City of Crystal Lake City Council met Dec. 2

City of Crystal Lake City Council met Dec. 2

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Call to Order

City Clerk Nick Hammonds called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Roll Call

Mayor Haleblian and Councilmembers Brett Hopkins, Cameron Hubbard. Ian Philpot. Denise Smith and Natasha Teetsov were present. Councilwoman Ellen Brady was absent.

City Manager Eric Helm, Deputy City Manager/City Clerk Nick Hammonds. Assistant to the City Manager Ryan Oates. Director of Public Works and Engineering Mike Magnuson. Community Development Director Kathryn Cowlin. Finance Director Jodie Hartman. Human Resources Manager Julie Meyer. Information Technology Help Desk Technician Gloria Namazzi. Police Chief James Black and Fire Rescue Chief Craig Snyder were also present. Special Legal Counsel Victor Filippini was also present.

Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Haleblian led the City Council and audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approval of Minutes

Councilman Hopkins moved to approve the meeting minutes of the November 10.2025 Budget Workshop and November 18, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting. Councilman Hubbard seconded the motion. On roll call. all present voted yes. Motion passed.

Accounts Payable

Councilman Hopkins moved to approve the Accounts Payable List dated December 2, 2025. Councilman Hubbard seconded the motion. On roll call. all present voted yes. Motion passed.

Puhlic Presentation

Mayor Haleblian asked if there was anyone in the public who wished to speak about an item not found on the agenda.

Sara Joswiak, resident of 41 Esther Street. asked that the City work with the Enclave owners, the railroad. and the McHenry County Conservation District regarding snow removal on the Prairie Trail from the corner of Main Street and Crystal Lake Avenue to the Three Oaks Recreation Area entrance. 

Mayor Haleblian closed Public Presentation.

Mayor’s Report

Mayor Haleblian hoped everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving and said the Festival of Lights Parade was amazing as always. He commended the Public Works Department on snow removal efforts during the large snow event last weekend.

City Council Reports

Councilwoman Smith congratulated the Prairie Ridge High School Girls Varsity Volleyball Team, who placed fourth in the lHSA State Tournament, and the Prairie Ridge Girls Cross Country Team, who placed third in the IHSA State Tournament. She also congratulated Prairie Ridge Girls Cross Country Runner Emmie Foster, who placed second in State.

Mayor Haleblian shared the Dawnbreakers Rotary Club donated funds to six 2025 core-charities.

He said he attended a meeting at the Crystal Lake Food Pantry with Governor Pritzker. He thanked McHenry County residents for their philanthropy in hard times.

Councilman Philpot said he attended a meeting held by the Village of Lakewood regarding wake boats, and stated it was a well-run meeting. He said he was not sure if conclusions were drawn, but attendees \anted to work for a solution.

Consent Agenda

Councilman Hopkins moved to approve a Consent Agenda, including Items 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, ge and 9f and adding items 10, 13, and 14. Councilman Philpot seconded the motion. On roll call, all present voted yes. Motion passed.

Mayor Haleblian asked if there was anyone in the public who wished to speak about the consent agenda.

No one wished to speak.

9a. Adopted a Resolution Approving 2026 City Council Meeting, Schedule.

9b. Adopted the Abatement Ordinance for the 2012 General Obligation Bond Issue.

9c. Adopted the Abatement Ordinance for the 2019A General Obligation Bond Issue.

9d Adopted the Abatement Ordinance/or the 2022B and 2022C General Obligation Bond issues.

9e. Adopted the Abatement Ordinance/or the 2025 General Obligation Bond Issues.

9f. Adopted the Ordinance for the levying Special Service Area Number 47 taxes jar tax year 2025.

10. Approved the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) recommendation and adopted an Ordinance approving the Variation at 1051 North Shore Drive. 

13. Adopted a Resolution authorizing the CilY Manager to execute the Purchase and Sale Agreement for 213 Lake Shore Drive with Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley.

14. Awarded the bid for Facility Mechanical Services to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, Sherman Mechanical, Inc., and adopted a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a two-year contract with Sherman Mechanical. Inc. at the bid unit pricing, and to approve repairs based on the bid unit pricing hourly labor rates and the fixed percentage markup for parts, with options for up to three (3) additional one-year extensions

11. 154 S. Virginia Street. Dunkin Donuts – Special Use Permit for a Drive-Through Limited Service Restaurant adjacent to a residence with Variations from: The requirement to have a dedicated bypass only lane; the maximum hard-surface coverage of 65% to allow 69.7%; the buffer requirement of a trash enclosure to a residential property line; the minimum number of parking spaces to allow six

Mayor Haleblian explained how discussion for this item would be handled.

