HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 01/17/2011 - Committee of the WholeCOMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
JANUARY 17, 2011
Mayor Low called the Committee of the Whole meeting of the McHenry City Council to
order at 7:30 p.m. on January 17, 2011. In attendance were the following Aldermen: Santi,
Glab, Schaefer, Blake, Wimmer, and Peterson. Absent: Condon. Also in attendance were City
Administrator Black, Deputy City Administrator Martin, Assistant City Administrator Hobson,
Deputy City Clerk Kunzer, Construction and Neighborhood Services Director Schwalenberg,
Public Works Director Schmitt, Parks and Recreation Director Merkel, Chief of Police Jones, City
Engineer Pieper.
PUBLIC INPUT SESSION
There was no one who signed in to speak during the Ten Minutes of Public Input.
CONSENT AGENDA
Alderman Glab requested the following Consent Agenda items be pulled for further
discussion:
Item A. Ordinance approving an intergovernmental agreement with McHenry County, City of
Crystal Lake and City of Woodstock for Dial‐A‐Ride Services enabling payments from Senior Services Grant
Funds;
Item B. Approve the acceptance of the RJ Properties Sanitary Sewer Extension including a two‐
year maintenance period; and
Item C. Acceptance of a portion of Oaks at Irish Prairie Unit 1, including Veterans Parkway.
Motion by Glab, seconded by Wimmer, to approve the Consent Agenda as amended:
D. City Council minutes:
January 3, 2011 regularly scheduled meeting;
E. Award of Bid for printing 2011 Parks Brochures and City Newsletters – John S. Swift Printing in the amount of
$11,794;
F. List of As‐Needed Checks:
BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD O 107,688.90
ED'S AUTOMOTIVE/JIM'S MU 69.00
ELAN TECHNOLOGIES INC 1,819.35
FBI NAA 75.00
FOP UNITS I/II 1,786.00
IUOE, LOCAL 150 1,965.81
MAXIM CONSTRUCTION CORP 134,305.20
MCHENRY COUNTY RECORDER 2,481.50
MCHENRY POLICE OFFICER'S 924.00
NATIONAL GUARDIAN LIFE I 42.33
NCPERS GROUP LIFE INS. 256.00
NEUMANN JR, EDWARD J 500.00
NORTH SUBURBAN WATER 45.00
POSTMASTER MCHENRY IL 1,298.50
PRE-PAID LEGAL SERVICES 142.45
TREDROC TIRE/ANTIOCH 002 768.09
UNITED PARCEL SERVICE 106.82
UNITED WAY OF MCHENRY CO 196.28
UNUM 1,673.42
WALMART COMMUNITY 85.70
GRAND TOTALS 256,229.35
FUND TOTALS
Committee of the Whole Meeting
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January 17, 2011
GENERAL FUND 11,056.12
WATER/SEWER FUND 2,679.13
UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS FUND 134,305.20
EMPLOYEE INSURANCE FUND 107,688.90
RETAINED PERSONNEL ESCROW 500.00
TOTALS 256,229.35
G. List of Bills:
ACCRA INDUSTRIES INC 441.00
ACE HARDWARE, BJORKMAN'S 2,230.92
ADAMS ENTERPRISES INC, R 1,578.25
ADAMS STEEL SERVICE INC 26.75
ADVANTAGE MECHANICAL INC 2,090.00
AFTERMATH INC 75.00
AGS REBUILDERS 284.00
ALEXANDER EQUIPMENT COMP 1,245.95
AMERICAN TRAFFIC SAFETY 8.75
AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASS 498.00
ANCHOR TOWING 100.00
ANDERSON, LORI 116.25
