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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPacket - 03/15/2011 - Community Development Committee COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA March 15, 2011 7:00 P.M. City Council Chambers TOPICS OF DISCUSSION: 1. Public Input (3 minute limitation) 2. Main Street Commercial Roundtable Discussion 3. Discussion on a Proposed Grease Trap/Interceptor Ordinance for Food Service Establishments 4. Other Business COMMITTEE SUPPLEMENT TO: Community Development Committee FROM: Douglas Martin, Deputy City Administrator FOR: March 15, 2011 Community Development Committee Meeting RE: Main Street Commercial Roundtable Discussion A goal of the Community Development Committee for 2010 was to evaluate short-term strategies to revitalize the Main Street commercial area and to invite Main Street business owners to participate in an open discussion. In September 2008, the Community Development Committee formulated, and the City Council adopted, the Main Street Sub-Area Plan. The plan is a long-term tool used as a guide in making future planning decisions for the area, which includes a much larger geographical area than the Main Street commercial district. As part of the planning process, two open houses were held prior to the public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission. In 2009 the Committee considered establishing a "Main Street" program and determined it was not feasible. In 2010 the Community Development Committee and Landmark Commission created historic banners for the Main Street, Green Street, and Riverside Drive neighborhoods. The banners are decorative but will also serve as tools to promote the historical attributes of each distinct downtown area and create distinctive neighborhoods. Property owners can voluntarily choose to pursue historical designations as opposed to creating a larger historic district. In staffs opinion one of the largest roadblocks or hurdles to any short-term improvement along Main Street is communication among the Main Street business owners and between the Main Street business owners and the city. Examples such as shared snow removal contractors, maintenance of the alleyway where deliveries are made on the south side of Main Street, forming a Main Street association or telephone network, etc. can be addressed by having an open discussion. When staff held the design workshop for the Core Downtown Sub-Area Plan, two things occurred - property owners conveyed their ideas and concerns to staff and they also conversed with each other. On March 1 thirty notices, identical to the one attached, were mailed to Main Street property owners from Crystal Lake Road (4030 W Main Street) on the west to east of North Front Street(3815 W Main Street). The meeting will occur in the City Council chambers with the same setup used for the residential chicken discussion. In order to facilitate and encourage a dialogue staff is proposing to begin with asking some simple subjective questions which should initiate a conversation such as: What do you believe makes Main Street a great place to do business and conversely what barriers do you see impeding positive progress in the right direction? Staff also would like to discuss: the private alleyway south of the businesses on the south side of Main Street as this was raised by another property owner, as well as any parking concerns; the city's Fagade Improvement grant program; and, any sharing of services property owners could financially benefit from utilizing economies of scale i.e., snow removal. Staff will also provide an update on the historic banners, the wayfinding sign program, and any other events that may impact the area in the future. Additionally, any questions raised could be addressed and comment forms, as well as contact information for city staff, was included with the public notice. There does not need to be a definitive resolution and all questions do not necessarily need to be answered at the conclusion of this meeting. Depending on the level of community participation the discussion could be terminated at the end of the night and any unanswered questions could be researched by staff and communicated to the appropriate parties or alternatively the discussion could certainly be continued to a future date. MAIN STREET COMMERCIAL ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION The City of McHenry Community Development Committee invites you to participate in an open roundtable discussion regarding current issues facing the Main Street Commercial area. This is a public meeting and anyone wishing to attend is welcome. Specifically, at this meeting the Committee is encouraging participation from Main Street business and commercial property owners to engage in a frank discussion concerning how the Main Street commercial area could be improved in the near future. This will also give an opportunity for business and property owners to learn about city initiatives and events that may impact the area in the future. In 2008 the City Council adopted the Main Street Sub-Area Plan, which is a long- term vision for the commercial and larger area surrounding Main Street. The meeting on March 15 will focus on what could be done in the interim to continue promoting revitalization along Main Street. The meeting will be held in the City Council Chambers at the McHenry Municipal Center, 333 S Green Street, on Tuesday March 15, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. and your attendance and participation is encouraged. If you cannot attend this meeting but would like to provide feedback please submit your comments on the attached form. If you have questions prior to the meeting or would like to submit comments/topics for discussion you can contact Deputy City Administrator Douglas Martin at (815) 363-2110 or dmartin@ci.mchenry.il.us. You can also fax information to the attention of Douglas Martin at (815) 363-2173 (fax). Thank you for participating in this important discussion! COMMENT SHEET Main Street Commercial Roundtable Discussion Provide your comments) below (PLEASE PRINT). Thank you for your comments! Please bring this form to the March 15, 2011 