HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 12/13/2004 - City Council REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 13, 2004
The Regular Meeting of the McHenry City Council was called to order by Mayor Low
at 7:30 P.M. on Monday, December 13, 2004 in the Council Chambers of the Municipal
_ Center. At roll call the following Aldermen were present: Bolger, Glab, Low, Murgatroyd,
Wimmer, and Condon. Absent: Peterson. City Staff in attendance were: City
Administrator Maxeiner, Deputy Clerk Kunzer, Director of Public Works Marcinko, Director
of Finance Kline, Director of Community Development Napolitano, Director of Parks and
Recreation Merkel. Absent: City Attorney McArdle, City Clerk Jones, Chief of Police
O'Meara.
PUBLIC HEARING: VACATION OF PORTION OF RIDGEVIEW DRIVE AND
DEDICATION OF ALTERNATIVE RIDGEVIEW DRIVE NORTH OF BULL VALLEY ROAD
AND EAST OF RAILROAD TRACKS
Mayor Low opened the Public Hearing at 7:31 p.m. regarding the vacation of a
portion of Ridgeview Drive and the dedication of alternative Ridgeview Drive north of Bull
Valley Road and east of the railroad tracks. She requested a motion to recess the Public
Hearing until the regularly scheduled December 20, 2004 Council Meeting.
Motion by Murgatroyd, seconded by Bolger, to recess the Public Hearing regarding
the vacation of a portion of Ridgeview Drive and the dedication of alternative Ridgeview
Drive north of Bull Valley Road and east of the railroad tracks until the December 20,
2004 regularly scheduled Council meeting.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer, Condon.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Peterson.
Motion carried.
The Public Hearing was closed at 7:32 p.m.
TEN MINUTE PUBLIC INPUT SESSION
No one signed in to speak at the Ten Minute Public Input Session.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Wimmer, seconded by Bolger, to approve the Consent Agenda as
presented:
A. CALEA General Order Revisions;
B. Ordinance granting conditional use permit for child day care facility, 2214 Route
120;
C. City Council Minutes:
a. July 7, 2004 regularly scheduled meeting;
b. July 12, 2004 Committee of the Whole meeting;
c. July 19, 2004 regularly scheduled meeting;
d. August 19, 2004 regularly scheduled meeting
D. As-needed Checks:
GENERAL FUND
December 13, 20N
Page 2
AFLAC 1,595.48
BAKER PRIVATE LAW ENFORC 2,500.00 --��
COUNTY CLERKS OFFICE 20.00
FIRST MIDWEST BANK 19.45
FOP UNITS I/II 1,716.00
HANNAHS HOME ACCENTS 342.00
HOME DEPOT/GECF 328.24
ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF 235.00
ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF P 520.00
ILLINOIS STATE POLICE 724.00
KOMIN, RONALD 15.00
NCPERS GROUP LIFE INS. 267.00
NWBOCA 15.00
PECHOUS, ROGER 67.20
PETTY CASH FUND 187.06
POSTMASTER MCHENRY IL 4,237.90
RESERVE ACCOUNT 1,215.00
RUSHING, RHONDA F LANG- 53.33
SAM'S CLUB 30.00
SECRETARY OF STATE 80.00
SUDRICK, KRISTI J 77.42
UNITED PARCEL SERVICE 89.71
WALMART COMMUNITY BRC 356.02
WIGMAN, GARY R 150.00
TIF FUND
HERLIHY MID-CONTINENT CO 15,855.00
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FUND
BAXTER 6 WOODMAN 61.40
RADICOM INC 46,662.90
XYBIX SYSTEMS INC 11,725.25
WATER/SEWER FUND
EAGLE FOOD CENTERS INC 493.16
PETTY CASH FUND 4.58
RESERVE ACCOUNT 285.00
UNITED PARCEL SERVICE 30.86
EMPLOYEE INSURANCE FUND
BENEFIT SYSTEMS 6 SERVIC 20,711.16
SAM'S CLUB 57.27
RETAINED PERSONNEL ESCROW
PETTY CASH FUND 1.75
POLICE PENSION FUND
AMERICAN FUNDS 175,000.00
GRAND TOTALS 285,729.14
FUND TOTALS
GENERAL FUND 14,840.81
TIF FUND 15,855.00
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FUND 58,449.55
WATER/SEWER FUND 813.60
EMPLOYEE INSURANCE FUND 20,768.43
RETAINED PERSONNEL ESCROW 1.75
POLICE PENSION FUND 175,000.00
TOTALS 285,729.14
Voting Aye: Bolger, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer, Condon.
