McHenry Times

City of Crystal Lake City Council met Aug. 2.

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, Mandy Montford and Ian Philpot were present. Councilmember Cathy Ferguson attended the meeting telephonically. City Clerk Nick Kachiroubas was absent.

City Manager Gary Mayerhofer, Deputy City Manager Eric Helm, Director of Public Works and Engineering Michael Magnuson, Director of Community Development Kathryn Cowlin, Finance Director Jodie Hartman, and Chief of Police James Black, and City Attorney John Cowlin were also present. Special Legal Counsel David Pardys was also present telephonically.

Approval of Councilmember Ferguson Telephonic Attendance

Councilwoman Brady 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 introduced the Delatorre family. Corporal Alexander Delatorre is currently serving as an infantry mortar specialist in the Illinois National Guard. He graduated from Crystal Lake South High School, and currently attends Northern Illinois University pursuing a master's degree.

Approval of Minutes

Councilwoman Ferguson moved to approve the minutes of the July 19, 2022 Regular City Council Meeting. Councilwoman Montford 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 $2,646,008.93. Councilwoman Montford 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.

Three residents of the Church Street Apartments asked if a single-lane rear access to Maple Street could be opened, and what the process would be to do so. Kathryn Cowlin, Community Development Director, directed to residents to talk to the Community Development Department about amending the Planned Unit Development (PUD) approval that limited the access point.

No one else wished to speak.

Mayor's Report

Mayor Haleblian thanked Councilman Philpot for helping him practice to throw out the first pitch for the McHenry County Youth Sports Association Baseball Tournament. He commended tournament organizers on hosting an amazing event.

City Council Reports

Councilwoman Brady stated the Dole Farmers Market has grown from last year and is phenomenal. She encouraged everyone to visit the market.

Councilwoman Ferguson asked Crystal Lake residents to donate to the GoFundMe page to help the resident severely injured in an accident with a car running into his house late last week.

Consent Agenda

Councilwoman Brady moved to approve a Consent Agenda, including Items 9a, 9b, and 9c, and adding Items 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, and 17. Councilman Hopkins 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. Approved the Crystal Lake Police Department's Special Event for a Car Show benefiting Special Olympics to include the closure of the City parking lot at 41 Grant Street on August 28, 2022 pursuant to the recommended conditions.

9b. Approved the issuance of a Class 16 Temporary Liquor License to the Knights of Columbus Fr. McCormick Council #3880 for a Parish Festival on August 13, 2022.

9c. Adopted an Ordinance amending Section 515-15(J), Water and Sewer, of the City Code.

10. Approved the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) recommendation and adopted an Ordinance granting a Simplified Residential Variation from Article 4-600 from the required interior side setback of 5 feet for an accessory structure to allow 4. 67 feet at 267 Dole Avenue.

11. Adopted an Ordinance increasing the number of Class 24 liquor licenses from the currently permitted 6 licenses to 7 licenses, in order to allow for the issuance of a new Class 24 liquor license to Bacon and Eggs, Inc., d/b/a Tony's Cafe, located at 1030 McHenry Avenue.

13. Amended City Code Section 329-5 (Z) requirements for tent events.

14. Approved a Special Event Permit for the Crystal Lake Brewing Company 8th Anniversary Weekend to be held August 12through14, 2022.

15. Approved the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) recommendation and adopted an Ordinance granting a Final Planned Unit Development (PUD) Amendment to allow a new 2,100 square foot pavilion and reconfiguration of the playground area at 575 E. Crystal Lake Avenue.

17. Awarded the 2022 Pavement Rejuvenation Program Bid to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, Denier, Inc. and adopted a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Denier, Inc. in the bid amount per square yard for a not-to exceed amount of $107,400.00 and to authorize the City Manager to review and approve necessary completion date change orders relating to the contract.

Mayor Haleblian explained the City's regulations regarding the sale of alcohol to the owners of Tony's Cafe. He also explained the City's IMPACT program, wished them the best of luck with their business, and thanked them for investing in the community.

12. City Code Amendment to increase the number of Class 28 Liquor Licenses and to increase the number of Video Gaming Licenses - Applicant: Moon time Smokin' Que, 88 Railroad Street, Unit A

Deputy City Manager Eric Helm provided an overview of the request.

Councilwoman Brady moved to adopt an Ordinance increasing the number of Class 28 Liquor Licenses from the current permitted 14 licenses to 15 licenses. Councilman Hubbard 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 License from the current permitted 14 licenses to 15 licenses. Councilman Hubbard seconded the motion. On roll call, Mayor Haleblian and Councilmembers Brady, Philpot, Hubbard and Montford voted yes. Councilmembers Ferguson and Hopkins voted no. Motion passed.

16. 6110 Lou Avenue, Wee Little Paws Inn - Sign Variation for two wall murals totaling 1,640 square feet

Community Development Director Kathryn Cowlin provided an overview of the request and stated that there is an added recommneded condition that the two facades be repainted if the business closes or relocates within 90 days.

Marie Latimer and Mia Latimer, owners of Wee Little Paws Inn, provided an overview of the signage request for the murals. They said they would like to complete both murals if they can, but are open to doing one mural to start with if that is what the City Council supports.

Mayor Haleblian asked the petitioners if the understood the additional condition.

Councilman Philpot asked the petitioners if they owned the building and welcomed them to Crystal Lake.

The petitioners said they own the building and are the sole tenant.

Councilman Philpot said he appreciates they are trying to make the business visible to traffic, and would support one mural wall and one sign on the other wall. He asked the mural be more realistic.

The owners clarified the one mural will be 50 feet by 16 feet and the side wall would be 40 feet by 14 feet.

Councilwoman Brady said she did not have many comments. She asked if the petitioner would be open to doing a more simple logo with their name.

Councilman Hopkins, Hubbard and Montford said they do not have any issue. Mayor Haleblian said he was okay with one or two murals.

Councilwoman Ferguson said she is fine with the murals.

Councilman Philpot said he supports the north wall and 150 feet on the other wall.

Petitioners agreed to reduced signage for a total of 950 square feet with an added condition that if the business were to close or relocate, the two facades must be repainted to match the existing elevations within 90 days. (800 square feet on north wall and 150 square feet on side wall).

Councilwoman Brady supported this change as well.

Councilwoman Brady moved to approve an Ordinance with the recommended conditions for the variations including reduced signage for a total of 950 square feet with an added condition that if the business were to close or relocate, the two facades must be repainted to match the existing elevations within 90 days. (800 square feet on north wall and 150 square feet on side wall). Councilman Philpot seconded the motion. On roll call, all present voted yes. Motion passed.

Council Inquiries and Requests

None.

Adjourn

There being no further business, Councilman Hopkins moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:36 p.m. Councilwoman Brady seconded the motion. On voice vote, all present voted yes. Motion passed.

https://ecode360.com/CR2206/document/676445788.pdf