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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 04/23/2007 - City Council REGULAR MEETING APRIL 23, 2007 A Regular Meeting of the McHenry City Council was called to order by Mayor Low at 7:30 P.M. on Monday, April 23, 2007 in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Center. At roll call the following Aldermen were present: Santi, Glab, Schaefer, Murgatroyd, Wimmer and Peterson. Absent: Condon. City Staff in attendance were: City Administrator Maxeiner, City Attorney McArdle, City Clerk Jones, Deputy City Administrator Martin, Assistant City Administrator Hobson, Chief of Police O'Meara, Director of Community Development Napolitano, Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel, Director of Finance Black. Absent: None. PROCLAMATION: DECLARING BUILDING SAFETY WEEK MAY 6 - MAY 12, 2007 Mayor Low read into the record of the meeting a proclamation declaring May 6 through May 12, 2007 as Building Safety Week in the City of McHenry. PUBLIC INPUT SESSION — 10 MINUTE LIMITATION There was no one who signed in to speak during the Ten Minute Public Input Session. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Wimmer, seconded by Schaefer, to approve the Consent Agenda as presented: A. Request for temporary use permit and waiver of associated fees — McHenry Middle School PTO Garage Sale, May 5, 2007; B. Picnic/Special Use Permits. Voting Aye: Santi, Glab, Schaefer, Murgatroyd, Wimmer, Peterson Voting Nay: None. Absent: Condon. Motion carried. REQUEST FOR FENCE VARIANCE - JOE AND JENNIFER GILMORE. 810 NORTH GREEN STREET Director of Community Development Napolitano stated a request was received from residents Joe and Jennifer Gilmore of 810 North Green Street who are seeking a fence variance to allow a 48" to 54" high ornamental aluminum fence in their front and corner side yards. Director Napolitano stated Staff has reviewed the request and believes there would be no sight impairment as a result of the fence being constructed as requested. Staff supports the request. Motion by Santi, seconded by Schaefer, to accept Staffs recommendation to approve a fence variance to allow a 48" to 54" high ornamental aluminum fence in the front and corner side yards of the Joe and Jennifer Gilmore property located at 810 North Green Street. Voting Aye: Santi, Glab, Schaefer, Murgatroyd, Wimmer, Peterson. Voting Nay: None. Absent: Condon. Motion carried. April 23, 2007 Page 2 REQUEST FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW THE OUTDOOR DISPLAY, SALES AND STORAGE OF BOAT LIFTS/PIERS AND RELATED MATERIAL. 2350 -- WEST ROUTE 120 In attendance were Applicants Rodney Schuh and John Schuh. Director Napolitano reminded Council the Applicant, Rodney Schuh, appeared before Council on March 12, 2007 requesting a temporary use permit for the outdoor display, sales and storage of boat lifts and piers for his business which he recently relocated to 2350 West Route 120. At that time Council approved the temporary use permit subject to the following conditions: 1. the applicant shall file all necessary paperwork to have the conditional use permit considered at the April 5, 2007 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting; 2. the outdoor display, sales and storage areas shall be on paved surfaces in accordance with the attached site plan; and 3. the temporary use permit shall be null and void if the applicant does not obtain a conditional use permit from the City by June 1, 2007. Director Napolitano noted the applicant appeared before the Planning and Zoning Commission on April 5, 2007 and did not receive an affirmative recommendation largely due to objections filed by the adjacent business, Northwest Electrical Supply. Director Napolitano stated since the public hearing Staff has attempted to reach a compromise with the applicant and adjacent business owners. Director Napolitano outlined Staffs recommendation with regard to the request: 1. the number of boat lifts and piers allowed on the site should be limited to not more than two; 2. all boat lifts or piers displayed on the premises should be set back a minimum of thirty feet from the front property line; 3. the conditional use permit should be valid for one year and subject to annual renewals by the City Council; 4. if the applicant vacates the site for a period of 60 consecutive days, the conditional use permit shall be null and void; 5. a minimum 6' solid fence or landscaping should be installed along the rear property line and additional landscaping should be added to the area in