Community Development Director Kathryn Cowlin provided the Mayor and City Council with an overview of the request, including the variations being requested. An overview of the site plan was provided, including the requirement to have a dedicated bypass only lane; the maximum hard-surface coverage of 65% to allow 69.7%: the buffer requirement of a trash enclosure to a residential property line; the minimum number of parking spaces to allow six for employee parking. There is no seating, this would be a drive-through only location. She also reviewed the building elevations.

Public Works and Engineering Director Mike Magnuson reviewed the two access points to the development as proposed and explained the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has jurisdiction over access points onto Route 14. He said IDOT may require the Route 14 access be designated one right-in, right-out only.

He explained the number of trips anticipated from the development, as well as potential cut through traffic as seen in other areas near developments on Route 14. He explained a condition of approval for the project is dependent on the ultimate IDOT access approval.

Ms. Cowl in also explained the Planning and Zoning Commission recommendations and why the petition is before the City Council for approval.

Sumish Parikh, petitioner, introduced himself and thanked the Mayor and City Council for their consideration. He said he grew up in Crystal Lake and would like to improve the area, adding it has taken three years of work on this site to this point.

Dunkin customers are looking for convenience and vill not go to the location if it takes too long.

Mr. Parikh said he met with TJA regarding traffic and they are not concerned with the addition of Lake Roots or the possible Dunkin. He wants to make sure children in the community are safe. 

He stated he is ok utilizing signage regarding no right turns at certain times, or designating local traffic only. He is looking to improve a site in town that is blighted, and as president of his company, he contributes to various programs and organizations in Crystal Lake.

Mayor Haleblian asked if there was anyone in the public who wished to speak on the agenda item.

Tanner Fehring, resident of 208 Lake Shore Drive and an area realtor thanked the City Council for their time. He read an email sent regarding his concerns.

Tom Swieton, resident of 430 Pierson Street expressed his concerns regarding traffic and safety due to the development He expressed concerns about vehicles trying to make a left out of the property, as well as cut-through traffic. He shared concerns regarding children attending St Thomas School.

Mr. Swieton compared this site to the Starbucks on Route 120 in McHenry.

Mike Farmer, resident of 220 Lake Shore Drive, shared his concerns regarding traffic and access to the site. He said Pierson Street is tight with one-lane traffic and Lake Roots parking. He thought the old McDonald’s site would be a better location.

Natalie Tryon, resident of208 Lake Court, spoke against the development She thought this is not the best location, suggesting the old McDonald’s site would be a better site, and already set up for a drive-through. She stated it is a quiet neighborhood with St. Thomas school located there, this would be too much traffic.

Jen Oliver, resident of 195 Lake Shore Drive, asked about the impact of the business on The Freeze and Country Donuts. She said the business is shoe-homed into a corner site that is too small.

Jean Diamond, resident of 222 Dole Avenue, stated she does not want to change Lake Shore Drive into another Dole Avenue.

A resident of 570 Silver Aspen, spoke in favor of the new Dunkin, having worked at Dunkin and shared memories growing up in that neighborhood and working there. She said 30 cents of every dollar made goes back into Crystal Lake.

Mayor Haleblian closed public comment on this item.

Councilman Hopkins discussed the challenging nature of the site and the impact of special promotions put on by the business, and how staffing and employee parking is handled on these days. He asked about if the site would work with possible lDOT access changes.

Mr. Parikh stated that Dunkin does participate in events, but this is mobile application driven.

He recognizes that it is a difficult site, but the traffic generated is already traveling through the area. Traffic does not backup on event days, stall works quickly, and they have been doing this for 20 years. He provided a letter indicating the busiest times will be limited. The business is built on efficiency.

He said he would have to review plans should IDOT make changes to the site access. 

Councilman Hubbard thanked the petitioner. He said he has several concerns. including traffic and the number of variations requested to make this work.

Councilman Hubbard asked City staff about existing traffic turning onto the site from Route 14, which is extremdy challenging. There are only two ways to really make this turn, which would add traffic on side streets in a residential area.

He said this lot may not be right for this business.

