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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 10/16/2017 - City CouncilREGULAR MEETING October 16, 2017 Mayor Wayne Jett called the regularly scheduled October 16, 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: Schaefer, Mihevc, Condon, Glab, Curry, and Devine. Absent: Santi. Also in attendance: City Administrator Derik Morefield, Director of Parks and Recreation Hobson, Director of Economic Development Martin, Chief of Police Jones, Director of Public Works Schmitt, Director of Community Development Polerecky, Director of Finance Lynch, City Attorney Cahill, and City Clerk Nevitt. PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE VACATION OF UNIMPROVED RIGHT-OF-WAY LOCATED NORTHEAST OF THE INTERSECTION OF LINCOLN ROAD AND RIVER ROAD AND VESTING TITLE TO THE SAME IN BODINUS MARINA PROPERTIES, LLC AND ACCEPTING DEDICATION OF PROPERTY FROM BODINUS MARINA PROPERTY, LLC LOCATED ON THE NORTH SIDE OF LINCOLN ROAD AT RIVER ROAD. The Public Hearing was called to order at 7:01 PM. Mayor Jett opened the floor for Public Input regarding the proposed vacation of the property and there was none. Motion by Alderman Schaefer, seconded by Alderman Curry to close the Public Hearing. Voting Aye: Schaefer, Curry, Condon, Devine, Mihevc, Glab Voting Nay: None Absent: Santi Motion Carried. The Public Hearing was closed at 7:02 PM. MOTION TO ADOPT AN ORDINANCE VACATING PART OF UNIMPROVED RIGHT-OF-WAY LOCATED NORTHEAST OF THE INTERSECTION OF LINCOLN ROAD AND RIVER ROAD AND VESTING TITLE TO THE SAME IN BODINUS MARINA PROPERTIES, LLC AND ACCEPTING DEDICATION OF PROPERTY FROM BODINUS MARINA PROPERTY, LLC LOCATED ON THE NORTH SIDE OF LINCOLN ROAD AT RIVER ROAD. Motion by Alderman Curry, seconded by Alderman Mihevc to adopt an Ordinan ce vacating approximately 2,003 square feet of right-of-way on the north side of Lincoln Road at River Road to Bodinus Marina Properties, LLC in exchange of two parcels dedication to the City of McHenry on the north side of Lincoln Road approximately 635 square feet and 224 square feet in size. Regular City Council Meeting Page 2 October 16, 2017 Voting Aye: Curry, Mihevc, Condon, Devine, Glab, Schaefer Voting Nay: None Absent: Santi Motion Carried. PUBLIC COMMENT None. CONSENT AGENDA A. An Ordinance providing for the Supplemental Appropriation for Fiscal Year 2016/17; B. Proposal from Peerless Roofing, Inc. for Petersen Farm Homestead Roof Replacement in the amount of $10,825; C. Pay Application #19 to Williams Brothers Construction in the amount of $947,286.37 for Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements; D. Authorization to publicly bid the 2018 Spring Tree Planting Program; E. Amendment to the FY 17/18 Budget increasing the amount for Park Decorations by $1,860, and Award Bid for installation of Holiday Lighting in Veterans Memorial Park to Temple Display, Ltd. in the amount of $19,360; F. Special Event Liquor License for IMABRIDGE Africa Fundraiser hosted by St. Patrick’s Catholic Church held at The Church of Holy Apostles, November 4, 5 PM to 10 PM. G. Parks Facilities /Special Use Picnic Permits; H. July 17, 2017 City Council meeting minutes; I. Issuance of Checks in the amount of $1,635,938.88 and J. Payment of Bills in the amount of $214,112.50. Alderman Curry requested Item F be pulled from the Consent Agenda. Motion by Alderwoman Condon, second by Alderman Schaefer, approving the Consent Agenda Items A thru E, and G thru J. Alderwoman Condon asked if the amount for holiday lighting is the same amount that was budgeted in the past. Director Hobson answered yes; there was a cost increase that staff had not anticipated. Alderman Curry asked if there was a reason for the increase. Director Hobson said the vendor’s expenses for the lights increased and noted the original bid was negotiated down by $500. Alderman Glab said the cost may become too high to pay in the future and staff may have to install the lights. Alderman Schaefer said he has watched the installation of the lights and it takes about seven men and two ladder trucks, and that is just in the trees. Regular City Council Meeting Page 3 October 16, 2017 Voting Aye: Curry, Schaefer, Condon, Devine, Mihevc, Glab Voting Nay: None Absent: Santi Motion Carried. Consent Agenda Item F Special Event Liquor License for IMABRIDGE Africa Fundraiser hosted by St. Patrick’s Catholic Church held at The Church of Holy Apostles, November 4, 5 PM to 10 PM. Alderman Curry asked that the application be corrected prior to making a motion. He stated that the name of the license applicant was incorrect and the application was not signed by the applicant and therefore, the question is raised as to who is the actual applicant. City Administrator Morefield stated the application would be modified to distinguish between the organization holding the event and the location where the event is to be held. St. Patrick’s Church is organizing the event that will be held in Holy Apostles Church. Alderman Curry said his issue is with the application presented. He supports the event however will only make the motion conditioned on revising the application. Alderman Curry made a motion, seconded by Alderwoman Condon to approv e the Special Event Liquor License for IMABRIDGE Africa Fundraiser hosted by St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and