meeting, 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 333 S Green Street, or place in an envelope and drop off or mail to: City of McHenry, Attn: Douglas Martin, 333 S. Green Street, McHenry, IL 60050. You can also fax comments to Douglas Martin at(815) 363-2173 or e-mail to dmartin@ci.mchenry.il.us. COMMITTEE SUPPLEMENT TO: Community Development Committee FROM: Ryan L. Schwalenberg Director of Construction and Neighborhood Services FOR: March 15, 2011, Community Development Committee Meeting RE: Grease Trap/Interceptor Ordinance Background: The City of McHenry sanitary sewers and wastewater treatment facilities can be significantly impacted by Fats, Oils and Greases (FOG). The primary source of FOG into sanitary sewers is commercial food service establishments that prepare and serve large quantities of foods. Over time if FOG is allowed to accumulate or buildup in sanitary sewers it can result in reduced flows or complete blockages. These blockages can lead to backups into buildings, waste flow above ground that can eventually end up in our rivers and streams causing contamination, and increased costs to the City to maintain the sanitary sewer lines. Staff Analysis: Approximately 90 percent of food service facilities within the city should be equipped with an approved grease trap or interceptor. Over the past twelve months City staff has responded to six instances of FOG in the City's sanitary sewers. This resulted in approximately 24 hours of staff time, as well as City equipment being used to resolve the situations. The Illinois State Plumbing Code does contain requirements for the sizing of new grease traps or interceptors but has very limited direction when it comes to their cleaning and maintenance. In order to reduce the likelihood of future problems staff is looking to establish regulations for the maintenance and cleaning of grease and oil interceptors. Recommendation: Direct staff to forward ordinance to full city council for consideration. GREASE & OIL CONTROL ORDINANCE In an effort to curb sanitary overflows(SSOs)from grease accumulation in its sanitary sewer mains,the City of McHenry adopted at its public meeting on ,Fats,Oils and Grease Control Ordinance. Any food service establishment connected to the sanitary sewer collection and treatment system involved in the preparation of foods will be subject to the conditions of the ordinance. A. Scope and Purpose To aid in the prevention of sanitary sewer blockages and obstructions from contributions and accumulations of fats, oils and greases into the sanitary sewer system from food service establishments. B. Definitions 1. Fats,Oils,and Greases. Organic polar compounds derived from animal and/or plant sources that contain multiple carbon chain triglyceride molecules. These substances are detectable and measurable using analytical test procedures established in the United States Code of Federal Regulations 40 CFR 136 amended from time to time. All are sometimes referred to herein as"grease"or"greases". 2. Grease Trap. A device for separating and retaining waterborne greases and grease complexes prior to the wastewater exiting the trap and entering the sanitary sewer collection and treatment system. Such traps are typically compact under-the-sink units that are near food preparation areas. 3. Grease Interceptor. A structure or device designed for the purpose of removing and preventing fats, oils, and grease from entering the sanitary sewer collection system. These devices are often below-ground units in outside areas and are built as two or three chamber baffled tanks. 4. Food Service Establishments. Those establishments primarily engaged in activities of preparing,serving,or otherwise making available for public consumption food,including but not limited to:restaurants,commercial kitchens,caterers,hotels,schools,hospitals,prisons, correctional facilities,and care institutions. These establishments use one or more of the following preparation activities: cooking by frying(all methods),baking(all methods),grilling, sauteing,rotisserie cooking,broiling(all methods),boiling,blanching,roasting,toasting,or poaching. Also, included are infrared heating, searing,barbecuing,and any other food preparation activity that produces a hot,non-drinkable food product in or on a receptacle that requires washing. 5. Minimum Design Capability. The design features of a grease interceptor and its ability or volume required to effectively intercept and retain greases from grease-laden wastewaters discharged into the public sanitary sewer system. 6. User. Any person, including those located outside the jurisdictional limits of the City of McHenry,who contributes causes or permits the contribution or discharge of wastewater into sewers within the City of McHenry's boundaries. C. Food Service Establishment Permit Requirement All permitted food service establishments discharging wastewater into the City of McHenry sanitary sewer collection system are subject to the following requirements: 1. Grease Interceptor Requirements: All permitted food service establishments are required to install, operate,and maintain an approved type and adequately sized grease interceptor/trap necessary to maintain compliance with the objectives of this ordinance. All grease interceptors must meet the requirements of the current Illinois State Plumbing Code. 2. Implementation: All new food service establishment facilities are subject to grease interceptor/trap requirements. All such facilities must obtain prior approval from the Public Works Director or designee for grease interceptor/trap sizing prior to submitting plans for a building permit. All grease interceptor/ traps shall be readily and easily accessible for cleaning and inspection. Existing facilities with planned modifications to plumbing improvements will be required to include plans to comply with the grease interceptor requirements. These facilities must obtain approval from the Public Works Director or designee for grease interceptor sizing prior to submitting plans for a building permit. All existing food service establishments,determined by the Public Works Director or designee having the potential to adversely impact the City's sewer system will be notified of their obligation to install a grease interceptor within the specified period set forth in the notification letter. 