McHenry Times

City of Crystal Lake City Council met March 15.

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, Brett Hopkins, Cameron Hubbard, and Ian Philpot were present. Councilmember Mandy Montford was absent. City Clerk Nick Kachiroubas was present.

Also present were City Manager Gary Mayerhofer, Deputy City Manager Eric Helm, Director of Public Works and Engineering Mike Magnuson, Director of Community Development Kathryn Cowlin, Finance Director Jodie Hartman, Fire Rescue Chief Paul DeRaedt, and Chief of Police James Black. City Attorney John Cowlin was also present. Special Legal Counsel Victor Filippini was also present telephonically.

Approval of Councilmember Ferguson Telephonic Attendance

Councilman Philpot moved to approve Councilmember Ferguson's telephonic attendance of the City Council Meeting. Councilman Hopkins seconded the motion. On roll call, all present voted yes. Motion passed.

Pledge of Allegiance

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

Approval of Minutes

Councilwoman Ferguson moved to approve the minutes of the March 1, 2022 Regular City Council Meeting. Councilman Hopkins 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 $2,808,669.57. 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 wished to make a public presentation regarding an item not on the agenda. 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 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21. Councilman Philpot seconded the motion.

Mayor Haleblian asked if anyone wished to speak on the Consent Agenda. No one wished to speak. On roll call, all present voted yes. Motion passed.

9a. Adopted a Resolution authorizing signs to be placed recognizing Crystal Lake Central High School's Competitive Cheer Team as the 2022 Medium Division JHSA State Champions.

9b. Approved the Special Event Request for the 2022 Woods Creek Feet Meet on Sunday, April 24, 2022, pursuant to the recommended conditions and to waive Police Officer assistance fees ($1,356.16)/or this event.

9c. Approved the Special Event Request for St. Thomas the Apostle School's annual Field Day, including street closure, to be held on May 20, 2022 pursuant to the recommended conditions.

9d Approved the Crystal Lake Aquathon, to be held on Sunday, August 7, 2022, at the Three Oaks Recreation Area, subject to the recommended conditions, including a waiver of parking fees for non-resident volunteers.

10. Adopted an Ordinance increasing the number of Class 25 liquor licenses from the currently permitted 8 licenses to 9 licenses, in order to allow for the issuance of a new Class 25 liquor license to Railroad Street P JC LLC, d/b/a Crystal Lake Junction, located at 88 Railroad Street, Unit B.

12. Approved the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) recommendations and adopted an Ordinance granting a variation for a front porch addition at 99 Pomeroy Avenue.

13. Approved the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) recommendation and adopted an Ordinance granting Special Use Permit and Variations to allow a new garage at 34 S. Caroline Street.

14. Approved the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) recommendation and adopted an Ordinance granting the Comprehensive Land Use Plan Map Amendment and Rezoning at 271 E. Terra Cotta Avenue.

15. Approved the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) recommendations and adopted an Ordinance granting a Final Planned Unit Development and Final Plat of Subdivision for a new 304-unit residential rental townhome development at Part of 1120 Central Park Drive.

16. Adopted a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a grant of drainage easement and temporary construction easement agreement in connection with the South Lake water level project at the Three Oaks Recreation Area.

17. Awarded the proposal for Three Oaks Recreation Area Water Level Control Improvement for Design Engineering Services to the most qualified, responsible and responsive proposer, Fehr Graham and Associates, and adopted a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with Fehr Graham and Associates in the amount o/$98,675.00 with a 10% contingency for changes in scope and approve warranted completion date extensions

18. Adopted a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an Intergovernmental Agreement with McHenry County to participate in the McHenry County Police Social Worker Program

19. Approved the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) recommendation and adopted an Ordinance amending the UDO text to for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.

20. Reappointed Bob Wyman and Nancy Haskins, and appointed Natalie Tryon to the Historic Preservation Commission for terms ending June 30, 2025.

21. Appointed Carol Elkins to fill a vacancy on the Sustainability Committee for a term expiring September 30, 2025.

Councilwoman Ferguson thanked Chief Black for his efforts regarding the McHenry County Social Worker program, and the petitioner for Agenda Item 14 for developing the property. Mayor Haleblian echoed Councilwoman Ferguson's comments.

Mayor Haleblian mentioned the City's Liquor Code requirements to the owners of Crystal Lake Junction, adding as they have other businesses in town as well, that they already know the regulations. He thanked them for investing in the community.

11. City Code Amendment to Increase the Number of Class 28 Liquor Licenses and to Increase the Number of Video Gaming Licenses - Applicant: Taqueria Las Cumbres Inc., located at 93 Grant Street

Sergio Avdar from Velasquez Gaming and Gracia Juarez, owner of Taqueria Las Cumbres, provided an overview of the planned video gaming area for Taqueria Las Cumbres. Mr. Advar said the petitioner would follow all City regulations regarding video gaming.

Councilmember Philpot asked about the number of tables in the restaurant. The petitioner said there are between 12-15 tables in the existing restaurant, the gaming would be separated.

Councilman Philpot explained he wanted to clarify this would not be a gaming cafe. He said he is supportive of the request as long there is an additional dining area.

Councilwoman Hopkins said he loves the new dining area and is supportive of the businesses, but not video gaming as a whole.

Deputy City Manager Eric Helm explained to the City Council that the petitioner meets all of the City's video gaming requirements.

Councilwoman Brady moved to adopt an Ordinance increasing the number of Class 28 Liquor Licenses from the current permitted 14 licenses to 15 licenses for Taqueria Las Cumbres Inc., located at 93 Grant Street. Councilman Hopkins seconded the motion. On roll call, all present voted yes. Motion passed.

Councilwoman Brady moved to adopt an Ordinance increasing the number of Video Gaming Licenses from the current permitted 14 licenses to 15 licenses for Taqueria Las Cumbres Inc., located at 93 Grant Street. Councilman Philpot seconded the motion. Mayor Haleblian, Councilmembers Brady, Philpot, and Hubbard voted yes. Councilmembers Ferguson and Hopkins voted no. Motion passed.

Council Inquiries and Requests

Councilman Hopkins asked if City staff would look at installation of a streetlight at the intersection of Dole Avenue and Oak Streets. He said it is dark where pedestrians cross.

Councilman Hopkins asked if the "Little Libraries" seen throughout town and if they needed a permit. Community Development Director Kathryn Cowlin said they do not require a permit.

Mayor Haleblian mentioned garbage along the roadway near the waste transfer station. He thanked the City Manager for staying on top of this issue.

Adjourn

There being no further business, Councilman Hopkins moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:25 p.m. Councilman Philpot seconded the motion. On voice vote, all present voted yes. Motion passed.

https://ecode360.com/documents/CR2206/public/654334546.pdf