Voting Nay: Glab.
Absent: Peterson.
Motion carried.
ORDINANCE APPROVING 2004 TAX LEVY ,
Director of Finance Kline informed Council the ordinance before Council for
approval this evening authorizes the 2004 Tax Levy. The levy amount concurs with the
resolution adopted on October 11, 2004.
December 13, 2004
Page 3
City Administrator Maxeiner reminded Council the Public Hearing, as required by
State Statute, was held on December 6, 2004, prior to the adoption of the ordinance.
Motion by Murgatroyd, seconded by Wimmer, to accept Staffs recommendation to
pass an ordinance approving the 2004 Tax Levy in the amount of$3,615,502.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer, Condon.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Peterson.
Motion carried.
DISCUSSION: FISCAL YEAR 2005-2006 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN
Mayor Low acknowledged this evening's Council Meeting is a workshop to discuss
the 2005 Capital Improvements Program and requested Council go into round table
discussion format for the remainder of the meeting.
City Administrator Maxeiner introduced the proposed 2005-2006 Capital
Improvements Program, noting the purpose of the workshop this evening is to begin the
review process for possible capital improvements which would occur not only in Fiscal
Year 2005-2006 but also long —range for the next five years. City Administrator Maxeiner
initiated the review and discussion, noting the Capital Improvements Program is divided
into five specific areas:
1. Drainage Projects
2. Municipal Facility Projects
3. Economic Development Projects
4. Transportation Projects
5. Water/Sewer Services Projects.
Drainage Proiects
Director of Public Works Marcinko stated results of a June 2001 drainage study
recommended ditch dredging in Lakeland Park and the installation of a box culvert at
Meadow Lane. Director Marcinko stated the Streets Division has cleaned the culverts on
numerous occasions. It is Baxter and Woodman's recommendation to install the box
culvert on Meadow Lane to alleviate potential flooding in the area.
Alderman Bolger stated there are two large culverts in Lakeland Park which are
never used. He stated he is opposed to the installation of a box culvert in this area.
Alderman Glab questioned the downstream impact following installation of the box
culvert at Meadow Lane. Alderman Glab suggested utilizing the $300,000 for upstream
detention as opposed to installing the box culvert at Meadow Lane.
Some discussion followed regarding the City's ability to locate enough detention
areas upstream to positively impact downstream drainage concerns.
Alderman Murgatroyd opined the City should trust the judgment of Staff. If a
December 13, 2004
Page 4
recommendation is made to install a box culvert, it would be wise to listen to our 1
engineering experts.
Municipal Facility Proiects
City Administrator Maxeiner stated the McHenry Police Department is concluding
the upgrade to the radio system and civil defense sirens. Both projects should be
completed in 2005-2006.
Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel informed Council Petersen Farm
Homestead and Property require expenditures to preserve the oak savannah and repair
structural and cosmetic features on the homestead. In response to Alderman Bolger's
inquiry, Director Merkel stated approximately 250 acres are required in order to construct
an 18-hole golf course. Alderman Bolger suggested Staff revisit the possibility of locating a
golf course on the Petersen Farm Property.
Director Marcinko informed Council he has been investigating the possibility of a
Multi-Agency Salt Storage Facility on the north side of town. He reminded Council the City
was the recipient of three acres as a result of the Meyer Material north Route 120
annexation agreement. Director Marcinko stated if the City purchases an additional two
acres, a five-acre site would be more than adequate to house a multi-agency salt storage
facility. He suggested the City would provide the land, while other agencies, i.e. IDOT,
McHenry County, and McHenry Township would underwrite the cost of the structure. The _
City of McHenry would purchase the salt which would then be provided to the participating
entities as needed by'using a purchase card. Responding to an inquiry, Director Marcinko
stated maintenance of the facility would be a shared cost by all participants.
Director Merkel stated the Parks and Recreation Committee has recently been
investigating the creation of a dog park. Costs associated with its creation would be
providing parking, access road, fencing and illumination. Director Merkel noted six or
seven sites are being considered. The size of the dog park would be largely dependent
upon its ultimate location.
Director Merkel noted the Shamrock Farms Park development is currently on
schedule pursuant to the terms of the annexation agreement. In response to an inquiry,
Director Merkel stated the tot lots would be constructed by the developer according to City
standards.
