HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 11/01/1995 - City Council REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 1, 1995
The Regular Meeting of the McHenry City Council was called to order by Mayor
Cuda on Wednesday, November 1 , 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. Alderman Bates arrived at 7:35 P.M. 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,
Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel, Chief of Police Joyce. Absent: None.
TEN MINUTE PUBLIC INPUT SESSION
Joan Schwegel of 4301 Clearview Avenue noted compliance difficulties she
was currently experiencing with the new leaf burning ordinance, citing inclement
weather every weekend. She requested Council consider an extension of the
allowable leaf burning weekends or some other solution. Mayor Cuda stated staff
would discuss the issue at its regularly scheduled Friday morning meeting, and a staff
person would contact her with the results.
Alderman Bates arrived at 7:35 P.M.
Mrs. Schwegel also recounted a negative encounter she recently experienced
with a McHenry Police Officer regarding dumping on Oak Avenue in McHenry. In
conclusion, Mrs. Schwegel also requested Council investigate drainage problems her
property was experiencing which she felt was due in part to the development of the
properties around her and the installation of City sewer lines.
Sue Miller of the Riverside Merchant's Association requested Council approval
of the temporary placement of signs on Riverside Drive advertising the Riverside
Merchant's Association Christmas Walk on Sunday, November 12, 1995, and waive
the required permit fees. Some discussion followed noting the signs were donated
and contained advertisements for beer. Council stated their strong objection to this
advertisement.
Motion by Lawson, seconded by Bolger, to approve the Riverside Merchant's
Association's request for temporary placement of signs advertising the Christmas Walk
on Sunday, November 12, 1995, waiving all permit fees, subject to the removal of any
and all beer advertisements from the signs.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Locke, Bates, Lawson, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Alderman Baird requested staff determine the availability of the Lions Club
calendar on Route 120 to assist with the advertisement of this riverwalk.
Council also stated their unanimous approval of allowing the Association use
of City planters in the area for the display of decorative Christmas greenery.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Lawson, seconded by Bolger, to approve the Consent Agenda as
follows:
(1 ) October 11 , 1995 Regular City Council meeting minutes;
(2) October 17, 1995 Committee Meeting of the Whole minutes;
(3) October 18, 1995 Regular City Council meeting_ minutes;
(4) IDOT Resolution establishing parade route for McHenry Jaycees' Annual
Christmas Parade;
Voting Aye: Bolger, Locke, Bates, Lawson, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
November 1 , 1995 Page 2
ANNEXATION OF PROPERTY - 3107 W. LAKE AVENUE, FRANK & CATHERINE
RODGERS
City Administrator Peterson explained that Mr. & Mrs. Frank Rodgers, owners
of 3107 W. Lake Avenue, are requesting annexation of their property which is
adjacent to those properties recently annexed east of the Fox River. The property
consists of their home and an automotive repair and service business. It is currently
zoned B-1 in the County and the petitioners have requested C-5 zoning, with a
conditional use for the continuation of their automotive repair and service business,
which is scheduled for a Zoning Board of Appeals hearing on November 6, 1995. City
Administrator Peterson noted that the zoning recommendation from the November 6th
hearing will come before Council for approval. A brief discussion followed. It was the
Council's consensus to approve the annexation of this property and the following
Spengel property under the same terms and conditions as the "east of the river"
annexations, however all future properties seeking annexation must be subject to the
City's standard annexation procedure.
Motion by Bolger, seconded by Baird, to approve Frank & Catherin Rodgers'
petition for Annexation and pass an ordinance annexing the property located at 3107
W. Lake Avenue.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Locke, Bates, Lawson, Baird, Cuda.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
ANNEXATION OF PROPERTY - 2808 W. ROUTE 120, SCOTT & DIANE SPENGEL
City Administrator Peterson explained that Mr. &Mrs. Scott Spengel are seeking
annexation of their property located at 2808 W. Route 120. The property is currently
being used for their chiropractic business and as their residence. The property is
zoned B-1 in the County, and the petitioners are requesting C-5 zoning to continue
their business and allow the residential usage. The Zoning Board of Appeals' hearing
is scheduled for November 6, 1995. City Administrator Peterson noted that the
zoning recommendation from the Zoning Board of Appeals hearing on November 6th
will come before Council for final approval.
