McHenry Times

City of Crystal Lake City Council met June 6.

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 Denise Smith were present. Councilman Ian Philpot was present telephonically. City Clerk Nick Kachiroubas was also present.

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

Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Haleblian introduced McHenry County Board Member Gloria VanHof to lead in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approval of Councilman Philpot Electronic Attendance

Councilman Hopkins moved to approve Councilman Philpot's electronic attendance of the City Council meeting. Councilman Hubbard seconded the motion. On roll call, all present voted yes. Motion passed.

Approval of Minutes

Councilman Hubbard moved to approve the revised minutes of the May 16, 2023 Regular City Council Meeting. Councilman Hopkins seconded the motion. On roll call, all present voted yes. Motion passed.

Accounts Payable

Councilman Hopkins moved to approve the Accounts Payable in the amount of $2,314,811.36. Councilwoman Brady seconded the motion. On roll call, all present voted yes. Motion passed.

Public Presentation

Chuck Stump, resident of 440 Lake Avenue and Library Board Member, provided a Crystal Lake Public Library update to the City Council. The Library's Summer Reading Program is underway and runs through July 31, 2023. Children's swnmer concerts will be held at Main Beach and Woodscreek Park.

Mayor's Report

Mayor Haleblian honored those who passed 79 years ago on D-Day. He also honored the Crystal Lake Central's Girls Soccer Team, which finished 3rd in State.

Mayor Haleblian also thanked City staff for helping coordinate the Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony.

City Cowen Reports

None.

Consent Agenda

Councilwoman Brady moved to approve a Consent Agenda, including Items 98, 9b and 9c, adding Items 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18. 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. Appr()lled a waiver of fees associated with the June 29, 2023 Marine Crops League fishing derby event at the Three Oaks Recreation Area. 

9b. Approved the Crystal Lake Police Department's Special Event for National Night Out and street closure of Williams Street between BrinJc Street and Crystal ~ Avenue on August 3, 2023 pursuant to the staff recommended conditions. 

9c. Approved the St. Thomas the Apostle Church's application for a Special Event for an outdoor mass and picnic, including the closure of part of Lake Street, on Sunday, July 30, 2023, pursuant to the staff recommended conditions. 

10. Adopted an Ordinance increasing the number of Class 13 liquor licenses from the currently permiUed 34 license to 35 licenses, in order to allow for the issuance of a new Class 13 liquor license to Patel Guys Inc., d/b/a Oak Street Food & Liquor, 256 N. Oak Street, Unit 1. 

11. Continued the sign variation for 161 Liberty Road, Swift Car Wash to the June 20, 2023 City Council Meeting. 

13. Approved an Ordinance waiving competitive bidding, approving a contract with Teska Associates for planning assistance and TIF consulting professional services In the not-to exceed amount of $28.000 and authorizing execution of the contract by the City Manager. 

14. Approved a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to exercise the option for a one year extension of the pavement patching contract with Chicagoland Paving and to authorize the City Manager to execute purchase orders in an amount not to exceed $135,000 for necessary pavement patching. 

15. Adopted a Resolution awarding a contract for thermoplastic pavement markings to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, Maintenance Coatings Company, in the submitted bid amounts for a not-to-exceed amount of $1 00,000 and authorize warranted completion date change orders. 

16. Awarded the contract for maintenance and rehabilitation work on Well 10 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 amount of $58, 772.50 with a 10% contingency for unforeseen expenses and approve warranted completion date extensions Concepts Management Inc., execute change orders for up to 10% of the contract amount, and approve warranted completion date change orders relating to the contract. 

17. Approved an Ordinance Amending Sections 166-7 and 166-8 of the Crystal Lake City Code Relating to Leashing and Impoundment of Dogs. 

18. Reappointed William Weller and Charles Stump to the Library Board 

Rick Prescott of the McHenry County Marine Corps League thanked the Mayor and City Council for supporting the organization's fishing derby at Three Oaks. 

12. 907-909 Crooked Drive, Oakbrook Estates - Final Planned Unit Development Amendment to anow a new community center

Community Development Director Kathryn Cowlin provided an overview of the petitioner's request, outlining that the community center request is a change to the site plan originally approved in the 1990s. She said the Planning and Zoning Commission made a positive recommendation of the request.

Ms. Cowlin said the City has received emails from Oakbrook Estates residents with concerns regarding the community center. She reviewed the site plan for the site of the community center with nine proposed parking spaces and the floor plan of the center. The developer is currently working on the south portion of the site. There are two vacant home sites across from the center, which City staff proposes to be reserved for additional parking.

John Talbot, of Weaver Consultants, spoke on behalf of the petitioner. He provided an overview of the property, which is zoned R-3BPUD. Mr. Talbot explained the community center, which will be placed on two lots, will enhance the community and improve property values. He said it is the intent of the developer to meet all City requirements for the building.

Mr. Talbot said the developer will address the PZC concerns and has provided a safety and monitoring plan. He said the sales office would be relocated across the street from the community center.

Johnathan Uretz, with Ravinia Communities, said the group is very excited about the community center. He said he is happy to address any concerns.

Mayor Haleblian asked if there is anyone in the public wished to speak on the petitioner's request

Pierre Barube, 930 Crookedstick Court, spoke to the Mayor and City Council about ADA . and street safety in the manufactured home park. He expressed concerns regarding lack of street sweeping and speeding. Streets are not level, and individuals have difficulty navigating.

