McHenry Times

City of Crystal Lake City Council met June 20.

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, Ian Philpot and Denise Smith were present. City Clerk Nick Kachiroubas was absent.

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 Savo Reljic, a Coventry Elementary School student, to lead the pledge. In addition to leading the pledge in English, Salvo also lead the pledge in Spanish.

Mayor Haleblian discussed a few of the student's favorite things, including wrestling, bike riding, swimming, cooking and math. He thanked him for his help.

Approval of Minutes

Councilman Hubbard moved to approve the minutes of the June 6, 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 $3,641,776.94. Councilman Philpot 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 speak on an item not found on the agenda.

Heidi Rechsteiner, a resident of 11325 Dean Street in Huntley, Illinois, discussed a situation concerning a Freedom of Information Act Request submitted to the Police Department about a traffic accident.

Ms. Rechsteiner explained that she did not understand the process for getting information or asking questions. She said she felt threatened by the Deputy Chief of Police.

John Streit, resident of 930 S. Shore Drive, thanked the City Council for support of the McHenry County Youth Sports Association tournament and invited the Mayor and City Council to the opening ceremonies of this year's tournament, which runs from July 14-23,2023.

Mayor's Report 

None.

City Council Reports 

None.

Consent Agenda 

Councilwoman Brady moved to approve a Consent Agenda, including Items 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, ge and adding Items 10,11,13, 16, 17, 18, and 19. 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. Continued the Final Planned Unit Development Amendment to allow a new community center at 907-909 Crooked stick Drive (Oakbrook Estates) to the July 18, 2023 Regular City Council meeting. 

9b. Approved the Crystal Lake Water Ski Association's Special Event requests for their 2023 Tournaments to be held on July 9, August 6 and September 3 pursuant to the conditions recommended in this agenda supplement, and a waiver of no-wake restrictions on Crystal Lake. 

9c. Cancelled the July 4,2023 Regular City Council Meeting. 

9d. Approved a permit to change the location of the La Rosita liquor license to 230 Virginia Street. 

9e. Adopted a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a six-month lease agreement with Lou Street Lockup for the use of the property at 6210 Lou Avenue, Suite 1 at a rate of $2,000 per month. 

10. Adopted an Ordinance increasing the number of Class 13 liquor licenses from the currently permitted 35 license to 36 licenses, in order to allow for the issuance of a new Class 13 liquor license to Omni Petroleum Inc., d/b/a Mobil Crystal Lake, 451 W. Virginia Street. 

11. Adopted an Ordinance increasing the number of Class 1 liquor licenses from the currently permitted 6 license to 7 licenses, in order to allow for the issuance of a new Class 1 liquor license to Kirin King LLC, d/b/a Kirin King, 446 W. Virginia Street. 

13. Moved to request conditions of approval (including modifications to condition 3) be applied to the proposed Conditional Use Permit to allow for a commercial solar energy facility directing staff to proceed with providing a letter to the County Hearing Officer. 

16. Adopted a Resolution awarding the construction contract for the Dole Avenue Reconstruction Project to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, Lenny Hoffman Excavating, in the amount of $6,762,797. 59, execute change orders for up to 10% of the contract amount, and approve warranted completion date change orders relating to the contract. 

Adopt a Resolution appropriating $2,685,124.02 in REBUILD Illinois Bonds funds and $3,084,875.98 in MFT funds for the Dole Avenue Reconstruction Project Construction and Construction Engineering Services. 

17. Adopted a Resolution approving a change order to the contract with Baxter and Woodman, Inc. for additional compensation of $82,256.00 for construction engineering servicesfor the Water Treatment Plant 2 Reconstruction Project. 

18. Adopted an Ordinance waiving competitive bidding for the lease of nine (9) Flock Automated License Plate Readers and associated licensing from Flock Group Inc. and to authorize the City Manager to execute a 5-year lease of nine (9) Flock Automated License Plate Readers from Flock Group Inc. with a 10% contingency to cover unforeseen installation costs. 

19. Reappointed Christopher Borchert to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners for a term ending June 30,2026. 

Mayor Haleblian asked the owners of Omni Petroleum and Kiran King 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 businesses.

12. City Code Amendment to increase the Number of Class 28 Liquor Licenses and increase the Number of Video Gaming licenses - Applicant: Soto Services, Inc. d/b/a Chilo's Mexican Grill, 282 W. Virginia Street

Mark Pechous, with Accel Entertainment, provided an overview of the petitioner's request for four video games, which will be located in the same location as the games in previous restaurant.

