McHenry Times

City of Crystal Lake City Council met Nov. 19.

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

Also present were City Manager Gary Mayerhofer, Deputy City Manager Eric Helm, City Attorney John Cowlin, Finance Director Jodie Hartman, Assistant Director of Finance Laura Herrig, Director of Community Development Michelle Rentzsch, Director of Public Works Mike Magnuson, City Engineer Abby Wilgreen, Fire Rescue Chief Paul De Raedt, and Chief of Police Jim Black. David Pardys, Special Legal Counsel, was also present.

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 November 5, 2019, Regular City Council meeting and the October 8, 2019 City Council Workshop meeting. Councilman Haleblian seconded the motion. On roll call, all voted yes. Motion passed.

Accounts Payable 

Councilwoman Ferguson moved to approve the Accounts Payable in the amount of $2,300,016.60. Councilman Haleblian seconded the motion. Mayor Shepley abstained from items pertaining to Centegra Northwestern Occupational Health. On roll call, all voted yes. 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 they would be given an opportunity to speak when the agenda item was considered.

Bill Weller, resident of 115 E. Paddock Street, and member of the Library Board, spoke to the Council regarding what the Library Board has been working on over the past three years since the failed Library referendum. Chuck Ebann, resident of 1038 Plantain Court, and member of the Library Board, was also present.

Mr. Weller stated the Board has completed a listening tour to collect feedback regarding the referendum, a community survey, a space study, a building condition and repair study, and completed a 2021 Strategic Plan. He provided an outline of changes that will be coming to the library in the near future, including reducing the collection, implementation of an RFID system and reorganization of the materials inside the library.

He stated it will cost 4.8 million dollars to repair the building for the next 5 years, 5.1 million for 10 years and 6 million over 15 years. He said some repairs are not optional – these will cost 1.3 million dollars. These repairs will not provide for a drive-up/pick-up area, or provide ground level access, or correct problems created by the merging of three additions built over the years. Mr. Weller indicated that the 1.3 million in repairs will be completed and it is planned to operate in the building for the next ten years.

However, the Library Board determined that a new building is the best path for the future of the library. He indicated the Board will use existing fund balances to begin repairs and improvements but will be looking for other funding sources, including help from the City. He asked if the Library would be a candidate for Utility Tax Funding.

Jim Heisler, resident of 131 Baldwin Avenue, and owner of Heisler's Bootery in Downtown Crystal Lake, spoke to the Council regarding property tax assessments. He said his assessment increased 82 percent, and several other property owners had experienced increases of 78 and 35 and 95 percent. Mayor Shepley clarified Mr. Heisler was referring to the Equalized Assessed Valuation determined by the township assessor. Mr. Heisler stated the Downtown has been very successful, but the increases will drive businesses out.

Mayor's Report 

None.

City Council Reports 

None.

Consent Agenda 

Councilwoman Brady moved to approve a Consent Agenda including Items 9a, adding Items 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20 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 approved. No one wished to speak. On roll call, all voted yes. Motion passed.

9a. Adopted a Resolution approving a Settlement Agreement.

10 Approved the Planning and Zoning Commission Recommendation and Adopted an Ordinance Granting a Special Use Permit to allow a tattoo parlor for permanent makeup at 382 W. Virginia Street.

11. Adopted an Ordinance increasing the number of Class 2 Liquor Licenses from the currently permitted 2 licenses to 3 licenses, in order to allow for the issuance of a new Class 2 Liquor License to Wang Du Inc. DBA Kumi Sushi, located at 1145 S. Illinois Route 31.

Adopted an Ordinance increasing the number of Class 2 Liquor Licenses from the currently permitted 3 licenses to 4 licenses, in order to allow for the issuance of a new Class 2 Liquor License to Riviera Maya Seafood & Steakhouse, Ltd., DBA Mookie's Steak & Seafood, located 446 W. Virginia Street.

Adopted an Ordinance increasing the number of Class 1 Liquor Licenses from the currently permitted 7 licenses to 8 licenses, in order to allow for the issuance of a new Class 1 Liquor License to Cardinal Hospitality Group LLC, DBA Vine and Plate Wine Bar & Provisions, located at 414 W. Virginia Street and 246 Pomeroy Avenue.

14. Adopted an Ordinance increasing the number of Class 25 Liquor Licenses from the currently permitted 4 licenses to 5 licenses, in order to allow for the issuance of a new Class 25 Liquor License to Sustainable Hospitality LLC, DBA Café Olympic, located at 90 N. Williams Street.

15. Adopted an Ordinance Amending the City Code Chapter 385, Article 1; Peddlers and Article II; Solicitors.

9. Adopted an Ordinance Amending the City Code, Chapter 435, Sewer Use.

Adopted an Ordinance Authorizing the City of Crystal Lake to borrow funds from the Nlinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) Public Water Supply Loan Program.

Reappointed Keith Saidler and Jeffrey De Haan to the Economic Development Committee and Appointed Jen Oliver to the Sustainability Committee.

Mayor Shepley addressed the petitioners requesting liquor licenses, explaining the City's enforcement actions for establishments with liquor licenses. He also explained the IMPACT program, and encouraged business owners to participate.

16. Bid Award - Liquid Anti-Icing & De-Icing Chemicals 

Councilwoman Brady moved to adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Industrial Systems Ltd. for the purchase of Liquid Anti-Icing & De-Icing Chemicals in the submitted bid amount. Councilman Haleblian seconded the motion. On roll call, all voted yes. Motion passed.

17. Bid Award -Lift Station #9 Rehabilitation 

Councilwoman Brady moved to award the bid for the rehabilitation of the Pine Street Lift Station (Lift Station #9) to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Bolder Contractors, and adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Bolder Contractors in the submitted bid amounts with a 10% contingency for unforeseen expenses. Councilman Hubbard seconded the motion. On roll call, all voted yes. Motion passed.

18. Bid Award - Well #16 Maintenance & Repair 

Councilwoman Brady moved to award the bid for maintenance and repair work on Well #16 to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Municipal Well & Pump, and adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Municipal Well & Pump in the submitted bid amounts with a 10% contingency for unforeseen expenses. Councilman Haleblian seconded the motion. On roll call, all voted yes. Motion passed.

Council Inquiries and Requests 

Councilman Haleblian asked staff about parking on Virginia Street with new restaurants. Michelle Rentzsch, Community Development Director, indicated staff is always looking for ways to add additional parking, citing the two new spaces recently added on Pomeroy Avenue and stated when businesses locate in Crystal Lake they are also looking for ways to improve parking on their own, which has been successful. She stated staff looks at businesses on a case by-case basis and tries to address this issue. Councilman Haleblian asked if the new owner of the former Jasters location has an agreement for parking with Vogue Cleaners. Ms. Rentzsch indicated she did not know.

Adjourn 

There being no further business, Councilwoman Brady moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:01 p.m. Councilman Haleblian seconded the motion. On voice vote, all voted yes. Motion passed.

https://ecode360.com/documents/CR2206/public/518829158.pdf