Director Marcinko, referencing the Public Works Garage Tour completed just prior
to this evening's Council Meeting, noted Public Works Maintenance must move to a new
larger site. Staff suggests a 20-acre site be procured to allow for storage of vehicles, as
well as other bulk products, such as top soil, gravel, piping, sand, and various other
materials utilized in day-today operations. City Administrator Maxeiner stated the need for
the new facility is obvious; the challenge is to find a way to fund the project. Noting the
rapidly increasing cost of constructing the garage, it was the consensus of Council to move
forward as quickly as possible. Suggestion was made the Parks and Recreation
Maintenance Department utilize the existing Public Works Garage when the new facility is
completed.
December 13, 2004
Page 5
City Administrator Maxeiner reported the Recreation Center agreement with the
YMCA is progressing. He stated he is hopeful for a 2005 ground breaking.
Director Merkel stated the playground renovations will be completed by the end of
the 2006-2007 fiscal year.
City Administrator Maxeiner stated the City would like to install a boat launch at
South Riverfront Park. However, until a boat ramp becomes available, no launch will be
constructed. He noted the IDNR restricts the number of ramps, and no new ramps are
permitted at this time.
Director Merkel stated the Parks and Recreation Committee is in the process of
reviewing the proposed plan and design of the Petersen Park Addition, the property
recently purchased from Cunat Inc. He noted major costs associated with the development
of this addition are roadway extension and drainage ponds. Director Merkel noted the
Parks and Recreation Committee will revisit the plans for the addition at its January
meeting.
City Administrator Maxeiner reported the Police Department is proposing the
expansion of its sally port, including the adjacent parking area and booking area. City
Administrator Maxeiner stated the existing sally port is not large enough. OSHA requires
the sally port be large enough to accommodate two vehicles, so that their doors may be
opened within it for safe transfer of prisoners. Additionally, the project would include
increasing the booking area and potentially creating a driveway from the building to Green
Street, as well as expanding the department parking area to the north.
Director Merkel noted the Fox River Park Addition Project provides for the
development of the recently donated Levy Property. He pointed out the project is
scheduled for design and engineering in 2007-2008 with actual construction in 2008-2009.
Director Merkel, referencing the Knox Park Pool Project, stated the project includes
renovation of the existing pool. The costly project would be funded through alternate
revenue bonds with debt service derived from user fees and park donation funds.
Economic Development Proiects
City Administrator Maxeiner stated with regard to the Riverwalk, there are some
development issues. There is a potential for some Riverwalk development to occur in the
near future. City Administrator Maxeiner reminded Council the add/alternate Riverwalk
options will be discussed at the regularly scheduled December 20, 2004 Council Meeting.
Some discussion followed regarding the redevelopment of the downtown area and the
possibility of utilizing TIF Funds for this purpose. Alderman Glab opined the City must see
commitment from developers before moving forward with the Riverwalk.
City Administrator Maxeiner noted a line item is included in the Capital
Improvements Program to accommodate Council's recent discussions regarding purchase
of property to be utilized for downtown parking expansion. In addition a line item is shown
December 13, 2004
Page 6
providing for a worse case scenario, in which the City would purchase downtown property
strategically located to jumpstart redevelopment activity in the downtown area. City
Administrator Maxeiner stated this project would be attempted only if attempts to move the
Riverwalk and Downtown Redevelopment along were unsuccessful.
City Administrator Maxeiner reminded Council signage to direct and assist with
vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the downtown area has been previously discussed. He
noted the amount shown of$45,000 is merely an estimated cost.
City,Administrator Maxeiner stated miscellaneous streetscape improvements to
dress up the downtown area are incorporated into the plan.
Transportation Proiects
City Administrator Maxeiner stated the City's option on the two Park Ridge Estates
lots adjacent to the railway crossing expires in November 2006. City Administrator
Maxeiner stated the City must decide if they would like to pursue this crossing. He noted
he has been told Union Pacific typically grants a new at-grade crossing only upon the
vacation of three existing crossings. That would leave only the option of going under or
over the tracks, much more costly options. City Administrator noted this issue will be
discussed at length by the Transportation Committee.
Alderman Condon voiced her concerns regarding the Dartmoor Drive Crossing, _
noting her constituents are opposed to the crossing. Alderman Glab concurred with
Alderman Condon, suggesting the intersections of Bull Valley Road and Crystal Lake
Road, and Bull Valley Road and Route 31, be reconfigured instead, in order to
accommodate increased traffic congestion in the area.
