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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 11/20/2017 - City CouncilREGULAR MEETING November 20, 2017 Mayor Wayne Jett called the regularly scheduled November 6, 2017 meeting of the McHenry City Council to order at 7:00 pm in the McHenry City Council Chambers, 333 South Green Street, McHenry, IL. In attendance were the following Councilmembers: Devine, Schaefer, Mihevc, Glab, Curry, and Santi. Absent: Condon. Also in attendance: City Administrator Derik Morefield, Director of Parks and Recreation Hobson, Director of Economic Development Martin, Director of Public Works Schmitt, Director of Community Development Polerecky, Director of Finance Lynch, Police Chief Birk, City Attorney McArdle, and City Clerk Nevitt. OATH OF OFFICE Mayor Jett invited Chief Birk to say a few words. Chief Birk announced the appointment of a new Commander and Police Sergeant stating this marks the end of a series of changes and the start of something new for the McHenry Police Department. As the department moves forward in its mission to serve, he is excited about the potential they hold. Tonight Ryan Sciame is promoted to Commander. Ryan began his McHenry police career in 1999. Since that time, he has assumed the role of patrol officer, narcotics officer, detective, and detective sergeant. Chief Birk said he was proud of Ryan's accomplishments and looks forward to witnessing his achievements as the city's newest Commander. Chief Birk announced the promotion of Kelly A. Ducak to the office of McHenry Police Sergeant. Kelly began her career with the McHenry Police Department in 2005. In her time with the department, she has assumed the role of patrol officer, school resource officer, and detective. Kelly has always excelled in her responsibility and tasks placed upon her and the Chief is confident that she will do the same in her new role as Sergeant. Police Commander Ryan J. Sciame: Police Commission Chairman Rick Huber administered the Oath of Office to McHenry Police Commander Ryan J. Sciame. Police Sergeant Kelly A. Ducak: Police Commissioner Ramon Gregorio administered the Oath of Office to McHenry Police Sergeant Kelly A. Ducak Mayor Jett asked the Council and Public in attendance to congratulate Commander Sciame and Sergeant Ducak and invited the public to a cake and coffee reception in the Municipal Center atrium. PUBLIC COMMENT None. Regular City Council Meeting Page 2 November 20, 2017 CONSENT AGENDA A. Resolution designating November 25, 2017 as Small Business Saturday in City of McHenry; B. Resolution adopting the McHenry County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan; C. Ordinance adopting an amendment to the Traffic & Motor Vehicle Code Section 13- 604 regarding Overnight Parking Hours in the Downtown Business District; D. Ordinance authorizing the Sale of Public Property of five retired Police Vehicles through Clinton Auto Auction; E. Issuance of Checks in the amount of $402,747.79; and F. Payment of Bills in the amount of $1,081,303.68. Motion by Alderman Schaefer, seconded by Alderman Curry to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Mayor Jett asked the Clerk to call the roll: Voting Aye: Schaefer, Curry, Santi, Glab, Devine, Mihevc Voting Nay: None Absent: Condon Motion Carried. INDIVIDUAL ACTION ITEM AGENDA None. DISCUSSION ONLY ITEMS: A. Presentation of Parks and Recreation Community Needs Assessment. Mayor Jett introduced Mr. Jeff Andreasen representing aQuity Research and asked him to begin his presentation to the Council on the results of the Parks and Recreation Community Needs Assessment. Mr. Andreasen reported that random city residents in August 2017 were invited to complete a survey via mail, online, or telephone. A total of 407 surveys were submitted. Data collected was completed in October 2017. A few questionnaires erroneously mailed to residents outside the city limits were eliminated from the survey. The sample of the 400 surveys received were compared with U.S. Census data to ensure that the survey was representative of city residents based on the census bureau. Feedback received from residents regarding the Parks and Recreation Department was consistently positive in terms of overall opinions of the department and value of the programs offered. Resident are much more familiar with the department than the Regular City Council Meeting Page 3 November 20, 2017 McHenry Conservation District — 87% vs. 70%. Other local agencies tested received lower yet still positive ratings. On average, residents who completed the survey believe the department receives approximately 5% of property taxes. When informed that its share is actually just under 1%, residents rates the department 78% positive vs. 9% a poor value. Mr. Andreasen explained most of the benchmarks they have are for neighboring park districts, not departments. Consequently, when comparing the benchmarks from State of Illinois data and neighboring agencies (mostly districts) McHenry's scores are generally in line or a bit lower however overall the ratings are positive and in line with other agencies in terms of overall favorability. People were asked what they like most about the department and the items that came up most often were programs and events, variety and quality of city parks, and buildings and facilities especially the recreation center. People were asked what they like least about the department and what they thought was the biggest need for improvement. Nearly half of the respondents could not think of anything negative to say or items that needed improvement. Fifty-three percent, who did have a suggestion said they would like to see facility improvement or expansion, and the desire for an indoor pool followed by expansion of the outdoor aquatic facilities. Parks and playgrounds were a distant second followed by programs. Eighty-four percent of residents surveyed have used or visited a Parks and Recreation Department facility or park in the past