front of the building; 6. no items (pennants, flags, banners, etc.) shall be hung from the piers or boat lifts displayed or stored on the subject property. Mayor Low stated Mr. Schuh has done everything the City has requested. Mayor Low expressed concern that if the recommended restrictions were placed on the conditional use permit, the parameters of the use would be more restrictive for Mr. Schuh at his present location than existed at his previous site in the City. Mayor Low opined the proposed 30' setback is reasonable. Mr. Rodney Schuh addressed Council stating his product is seasonal and sales occur during an extremely limited timeframe. Apri 123, 2007 Page 3 Alderman Wimmer suggested the outdoor display be setback 50' from the front property line and that the number of items to be displayed outdoors be increased from two to three. Alderman Peterson expressed concern regarding sight lines and visibility. Dennis Reindl, Thomas Reindl and Donna Mill, owners of the adjacent business, Northwest Electrical Supply, addressed Council, expressing concerns regarding the following: Outside displays would cause sight line visibility issues; As 12-year land owners, their right to do business should not be encroached upon; The proposed 30' setback is inadequate. Motion by Wimmer, seconded by Santi, to accept Staffs recommendation to approve a conditional use permit to allow the outdoor display, sales and storage of boat lifts/piers at 2350 West Route 120, subject to the following conditions: 1. the number of boat lifts and piers allowed on the site should be limited to not more than three; 2. all boat lifts or piers displayed on the premises should be set back a minimum of 30' from the front property line; 3. the conditional use permit should be valid for one year and subject to annual renewals by the City Council; 4. if the applicant vacates the site for a period of 60 consecutive days, the conditional �-- use permit shall be null and void; 5. a minimum 6' solid fence and landscaping should be installed along the rear property line and additional landscaping should be added to the area in front of the building; 6. no items (pennants, flags, banners, etc.) shall be hung from the piers or boat lifts displayed or stored on the subject property. Voting Aye: Santi, Wimmer. Voting Nay: Glab, Schaefer, Murgatroyd, Peterson. Absent: Condon. Motion failed. Alderman Glab recommended the applicants work further with Staff to resolve all outstanding issues. He stated he has no issue with outside storage on the premises. Alderman Murgatroyd opined the outdoor display should be setback at least 50'. City Attorney McArdle suggested an alternative motion be made. Motion by Murgatroyd, seconded by Wimmer, to accept Staffs recommendation to approve a conditional use permit to allow the outdoor display, sales and storage of boat lifts/piers at 2350 West Route 120, subject to the following conditions: 1. the number of boat lifts and piers allowed on the site should be limited to not more than three; Apri 123, 2007 Page 4 2. all boat lifts or piers displayed on the premises should be set back a minimum of 50' from the front property line; 3. the conditional use permit should be valid for one year and subject to annual renewals by the City Council; 4. if the applicant vacates the site for a period of 60 consecutive days, the conditional use permit shall be null and void; 5. a minimum 6' solid fence or landscaping should be installed along the rear property line and additional landscaping should be added to the area in front of the building; 6. no items (pennants, flags, banners, etc.) shall be hung from the piers or boat lifts displayed or stored on the subject property. Voting Aye: Santi, Schaefer, Murgatroyd, Wimmer, Peterson. Voting Nay: Glab. Absent: Condon. Motion carried. ORDINANCE GRANTING ZONING MAP AMENDMENT AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR EXPANDED SITE PLAN REVIEW IN THE DOWNTOWN OVERLAY DISTRICT TO ALLOW A FOUR-STORY, MIXED-USE BUILDING AT 1110 NORTH GREEN STREET—CURTIS COMMERCIAL INC Director Napolitano stated the Applicant, Curtis Commercial, is seeking a zoning map amendment for their project located at 1110 North Green Street. The property is currently zoned 0-1 Local Office. The Applicant is requesting C-4 Downtown Commercial District. Director Napolitano also noted the Applicant is seeking a conditional use permit for expanded site plan review in the Downtown Overlay District to allow a 4-story mixed- use building on the premises. Director Napolitano noted the Applicant appeared before the