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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 09/13/1995 - City Council REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 13, 1995 The Regular Meeting of the McHenry City Council was called to order by Mayor Cuda on Wednesday, September 13, 1995, at 7:30 P.M. 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, Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel. Excused absences: City Attorney McArdle, Director of Public Works Batt, Director of Building and Zoning Lobaito, Chief of Police Joyce. TEN MINUTE PUBLIC INPUT SESSION Anton Rebel of 49 Maple Avenue, stated his dissatisfaction with the current one alderman per ward status and suggested Council and City residents consider returning to the two aldermen per ward method of representation. Frank Rodgers of 3107 Lake Street, asked Council to consider his request for annexation. He stated his property was contiguous to the "East of the River" properties and housed a commercial enterprise which would provide additional sales tax dollars toward the East of the River sewer project. Mr. Rodgers noted he had made several unsuccessful attempts to be included in the original annexation group, however the annexation petition had already been filed with the court. He requested Council consider this request for annexation under the same terms and conditions all the other properties east of the river were granted. CONSENT AGENDA Motion by Bates, seconded by Bolger, to approve the Consent Agenda as follows: (1) Picnic/Beer Permits (2) August bills for Approval as follows APPROVED BILLS FOR AUGUST 1995 CHECK# VENDOR NAME AMOUNT 81271 D & J AUTOMOTIVE SUPPLY $ 427.07 81272 MCHENRY LUMBER $ 304.48 81285 BJORKMAN'S ACE HARDWARE $ 660.71 81286 ACME BRICK & SUPPLY CO $ 310.00 81287 ADAMS AIR & RADIATOR SERV $ 132.07 81288 DAN ADAMS STEEL SERV INC $ 569.21 81289 ADVANTAGE BUSINESS FORMS $ 200.00 81290 AHLBORN EQUIPMENT INC $ 203.18 81291 ALEXANDER BATTERY CO INC $ 72.60 81292 AMBASSADOR OFFICE EQUIP $ 138.43 81293 AMERITECH $ 901 .42 81294 BADGER UNIFORMS $ 124.87 81295 CHERYL ANN BARONE, CSR $ 172.80 81296 BAXTER & WOODMAN $ 61 .50 81297 BIO-SYSTEMS $ 114.75 81298 BOTTS WELDING & TRK SERV $ 47.80 81299 BRUCE MUNICIPAL EQUIPMENT $ 144.33 81300 BSN SPORTS $ 832.50 81301 BURNS INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY $ 61 .51 81302 BUSS FORD SALES $ 221 .67 81303 BUZZ PEST CONTROL $ 195.00 Report Totals $7012.90 September 13, 1995 Page 2 CHECK# VENDOR NAME AMOUNT 12018 D & J AUTOMOTIVE SUPPLY $ 123.27 12019 MCHENRY LUMBER $ 255.62 12020 WOODSTOCK-HICKSGAS INC $ 271 .60 12026 BJORKMAN'S ACE HARDWARE $ 518.82 12027 R A ADAMS ENTERPRISES INC $ 43.30 12028 ALEXANDER LUMBER CO $ 64.59 12029 AMERITECH $ 537.65 12030 AQUAPREP $ 4455.00 12031 THE BARN NURSERY $ 104.05 12032 BAXTER & WOODMAN $ 5428.09 12033 BERRY BEARING COMPANY $ 112.60 12034 BOTTS WELDING & TRK SERV $ 30.35 Report Totals 11944.94 5675 BJORKMAN'S ACE HARDWARE $ 21 .34 5676 AMER ACADEMIC SUPPLIERS $ 182.77 5677 AMERICAN RED CROSS $ 92.00 5678 AMERITECH $ 579.28 Report Totals 875.39 22000480 BAXTER & WOODMAN $ 1384.96 Report Totals 1384.96 Voting Aye: Bolger, Locke, Bates, Lawson, Baird Voting Nay: None Absent: None , Motion carried. RECREATION CENTER DISCUSSION At the beginning of the 1994 calendar year, 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. Mayor Cuda reported that as per Council's direction late last spring, inspection time had been granted for Council to visit local area recreational centers. Discussion, Cuda stated, needed to focus on the desirability and feasibility of pursuing the construction of a recreational center as well as any and all other possible options. Alderman Locke inquired whether anyone had investigated the possibility of a YMCA facility locating in McHenry. It was noted no one had. City Administrator Peterson noted that park programs offered by the City can be divided into gym and classroom uses. The lack of adequate indoor facilities at a single location under the control of the City, causes operational challenges including scheduling, supervision, moving equipment, materials and supplies, maintenance, and consistency in programming. Peterson noted a suggestion had been made to utilize the available Library District space of approximately 14,000 square feet located in the rear of the Library building. Although this location could not be used for most gym activities, it would meet the City's need for a centralized location for classroom activities. Peterson reviewed the history of both the parks developer donation revenues and annexation revenues from 1991 through 1995. He noted another significant issue for Council consideration was the current status of the Municipal Center's Alternate General Obligation Bonds. He noted only ten years remain, and the bonds are