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