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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 04/20/1994 - City Council REGULAR MEETING APRIL 20, 1994 The Regular Meeting of the McHenry City Council was called to order by Mayor Cuda on Wednesday, April 20, 1994 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Room of the Municipal Center. At roll call the following Aldermen were present: Bolger, Locke, Lawson, Baird. Bates arrived at 7:37 P.M. Absent: None. City Staff in attendance were: City Clerk Gilpin, City Attorney McArdle, City Administrator Peterson, Director of Public Works Batt, Director of Building and Zoning Lobaito, Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel, Chief of Police Joyce. Absent: None. TEN MINUTE PUBLIC INPUT SESSION Anton Rebel, of 4009 W. Maple Avenue, informed the Council that a group of high school students had volunteered to take over the cleaning of Boone Creek this year. Rebel will introduce the students at the next Council meeting. Attorney Sam Diamond addressed the Council concerning the variation request of David Kruk of Haystacks Manor. Since the Zoning Board hearing last week had been postponed due to the lack of a quorum, Diamond requested that they be allowed to proceed with their annexation petition, even though the postponed zoning hearing will not be held until April 25, 1994. It was the decision of the Council to instruct the petitioner to appear before the Zoning Board of Appeals on Monday, April 25, 1994, and �.. then proceed to the Council with the Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation on Wednesday, April 27, 1994. CONSENT AGENDA Alderman Locke requested that item No. 4 concerning passage of an ordinance establishing a fee structure for the issuance of handicapped placards be eliminated from the Consent Agenda for separate consideration. Motion by Bolger, seconded by Lawson, to approve the Consent Agenda as follows, with the exception of item no. 4. Alderman Baird requested - Alderman Bolger amend his motion to also exclude from the Consent Agenda item no. 6, which was passage of an ordinance estabishing a stop sign at Fairway Drive and Valley Road. Alderman Bolger declined to change his motion. Therefore, the motion remained as stated above. (1) April 6, 1994 Committee Meeting of the Whole Minutes; (2) April 11, 1994 Committee Meeting of the Whole Minutes; (3) April 13, 1994 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes; (5) Ordinance repealing Sections 26-15 and 26-79 of the Municipal Code; (6) Ordinance establishing a stop sign at EB/WB Fairway Drive at intersection of Valley Road; (7) Semi-Annual Police Department Career Development Program Payments totaling $5,500; (8) Approve Progress Payments to Smith Engineering Consultants as follows: - Boat Launch, $138.75 •- Brookside Park, $428.74; - Whispering Oaks Park parking lot, $1,287.21; - Whispering Oaks Park Drainage Ditch, $1,392.20; (9) March Treasurer's Report; (10)March Budget Report; (11)Picnic/Beer Permits Voting Aye: Bolger, Locke, Lawson. Voting Nay: Bates, Baird. Absent: None. -_" Motion carried. DISCUSSION ON ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING FEE STRUCTURE FOR THE ISSUANCE OF HANDICAPPED PLACARDS Alderman Locke requested information on this item, since he was absent at the last meeting where a motion was made to draft an ordinance establishing this fee. He was informed that this fee was an unfunded mandate by the Federal government to provide handicapped placards which were universal throughout the Country. Locke objected to unfunded mandates required by federal and state governments. April 20, 1994 Page 2 Motion by Bates, seconded by Bolger, to pass an ordinance establishing a fee structure for the issuance of handicapped placards, as presented. Voting Aye: Bolger, Locke, Bates, Lawson, Baird. Voting Nay: None. Absent: None. Motion carried. DONATION TO McHENRY POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR BICYCLES The McHenry Police Department recently announced that it was developing a new program in its Community Policing project. The new program would involve having policemen on bicyle patrols. When the employees of Gary Lang Auto Dealership heard of this project, they collected $500 for the purchase of bicycles. Gary Lang participated in the project by matching his employees donation and a check for $1,000 was presented to Chief Joyce by employee John Olson and Gary Lang. When Subway Sandwich Shop owner Joseph Bono heard of the project, he decided to get involved and presented a check to Chief Joyce for $500 for the purchase of helmets, uniforms and other equipment for the bicycle patrol. Mayor Cuda thanked the businessnmen for their donations and remarked that whenever the City is in need, the generosity of the business community always comes to the front. He expressed thanks on behalf of the City Council and all of the citizens of McHenry. Chief Joyce announced that the bicycle patrol will begin on the west side of town about the first week in May. FENCE VARIATION REQUEST Allan Arns of 4600 Glenbrook Trail addressed the Council to request a fence variation to allow a solid 5'- 6' high fence on his reverse corner lot. The City's Zoning Ordinance prohibits fences to be constructed in front yards. Several of the Aldermen had not had the opportunity to view the