year. Recent users expressed high satisfaction with the parks facilities visited. Relatively few offered any concerns or negative experiences. Fifty-five percent had not visited a park or facility and most often attributed it to no children in the household. In a separate question, half of the respondents reported going to other sources for fitness and recreation. Most often mentioned were the McHenry Conservation District, Crystal Lake Park District, or private facilities such as Health Bridge, YMCA, and Charter Fitness. Nearly two-thirds of respondents reported having an interest, need, or currently use the city's walking and biking trails. Outdoor facilities in high demand are trails, followed by water facilities and playgrounds and at 44% overall. Outdoor water options registered comparable levels of interest at 39% for pool and aquatic park with slides; 30% interest for a splash pad at a neighborhood park; and 27% stated interest in a lap pool. Many of the facilities deemed in adequate supply locally were trails, baseball and sports fields, and playgrounds. Regular City Council Meeting Page 4 November 20, 2017 The opportunities where demand appeared to out -space supply by the city or an outside agency were outdoor water facilities, especially an open general recreation pool for swimming lessons or warm water therapy, and an outdoor water park. About 54% of the respondents expressed an interest or need for an open indoor pool, 49% for a fitness center, and interest for an indoor track at 43%. Of these residents, many felt that indoor amenities such as fitness center, group exercise studio, multi- purpose rooms, and childcare facilities are sufficiently available. Forty-seven percent of residents reported taking part in fitness programs followed by 24% in youth sports. Recent program and event participants reported they were highly satisfied with their experiences and only 4% expressed dissatisfaction. Program interest, fitness programs and adult programming, classes and sports generated the highest levels of demand at 42% and 39% respectively. Respondents were asked: Do you support or oppose the McHenry Parks and Recreation Department upgrading and improving the McHenry Rec Center to meet the community's recreation needs? This would include adding a two -court gymnasium; an indoor running track, an indoor pool with lap lanes, a splash pad, and therapy pool; expanded indoor play/childcare space; and an outdoor pool and aquatic park. The expanded facilities would mean an increase of $150 in annual property taxes on the average $200,000 home. Residents supported the proposed improvements 2:1, with 69% support and 31% opposed. As many "strongly" supported (29%), as the total number opposed at 31%. A majority of subgroups favored this concept and 65+ were against it, and most long-term McHenry residents were more evenly divided. Supporters clearly felt the improvements were needed and would benefit McHenry. The top reason for opposing the proposal is the property tax increase as most opponents are against any hike in taxes. This is especially true among those who do not intend to use the new facility. Mr. Andreasen stated it was important to note that even among supporters, nearly one in five (18%) voiced concerns over whether the estimated cost is accurate, or whether it would pass given the impact on anti -tax and older, fixed income residents in the community. By far, the program guide is the preferred source for department information (45%) with the website a distant second (18%). In summary, the survey found that residents hold the Parks and Recreation Department in very positive esteem overall. Mayor Jett opened the floor for Council discussion: Regular City Council Meeting Page 5 November 20, 2017 Alderman Curry questioned why only 407 residents responded to the survey. Mr. Andreasen answered that 1,200 surveys were mailed to households in the community in addition to a postcard reminder. Alderman Curry asked if a 6% return is low and Mr. Andreasen said aQuity was careful to make sure that the respondents were representative of the community and were compared to the census date to make sure existing recreation and rec center users or only households with children did not skew the results. For a community the size of McHenry, 400 is actually a typical sample size. Alderman Curry asked if we should assume that the other 94% of the people who received surveys would be just as positive when they did not even bother to respond. Mr. Andreasen said they were given multiple channels to respond and we can compare them to demographics although their attitudes may be different. Alderman Curry noted the survey frequently does not show how many residents responded to each question and in many instances with results of 50%, are we to assume that the 50% is of the 6% who responded. Mr. Andreasen answered that some questions by design should not answered; for example, if someone says they are interested in an indoor walking track, the follow question is how well is your need being met. If I say I could care less about an indoor walking track, we did not ask a follow up question because it is not pertinent to them. Alderman Curry asked noted that the survey indicated walking trails were the highest priority to add or improve. Mr. Andreasen answered that he has never performed a needs assessment where trails did not come up as the most popular feature to add or improve. Alderman Santi asked if trails have been the most popular feature in the past five to 10 years and why does this always come up. Mr. Andreasen answered he has seen this since 1993, and in his opinion, trails are popular because it is a passive use, easy to do and assessable to most people. People are more likely to use a trail than play on a soccer field. Alderman Santi referred to the high number of respondents who get most of their information from the parks brochure and asked if the percentage of seniors who responded to the survey provided a good