AT&T 3,069.78
AT&T LONG DISTANCE 121.55
AUTO TECH CENTERS INC 1,429.76
BAKER & SON CO, PETER 1,336.50
BAXTER & WOODMAN 4,869.93
BERGGREN, LEE 590.50
BONNELL INDUSTRIES INC 2,530.00
BURRIS EQUIPMENT COMPANY 95.20
BUSS FORD SALES 115.37
CAREY ELECTRIC 625.00
CASSIDY TIRE & SERVICE 1,238.32
CDW GOVERNMENT INC 135.63
CENTEGRA OCCUPATIONAL ME 589.96
CENTIMARK CORPORATION 50.00
CHICAGO COMMUNICATIONS L 5,593.00
CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL TR 736.58
CHRISTOPHER, DAVID 35.30
CINTAS CORPORATION #355 1,688.51
COMCAST CABLE 74.90
COMED 53,395.10
COMMUNICATIONS REVOLVING 105.00
CONSTELLATION NEWENERGY 13,981.91
CRESCENT ELECTRIC SUPPLY 61.00
CRITICAL REACH 395.00
CROWDER, TRACY 153.22
CUTTING EDGE COMMUNICATI 1,208.75
D'ANGELO NATURAL SPRING 38.75
DENTAL HEALTH PRODUCTS I 59.40
DEVELOPERS DIVERSIFIED R 60.00
DOOR SERVICE INC 599.89
DREISILKER ELECTRIC MOTO 184.40
ED'S AUTOMOTIVE/JIM'S MU 195.00
FAST EDDIES CAR WASH 154.50
FISCHER BROS FRESH 1,457.75
FLESCH COMPANY INC, GORD 96.65
FOERSTER, JEFFERY S 120.00
FOX WATERWAY AGENCY 40.00
FOXCROFT MEADOWS INC 433.00
G IMPRESSIONS INC 236.00
GALLS AN ARAMARK CO LLC 79.99
GITZKE, WILLIAM J 150.40
GOTT, LISA M 19.38
GRAINGER 303.45
GROVE, KELLY 97.50
HAWKINS INC 2,737.25
HD SUPPLY WATERWORKS 264.14
HERNANDEZ, FELIX 36.00
HOJNACKI, DALE 21.34
HUGHES & SON INC 4,250.00
HYDROTEX 96.58
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January 17, 2011
IAHPC 50.00
ILLINOIS AUDIO PRODUCTIO 135.00
ILLINOIS DEPT OF NATURAL 41.00
ILLINOIS GFOA 470.00
INTEGRA BUSINESS SYSTEMS 63.15
INTERSTATE BATTERY SYSTE 289.90
J G UNIFORMS INC 110.27
JC LICHT/EPCO 226.07
JENSEN, TED 84.50
JOHNSON, ROMIE 11,379.50
JONES, JOHN 555.00
JULIE INC 194.75
KALE UNIFORMS INC 530.90
KIMBALL MIDWEST 1,056.78
KTD INC 363.25
LEE AUTO MCHENRY 305.37
LEXISNEXIS 124.50
MCANDREWS PC, THE LAW OF 6,800.00
MCAULIFF & SEMROW PC 787.50
MCCAFFERTY, BRITTANY 334.85
MCCANN INDUSTRIES INC 193.32
MCHENRY ANALYTICAL WATER 15.00
MCHENRY AREA CHAMBER OF 800.00
MCHENRY COMMUNITY HIGH S 5,265.05
MCHENRY COMMUNITY SCHOOL 9,329.95
MCHENRY COUNTY CHIEFS OF 45.00
MCHENRY COUNTY COUNCIL O 835.52
MCHENRY COUNTY RECORDER 320.00
MCHENRY FIRESTONE 3,464.50
MCHENRY PUBLIC LIBRARY 1,656.00
MCHENRY TOWNSHIP FIRE PR 1,656.00
MCHENRY TOWNSHIP ROAD DI 9,066.60
MDC ENVIRONMENTAL SERVIC 17,483.63
MEADE ELECTRIC COMPANY I 537.61
MERRYMAN EXCAVATION INC 140,786.97
METROPOLITAN INDUSTRIES 178.07
MEYER MATERIAL COMPANY 583.30
MID AMERICAN WATER OF WA 2,078.47
MIDWEST HOSE AND FITTING 130.82
MIDWEST METER INC 1,319.33
MINUTEMAN PRESS OF MCH 275.95
MONROE TRUCK EQUIPMENT I 341.18
MORTON SALT 9,396.97
NAPA AUTO PARTS MPEC 1,674.49
NATIONAL PUBLIC EMPLOYER 190.00
NCL OF WISCONSIN INC 1,435.95
NET SPECIALISTS INC 599.40
NICOR GAS 5,060.95
NORTHERN KEY & LOCK INC 290.00
NORTHWEST ELECTRICAL SUP 354.24
NWBOCA 50.00
PACE 18,285.38
PENZE, JACQUELINE S 240.00
PETROLIANCE LLC 24,129.00
PETTIBONE & CO, P F 965.44
PITEL SEPTIC INC 18.75