held at The Church of Holy Apostles, November 4, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM conditioned upon receipt of an amended application. Alderman Condon clarified that Mr. Filpi who signed the application is the building manager for Holy Apostles Church and that it make sense to her that he would sign the application as that is where the function is being held. All three Catholic churches in McHenry are trying to support each other and that may be how the confusion began. Alderman Glab questioned the application and said the person who owns the property should not sign the application, but the applicant should sign it. City Administrator said the city’s liquor code states only eight events can be held in one year at the same location. Voting Aye: Curry, Condon, Devin, Mihevc, Glab, Schaefer Voting Nay: None Absent: Santi Motion Carried. INDIVIDUAL ACTION ITEM AGENDA A. Motion to grant a request from Utopian Roast, LLC d/b/a Hidden Pearl Café for a Class G1 liquor license located at 1250 N. Green Street and adoption of an Ordinance Regular City Council Meeting Page 4 October 16, 2017 amending Municipal Code Chapter 4, Sec. 4-6(6) increasing the number of Class G1 licenses in effect from eight to nine. Mayor Jett asked City Administrator Morefield to present this item to the Council. City Administrator Morefield noted Dan and Christine Kearns doing business as Hidden Pearl Café have submitted a request for a Class G1 liquor license for their new locat ion at 1250 N. Green Street, former site of Some Other Nuts. Approval of the license requires approval of an ordinance amending the Municipal Code to increase the number of G1 licenses in effect. He and Mayor Jett met with the applicants and all required paperwork has been submitted. Mayor Jett announced the applicants Dan and Christine Kearns were present at the meeting. Alderman Schaefer asked the applicant intended to apply for a video gaming license and Mr. Kearns answered yes. Alderman Schaefer asked if this would be a family establishment and Mr. Kearns said yes, the gaming area would be approximately 140 square feet similar to the area in Village Square. Alderman Schaefer asked Mr. Kearns if his business will need video gaming to survive and Mr. Kearns said that at this point he would like to exercise all his options. Alderman Glab said he was surprised to learn that video gaming would be included in this business as several years ago the applicant said he would not consider gaming. Alderman Glab said the city should send a message that approval of this license is in support of local businesses and he is tired of business coming before Council just for video gaming. Mr. Kearns added a large portion of his business would be used for live entertainment specifically the arts and he went through zoning to obtain approval. Alderwoman Condon stated she has known Mr. Kearns for quite a while and found Hidden Pearl to be an eclectic environment. She is hopeful the new location will succeed. Alderwoman Condon made a motion, seconded by Alderman Schaefer to grant the request from Utopian Roast, LLC d/b/a Hidden Pearl Café for a Class G1 liquor license located at 1250 N. Green Street and adoption of an Ordinance amending Municipal Code Chapter 4, Sec. 4-6(6) increasing the number of Class G1 licenses in effect from eight to nine. Voting Aye: Condon, Schaefer, Devine, Mihevc, Curry, Glab Voting Nay: None Absent: Santi Motion Carried. Regular City Council Meeting Page 5 October 16, 2017 B. Motion to Adopt an Ordinance Granting a Use Variance to allow an Assembly Use at 4105 W. Crystal Lake Road in addition to a 700 square foot retail area. Alderman Mihevc reported he and his wife are the applicants for the Ignite Teen Center and after discussing this with City Attorney McArdle, he was advised to abst ain from the vote and remove himself from the Council’s discussion, as there may be a conflict of interest. However, He is available to answer Council questions about the center. Mayor Jett informed the Council that Kyia Henige, 3619 W. Cornell Court signed in to comment on this item before the Council. Ms. Henige told the Council that she met Chad and Jenny Mihevc several years ago through Shepherd of the Hills Church. She said the Mihevcs are highly qualified to operate the Ignite Teen Center and they are dedicated to public service. She said that because of their influence, she volunteers for FISH Food Pantry, Feed My Starving Children, and various agencies providing food to families. The Ignite Teen Center will provide children with a positive environment where everyone is welcome and not judgmental. It is a place where kids can just be kids. Alderman Curry made a motion, seconded by Alderman Devine to Adopt an Ordinance Granting a Use Variance to allow an Assembly Use at 4105 W. Crystal Lake Road in addition to a 700 square foot retail area. Alderman Glab asked about parking in the development, as it was not addressed in the supplement. Director Martin stated there are a few different uses in the building. Parking is determined by occupant load and the use. The design capacity for the building is 2.5 spaces per person and is tied directly to the property. The property is oddly shaped and includes the building and parking area on the southeast corner of Main Street and Crystal Lake Road. Potential overflow parking