Mr. Barube said he is concerned that the proposed community center will not meet all ADA requirements (doo~ ramps, handicapped parking, etc.). He requested additional signage be placed on the streets to meet the ADA requirements.

Mr. Barube indicated there is no speeding/traffic enforcement in the area.

Debbie Hoy, 816 Oakbrook Drive, thanked the Mayor and City Council for the opportunity to speak. She expressed concerns with rent increases to help fund the community center. The rent increased by $75.00 per month in 2023, and will increase by the same amount in 2024 and 2025.

Ms. Hoy said seniors' incomes decrease as they age, and oftentimes, the main reason individuals live there is often forgotten. She said residents are not in favor of the center.

Kathleen VanMaren, 208 Forestview Drive, thanked the Mayor and City Council for the opportunity to speak. She said residents asked other community residents if they were in support of the community center. She said people are in favor of it, but do not want to pay for it

Ms. VanMaren discussed several problems resident have with the management company. She said she would like rents to decrease if there is not a community center. She also said street parking is a problem, and will continue to be. She said community residents matter.

Ms. Van Maren asked the Mayor and City Council for a no vote on this issue.

Mayor Haleblian asked if anyone else wished to speak. No one wished to speak. Mayor Haleblian closed the public comment on this issue.

Councilwoman Smith asked about the safety plan. Ms. Cowlin said it is on page 27 of the City Council packet.

Councilwoman Montford asked about the equipment that would be in the fitness room. Mr. Uretz said there would be multiple machines. He said the pmpose of the center is to be a gathering space for the residents. The center would have space for card games, bingo, private weddings, and is not directly associated with rent or HOA increase. This has been communicated with residents.

Councilman Hubbard thanked residents for coming to the meeting and expressing their concerns. However, the item up for approval is to allow the community center or not. He said he would be in favor of the request.  

Councilman Hopkins recommended the management company take a look at parking and other issues, meet with the residents, come up with a plan to address the issues and come back.

Councilwoman Brady said she would suggest the same thing. She said there seem to be a lot of issues and tunnoil, and this is not an HOA situation, because it is rent of the land, the residents could not vote to have the center.

Councilwoman Brady asked about traffic enforcement, she said tickets cannot be issued because it is private property. Chief Black said this was correct; the Police Department can only enforce reckless driving, and would be need to be observed. This can vary based on the situation - DUI, squealing tires are examples.

Councilwoman Brady asked the developer why they would build a community center if it were not wanted. She said send a survey, have a meeting to help create harmony in the area. She suggested the management company could create rules regulating one-side of the street parking, etc. This is also a safety issue with access for public safety vehicles.

Councilwoman Brady said she would feel a lot better to know the developer has done everything to address concerns of the residence. She would like to mow the developer has heard the residents. Mr. Uretz said the management company is local and cares about the people that live there.

Councilwoman Smith asked how many units are occupied and total units. Mr. Uretz said there are currently 250 occupied units, 415 units total. He said rents are actually low when compared to others in the area. The increase is due to inflation, not due to the community center.

Councilwoman Smith said she would like the developer to have the meeting.

Councilman Philpot said he agrees with Councilman Hubbard, that the request is meeting all the guidelines. He said he would like the company to meet with the residents.

Councilwoman Smith said the residents are being heard. She said the rent cannot be voted on. However, she does have several safety concerns. She asked if a defibrillator will be at the center and if a panic button can be looked into. The petitioners said a defibrillator will be included and they will look in to the panic button.

Councilwoman Smith said on its face the community center accomplishes very good goals, community and fitness. She said only a small percentage (16%) of residents are in attendance, and asked the petitioner to do a survey to get a clear picture of if residents want the community center.

Mayor Haleblian said he agreed with Councilwoman Smith '8 comments and said taking a survey and coming back is good idea. He asked special legal counsel Victor Filippini how to proceed.

Mr. Filippini said for the zoning issue there are three options, denying, approving or continuing the request to a future meeting.  

Mayor Haleblian asked the petitioner if they are agreeable to continue the request to the next meeting on June 20th or July 18th• The petitioner said they prefer the June 20th meeting.

Councilwoman Brady moved to continue the request to the June 20, 2023 City Council meeting. Councilman Hubbard seconded the motion. On roll call, all present voted yes. Motion passed.

Mayor Haleblian asked the owners of Oak Street Food & Liquor to come forward. He explained the City's regulations regarding the sale of alcohol to minors. He also explained the City's IMPACT program, wished them the best of luck with their business.

Public Presentation

McHenry County Board Member Gloria VanHof read a Juneteenth Proclamation and explained history of the Underground Railroad in McHenry County, and architectural tours highlighting homes and other locations that were part of the network. The proclamation was approved by McHenry County and Woodstock as well.

Ms. VanHof said the first Juneteenth Festival would be held in Woodstock on June 17,2023. She is hopeful a tour will be held again next year.

Mayor Haleblian thanked Ms. VanHof for all of her work.

Council Inquiries and Requests

Councilwoman Montford thanked Ms. VanHof and said the proclamation was beautifully written.

Adjoum

There being no further business, Councilman Hopkins moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 p.m. Councilman Brady seconded the motion. On voice vote, all present voted yes. Motion passed.

https://ecode360.com/CR2206/document/733996255.pdf