PITNEY BOWES INC 449.60
POPP, LARRY 18.25
PORTER LEE CORPORATION 1,150.00
PRECISION SHARPENING 65.00
PUBLIC SAFETY TRAINING C 60.00
RADICOM INC 101.67
REINDERS INC 94.98
REISHUS, DEIRDRE 231.00
RELIABLE MAINTENANCE INC 1,950.00
RELIABLE SAND & GRAVEL 254.50
S&S WORLDWIDE INC 59.70
SCHATZ, DONALD 390.00
SEC GROUP INC 25,810.40
SHAW SUBURBAN MEDIA 77.60
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January 17, 2011
SHERMAN MECHANICAL INC 1,341.23
SHERWIN INDUSTRIES INC 148.82
SHUETT, DEBORA 294.00
SIRCHIE FINGER PRINT LAB 339.81
ST PAULS EPISCOPAL CHURC 270.30
STAN'S FINANCIAL SERVICE 222.00
STANARD & ASSOCIATES INC 790.00
STANS OFFICE TECHNOLOGIE 179.00
STAPLES ADVANTAGE 820.41
STEWART TITLE CO OF ILLI 100.00
TEAM REIL INC 2,100.00
THEODORE POLYGRAPH SERV 135.00
TRAFFIC CONTROL & PROTEC 326.07
ULINE 76.51
ULTRA STROBE COMMUNICAIT 100.87
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS 4,489.00
US REFRIGERATION SALES & 298.58
USA BLUEBOOK 182.84
VACULA, JOHN T 6,700.00
VALLEY VIEW ACRES 255.00
VIKING CHEMICAL COMPANY 14,095.88
VOELKER, MATT 202.40
WASTE MANAGEMENT OF WI P 7,200.84
WATER SOLUTIONS UNLIMITE 4,800.00
WITT, CINDY 25.94
ZAHN, DAN 450.00
GRAND TOTALS 474,264.34
FUND TOTALS
GENERAL FUND 206,909.61
ANNEXATION FUND 2,204.00
MOTOR FUEL TAX FUND 9,396.9
DEVELOPER DONATION FUND 15,703.00
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS FUND 27,232.90
WATER/SEWER FUND 67,152.96
UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS FUND 140,786.97
RISK MANAGEMENT FUND 264.14
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FUND 4,014.54
RETAINED PERSONNEL ESCROW 599.25
TOTALS 474,264.34
Voting Aye: Santi, Glab, Schaefer, Blake, Wimmer, Peterson.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Condon.
Motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM A: ORDINANCE APPROVING INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT
WITH MCHENRY COUNTY, CITY OF CRYSTAL LAKE, AND CITY OF WOODSTOCK FOR DIAL‐A‐
RIDE SERVICES AND ENABLING PAYMENTS FROM SENIOR SERVICES GRANT FUNDS
Alderman Glab stated this would appear to be a great program; however he requested
clarification as to how it functions.
Deputy City Administrator stated the City’s Dial‐A‐Ride program and voucher system
continues as originally designed. This service is utilized by McHenry residents from place to
place within the City. The agreement being proposed this evening would allow for payment
from Senior Services grant funds for trips between the governmental entities participating in
the agreement, i.e. McHenry County, City of Crystal Lake, City of Woodstock and City of
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January 17, 2011
McHenry. The pilot program which includes service between these entities has been in place
for the past year.
Alderman Glab inquired if the City could assist in making senior citizens aware of the
existence of the pilot program. He suggested information could be provided in the City
newsletter.