3. Variance from Grease Interceptor Requirements: Grease interceptors required under this ordinance shall be installed unless the Public Works Director or designee authorizes the installation of an indoor grease trap or other alternative pretreatment technology and determines the installation of a grease interceptor would not be feasible. The food service establishment bears the burden of demonstrating the installation of a grease interceptor/trap is not feasible. The Public Works Director or designee may authorize the installation of an indoor grease trap where the installation of a grease interceptor is not feasible due to space constraints or other considerations. Financial hardship does not qualify as a consideration. If an establishment believes the installation of a grease interceptor is not feasible because of documented space constraints,the request for an alternate grease removal device shall contain the following information: a. Location of sewer main and easement to proposed location outside building. b. Existing plumbing at or in a site that uses common plumbing for all services at that site. Alternative pretreatment technology includes but is not limited to: devices that are used to trap, separate and hold grease from wastewater and prevent it from being discharged into the sanitary sewer collection system. All alternative pretreatment technology must be appropriately sized and approved by the Public Works Director or designee. D. Enforcement Except as provided herein,for a period of one year following adoption of this ordinance,grease interceptors/traps will be required however,no enforcement actions will be taken under this ordinance for failure to achieve limits on grease discharges from the facility. If, during this one year period an obstruction of a sewer main(s)occurs that causes a sewer overflow to the extent which adversely impacts the environment and said overflow or failure of the sanitary sewer collection system to convey sewage can be attributed in part or in whole to an accumulation of grease in the sewer main(s),the City of McHenry will pursue enforcement action. VIOLATION If a food service establishment is found to be responsible for excessive grease accumulation in the sanitary sewer main resulting in reduced flow,backup,complete blockage and/or flow above ground the property owner where said generator is located shall be subject to any or all of the following: fines listed in settlement of offences as outlined in Section 1-12 of the City of McHenry Municipal Code; and any all costs incurred by the City for removing the accumulation or blockage; any and all cleanup costs and; possible termination of service. E. Grease interceptor Requirements 1. Grease interceptor sizing and installation shall conform to the current edition of the Illinois State Plumbing Code. 2. Grease interceptors shall be constructed in accordance with design approved by the Public Works Director or designee and shall have a minimum of two compartments with fittings designed for grease retention. 3. Grease interceptors shall be installed at a location where it shall be easily accessible for inspection, cleaning, and removal of grease. The grease interceptor may not be installed in any part of the building where food is handled. Location of the grease interceptor must meet the approval of the Public Works Director or designee. 4. All such grease interceptors shall be serviced and emptied of accumulated waste content as required in order to maintain Minimum Design Capability or effective volume to intercept and retain greases. These devices should be inspected at least monthly. Users who are required to maintain a grease interceptor shall: a. provide for a minimum hydraulic retention time in accordance with the manufacturer and the Illinois State Plumbing code. b. remove any accumulated grease cap and sludge pocket as required. Grease interceptors shall be kept free of inorganic solid materials such as grit,rocks,gravel,sand, eating utensils, cigarettes, shells,towels,rags,etc.,which could settle into this pocket and thereby reduce the effective volume of the device. 5. The user shall maintain a written record of inspection and maintenance for three a minimum of(3)years. All such records shall be submitted to the Director of Public works on an annual basis. 6. Sanitary wastewater is not allowed to be connected to sewer lines intended for grease interceptor service. 7. Access manholes,with a minimum diameter of 24 inches, shall be provided over each grease interceptor chamber and sanitary tee. Access to manholes shall extend at least to finished grade and be designed and maintained to prevent water inflow and infiltration. All manholes shall have readily removable covers to facilitate inspection, grease removal,and wastewater sampling activities. F. Grease Trap Requirements l. Upon approval by the Public Works Director or designee,a grease trap complying with the provisions of this section must be installed in the waste line leading from sinks,drains,and other fixtures or equipment in food service establishments where grease may be introduced into the drainage or sewage system in quantities that can effect line blockage or hinder sewage treatment or private sewage disposal. 2. Grease trap sizing and installation shall conform to the current Illinois State Plumbing Code. 3. Grease traps shall be maintained in efficient operating conditions by regular removal of the accumulated grease. No such collected material shall be introduced into any drainage piping or public or private sewer. 4. No food waste disposal unit or dishwasher shall be connected to or discharged into any grease trap. 5. Wastewater in excess of one hundred-forty(140)°F/(60°C)shall not be discharged into a grease trap. Grease Interceptor Cleaning Record Verification Form Facility Name Service Company Address Address Telephone Telephone Date Cleaned by Witnessed by Gallons Grease Disposal Site Address Remarks/ Condition of Pumped Interceptor/Device •' _ � 1 8 W N rY INTERCEPTOR •