if required is available to the east and technically is part of the property. If this standard is not met or if there is an issue with the parking, a violation notice will be sent. Alderwoman Condon asked if Ignite Teen center was religion-based and Alderman Mihevc answered no. Alderwoman Condon noted there was ample parking available when Smith Engineering was located at this site. Alderman Schaefer asked if the center would be open to only McHenry students and Alderman Mihevc answered that the center will be open to children from all schools, not just in McHenry. Regular City Council Meeting Page 6 October 16, 2017 Voting Aye: Curry, Devine, Condon, Curry, Glab Voting Nay: None Abstaining: Mihevc Absent: Santi Motion Carried. C. Motion to approve the McHenry Rotary Club 1) use of Petersen Park to setup, host, and cleanup for the Blues, Brew & BBQ’s festival from August 16, through August 20; 2) Special Event Liquor License for the sale of beer, wine, and malt liquor with ticket sales to cease 30-minutes prior to park closure; 3) a 50% reduction of the charges for city services incurred as a result of this event; 4) permission to post temporary advertising signs in municipal right-of-ways; and 5) temporary waiver of Code Section 16-25 to allow overnight camping in Petersen Park as presented. Mayor Jett asked Director of Parks and Recreation to present the item to the Council. Director Hobson noted the Blues Brews and BBQ’S event has become a staple of the city’s summer events. The McHenry Rotary is proposing to host this year’s event on Friday, August 17 through Sunday, August 20 in Petersen Park. Last year, the Kansas City Barbeque Society contest was added to the event and 36 teams participated in the contest. This year, Rotary is proposing to include the contest, which requires a temporary waiver of city ordinance prohibiting overnight stays in the park on Friday and Saturday night. Rotary anticipates 50 teams participating this year. Director Hobson said the park has room for the RV’s. Alderman Glab asked for the city policy regarding charges for city services. Director Hobson said there is no simple parks use fee for an event this size. Staff takes into consideration the total setup and police department overtime. The city’s actual cost is considered. Alderman Glab noted the city does not use parks as a revenue source and asked staff if the negotiated 50% reduction in fees would cover city costs. Director Hobson answered the costs would be covered. Alderman Schaefer made a motion, seconded by Alderman Curry to approve the McHenry Rotary Club 1) use of Petersen Park to setup, host, and cleanup for the Blues, Brew & BBQ’s festival from August 16, through August 20; 2) Special Event Liquor License for the sale of beer, wine, and malt liquor with ticket sales to cease 30-minutes prior to park closure; 3) a 50% reduction of the charges for city services incurred as a result of this event; 4) permission to post temporary advertising signs in municipal right- of-ways; and 5) temporary waiver of Code Section 16 -25 to allow overnight camping in Petersen Park as presented. Alderman Schaefer asked if the city added language regarding potential damage to the park that could be caused by parking on the grass after a heavy rain. Director Hobson said Rotary as well as the Chamber are aware that they are responsible for turf Regular City Council Meeting Page 7 October 16, 2017 restoration when necessary. Rotary and the Chamber have always cooperated with turf restoration. Voting Aye: Schaefer, Curry, Devine, Mihevc, Glab, Condon Voting Nay: None Absent: Santi Motion Carried. DISCUSSION ONLY ITEMS: A. Downtown Parking Alderman Curry stated after comparing the information provided by staff and comparing it to other communities, it does not seem like the city is in bad shape. The study indicates that Lake Zurich does not have more public spaces than McHenry and he asked if Lake Zurich was comparable to McHenry in population. Director Martin said he included the study in the report because it takes into account quantitative and qualitative data. It also looks at specific days and times over a specified time period. The qualitative component includes holding discussion with the public. The study found that much of the need for parking is perception. It is a fair and simple study. Alderman Curry said one of the issues in the study was the perception that a large lot was not available for parking. The study also concluded that there was a need to publicize all available parking. Maybe people in McHenry just did not know where it is available. Director Martin noted Director Hobson and his staff are marking and installing signage to guide people through the downtown. Alderman Curry said the hourly study was only performed from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and did not include Saturday evenings. Director Martin said that was co rrect and probably because that is when they were having issues. Alderman Curry said there is a lack of parking downtown on Saturday evenings particularly on Riverside Drive. Alderman Curry asked if the staff is thinking about performing a parking study. Director Martin said that would be an option and it could be tailored to any time of the day. Alderman Glab said before we get into parking we should discuss the city’s vision for the downtown. Lake