Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 10/04/2021 - City CouncilCity Council Meeting Minutes October 4, 2021 Page 1 McHenry City Council Regular Meeting Minutes October 4, 2021 Call to Order The City Council of the City of McHenry, Illinois, met remotely via Zoom on Monday, October 4, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was held remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic in accordance with the Open Meetings Act guidelines. Roll Call Deputy Clerk Johnson called the roll. Roll call: Members present: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderman Harding, Alderman Strach, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller, Mayor Jett. Others present: Attorney McArdle, Administrator Morefield, Director of Public Works Strange, Director of Community Development Polerecky, Finance Director Lynch, Director of Economic Development Martin, City Planner Sheriff, and Chief of Police Birk. Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Jett lead those present in the Pledge of Allegiance. Public Comment There were no comments from the public in attendance. Consent Agenda A. Resolution requesting legislative assistance to increase the annual distribution of Township Road District Tax Levies that is returned to Illinois Municipalities, and to authorize staff to distribute the resolution to the City of McHenry’s State Representatives; (Public Works Director Strange) B. Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the negotiated four (4) year Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of McHenry and the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150, Public Works Employees Division, for a term beginning May 1, 2021 and ending April 30, 2025; (Public Works Director Strange, Human Resources Director Campanella) City Council Meeting Minutes October 4, 2021 Page 2 C. Adoption of Quality Based Selection Policy for State and Federal Funding and Quality Based Selection Policy Local Funding policies; (Public Works Director Strange) D. Authorization for City Staff to submit identified Surface Transportation Project candidates for application to the 2022 McHenry County Council of Mayors Surface Transportation Program call for projects; (Public Works Director Strange) E. Approve a Parks Special Use Permit to allow multiple tents at 1202 Riverside Drive (Miller Point Park) with live music on Saturday, October 23rd from 3pm to 7pm; and, allow alcohol in the park aside from the designated areas adjacent to All Marine Retro Rentals; (Parks and Recreation Director Hobson) F. Approve a quote from Cunningham Recreation in the amount of $102,601.54 for the installation of a neighborhood Park in the Legend Lakes Subdivision between Galway and Killala; (Parks and Recreation Director Hobson) G. September 20, 2021 City Council Meeting Minutes; H. Issuance of Checks in the amount of $236,655.51. Alderman Glab asked that item A be pulled from the consent agenda. A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderman Strach to approve consent agenda items B through H as presented. Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Strach, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderman Harding, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays, 0- abstained. Motion carried. Resolution requesting legislative assistance to increase the annual distribution of Township Road District Tax Levies that is returned to Illinois Municipalities, and to authorize staff to distribute the resolution to the City of McHenry’s State Representatives Alderman Glab explained that the City of McHenry has been shortchanged over the years and we should be asking for more than just $50,000 in return. We should ask to recuperate all of the money that has been lost and not just fix things moving forward. Our residents recently paid in $1.8 million and we only received $360,000 back. Although our residents use the township roads, the township residents also use the City’s roads. The City should be able to control its own destiny financially. Townships have reduced their levy and shifted that to an account that they don’t have to share. We need to have our own road district so we can control the money that our taxpayers put into the roads. Public Works Director Strange explained that the last line in the resolution was a specific request to have all of the collections be given back to the City. Alderman Glab stated that the resolution City Council Meeting Minutes October 4, 2021 Page 3 is not strong enough. Alderman McClatchey asked how the money is collected and then dispersed. Finance Director Carolyn Lynch explained that the County collects the money and then sends the City its portion of the taxes. City Administrator Morefield explained that Council was given a final draft of the resolution to provide feedback on September 10th, but no comments were received. He also asked Alderman Glab what he wanted the outcome of the resolution to be. It is unclear what exact changes are now being requested. Alderman Glab suggested that instead of so many statistics, facts could be stated that show the negative impacts of what the townships have done. Alderwoman Miller’s belief is the purpose of the resolution is to get someone in Springfield to introduce appropriate legislation to get motions to change the statutes. We could then produce evidence or documentation they need to demonstrate what is not right or fair. She agrees with Alderman Glab’s statements that the City needs to control the money that their taxpayers have paid in, but until somebody is willing to carry the bill, we have no traction. A motion was made by Alderwoman Miller and seconded by Alderman Strach to pass a resolution requesting legislative assistance to increase the annual distribution of Township Road District Tax Levies that is returned to Illinois Municipalities, and to authorize staff to distribute the resolution to the City of McHenry’s State Representatives. Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderwoman Miller, Alderman Strach, Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderman Harding, Alderman Devine. 0-nays, 0-abstained. Motion carried. Individual Action Item Agenda Motion to approve an Ordinance granting a Conditional Use Permit, and Zoning Variations, to accommodate the operation of a transitional living shelter at 2116 N. Ringwood Road. Director Polerecky explained that the property for Home of the Sparrow was recently annexed. This ordinance will help them with their transitional shelter, keep compliant with landscaping, the parking lot, and playground structure. The Planning & Zoning Commission heard this issue on September 15th and unanimously recommended it along with the included condition. Alderman Glab gave many examples of how multifamily developments would continue to make traffic worse on Crystal Lake Road. Mayor Jett explained that he may have been citing examples for the next item on the agenda. A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderman McClatchey to approve an Ordinance granting a Conditional Use Permit, and Zoning Variations, to accommodate the operation of a transitional living shelter at 2116 N. Ringwood Road. Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Miller, Alderman Strach, Alderman Glab, Alderman Harding, Alderman Devine. 0-nays, 0-abstained. Motion carried. Discussion Items City Council Meeting Minutes October 4, 2021 Page 4 812 N. Mill Street – Conceptual Multifamily Redevelopment Presentation by North Pointe Development. Director Polerecky explained that the petitioners were online to show a 46-unit apartment building with repurpose of the mill building and a four-unit townhouse. The developers are presenting this conceptual plan to the Council prior to the October 20th Planning & Zoning meeting and the subsequent November 1st City Council meeting. Jake Victor of North Pointe Development was present at the meeting and shared his screen for the presentation. The development includes 3.3 acres off Mill Street and Crystal Lake Road. Although this is in the early planning stages, they wanted to hear feedback from the Council on how they could improve the plan to make it stronger for the residents and the area. They looked at strong multifamily sites to have opportunities that align with the City’s vision. Currently there are several warehouse buildings on the property and the current land owner has struggled to sell off the land. He gave a history of North Pointe Development and that they are a non-profit community-based affordable housing developer. Mr. Victor explained the site selection process and what made this a good area to develop for multifamily. An overhead view of the property was shared that showed a community center space on the southwest corner along with leasing space and a fitness center. To the north would be a new 2-story construction with townhomes. Garages would be placed on the north side of the property with a community garden, play area, and 110 parking stalls. Those parking stalls would give about a 2-1 ratio for parking. Elevations were shown of the main building and the new 4-unit construction on Crystal Lake Road. He explained how they have won awards for developing while keeping historic preservation in mind. Mr. Victor explained that this project is not considered public housing, and he detailed the financing source of the proposal. They would apply for housing tax credits through the Illinois Housing Development Authority. This would be considered workforce housing that is priced affordably where tenants receive no rent subsidy. The company would be long term owners with guarantees that the property would be built, remain occupied, and in good physical condition. A development timeline was shared that showed if they were awarded the tax credits, they could start in late 2022 or early 2023. Alderman Harding stated that this could be a nice improvement for that part of the downtown. He asked if there would be an opportunity to incorporate more green space and if fire sprinklers would be required. Mr. Victor explained that they had serious considerations for green space and more could be added by eliminating some of the parking spots. Director Polerecky reported that sprinklers would be required by code. Alderwoman Miller explained that she and the developers met with area residents to see the presentation beforehand to offer feedback. Most of the residents did not oppose the construction of multifamily in the area, but were concerned about the traffic issues that could City Council Meeting Minutes October 4, 2021 Page 5 come with it. A lot of traffic already cuts through their neighborhood to try and avoid Crystal Lake Road, and adding that many more residents could make the problem worse. There was discussion about having a better exit to the north instead of all of the traffic coming down to Mill Street. Alderman McClatchey stated that he liked the concept for that area, and asked how the historical buildings would be kept or if there would be changes to the exterior. Mr. Victor explained the planned uses for those buildings and said they have not gotten into the details yet about changes to the outside of those buildings. Alderman Devine asked how the tax credits worked and how competitive this would be. Mr. Victor stated that tax credits are applied for in February and are usually awarded around May. This project would only happen if tax credits were awarded. This should be very competitive because they should score well and the State wants more of this type of housing in McHenry. Alderman Glab asked why they were considering so many 3 bedroom