McHenry Times

Crystal Lake City Council met June 5.

Here is the minutes provided by the Council:

Call to Order:

In Mayor Shepley's absence, City Clerk Nick Kachiroubas called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

Roll Call:

Councilmembers Ellen Brady, Ralph Dawson, Cathy Ferguson, Haig Haleblian, Brett Hopkins and Cameron Hubbard were present. Mayor Aaron Shepley was absent. City Clerk Nick Kachiroubas was also present.

Also present were City Manager Gary Mayerhofer, Deputy City Manager Eric Helm, City Attorney John Cowlin, Special Counsel Vic Filippini, Director of Finance George Koczwara, Director of Community Development Michelle Rentzsch, Director of Public Works Mike Magnuson, City Engineer Abby Wilgreen, and Chief of Police James Black.

Mayor Pro Tern:

Councilman Dawson moved to appoint Councilman Hopkins as Mayor Pro Tempore. Councilman Hubbard seconded the motion. On roll call, all present voted yes except Councilman Hopkins abstained. Motion passed.

Pledge of Allegiance:

Mayor Pro Tern Hopkins led the Council and the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Crystal Lake Public Library Summer Reading Program Proclamation:

Mayor Pro Tern Hopkins presented a Mayoral Proclamation to Library Board members and staff in recognition of this year's reading program, "Reading takes you everywhere".

Approval of Minutes:

Councilwoman Brady moved to approve the minutes of the May 15, 2018 Regular City Council meeting. Councilman Haleblian seconded the motion. On voice vote, all present voted yes. Motion passed.

Accounts Payable:

Councilwoman Brady moved to approve the Accounts Payable in the amount of $1,669,048.46. Councilman Haleblian seconded the motion. On roll call, all present voted yes. Motion passed.

Public Presentation:

Mayor Pro Tern Hopkins asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak on matters of general public interest or concern not included in the regular agenda, and advising that they would be g1ven an opportunity to speak when the agenda item was considered. No one wished to speak.

Mayor's Report:

None.

City Council Reports:

City Clerk Kachiroubas announced that as part of the two-year Fulbright Scholar Program he had been awarded, he would be in Panama until September teaching leadership in public policy.

Consent Agenda:

Councilwoman Brady moved to approve the Consent Agenda consisting of Items 1 Oa and 1 Ob, with the addition ofltems 12, 13, 17 and 18. Councilman Dawson seconded the motion. Mayor Pro Tern Hopkins asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on any of the listed items, noting that without any objection, they would most likely be approved. No one wished to speak.

10a. St. Thomas the Apostle Church - Approved a Special Event for an Outdoor Mass and Picnic and approved the closure of part of Lake Street on July 29, 20I8, subject to the recommendations listed on the agenda supplement.

10b. Referred a UDO (Unified Development Ordinance) Text Amendment to allow Photography Studios as a permitted use in theM Manufacturing District to the June 20th Planning and Zoning Commission for review and recommendation.

12. Virginia Mini Storage, 201 S. Virginia Rd. -Granted a one-year extension to the Final Planned Unit Development.

13. Mariano's, I 05 Northwest Highway- Adopted an Ordinance approving a Sign Variation pursuant to the conditions listed on the agenda supplement.

17. Adopted a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract amendment with American Fireworks for an additional amount of $10,000, with the total contract price of $45,000 for the 2018 Independence Day Fireworks. Also adopted an Ordinance authorizing an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2018/2019 Budget for the increased budgeted amount for the 2018 fireworks display.

18. Rescinded and canceled the bid award made on March 20, 2018 to Copy Express and rejected all bids for the Design, Printing, Labeling, and Mailing of the City Newsletter, and the Printing and Delivery Services for Letterhead, Envelopes, Mailing Labels and Business Cards; and authorized the City Manager to re-bid the Design, Printing, Labeling, and Mailing of City Newsletter, and Printing and Delivery Services for Letterhead, Envelopes, Mailing Labels and Business Cards.

11.Right to Life McHenry County - Special Event Approval for the use of McCormick Park for a Sign Sale Fundraiser on June 16, 2018.

It was noted that this item had been removed from the agenda at the petitioner's request.

14. 58 N. Williams St., Today's Uniforms - Retailer Job Creation & Investment Program Matching Grant request for $10,000 in matching grant funds.

Penny Keck was present for the matter and advised that this would be her third location in Crystal Lake as she wished to return to the downtown area. She stated that the property would need a complete renovation. She noted that her business not only serves local organizations, business and governments, but she has many North Shore accounts who have become intrigued with Crystal Lake's downtown area.

In response to Mayor Pro Tern Hopkins' question, Director of Community Development Michelle Rentzsch advised that the application complied with all of the City's grant requirements.

Mayor Pro Tern Hopkins asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak on the matter. No one wished to speak.

Councilwoman Brady moved to award $10,000 in Retailer Job Creation and Investment Grant funds to Today's Uniforms Inc., located at 58 N. Williams Street, and to adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute the Grant Agreement. Councilman Hubbard seconded the motion. On roll call, all present voted yes. Motion passed.

15.True North, 460 Coventry Lane- Comprehensive Land Use Plan Amendment from Office to High Density Residential, Rezoning from 0 to R-B PUD; and Preliminary and Final Planned Unit Development for a multi-family development.

Attorney Joseph Gottemoller and George Ieremciuc, the property owner, were present. Mr. Gottemoller advised that the petitioner had no issues with the Planning and Zoning Commission recommendations.