Zurich is established and McHenry still has a lot of opportunity with new development. We have to know what we need for parking in the future. Developers may turn away if we do not have enough parking. At least a plan is needed for the future. Alderman Glab asked if Lake Zurich has parking requirements for new developments. Director Martin said he is not aware of any and most communities do not institute specific parking requirements in downtown areas; this would be very unusual. Director Martin reported that Lake Zurich recently rebuilt their downtown. Regular City Council Meeting Page 8 October 16, 2017 Alderman Glab asked what the occupancy was for the downtown buildings and Director Martin said he did not know. Director Martin added that downtowns are always evolving and everyone agrees they are important to the community. The Center for Government Studies recently prepared a downtown survey for municipalities with over 2,500 in population. This survey is not an answer but a tool that many municipalities use. It takes into consideration location, conditions, what is important to the area, etc., and is a holistic view of downtowns in general. This survey may provide some ideas for discussion. Alderman Glab continued to express the need for the Council to execute a downtown vision. Mayor Jett reported he and Director Polerekcy have met with building owners on Green Street about paving the rear of their buildings to clean up the area and add parking. Additional signage and lights are also needed. Alderman Schaefer said over the summer he did his own investigation of downtown parking and found that much of the concern for the lack of parking is just perception and based on knowing that you may have to walk a block or two to get where you want to go. This past Saturday night, Riverside Drive and Pearl Street was very busy and there was plenty of parking available. In his opinion, if you have a product and a business that people want to go to they will find a place to park; Lake Geneva is a good example of this. When the movie theater was open, people found places to park on Green Street. You may have to walk a block or two but parking is available. Requiring building owners to come up with parking would be a detriment especially to new development. Mayor Jett stated he is concerned about business owners who complain about parking yet they continue to park in front of their business. Alderman Schaefer mentioned that at the south end of Riverside Drive (former location of Joey T’s); there is a parking lot that is consistently open. That is not a long walk. Perhaps the city should add more signage making people aware of that lot. In response, Director Martin said this inventory was not included in the information provided to the Council however the core downtown plan does include this lot. As a long-term plan, forcing developers and building owners to provide parking is a bad idea. If we can show what parking is available it would be helpful. Director Martin added that there is more the city can do for example, safety issues are a factor for some people such as the parking area west on Riverside Drive that has limited lighting. Alderwoman Condon agreed with Alderman Schaefer stating she is not aware of any downtown that does not have parking issues. This is not to say she does not think the city needs more parking. She would hop e the city would continue these discussions. She questioned the wisdom of conducting a study and said she would rather the money is used for something else downtown. As city planning, we need to identify spots that if available, the city could consider purchasing for parking. Woodstock is a good example Regular City Council Meeting Page 9 October 16, 2017 as when she goes to a movie on the weekend day or night, she has found it difficult to find parking and at times, she had to park a few blocks away, but she would go to that destination anyway. The city should continually try to get the information on parking out to the public and look for public parking options. There are options available to educate the community and visitors on public parking locations. Mayor Jett asked for public comment and invited speakers to the podium. Mike Dumelle stated he has operated Buddyz on Green Street for two years. Parking in their specific area is needed. He thanked the city for the new signage and said he is now more familiar with parking that is available in the area. He struggles with the amount of money that Buddyz spends on marketing. Deliveries are up by triple digits and business is down in the dining room while paying premium rent. In his opinion, a valet service would help but there is no place to park the vehicles. He stated lack of parking is the main complaint he hears from his customers. Mr. Dumelle thanked the city again for the new signage and informed the Council that the crosswalks near Buddyz is faded and needs to be restriped. Mr. Dan Kearns owner of Hidden Pearl Café on Green Street stated as storefronts become occupied, he would hope there was a way to shuttle people around on the weekends to the different downtown areas. City resident Phil Sweeney addressed the council regarding the need to improve walkability through downtown. If the Council is going to promote walking, he suggested widening the narrow sidewalks, as they are difficult to navigate on