McHenry Times

City of Crystal Lake City Council met May 7

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Call to Order  

Mayor Haleblian called the meeting to order at 7 :02 p.m.  

Roll Call  

Mayor Haleblian and Council members Ellen Brady, Brett Hopkins, Cameron Hubbard, Ian Philpot, Mandy Montford 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 Mike Magnuson, City Planner Elizabeth Maxwell, Assistant Finance Director Adam Orton, Police Chief James Black, Fire Rescue Chief Craig Snyder and City Attorney John Cowlin were also present. Special Legal Counsel Victor Filippini was present telephonically.  

Pledge of Allegiance  

Mayor Haleblian introduced the family of Navy Chief Master at Arms Justin S. Solarz to lead in the Pledge of Allegiance.  

Solarz grew up in Crystal Lake and attended Central High School. Following Master at Arms "A" School in Little Creek, Virginia, he was first assigned to Naval Air Facility Misawa, Japan, then to Rota, Spain, and later to the Pacific for assignment in Guam.  

Solarz was deployed on several missions including the Navy ships, John P. Stockham and  Bowditch. His final assignment was at the Naval Consolidated Brig in Charleston, South Carolina, where he worked as a Corrections Officer and Maintenance Supervisor. During this  tour, he volunteered as a personal protection service specialist/antiterrorism driver. He was assigned to the Joint Visitors Bureau in Kabul, Afghanistan, where his team provided secure transportation and lodging for all visiting Flag Officers and Senior Department of Defense Executive Service personnel, including the Secretary of Defense.  

Solarz now serves as a drilling Reservist. 

Approval of Minutes  

Councilman Hubbard moved to approve the minutes of the April 10, 2024 Budget Workshop Meeting and the April 16, 2024 regular City Council Meeting. Councilwoman Montford seconded the motion. On roll call, all present voted yes. Motion passed.  

Accounts Payable  

Councilman Hubbard moved to approve the Accounts Payable in the amount of $3,331,965.34. 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 speak on an item not found on the agenda. No one wished to speak. Mayor Haleblian closed public presentation.  

Mayor's Report  

Mayor Haleblian recognized the fourth anniversary of former Mayor Aaron Shepley's death.  

City Council Reports  

None.  

Consent Agenda  

Councilwoman Smith moved to approve a Consent Agenda including Items 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, ge, and 9f, adding Items 10, 11,12,13,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,24 and 25. 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. Adopted a Resolution approving the 2024 Use Fees per section 5.02 of the property use agreement between Quarry Cable Park, LLC and the City of Crystal Lake, and; adopted a Resolution approving the 2024 Concession Menu per section 9 (a) of the Concessionaire Lease Agreement between the Cottage on the Beach and the City of Crystal Lake.  

9b. Approved a waiver of fees for District 155 students associated with the Prairie Ridge High School Fishing Tournament, to be held on Sunday, May 19, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. to  11:00 a.m., and a waiver of fees for an additional weekday fishing tournament for  District 155 students at the Three Oaks Recreation Area, subject to the recommended conditions, for a totalfee waiver request of$310.  

9c. Approved issuance of a Class 16 Temporary Liquor License to the Knights of Columbus Fr. McCormick Council #3880 - 'Taste of Kermas' Dinner, Saturday, May 25, 2024.  

9d Adopted a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an Agreement between the City of Crystal Lake and Nicor Gas for the installation of a pulser to accurately measure  use on the natural gas line. 

ge. Took no action on the County Zoning Request for 4215 South IL Route 47. 9/ Took no action on the County Zoning Request for 4115 Doty Road.  

10. Approved issuance of Class 20 and Class 16 Temporary Liquor Licenses to the Dravet Syndrome Foundation - BarbeCUREfor Corafundraiser, Sunday, June 9,2024.  

11. Adopted an Ordinance increasing the number of Class 25 liquor licenses from the  currently permitted five licenses to six licenses, in order to allow for the issuance of a  new Class 25 liquor license to Casa Chapala Mexican Grill Inc. d/b/a Casa Chapala Mexican Grill, located at 1295 N Randall Road, #104.  

12. Adopted an Ordinance increasing the number of Class 3 liquor licenses from the currently permitted 4 licenses to 5 licenses, in order to allow for the issuance of a new  Class 3 liquor license to Crystal Lake Buffet Inc., d/b/a Crystal Lake Buffet, located at 18 Crystal Lake Plaza, Unit W  

13. Overturned the Planning and Zoning Commission recommendations and adopted an  Ordinance granting a Simplified Residential Variation for 142 Edgewood Avenue, including variations from the maximum height of 18 feet for an accessory structure to  allow 18 feet 10 inches, a variation of 10 inches, B} The limit of a dormer at 20% of the length of the side a maximum of 6 feet 4 inches to allow 14 feet on two elevations, a variation 7 feet 6 inches per elevation, the limit of a dormer at 20% of the length of the  side a maximum of 6 feet 4 inches to allow 14 feet on two elevations, a variation of 7 feet  6 inches per elevation, and the required rear yard setback of 20 feet to allow five (5) feet,  a variation of 15 feet.  

