McHenry Times

City of Crystal Lake City Council met April 16.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

Call to Order 

Mayor Shepley called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

Roll Call 

Mayor Aaron Shepley and Councilmembers Ellen Brady, Ralph Dawson, Cathy Ferguson, Haig Haleblian, Brett Hopkins and Cameron Hubbard were present. None were absent. City Clerk Nick Kachiroubas was present.

Also present were City Manager Gary Mayerhofer, City Attorney John Cowlin, Deputy City Manager Eric Helm, Director of Finance George Koczwara, Assistant Finance Director Laura Herrig, Director of Community Development Michelle Rentzsch, Economic Development Manager Heather Maieritsch, Director of Public Works Mike Magnuson, City Engineer Abby Wilgreen, Deputy Chief of Police Tom Kotlowski, and David Pardys, Special Counsel.

Pledge of Allegiance 

Mayor Shepley led the Council and the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance,

Approval of Minutes 

Councilwoman Ferguson moved to approve the minutes of the April 2, 2019 Regular City Council meeting, Councilman Hopkins seconded the motion. On voice vote, all voted yes, Motion passed,

Accounts Payable 

Councilwoman Ferguson moved to approve the Accounts Payable in the amount of $2,379,139.23, Councilman Haleblian seconded the motion. On roll call, all present voted yes except in order to avoid any possible conflict of interest, Mayor Shepley abstained on payments to Centegra Occupational Health or Northwestern Occupational Health or any related entities. Motion passed.

Public Presentation 

Mayor Shepley asked if anyone in the audience wished to speak on matters of general public interest or concern not included in the regular agenda, advising that they would be given an opportunity to speak when the agenda item is considered.

Kathy Stupar, resident of 9 N. Caroline Street, read a letter to the Mayor and City Council outlining her concerns with the proposed re-routing of Pace Route 550 between Elgin and Crystal Lake. Ms. Stupar strongly opposed the re-routing of Route 550 from Main Street to McHenry Avenue and Crystal Lake Avenue.

Mayor Shepley explained the McHenry County Department of Transportation's reasons for wanting to relocate the route and indicated the City Council shares her concerns. He stated that her concerns will be taken into consideration when the City Council makes a decision on this item.

Councilwoman Brady asked Ms. Stupar if she would be opposed to Pace utilizing smaller buses, siinilar to those used in the dial-a-ride program if the route was relocated. Ms. Stupar indicated that she would still oppose the smaller buses with designated stops along the new route.

Ron Stampler, residing at 9 N. Caroline Street, echoed the concerns of Ms. Stupar regarding the relocation of Pace Route 550. He is opposed to the relocation of the route, indicating Pace would be "pushing the envelope" moving the route and there would be safety concerns with a fixed route on a two lane street. He indicated that there are many other transportation options and that a fixed route should be located by major highways.

Mayor Shepley indicated that Pace is not the enemy here, and that he is on the Pace Board of Directors. He stated Pace is not trying to be adversarial, but is trying to make the transportation system accessible to people who need it in the community. He stated that Pace will not be doing anything that Crystal Lake does not want. He indicated the City has worked with them to make sure impacted residents have had a chance for input regarding the proposed change.

Mayor's Report 

Mayor Shepley paid tribute to Pat Eagle, former Executive Assistant to the City Manager, who passed away on Friday, April 12, 2019. He offered condolences to her family and reflected on her time working with the City of Crystal Lake.

City Council Reports 

None.

Consent Agenda 

Councilwoman Brady moved to approve a Consent Agenda consisting of Item 9a, 96, 9c, with the addition of Items 10, 11, 12. Councilwoman Ferguson seconded the motion. Mayor Shepley 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 comment. On roll call, all voted yes. Motion passed.

9. a. Approved a Special Event Request and Application Fee Waiver for Downtown Crystal Lake Main Street Johnny Appleseed Festival and Great Ball Race for September 28, 2019, pursuant to the staff recommended conditions. b. Approved a Special Event Request for the Outdoor Sale of Birdhouses at 103 Virginia Street for April through October 2019, pursuant to the staff recommended conditions. c. Approved an Annexation Referral for 4202 Three Oaks Road, Hermosa Gardens to the May 15, 2019 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting and June 4, 2019 City Council meeting.