percentage of the input used in the survey. Mr. Andreasen said that in the case of McHenry, the people who rely on the printed guides most often are women with children. Alderman Santi referred to the survey where it showed that most important programs and events to be expanded or improved were for active adults and asked if this is a key component in the referendum question and how do we get that key component and all demographics in the area to understand what we are looking at Regular City Council Meeting Page 6 November 20, 2017 doing. If they are not interested in making an investment because of the tax there are many who have to be educated to understand why and how the expansion would be developed. Mayor Jett asked Alderman Schaefer, Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Committee for his viewpoint of the assessment. Alderman Schaefer reported that much discussion on the needs assessment has taken place at the committee level. Everyone in the committee found the assessment to be valuable. Yes, they would have preferred more respondents but from an overall standpoint when you breakdown the numbers, the survey is a satisfactory representation of the community. The one major point he drew from the survey is that much of this information was somewhat known by the city, department, and Council such improvements to parks washrooms and pool improvements. The previous Community Needs Assessment performed in 2004, also showed the trails were highly requested and since that time, the city has added trails and connections to other trails. To Alderman Santi's point, getting accurate information to residents is a continual process. Alderman Schaefer added that many of the respondents see the city as the chief source for athletic programs. The city is a great partner for local baseball, soccer, and football leagues however, we are not actually running the leagues and the department receives calls on a daily basis from people who are under that impression. Considering this, some of the answers to the survey may be from people who think the city is in control of those leagues. Alderman Schaefer concluded by stating in his opinion, this is a valuable survey. Alderman Glab said considering the low response, the Council should realize that the numbers are skewed. The favorable percentages will be higher because those that responded are people more interested in what is going on in the Parks Department. People that did not respond to the survey probably would not support the referendum. Alderman Glab asked if the city does place a question on a ballot, would it be an advisory referendum. Director Hobson said he would recommend placing a binding referendum on the ballot as in his opinion, the failure of the past advisory referendum was because of the failure to include details about the question and there was not enough information given to the public. The advisory referendum basically asked for a blank check — no details or costs was provided, just the question do you want a recreation center, yes or no. An information campaign is recommended to give residents opportunity for input. Director Hobson further stated that the Council has time to make the decision whether to place a referendum on the ballot. If there was interest to proceed, staff would begin to organize information and town hall meetings to inform the public. The Council Regular City Council Meeting Page 7 November 20, 2017 may decide not to place a referendum on the ballot however, we will not know for sure until we hold these events. Mr. Andreasen stated that Alderman Glab's initial point about the number of residents who expressed support versus opposition is important. It is also important to remember that the question tested in the assessment was really a concept and not a formal proposal. The survey includes residents in general, not registered voters or likely voters and by no means should the assessment be considered an endorsement to move forward with a referendum. The Council discussed the importance of getting the correct information out to the community. In answer to Alderman Santi's question, Mr. Andreasen said that data from past referendum surveys he has conducted show a favorable outcome, the referenda have never failed. aQuity has helped the Lake County Forest District pass five consecutive referenda in the 1990's and early 2000's. aQuity is usually within three to five percent of the actual outcome. Again, the recent survey was not a voter question — it was a survey. Director Hobson asked for direction from the Council on whether to proceed with the information campaign and potential binding referendum question noting there would be much work to be done. Alderman Santi noted that Petersen Park and Veterans Memorial Park were the most visited parks and asked if that was due to the events held in those parks and Director Hobson agreed. Alderman Glab suggested the Parks and Recreation Committee develop a plan to disseminate information to the residents. Alderman Curry suggested the Parks and Recreation Committee consider other funding possibilities for the expansion. Alderman Curry asked if the $150 property tax increase that was assumed in the survey was derived from expected costs of the facilities and, how long the tax would be charged. Director Hobson answered yes and 20 years. As there was no further discussion, Mayor Jett thanked Mr. Andreasen and he left the meeting. B. Downtown Parking Discussion. Mayor Jett announced that much discussion on downtown parking has occurred over the past month. He promised that he would work with staff to develop ideas Regular City Council Meeting Page 8 November 20, 2017 and options to make some parking areas more convenient to use, the addition of lighting and lot maintenance. Exhibits A, B, and C are aerial maps of each downtown business district identifying public parking lots and on -street parking. Mayor Jett asked the Council for direction on how and if they want to proceed with downtown