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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 01/31/2005 - City Council REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 31, 2005 The Regular Meeting of the McHenry City Council was called to order by Mayor Low at 7:30 P.M. on Monday, January 31, 2005 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, Deputy Clerk Kunzer, City Attorney McArdle, Chief of Police O'Meara, Director of Public Works Marcinka, Director of Community Development Napolitana, Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel, Community Relations Management Assistant Hobson, City Administrator Assistant Martin. Absent: City Clerk Jones, Director of Finance Kline. TEN MINUTE PUBLIC INPUT SESSION No one signed in to speak at the Ten Minute Public Input Session. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Murgatroyd, seconded by Peterson, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented: A. Semi-Annual Distribution of Developer Donations in the amount of$910,179� B. Authorization of Snowplowing Services for Unincorporated Country Club Drive and Fegers Subdivisions; C. Ordinance granting Conditional Use Permit at 4611 West Elm Street; D. Engineering Services Agreement for Ridgeview DriveBull Valley Road Intersection Traffic Signal and Roadway Lighting improvements — Smith Engineering.Consultants; E. Purchase of Office Furniture for Police Department from Hendricksen and Company; F. Picnic/Special Use Permit Requests. Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon. Voting Nay: None. Absent None. Motion carried. REQUEST FOR AMENDMENT TO EXISTING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT, INLAND BUSINESS PARK LOT 56 SBC Director of Community Development Napolitano stated Council on October 18, 2004 approved a conditional use permit to allow outdoor storage area of 21,000 square feet and a- conditional use permit to allow the outdoor storage of propane and nitrogen gas cylinders on Lot 56 in Inland Business Park. Since that time, the property owner, SBC, has let this project for bid. Bids came. in above SBC's expectations and SBC has since downscaled the project resulting in numerous changes and modifications to the previously approved site plan and building specifications. Due to the extent of the modifications, Director Napolitano stated Staff is recommending the applicant go back to the Planning. ti and Zoning Commission for Public Hearing to review the proposed changes to their plan. Alderman Condon suggested the applicant consider phasing the landscaping rather than eliminating portions of it altogether. January 31, 2005 Page 2 Alderman Glab stated his support of sending the matter back to the Planning and Zoning Commission and requested the Commission investigate limiting the size of the gas cylinders being stored on the premises. Alderman Glab also suggested Staff investigate possible impact of this use on neighboring Irish Prairie residents. Motion by Condon, seconded by Petersen, to accept Staffs recommendation, and to direct Applicant SBC, to return to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a Public Hearing regarding the modifications to the site plan and building of their project located on Lot 56 of Inland Business Park. Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Low,, Murgatroyd,, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon. Voting Nay: None. Absent: None. Motion carried. REQUEST FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND VARIANCES TO ALLOW A DRIVE- THRU RESTAURANT AT 4112 WEST ELM STREET: SIGN VARIANCE REQUEST — TACO BELULONG JOHN SILVER RESTAURANTS In attendance was Mario- Valentin of Warren Johnson Architects. Director Napolitano stated the applicant, Taco Bell, is proposing to demolish the existing building located at 4112 West Elm Street and to replace it with a dual entity restaurant featuring Taco Bell and Long John Silver. Due to site constraints, variances are required regarding parking and proposed signage. In addition, as the facility will have a drive-thru window, a conditional use permit is required. Director Napolitano reported the Planning and Zoning Commission at a Public Hearing held on December 16, 2004 unanimously approved the applicants'' request for variances and conditional use permit. Mr. Valentini stated Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has reduced the number of curb cuts for the site from two to one, and, as a result, the site layout has changed slightly. In addition, the applicants have modified the style of the free-standing sign from a pylon sign to a monument sign and reduced its overall height to six and one- half feet. Alderman Glab expressed concerns regarding the height of the monument sign and suggested the height should not exceed three feet. In- response to Alderman Peterson's inquiry, Mr. Valentini stated the applicants had initially included a reader board on the pylon sign. However, once the sign style had been modified, the reader board was eliminated. Alderman Petersen stated he preferred the monument sign to the pylon sign. Alderman Condon opined there should be an emergency escape lane from the drive-thru. She inquired if there was a way to reconfigure the site