McHenry Times

City of Crystal Lake City Council met Aug. 3.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Call to Order

Mayor Haleblian called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Roll Call

Mayor Haig Haleblian, Councilmembers Ellen Brady, Cathy Ferguson, Brett Hopkins, Cameron Hubbard, Mandy Montford and Ian Philpot were present. City Clerk Nick Kachiroubas was present.

Also present were City Manager Gary Mayerhofer, Deputy City Manager Eric Helm, Assistant to the City Manager Nick Hammonds, Director of Public Works and Engineering Mike Magnuson, Director of Community Development Michelle Rentzsch, Assistant City Planner Kathryn Cowlin, Finance Director Jodie Hartman, Fire Rescue Chief Paul DeRaedt, and Deputy Chief of Police Tom Kotlowski. City Attorney John Cowlin was also present. Special Legal Counsel David Pardys was also present via teleconference.

Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Haleblian led the City Council and the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approval of Minutes

Councilman Philpot moved to approve the minutes of the July 20, 2021 Regular City Council Meeting with changes as noted regarding the motion and second to adjourn. Councilwoman Ferguson seconded the motion. On roll call, all present voted yes. Motion passed.

Accounts Payable

Councilwoman Ferguson moved to approve the Accounts Payable in the amount of $1,788,757.13. Councilman Hopkins seconded the motion. On roll call, all present voted yes. Motion passed.

Public Presentation

Mayor Haleblian asked if there was anyone in the public who would like to speak. No one wished to speak. Mayor Haleblian closed the Public Presentation portion of the meeting.

Mayor's Report

None.

City Council Reports

None.

Consent Agenda

Councilwoman Brady moved to approve a Consent Agenda including Items 9a, 9b, 9c and 9d, and adding Items 11and12. Councilman Hopkins seconded the motion.

Mayor Haleblian asked if anyone wished to speak on the Consent Agenda.

Mike Splitt spoke to the Mayor and City Council regarding the 1 oth Annual Santa Run and thanked them for their help. No one else wished to speak.

On roll call, all present voted yes. Motion passed.

9a. Approved the use of the Three Oaks Recreation Area and a waiver of fees for the Marine Corps League August 19, 2021.fishing derby event request at the Three Oaks Recreation Area.

9b. Approved the Kiwanis Club 's application for a Special Event for the McHenry County Santa Run on December 5, 2021, including Street Closure and a Fee Waiver, pursuant to the recommended staff conditions and waiver of the Police Department charge back fees ($1,819.20).

9c. Approved and adopted a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with the lowest responsible and responsive company, FastSigns, for a City Hall monument sign replacement panel per the submitted rendering and quote and authorizing the City Manager to approve up to 10 percent in justifiable contract amendments from a contingency allowance.

9d. Adopted a Resolution accepting the donation of real property located at 1716 McHenry Avenue and authorizing the City Manager to execute a donation agreement and necessary documents to affect the transfer of said property.

11. Adopted a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a consent of assignment of contract agreement between the City of Crystal Lake, Prairie/and Disposal, Inc., and GFL Environmental, LLC.

12. Awarded the contract for bio-solids land application and land.fill disposal services to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder, Synagro Central LLC, in the submitted bid amounts, and adopted a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a three year contract with Synagro Central LLC for bio-solids land application and land.fill disposal services in the amounts bid.

10. North 48 acres of 1120 Central Park Drive (original Lutter Center property), Redwood USA - Preliminary Planned Unit Development for a 305 - unit residential rental townhome development and Preliminary Plat of Subdivision for a three-lot subdivision

Assistant City Planner Kathryn Cowlin provided the Mayor and City Council with an overview of the project, including the number of units allowed to be built as a part of the annexation agreement.

Ms. Cowlin said there was discussion at the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) meeting regarding setbacks and buffers for surrounding properties. She said the developer has agreed to continue working with staff and the residents on these issues to meet their needs.

The addition of a bike or walking path through the development was also discussed to provide residents with another amenity. Ms. Cowlin said overall, the PZC recommended the development 7-0.

Kelly Mel vor with Redwood Living provided additional information to the Mayor and City Council regarding the development including background on the company, which has been developing this ranch townhome product since 2003.

Ms. Mcivor said Redwood Living owns every development they have built, they do not build and sell. Most company employees are management staff, and she said a development of the size proposed for Crystal Lake would have approximately four dedicated staff people.

Ms. Mcivor reviewed the construction materials for the development and the type of residents living in their communities. She said the average age is 51 years old and empty nesters, typically relocating from close by and wanting to downsize. The development is a solution for people who want to remain active in their communities, yet do not want the upkeep of a single family home.

Ms. Mcivor said the development is not aimed at families with children, with the average number of people per home being 1.65. She said all the homes are ADA compliant and reviewed features provided. There are on average 11 children in their developments.