callable in five years for $1 ,600,000. He also provided the level of debt retirement for 10, 15 and 20 years at 6% and 7% for each $1 million dollars borrowed. September 13, 1995 Page 3 Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel noted that a recreational facility had been discussed as far back as 1978, however no park programs existed at that time. Council then committed itself to constructing and developing the Knox Park pool. Merkel noted that current park programs have outgrown available spaces. He recommended Council commit current and future development dollars to the construction of a recreational center, and focus this evening's discussion on the amenities, size, location, and financing of this facility. A lengthy discussion followed regarding financing, specifically the cost of renovating the library space versus the cost of constructing a new recreational facility. Council also considered the following suggestions: • Building Phase I of a recreational facility to provide space for gymnasium activities and renting additional classroom space from an available location, i.e., Library, Spurgeon's, etc. • Contacting the YMCA organization to determine their interest in locating to McHenry Alderman Lawson noted that a financial commitment to a new recreational facility may preclude the needed improvements to the beach property, City ball fields, soccer fields, etc. Further discussion ensued regarding the City's current financial status and an interim solution to constructing a full-service recreational center. Council concurred as to the formation of a steering committee made up of staff, elected officials and City residents. This committee could then address the desirability of a recreational facility and if applicable, its size, location, amenities, and financing options. Alderman Baird suggested the committee might consider organizing the '— recreational center issue as a referendum item. Alderman Lawson agreed making the recreational center a referendum item was an excellent suggestion. Although many City residents appear to support the idea of a recreational center, residents also stated they would not support an increase in taxes. Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel supported Lawson's statement with survey results from five years ago showing that 44% of the survey participants supported a recreational facility, but only through program fees and not through an increase in taxes. Merkel also noted that the City's recent newsletter survey also supported the desire for a recreational center, but not with an increase in tax dollars. Cuda recommended Council allocate monies for preliminary drawings and plans for a recreational facility. Local City businesses could be approached for donations, and future developers could be asked for cash as opposed to land contributions. Alderman Bates recommended the Parks and Recreation Committee devote their September meeting to discussing the feasibility of constructing a recreational center. The Committee could discuss financing, floor plans, size, etc. An architectural firm could then be contacted with these ideas and provide Council with their �— recommendations. Council also discussed scheduling a public hearing in order to solicit additional comments and recommendations from City residents. Mayor Cuda opened the floor to comments. A classroom instructor from the Parks program approved of the construction of a recreational center citing the difficulties and inconveniences of scheduling and hauling materials to different locations. September 13, 1995 Page 4 Andy Glab of Oakwood Avenue, McHenry, supported the construction of a recreational center within three to five years and recommended Council consider the needs of the City's 13 to 17 year olds as currently there appears to be a lack of available activities for this group of youngsters. Cuda directed Council to provide him with a list of recommendations for the steering committee. MAYOR - STATEMENT AND REPORTS Mayor Cuda reminded Council that the City of McHenry is hosting the next McHenry County Municipal Association's meeting on Wednesday, September 27, at the Country Club. Paul Laudick, president of Centegra, is the scheduled speaker. Cuda encouraged all Councilmen to attend. COMMITTEE REPORTS Alderman Bolger, Chairman of the Public Works Committee, reported the Committee had met with Main Street property owners just prior to this evening's Regularly Scheduled Council Meeting to discuss the lack of parking on Main Street. He stated it was the recommendation of the Committee to authorize City Administrator Peterson to negotiate on the three Main Street properties for sale as well as any other potential Main Street sites. Bolger also requested Council budget monies for this project in the 1996-97 fiscal year. Financial assistance from Main Street