to permit an escape lane.. Mr. Valentini responded, noting due to site constraints and parking requirements, providing an escape lane was not possible. January 31, 2005 Page 3 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 the following to Taco Bell/Long John Silvers Restaurants for their facility located at 4112 West Elm Street: 1. Conditional use permit to allow a drive-thru facility in conjunction with a restaurant; 2. Variance from Tables 14 and 15 of the Zoning Ordinance to waive parking lot screening strips requirements; 3. Variance from Table 13 to reduce the number of required off-street parking spaces from 51 to 35; and to grant sign variances regarding: 1. the number of wall signs- allowing 8 wall signs with a total area of 71 square feet; 2. free-standing monument sign with a total area of 114.5 square feet; 3. a second menu or preview board; 4. to allow a menu board of 36.5 square feet in area. Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer, Peterson. Voting Nay: Condon. Absent: None. Motion carried. REQUEST FOR AMENDMENT TO EXISTING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AT 913 NORTH FRONT STREET— B & B AUTOMOTIVE Director Napolitano reported the applicant, B & B Automotive, secured a conditional --f use permit from Council at its August 16, 2004 regularly scheduled meeting. The conditional use permit was granted for the property located at 913 North Front Street and provided for the operation of a motor vehicle mechanical repair shop. Director Napolitano noted the applicants have renovated the property and made notable aesthetic improvements to the site. Director Napolitano stated the applicants had neglected to include the outside storage of a waste oil tank in their request for conditional use. At this time, they are seeking an amendment to their conditional use permit granting the outside storage of a 500-gallon waste oil tank on the premises. The tank would be located behind the building and not in view from the street. It is Staffs recommendation to grant the request. Motion by Peterson, seconded by Glab, to accept Staffs recommendation, and to direct Staff to prepare an ordinance granting an amendment to the conditional use permit of B & B Automotive for their property located at 913 North Front Street, to permit the outdoor storage of a 500-gallon waste oil tank at the rear of the site behind the building. Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon. Voting Nay: None. Absent: None. Motion carried. January 31, 2005 Page 4 AWARD OF BiD FOR PURCHASE OF THREE PIERS FOR PETERSEN PARK WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT PROJECT— REIL CONSTRUCTION Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel reported at Council direction bids were sought and opened on January 18, 2005 for the purchase of three portable pier systems for the Petersen Park Waterfront. The low bid was submitted by Reil Construction in the amount of$43,393. Director Merkel noted the piers were included in the 2004-2005 budget in the amount of$45,000. Director Merkel stated Reil Construction will deliver the pier systems and supervise the parks maintenance crew's installation of them. in response to an inquiry,, Director Merkel stated the piers would be removed in the fall. He noted the pier systems can be augmented in the future, should the City choose to increase the pier area. The pier system is an interlocking free-floating style. Motion by Condon, seconded by Bolger, to accept Staffs recommendation, to award the bid for the purchase of three portable piers for the Petersen Park Waterfront Phase II to Reil Construction in an amount not-to-exceed $43,393. Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon. Voting Nay: None. Absent: None. Motion carried. MISS MCHENRY PAGEANT PROPOSAL Community Relations Management Assistant Hobson addressed Council regarding a proposal that the City take over the Miss McHenry Pageant. He noted historically the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce had run the pageant. At this time, the Chamber has decided to bow out of the pageant and suggested the City assume its leadership. Management Assistant Hobson stated the purpose of this evening's discussion is to determine the City's willingness to continue with the pageant and to what degree it is open to its management. Alderman Glab inquired if the pageant would be open to McHenry residents only, if operated by the City of McHenry. Mayor Low responded noting the parameters of the candidate residency is open for discussion this evening. She noted in the past, as the Miss McHenry Pageant was sponsored by the McHenry Area Chamber, candidates were from the general McHenry area, and not solely city residents. The Chamber utilized the boundaries of School Districts 12 and 156 for its pageant. Alderman Glab suggested School District 156 be approached to operate the pageant. He opined the boundary for pageant participants should coincide with School District 156 boundary. Alderman Bolger concurred with Alderman Glab and encouraged Staff to be inclusive in inviting participants for the pageant. Alderman Condon opined the School District would not be open to operating the January 31, 2005 Page 5 pageant. She stated her