McHenry Times

City of Crystal Lake City Council met July 16.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

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

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

Also present were City Manager Gary Mayerhofer, City Attorney John Cowlin, 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 Jim Black.

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

Business Anniversary Proclamations Mayor Shepley recognized Independent Auto Craft, and owner/operators Tom and Sherry Low, for the business' 30-year Anniversary in Crystal Lake.

Mayor Shepley recognized Village Squire, and owners/operators George and Karen Karas and Aleko Karas, for the business' 40-year Anniversary in Crystal Lake.

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

Accounts Payable Councilwoman Ferguson moved to approve the Accounts Payable in the amount of $2,033,298.33. Councilman Hopkins 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 McHenry Hospital 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 was considered.

Robert McIntyre, resident of 633 Cress Creek Lane, thanked the City Council for support of his sale of bird houses on Route 14 near the Freeze. He stated that he had received a letter regarding removal of the directional signs throughout town directing people to this location. Mr. McIntyre indicated sales of birdhouses have dramatically reduced once the signs were removed.

Mayor Shepley asked Community Development Director Michelle Rentzsch regarding the issue. Ms. Rentzsch indicated Mr. McIntyre was not restricted from placing signage at the location where he was selling birdhouses. However, the Unified Development Ordinance does not allow signs advertising a business at other locations,

Mayor Shepley stated that City Staff will look into this issue.

John Streit, resident of 930 South Shore Drive, spoke on behalf of the McHenry County Youth Sports Association, Mr. Streit thanked the City Council for the support for the tournament throughout the years and invited the Mayor and City Council to the 2019 tournament, which will be held July 18 - 28, 2019.

Representative Allen Skillicorn and Beverly Alfeld, resident of 698 Exmoor Terrace, discussed concerns with the City's utility bills for renters and property owners. Representative Skillicorn and Ms. Alfeld shared concerns regarding reducing the dollar amou payment plan system. Ms. Alfeld stated she has been a landlord since the 1980s, and over time the penalties paid for late payments have become excessive. She says her concern is why the City no longer uses a collection agency or has a lower limit to start enrollment in the utility billing payment plan. Ms. Alfeld asked City Staff to investigate ways to help.

Mayor Shepley asked Finance Director George Koczwara to address Representative Skillicorn's

Is. Alfeld's questions. Mr. Koczwara explained the City's procedures for starting the State required red-tag process, which occurs after 60 days and/or $100 or more past due. A shut-off notice tells the customer the outstanding balance owed and that they have five days to pay before water is shut-off. This typically results in an approximately 90% payment rate.

said the City does work with residents to pay their bills. He stated the City's payment plan pauses the late fees. Mr. Koczwara said the City does not want to turn-off residents’ water. However, he said that ultimately, if a utility bill is not paid, the cost will be paid by the entire community, as the system is a not-for profit system.

Mayor Shepley asked if the City uses collection agencies. Mr. Koczwara indicated items that are 90-days past due are sent to a collection agency, Water and sewer bills are a little different, with the owner of a property being ultimately responsible. If a debt is owed to the City, the owner receives a duplicate copy of all bills, not just past due bills.

Mayor Shepley indicated that the City is a municipality with finite resources. He said the City charges zero property taxes for general fund services, including water and sewer. Instead, the City relies on use fees, which must be collected if property taxes are to remain low.

Mayor's Report Mayor Shepley thanked the Chamber of Commerce and everyone who helped put on the Independence Day parade and fantastic fireworks display.

City Council Reports Councilwoman Brady said the fireworks were phenomenal.

Councilwoman Ferguson stated she has spoken with a resident regarding Congress and Pingree and the resident is happy with the signage at this location and is excited for lighting and striping work to be completed.

Councilman Haleblian echoed that the fireworks show was amazing,

Consent Agenda Councilwoman Brady moved to approve a Consent Agenda consisting of Items 10a, 10b and 100 with the addition of Items 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 21. 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 appr comment. On roll call, all present voted yes. Motion passed.

10. a. Approved the Special Event Request and Temporary Variance to the Class 26 liquor license to allow for the 2019 Crystal Lake Brewing Company Oktoberfest, Crystal Lake Brewing Company, 105 North Main Street, September 13-15, 2019.

b. Ratified the referral of the Planned Unit Development (PUD) Overlay amendment to the July 29, 2019 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting and approved the public notice.

c. Adopted a resolution designating items identified in Exhibit A as surplus property, authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Obenauf Auction Service Inc. for the sale of City surplused property, and authorizing surplus items not sold, donated, or whose proposed auction price is less than a scrap price, be scrapped in accordance with the City's scrap metal policy.