Mr. Parikh said he looked at site circulations, and the majority of the customers are on Route 14 and will be returning to Route 14. Forty percent of people are using the mobile application to place orders and will swing through to pick them up. This is morning customers.

Councilman Hubbard also had concerns with the proximity to the residential properties next door and the trash enclosure.

Mr. Parikh said a highway style fence will be up for noise abatement at the site as well. He said the location of the trash enclosures is the only option and the will be made of high quality materials.

Councilwoman Teetsov thanked both the petitioner and residents. She said she is happy to see growth on that area of Route 14, but taking three years to make a site plan fit at that location is concerning. She said the lot is too small.

Mr. Parikh said it took three years to make the plan perfect, not to make it fit. He said wanted to make sure all elements (storm, water, etc.) of the plan would be good for the community. He said any request staff has asked to add, they have done. They want to be good neighbors.

Councilman Philpot stated he is in line with other City Council members. As a neighbor. he has received many calls regarding Lake Roots. Staff indicated that a walk-up window has also been included in the plan to accommodate neighborhood walkers.

lie asked for clarification regarding traffic counts. He said children catch the bus at a peak traffic time. and shared concerns that on-line order pickup could stack up onto Route 14 or Lake Shore Drive.

The property directly next to the property is a rental duplex and an attempt had been made to contact property owners.

Councilman Philpot also stated the McDonald’s site is larger and may be a better location, but understands the petitioner is trying to make things work here. He also appreciates if any of the existing structure could be used.

He said ultimately, he does not feel this is the right site, but if things moved forward he would like access to be limited onto Route 14.

Councilman Smith also thanked the neighbors for their emails. She stated the McDonald’s property is not before the City Council to be considered. The City Council needs to balance the needs of the neighbors and those of the petitioner. She commented Mr. Parikh for his entrepreneurship and work in the community. She said she feels like a balance can be struck in this situation. 

She asked for clarification on how the lDOT process works. Special Legal Counsel Victor Filippini explained the process.

Councilwoman Smith asked if lDOTs determination can be received before the item is considered. Mr. Magnuson said it can be asked for but lDOT can say no. A decision by the municipality is usually required before IDOT will make a determination. Mr. Filippini said the City’s Engineering staff has worked with lDOT for a long time and recommendations tend to reflect that.

She said she would like to have IDOT’s review of access before making a determination he cause it could have a significant impact.

Mr. Parikh said both he and his engineers have worked with lDOT and have good idea of what they will do. IDOT will take something. and this is where they are comfortable. This will happen on any parcel on Route 14.

Councilwoman Smith asked for clarification about the number of cars during the peak traffic times. Mr. Magnuson clarified there would be an additional 20 cars in an hour. She appreciates the concern for children in the area. and the amount of data he has gathered regarding his business and work with City staff.

She said she feels there is a way for compromise here.

She asked if a no right tum onto Lake Shore would be possible. Mr. Magnuson said yes but it is not enforceable.

Mr. Parikh said he is willing to pay for officers to be there for the first 90 days the business is open.

Mayor Habelian said he agrees with Councilwoman Smith, and said he appreciates the petitioner’s efforts to address the neighbor’s concerns. He would like to see compromise where this would work for both sides.

He said the petitioner has done a great job of doing his homework and dealing in facts. He wants to make this work for both parties.

The City Council took a straw poll.

Councilman Philpot said he would support the petition if the Lake Shore entrance is closed.

Mr. Magnuson said it is most likely to require the Lake Shore Drive acceSS to remain open.

Councilman Philpot said he would not support it without the closure.

Councilman Smith said she supports the petition.

Councilman Hopkins said he would like to see the petitioner work with the neighbors. He could be a yes if a compromise could be found.

Councilman Hubbard said he would really like to see Lake Shore Drive access closed. He asked staff about the possibility of this happening with IDOT. Mr. Magnuson said staff could ask IDOT, but usually this is not something they would support. 

Councilwoman Teetsov stated she understands that conditions in the neighborhood were not the petitioner’s doing. She said cannot support the petition as it stands, but is open to compromIse.

Mayor Haleblian said he would like to see this continued to a future date to allow time to meet with neighbors and gather information from lDOT.

Mr. Parikh thanked the Mayor and City Council and the neighbors for the consideration and said he is open to continuing the request.

Councilwoman Smith urged residents to keep an open mind, as the owner is willing to work with neighbors.

