRIX LLC 4,975.00
PARADISE COMPUTER 135.50
STANS OFFICE TECHNOLOGIE 1,118.00
POLICE PENSION FUND
EDER CASELLA & CO 750.00
GRAND TOTALS 291,797.02
FUND TOTALS
GENERAL FUND 101,754.57
BAND FUND 153.44
AUDIT EXPENSE FUND 1,050.00
DEVELOPER DONATION FUND 3,491.75
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FUND 29,368.57
WATER/SEWER FUND 27,292.64
UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS FUND 80,740.61
RISK MANAGEMENT FUND 4,325.03
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FUND 42,870.41
POLICE PENSION FUND 750.00
TOTAL 291,797.02
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
s
September 15, 2003
Page 5
REQUEST FOR CLASS H LIQUOR LICENSE AND ORDINANCE INCREASING
�— NUMBER OF CLASS H LIQUOR LICENSES — BURRITOVILLE OF MCHENRY INC. 4305
WEST ELM STREET
In attendance was Mr. Pedro Barajas, owner of the Burritoville Restaurant located at
4305 West Elm Street.
Mayor Low stated the applicant, Mr. Pedro Barajas, has submitted all appropriate
paperwork, paid the $700 annual license fee, and submitted to fingerprinting as required.
Mayor Low has met with Mr. Barajas, who has agreed to all terms recommended by
Council at its August 18, 2003 regularly scheduled meeting, including:
o No alcohol consumption shall be allowed outside of the building; and
o No carryout alcohol sales shall be permitted.
Motion by Bolger, seconded by Glab, to accept the Mayor's recommendation to
grant a Class H Liquor License to Pedro Barajas, owner of Burritoville Restaurant, located
at 4305 West Elm Street, subject to the following conditions:
o No alcohol consumption shall be allowed outside of the building; and
o No carryout alcohol sales shall be permitted
o Receipt of satisfactory fingerprinting results;
and to pass and approve an ordinance increasing the number of Class H Liquor Licenses
from four to five.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon
Voting Nay: . Glab.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
AWARD OF BID FOR PETERSEN PARK WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT PHASE I
IMPROVEMENTS — D.L. FRANZEN CONSTRUCTION
Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel stated the Petersen Park Waterfront
Development Phase I Improvements included the installation of parking areas and boat
access. Bid specifications were prepared and bids were received and opened on August
26, 2003. The lowest qualified bidder was D. L. Franzen of McHenry in the amount of
$71,592. It is Staffs recommendation to award the bid to D. L. Franzen.
Motion by Peterson, seconded by Bolger, to accept Staffs recommendation and
award the bid for the Petersen Park Waterfront Development Phase I Improvements to D.
L. Franzen in an amount not-to-exceed $71,592.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
AWARD OF BID FOR PURCHASE OF PARK IDENTIFICATION SIGNS — SIGNS BY FRY
'`.. Director Merkel stated bid specifications were developed and bids were sought and
opened on August 26, 2003 for the purchase of 14 park identification signs. The lowest
qualified bidder was Signs by Fry of McHenry in an amount of $16,586. It is Staffs
September 15, 2003
Page 6
recommendation to award the bid to Signs by Fry.
-L
Motion by Condon, seconded by Peterson, to accept Staffs recommendation and
award the bid to purchase 14 park identification signs to Signs by Fry in an amount not-to-
exceed $16,586.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
DISCUSSION WITH METRA REGARDING PROPOSED JOHNSBURG RAIL YARD AND
STATION .
In attendance were Mr. Phil Pagano, Metra Executive Director and Rick Mack, Metra
Director of Community Relations.
Mr. Pagano provided background information regarding Metra and specific projects
which would impact the county as well as the City of McHenry. He noted Metra was
established in 1984 following state legislature reorganization of the RTA. Metra is
responsible for the commuter rail system in the northeast Illinois region. In 1984 there were
62,000,000 trips on the system; in 2003 it is anticipated there will be more than 80,000,000
trips. In June 2002 fares increased by 5% which was only the second increase in 13 years.
Mr. Pagano noted Chicago is the major destination for most of Metra's riders.
Mr. Pagano noted there are currently six Metra stations within McHenry County:
Crystal Lake, Fox River Grove, Cary, Harvard, Woodstock and McHenry. In addition two
stations serve McHenry County residents although they are situated outside of the County:
Fox Lake and Barrington. More than 4,000 county residents are'served daily. McHenry has
the smallest ridership, 150 residents/day.