Motion by Lawson, seconded by Baird, to approve Scott & Diane Spengel's
petition for Annexation and pass an ordinance annexing the property located at 2808
W. Route 120.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Locke, Bates, Lawson, Baird, Cuda.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
REQUEST FROM GRANITE BUILDERS FOR VACATION OF SEWER EASEMENT ON
LOT 92 - GREEN VALLEY SUBDIVISION
City Administrator Peterson stated that Chris Newkirk of Granite Builders was
requesting a one-foot vacation for a sanitary sewer easement on Lot 92 in his Green --�
Valley subdivision. The City of McHenry has a 10-foot sewer easement between lots
92 and 93. Granite Builders has contracted to build a home on this property that
would encroach one foot onto this easement. City Administrator Peterson explained
that the City's responsibilities could be accomplished, should a one-foot vacation be
approved. Director of Public Works Batt concurred with his assessment.
November 1 , 1995 Page 3
Motion by Baird, seconded by Bolger, to grant Granite Builders' request for a
one-foot vacation of the City's sewer easement between Lots 92 and 93 in Green
Valley Unit #3, and to authorize staff to draft an ordinance to be presented for Council
review at the November 29, 1995 regularly scheduled Council meeting.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Locke, Bates, Lawson, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Council agreed to allow Granite Builders to proceed with the construction of this
home while the ordinance is being drafted.
REQUEST FROM MR. & MRS. STEPHEN ZRINY - 614 LILLIAN STREET
Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Zriny of 614 Lillian Street have requested Council
consideration to grant a variance for the construction of a gravel off-street parking
area in their side yard within the street right-of-way on their corner lot property. Mrs.
Zriny, who was in attendance, explained that the parking area had been installed in
an attempt to alleviate the parking problem experienced at her home due to the
number of cars maintained by her family. Mrs. Zriny also noted that she has spoken
to her neighbors and they have stated no objection to the parking area. Some
discussion followed.
Motion by Bolger, seconded by Locke, to grant Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Zriny a 2-
year variance for installation of a gravel off-street parking area within the street right-
of-way adjacent to the sideyard located at 614 Lillian Street, subject to obtaining the
appropriate permits.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Locke, Lawson.
Voting Nay: Bates, Baird.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
s
SNOWPLOWING AGREEMENT FOR UNINCORPORATED FEGERS SUBDIVISION AND
COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE
City Administrator Peterson explained that the City has provided snowplowing
services to unincorporated Fegers Subdivision and a portion of Country Club Drive for
a number of years. Last year Council directed staff to solicit private snowplowing
contractors this season to obtain price quotations for comparison purposes. Director
of Public Works Batt reported that although solicited, no quotes had been submitted.
Discussion followed regarding the timeliness of the request for quotes as well as the
advisability of utilizing City equipment and manpower to plow non-City streets.
Motion by Bates, seconded by Bolger, to authorize the City Clerk to send a
letter of agreement to the Fegers Subdivision and Country Club Drive representatives
for snowplowing services in the amount of $1 ,000 and $900 respectively, with
supplemental payments being charged for any snowplowing required after 20 days at
an hourly rate, or fraction thereof, to be calculated by the Director of Public Works by
determining the actual per hour cost for use of City equipment and manpower.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Bates, Lawson, Baird.
Voting Nay: Locke.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Council directed staff to require the subdivisions to solicit bids next year for
snowplowing services for their respective areas.
November 1 , 1995 Page 4
1996-97 NORTHERN ILLINOIS SPECIAL RECREATION ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIP
DUES
City Administrator Peterson stated that the 1996-97 dues for membership in the
Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association is $49,976.00, an increase of almost
$3,600.00 from the 1995-96 membership dues. Director of Parks and Recreation
Merkel explained the membership dues is determined based on the previous year's
dues, assessed valuation, CPI and new property growth.
