Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 10/12/1994 - City Council REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 12, 1994 t7 The Regular Meeting of the McHenry City Council was called to order by Mayor Cuda at 7:30 P.M. on Wednesday, October 12, 1994 in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Center. At roll call the following Aldermen were present: Bolger, Locke, Bates, Lawson, Baird. Absent: None. City Staff in attendance were: City Clerk Althoff, City Administrator Peterson, City Attorney McArdle, Director of Public Works Batt, Director of Building and Zoning Lobaito, Chief of Police Joyce. Absent: Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel. TEN MINUTE PUBLIC INPUT SESSION No one signed up to speak during the Ten Minute Pubic Input Session. REQUEST FROM HARMONY SNOWMOBILE CLUB - USE OF PETERSEN PARK FOR SNOWMOBILE GRASS DRAG James Kottke, Vice President of the Harmony Snowmobile Club, again requested Council's approval for the use of the northwest portion of Petersen Park for a snowmobile grass drag on Sunday, November 6, 1994. He explained that the event would be alcohol-free and that the snowmobile � ~ club would provide clean-up services, insurance, and guarantees repair of ��-- any damage to the park. The event would be held from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Discussion followed regarding weather conditions, rain dates, liability, and membership residency. City Administrator Peterson also suggested that if insurance is to be provided, the City of McHenry should be named "Additional Insured" and coverage should be in the amount of $500,000 - $1,000,000. An indemnification statement would also be required. Motion by Bolger, seconded by Lawson, to grant permission to the Harmony Snowmobile Club for use of the northwest portion of Petersen Park to host a snowmobile grass drag on Sunday, November 6, 1994 between the hours of 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., subject to providing the proper insurance coverage, clean-up services, and written guarantees of repair of any damage to the park. Voting Aye: Bolger, Lawson. Voting Nay: Locke, Bates, Baird. Absent: None. Motion failed. ~ EAST CAMPUS STUDENT PARKING ON CITY STREETS Complaints from residents about high school students parking along their streets prompted Council to request the Police Department to investigate the situation and make a recommendation. Mayor Cuda distributed a letter from the McHenry Public Library requesting that parking along Main Street near the library be limited to 2-hour parking on Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. , as opposed to "No Parking" between the hours and 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. on Monday through Friday. Chief Joyce then outlined the Department's recommendation for parking restrictions on the streets surrounding East Campus. Motion by Baird, seconded by Lawson, to restrict the parking on Waukegan, Main Street, John Street, Center Street, James Street, and Allen as per,Chief Joyce's recommendation. Discussion followed as to how these restrictions might affect area businesses. Motion by Bates to table the discussion. Motion failed for lack of a second. Discussion continued. Determination was made to create an ordinance enumerating Chief Joyce's recommendations for parking restrictions on the streets surrounding East Campus. Baird withdrew his motion. Lawson withdrew his second. Alderman Bolger noted he had conducted a survey of the existing parking restrictions on the streets in question, and would make this information available to staff. October 12, 1994 Page 2 BULL VALLEY ROAD BYPASS ACCESS City Administrator Peterson explained the planned access points to the proposed Bull Valley bypass. It has been suggested that the first access point to the bypass is too close to Green Street. Discussion followed as to the possibility of extending Hilltop Blvd. and utilizing this extension as the first access point. Mike Magnuson of the County Transportation Department, stated that the Transportation Department had evaluated this option, however the intersection of Hilltop Blvd. and the proposed bypass would be at the crest of a rise, creating a very hazardous traffic condition. The Transportation Department also evaluated the possibility of curving Hilltop Blvd. , however the owner of the property in question, although willing to dedicate a portion of his property for the extension of Hilltop Blvd., is not willing to dedicate more of his property for the curving of Hilltop Blvd. Discussion then followed as to the possibility of moving the first access point over slightly to the east. Mr. Magnuson indicated this possibility could be investigated. Mayor Cuda called for a recess at 9:00 