Motion by Glab, seconded by Santi, to pass an ordinance approving the
intergovernmental agreement with McHenry County, the City of Crystal Lake, and the City of
Woodstock for Inter‐jurisdictional Dial‐A‐Ride Services and enabling payments from Senior
Services Grant Funds for these services.
Voting Aye: Santi, Glab, Schaefer, Blake, Wimmer, Peterson.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Condon.
Motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM B: APPROVE THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE RJ PROPERTIES SANITARY
SEWER EXTENSION, INCLUDING A TWO‐YEAR MAINTENANCE PERIOD
Alderman Glab inquired if the sanitary sewer extension had been done at the expense of
the developer. Deputy City Administrator Martin responded in the affirmative. He stated Staff is
seeking formal acceptance by the City of the extension. A two‐year maintenance period would
then be initiated.
In response to further inquiry, Deputy City Administrator Martin stated the sanitary
sewer extension was installed for the benefit of the Brunch Café.
Motion by Wimmer, seconded by Peterson, to approve the acceptance of the RJ
Properties Sanitary Sewer Extension at 414 S. Route 31, including a two‐year maintenance
period to commence with today’s date.
Voting Aye: Santi, Glab, Schaefer, Blake, Wimmer, Peterson.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Condon.
Motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEM C: ACCEPTANCE OF A PORTION OF OAKS AT IRISH PRAIRIE UNIT 1,
INCLUDING VETERANS PARKWAY
Alderman Glab inquired if all public improvements in the area designated as Unit 1
would be accepted. Deputy City Administrator Martin responded in the affirmative.
Alderman Glab inquired why there was no definitive geographical boundary between
Unit 1 and Unit 1A. Director of Public Works Schmitt responded Unit 1 included all lots which
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January 17, 2011
have been developed and improved with homes. Consequently, the boundary between the two
units is not symmetrical.
In response to Alderman Santi’s inquiry, Director Schmitt stated all roadways in Unit 1
have the final lift in place.
Motion by Blake, seconded by Santi, to accept a portion of the public improvements of
the Oaks at Irish Prairie Unit 1 including Veterans Parkway as presented.
Voting Aye: Santi, Glab, Schaefer, Blake, Wimmer, Peterson.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Condon.
Motion carried.
WORKSHOP DISCUSSION: CITY OF MCHENRY FIVE‐YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM
FOR 2011/2012
Mayor Low requested convening to round table workshop format for the remainder of
the meeting.
City Administrator Black initiated the discussion noting the Capital Improvements
Program is a plan to prioritize City projects with regard to a five‐year outlook. He noted specific
projects would not be approved during this workshop process. Projects targeted for Fiscal Year
2011/2012 would be discussed in depth during upcoming budget discussions.
City Administrator Black noted the City has encountered funding issues during the past
five years and, consequently, no capital improvements have been done. He noted the financial
situation would likely remain the same during the next five years. He also noted the City has
targeted $400,000 annually from MFT Funds to repay the General Obligation bonds issued to
fund last year’s road improvement program. He stated receipts from Annexation Fees, Parks
Developer Donations, and Capital Development Fees are all low due to the lack of development
and growth.
City Administrator Black noted the review of the City’s Capital Improvements Program is
an annual process used to assist Staff in determining what projects should be in the City’s scope
to plan for in the future as funding becomes available. The document before Council for
discussion this evening has been compiled by Staff and includes various projects which Council
might consider during budget processes in the coming years.
Transportation Projects
Director Schmitt outlined each of the following Transportation Projects for Council
edification:
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January 17, 2011
Pearl Street Bridge Maintenance: The City’s bridges are inspected bi‐annually. The Pearl Street
Bridge was inspected in May 2010 and it was noted the deck joints need replacing as they are at
the end of their useful life. This project would be paid for from MFT funds. This repair would be
considered during the 2011/2012 budget process.
In response to Alderman Peterson’s inquiry, Director Schmitt stated the bridge belongs
to the City.
Crystal Lake Road Improvements: The City has been awarded STP Funding in the amount of
$1.5M for this project which does not cover Phase I and Phase II engineering. STP Funds are
only available for FAU routes.