Motion by Bates, seconded by Baird, to approve the expenditure not to exceed
$49,976.00 for the City's 1996-97 Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association
membership dues, subject to an adjustment by the actual Equalized Assessed
Valuation for the City.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Locke, Bates, Lawson, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Some discussion followed regarding the steady increase in membership dues,
noting in particular a 25% increase over the past three years. City Administrator
Peterson noted that unlike most of the participating cities, McHenry does not have the
availability of levying for these dues, as McHenry does not have a Park District.
Council directed staff to continually express the City's concern with the excessive
increase in membership costs.
APPROVAL OF NORTHERN ILLINOIS SPECIAL RECREATION ASSOCIATION 1996-97
BUDGET
City Administrator Peterson reported that the City of McHenry annually reviews
the Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA) budget for approval. The
1996-97 Budget was provided for Council review in Friday's agenda packet. City
representative to NISRA include Parks and Recreation Committee Chairperson,
Alderman Bates, and Director of Parks and Recreation Pete Merkel who has also
served as the Association's President this year. They are recommending Council's
approval of the 1996-97 Budget.
Motion by Bates, seconded by Locke, to approve the 1996-97 budget for the
Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association as presented.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Locke, Bates, Lawson, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
MAYOR - STATEMENT AND REPORTS
Mayor Cuda presented a letter from a City of McHenry resident commending
McHenry police officer Roland Wood and Sgt. Gregory Burg. He requested copies be
provided to Chief Joyce and be distributed to the Aldermen in Friday's agenda packet.
Cuda then informed Council that McHenry County recently became eligible to
receive funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under
its Community Development Block Grant program. The funds are available for housing
and economic development projects which benefit low to moderate income individuals
and families. Applications must be submitted by November 27, 1995 for the 1995
year. Mayor Cuda suggested Council consider submitting applications for two
projects: 1) the water main replacement in the Millstream Subdivision which has been
designated a low income area, and; 2) the force main construction along the Uion
Pacific railroad tracks from Orleans Street to Main Street which would serve two
designated low income areas, Lakeland Park and Millstream. A lengthy discussion
ensued regarding federal regulations, guidelines and requirements. Council requested
staff provide full information on the program, including the federal criteria and
application procedure. City Administrator Peterson stated this information would be
included in the Aldermen's Friday agenda packets. Council agreed to direct City
Administrator Peterson to begin drafting applications for both of these projects.
November 1 , 1995 Page 5
Council agreed to devote November's workshop meeting to further
consideration and discussion of these projects and the grant program.
Mayor Cuda noted Kit Carstens of McHenry Corporate Center, had extended an
invitation to Council to visit the Corporate Center facility. He suggested Council
respond and provide an available date and time. Council agreed to reserve Monday,
November 27, 1995 at 7:30 P.M. for the visit.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Chairman of the Building and Zoning Committee, Alderman Baird, reported that
the Building and Zoning Committee had met on Thursday, October 26, 1995 to review
the P.U.D. Ordinance. The meeting minutes will be forthcoming and the P.U.D.
Ordinance will be reviewed as part of a regularly scheduled Council meeting agenda.
Alderman Baird did note, however, that the Committee would be making a unanimous
recommendation to Council to eliminate the Master Site Plan, as it appears to duplicate
the preliminary plan requirements.
STAFF REPORTS
Director of Building and Zoning Lobaito informed Council he had received a
letter from Pattie Preston of the Edgebrook P.T.O. requesting Council approve a
temporary sign to be displayed in Edgebrook School's school yard on the corner of
Green Street and Kane Street, advertising their annual Craft Bizarre Saturday,
December 2, 1995. Mrs. Preston is also requesting the permit fees be waived and
notes the temporary sign will be an illuminated sign, rented from Ed's Rental.
Motion by Baird, seconded by Bolger, to approve Edgebrook School P.T.O's
request to display a temporary illuminated sign in the front of the school yard at the
corner of Green Street and Kane Street, advertising their annual Craft Bizarre on
Saturday, December 2, 1995, and to waive all permit fees associated with this sign.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Locke, Bates, Lawson, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
In response to Mrs. Schwegel's concerns regarding leaf burning alternatives
stated during this evening's Ten Minute Public Input Session, Director of Public Works
Batt stated the City's program is still in place where residents can bring leaves in bags
or containers to Knox Park on Saturday mornings between 7:00 A.M. and Noon,
provided each bag or container displays 1/2 of a yard waste sticker.
Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel informed Council the Recreation
Department's Halloween Spooktacular event was very well attended and received a
great deal of community spirit through donations and volunteers.
Chief of Police Joyce drew Council's attention to his memo of October 13,
1995 regarding the replacement of police vehicles. He reported that five of the police
department's fleet needed to be replaced. Landmark Ford, Inc. of Springfield has been
awarded the State contract for police squad cars in the amount of $18,523.00 per
vehicle. The selected vehicle for 1996 was the Crown Victoria. Chief Joyce noted
that local Ford dealership Buss Ford can order these vehicles via a "piggy back"
contract. This will cost an additional $200.00 per vehicle, however, Buss Ford also
agrees not to make delivery until after May 1 , 1996, the beginning of the City's next
fiscal year.
November 1 , 1995 Page 6
Motion by Baird, seconded by Lawson, to authorize the purchase of five 1996
Ford Crown Victoria police squad cars in the amount of $18,508.00 per vehicle from
Buss Ford of McHenry, to be delivered after May 1 , 1996 with the total purchase price
of $92,540.00 to be included in the 1996-97 Budget.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Locke, Bates, Lawson, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
City Attorney McArdle updated the Council with regard to the zoning hearings
for the recently annexed east of the Fox River properties. He stated that these
properties will be categorized for clarification purposes when brought before Council
for final approval. Mayor Cuda requested the December workshop meeting be
reserved to discuss the outstanding liquor ordinance concerns raised by the east of the
Fox River liquor license holders. Council concurred.
City Administrator Peterson noted he had distributed a memo to all Department
Heads regarding budget requests and time frame. He also provided a copy of the
October 17, 1995 Committee Meeting of the Whole minutes which outlines Council's
goals for the 1996-97 fiscal year. Peterson also noted copies of this year's audit had
been received. He recommended the Finance Committee meet with the auditor to
review the report. Chairman of the Finance Committee, Alderman Lawson, suggested
the previously scheduled November 14, 1995 meeting. Committee members
concurred.
City Clerk Althoff drew Council's attention to the memo regarding a liquor
license transfer distributed in Friday's agenda packet. Althoff stated that Don and
Patricia Musielak were purchasing Flo-In Corporation, d/b/a Fox Hole Pizza, and are
seeking a transfer of the liquor license. All necessary paperwork has been completed
and is in compliance. The Musielak's are requesting Mayoral and Council approval of
this transfer effective November 2, 1995.
Motion by Lawson, seconded by Bolger, to approve the Liquor Commissioner's
recommendation and transfer of the Class A liquor license from George Tourville to
Don and Patricia Musielak once the purchase of Flo-In Corporation has occurred.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Locke, Bates, Lawson, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Alderman Baird questioned the status of the widening of Route 120 project by
the Illinois of Department of Transportation. Discussion followed as to whether
Council should schedule a special meeting or devote a workshop meeting to the
discussion of Route 120 improvements as they affect the City of McHenry. Council
suggested the remainder of the November 15, 1995 workshop meeting be reserved
for discussion regarding Route 120 issues. Council concurred.
Director of Public Works Batt was instructed to contact the Illinois Department --�
of Transportation and invite a representative to attend the workshop meeting on
November 15, 1995. He was also asked to inquire as to the time frame of providing
input to the Illinois Department of Transportation regarding Route 120 improvements.
Council was to be informed of the Illinois Department of Transportation's response via
the Friday Report.
November 1 , 1995 Page 7
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Lawson, seconded by Bates, to go into Executive Session at
9:50 P.M. to discuss Personnel Issues and Property Acquisition.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Locke, Bates, Lawson, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Motion by Locke, seconded by Bolger, to go back into Open Session at
10:52 P.M.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Locke, Bates, Lawson, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Motion by Bates, seconded by Lawson, to adjourn.
Voting Aye: Bolger, Locke, Bates, Lawson, Baird.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 10:53 P.M.
ITY CLE MAYOR