HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 1/23/2007 - Community Development Committee COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMIT'I'EE MEETING
� Aldermen's Conference Room
January 23, 2007
In attendance: Chairman Alderman Condon, Alderman Santi, Deputy Clerk Kunzer, Deputy City
Administrator Martin, Community Development Director Napolitano, City Planner Zeller. Absent:
Alderman Wimmer.
Chairman Alderman Condon convened the meeting at 7:05 p.m.
Comurehensive Plan Uodate
Planner Zeller explained Staffhas been working on the update to the City's Comprehensive Plan for
several months. A draft of the first three chapters is being provided to the Committee in order to
obtain comments and suggestions regarding the proposed format and content.The first three chapters
cover the Introduction, Community Profile, and Land Use Plan and Development Policies.
Planner Zeller stated Staff would like feedback regarding the format of the document, the type of
information to be included, additional information or clarification required, inclusion of goals and
policies, etc.
Chairman Condon inquired if the City's previously adopted plans/studies such as the Downtown
Development Plan would be incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan. Planner Zeller responded
� they would be included by reference only.Likewise,the in-progress Transportation Study/Plan would
be included by reference.
Alderman Santi requested clarification regarding the Integrated Design District (IDD). Director of
Community Development Napolitano explained the IDD is a mixed used zoning district targeted for
development of parcels which may otherwise be difficult to plan or develop. Director Napolitano
stated the Town and Country subdivision Oaks at Irish Prairie is an IDD project. The IDD could also
be utilized in the redevelopment of the downtown or Riverwalk areas. The bulk area requirements are
typically less stringent in IDD's. This enhances the possibilities for diversity and creativity requested
by developers for such projects.
Planner Zeller responded to an inquiry from Chairman Condon regarding the goals and policies
proposed for inclusion in the Plan. She noted Staffwill utilize the stated goals and policies as tools to
evaluate potential developments. She stated the Comprehensive Plan should be used as a guideline
when considering new developments or redevelopment of e�sting parcels.
Director Napalitano noted the first nineteen pages of the document are merely introductory and
provide back�round information regarding the Plan.He stated Sta�will continue to use the Plan as a
means of reviewing proposed developments prior to making a recommendation to Council for
consideration, review and action.
Chairman Cor�don requested clarification regarding the goals and policies of designated sub-areas.
�' She inquired ii'the Committee needed to review each of these areas in more detail.Following general
discussion, it��vas agreed each of the sub-areas would be referenced in the Plan. However,the plans
developed for each of these azeas would be stand-alone documents incorporated into the
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� January 23,2007
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Comprehensive Plan by reference only.
Planner Zeller stated Staffwill continue to develop the Comprehensive Plan utilizing the format used
in the first three chapters. She noted the proposed format would also be presented to the Planning and
Zoning Commission for their comment and input within the next couple of months.
Deputy Administrator Martin stated the Plan will be open for comment and change through the Public
Hearing process which would not occur until the draft of the entire document has been completed.
Weed Mowing Program
Director Napalitano explained the current Weed Mowing Program. Annually,Staffinquires ofvacant
property land owners if they would like the City to mow their property during the course of the
growing season. The City hires a contractor to mow these properties. The City bills the property
owners for the expense incurred. The contractor is paid 70%if the proceeds and the City retains 30%.
Director Napolitano stated the fees charged are well below what the market can bear. He suggested
the program provides an easy out for property owners to keep their property maintained. Director
Napolitano also noted due to the development of so many of the vacant parcels in town, there are
only about 14 parcels annually included in the Progam.
� Staff is recommending an increase in mowing fees, plus the implementation of an administrative fee
when the City is required to secure services to clean up neglected properties.Proposed fee schedule is
as follows:
Lot Size Current Fee 2006 Fee with CPI Staf�
Ad'ustment Su ested Fee
Under 10,000sf $50 $60 $70
10,000sf to 20,OOOsf $60 $72 $85
20,001sfto 1 acre $70 $84 $100
For each additional $70 $84 $100
acre or fraction
thereof
Director Napolitano noted he has contacted surrounding municipalities.No other municipality offers
such a Program.
Director Napolitano suggested the Program be discontinued after this year's growing season. This
would free up Staff time to concentrate on other department issues and concerns, particularly code
compliance matters.
Chairman Condon stated if the Program is discontinued after this year, the property owners would
have ample tim e to make other arrangements for their vacant property maintenance prior to the 2008
\.- growing season. In response to Chairman Condon's inquiry, Director Napolitano stated Staff bills
property owne rs following each mowing by the contractor. If the fees are not paid,a lien is placed on
the property b��the City.
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� January 23,2007
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Some discussion followed regarding the areas outside of the fencing along Crystal Lake Road.
Deputy Administrator Martin stated the City has mowed these areas in the past; however,this land
actually belongs to the homeowners and it is their responsibility to keep it maintained. The City will
no longer maintain these azeas. Director Napolitano stated if the homeowners do not maintain these
areas and the City is required to contract for the gass to be cut, the property owner will be billed
accordingly. If the fees are not paid, the property would be liened.
Alderman Santi opined he likes the City's proactive approach.He concurred property owners need to
maintain their property. He stated he is in favor of discontinuing this Program after this year.