Councilman Hopkins moved to continue this item to the January 20. 2026 City Council meeting for consideration. Councilwoman Teetsov seconded the motion. On roll call, all present voted yes. Motion passed.

12. 210 McHenry Avenue, Crystal Lake Academy Building – Reconsideration of the Historic Landmark Designation for the Crystal Lake Academy Building at 210 McHenry Avenue

Community Development Director Kathryn Collin provided the Mayor and City Council with an overview of the request, explaining the ordinance previously approved by the City Council. The landmark status of the Academy Building was conditioned upon submitting a proposal for moving the building within a designated time frame. Petitioners and the Task Force do not wish to move the building, and a proposal has not been submitted. As such. the landmark status is up for reconsideration.

Jim Heisler. petitioner. commended Diana Kenney for the tine she spent researching the history the building. He thanked the City Council for attempting to find a compromise, but moving the building is not feasible in the time period allotted and would take away from the history. Mr. Heisler stated expectations from the last meeting could not be met.

Craig Krandel attorney of Trinity Church, thanked the City Council for their time spent on this issue, but stated there really is not much left to do at this time. Landmarking the building is not in the best interest of the church.

Mayor Haleblian asked if there has anyone in the public who wished to speak on the agenda item. No one wished to speak.

Councilman Philpot said he would prefer not to see the building be demolished. He shared that he had met with the church to present the idea of a ground lease and reached out to twelve historic or not-for-profit organizations in an attempt to find someone to work on this idea one response was received, which was a respectful no. He stated the church members are dedicated to the community. He also thanked those supporting the preservation of the building for their efforts. He urged everyone to move past the decision and work together as a community going forward, which is what Crystal Lake is about.

Mayor Haleblian and Councilmembers thanked Councilman Philpot for the update. They thanked the community and the church for their efforts, and for having hard discussions. but felt that this was the end of the process. 

Mayor Haleblian asked that any historic artifacts be saved.

Ana Freund, Historic Preservation Commission member, asked that a plaque be placed near the sidewalk on Church Street. The church members agreed this would be done.

Councilmember Smith moved to approve an Ordinance revoking the Landmark status to the Crystal Lake Academy Building at 210 McHenry Avenue. Councilman Hubbard seconded the motion. On roll call, Mayor Haleblian and Councilmembers Smith, Hopkins and Hubbard voted yes. Councilmembers Philpot and Teetsov voted no. Motion passed.

15. Public Hearing for the Annual Budget for the 2026 Fiscal Year; and Adoption of the Annual Budget Ordinance, Salary Ordinance, and Ordinance amending Section 241, Fees, of the City Code

Mayor Haleblian opened the Public Hearing for the Annual Budget for the 2026 Fiscal Year.

Mayor Haleblian asked if there was anyone in the public who wished to speak. No one wished to speak.

Mayor Haleblian closed the Public Hearing.

Councilman Philpot moved to adopt an Ordinance approving and adopting the Annual Budget for the 2026 Fiscal Year, the Salary Ordinance for the 2026 Fiscal Year, and an Ordinance amending Section 241, Fees, of the City Code. Councilwoman Teetsov seconded the motion.

On roll call, all present voted yes. Motion passed.

16. Property Tax Levy Ordinance/Truth in Taxation Public Hearing

Mayor Haleblian opened the Property Tax Levy Ordinance/Truth in Taxation Public Hearing.

Mayor Haleblian asked if there was anyone in the public who wished to speak. No one wished to speak.

Mayor Haleblian closed the Public Hearing.

Councilman Philpot moved to approve the 2025 Property Tax Levy Ordinance and Certificate of Compliance. Councilwoman Teetsov seconded the motion. On roll call, all present voted yes. Motion passed.

Council Inquiries and Requests

None.

Adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of discussing matters of pending and probable litigation, the sale, purchase or lease of real property, collective bargaining and personnel

Councilman Hopkins moved to adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of discussing matters of pending and probable litigation, the sale, purchase or lease of real property, collective bargaining and personnel. Councilman Hubbard seconded the motion. On roll call, all present voted yes. Motion passed.

Reconvene to Regular Session

Councilman Hubbard moved to reconvene to Regular Session. Councilman Philpot seconded the motion. On voice vote, all present voted yes. Motion passed.

Adjournment

There being no further business. Councilman Hubbard moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:01 p.m. Councilman Philpot seconded the motion. On voice vote, all present voted yes. Motion passed.

https://ecode360.com/CR2206/document/753211871.pdf