Alderman Murgatroyd opined the Dartmoor Drive Crossing would alleviate local
residential traffic. However, the majority of bypass traffic would continue to utilize either
Bull Valley Road to Charles Miller Road or Route 120.
Alderman Condon expressed concerns regarding speeding motorists on Lillian
Street and suggested this would be the case on Dartmoor Drive if the crossing was
constructed.
Alderman Wimmer stated the City is not in a position of vacating three existing
crossings in order to secure an at-grade crossing on Dartmoor Drive.
City Administrator Maxeiner, referencing the renovations to the Whispering Oaks
Walking Paths, suggested the City provide the improvements to prevent any unnecessary
liability. He noted the paths are deteriorating and need work as soon as possible. He
suggested the City pay for the renovations and turn the paths over to the Homeowner's
Association for upkeep and maintenance. Alderman Glab informed the Council there is no
longer a Homeowner's Association.
City Administrator Maxeiner stated the Municipal Center Drive Extension would
provide better access not only to the Municipal Center, but also for the properties adjacent
December 13, 2004
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to the south, as direct access is prohibited onto Charles Miller Road. Director Marcinko
stated the Extension provides for a boulevard entrance. Extending the roadway to Bank
Drive will afford an east-west connection from Green Street to Route 31 for police vehicles.
Alderman Bolger suggested the McHenry Savings Bank be approached for a monetary
contribution toward the cost of the roadway extension, as they too will benefit from the
project.
Director Marcinko explained the proposed street program is merely for grinding and
overlay street resurfacing. Streets would be prioritized and improved accordingly. In
response to Alderman Condon's inquiry, Director Marcinko stated all streets are given a
priority ranking. Those in most critical need are repaired first. Some discussion followed
regarding the increase in MFT Funds received as a direct result of the recent Special
Census.. City Administrator Maxeiner stated the City will most likely pursue a Special
Census again either next year or the following year, as the MFT increased funds pay for
the census in a relatively short period of time.
Alderman Glab suggested the City implement a gasoline tax to assist in street repair
costs. City Administrator Maxeiner responded, noting the City's inability to implement a
gasoline tax or ask for it by referendum, unless the City first attains Home Rule status.
Director Marcinko stated the Route 120 and Route 31 improvements are being
suggested to expand traffic to five lanes on Route 31 from Washington Street to Route
120, with two left lanes northbound onto Route 31. The Richmond Road (North Route 31)
and Elm Street (Route 120) intersection would also be improved. Director Marcinko noted
the improvements will not actually be constructed until 2008-2009.
Director Marcinko reported the Dartmoor Drive at Crystal Lake Road traffic
signalization is proposed for construction in 2006-2007 following completed engineering in
2005-2006. Director Marcinko stated he is fairly confident traffic warrants will be met.
Director Marcinko, referencing the Lincoln Road and Chapel Hill Road Intersection
Improvements, stated he included $75,000 for this project in the event the City would like
to incorporate some improvements in this County project.
Director Marcinko informed Council the Lillian Street Project includes the widening
and improvement of the Lillian Road intersection with Crystal Lake Road. He noted this
Project depends largely on what happens with the previously discussed Dartmoor Drive
Crossing Project. Conversely, if the Lillian Street intersection is improved, the need for the
Dartmoor Drive Crossing might be reduced or eliminated.
Alderman Glab inquired if the City was pursuing left turn lanes from Route 31 onto
Lillian/Grove Streets. Director Marcinko responded he has been in contact with IDOT
regarding this request.
Alderman Condon reminded Staff of her concerns regarding the safety of high
'`- school students walking to West Campus from Park Ridge Estates. She encouraged the
City to investigate installation of sidewalks in this area.
December 13, 2004
Page 8
Water/Sewer Utility Proiects
Director Marcinko informed Council the first project in the Water/Sewer Utility
Projects is the rehabilitation of Wells #2 and #2 which are located in front of the Public
Works Garage. The West Side Elevated Storage Tank is proposed on the western edge of
the City near the intersection of Crystal Lake Road and Bull Valley Road. The construction
of the tower is scheduled for 2005-2006.