16. Adopted an Ordinance waiving competitive bidding and: I} approving an extension of the contract with a5 Branding + Digital for marketing services in the not-to-exceed amount of $69,000 and authorizing execution of the contract by the City Manager; and 2}  authorizing the City Manager to implement the marketing initiatives in the not-to-exceed  amount of$71, 000 recently approved in the FY24B budget.  

17. Adopted a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute the Agreement between  the MCCD and the City of Crystal Lake Regarding Improvements near the Intersection of Main Street and South Walkup Avenue (Commons Shopping Center Entrance).  

18. Awarded the Information Technology Managed Services Request for Proposal to Protiviti  Government Services and adopted a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute the contract with Protiviti Government Services for a three (3) year period not to exceed  $1,354,080 with an optional two (2) year extension not to exceed $929,760.  

19. Adopted a Resolution approving four (4) traffic engineering consultants consisting of  Civiltech Engineering, Inc., Gewalt Hamilton Associates, Inc., Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Inc., and Sam Schwartz Engineering, DPC to provide traffic engineering services pursuant to Chapter 575 of the City Code.  

20. Awarded the bidfor the purchase and delivery ofrock saltfor snow and ice control to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, Morton Salt, Inc., and adopted a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a one-year contract with Morton Salt, Inc. for  the 202412025 winter season at the bid unit prices with an optional one-year extension in the bid unit prices  

21. Awarded the bid for crack sealing to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, Patriot Pavement Maintenance Inc. and adopted a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a one-year contract with Patriot Pavement Maintenance Inc. in the base bid and alternate bid unit prices, authorize an optional one-year extension in the bid  unit prices, and authorize warranted completion date change orders.  

22. Awarded the bid for pavement patching to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder,  Chicagoland Paving Contractors, Inc. and adopted a Resolution authorizing the Mayor  to execute a one-year contract with Chicagoland Paving Contractors, Inc.in the bid unit prices, authorize an optional one-year extension in the bid unit prices, and authorize  warranted completion date change orders.  

24. Adopted a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute agreements to purchase  City vehicles leased through Enterprise Fleet Management for an amount not to exceed 10% over the listed reduced book value plus contractual fees.  

25. Adopted a Resolution establishing a Youth Commission.  

Mayor Haleblian explained the City's liquor regulations - sale of alcohol to minors - and the IMPACT Program for the two new liquor license recipients, Casa Chapala and Crystal Lake  Buffet. He wished the new businesses success and thanked them for coming to Crystal Lake.  

Councilwoman Smith provided an overview of the newly established Youth Commission. The City will be working with High School District 155 and McHenry County College as part of the  program.  

14. 4504 E. Terra Cotta Avenue - Annexation Public Hearing; Comprehensive Land  Use Plan Map Amendment from Commerce to Industry, Rezoning upon Annexation  from E Estate Residential to M-L PUD Manufacturing Limited Planned Unit  Development. Preliminary Planned Unit Development and Special Use Permit to allow a self-storage facility  

Mayor Haleblian opened the Annexation Public Hearing for 4504 E. Terra Cotta Avenue.  

City Planner Elizabeth Maxwell provided the Mayor and City Council with an overview of the  petitioner's request, explaining the petitioner has made changes to the plan based on feedback received from the City Council, including eliminating the outside storage and bringing the  building down to two stories. Changes were also made to building elevations, eliminating several  outside garage-type entrances.

The petitioner said they are happy to answer any questions.  

Mayor Haleblian asked if anyone in the public wished to speak the request. No one wished to  speak.  

Mayor Haleblian closed the Annexation Public Hearing.  

Councilman Philpot thanked the petitioner for making the changes requested by the City  Council. He said the property is a located at an entrance to the City and this use is acceptable for this location. He said he is in support of the project and appreciates the buffer provided between  the development and surrounding properties.  

The petitioner indicated that the neighbors who had previously objected to the project thanked  them for the changes that have been made to the plan.  

Councilwoman Brady agreed with Councilman Philpot.  

Councilwoman Smith said her feeling has not changed, that this is not the right use for this property. She said the property is zoned commerce and storage is an industrial use. As such, she  will vote no.  

Councilman Hopkins thanked the petitioner for making changes to the proposal, but does not support the use for the property.  

Councilman Hubbard thanked the petitioner for the changes made. He does not have an issue with the project, stating this is a challenging location. He said he is in favor of the project.  

Councilwoman Montford asked the petitioner about the number of available storage units  existing in the City. The petitioner said they have done studies regarding the need for more  storage.  

Councilman Montford said she supports the project.  

Mayor Haleblian said he does not really like the use. However, he said the petitioner has done what has been asked and has done a nice job. As such, he would support it.  