P.M. The meeting reconvened by Mayor Cuda at 9:15 P.M. with everyone still in attendance. McHENRY COUNTY 2010 TRANSPORTATION PLAN At the September 14, 1994 Regular City Council meeting, City Administrator Peterson was directed to arrange for Mike Magnuson of the County's Transportation Department to make a presentation of the County's 2010 Transportation Plan so that Council might better formulate the City of McHenry's written response regarding the Transportation Plan. Mr. Magnuson presented the alternative transportation networks, which included the following: - Enhancing the current transportation network; - Urban area bypasses for regional roads; - Upgrading the arterial road system without the tollway; - Maintaining and completing the existing network including the tollway; The Plan encourages the promotion of transportation planning on a local level, as well as to encourage planned roadway connections among adjoining communities which are economically feasible, attainable, and have a minimal impact on the environment. He noted that the final plan will be formalized in late November or early December, and suggested the City respond at their earliest opportunity to ensure consideration of their comments. Council directed staff to draft a response, subject to Council review, stating the City of McHenry's position on specific aspects of the County's Transportation Plan, including: 1) The definitive need and desire for the proposed FAP 420 to have an interchange at Route 31, north of McCullom Lake Road; 2) The consideration of widening Route 31 from South of Bull Valley up to U.S. Route 12; 3) The construction of a west McHenry bypass from IL Route 31, north of Gracy Road, west to provide a connector with Mason Hill Road, and using Curran, Ringwood, and School Road; 4) The widening of Route 120 to five lanes from Ringwood Road to Greenwood Road; 5) The extension of Curran Road in a southeastern direction to meet Crystal Lake Road; 6) The connection, of Route 31 with the Bull Valley Road bridge east McHenry bypass; 7) Connection of the Bull Valley Road bridge with Chapel Hill Road; 8) The possibility of relocating the McHenry Metra Train Station in support for alternative transportation modes, including bicycle/pedestrian walkways, and the promotion of increased use of .� bus transportation. As the hour was late, and concerned parties were in attendance, Alderman Baird requested Council address the Winding Creek rodent problem. The Council agreed, and City Administrator Peterson reported that as numerous sitings and several complaints had been reported, staff hired a professional pest control company, which baited, trapped, and sought the origination of the rodents. A potential problem could occur, and Alderman Baird requested Council authorization to continue the services of Buzz Pest Control. October 12, 1994 Page 3 Motion by Baird, seconded by Bates, to approve the expenditure of funds not to exceed $2,500 to continue the services of Buzz Pest Control in an attempt to investigate and eradicate the rodent problem in the Winding Creek area. Voting Aye: Bolger, Locke, Bates, Lawson, Baird. Voting Nay: None. Absent: None. Motion carried. Staff was then directed to contact the Riverwood School administration office and inform them of the rodent problem and the City's reponse. COMPREHENSIVE TRAFFIC PLAN City Administrator Peterson explained that while the City had created effective master plans for water, sewer, and wastewater expansions, and improvements as well as an overall comprehensive plan, no master plan exists for traffic. He stated that the County's Transportation Plan may be a reasonable starting point from which to develop a City master transportation plan, which identifies corridors for needed right-of-way, intersection improvements, transportation alternatives, air quality management issues, and ways to minimize disruptions to neighborhoods and residents located near these roadways. The 1994-95 Budget contains $50,000 for a traffic study funded from the Road and Bridge Fund. Staff was then directed to investigate and provide to Council full information regarding traffic consulting, levels of service, and their respective costs. CHANGES TO THE DISORDERLY CONDUCT ORDINANCE Chief Joyce reviewed the new ordinance, noting new language changes and amendments. Motion by Baird, seconded by Lawson, to approve and pass an ordinance amending the Municipal Code as to the Disorderly Conduct, Loitering, Curfew, Vandalism, Damaging Property, Weapons ordinance and adding Parental Responsibility and Street Gang Activity Ordinance to the Municipal Code. Voting Aye: Bolger, Locke, Bates, Lawson, Baird. Voting Nay: None. `..