Mr. Pagano stated Metra is in the process of ongoing capital equipment
improvements. Construction has begun at the Pingree Road Station in Crystal Lake with a
targeted completion date in 2004. Renovations to the existing Crystal Lake station will also
occur in the near future. Metra's five year plan includes renovation of Cary and Fox River
Grove stations and possible Woodstock station redevelopment.
Mr. Pagano noted commuters have requested more express service, more weekend
service and reverse commute service. As a part of the efforts to accommodate these
requests, Metra is proposing the Johnsburg Rail Yard and Station. Service on the branch
line would be upgraded which calls for a new yard facility, signal improvements and track
improvements. A new yard facility in Woodstock is also being proposed. The Johnsburg
yard facility would accommodate six to seven trains enabling Metra to increase service on
a daily basis to approximately ten to twelve additional trains per day, as well as increasing
weekend service. Mr. Pagano noted similar line extensions including a yard facility have —"
been done in Elbum, Manhattan, and Antioch.
Mr. Pagano stated Metra fully intends to work with all communities in the area
regarding the construction of the Johnsburg yard facility.
September 15, 2003
Page 7
Mayor Low invited each Alderman to speak in turn, expressing their comments,
concerns and questions to Mr. Pagano and Mr. Mack.
Alderman Bolger expressed Councils gratitude to Mr. Mack for arranging this
evening's presentation. He opined the meeting was long overdue. Alderman Bolger,
referencing correspondence from Timothy Martin of Illinois Department of Transportation,
stated the City and its constituents should be granted ample opportunity to be heard
regarding the proposed Johnsburg yard facility and station. Alderman Bolger expressed
concern regarding the proposed path of the track extension to the north. He noted the track
would bisect McHenry's busiest recreational facility, Petersen Park. Citing the proposed
growth on the south side of McHenry, Alderman Bolger suggested the yard and station be
sited south of the City as originally planned. Mr. Pagano stated Metra has not indicated
there would no longer be a station constructed south of the City. That decision has not yet
been made. Regarding the process to locate the best site for the yard facility and station,
Mr. Pagano stated the matter has been discussed openly with public input sought.
Alderman Glab inquired how far to the north would be improved and what impact
would that have on the number of freight trains which would go through McHenry. Mr.
Pagano stated the proposal is to extend the tracks north to Johnsburg just north of
McCullom Lake Road. He stated there are no proposed improvements to assist the Union
Pacific freight service. The yard would be strictly a commuter rail yard. Alderman Glab
inquired if any future service extensions north of Johnsburg are planned. Mr. Pagano
responded in the negative.
Alderman Glab asked if Metra has looked at how the rail lines will impact traffic on
the highways. Mr. Pagano, noting the County is doing a comprehensive transportation
plan, stated the impact of train crossings in the area would be addressed. Alderman Glab
expressed concerns regarding the additional train traffic stopping highway traffic through
town and causing more bottlenecks in the City. Mr. Mack stated traditionally the freight
trains block traffic while commuter trains do not. He also noted if the commuters were not
on the trains, they would be in cars on the roadways. Mr. Mack noted the Johnsburg yard
facility is pivotal to the project. He stated McHenry deserved better service and it is Metra's
intent to provide it.
Alderman Glab suggested McCullom Lake Road will not be able to handle traffic to
and from the Johnsburg station. Mr. Mack stated it is early in the process which will
ultimately include traffic studies, environmental impact studies, obtaining zoning, etc.
Alderman Glab reiterated his dismay with the potential impact on City roadways due to
increased numbers of commuter and freight train trips. Mr. Pagano stated Metra will pay
their fare share of impact caused by the extension of their lines, such as increased parking.
Alderman Murgatroyd inquired if the Johnsburg project is stopped, would service
remain as is in McHenry. Mr. Pagano stated that is correct; however, the viability of the
service could diminish over the years. Alderman Murgatroyd asked the projected cost of
L improvements to the line. Mr. Pagano responded approximately $50-$60 million including
improvements to the track, construction of the yard, station, etc. The estimated increase in
ridership would be tripled to 450 riders/day. The increased service would definitively
September 15, 2003
Page 8
include express service and weekend service. Noting recent media articles regarding RTA "-`-
budgetary problems, Alderman Murgatroyd inquired if that would have any impact on the
funding for the proposed Johnsburg yard facility and station. Mr. Pagano noted although
funding levels are down, the RTA board approved a revenue base which would keep
current services intact. Regarding capital improvements, however, nothing is certain.