11. Approved

Approved the Special Event Request and Temporary Variance to the Class 26 liquor license to allow for the Crystal Lake Brewing Company 5th Anniversary Party, Crystal Lake Brewing Company, 105 North Main Street, August 10, 2019.

12. Adopted an Ordinance increasing the number of Class 9 Liquor Licenses from the currently permitted 6 licenses to 7 licenses, in order to allow for the issuance of a new Class 9 Liquor License to Pablo's Family Fiesta Restaurant, located at 330 North Illinois Route 31.

13. County Zoning Request - No Objection to the proposed renewal of the Conditional Use Permit for a landscape business with outdoor storage, 12803 Pleasant Valley Road.

14. County Zoning Request - No Objection to the proposed reclassification from "1-2" to “E-I”, 6714 Sands Road.

15. Adopted an Ordinance Amending Chapter 203 of the City Code; Cigarette Sales of the City Code.

16. Adopted a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to execute an intergovernmental agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation for the Route 176 and Haligus Road /Mt.Thabor Road Water Main Adjustment.

21. Adopted a Resolution authorizing payment in the amount of $48,500.00, for annual NPDES permit fees under protest.

Beth Alberger from Crystal Lake Brewery thanked the Mayor and City Council for their support and provided details for the upcoming Oktoberfest and 5th Anniversary Celebration.

Mayor Shepley discussed his role as Liquor Commissioner and the City's enforcement operations, and fines and consequences for violations. He wished the owners of Pablo's Family Fiesta the best of luck at the new location. He also directed them to check with the Police Department regarding the IMPACT program.

17. Bid Award - Route 176 and Haligus Road/

Mt. Thabor Road Water Main Councilwoman Brady moved to award the Route 176 and Haligus Road/Mt, Thabor Road Water Main Adjustment bid to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, Mauro Sewer Construction, in the bid amount of $34,990.00, and adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Mauro Sewer Construction, allowing for a 10 percent contingency. Councilman Hubbard seconded the motion. On roll call, all voted yes. Motion passed.

18. Appropriation of Motor Fuel Tax Funds (MFT) for Route 14 and Virginia Road

Intersection Improvements Councilwoman Brady moved to adopt a resolution appropriating $45,200 in MFT funds for the Route 14 and Virginia Road Intersection Improvement Construction and Phase 3 Construction Engineering services. Councilman Hubbard seconded the motion. On roll call, all voted yes. Motion passed.

19. Bid Award - ICP OES Analyzer for Wastewater Division Lab

Councilwoman Brady moved to award the contract for the ICP OES Analyzer to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, Agilent Technologies, and to adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Agilent Technologies, in the submitted bid amount with a 10% contingency for unforeseen expenses. Councilman Hubbard seconded the motion. On roll call, all voted yes. Motion passed.

20. Bond Sale Information Regarding Two Series of General Obligation Bonds

Councilwoman Brady moved to adopt a resolution receiving bond sale information regarding two series of general obligation bonds to be issued by the City of Crystal Lake, McHenry County, Illinois. Councilman Hubbard seconded the motion. On roll call, Councilmembers Haleblian, Ferguson, Hopkins, Hubbard and Brady and Mayor Shepley voted yes. Councilman Dawson voted no. Motion passed.

Finance Director George Koczwara indicated that the City was very pleased with results of the sale.

Council Inquiries and Requests 

None.

Adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of discussing matters of pending and probable litigation Councilman Hopkins moved to adjourn to Executive Session at 8:21.m. Councilman Hubbard seconded the motion. On roll call, all voted yes. Motion passed.

Reconvene in Regular Session Councilwoman Ferguson moved to reconvene to Regular Session. Councilman Hopkins seconded the motion. On roll call, all voted yes. The Council reconvened at 8:41 p.m.

Adjourn There being no further business, Councilwoman Ferguson moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:42 p.m. Councilman Haleblian seconded the motion. On voice vote, all voted yes. Motion passed.

https://ecode360.com/documents/CR2206/public/502151391.pdf