belief the pageant should continue and she would be in favor of the City operating it provided its participants were limited to City residency. Alderman Peterson stated the pageant participants should be sought from District 156 residency as it would most likely be conducted in a school district facility. Mayor Low expressed her disappointment when the pageant was cancelled last year and stated it should be held regardless of the number of participants. A lengthy discussion followed regarding the amount of Staff time which would be needed to conduct the pageant, entry fees, and the pros and cons of city versus school district residency requirements. Alderman Glab suggested School District 156 be approached regarding the gratis use of their facility for the event. Motion by Condon, seconded by Peterson, to support Staffs recommendation: • that the City of McHenry conduct the 2005 Miss McHenry Pageant; • that the residency requirements be limited to McHenry School District 156;. • that McHenry District 156 be approached for gratis use of their facilities for the event; and • that a stipend of between $1,000 and $1,500 be paid to a pageant coordinator for the annual event. Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon. . Voting Nay: None. Absent: None. Motion carried. AWARD OF BID FOR PETERSEN PARK WATERFRONT PHASE 11 RESTORATION AND SEEDING — FRITZ LANDSCAPING Director Merkel reported bids were sought and opened on January 18, 2005 for the restoration and seeding of Petersen Park Waterfront Phase 11 project. The low bid was submitted by Fritz Landscaping of Wauconda, Illinois for seeding the overall area in the amount of $7,909.35. Staff is recommending the project be completed with seeding as opposed to sodding the area and that the bid be awarded to Fritz Landscaping. Motion by Peterson, seconded by Bolger, to accept Staffs recommendation, and to award the bid for the overall seeding and restoration of Peterson Park Waterfront Phase 11 to Fritz Landscaping of Wauconda, Illinois, in an amount not-to-exceed $7,909.35. Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon. Voting Nay: None. Absent None.. '�-- Motion carried. January 31, 2005 Page 6 AWARD OF BID FOR HUNTERVILLE PARK SANITARY SEWER AND WATER MAIN '�- EXTENSION—THELEN SAND AND GRAVEL Director of Public Works Marcinko stated following Council authorization on November 1, 2004, bid documents were prepared; bids were sought and opened on January 11, 2005 for the Hunterville Park Sanitary Sewer and Water Main Extension. The lowest responsible bid was submitted by Thelen Sand and Gravel of Antioch, Illinois, in the amount of $1,290,721.10 which included the cost of the generator for the sewer lift. Director Marcinko noted the cost of the generator was greatly reduced by including its purchase if the bid for this project. Director Marcinko noted the engineer's projected cost for this project was $1.3 million and the bid came in slightly lower at $1.29 million. In response to Alderman Bolger's inquiry,. City Administrator Maxeiner stated the Hunterville Park Subdivision residents are aware of the implementation of the Special Service Area to pay their portion of the cost of this project. The City's public benefit portion of the project is 10%. City Administrator Maxeiner also stated the City applied for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to pay for this project. The request was denied in the first round of requests. The City intends to re-apply during the second round of applications. Motion by Murgatroyd, seconded by Wimmer, to accept Staffs recommendation, and to award the bid for the Hunterville Park Sanitary Sewer and Water Main Extension to Thelen Sand and Gravel of Antioch, Illinois, in an estimated amount of$1,290,721.10. Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon. Voting Nay: None. Absent: None, Motion carried. PARKS AND RECREATION NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND MASTER PLAN Director Merkel provided Council with a brief summary of the merits of conducting a parks and recreation needs assessment in order to create a master plan for the community. The development of a master plan is a two-step process: • Needs Assessment through a Community Attitude and Interest Survey; Development of a Master Plan document detailing the action plan resulting from the Needs Assessment Survey. Director Merkel noted the Parks and Recreation Committee has reviewed the benefits of conducting the needs assessment as a tool to implement a Parks and Recreation Master Plan. It was the Committee's recommendation to bring this matter to Council for consideration and formal action. Aldermen Murgatroyd and Peterson stated it is important to determine the needs of the community and to develop existing as well as newly-obtained park lands wisely. In response to an inquiry, Director Merkel noted the surveys would be randomly January 31, 2005 Page 7 distributed in order to provide unbiased results. Responding to Alderman Condon's inquiry, Director Merkel stated the needs assessment should be completed by Fall 2005 so that the initiation of the Master Plan can be done at that time. Alderman Glab opined if the City is willing to spend the time and financial resources