Alderman Murgatroyd stated an increase in ridership by 300 might not justify the cost of the
expansion to the north.
In response to Alderman Murgatroyd's inquiry, Mr. Pagano stated the Johnsburg
yard facility would not be located adjacent to Petersen Park. Mr. Pagano noted there would
be some segments of double track between Crystal Lake and the Johnsburg yard.
Alderman Murgatroyd inquired if the track improvements would cause the bike path to be
displaced. Mr. Pagano indicated that would be unlikely, but if necessary, the path would be
relocated at Metra's initiation and expense.
Alderman Wimmer asked an estimation of how long before the Johnsburg yard
would be operational. Mr. Pagano responded six-seven years until fruition. The yard would
be solely for storage. In response to Alderman Wimmer's inquiry, Mr. Mack stated the
proposed Metra parking to be located on the former Buss Ford Property is approximately
250 spaces.
Alderman Peterson inquired about the number of trains to be stored at the
Johnsburg yard. Mr. Pagano stated six-seven trains would be stored on the premises. The
number of trains going to/from Johnsburg per day would be approximately ten to twelve per
day. All Johnsburg trains would stop in McHenry. The current plan for access to the
Johnsburg station is directly from McCullom Lake Road. At this time Johnsburg is seeking
access from Route 31 to the site. The Johnsburg station would be located approximately
two miles from the existing McHenry station and approximately three miles from mid-
Johnsburg. In response to an inquiry, Mr. Pagano stated currently about 60% of the,riders
from McHenry board at another location. Ridership destination pattern has not changed
considerably within the past ten years. Most patron's destinations continue to be Chicago.
It is Metra's intent to change that to create more user-friendly service to and from the
suburbs along the track.
In response to an inquiry regarding the percentage of riders who are dropped off
versus park a vehicle and ride, Mr. Mack stated in Crystal Lake 1,000 patrons park vehicles
and 500 riders are dropped off and picked up at the station. Grade crossing improvements
would be made to include bells, whistles and gates. New whistles and horns are currently
being tested and could replace some of the existing bells and whistles. New equipment
would alert the immediately affected area as opposed to general horn-blowing when trains
pass through. Alderman Peterson asked how fast trains would travel through McHenry if
not stopping at the McHenry station. Mr. Pagano responded the trains could be passing
through at a speed of 60-65 mph.
Alderman Condon, noting she had previously worked in and commuted to Chicago,
stated one of the reasons she quit was due to the lack of commuter service to McHenry.
She noted she would look forward to better service for McHenry residents. She would
encourage implementation of express trains and weekend service. In response to an
September 15, 2003
Page 9
inquiry, Mr. Pagano stated all crossings within the City would be gated. Alderman Condon
stated her greatest concern is for safety, particularly for the children who cross the tracks
on the way to/from school, library, parks, etc. Alderman Condon stated her concerns
overall regarding the project are:
• Noise from horns, whistles, train engines, etc.;
• Traffic congestion;
• Petersen Park underpass;
• Timeframe for traffic study.
Referencing Alderman Condon's inquiry regarding the traffic study, Mr. Pagano
stated the project is not yet at the stage when the traffic study can be scheduled. Alderman
Condon asked why the City of McHenry should embrace this project. She inquired what
would be the benefit to the City. Mr. Pagano responded the City would enjoy more and
better service.
Mayor Low stated her concerns as expressed by her constituents in Ward 3. Most
notably issues included:
• Location of the proposed yard in close proximity to all residents in Ward 3;
• Noise from rail yard in close proximity to a residential area;
• Traffic congestion;
• Commuters using shortcuts through residential neighborhoods, such as Mill Creek
and Olde Mill Ponds.
Mr. Pagano responded stating a berm would be constructed which would buffer
noise and view of the trains. Lighting fixtures would be constructed so as not to cause light
pollution for adjacent properties. Trains are shut down by 9 p.m. The only exception would
be a late night train coming into the yard, which would be shut down at that time. Mr.