10. Approved a Special Event Request for Immanuel Lutheran Church Carnival and 3 on 3 Tournament, May 24, 2019 through May 27, 2019, pursuant to the staff recommended conditions.

11. Adopted a City Code Amendment to Increase Number of Class 5 Liquor Licenses from 0 to 1 for ML Beverage LLC, Crystal Lake Holiday Inn, 800 S. Illinois Route 31.

12. Adopted a City Code Amendment to Increase Number of Class 24 Liquor Licenses from 1 to 2 and grant a Variation of Section 329-5 (X) (i) to allow alcoholic beverages to be served in an open unroofed area within 100 feet of land zoned for residential purposes for 815 Chop House, 394 W. Virginia Street.

Josh Hileman thanked the City Council and shared information regarding the Immanuel Lutheran Carnival and 3 on 3 Event

Diana Kenney, Downtown Crystal Lake Executive Director, thanked the City Council and introduced Jen Martin, new Downtown Crystal Lake Event Coordinator.

13. Retailer Job Creation and Investment Grant Award -Steinhafels, 5846 Northwest Highway, and Resolution authorizing Execution of the Grant Agreement. 

Heather Maieritsch, Economic Development Manager, stated that City staff had been working with Steinhafels for some time to open a location in Crystal Lake and the Retailer Job Creation and Investment Grant was a part of what brought them to the community. Councilwoman Brady moved to award $10,000 in Retailer Job Creation and Investment Grant to Steinhafels, located at 5846 Northwest Highway, and to adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute the Grant Agreement. Councilman Haleblian seconded the motion. On roll call, all voted yes, Motion passed.

14. 2019 Sidewalk and Curb/Pedestrian Ramp (ADA) Installation -Resolution authorizing the execution of a contract with Strada Construction Company 

Councilwoman Brady moved to award the 2019 Sidewalk and Curb/Pedestrian Ramp (ADA) Installation bid to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, Strada Construction Company, in the bid amount of $348,062.05, and adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Strada Construction Company, allowing for a 10 percent contingency. Councilwoman Ferguson seconded the motion,

Mayor Shepley asked why the City only received two bids for this project as well as others, Abby Wilgreen, City Engineer, stated that is a competitive process, with many construction projects ongoing. She stated staff followed standard procedures and specifications were mailed directly to companies,

On roll call, all voted yes, Motion passed,

15. 2019 Saw Cutting Program - Resolution authorizing the execution of a contract with Safety Services & Assessments. 

Councilwoman Brady moved to award the 2019 Sidewalk Saw Cutting Program bid to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, Safety Services & Assessments in the bid amount of $59,125.00, and adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute the contract with Safety Services & Assessments, allowing for a 10 percent contingency, Councilman Haleblian seconded the motion. On roll call, all voted yes. Motion passed.

16. Unleaded Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Bid – Resolution authorizing the execution of a contract with Gas Depot, Inc. 

Councilwoinan Brady moved to award the bid to provide unleaded gasoline and diesel fuel to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, Gas Depot, and adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a one-year contract with Gas Depot, with the option to extend the agreement for one additional year in the amounts bid. Councilman Haleblian seconded the motion. On roll call, all voted yes. Motion passed.

17. 2019 Street Sweeping Bid -- Municipal Partnership Initiative -Resolution authorizing the execution of a contract with Lakeshore Recycling Systems.

Councilwoman Brady moved to award the bid for street sweeping to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, Lakeshore Recycling Systems and adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a one-year contract with Lakeshore Recycling Systems for street sweeping services in the amounts bid. Councilman Haleblian seconded the inotion. On roll call, all voted yes, Motion passed.