crowded days. Crosswalks and lighting are also needed in the downtown. Mayor Jett said he would like to facilitate a meeting with Director Martin , and the downtown businesses owners on Green Street to investigate a possible valet service on the weekends. He thinks valet parking is a great idea for the downtown. Mayor Jett added Riverside Drive could also benefit from this service. Director Martin noted the Metra lot is underutilized. Alderman Curry asked for clarification as to how many spaces are actually available downtown noting the information provided to the Council is conflicting. Director Martin stated the chart on page 140 notes 507 public spaces but does not included Riverside Drive. The chart on page 146 indicates 639 spaces in a larger area and is a more realistic account of available public parking in the city. Alderman Curry added that regarding available parking spaces, the city seems to be in good shape. Alderman Curry suggested that the city determine if there is a problem with parking by initiating some type of study similar to Lake Zurich, adding that the city needs to make the walk to and from a parking space pleasant and inviting as it is in Woodstock. Mayor Jett said he believes the study will show that parking is more of an inconvenience than unavailability. Regular City Council Meeting Page 10 October 16, 2017 Alderman Glab asked Alderman Curry how often he visits Woodstock stating it may be a nice walk once and a while but every week it will become a problem. People at one time walked more often and now, everything is about perception and convenience. The onus is on the city to provide parking in the downtown area. If we are going to have our downtown area competitive than the main thing is to provide parking for restaurants and entertainment. We need to be prepared. The Savings Bank lot is available but things change. The theater is going to open and if the bank is sold that parking could be gone. Alderman Glab repeated his desire for the city to have an established downtown vision. He further stated that convenient parking is a competitive factor with shoppers and diners, using the City of St. Charles as an example. Alderman Glab suggested the Council provide staff with direction on how to proceed. Mayor Jett said he would first like to facilitate meetings with business owners regarding a valet service on Friday and Saturday night. It is possible to use Miller Point and the west side of Pearl Street to park the cars. Mayor Jett also suggested discussions with District 156 and McHenry Villa for possible use of lots on those evenings. Mayor Jett tabled the discussion for two-weeks after he meets with downtown business owners. Mayor Jett asked Alderman Schaefer to walk Riverside Drive with him on a weekend night to observe parking. Alderman Glab said two weeks is not necessary as long as the city intends to come up with a plan. At Mayor Jett’s request, the Council agreed to table the discussion on downtown parking for two weeks pending his research into valet parking. STAFF REPORTS City Administrator Morefield reported the IT Division adjusted the microphones in the Council Chambers for better sound quality. They also installed the audio-visual system in the Council Chambers. For all future meetings, agendas and presentations will appear on the new monitors for Council and public viewing. City Administrator Morefield thanked Chief Jones for his service to the city noting this is his last Council meeting as he is retiring after 28 years serving the City of McHenry. Chief Jones told the Council and staff that he has appreciated working with them and it has been an honor to serve the community. MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS Alderwoman Condon reported a Community Development Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, 23, at 7:00 AM. Regular City Council Meeting Page 11 October 16, 2017 Alderman Schaefer reported a special meeting of the Parks and Recreation Committee is scheduled for Thursday, October 19, at 5:30 PM to discuss the Community Needs Assessment results. Mayor Jett noted the first meeting of the Economic Development Commission is November 1. As of today, Mayor Jett informed the Council that he would post weekly city reports on social media to be more transparent. He is also sending emailed updates to city employees. EXECUTIVE SESSION Motion by Alderwoman Condon, seconded by Alderman Curry to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of 5 ILCS 120/2(5) to discuss the purchase or lease of real property for use of the public body. Voting Aye: Condon, Curry, Schaefer, , Devine, Mihevc, Glab. Voting Nay: None. Absent: Santi Motion carried. Mayor Jett called the Executive Session to order at 8:40 pm. Motion by Alderman Curry, seconded by Alderwoman Condon, to return to Open Session. Voting Aye: Curry, Devine, Mihevc, Schaefer, Glab, Condon. Voting Nay: None. Absent: Santi. Motion carried. Council returned to Open Session at 8:53 pm. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Alderman Curry, second by Alderman Santi, to adjourn the meeting. Voting Aye: Curry, Santi, Condon, Devine, Mihevc, Schaefer, Glab Voting Nay: None Absent: None Motion Carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:53 pm. _____________________________________ ____________________________________ Mayor Deputy City Clerk