HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 10/03/2016 - City CouncilREGULAR MEETING
October 3, 2016
Mayor Low called the regularly scheduled meeting of the McHenry City Council to order at 7:00
p.m. In attendance were the following Aldermen: Santi, Glab, Schaefer, Curry, Wimmer,
Peterson and Condon. Absent: None. Also in attendance: City Administrator Morefield, Deputy
City Administrator Hobson, Director of Economic Development Martin, Director of Community
Development Polerecky, Director of Public Works Schmitt, Chief of Police Jones and City Clerk
Jones.
PRESENTATION OF CHARACTER COUNTS! RECOGNITION AWARDS
Mayor Low read aloud the Presentation of CHARACTER COUNTS! Recognition Awards to
Dr. John Beerbower, Physical Education Teacher at West Campus and Mr. Dennis Hutchinson,
Physical Education Teacher at East Campus.
Dr. Beerbower and Mr. Hutchinson were nominated for recognition by Carl Vallianatos
for their fundraising efforts and many personal hours and dedication in assisting students and
their families in the community. Mr. Vallianatos stated that Dr. Beerbower and Mr. Hutchinson
exemplify the teachers and coaches in the McHenry County School District.
Mayor Low opined that it is great that we have such wonderful teachers and role
models in our community.
PRESENTATION OF FISCAL YEAR 2015/2016 ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT BY EDER CASELLA
COMPANY
Mr. Kevin Smith of Eder, Casella and Company reported the Annual Financial report for
the year ending April 30, 2016 has been completed. Mr. Smith expressed appreciation to
Director of Finance Lynch for her assistance. Mr. Smith stated that Director Lynch did a great
job, the audit is good and there are no deficiencies.
Mr. Smith informed Council the General Fund Balance totaled $10,325,050; a $286,149
increase from last fiscal year. According to city policy, the General Fund unassigned balance
should be approximately 120 days of estimated operating expenditures, which equates to
46,775,024 for FY15/16, which is 120 days of the FY16/17 General Fund Budget, less capital
expenses. This leaves $3,518,908 to be assigned for capital projects with $31,118 as non -
spendable due to prepaid expenses.
Mr. Smith informed Council regarding the Statement of Revenues Expenses and
Changes in Net Position —Proprietary Funds, which shows the annual operating income and
expenses for the Water and Sewer Fund with an operating loss of $286,788. This loss highlights
the continuing need to review and adjust water/sewer rates to cover operational expenses.
Mr. Smith stated this year's report includes additional required information pursuant to
GASB 68, Accounting and Financial Reporting for Pensions and GASB 71, Pension Transition for
Contributions Made Subsequent to the Measurement Date.
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October 3, 2016
CITY OF MCHENRY MISSION STATEMENT
Mayor Low read aloud the Mission Statement of the City of McHenry.
PUBLIC INPUT SESSION
Ms. Ashley Kamin, 6410 Midleton addressed Council about her concerns for parking
near Shamrock Park.
CONSENT AGENDA
A. An Ordinance providing for the Supplemental Appropriation for Fiscal Year 2015/2016;
B. Pay Application No. 7 to Williams Brothers Construction, in the amount of $1,234,114,29, for Wastewater Treatment
Plant Improvements;
C. Amendment to the Fiscal Year 2016/2017 Budget, increasing the amount for Park Donations by $350, and Award of
Bid for installation of holiday lighting in Veterans Memorial Park to Temple Display, Ltd., in the amount of $17,850;
D. Temporary closure of a portion of Pyndale Drive in the Fox Ridge Subdivision for a Block Party on October 15, 2016;
from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm;
E. July 18, 2016 City Council meeting minutes; and
F. Approval of Payment of Bills, in the amount of $1,568,208.54,
item.
Alderman Peterson requested Item C on the Consent Agenda be voted on as a separate
Motion by Wimmer, second by Schaefer, approving Consent Agenda, as amended.
Voting Aye: Santi, Glab, Curry, Schaefer, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
Motion by Wimmer, second by Condon, approving Consent Agenda Item C, regarding
the Amendment to the Fiscal Year 2016/2017 Budget, increasing the amount for Park
Donations by $350, and Award of Bid for installation of holiday lighting in Veterans Memorial
Park to Temple Display, Ltd., in the amount of $17,850, as presented.
Voting Aye: Santi, Glab, Curry, Schaefer, Wimmer, Condon.