In response to Alderman Schaefer’s inquiry, Director Schmitt stated while there may be
other FAU routes in worse shape, the use of the roadway is a prime criteria in the granting of
STP funds. Previously McCullom Lake Road and Orleans Street were submitted for STP approval.
Both were turned down as they did not have the required number of daily trips on them.
Alderman Glab inquired if there would be any changes to the roadway when the project
is concluded. Mr. Chad Pieper of SEC Group responded during the engineering process the turn
lanes would be analyzed for adequate length and capacity. Overall the lane capacity would be
assessed but no lanes would be added as a result of the project.
IL Route 120 and 31 Improvements: ITEP Funds in the amount of $928,000 subject to a 20%
match have been granted for this project. The City is looking to include street light installation
and sidewalks for the entire scope of the project which extends on Route 120 from Front Street
to Green Street and Route 31 from Route 120 to McCullom Lake Road. It was noted when IDOT
takes out sidewalks and street lights during a road improvement project, the replacement of
the walks and lights is up to the local jurisdiction (i.e. the municipality). IDOT has approved
Phase I Engineering and IDOT will begin right‐of‐way acquisition.
Street Program: Road improvements would begin again in 2013/2014. In spite of last year’s
intense street resurfacing program, there are many streets which still need work.
Alderman Schaefer inquired if John Street would be resurfaced following the conclusion
of the installation of the sewer conveyance line from the Central Plant to the South Plant. He
noted the street was badly damaged during construction of the line. Director Schmitt
responded the resurfacing of John Street is included in the conveyance line installation project.
Alderman Glab asked how much of the City streets have been resurfaced in the last 8‐10
years. Director Schmitt could provide no immediate estimate. Alderman Glab opined the City
needs to bump up the amount of streets being done. Director Schmitt noted Staff is constantly
searching for available funding to accommodate these projects. Alderman Glab stated the City
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January 17, 2011
will fall behind in the road resurfacing program again. He stated the City needs to stay on top of
it.
Curran Road and Bull Valley Road Intersection Improvements: This project is development‐
driven and would not commence until the Adams Farm property begins to be developed.
IL Route 31 and Veterans Parkway Traffic Signal: This project is also developer‐driven. The
developer is responsible for the cost to put in the traffic signal and for the expense of the
required traffic study. The City will not require the traffic study to be completed until it is fairly
certain the signal would be warranted.
Deputy City Administrator Martin noted if additional development occurs in the
business park, it might be enough to move forward and request the traffic study.
Water/Sewer Utility Projects
Water Plant #2 Iron Removal Filter Rehabilitation: The iron removal filter at Water Plant #2 is
at the end of its life. Staff has been doing sporadic repairs. This is a fairly costly project. Staff is
looking at having the engineering completed during the 2011/2012 fiscal year with construction
to follow in 2012/2013. The plant is located on Beach Road near its intersection with Bonner
Drive.
CWWTP Clarifiers Rehabilitation: The clarifiers at the Central Plant will need to be rebuilt in
order to accommodate the need to keep the Central Plant viable for the next ten years as
needed. Staff is look for engineering and design in 2011/2012. The goal is to close the Central
Plant in ten years.
Sanitary Sewer Main Rehabilitation: Reducing ground water infiltration in sanitary sewer lines
is paramount to extending the life of the Central Plant for ten years. If the mains are
rehabilitated it would save the City money because the additional infiltrated storm water would
not have to be processed along with the sanitary waste water. It was suggested the City could
line the manholes rather than pulling them and replacing them which would save the City
money.
Barreville Road Water Main Extension: Design for this project is complete and the IEPA permit
is in hand. This is a construction‐ready project which would loop the water system in the
southeast region of the City. As part of the project, sidewalks would be installed in a 50/50 cost‐
share with Nunda Township at a total cost of $25,000.
Grit Removal at SWWTP: Grit removal could expand sewer system capacity as the removal of
grit removes more solids from the flow. This project would enhance the system and be an
efficient means of expanding the capacity of the plant without adding concrete or increasing
the plant footprint. The grit removal unit would fit in the old screen facility, providing an
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January 17, 2011
economic means of implementing the grit removal step to the system. The addition of a grit
removal component would bring the City one step closer to being able to close the Central
Plant.