- Absent: None. Motion carried. MAYOR - STATEMENT AND REPORTS Mayor Cuda reported that the two commission terms, subject to Illinois Statute were the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Police Commission. The Zoning Board of Appeals' term is set at five years, and the Police Commission term is set at three years. All other commissions, the Housing Advisory, Plan Commission, and Environmental Advisory Committee, are subject to local municipal ordinance. Discussion followed regarding limiting all non-statutory commission/committees to two-year terms. Motion by Locke, seconded by Lawson, to approve the appointments as presented, subject to the drafting of an ordinance limiting all non-statutory commission/committee terms to two years. Determination was made to present the drafted ordinance for approval at the October 19, 1994 regular City Council meeting, and approve the Mayoral appointments thereafter. Alderman Locke withdrew his motion. Alderman Lawson withdrew his second. Mayor Cuda informed the Council that the Motorola groundbreaking had been scheduled for Monday, October 24, 1994. Periodically, City employees have a luncheon at the Municipal Center. It was suggested to coordinate this luncheon with the groundbreaking date, inviting Governor Edgar, Motorola officials, and the Aldermen to lunch with the City employees. Aldermen will receive their official invitation in Friday's packet. Page 4 Page 4 COMMITTEE REPORTS Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Committee, Alderman Bates, noted that the Parks and Recreation Committee will have a meeting on Monday, October 17, 1994 at 7:00 P.M. Chairman of the Finance Committee, Alderman Locke, noted that the Finance Committee has a meeting scheduled for Wednesday, October 19, 1994 at 6:30 P.M. STAFF REPORTS Director of Public Works Batt noted that the first water samples. were taken at the McHenry Shores locations, and the samples fell within the normal acceptable ranges. Director of Building and Zoning, John Lobaito, noted that the building located on the southwest corner of Elm Street and Riverside Drive suffered major fire damage, particularly to its supporting structures. The building is in a very hazardous state, therefore Lobaito will be seeking demolition of the building, and will according to ordinance, notify the owner in writing. Salvage and safety measures are being addressed immediately. Chief Joyce reported that 10,000 surveys had been distributed via the City newsletter over the weekend, and the Department was already in receipt of 100 responses. He also noted that the community oriented policing had begun October 1, 1994 in Area 1, which is north of Route 120 and east of the tracks. He also informed Council that he will be out of town from October 15 through October 20, 1994 attending the International Association of Police Chiefs, leaving Lt. Donahue Acting Chief during this period. City Administrator Peterson distributed copies of the list of delinquent special assessment McHenry Shores properties. He noted that there were originally 47 delinquent properties, and only 17 remain, 5 of which are owned by the McHenry Shores Water Company. Council may be asked to approve purchase of these properties at the tax sale. Peterson continued to explain that the list must be delivered to the County Clerk's office by November 3, 1994 for sale on November 14, 1994. The decision may still be made to withhold submission of the list. Discussion on this issue will continue at the regularly scheduled October 19, 1994 City Council meeting. Peterson also noted that staff had received a request from the High School Building Trades Program seeking '1 projects for their department. They had made the suggestion that they could work with the Parks and Recreation Department on structures. Council referred the matter to the Parks and Recreation Committee for review. Also referred to the Parks and Recreation Committee was the request by staff to local residents for mature pine tree removal for use as shielding at City parks. Cost is involved for removal, but appears insignificant when compared to the purchase of a same sized mature tree. NEW BUSINESS Alderman Bates requested Director of Public Works Batt contact the Riverside Drive Merchants Association to work out details for their Riverwalk. He also announced that Saturday, October 15, 1994 at 9:30 A.M. had been scheduled as the rain date for the clean-up for the Whispering Oaks Learning Garden at Whispering Oaks Park. Alderman Baird requested Director of Public Works Batt investigate and provide to Council further information on the Hamlin's drainage problem. Motion by Bates, seconded by Lawson, to adjourn. Voting Ayer Bolger, Locke, Bates, Lawson, Baird. Voting Nay: None. Absent: None. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 11:17 P.M. CITX LERK MAYOR