Council members Montford, Hubbard, Hopkins and Brady had no questions.

Councilman Philpot thanked the petitioner for limiting the number of games to four at their location.

Councilwoman Brady moved to adopt an Ordinance increasing the number of Class 28 Liquor Licenses from the current permitted 17 licenses to 18 licenses. Councilman Philpot 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 1 7 licenses to 18 licenses. Councilman Philpot seconded the motion. On roll call, Mayor Haleblian and Councilmembers Brady, Philpot, Smith, Hubbard and Montford voted yes. Councilman Hopkins voted no. Motion passed.

14. 161 Liberty Road, Swift Car Wash - Sign Variation to allow for approximately 404 square feet of wall signage

Community Development Director Kathryn Cowlin provided an overview of the petitioner's request. She explained that the variation stems from the painting the front of the building blue, which is considered signage.

Ms. Cowlin indicated that the petitioner was told the building needed be repainted, and had originally agreed. This has changed, with the petitioner now requesting a variation.

Councilmembers Montford, Hubbard and Brady did not have a problem with the request.

Councilmembers Hopkins and Smith did not have a problem with a request, but asked the petitioner to work with City staff in the future regarding fayade changes.

Councilmember Philpot explained he is not in support of the request, and explained the approval for Five Below was the result of being in a Planned Unit Development. In addition, he said there are other signs on site that are not in compliance. In addition, he did not want to set a precedent for this type of request.

Mayor Haleblian said he also did not wish to set a precedent, and was not in favor of the request.

Councilwoman Brady moved to adopt an Ordinance with the recommended conditions for the variation as requested. Councilwoman Montford seconded the request. On roll call, Councilmembers Brady, Hopkins, Montford, Smith and Hubbard voted yes. Mayor Haleblian and Councilman Philpot voted no. Motion passed.

15. City Code Amendment - Section 329-3 Liquor Licenses

City Manager Eric Helm explained the City's current temporary liquor licenses, and that the City has received requests from for-profit businesses and special event organizers. This license would only be issued as part of a special event and would require City Council approval.

Councilman Philpot said the new temporary license does allow opportunities for local businesses and events, but is concerned with alcohol consumption, specifically at the Dole Farmers Market.

Councilwoman Brady said she thinks it is a great idea and would create opportunities to showcase local business.

City Councilman Philpot asked that the packaged sales not allowed to be consumed at the location.

Special Legal Counsel Filippini explained that if packaged sales is allowed by a retailer's license, they cannot be consumed on premise.

Councilwoman Smith said her concerns were regarding Bassett Training, but as the retailers already have a local and state liquor license, she was not concerned.

Mayor Haleblian asked about additional costs associated for Police at events. Police Chief James Black stated that police are often requested at various special events, with or without alcohol. If the City Council would like officers at an event, they will be there.

Councilman Hubbard asked if Bassett Training is required for those serving alcohol for existing temporary liquor licenses.

Councilwoman Smith and Councilman Hubbard stated that if you volunteer to serve alcohol at the Dole for example, you are required to complete training.

Councilwoman Brady moved to adopt an Ordinance amending City Code Section 329-3 of the City Code to allow for the creation of a Class 30 Temporary Liquor License. Councilwoman Smith seconded the motion. On roll call, all present voted yes. Motion passed.

Council Inquiries and Requests

Councilman Hopkins asked about handicapped parking and viewing for the fireworks. City Manager Helm said several meetings had been held this past week with the Crystal Lake Park District, and space will be provided.

Adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of discussing matters of pending and probable litigation, the sale, purchase or lease of real property, collective bargaining and personnel

Councilwoman Smith moved to adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of discussing matters of pending and probable litigation, the sale, purchase or lease of real property, collective bargaining and personnel. Councilman Hopkins seconded the motion. On roll call, all present voted yes. Motion passed.

Reconvene to Regular Session

Councilman Hopkins moved to reconvene to regular session. Councilman Philpot seconded the motion. On roll call, all present voted yes. Motion passed.

Adjourn

There being no further business, Councilman Hopkins moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:38 p.m. Councilman Philpot seconded the motion. On voice vote, all present voted yes. Motion passed.

https://ecode360.com/CR2206/document/739349176.pdf