Alderman Peterson asked what percent of waste would actually be pumped from the
Central Plant to the South Plant. Mr. Pieper responded currently 30%; however, with the
addition of the grit removal component, the City would actually be able to pump almost all of
the waste from the Central Plant to the South Plant. This would only be the case during normal
flow and not during heavy soaking times of the year when there is infiltration from surface
water runoff.
East Side Water Main Extension: This project is construction ready and Staff is seeking a
funding mechanism to implement it.
Standby Generators at Broadway Drive and Riverside Drive: The installation of the generator
would provide backup during power outages. The power would convert to the generator on an
as‐needed basis.
Construction of Water Plant #6 in Adams Business Park: An iron removal plant is required. The
project is 90% ready with design and is a development‐driven project.
Installation of Well #14 in Liberty Trails: The City has located a site which would produce 500
gallons per minute in Liberty Trails Subdivision. This well could provide one half of the water
supply to Water Plant #6.
Millstream Sanitary Sewer Lift Station Rehabilitation and Sewer Main Relocation: The facility
would be relocated from its current site across Boone Lagoon on Freund Avenue. The project
would include the installation of a force main line on Waukegan at Third Street. The design for
the project is complete and the necessary easements have been obtained. This project is
construction‐ready.
Construction of Water Plant #5 in Legend Lakes: This treatment plant would handle water and
provide iron removal from Wells #12 and #13. The project would also include pumping
equipment. The project is currently 90% designed and is development‐driven.
Drainage Projects
Willow Lane Drainage: This project would revamp the storm sewer system at Knoll
Avenue/Willow Lane east to the east side of Meadow Lane.
Mr. Pieper noted a drainage study conducted ten years ago noted the sanitary system
then drastically impacted how the storm water was handled. There are currently new methods
such as rain gardens which can be implemented to allow surface water to settle into the ground
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January 17, 2011
rather than being directed to a drainage facility. Additionally, there are new ways to calculate
potential drainage flow which were not in place ten years ago when the study was completed.
Ramble Road Drainage: The project would entail newer “green” methods of handling the
drainage flow.
Alderman Glab stated the City does not want to rush in to add more drainage flow until
the drainage system is repaired and improved. He opined the water would have to flow out
faster or be detained for a longer period of time in order to improve drainage in this area of the
system. Director Schmitt noted there are other means of handling drainage with new
technology. He suggested Staff should study drainage in the City as a whole and determine how
the improvements of the Ramble Road Drainage design would fit into the overall drainage plan.
Storm Sewer Mapping: This project would add storm sewer mapping to the City’s GIS which
would provide an easier way to design and develop future drainage strategies.
Lakeland Park Drainage Ditch Dredging: This project would improve storm water runoff and
drainage capacity in the Lakeland Park area.
Municipal Facility Projects
Public Works Facility Roof Replacement: The project should be completed before there is any
further damage to the metal lining of the structure. The roof is at the end of its useful life. It
was noted during a pre‐purchase inspection that the roof would likely have to be replaced
within the first five years of City ownership. At that time the anticipated cost of replacement
was $500,000.
City Administrator Black noted the SWWTP Clarifier project, the Barreville Road Water
Main Extension and the Public Works Facility Roof Replacement are all projects to be funded
from Annexation Fee revenue. The City anticipates a water/sewer bond issue in 2012/2013
which would be paid from the Waster/Sewer Fund over a period of 15 years. These projects
could be paid using the bond proceeds.
Alderman Glab inquired if the city was aware the Public Works Facility would require a
new roof so soon after the purchase of the building. City Administrator Black noted the need
for roof replacement was known at the time of building purchase.
Construction of a Covered Road Salt Storage Bin at the Public Works Facility: The current
covered salt storage facility located on McHenry Avenue adjacent to the South Plant only
provides storage of 500 tons of salt. During heavy snow/ice events there is not adequate supply
on hand. Staff is proposing a second covered facility be erected on the premises of the Public
Works Facility on Industrial Drive. Although the facility would not be as elaborate as the
McHenry Avenue salt storage facility, it would also hold 500 tons of salt.
