HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 7/22/2008 - Community Development Committee �
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
� Tuesday,July 22, 2008
Aldermen's Conference Room, 7:00 p.m.
In Attendance: Committee Members: Chairman Alderman Condon, Alderman Santi and
Alderman Wimmer. Absent: Alderman Glab. Also in Attendance: Deputy City Administrator
Martin, City F'lanner Kolner and City Clerk 7ones.
Also in Attendance: Ms. Cathy Tinkham, representing McHenry County Community
Foundation.
Chairman Alderman Condon called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Public Input
No one spoke during the time set aside for public input.
Presentation: McHenry Countv Communitv Foundation
Regardin�Creation of a Communitv Art Program
Deputy City Administrator Martin informed the Committee that Staff contacted the McHenry
County Community Foundation (Foundation)in an effort to gather information about opening a
fund account for public donation for the arts through their program.
Deputy City Administrator Martin introduced Ms. Cathy Tinkham, Community Program
Manager for the Foundation.
�
Ms. Tinkham informed the Committee that the Foundation was established in 2001. The purpose
of the Foundation is to:
1. improve the quality of life in McHenry County by promoting and increasing responsible and
effective philanthropy;
2. in the case of McHenry, provide an opportunity for the establishment of public art programs;
and to
3. collect donated funds targeted for the procurement of public art.
Ms. Tinkham noted the City of McHenry and the Foundation would enter into an agreement
establishing the parameters under which funds deposited in the city's Foundation Account could
be spent. Ms. Tinkham explained that accounts with the Foundation have a minimum starting
balance of$25,000, which means the City would not be able to access funds prior to that point.
Ms. Tinkham indicated the Foundation has an eleven-member Board of Directors who reviews
all spending plans, ensuring the money is being used in the way in which it was originally agreed
upon and intended. The Foundation charges a 2% annual administrative fee. The City's
Foundation Account would be held in an interest-bearing account.
Ms. Tinkham briefly outlined the different fund types provided by the Foundation:
• Agenc y Endowment Fund
o Non-profit organizations can establish a Fund in order to grow assets to meet both
current and future needs, providing a relatively constant source of annual income
�...
Community Development Committee Meeting
� July 22, 2008
Page 2
and helping maintain an organization's mission in perpetuity, allowing the non-
profit to focus on what they do best in the community.
• Design ated Fund
o The donor establishes a Fund to benefit a chosen organization or cause. Should
the original charity cease to e�st, becomes obsolete or is unable to perform their
charitable purpose, the Community Foundation Board of Directors redirects the
finances to an organization providing similar services.
• Donor-Advised Fund
o The donor-created Fund provides an opportunity for grant dollars to be distributed
to charitable programs of interest to the individuals, families or corporations who
establish the Fund. Donors have the opportunity to actively participate in the
grant-making process.
• Field of Interest Fund
o Established to support particular interest areas. The Field of Interest Fund
addresses specific program initiatives, causes or needs in a chosen geographic
area. At the donor's request use of Fund resources is restricted to a specified area
of interest, but fle�bility remains to meet changing situations.
• Operating/Administrative Fund
o Resources may be determined non-permanent for the operation purpose of the
� Foundation, or endowed with only the earnings from the Fund used for
operational needs.
• Scholarship Fund
o Created specifically to issue financial support of individuals seeking educational
growth. The Fund is structured to benefit students at any education level or a
specific institution.
� Unrestricted Fund
o General donations provided to the McHenry County Community Foundation
allow the Foundation to issue money through an annual grant program. The
grants assists McHenry County agencies to provide cultural, environmental,
recreational and educational programming as well as human service needs for
citizens from birth through senior years.
Ms. Tinkham explained that a legal and binding agreement is drafted for each Fund. No two
agreements are the same; each is customized to fit the specific needs of the donor. Ms. Tinkham
stated that all funds created within the McHenry County Community Foundation become assets
ofthe Foundation, as determined by law.
Responding tc an inquiry regarding how a donor is assured that financial deposits are going into
a bona fide fund, Ms. Tinkham stated that it is spelled out in the agreement between the Fund
Advisor and tl-�e Foundation.
�
.
Community Development Committee Meeting
� July 22, 2008
Page 3
Responding tc Alderman Wimmer's inquiry regarding a donor making a specific request with
respect to the purchase of an object, Ms. Tinkham explained that the donor/advisor can make a
request, so lcng as it follows the parameters for the program outlined in the agreement.
Alderman Wi�nmer expressed concern that a donor would make a donation with a specific
project in mir d. City Planner Kolner stated that money could be earmarked for a specific
project, but reiterated that it must meet the guidelines of the agreement.
A discussion ensued regarding the formation of an Ad Hoc Committee to address art projects in
the City. The Committee could serve as advisor to the Foundation and oversee requests.
Chairman Alderman Condon inquired about the individuals serving on the Board and their
qualifications. Ms. Tinkham provided information about the individuals, indicating they each
serve a 3-year term and have diverse backgrounds.
Responding to an inquiry from Chairman Alderman Condon regarding donations which may be
specified for use in the City of McHenry only, Ms. Tinkham noted she was uncertain, however, it
is her belief that specific locations could not be requested.
Chairman Alderman Condon inquired about grant money. Ms. Tinkham stated that grant money
could not be deposited into the Fund, but could be applied toward a project.
�
Chairman Alderman Condon thanked Ms. Tinkham for her presentation. Ms. Tinkham departed.
Chairman Alderman Condon inquired whether Staff had contacted the Illinois Arts Council.
City Planner Kolner informed the Committee that she researched the website for the Illinois Arts
Council and discovered an abundance of information.