lot in question. Motion by Baird, seconded by Locke, to table the matter until the April 27, 1994 meeting. Voting Aye: Bolger, Locke, Bates, Lawson, Baird. .Voting Nay: None. -11*61 Absent: None. Motion carried. ZONING VARIATION REQUEST - JAY AND JUDY KOELLER John Roth, attorney for Jay and Judy Koeller, addressed the Council to request a variation on definition of a lot. It was the recommendation of the Zoning Board of Appeals to grant the variance by a 5-0 vote, to declare the property a buildable lot, and to allow the construction of a duplex in accordance with the RA-1 Residential District requirement. Attorney Roth said the Koellers had agreed to grant a 15' easement to the City concerning a sewer line on the north part of the lot. They have also obtained easements for water rights to connect to City water which runs along Maple Avenue. They also agreed to asphalt the unnamed right of way which is approximatley 180' long X 25' wide. The post office and the fire department had been contacted concerning an address for the property and they had no problem with a building on that lot. Alderman Bolger suggested that the right of way be named Maple Court since it is off Maple Avenue. The Aldermen agreed. Motion by Locke, seconded by Baird, to concur with the recommendation of the Zoning Board of Appeals and pass an ordinance granting a variation for a lot on Maple Court, as requested, subject to the conditions discussed at this meeting. Voting Aye: Bolger, Locke, Bates, Lawson, Baird. Voting Nay: None. Absent: None. Motion carried. April 20, 1994 Page 3 VEHICLE LICENSE FEE INCREASE During budget discussions, the Finance Committee recommended that the existing vehicle sticker fees be raised by 50%. The sticker fees were last increased in 1987. Motion by Bolger, seconded by Bates, to pass an ordinance increasing the vehicle license fees and penalties by 50%, effective May 1, 1994. Voting Aye: Bolger, Bates, Lawson. Voting Nay: Locke, Baird. Absent: None. Motion carried. WHISPERING OARS PARR DRAINAGE DITCH IMPROVEMENTS The Public Works Committee met on April 12, 1994 to consider whether this project should be done with Public Works equipment and crews. It was the consensus of the staff that the City does not have the equipment to install the required pipe for the project. If the work is to be done, it must be contracted. A quote was received from Hughes, Inc. to do the design changes for this project. However, it was suggested that at least two other written quotes be solicited for this project. Motion by Locke, seconded by Lawson, to request written proposals from at least three firms for the Whispering Oaks drainage ditch improvements and to have Hughes, Inc. re-submit another quote for this project, with a recommendation on approval of a proposal to come back to the Council at the April 27, 1994 meeting. Voting Aye: Bolger, Locke, Bates, Lawson, Baird. Voting Nay: None. Absent: None. Motion carried. AUDIT SERVICES FOR YEAR ENDING APRIL 30, 1994 In 1991, the City advertised for audit services for a three-year period. Six proposals were received at that time. Sherman & Roach was selected at that time. They have performed audits for the last three years in an acceptable and timely manner. City staff requested that due to all the changes which will take place during the 1994-95 fiscal year, including the installation of a new computer system and a new City Clerk/Collector, it was recommended that Sherman & Roach be retained for an additional year at a fee of $12,000 to perform the audit for the year ending April 30, 1994. A new request for audit service proposals will be advertised in November or December of 1994 for another three-year period. Motion by Baird, seconded by Lawson, to retain Sherman & Roach for an additional year at a fee of $12,000 to perform the audit for the year ending April 30, 1994, and to advertise for audit services later this year. Voting Aye: Bolger, Locke, Bates, Lawson, Baird. Voting Nay: None. Absent: None. Motion carried. PURCHASE OF DUMP TRUCK WITH SNOW PLOW AND SALT SPREADER ATTACHMENTS On February 2, 1994, the City Council rejected bids for the purchase of a dump truck with snow plow and salt spreader attachments because the low bid was almost $2,000 over the budgeted amount. A quote was obtained recently through the State of Illinois Joint Purchase Agreement, which listed a dump truck that meets the City's needs and can be purchased in an amount within the budget. Motion by Baird, seconded by Lawson, to approve the purchase of a dump truck with snow plow and salt spreader attachments from Monroe Truck Equipment under the State of Illinois Joint State Purchase Agreement in the amount of $48,033.00, with the bill to be paid in the 1994-95 fiscal year. Voting Aye: Locke, Bates, Lawson, Baird. Voting Nay: Bolger. Absent: None. Motion carried. April 20, 1994 Page 4 RATIFICATION OF NISRA FISCAL YEAR 1994-95 BUDGET ,�N A draft of NISRA's fiscal year 1994-95 budget was presented with a request that the City Council vote to approve the budget. Since there were some blank spaces in the budget, it was decided to defer action at this time. Motion by Locke, seconded by Baird, to table approval of the NISRA budget. Voting Aye: Locke, Bates, Lawson, Baird. Voting Nay: Bolger. Absent: None. Motion carried. MAYOR - STATEMENT AND REPORTS A letter