Ms. Mcivor also explained the rental process and procedures in place to control who rents the townhouses including extensive background checks. She said the person renting the property must live at the property.

Ms. Mcivor discussed the landscaping elements to be included at this site and stated Redwood has been working closely with neighbors to the north and east regarding buffer and setback concerns, including walking through the site with the neighbors to help get a better understanding of the types of trees and plantings they are looking for.

The development is anticipating premium rent starting at $2,300 or $1.67 per square foot. She also indicated the developer works to create a "warm streetscape" with lighting, plantings and high-quality architectural elements.

In addition, Ms. Mcivor said the development is 15 units less than what is permitted in the annexation agreement for the property, and are one-story units instead of two. She said the developer is meeting all the requirements of the annexation agreement. The neighborhood will offer two-car garages, with four to six units per building and will still have the connector road through the development.

The development will utilize materials and architectural elements to tie into The Springs development currently under construction, including stone and shake accents, gable vents, and upgraded garage doors. The rooflines can also vary.

Mayor Haleblian asked if there was anyone in the public that would like to speak regarding the request.

David Morris, resident of 4309 Fairfax Drive, located about 50 feet from the closest proposed buildings, provided the Mayor and City Council with a brief history of the zoning of the property. He said there is a lot to like about the plan including the rental profiles of residents and the single story townhomes.

Mr. Morris said the development is just too close to the existing estate homes with large lots. He said 50 feet is not very far from the tree line of the existing properties, and suggested building a bike or walking path around the property in addition to the 50-feet buffer and extensively landscaping the berms for screening. A more severe delineation is needed.

Mr. Morris also said cut through traffic is already bad enough. He said signage at the entrances stating this is a dead end or no outlet to help deter traffic is needed.

Mayor Haleblian confirmed there is discussion regarding relocating the landscape berms. Mr. Morris agreed. He also said the drainage for the development goes through a swail by his home and he does not know how things will work.

Katie Hatters, resident of 4305 Fairfax Drive, asked how the 50-foot setback is measured, if it was from the structure to her property line. Ms. Hatters said it would actually be 40 feet from the patio of the townhomes to her property line.

Ms. Mcivor asked if she could address Ms. Hatters' question directly. She said it is a minimum of 50 feet from the structure to the property line, and that depending on where her home is located it could be more than 50 feet.

Ms. Hatters echoed Mr. Morris' concern that the buffer needs to be greater than 50 feet. No one else wished to speak on the petitioner's request.

Mayor Haleblian asked the City Council for questions and comments.

Councilman Hopkins said he came from the Planning and Zoning Commission and can remember the discussions involved with past development proposals for this location. He said the neighbors are estate lots and there does not seem to be a lot of transition between development types. He asked the developer to please continue to work with the neighbors regarding the buffer and landscape elements.

Councilman Hopkins asked if there is a monotony clause for the development. Ms. Mcivor said at the final stage, the developer will provide a variation guide illustrating how architecture will vary throughout the development.

He said he liked the private entrances for the units, and asked if maintenance costs were built into the lease or if they are an additional fee. Ms. Mcivor said they are included in the rent, and maintenance includes snow plowing, lawn maintenance, and tree replacement.

Councilman Hopkins asked City staff if there are concerns about tight turning radiuses on right of-ways. Ms. Cowlin said the Fire Rescue Department reviewed the plan and it meets all City radius requirements.

Councilwoman Montford asked if furnished units would be available and if short-term rentals would be allowed. Ms. Mcivor said short-term rentals are not usually allowed, with the standard lease being one year. She said there are not pre-furnished units but the developer will help residents find resources if needed.

Councilwoman Montford asked if there are basements or storage in the units. Ms. Mcivor said there are no basements, but there is storage within the units.

Councilwoman Montford stated there is a need for ranch units in the community and thanked the petitioner.

Councilman Hubbard said he liked the plan and design, but he had a question regarding the setback. He said it appears the existing tree line is on the homeowners' property, and asked if the trees were being removed. Ms. Cowlin said it is a mix of lower quality trees. Some are on the homeowners' property but many are on the developer's property. The developer could only remove the trees on their property. The developer is looking at ways to preserve trees in the existing buffer if possible.

Councilman Hubbard asked Ms. Mcivor to describe what the buffer would look like. She said she cannot completely describe what the berms will look like until the soil grading plans have been completed, but she has committed to the City and homeowners to explore what options are available. The preliminary plan outlines types of screening and the developer is committed to working with the homeowners regarding the type of trees they would like to see as part of the buffer and saving trees if possible.

Councilman Hubbard asked if water is included in the buffer. Ms. Mcivor said no, that the illustration does not reflect what the buffer will be, but is preliminary.