apartments when it would make sense for professional individuals to want a 1 bedroom apartment. It was explained that the market study showed there was a need for 3 bedroom units, and they wanted to be inclusive of all family sizes. The 3 bedrooms also work well in the townhomes. Director Polerecky explained that the development team needed direction on moving forward and this was the time to let them know if the Council did not want to see this concept happen. This is not for an approval but for a conceptual view. Alderman Glab explained his reservations and that nothing he saw thrilled him at this point. Alderwoman Miller liked what she saw and was encouraged by the feedback from the residents. Mayor Jett agreed with Alderwoman Miller and was hopeful that something nice could be coming to that downtown area. 914 Front Street – Conceptual Multifamily Redevelopment Presentation by Commonwealth Director Polerecky stated that this multifamily development would be financed similar to that of the Mill Street presentation. This is on the site of the former roller rink with a proposed 50 unit, 3-story apartment building. Tyler Sheeran was present from Commonwealth and shared his screen for the presentation. He gave a background of the company and recapped the way the financing would work. He reiterated that this is not a Section 8 housing development. They are proposing a 3-story midrise style building with a clubhouse, leasing office, community room, exercise facility, business center, bike racks, and in-unit washer & dryers. This is adjacent to the Center Street Park. An overhead view of the proposal was shown with 100 parking stalls. A vast majority of the building is brick with balconies or patios, green space in front, and a community patio coming out of the community room. They would have an experienced staff with high quality housing and would work directly with the City to bring the project to fruition. Alderman McClatchey asked why the biggest portion of the building was on Route 31 and not in the back. Mr. Sheeran explained that designers thought the building would be more aesthetically City Council Meeting Minutes October 4, 2021 Page 6 pleasing than having the parking lot in front. Alderman McClatchey asked who would be responsible for cleaning up the property. It was explained that the developers do not currently own the property, and they have an option to purchase with the current owners responsible for the cleanup. Alderman Santi also stated that he thought the design may look better with the building turned towards the back. He asked if there were safety concerns for children walking to school and if there were sidewalks along Route 31 . Director Polerecky stated that there is a sidewalk the entire length of Route 31 towards the South to get to Kane. It was also discussed that the Route 31 widening project called for a multipath along the east side. Alderman Harding asked Staff if there was a fence or a way to get to the park to the east. Director Polerecky suggested that part of the agreement may be to include a fence and access to the park. Chief Birk stated that there is a fence and that they would request a gate or access to the park as well. Alderman Glab stressed that the development would need to be held to the green space standards as stated in our ordinances. Mayor Jett asked the Council members if any of them did not support this concept moving forward. Alderman Devine stated that he does not support it because of the location. Alderman Glab had reservations and was not sure if there were other uses for that property. Alderman Santi suggested that he wanted them to move forward but wanted a better look with the tight fit of the building on the property. Alderman Strach is not opposed to the project and likes the aesthetics. He also explained that just because the property surrounding this is currently zoned commercial does not mean that it couldn’t change in the future. Mayor Jett explained that he does not get a vote but would rather see a different use for the property due to the commercial setting and a wider highway coming in soon. Mayor’s Report Mayor Jett reported that the Rise-Up concerts raised over $200,000 and will be able to fully fund the splash pad. He thanked Council members and staff that helped with the event. There were no major issues and another event is being planned for September 9-10 next year for another project. A full report of the financials will be going out to the Council for full transparency. City Council Comment Alderman Glab suggested that the next project that could be funded by Rise-Up could be the parking lot expansion for the park. Mayor Jett explained that he already has an excavating company and paving company donating the work and materials at no cost to the City. Alderman Glab stated that we need to look at our roads better and think about expansion for the City Council Meeting Minutes October 4, 2021 Page 7 future. We already have problems with many of our residential streets, and in the future we may need to widen Crystal Lake Road. This would come at a great expense. He also suggested we talk about the possibilities of adding bike paths over the river and to Chapel Hill before the widening from Bull Valley to Route 120. Veteran’s Parkway might also have to be widened if a new apartment complex is to be built. Adjournment A motion was made by Alderman McClatchey and seconded by Alderman Santi to adjourn the meeting at 8:46 p.m. Roll call Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman McClatchey, Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman Harding, Alderman Strach, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays, 0- abstained. Motion carried. Mayor Wayne Jett Deputy Clerk Monte Johnson _________________________________ ________________________________