from Nikki Sacks, Chairman of the Board of McHenry Area Crimestoppers, was presented to the Council. She requested that Crimestoppers be allowed to use a room at the Municipal Center weekly for taping of programs to be shown on TCI Cablevision. She was present at the meeting to answered questions from the Aldermen about her proposed use of City Hall. She reported that the room would be used to tape weekly shows on crimes that happened in the County. The Council felt that they would like to view some of the shows already taped before granting permission to use a room at the Muinicipal Center. Motion by Locke, seconded by Baird, to table action on this request. Voting Aye: Locke, Bates, Baird. Voting Nay: Bolger, Lawson. Absent: None. Motion carried. The Mayor announced that Committee appointments would be made at the Annual Meeting on April 27, 1994. He asked Aldermen to contact him with any preference they have for serving on specific Committees. He also reported that he directed Attorney McArdle to draft a Distribution Agreement with the schools concerning the Hillside Annexation Agreement. In that agreement, the developer was to pay additional money to the School District. Rather than wait until the subdivision was under construction, the annexation agreement stated the City could ask that a Distribution Agreement be signed by the City and the schools at the City's discretion. McArdle will draft the agreement and present it to the Council for approval at a later date. "1 Concerning the Knox-Busch annexation agreement, Mayor Cuda asked the Aldermen to review the agreement and call the City Administrator or himself with suggestions on various items of concern. COMMITTEE REPORTS Alderman Locke announced that a Finance Committee meeting would be held Monday, April 25, 1994 at 7:00 P.M. to conduct a final meeting on the 1994-95 budget before it is presented to the Council for approval. Alderman Bates, Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Committee, reported on a recent meeting which was held at the Knox Park pool, and at the park conference room. Alderman Baird reported that the minutes of the last Building, Zoning, Planning & Development Committee meeting would be delivered to the Aldermen in their April 27, 1994 Agenda packets. STAFF REPORTS Park Director Merkel reported on the progress of the Fort McHenry playground project. Director of Public Works Batt reminded the Aldermen of the Water Plant Dedication which would be held Sunday, April 24, 1994 at 2007 Pine Drive in the Oaks of McHenry. Director of Building and Zoning Lobaito reported on a meeting held with residents of the Oaks of McHenry concerning complaints filed previously on the construction of homes in that area. The problems are still being worked o-,.;t . April 20, 1994 Page 5 City Administrator Peterson reported that the VFW wanted to borrow the City's sewer jet to help clear problems at their site. The aldermen had no problem with allowing them to use the equipment. City Clerk Gilpin announced that the McHenry Lions Club had requested permission to conduct their annual carnival on June 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, 1994 at the Green Street parking lot. They had already received permission from the McHenry Savings Bank to use a portion of their lot. Motion by Locke, seconded by Lawson, to approve the request of the McHenry Lions Club to conduct their annual carnival from June 8 through June 12, 1994, conditioned upon receipt of a certificate of insurance from the Lions Club. Voting Aye: Bolger, Locke, Bates, Lawson, Baird. Voting Nay: None. Absent: None. Motion carried. EXECUTIVE SESSIOft Motion by Bates, seconded by Locke, to go into Executive Session at 9:00 P.M. to discuss personnel and land acquisition. Voting Aye: Bolger, Locke, Bates, Lawson, Baird. Voting Nay: None. Absent: None. Motion carried. Alderman Lawson left the Executive Session meeting at 9:35 P.M. Motion by Locke, seconded by Bates, to go back into Open Session at 10:10 P.M. Voting Aye: Bolger, Locke, Bates, Baird. Voting Nay: None. - Absent: Lawson. Motion carried. Motion by Locke, seconded by Bates, to approve the Mayor's hiring of Brian Foley of 3908 W. Grand Avenue, and David Christopher of 609-A Waters Edge Drive, both of McHenry, as Maintenance Workers in the Streets Division of Public Works at a salary of Grade 6, Minimum Step, $21,156.00, with Christopher to begin employment April 25, 1994, and Foley to begin employment May 9, 1994. \.. Voting Aye: Bolger, Locke, Bates, Baird. Voting Nay: None. Absent: Lawson. Motion carried. Mayor Cuda announced his appointment of Pamela J. Althoff as City Clerk/Collector through the April, 1995 election to fill the unexpired term of City Clerk/Collector Barbara Gilpin who retires May 6, 1994. Motion by Locke, seconded by Bates, to approve the Mayor's appointment of Pamela J. Althoff as City Clerk/Collector through the April, 1995 election, to fill the unexpired term of retiring City Clerk/Collector Barbara Gilpin. Voting Aye: Locke, Bates, Cuda. Voting Nay: Baird. Absent: Lawson. Abstaining: Bolger. Motion carried. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Bates, seconded by Locke, to adjourn. Voting Aye: Bolger, Locke, Bates, Baird. Voting Nay: None. Absent: Lawson. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 10:13 ITY CLERK MAYOR