to complete the needs assessment of the community, the results of the survey should be followed and an actual Master Plan adopted by Council.. He noted this was not the case when the parks and recreation needs assessment survey was conducted in 1990. Responding to Alderman Glab's inquiry,. Director Merkel stated he would estimate the cost of the needs assessment survey to be in the range of $20,000 to $30,000. He noted the current budget includes a line item in the amount of $75,000 to $80,000 for the needs assessment survey and master plan development. Alderman Glab stated he would only support the needs assessment survey and creation of a master plan if Council vowed to follow the results of the master plan upon implementation. City Administrator Maxeiner strongly advocated the needs assessment survey and the creation of a parks and recreation master plan. Motion by Murgatroyd, seconded by Condon, to accept Staffs Recommendation to approve a Request for Proposal for Professional Services document, to perform a Community Needs Assessment for Parks and Recreation Services. Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon. Voting Nay: None. Absent: None. Motion carried. ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT RELATING TO OUTDOOR LIGHTING REGULATIONS Director Napolitano stated the Community Development Committee has completed extensive research regarding. the need to implement outdoor lighting regulations in the City. As a result, the Committee is recommending to Council that the Planning and Zoning Commission hold a Public Hearing to review proposed outdoor lighting regulations which could be incorporated into the Zoning Ordinance. A brief discussion followed regarding pre-existing non-conformance compliance for existing businesses. Director Napolitano stated the compliance deadline is open for discussion. He noted, however, it was not the Committee's intent to cause hardship for existing businesses. Alderman Bolger suggested Staff review possible nuisance complaints generated by District 156 East Campus parking lot lighting. Alderman Wimmer and Condon commended Staff for the expedient and thorough investigation and review of outdoor lighting regulations and for bring this matter so quickly 1. to Council for direction. Alderman Glab suggested the compliance time line be shortened to require existing January 31, 2005 Page 8 businesses to be in compliance within six months of adoption of the ordinance creating the outdoor lighting regulations. Motion by Glab, seconded by Wimmer, to accept the Community Development Committee's recommendation, and to direct Staff to forward a proposed Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment regarding outdoor lighting regulations to the Planning and Zoning Commission for public hearing. Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon. Voting Nay: None. Absent: None. Motion carried. MAYOR— STATEMENT AND REPORT There was no Mayor Statement and Report. COMMITTEE REPORTS Transportation Committee Chairman Alderman Wimmer announced a Transportation Committee Meeting has been scheduled for Monday, February 14, 2005 at 6:30 p.m. in the Aldermen's Conference Room. Parks and Recreation Committee Chairman Alderman Peterson announced the next Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 9, 2005 at 7 p.m. in the Municipal Center Classroom. Its purpose will be the annual scheduling of parks facilities for the athletic leagues. Finance and Personnel Committee Chairman Alderman Murgatroyd announced the Finance and Personnel Committee had intended to meet on February 14, 2005 to discuss the revised format of the City's audit. In light of the newly scheduled Transportation Committee Meeting, Chairman Murgatroyd suggested the Finance and Personnel Committee meet on February 21, 2005 at 7 p.m. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS There were no Department Head Reports. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Alderman Glab stated he is awaiting a Staff report regarding the Hay Street issue. City Administrator Maxeiner responded the report will be included in this week's Friday Report. Alderman Glad suggested Staff research the potential impact to the City's Comprehensive Plan of granting a zoning map amendment to residential zoning of a portion of Inland Business Park. He suggested other areas of the City be designated —' business park in order to maintain existing ratios of business park to residential uses. ' January 31, 2005 Page 9 EXECUTIVE SESSION: PROPERTY ACQUISITION Motion by Murgatroyd, seconded by Wimmer, to go into Executive Session to discuss Property Acquisition at 9:11 p.m. Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon. Voting Nay: None. Absent: None. Motion carried. Council went into Executive Session at 9:20 p.m. Motion by Murgatroyd, seconded by Bolger, to go back into Open Session at 9:45 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 9:45 p.m. ADJOURNMENT - Motion by Wimmer, seconded by Condon, to adjourn the meeting at 9:46 p.m. Voting Aye: Bolger, Glab, Low, Murgatroyd, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon. Voting Nay: None. Absent: None. Motion carried. The Meeting was adjourned at 9:46 p.m. l MAYOR DEPUTY CLERK t