Councilwoman Brady asked if this property is currently an active PUD, if the 50-foot setback was previously approved, and was within requirements. She asked if the 20-feet buffer is included in the 50-feet setback. Ms. Mcivor said the 20-foot buffer is included.

Councilwoman Brady asked if streets are dedicated public streets or private. Ms. Cowlin said there is one dedicated street that will connect to Central Park and the remaining property will be divided into three parcels and remain under Redwood's ownership.

Councilwoman Brady asked about visitor parking. Ms. Mcivor said two cars will fit in the garage and two in each driveway. In addition, there are several areas of off-street parking in the development as well - a total of 80 spaces.

Councilwoman Brady asked if people are allowed to park on the street. Ms. Mcivor said on the public street considerations would have to be made, but no parking is allowed on the private streets within the development.

Councilwoman Brady said it looks like accommodations have been made for guest parking, and she likes the development. She asked where the bike path would be located. Ms. Mcivor said sidewalks are provided through the entire development.

Councilman Philpot said many of his questions have already been addressed, and stressed working with the neighbors and that the buffer is important to everyone. He said he looks forward to seeing the Final PUD addressing these issues.

Councilwoman Ferguson said that most of her questions had been addressed. She said that from the first development proposed at this location, the buffer has been the most important issue for the neighboring homeowners. She said they have been watchful and not unreasonable regarding the issue and she wanted to stress the importance of the buffer.

Councilwoman Ferguson said there were options for the bike path location, including bike lanes in the roadway, which could be worked on with City staff. She said she likes the development and wished the developer success.

Mayor Haleblian said he likes the plan, and the collaboration with the neighbors, listening to their concerns and being proactive, and as long as that continues he has no issue with the development. He said he likes the vetting process for renters stating this will be a nice neighborhood.

Mayor Haleblian encouraged the developer to keep working with the neighbors and wished them luck.

Councilwoman Brady asked for clarification on the bike path location. Ms. Cowlin said the intent of the PZC was to provide additional bike and pedestrian connections within the neighborhood to provide more accessibility to parks and other areas without having to use the sidewalks.

Councilwoman Brady asked if the bike path in the Cambria Subdivision in Cary would connect to this property. Ms. Cowlin said it does not connect to the property without utilizing roadways or the planned trail along Three Oaks Road.

Councilwoman Brady said the condition could ask the developer to continue working on a bike path location and determine its feasibility at final approval. She said it did not necessarily make sense to have a bike path in the buffer area.

Ms. Mcivor said she thought the PZC recommendation was what Ms. Cowlin stated, for a creative connection within the community.

Councilwoman Brady moved to approve the Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC) recommendation and adopted an Ordinance granting a Preliminary Planned Unit Development (PUD) and Preliminary Plat of Subdivision for a 305-unit rental townhome development at the north 48 acres of 1120 Central Park Drive (original Lutter Center property), amending Condition 4a stating the applicant will continue to work with staff to incorporate additional amenities to the parklets and work to include bike paths that promote a sense of community in the neighborhood. Councilwoman Ferguson seconded the motion.

Councilman Hopkins clarified that staff has the information needed regarding neighbor comments to continue working on the plan. Ms. Cowlin said yes.

On roll call, all present voted yes. Motion passed.

Ms. Mcivor credited City staff for help in developing the design for the project.

Council Inquiries and Requests

City Manager Gary Mayerhofer recognized Community Development Director Michelle Rentzsch who is retiring on August 4, 2021 after over 25 years with the City of Crystal Lake. He said beginning August 5, 2021, Katie Cowlin will be the new Community Development Director.

Mr. Mayerhofer said he can think of no better mentor for Ms. Cowlin than Ms. Rentzsch during their time working together. He said Ms. Rentzsch is simply the best and has been for almost three decades.

Mr. Mayerhofer said Ms. Rentzsch has been the architect of quality growth and development in the City, and whose fingerprint is on hundreds of projects that she has moved through the development process with successful outcomes.

In addition, Mr. Mayerhofer said Ms. Rentzsch's leadership has turned the Community Development Department into a customer service machine. He said the City receives frequent wonderful comments regarding the department, and she has earned the respect of the business community due to her commitment to excellence, which continues to this day.

Mr. Mayerhofer said Ms. Rentzsch is the most positive person he has ever worked with, and always comes to work with a smile on her face, willing to help anyone regardless the size of the task. He said at the end of the day, it is about leaving an organization, and a community, better than it was when you started, and there is no doubt in his mind that Crystal Lake is a better place because of Ms. Rentzsch.

Mr. Mayerhofer said it is an honor and a privilege to have worked with Ms. Rentzsch, and she will be missed.