property owners either with the purchase of a site or construction of the parking lot should be solicited. Motion by Bolger, seconded by Lawson, to authorize City Administrator Peterson to negotiate on the three Main Street properties for sale as well as any other potential Main Street sites to determine price, terms, and any other relevant issues, bringing all information back to Council for further input and review. Voting Aye: Bolger, Bates, Lawson, Baird Voting Nay: None Abstaining: Locke Absent: None Motion carried. Council recommended investigating all other options related to alleviating the parking problem on Main Street. City Administrator Peterson stated a letter would be sent to all affected property owners stating the City's purchasing interest and our need for further detailed information in order to consider this option. Alderman Locke requested Council, in the future, discuss all potential City real estate purchases in Executive Session. Alderman Lawson reported that the Finance Committee had met September 12, and the minutes would be forthcoming. Alderman Bates, Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Committee, reported that a Parks Committee meeting was scheduled for Thursday, September 28, at 7:30 p.m., and will be devoted to the discussion of concrete plans for a recreational center. NEW BUSINESS Alderman Bolger recommended Council consider Frank Rodgers' request for annexation as the City may require an easement for sanitary sewer lines through the September 13, 1995 Page 5 rear portion of Mr. Rodgers' property. Bolger also noted a similar request for annexation from Spengel Chiropractic Clinic. Council requested staff to provide further information, particularly the location of these properties in relation to the original annexed properties East of the River. Alderman Bates requested Council direction regarding the City's approval of NISRA's budget recommendations for the association dues. Bates stated the City of McHenry's portion for dues would be approximately $49,000. Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel noted that the formal finalized NISRA budget would come before Council later in the year. Council requested Alderman Bates provide the NISRA budget recommendations for their review before the next Regularly Scheduled Council Meeting. Alderman Lawson requested further clarification regarding City Administrator Peterson's memo on the Green Street parking lot, and McHenry Savings Bank President Jim Marinangel's request for additional parking spaces for bank employees. City Administrator Peterson explained that the contract the City and McHenry Savings Bank entered into upon the sale of the property to McHenry Savings Bank, states that during the term of the lease, the Lessor (McHenry Savings Bank), its employees and customers shall be permitted to use the property for parking purposes to the extent that parking presently provided at McHenry Savings Bank is not sufficient to accommodate said employees and customers. Mr. Marinangel is requesting current parking slots designated as municipal spaces be replaced as bank designated parking. Council directed staff to deny Mr. Marinangel's request, and inform Mr. Marinangel he may place this issue on a future agenda for further Council consideration. Peterson also reported the Chamber of Commerce had requested approval of a beer permit and waiving of fees to host a 'thank you' party for Public Works employees who assisted the Chamber during Fiesta Days. Motion by Baird, seconded by Locke, to approve the Chamber of Commerce's beer permit request and waive the permit fees in order for the Chamber of Commerce to host a 'thank you' party for the City's Public Works employees at Peterson Park on Thursday, September 14. Voting Aye: Bolger, Locke, Lawson, Baird Voting Nay: Bates Absent: None Motion carried. Peterson informed Council that he and Director of Building and Zoning Lobaito had been meeting with Hospital representatives regarding the Hospital Zoning Ordinance. The Hospital is requesting a special meeting with Council to review the Ordinance before going to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Council scheduled a Special Meeting with the Hospital for Monday, October 25, 1995, at 7:30 P.M. Motion by Locke, seconded by Lawson, to go into Executive Session at 9:49 P.M. to discuss Personnel. September 13, 1995 Page 6 Voting Aye: Bolger, Locke, Bates, Lawson Voting Nay: Baird Absent: None Motion carried. Motion by Locke, seconded by Lawson, to go back into Open Session at 9:53 P.M. Voting Aye: Bolger, Locke, Bates, Lawson, Baird Voting Nay: None Absent: None Motion carried. Motion by Bates, seconded by Locke, to adjourn the Meeting. Voting Aye: Bolger, Locke, Bates, Lawson, Baird Voting Nay: None Absent: None Motion carried. The Meeting was adjourned at 9:54 P.M. � Ferk