18. Public Hearing: Ordinance approving and adopting the Annual Budget for the 2019/2020 Fiscal Year: Salary Ordinance for the 2019/2020 Fiscal Year: Ordinance amending Chapter 515. Water and Sewer, of the City Code, Ordinance Amending Chapter 467, Taxation, of the Crystal Lake City Code imposing an Electricity Tax, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 467 Taxation, of the Crystal Lake City Code imposing a Municipal Gas Use Tax and approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute an Agreement with Northern Illinois Gas Company, d/b/a Nicor Gas Company, for Municipal Gas Use Tax Collection, Adoption of a Resolution adopting the 2019/20 through 2023/24 Capital Improvement Program, and Five-Year Financial Plan, Resolution authorizing the Vehicle Leasing and Replacement Program for the 2019-2020 Fiscal Year, and a Resolution withdrawing from membership in the Northwest Municipal Conference, 

Mayor Shepley opened the Public Hearing for the Annual Budget for the 2019/2020 Fiscal Year. There was no public comment. As there was no public comment, Mayor Shepley closed the public hearing.

Councilwoman Brady moved to adopt an Ordinance approving and adopting the Annual Budget for the 2019/2020 Fiscal Year. Councilman Haleblian seconded the motion. On roll call, all voted yes. Motion passed.

Councilwoman Brady moved to adopt the Salary Ordinance for the 2019/2020 Fiscal Year. Councilwoman Ferguson seconded the motion. On roll call, all voted yes, Motion passed.

Councilwoman Brady moved to approve a Resolution adopting the 2019/20 through 2023/24 Capital Improvement Program and Five-Year Financial Plan. Councilman Haleblian seconded the motion. On roll call, all yoted yes. Motion passed.

Councilwoman Brady moved to adopt an Ordinance amending Chapter 515, Water and Sewer, of the City Code. Councilman Hateblian seconded the motion. On roll call, all voted yes, Motion passed

Councilwoman Brady moved to adopt an Ordinance Amending Chapter 467, Taxation, of the Crystal Lake City Code imposing an Electricity Tax. Councilman Haleblian seconded the motion. On roll call, Councilwoman Ferguson voted no, Mayor Shepley and remaining Councilmembers voted yes. Motion passed.

Councilwoman Brady moved to adopt an Ordinance Amending Chapter 467, Taxation, of the Crystal Lake City Code imposing a Municipal Gas Use Tax and approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute an Agreement with Northern Illinois Gas Company, d/b/a Nicor Gas Company, for Municipal Gas Use Tax Collection Councilman Haleblian seconded the motion. On roll call, Councilwoman Ferguson and Councilman Hopkins voted no, Mayor Shepley and remaining Councilmembers voted yes. Motion passed.

Councilwoman Brady moved to adopt a Resolution authorizing the Vehicle Leasing and Replacement Program for the 2019-2020 Fiscal Year. Councilman Haleblian seconded the motion. On roll call, all voted yes. Motion passed.

Councilwoman Brady moved to adopt a Resolution withdrawing from membership in the Northwest Municipal Conference. Councilman Haleblian seconded the motion. On roll call, all voted yes. Motion passed.

Councilwoman Brady indicated there was someone in the public that wanted to comment, Mayor Shepley stated the public hearing was closed but asked the individual to speak at the podium. A man from the audience indicated he has seen these taxes before and was questioning what was the service provided by the local government to enact these taxes. He also stated he misunderstood the timing of the public hearing for the individual items.

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. 

Councilwoman Brady moved to adjourn to Executive Session at 8:17 p.m. Councilwoman Ferguson seconded the motion. On roll call, all voted yes. Motion passed.

Reconvene in Regular Session 

Councilwoman Brady moved to reconvene to Regular Session. Councilman Hopkins seconded the motion. On roll call, all voted yes. The Council reconvened at 8:32 p.m.

Adjourn 

There being no further business, Councilwoman Brady moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:33 p.m. Councilman Hopkins seconded the motion. On voice vote, all voted yes. Motion passed.

https://ecode360.com/documents/CR2206/public/489763610.pdf