HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 02/08/1995 - City Council REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 8, 1995
The Regular Meeting of the McHenry City Council was called to order by Mayor
Cuda on Wednesday, February 8, 1995 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of the
Municipal Center. At roll call the following Aldermen were present: Bolger, Locke,
Lawson, Baird. Bates arrived at 7:40 P.M. City Staff in attendance were: City
Administrator Peterson, City Clerk Althoff, Director of Public Works Batt. Absent:
Chief of Police Joyce, Director of Building and Zoning Lobaito, Director of Parks and
Recreation Merkel, City Attorney McArdle.
At the beginning of the 1994 calendar year, the Council determined that the
second regularly scheduled Council meeting of each month would be utilized as a
working meeting to discuss relevant issues concerning development, planning, and
other related City matters.
At the request of the Environmental Advisory Commission, Mayor Cuda
postponed the Ten Minute Public Input to allow Dr. D'Sousa, a local pediatrician
associated with Northern Illinois Medical Center, to address the Council regarding leaf
burning. Due to a previous commitment, Dr. D'Sousa had to leave the meeting early.
He reported on the increased incidents of respiratory ailments, in particular asthma,
experienced in the months of September and October, when leaf burning reached its
peak. He felt that leaf burning was an added irritant to respiratory ailments, and was
one that could be managed, unlike diesel fuel, harvesting dust, etc.
TEN MINUTE PUBLIC INPUT SESSION
Brian Miller of 1619 N. Draper Road, addressed Council regarding the letter to
the editor that appeared in the most recent edition of the Star Newspaper. Mr. Miller
stated he had not yet sought placement on the February 15, 1995 Council agenda,
'— as had been stated in the newspaper letter, and apologized for any misunderstanding.
Mr. Tiffany, who had written the letter, also apologized for the misinformation and
asked Council how they were prepared to deal with those residents who would attend
the February 15, 1995 meeting in order to comment on the proposed Cheerleader's
Sports Bar.
Alderman Bates arrived at 7:40 P.M.
Mayor Cuda noted that any citizen could speak on any issue during the Ten
Minute Public Input Session, and would be invited to do so. The comments then
would become part of the permanent record.
CONSIDERATION OF LEAF BURNING BAN
City Administrator Peterson explained that Council had agreed to devote this
workshop meeting to consider the recommendation from the Environmental Advisory
Commission to ban leaf burning. As per Council's direction, a summary of leaf
collection methods and costs for nearby communities, as well as survey information
from other Chicagoland communities, were provided.
City Administrator Peterson noted that in reviewing the information, it becomes
apparent that no principal method for leaf disposal exists. There are as many methods
as there are communities, indicating that most municipalities are still seeking a "best"
method. Discussion followed regarding start-up costs of vacuuming and composting.
City Administrator Peterson asked Council to consider providing "in place" alternatives
if the option of burning were to be banned. It was also noted that alternative methods
should be user based, and not subsidized.
February 8, 1995 Page 2
Consideration was then given to allowing leaf burning on designated Saturdays and
Sundays. The County's ordinance restricting leaf burning was also reviewed to
determine if applicable wholly or in part to the City of McHenry. Mayor Cuda then
allowed comments from the audience.
Joanne Scholl of Lake in the Hills outlined procedures followed by Lake in the
Hills to ban leaf burning in their community. She also presented information on the
association between asthma and leaf burning, as well as the problems associated with
river valley cities.
Mike Cajthaml of Martin Woods in McHenry stated his support for leaf burning
and his opposition to utilizing tax dollars to subsidize burning alternatives.
Bonnie Spasojevich of McHenry asked the Council to recognize leaf burning as
an important health issue, and not look at the issue monetarily.
David Kozlowski, a McHenry County Defender from Woodstock, encouraged
Council to ban leaf burning and consider a multi-faceted approach, including backyard
composting as an alternative.
Todd Schlake, representative of DuPage and McHenry County's American Lung
Association presented facts and statistics regarding respiratory problems associated
with and produced by leaf burning. He urged the Council to pass an ordinance
banning leaf burning.
Bill Richards of Lillian Street in McHenry stated his concern that if burning were
banned and costs are associated with the alternatives, people would elect the "do
nothing option" which may result in leaves blowing onto neighborhood yards and
clogging storm drains.
William Hiatt of Orleans in McHenry asked Council to look at this issue as a
health problem and to consider the rights of small children to breathe clean air. He
also suggested staff look into the City of Naperville's program.
Discussion followed regarding the possibility of placing the leaf burning question
on the 1997 ballot as a referendum item. Mayor Cuda also recommended educating
the general citizenry through the City newsletter and other print media about the
hazards associated with leaf burning, particularly to those with respiratory problems.
Dr. Dennis Zidek stated his support of placing the leaf burning question on the
ballot, as the community should decide the leaf burning and/or banning policy.
Mike Cajthaml asked that if the leaf burning question becomes a referendum
item, all costs associated with the proposed alternatives to burning be included.
Alice Howenstine of the McHenry Environmental Advisory Commission,
presented the alternativesto burning,which included:chipping, mulching,composting,
and bagging.
The City's current bagging program was reviewed. In summary, City
Administrator Peterson reviewed Council's objectives:
(1) To place a restriction on leaf burning immediately;
(2) Educate the general public on burning alternatives;
(3) Place this issue as a referendum item on the 1997 ballot;
(4) Place a leaf burning opinion question as part of the Citizen survey being
distributed through the City's newsletter in early March.
February 8, 1995 Page 3
Council then directed staff to draft an ordinance restricting leaf burning, to be
presented for Council review at the regularly scheduled March 1 , 1995 meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
Alderman Bates informed Council that he had donation applications for the
._.. Habitat for Humanity, an organization which builds homes for the disadvantaged in
McHenry County, if anyone was interested.
Alderman Baird presented a letter seeking Council approval to distribute among
the McHenry Shores residents. The letter provides an updated report as to the status
of the McHenry Shores Water Company lawsuit.
Alderman Locke recommended that the Citizen Survey (to be included in the
City's newsletter) have the return postage paid by the City of McHenry. The Citizen
Survey was then reviewed by Council. It was determined to place this as an agenda
item on the regularly scheduled February 15, 1995 meeting for further review.
Motion by Bates, seconded by Locke, to adjourn.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Locke, Bates, Lawson, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 9:50 P.M.
CITY' CL K -`MAYOR
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