McHenry Times

Village of Richmond Village Board met Feb. 20.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

Village President Craig Kunz called the February 20, 2020 Board Meeting to order at 7:00 PM, 5600 Hunter Drive, Richmond, Illinois.

Everyone in attendance rose for the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL:

PRESENT: Village President Craig Kunz, Trustees Robert Elliott, TJ Fulmer, Frank Peiler and Toni Wardanian. 

ABSENT: Trustee Gina Garbis

OTHERS PRESENT: Police Chief Ciro Cetrangolo, Village Attorney David McArdle and Village Clerk Karla Thomas.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: None.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None.

PUBLIC COMMENTS: Lou Emmons suggested that the Village begin a Tree Planting Program. She would be willing to donate/plant some trees at the Village Hall.

Randy Repke announced that he was interested in purchasing the building located at 5611 Broadway. He questioned the Board on whether they would grant a conditional use for first floor kitchen and bathroom. It was noted that the current owner has the same conditional use in place.

CONSENT AGENDA: The Board reviewed the items on the consent agenda.

a. Approval of Regular Board Minutes for February 6, 2020

b. Authorization to Expend Funds for Warrant Fiscal Year 2019/20.10.02 in the amount not to exceed $200,000.00

c. Approval and authorization to execute the 2020 Park Facilities Usage Permit Agreement between the Village of Richmond and Lightning Youth Athletics Inc.

Trustee Elliott moved, seconded by Trustee Peiler to approve the consent agenda, approval of the Regular Board minutes for February 6, 2020, authorization to expend funds for Warrant Fiscal Year 2019/20.10.02 in the amount of $53,384.24 and approval and authorization to execute the 2020 Park Facilities Usage Permit Agreement between the Village of Richmond and Lightning Youth Athletics Inc. as presented. ROLL CALL: AYES: ELLIOTT, FULMER, PEILER and WARDANIAN. NAYS: NONE. ABSENT: GARBIS. ABSTAIN: NONE. The motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS: President Kunz announced that the next order of business was discussion and action regarding Off Premise Signs. Trustee Elliott reported that the Community Development Committee met to discuss this issue and agrees with the May 2019 Board decision to have all off premise signs removed by April 30, 2020. The committee also agrees that an amendment should be written to include a definition of what an off premise sign is, where they will be allowed and what the size of the print and sign will be. Atty. McArdle explained that there will be a removal of a sub-category known as illegal off premise signs and then owners can apply under the new regulations. Trustee Elliott suggested that the Village Clerk should send a reminder to illegal sign owners and include what the Village is planning on doing and if there is no cooperation with the removal of the illegal signs.

Atty. McArdle expressed that the next letter will have a little more detail. The amended ordinance should be in place before April 30th, so if owners apply for their existing signs and the existing sign complies, they would not have to remove them. President Kunz asked the board for permission to incur legal expense on drafting the ordinance. The Board concurred.

Trustee Peiler moved, seconded by Trustee Elliott to direct the staff to prepare a draft ordinance for the Community Development Committee to consider. The motion was approved by unanimous voice vote.

John Milne, owner of the property located on the SW corner of Rte. 31 and Tryon Grove Road, explained that he had met with the Community Development Committee on February 18th to discuss the violation he received for his legal non-conforming sign. Mr. Milne reported that he submitted paperwork for a sign variance. Atty. McArdle asked Mr. Milne if he had followed the sign procedure in the code, such as, the notice provision that requires signs to be placed on the property. Mr. Milne stated that he had not. He submitted the paperwork provided by the front office and no procedures were given to him. Atty. McArdle stated that Mr. Milne should petition for a variance for the sign structure, follow the procedures laid out for the process and get the proper documents from the Village Clerk. Atty. McArdle also advised Mr. Milne to look into the Illinois Outdoor Advertising Act, as his sign may additionally need to conform to IDOT regulations. Mr. Milne was directed to resubmit the appropriate documents and the issue would be placed on the next Community Development Committee agenda in March. The matter was tabled.

President Kunz presented an Ordinance Amending Section 1.2.9, Annexed Land, of Article 1.2 Purpose and Applicability, of the Richmond Unified Development Ordinance. He explained that the change would require applicants looking to annex into the Village to come in as a Single-Family Residential property (R-1) instead of an Agriculture and Conservation (T-1).

Trustee Elliott moved, seconded by Trustee Wardanian to approve an Ordinance Amending Section 1.2.9, Annexed Land, of Article 1.2 Purpose and Applicability, of the Richmond Unified Development Ordinance as presented. ROLL CALL: AYES: ELLIOTT, FULMER, PEILER and WARDANIAN. NAYS: NONE. ABSENT: GARBIS. ABSTAIN: NONE. The motion carried.

COMMITTEE/DEPARTMENT REPORTS:

FINANCE: Trustee Wardanian reported that the committee met with George Roach who explained how a Capital Improvement Fund works and why it is needed for the General Fund. Additionally, the proposed budget for the administrative department was reviewed for Fiscal Year 2021.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: Trustee Elliott announced that the Village sponsored St. Patrick’s Day Celebration will take place on Saturday, February 29th at Memorial Hall from Noon to 7 PM. He reported that the committee is working on developer documents to draw future development.

POLICE: None.

PUBLIC WORKS: President Kunz announced that he, Interim Supt. Schmitt and PW Crew Leader Koenig will be meeting with IPR to review the final Septic

Receiving report on Tuesday, February 25th. Any trustee that is interested in attending is invited.

ENGINEERING: None.

VILLAGE CLERK: None.

ATTORNEY: Atty. McArdle reported that he will be attending the March 6th court hearing regarding the Jones case.

PRESIDENT’S COMMENTS: President Kunz reported that he had attended the February 6th McRide meeting. Discussion regarding the general status of the program took place and no changes were enacted.

President Kunz also reported that he met with Kim Meier to discuss Village fees. He noted that the Village already placed a moratorium on school impact fees, but could consider Fire and Library impact fees. Mr. Meier is requesting a reduction in the Village’s water and sewer connection fees. President Kunz explained that these fees have not been increased in several years. Other options were discussed. Further discussion will be required.

President Kunz announced that the Village would be hosting the McHenry County Council of Government February Membership Dinner on Wednesday, February 26th at Paisano’s on Broadway. He asked that Board members notify the Village Clerk by tomorrow morning if they will be attending.

TRUSTEE COMMENTS: Trustee Peiler stated that with reference to Kim Meier’s fee reduction request the Homeowner’s Association for Sunset Ridge should enforce the covenants in place before the Village provide Mr. Meier any financial relief.

CLOSED SESSION: None.

ACTION RESULTING FROM CLOSED SESSION: None.

With no further business, Trustee Peiler moved to adjourn the February 20, 2020 Regular Board Meeting, seconded by Trustee Fulmer. The motion was approved by voice vote.

Meeting adjourned at 7:55 PM.

https://richmond-il.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/02-20-2020-Board-Minutes.pdf