Mr. Mayerhofer asked Diana Kenney of Downtown Crystal Lake Main Street to recognize Ms. Rentzsch.

Ms. Kenney said she has known Ms. Rentzsch for twenty-one of the twenty-five years with Ms. Rentzsch serving on the Board of Downtown Crystal Lake. She said she always called her "Sunshine", and they would meet on Tuesday mornings at 8:00 a.m. for Downtown Board meetings and there was Sunshine, and then again later at night for City Council. She said Ms. Rentzsch was a calming influence and she absolutely adores her and her son who was an intern for the Downtown organization.

Councilwoman Brady said she has been here for the entire time Ms. Rentzsch has been here. She said Ms. Rentzsch never hesitated to answer questions or find answers if she did not know them.

Councilwoman Brady said Ms. Rentzsch has led the City through so many projects and innovations, and helped research information on many subjects, including chickens.

Councilwoman Brady said she truly appreciates her friendship and thinks Crystal Lake is a much better place having had Ms. Rentzsch here, and the City would not be where it is today without her. She said she will really miss her and hopes their paths cross again.

Councilman Philpot thanked Ms. Rentzsch for helping him get settled on the Planning and Zoning Commission and always answering his questions with a smile. He said he appreciates all of her efforts.

Councilwoman Ferguson said when she started as a Councilmember, businesses did not want to do business with the City. It has changed so much through the years, and Ms. Rentzsch was key to this. She said through it all, Ms. Rentzsch has calmly been there with a smile on her face.

Councilwoman Ferguson said through it all Ms. Rentzsch has become a friend and she will miss her. She wished Ms. Rentzsch the best of luck on her new adventures.

City Attorney John Cowlin said he was thinking back to when Ms. Rentzsch first started and each City Council meeting would be packed with people opposing a development, and how things have changed. Ms. Rentzsch thanked Mr. Cowlin for all the time spent with her reviewing history of developments and helping her understand how things worked.

Mr. Cowlin said he hears from people in other communities who say they love shopping Downtown or visiting Three Oaks and thanked Ms. Rentzsch for her efforts.

City Clerk Nick Kachiroubas said he hears about the great customer service from City staff and how friendly employees are. He said he remembers his first meeting as City Clerk and the long discussions about electronic sign messaging systems on agendas, which she helped get in the Unified Development Ordinance.

Mr. Kachiroubas said Ms. Rentzsch would give her email to his students to help with questions they might have on assignments. He said if in the future she is ever looking to help teach future developers maybe as an adjunct professor or guest lecturer, to let him know.

Councilman Hopkins said the true testament to someone's worth is his or her impact on others, and he is one person that Ms. Rentzsch has greatly impacted. He said he has enjoyed listening to Ms. Rentzsch and her personality and said he will miss her but he is happy for her.

Councilman Hubbard said it is hard to believe it has been eight years and what stands out is how thorough the packets are. He said he struggled to find a question on items and thanked Ms. Rentzsch for making the process easier for him. He wished her all the best and congratulated her on her retirement.

Councilwoman Montford thanked Ms. Rentzsch and said she radiates warmth, composure, and class.

Mayor Haleblian said he has known Ms. Rentzsch for twenty-five years, and as a business owner remembers the process of building his business in town and has seen how things have changed. He said it has been a very rewarding experience working with her.

Mayor Haleblian said he had lunch with Ms. Rentzsch and he asked what she felt her greatest accomplishments were. She said seeing City staffs attitude change and become more proactive and positive. He said Ms. Rentzsch and City Manager Mayerhofer played a big role in this and were a great team.

Mayor Haleblian said, as a business owner, he used to hear how much people hated doing business with the City, himself included. He said that has all changed - a complete 180 - and how pleasant it is now to work with Crystal Lake.

Mayor Haleblian said Ms. Rentzsch said her most important project is Crystal Court, which is going on right now. He said a lot of people would have given up, but she persevered.

Lastly, Mayor Haleblian said what makes Ms. Rentzsch an endearing and wonderful individual is her son Rand. He said it speaks volumes about her - she is a great mother.

Mayor Haleblian presented Ms. Rentzsch with a proclamation recognizing her dedication during her time at the City, and presented her with a vase and flowers.

Ms. Rentzsch thanked the Mayor and City Council and said it is a team effort at the City and she worked with top-notch department heads and the best City Manager in the Midwest who work hard to make Crystal Lake a better place. She said the vision of the City Council has also played a role, people are investing in Crystal Lake and it is growing bigger and better.

She thanked the Mayor and City Council for the opportunity and for everything they have done.

Adjourn

There being no further business, Councilman Hopkins moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:21 p.m. Councilman Hubbard seconded the motion. On voice vote, all present voted yes. Motion passed.

https://ecode360.com/documents/CR2206/public/617612618.pdf