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January 17, 2011
In response to Alderman Blake’s inquiry, Director Schmitt noted the Industrial Drive
facility would not be similar to the McHenry Township salt storage facility as it would not be as
elaborate.
Petersen Historic Farm Homestead Rehabilitation: Assistant Administrator Hobson
summarized the previous improvements to the Petersen Farm Property and noted the next
phase includes the evaluation, repair and renovation of the homestead’s interior. This project is
funded by Park Developer Donations and supplemented by Historic Preservation Grants if any
are available.
Recreation Center: Director of Parks and Recreation Merkel noted the need for a Recreation
Center has been discussed for many years. Staff has looked at the possibility of building a
facility. The subject has been discussed at length at Parks and Recreation Committee meetings.
The current approach is to scale back the scope of the project. One means of reducing cost
might be to purchase and rehab an existing building. This project will again be presented to
committee later this year.
Pending Parks and Recreation Projects: Director Merkel noted there are other projects on the
Parks and Recreation Committee radar at this time, including Fort McHenry renovation and/or
replacement and the ramps at the McHenry Zone Skatepark. Two PARC Grants are pending
which, if granted, would provide funds for constructing washrooms at Fox Ridge Park and/or
Shamrock Park.
Downtown Development Projects
Riverwalk Phases II‐IV: Assistant Administrator Hobson noted ideally the completion of
Riverwalk Phases II‐IV would be development‐driven. The City has been successful thus far with
a phased approach to this project.
Responding to an inquiry, Deputy Administrator Martin noted the TIF expires in 2025.
City Administrator Black noted it is not likely that the remainder of the Riverwalk phases
would be completed all at one time. He stated the City is at a point in the economy where
things are just not moving forward.
In response to an inquiry, Assistant Administrator Hobson noted the Riverwalk
Foundation is in place and the Foundation would be willing to step in and provide financial
assistance once the next phase of the Riverwalk is ready to be constructed. He noted the
Foundation has approximately $500,000 on hand.
Alderman Glab stated he thought the Riverwalk would be paid for by grant monies. He
opined the City would not have the $11M necessary to construct Phases II‐IV during the next
five years without some assistance from grant funding.
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January 17, 2011
Alderman Santi inquired how long of a term General Obligation Bonds could be
extended. City Administrator Black responded the maximum term would be 20 years.
Other Projects/Matters Suggested by Council
Dredging of Boone Creek: Alderman Schaefer suggested dredging Boone Creek. Assistant
Administrator Hobson noted the creek dredging from the Fox River to Green Street is the
responsibility of the Fox Waterway Agency. Dredging from Green Street west would be the
responsibility of the City. He suggested the dredging of the City portion of the creek might be
tied to the development of the Riverwalk when that phase is developed.
City‐Wide Storm Sewer Drainage Review: Alderman Glab suggested the City should
comprehensively look at the entire storm sewer drainage system. He opined dredging needs a
major study to be accomplished.
Dog Park: Alderman Santi requested the City’s creation of a Dog Park should remain on the
radar for possible development.
Equipment Purchases: Alderman Peterson inquired if equipment purchases would be discussed
during the budget process. City Administrator Black responded in the affirmative. Staff and the
Committee will review and determine the best way to utilize money to augment the equipment
needs of the City.
Mayor Low thanked everyone for their input and suggestions in reviewing the Capital
Improvements Program.
MAYOR STATEMENT AND REPORT
There was no statement or report by Mayor Low.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Parks and Recreation Committee Chairman Alderman Peterson reported a committee
meeting was held on January 12, 2011 and minutes would be forthcoming.
STAFF REPORTS
There were no Staff Reports.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
No Future Agenda Items were discussed.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
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January 17, 2011
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Peterson, seconded by Blake, to adjourn the meeting at 8:48 p.m.
Voting Aye: Santi, Glab, Schaefer, Blake, Wimmer, Peterson.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Condon.
Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:48 p.m.
_____________________________________ ____________________________________
Mayor Deputy City Clerk