Director Marcinko stated Water Plant#5 will be constructed in Shamrock Farms and
will be utilized to treat water from Wells #12 and #13 in that area. In a related matter, the
Farmstead Drive Main Extension from 8" to 12" will also be done in 2005-2006. This
project will be paid for from Capital Development Fees. The completion of the deep well
#13 will,.also be done in 2005-2006. Funds are being set aside for the installation of the
motor, pump and column piping.
Director Marcinko informed Council the looping of the water main in Pebble Creek
Subdivision is being proposed to improve water quality and to ensure that customers are
not without service during a water main break. In response to Alderman Murgatroyd's
inquiry, Director Marcinko stated the water in this subdivision was derived from Tonyan
Industrial Park.
Director Marcinko stated the Green Street Water Main Replacement is scheduled
for 2006-2007. The intent is to replace 4" mains with 12" mains. When this project is
completed, water service will be improved for the entire downtown area. City Administrator
Maxeiner noted a portion of this project could be funded by TIF Bonds as it lies within the
TIF Boundary. Director Marcinko stated the next project, the Boone Creek Water Main
Crossing, is also related to improving water service in the Downtown District. He noted the
main will have to be moved if a pedestrian path is constructed below the Green Street
Bridge as a part of the Riverwalk.
Director Marcinko stated the Municipal Center Drive Water and Sewer Main
Extension would provide services for the proposed CityNMCA recreation center.
Director Marcinko noted the Richmond Road Water Main Extension is that part of
the project which was excluded when the east of the river project moved to the forefront.
This Extension is proposed to be completed in sync with the Richmond Road and Elm
Street intersection improvements in 2008-2009.
Director Marcinko reported Elevated Tank#2 in Tonyan Industrial Park is scheduled
for sandblasting and painting in 2007-2008. He pointed out there is no lead in the paint on
this tower. Director Marcinko also reported Water Plant #6 is scheduled to be constructed
in Liberty Trails in 2009-2010. The accompanying Well #14 in Liberty Trails will be
constructed in 2008-2009.
December 13, 2004
Page 9
Director Marcinko stated the Lakeland Park Water Main Replacement Project is
targeted for four specific areas. The existing mains which are 4" or less in diameter will be
replaced with 8" mains. In response to an inquiry, Director Marcinko stated water pressure
throughout the subdivision would dramatically increase as a result of the proposed
replacements. Director Marcinko pointed out this project is proposed to be spread over
three years, to minimize the financial impact upon the City budget process.
Director Marcinko reported the engineering for the Pine Street Elevated Storage
Tank is scheduled for 2009-2010. When constructed, the 750,000 gallon tank would be
funded by Capital Development Fees and Water/Sewer Revenues.
Director Marcinko reminded Council the Central Wastewater Treatment Plant
Denitrification and Renovation is required by the IEPA as Council has determined the plant
must remain in operation for another twenty years. This project would be funded by
revenue bonds with debt service paid by water/sewer revenues. Director Marcinko noted a
related project, the Excess Flow Facility at the South Wastewater Treatment Plant, is
proposed for construction in 2007-2008. This project would be funded by Alternate
Revenue Bonds with debt service derived from Capital Development Fees and
water/sewer revenues. Director Marcinko also noted the Conveyance Main between the
Central Wastewater Treatment Plant and the South Wastewater Treatment Plant is also
scheduled for construction in 2007-2008.
Director Marcinko reported the South Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion is
proposed for 2008-2009. He noted as the permitting process is lengthy, Staff is seeking
initiation of the process at this time, so that, when the expansion is needed, the permit will
already be issued.
Director Marcinko noted the Sanitary Sewer Main Rehabilitation Project is the
systematic inspection of sewer mains throughout the City for preventative maintenance.
The rehabilitation involves the slip lining of the mains which is the least expensive option
for repair and protection from future failure.
Director Marcinko stated the Millstream Sanitary Sewer Relocation involves both the
Millstream Lift Station and the Freund Avenue Lift Station. He reported the Green Street
Force Main would be rerouted. This engineering for this project is scheduled for 2007-
2008.
Mayor Low commended Staff for the comprehensive Capital Developments Program
report and acknowledged Council's duty to begin reviewing these projects in order to
prioritize and authorize their initiation.
L
December 13, 2004
Page 10
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Condon, seconded by Wimmer, to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 p.m.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer, Condon.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Peterson.
Motion carried.
The Meeting was adjour d at 9:15 p.m.
MAYOR DEPUTY CLERK