Councilman Haleblian requested an overview of the planned development. Mr. Gottemoller advised that this was a building located behind a gas station which had originally been a bank and then a doctor's office, and has been for sale as an office building and vacant for five years. He noted that the surrounding properties were all zoned Multi-Family Residential, and this development made great sense. Councilman Haleblian asked about facade changes, and Mr. Gottemoller advised that they were not planning any significant changes. He advised that the building is in good shape and has an elevator, and will be brought up to fire and safety codes. In response to Councilman Haleblian's further questions, Mr. Gottemoller advised that the 500 sq. ft to 1200 sq. ft. units would be rentals as there is no market for condominiums at the present time, but if that change were ever contemplated, they would need to come back before the City Council to seek approval. Councilman Haleblian asked about the rent amounts, and Mr. Ieremciuc advised that he was contemplating $800 to $1500 per month.

Mayor Pro Tern Hopkins asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak on the matter. No one wished to speak.

Mayor Pro Tern Hopkins asked if City staff had any concerns about fire safety, and Director of Community Development Michelle Rentzsch advised that the plans had undergone favorable staff reviews.

Councilwoman Brady moved to adopt an Ordinance approving the Comprehensive Land Use Plan Amendment, Rezoning and Preliminary and Final PUD for conversion of 460 Coventry Lane to a multi- family development. Councilman Haleblian seconded the motion. On roll call, all present voted yes. Motion passed.

16.Menards Self Storae:e, 800 Cog Circle - Comprehensive Land Use Plan Amendment from Commerce to Industry, Rezoning from B-2 PUD to M PUD Manufacturing, Final Planned Unit Development Amendment, Special Use Permit for Self-Storage/Mini-Warehousing and Outside Storage; and Sign Variation.

Tyler Edwards, a real estate representative for Menards, was present for the matter. Mr. Edwards stated that Menards recently went through a company-wide expansion and in reviewing their Crystal Lake location, determined there was no room to expand. He stated that although they have no immediate plans to expand, they wanted to keep the option open by obtaining the former Sports Authority building, which has been vacant for five years. He advised that Menards would not change the building exterior, but would install self-storage units as the property's use until they proceed with their expansion plans. He stated that income from the storage units would assist Menards with repairs and upkeep to their existing building and property. He stated that staff had recommended requesting rezoning of the property to M- Manufacturing, but he was requesting rezoning to Limited Manufacturing, which he felt would be more compatible with the neighboring businesses. He noted that if Menards were to sell or go out of business in the future, that zoning designation would also limit future property uses, adding that as a PUD, the property use could be limited to just storage for Menards. He stated that Menards did not want to miss out on being able to purchase the property for possible future expansion, but did not want it to remain empty. Regarding an issue raised at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting about installing a 30 foot buffer on all sides of the property, he advised that Menards did not wish to do that and then have to tear it up later for their expansion. He stated that this request was only to facilitate Menard's possible future expansion and their intention was not to create a new industrial district.

Mayor Pro Tern Hopkins thanked Mr. Edwards for his presentation, but noted that the Planning and Zoning Commission had unanimously denied the petition, and referred to the Findings of Fact and the City's position against spot zoning.

The Council discussed the matter. Councilwoman Ferguson asked why Menards did not just rent the building to seasonal businesses such as Halloween stores, or for 5 years only to another retailer. Mr. Edwards stated that no retailer would want to set up a business for only five years. Councilman Dawson stated that he did not support the petition at all, and even though he is a frequent Menards customer, he did not wish to change the property's zoning based on what might happen in five or ten years. Councilwoman Brady stated that although Crystal Lake was very fortunate to have Menards and she would like to see it grow, she was not in favor of changing the current zoning. Councilman Haleblian agreed, noting the renewed Route 14 synergy with Mariano's and Steinhafels. Councilman Hubbard agreed, and asked that Menards look at other options. Mayor Pro Tern Hopkins agreed with the Council's comments.

Mayor Pro Tern Hopkins asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak on the matter.

Fred Kaiser, along with his wife Claire Kaiser, stated that they had been long time residents who own property near the subject property and did not support the petition. He said that they and the other area businesses would like to see a use for the property that would draw people in, and changing the zoning to a "manufacturing island" was disturbing.

No one else wished to speak.

Councilwoman Brady moved to deny the request. Councilman Haleblian seconded the motion.

Councilwoman Ferguson questioned if Mr. Edwards would prefer to have City Council refer the matter back to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Councilwoman Ferguson stated that she wanted the property to stay zoned commercial, but could consider a Special Use Permit. Councilwoman Brady noted that she did not want to waste Mr. Edwards' time by referring the matter back to the Planning and Zoning Commission as she was not in favor of mini-storage here. Councilwoman Ferguson stated that she just wanted to give him the option. Mayor Pro Tern Hopkins noted that the Council's concern was changing the zoning. Mr. Edwards asked if it was not just the rezoning but the storage use, and if the City would consider a Special Use Permit for that. Mayor Pro Tern Hopkins stated that he could not hypothesize on that, but only vote on what had been presented that evening.

There were no further comments.

On roll call for the motion to deny to the petition, all present voted yes. Motion passed.

Council Inquiries and Requests:

Mayor Pro Tern commended the City staff, Police and Fire Rescue Departments for facilitating the recent Memorial Day parade and service, and gave special thanks to the American Legion Post for spending a day planting American Flags along the parade route.

Adjourn:

There being no further business, Councilwoman Brady moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:06 p.m. Councilman Haleblian seconded the motion. On voice vote, all present voted yes. Motion passed.

https://ecode360.com/documents/CR2206/public/443006601.pdf