parking improvements. Alderman Glab referred to the Riverside Drive district and asked why only the striped spaces around Veterans Memorial Park were included in the survey and not those on both sides of the road. City Administrator Morefield said there is no striping, curb and gutter in those areas and staff did not want to count the residential parking spaces. Only striped parking in lots or striped and designated on -street parking areas were counted. Alderman Glab asked how parking spaces three blocks from downtown could be counted as downtown parking. City Administrator Morefield said the last discussion with Council included defining districts, overlaying parking, and double counting spots. He established boundaries for what he would consider Riverside, Green and Main Streets to set the boundaries to obtain an aggregate count of parking spaces. The most important number is 748, which is the aggregate of existing parking in all three business districts Alderman Schaefer said in his opinion, he supported breaking down the parking projects in tiers. He added that he supports the Tier 1 projects and thinks that this is something that should be done immediately as these are short-term solutions that would alleviate many issues with mostly the business owners. He is also in favor of possible partnerships with the McHenry Villa, District 156, and the area on Pearl Street just west of Green. Mayor Jett indicated staff is working on an agreement for the area on Pearl Street and the school board is meeting to discuss their interest in a public lot agreement for Friday and Saturday evenings. Mayor Jett agreed that Tier 1 is something that should be considered soon. He reported that Mr. Marinangel, owner of the McHenry Savings Bank lot on Green Street is interested in a lease agreement with the city. There are lighting concerns in the upper and lower municipal lot on Court Street. There is also a building owned by the city on Court Street that could be demolished for a parking lot adding approximately 22 spaces. The Landmark Commission would support demolition of the two building in Neumann Park, which would open this area to lighting and the public view. Mayor Jett further stated that all these projects are doable in Tier 1 and he asked for the Council's support. There are also opportunities down the road for additional parking on Riverside Drive in Tier 2 and Tier 3. Regular City Council Meeting Page 9 November 20, 2017 Alderman Glab stated he supports Tier 1 and added parking agreements on private property could disappear. City Administrator Morefield noted funding for Tier 1 projects would go before Council for review and approval. Tier 2 projects will be discussed and prioritized during the Capital improvement Program process. Alderman Santi expressed his support for initiating the Tier 1 projects and stated enhanced lighting and convenient parking is important to him with a focus on Riverside Drive and Pearl Street. Alderman Schaefer suggested working with the Downtown Business Association and Chamber to develop creative ways to direct visitors to Riverside Drive into the lots that are seldom used or even unknown by the public. Alderman Curry said the city should make lighting and signage improvements however in his opinion, the city does not really know how utilized city parking lots are and before the city commits to spending money for Tier 1 projects, the city should have an actual objective to look at regarding how often the spaces are utilized. He would prefer to see actual numbers before the city commits to spending over $400,000 for 55 parking spots. ,Mayor Jett stated two engineering projects that need to happen for the city - owned building on Court and Venice, which needs a new roof and maintenance work. The city needs to decide if they are spending money for a building that stores only a few items that could be moved to another location or demolish the building and create a parking lot. The Neumann Park buildings need to come down so the site can be maintained, lit and opened for public view to parking. Mayor Jett further stated that the Main Street parking lot is not lit and needs to be paved. He added that Director Polerecky is working with an LED company on a ComEd program to replace all city fixtures with LED lighting at no charge to the city. Alderman Schaefer noted that many of the items in Tier 1 are maintenance and operational upgrades that need to be done without assessing how many cars are utilizing the spaces. City Administrator Morefield stated that before engaging a parking analysis firm, city staff would research options to identify usage of lots during peak times. STAFF REPORTS A. Transmittal of 2nd Quarter 2017/18 Financial Report. Regular City Council Meeting Page 10 November 20, 2017 Finance Director Lynch presented the Q2 2017/18 Financial Report and reported finances are as expected six months into the fiscal year. Expenses will be monitored closely over the next six months to ensure that going into the budget, these figures can be used as estimated actuals for the year. Alderman Curry inquired about the status of the income taxes collected. Director Lynch answered the state budget was passed with a 10% reduction in income taxes for municipalities and the city received two months of advanced funding. MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS Alderman Santi stated a Public Works Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 27, at 4:30 PM. Alderman Schaefer informed the Council that he has received many positive responses regarding the tree lighting in Veterans Memorial Park and had recently learned that the park is on a holiday lighting tour list for McHenry County. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Alderman Santi, second by Alderman Devine, to adjourn the meeting. Voting Aye: Santi, Devine, Glab, Schaefer, Mihevc, Curry Voting Nay: None Absent: Condon Motion Carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:40 pm. May �De'put ity Clerk