Chairman Alderman Condon opined she has concerns with the McHenry County Community
Foundation as f ollows:
• She believes that small donations and specific projects would not be addressed in the City
of McHenry; and
• She believes the City of McHenry needs a specific committee within the City that is
interested in works of art specifically for the City.
Chairman Aldcrman Condon requested Staff contact the Illinois Arts Council for additional
information.
City Planner IColner informed the Committee that she researched some municipalities and
discovered that some use a percentage (i.e., 1%) af developer donations, which are specifically
designated for art work. Deputy City Administrator Martin advised the Committee that Staff
will research how surrounding municipalities obtained their artwork. Staff would continue to
pursue other avenues regarding funding for art projects in the City.
�
Community Development Committee Meeting
� July 22, 2008
Page 4
Discussion: Creation of a Municival Zoning District
Deputy City Administrator Martin reiterated to the Committee that Staffproposed the creation of
a Municipal Z��ning District at the May 27, 2008 Community Development Committee meeting.
He noted that Staff discovered that the overwhelming majority of communities do not have
municipal zoning districts, but address municipal uses through other existing districts.
Upon completion of the research and discussions with the City Attorney, Staff has concluded
that the creation of a municipal zoning district is not in the best interest of the City. There is no
substantial benefit in establishing a stand-alone municipal district.
Staff recommends that the municipal uses continue to be addressed through existing zoning
districts.
Responding to an inquiry from Chairman Alderman Condon, Deputy City Administrator Martin
affirmed that cunent ordinances address this matter.
Discussion: Measuring Building Height
Deputy City Administrator Martin informed the Committee that Staff investigated allowable
building height for accessory structures as cunently spelled out in the Zoning Ordinance, as
directed by the Committee at its May 27, 2008 meeting. Staff has determined a manner in which
`' building height and mass of accessory buildings can be addressed using principal building
setbacks.
Currently, the City's zoning ordinance states accessory buildings must comply with the
following parameters:
1. they cannot exceed 17-feet in height, or one-story;
2. they must�e setback at least three feet from any lot line;
3. they are a permitted obstruction in the required rear yard only; otherwise
4. they must be constructed within the allowable building area and not in any required yard;
5. they must be setback at least ten feet from other accessory and principal buildings;
6. cumulative area for all accessory buildings cannot exceed 1,000 square feet.
Since the City's allowable height of accessory buildings is consistent with other communities in
the area, Staff'ooked at how the mass and size of accessory buildings could be addressed to be
relatively consistent with lot size. Generally, if an accessory building is proportional in size to
lot size, the ap��earance of the building will not be overwhelming. Large buildings with smaller
setbacks appear more massive the closer they are to the lot line. If the size of an accessory
building is pro}�ortional to the size of the lot, the accessory building will not be overwhelming to
the individual ��vho is walking or driving by the lot. In addition, if larger accessory buildings
have a similar building style, color and design as the principal building, they will not be so
obvious.
�
Community Development Committee Meeting
� July 22, 2008
Page 5
Deputy City A dministrator Martin advised the Committee that a larger accessory building would
require a larg��r setback than a smaller building. Staff proposes to link size of an accessory
building to thf� required rear yard, principal building and other accessory structure setbacks. In
addition, acce::sory buildings exceeding 500 square feet should be required to be constructed of
the same building materials and color as the principal building. Rear yard setbacks for accessory
buildings over 500 square feet would be expressed as a percentage of the principal building rear
yard setbacks.
Deputy City Adminstrator Martin provided examples of different accessory buildings and rear
yard setbacks together with the setback from principal and other accessory buildings. A brief
discussion ensiied.
Motion by Santi, seconded by Wimmer, to direct Staff to prepare an amendment to the
zoning ordinance with the terms outlined in tonight's supplement included, to present to full
Council for consideration and direction to schedule a Public Hearing before the Planning and
Zoning Commission.
Aye: Condon, Santi, Wimmer.
Nay: None.
Absent Glab.
Motion carried
�
Staff Reaort
Deputy City Administrator Martin informed the Committee that a building permit was issued to
Olive Garden. It is Stai�s understanding that Olive Garden plans on breaking ground in the near
future with the intention of opening before the Christmas holiday.
Deputy City Administrator Martin informed the Committee that Staff has received a Letter of
Credit from Riverwalk Center.
Deputy City Administrator Martin informed the Committee that he has met with the owners of
the Verizon Store regarding sign usage.
Deputy City Administrator Martin informed the Committee that following the land swap,
Historic McHenry will be holding a meeting on July 30, 2008, to begin moving the process
forward.
Deputy City Administrator Martin informed the Committee that Heritage Woods, the assisted
living facility c n Crystal Lake Road, is nearly completed. Residents will begin moving into the
facility in the naar future.
Deputy City Aciministrator Martin informed the Committee that Las Palmas on State Route 31 is
close to openin;;.
�
- Community��evelopment Committee Meeting
� July 22, 2008
Page 6
Other Business
Alderman Sar�ti informed the Committee that the Mexican Restaurant Tolucas is now open on
State Route 3 l, near Main Street.
Chairman Alderman Condon stated the ne� meeting of the Community Development
Committee would be on Tuesday, August 26, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the Aldermen's Conference
Room. She indicated some of the potential topics on the Agenda would be:
• Historic Preservation Ordinance;
• Core Downtown Area
o The Core Downtown Area is a combination of Riverside Drive and Green Street
o Boundaries and existing land uses will be discussed
Adiournment
Motion by Wimmer, seconded by Santi, to adjourn the meeting at 8:14 p.m.
Aye: Condon, Santi, Wimmer.
Nay: None.
Absent: Glab.
Motion carried.
�"' Respectfully submitted,
ri Condon, (`hairman
.