Pagano stated most trains would be in the yard by 8 p.m. In response to Mayor Low's
inquiry, Mr. Pagano stated it takes approximately twenty minutes to charge up a train prior
to its leaving the yard.
Alderman Bolger again expressed his dismay regarding the proposed location of the
Johnsburg yard, reiterating his desire for locating the yard and station on the south side of
the City of McHenry. Traffic congestion in the City is a major concern, particularly as eight
major roadways would be impacted by the track crossing and more frequent trains.
Alderman Bolger stated safety concerns must be addressed and the yard and station
should be located south of McHenry.
Alderman Glab inquired how many communities would be affected by the
construction of the Johnsburg yard and station. Mr. Pagano stated several communities,
including Johnsburg, McHenry, McCullorn Lake and Ringwood, would be impacted.
Alderman Glab opined the Village of Prairie Grove would be impacted as well. Mr. Pagano
stated Metra would discuss the proposal with all impacted communities prior to its
implementation.
L- Alderman Murgatroyd asked where the maintenance would be done on the trains.
Mr. Pagano stated heavy maintenance would be done at the downtown facilities in
Chicago. Alderman Murgatroyd inquired as to the potential size of the yard following
September 15, 2003 s
Page 10
ultimate expansion of the facility. Mr. Pagano stated the maximum size would probably be "�-
for up to ten trains. The land required to construct a station and pertinent parking would be
approximately 15-20 acres. Noting there are many homes in close proximity to the existing
seldom-used track, Alderman Murgatroyd expressed concern regarding the impact to those
residents when the tracks are more heavily used.
Alderman Peterson stated his preference to locate the yard facility and station south
of McHenry.
Alderman Condon, referencing noise impact on nearby residents, inquired if Metra
would be willing to accommodate some way to mitigate the noise. Mr. Pagano stated he
would work with the City to reach a mutually agreeable solution.
Mayor Low thanked Mr. Pagano and Mr. Mack for their attendance at this evening's
Council Meeting and the information provided.
MAYOR—STATEMENT AND REPORT
There was no Mayor's Statement and Report.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Parks and Recreation Committee Chairman Alderman Peterson reported the
Committee met on September 11, 2003 and minutes will be forthcoming.
Finance and Personnel Committee Chairman Alderman Murgatroyd announced a
Finance and Personnel Committee meeting has been scheduled for Monday, September
29, 2003 at 6:30 p.m. in the Aldermen's Conference Room immediately preceding the
regularly scheduled Council Meeting.
DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS
Director of Community Development Napolitano reported he had provided
information to Council regarding two proposed developments. He noted both developers
are seeking Committee of the Whole presentations. The developments are:
• Condominiums immediately north of the Super 8 on Route 31;
Town homes along the Fox River just northwest of Liberty Trails Subdivision.
Director Napolitano suggested a Committee of the Whole Meeting be tentatively scheduled
for Monday, October 27, 2003 at 7:30 p.m.
NEW BUSINESS
Alderman Glab stated the density of the Adams Farm proposal has not changed. He
stated he is not in favor of discussing this proposal with the developer until the density has
been reduced. Due to the traffic congestion in the City he is not in favor of discussing any
new developments at this time.
Alderman Glab inquired if there was an update regarding the noise emanating from
West Campus air conditioning compressors. Director Napolitano responded noting District
156 has hired a contractor to address this issue as soon as possible. The noise attenuation
blankets should be installed this week. Director Napolitano will contact the District in order
to secure more information, which will be provided to Council in this week's Friday Report.
September 15, 2003 '
Page 11
EXECUTIVE SESSION: PERSONNEL
-- Motion by Murgatroyd, seconded by Bolger, to go into Executive Session to discuss
Personnel at 9:32 p.m.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None
Motion carried.
Council went into Executive Session at 9:39 p.m.
Motion by Wimmer, seconded by Murgatroyd, to go back into Open Session at 9:43
p.m.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Council went back into Open Session at 9:43 p.m.
Motion by Wimmer, seconded by Bolger, to accept Staffs recommendation and
authorize the hiring of Bill Hobson as Community Projects Coordinator with a starting salary
of$42,147, at Grade 11, Step 3, with three weeks vacation, effective October 20, 2003.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Wimmer, seconded by Condon, to adjourn the meeting at 9:45 p.m.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
They Meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
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MAYOR CLE 7-