Planning and Zoning Commission at its April 5, 2007 regularly scheduled meeting and received a unanimous recommendation subject to the following conditions: 1. A landscaping plan shall be provided for review and approval by the Community Development Department prior to the start of construction; and 2. Specifications for proposed signage for first floor tenants (size, color, etc) shall be provided to the Community Development Department for approval. Alderman Glab stated he has concerns regarding the elevation and requested a comparison study. Responding to Alderman Glab's inquiry, Director Napolitano stated there are no height restrictions in the C-4 Downtown Commercial District. Motion by Schaefer, seconded by Murgatroyd, to accept the unanimous recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission to approve the zoning map amendment to C-4 Downtown Commercial District and to approve a conditional use permit to permit expanded site plan review in the Downtown Overlay District and to allow a 4-story mixed use building on the premises located at 1110 North Green Street, subject to the -�-- following conditions: 1. A landscaping plan shall be provided for review and approval by the Community Development Department prior to the start of construction; and April 23, 2007 Page 5 2. Specifications for proposed signage for first floor tenants (size, color, etc) shall be provided to the Community Development Department for approval. Voting Aye: Santi, Schaefer, Murgatroyd, Wimmer, Peterson. Voting Nay: Glab. Absent: Condon. Motion carried. RECOMMENDATION TO WAIVE BID REQUIREMENTS AND ACCEPT PROPOSAL FROM COUNTRY CRAFTSMAN FOR REPAIR AND RESTORATION OF TWO SILOS AT PETERSEN HISTORIC FARM IN THE AMOUNT OF $35,561.07 Deputy City Administrator Martin stated Council may recall the City received a Preservation Heritage Fund Grant from the Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois in the amount of $5,000 to be used for the repair and restoration of the two wooden silos at the Petersen Historic Farm. The City also received $25,000, with assistance from State Representative Jack Franks, from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. This grant was also designated for this project. Deputy City Administrator Martin noted Staff sought proposals from two known wooden silo repair firms. The lowest quote was submitted by Country Craftsman in the amount of $35,561.07. Deputy City Administrator Martin stated, due to the limited number of firms who specialize in this type of repair, Staff is seeking authorization to waive the bid requirements and award the project to Country Craftsman. Motion by Murgatroyd, seconded by Santi, to accept Staffs recommendation to waive the bid requirements and accept the proposal from Country Craftsman for the repair and restoration of two silos at Petersen Historic Farm in the amount of$35,561.07. Voting Aye: Santi, Glab, Schaefer, Murgatroyd, Wimmer, Peterson. Voting Nay: None. Absent: Condon. Motion carried. RECOMMENDATION TO WAIVE BID REQUIREMENTS AND ACCEPT QUOTE FROM LANDSCAPE CONCEPTS CONSTRUCTION FOR INSTALLATION OF PARKWAY TREES ALONG MUNICIPAL DRIVE IN THE AMOUNT OF $17,610 Assistant City Administrator Hobson noted the installation of the parkway trees was originally included in the Municipal Drive project. However, Staff determined there could be considerable cost savings by having the City contract for the work. Hence, a change order was approved on March 5, 2007, removing the tree planting from the original project. Assistant City Administrator Hobson stated Staff sought proposals for the installation of parkway trees along Municipal Drive. Four firms responded with the lowest quote submitted by Landscape Concepts in the amount of $17,610. It is Staffs '�- recommendation to waive the bid requirements and accept the quote from Landscape Concepts in the amount of$17,610. April 23, 2007 Page 6 Motion by Santi, seconded by Wimmer, to accept Staffs recommendation to waive the bid requirements and accept the quote from Landscape Concepts Construction for installation of parkway trees along Municipal Drive in the amount of$17,610. Voting Aye: Santi, Glab, Schaefer, Murgatroyd, Wimmer, Peterson. Voting Nay: None. Absent: Condon. Motion carried. CITY OF MCHENRY COMPREHENSIVE PARK AND OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN Mayor Low acknowledged that a great deal of work and effort has gone into the development of the City's Comprehensive Park and Open Space Master Plan. Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel introduced Steve Halberg of Bonestroo and Associates, the firm who was contracted to develop the master plan. Director Merkel also introduced Superintendent of Forestry and Park Planning Tom Schmidt; Superintendent of Parks Maintenance Ambrose Kittl; Superintendent of Recreation Cindy Witt; Athletic Program Coordinator Pattie Lunkenheimer. Mr. Halberg provided Council with a PowerPoint presentation noting the highlights of the proposed final draft of the City's Comprehensive Park and Open Space Master Plan. Mr. Halberg stated this has been a 14 month project. He provided an overview and recap of the planning efforts which went into creating the document. Mr. Halberg stated the plan should meet the needs of a rapidly growing urbanizing community. The plan must establish guidelines as well as provide documentation to support future grant applications. The results of the needs assessment which was conducted last year must be integrated into the plan. Mr. Halberg then outlined the goals and objectives of the plan and explained the data collection process. He clearly explained the plan's elements, provided statistics and noted the importance of the plan to the City's planning process for future park development. Alderman Glab expressed concern regarding the Boone Creek Corridor and possible destruction of natural preserves. He opined running a bike path through a residential area is unsafe. Alderman Glab noted he sees the plan as promoting destruction of certain sensitive areas. Alderman Murgatroyd stated he sees the document as a planning tool. He noted it is unlikely all suggestions would be implemented. He noted there are some aspects of the plan he could not endorse, while there are others he is very enthusiastic about. Alderman Murgatroyd stated the master plan is a guide and a useful tool. —�.. Mayor Low suggested Council have a workshop meeting on May 14, 2007 to address specifics of the master plan. She noted Council could have a workshop meeting in place of a regular meeting that evening. Mayor Low stated she is merely making this April 23, 2007 Page 7 suggestion as it does not appear Council is ready to adopt the master plan as a document this evening. Alderman Santi concurred with Alderman Murgatroyd. The master plan is a planning tool. He recognized Staffs efforts in compiling the information for the document. Mayor Low inquired if Parks and Recreation Committee Chairman Alderman Peterson was seeking approval of the plan this evening. Alderman Peterson responded, noting the document is a planning tool supported by the citizens of McHenry. Alderman Peterson stated he does not have a problem with further discussing the plan at a workshop meeting on May 14, but he does not believe it is necessary. Assistant City Administrator Hobson stated the master plan is definitely a planning tool and a living document, subject to change and modification. It provides some concepts to use going forward. Director Merkel stated, with a maturing community and boundary agreements in place with surrounding communities, the master plan provides some guidelines to follow. Motion by Peterson, seconded by Wimmer, to accept the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Committee, to adopt the City of McHenry Comprehensive Park and Open Space Master Plan prepared by Bonestroo and Associates dated 4/16/07 as presented. Voting Aye: Santi, Schaefer, Murgatroyd, Wimmer, Peterson. Voting Nay: Glab. Absent: Condon. Motion carried. Mayor Low stated it was a great process and she recognized the participation of the public and their commitment to the City. MAYOR— STATEMENT AND REPORT Mayor Low reminded Council Friday, April 27, 2007 is Arbor Day. The ceremony is scheduled for 3 p.m. in the Municipal Center Council Chambers. COMMITTEE REPORTS Director Napolitano stated the Community Development Committee Meeting previously scheduled for Wednesday, April 25, 2007 has been cancelled. STAFF REPORTS There were no Department Head Reports. April 23, 2007 Page S FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Alderman Glab inquired as to what caused the drainage problems which were currently being repaired along Crystal Lake Road. He also inquired why so much work was being done. City Administrator Maxeiner will investigate and advise Alderman Glab of his findings. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Wimmer, seconded by Santi, to adjourn the meeting at 9:34 p.m. Voting Aye: Santi, Glab, Schaefer, Murgatroyd, Wimmer, Peterson. Voting Nay: None. Absent: Condon. Motion carried. The eating was adjourned :34 p.m. �? C ,n MAYOR CITY CLE