Chairman Condon stated if property maintenance complaints occur as a result of the change in policy
and dropping the Weed Mowing Progam, the matter could be revisited by the Committee.
Motion by Santi, seconded by Condon, to recommend to City Council:
1. Increase in Weed Mowin Pro am Fees as follows:
Lot Size Staff
Su ested Fee
Under 10,000sf $70
� 10,400sf to 20,OOOsf $85
20,001 sf to 1 acre $100
For each additional $100
acre or fraction
thereof
2. Elimination of the Weed Mowing Program following the 2007 growing season;
3. Implement a 15%Administrative Fee for maintenance of neglected properties.
Voting Aye: Santi, Condon.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Wimmer.
Motion carried.
Low Interest Loan Program for Facade Imarovements
Director Napolitano stated the City would like to encourage enhancement of the City's streetscape,
particularly with the first phase of the Riverwalk nearing completion. Improving the fa�ade of
commercial buildings in the TIF District and the Main Street Business District is desirable.In order to
accomplish this Staff is proposing the implementation of a Low Interest Loan Program with the
proceeds bein�;used at least partially for fagade improvements.
Director Napo litano noted while the City has a Fa�ade Crrant Program administered by the Landmark
\.- Commission, � Low Interest Loan Program could provide much needed funding for improving not
only the fa�ad�;of a structure but the inside of the building as well.
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� January 23,2007
Page 4
Director Napolitano explained how the Program would work. He stated the City would assist in
buying down the interest on the loan,thereby reducing the overall cost to the owner. He noted on a
$100,000 loan, if the City were to buy down the interest by 2%,it would cost the City approximately
$100/month or$1,200/year.If the property was located within the TIF District,the buy-down could
be taken from the TIF Fund.
Director Napolitano cited both Libertyville and Algonquin as having successful Low Interest Loan
Progams in place. He opined this would be a good way to inspire interest in downtown
redevelopment. He noted ifthere were eight loans approved with a maximum amount of $125,000
each, the City's annual liability would be about $100,000.
Alderman Santi inquired if the Program would be available to Main Street business owners, even
though this area is not within the TIF District.Director Napolitano responded the intent would be to
include the Main Street businesses in the Progam.
Deputy Administrator Martin stated there a.re several financial institutions in McHenry which have
expressed interest in such a Program.He stated if the Committee concurs with the implementation of
the Program, Staffwould create Requests for Proposals and submit them to all banks in the City.The
City would then come up with a list of those financial institutions which would like to participate.
� When a business owner makes application for a loan, Staff will provide them with the list of banks
who have ageed to participate. They will be able to choose a financial institution from the list in
order to secure their loan.
Chairman Condon stated her preference to cap the number of loans as opposed to the amount of
funds available. She suggested a maximum of eight loans per year.
Some discussion followed regarding how the loan proceeds could be utilized. It was the consensus of
the Committee that a minimum 50% of the loan proceeds be utilized for fa�ade improvements,with
the remainder to be utilized anywhere in the building. It was noted the Program be designed for
commercial buildings only.
Motion by Santi, seconded by Condon, to direct Staffto draft an ordinance creating a Low Interest
Loan Program for commercial building improvements in the TIF District and Main Street Business
District, to be presented for Committee review at its ne�rt meeting.
Voting Aye: Santi, Condon.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: "JVimmer.
Motion carried.
Director's Reuort
'`.. Director Napolitano reported on the following:
1. Planner Zeller has submitted her resignation effective 2/2/07;
2. Code Enforcement will be discussed at the Committee's ne�rt meeting following the implementation
Community Devel�>pment Committee
� January 23,2007
Page 5
of the re;cent organizational restructure approved by Council;
3. Main Street Sub-Area will be discussed at the ne� Committee meeting;
4. Matters going before Council for consideration in February:
Carnivals
Increase in ticket fees;
5. Wickes has submitted plans in-house for their facility on the north side of the City;
6. Fat Mans anci Taqueria on Crreen Street are awaiting Health Department approval prior to permit
issuance;
7. Staffis meeting with Target on January 24,2007 regazding their desire to expand in their shopping
center;
8. Staff will be participating in the Shopping Center Conference in Chicago on February 6`�and 7�`;
9. EDC Retreat is being scheduled for February 15�`to develop an Economic Development Plan.
Planner Zeller provided the Committee with items soon to be presented before the Planning and
Zorung Commission for recommendation:
1. Final Plat of Townhomes at Prairie Lakes(Gilger Property);
2. Annexation of single parcel on Riverside Drive;
3. Fat Man's conditional use permit to allow outside seating area;
4. Crizmo use variance.
�
Director Napolitano also noted Olive Garden has approached the City re�arding the north lot of the
DDR Development,provided they can convince the Illinois Department of Transportation to remove
the existing trees on their FAP420 property adjacent to the site.
Other Business
Chairman Condon noted the next meeting is scheduled for February 27, 2007. The agenda will
include the Main Street Sub-Area and the Low Interest Loan Program.
Adiournment
Motion by Santi, seconded by Condon, to adjourn the meeting at 8:08 p.m.
Voting Aye: Santi, Condon
Voting Nay: None
Absent: Wimmer.
Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:08 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
r r. '
J �+r� _` '� �_ ���-f'�.�V�---
�. Geri A. Condoii, Chairman