Voting Nay: Peterson.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE TO A SIGN ORDINANCE TO PERMIT TWO ADDITIONAL WALL
SIGNS ONE ADDITIONAL FREE STANDING SIGN AND ADDITIONAL FREE STANDING SIGN AREA
FROM U-HAUL LOCATED AT 2019 N. RICHMOND ROAD
Director of Community Development Polerecky informed Council that a Sign Variance
has been requested by U-Haul at 2019 North Richmond Road. The Applicant is requesting use of
the existing free-standing sign located on McCullom Lake Road, an additional 47 square feet of
free standing sign area and two additional wall signs.
Staff is currently working with the U-Haul design team to finalize plans for a major
overhaul of the current facility occupied by U-Haul since March of 2016. The overhaul includes
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October 3, 2016
exterior upgrades. Staff has no concerns with the Variance request. The combined area of all
signs does not exceed the maximum allowed and is similar to the signage the former property
owners had on the building. Director Polerecky noted the size of the building and frontages on
two streets make the building unique. The free-standing and wall signs play an important role in
advertising from both street frontages.
Motion by Schaefer, second by Curry, approving the Sign Variance for U-Haul, located at
2019 north Richmond Road, for two additional wall signs, one additional free-standing, and an
additional 47 square foot of free-standing sign area, as presented.
Voting Aye: Santi, Glab, Curry, Schaefer, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
MOTION TO AWARD FACADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT TO APPLICANT BOB FUNK IN THE
AMOUNT OF $2,338, FOR THE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 1326 AND 1334 N. RIVERSIDE DRIVE
Director of Economic Development Martin informed Council that a Facade Improvement
Grant has been requested for the properties at 1326 and 1334 North Riverside Drive, Director
Martin outlined the basic criteria of the program, explaining the purpose of the Fagade Grant is
to offset a portion of costs expended by property owners, which furthers the preservation of a
building and doing the best deemed practical to maintain the building's original appearance
and historic appeal.
Mr. Bob Funk has submitted two applications. One application is for awning recovering
and replacement at 1326 N. Riverside Drive (Vinyl Frontier Records) and the other is for awning
recovering, repair and lettering at 1334 N. Riverside Drive (Old Bridge Tavern). Both grant
requests total $3,956. Mr. Funk received three quotes. Fox Lake Canvas was contracted to do
the work on both buildings, for a total of $5,300.
Director Martin stated all Facade Grant applications are reviewed by the Landmark
Commission, which makes recommendations to Council. The Landmark Commission
recommended awarding a total reimbursement of 50% of the lowest bid, or $2,338, Director
Martin noted that $5,000 is budgeted for Fagade Improvements Grants annually.
Motion by Schaefer, second by Santi, approving the recommendation from the
Landmark Commission to award a total of $2,338 in Facade Improvement Grants to the
applicant for the properties located at 1326 and 1334 North Riverside Drive, as presented.
Voting Aye: Santi, Glab, Schaefer, Curry, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
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October 3, 2016
MAYOR'S STATEMENT AND REPORT
Mayor Low announced last Thursday was the final band concert of the season. Mayor
Low noted the band concert season was extended and well attended due in part to the efforts
of City of McHenry employee Tina Conaway and the Farmers Market, Mayor Low thanked Ms.
Conaway and the vendors for an enjoyable season.
Mayor Low announced the Jaycees Haunted Hayride is taking place and will continue
from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm until October 31, 2016.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Alderman Schaefer informed Council that a meeting of the Public Works Committee
took place this evening prior to the Council meeting. Minutes are forthcoming.
STAFF REPORTS
There were no Staff Reports.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
Alderman Glab expressed concern about the cancellation of the Committee of the
Whole scheduled for October 24, 2016. He opined the Committee of the Whole presented a
perfect opportunity to discuss video gaming. Alderman Glab requested cancellation of the
meeting be reconsidered. Alderman Curry stated he is also supportive of a Committee of the
Whole meeting to discuss the matter.
Mayor Low assured Alderman Glab and Alderman Curry that she would discuss the
matter with City Attorney McArdle.
Alderman Condon informed Council she was please to recognize Chief of Police Jones
and a couple of the other officers in the Department at the recent seminar at MCC on heroin
addiction. Alderman Condon stated that she felt the City of McHenry was well represented at
this was an important and informative seminar.
DJOURNMENT
Motion by Wimmer, seconded by Peterson, to adjourn the meeting at 7:36 pm.
Voting Aye: Santi, Glab, Schaefer, Curry, Wimmer, Peterson, Condon.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:36 pm.
Mayor
City Clerk