Councilwoman Brady moved to adopt an Ordinance Annexing the property located at 4504 E.  Terra Cotta Avenue and Rezoning the property upon Annexation from E Estate Residential to M L PUD Manufacturing Limited Planned Unit Development. Councilman Philpot seconded the  motion. On roll call, Mayor Haleblian and Councilmembers Brady, Philpot, Hubbard and Montford votes yes. Councilmembers Smith and Hopkins voted no. Motion passed.  

Councilwoman Brady moved to overturn the Planning and Zoning Commission recommendations and adopt a Comprehensive Land Use Plan Amendment and an Ordinance  granting a Preliminary and Final Planned Unit Development and Special Use Permit for the  property located at 4504 E. Terra Cotta A venue. Councilman Philpot seconded the motion. On roll call, Mayor Haleblian and Councilmembers Brady, Philpot, Hubbard and Montford voted  yes. Councilmembers Smith and Hopkins voted no. Motion passed.

15. 295, 345, and 395 Pathway Court - Comprehensive Land Use Plan Amendment from Urban Residential to High Density Residential, Rezoning from R-2 Single Family Residential to R-3B PUD Multi-Family Residential, and Preliminary and Final Planned Unit Development and Variations for a 312-unit apartment complex  

Ms. Maxwell provided the Mayor and City Council with an overview of the petitioner's request, including amending the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and rezoning. She explained the zoning of properties surrounding the proposed development, including commercial to the south, residential (church campus) to the west, single-family residential to the north and commercial and industry to the east.  

Ms. Maxwell stated multi-family zoning is used as a transition between commercial and single family development. She indicated 312 apartments are proposed and that Walkup A venue would  not connect to the development and additional buffer landscaping would be added. Buildings would be constructed using high-quality materials and the fa~ade would include gable peaked roofs and varied roof heights.  

Ms. Maxwell reviewed amenities to be offered as part of the development.  

Representatives of AG Architecture, Three Leaf Partners, and Pastor Larry Tieman of Immanuel Lutheran Church thanked the Mayor and City Council for their time.  

Pastor Tieman provided a history of Immanuel Lutheran Church's involvement the Crystal Lake  community and the partnership with Immanuel Lutheran Church, School and Three Leaf Partners. He said it has always been the intent to develop the remaining parcels of land on the church campus.  

The development of the parcels with Three Leaf Partners will allow the church to grow its  footprint in the community while providing necessary housing and property tax revenues to the City.  

John Ford said Three Leaf Partners is committed to the community. He stressed the collaboration with the City, church and neighbors to make the development a success. The project meets  housing demand and is less dense than other developments approved in the City, and  development of the currently tax-exempt property would bring property tax dollars into Crystal Lake (estimated $1,150,000 generated in real estate tax revenue annually upon stabilization).  

Jordan Michalkiewicz said the development would include 15 buildings (312 units), including 173 attached and 40 detached garages. Amenities included are a clubhouse with a pool, community room and fitness center, dog run, walking paths, connection to the Prairie Trail and  green space.  

Mr. Michalkiewicz stressed Walkup Avenue would not connect to the residential neighborhood  to the north as part of the development, but would allow the connection of Teckler Boulevard to Congress Parkway. The development allows a transition from retail to multi-family to single family to the north. The density of the proposed project is lower than that of other approved PUD  projects in the City.  

The development meets several goals of the City'S Comprehensive Plan, including encouraging a diversity of high-quality housing in appropriate locations throughout the City that supports a variety of lifestyles and invigorates community character. The development will provide a variety of housing options (1-3 bedrooms, varying sizes and price points) and increase pedestrian connectivity between Walkup Avenue, Teckler Boulevard, and Mary Lane Court.

The development will provide multi-family housing and allow for mixed-use development. The  site's eastern boarder abuts 0.3 miles of the City's main north-south artery, Main Street and is less than I mile to two Metra stops, an appropriate location for higher-density development. The parcel is also one of the few remaining undeveloped lots in close proximity to downtown and Metra stops, and density promotes walkability. Mr. Michalkiewicz said single-family homes do not accomplish this goal of the Comprehensive Plan.  

The developer will work with Central High School and Immanuel Lutheran Church to extend a  shared use path through the properties and coordinate with future land development between  Pathway Court and the Prairie Trail to make an east-west connection.  

The development is uniquely situated along Main Street behind the Prairie Trail and rail yard. Residents will utilize Teckler Boulevard and Walkup Court to enter and exit the site.  

The developer is not seeking any assistance from the City for this development. He also explained the development is cognizant of the single-family neighborhood to the north. To ensure privacy, the landscape plan maintains the majority of the existing north tree line and has added evergreen plantings along the north edge of the property to create a natural separation and boundary between the multi-family community and single-family neighborhood during the summer and winter.  

Additionally, the buildings on the furthest northern edge of the development will be -125'+  setback from the property line, creating a substantial buffer to the nearest single-family home. In addition to keeping the majority of the existing woods and adding evergreen planting, the development will not connect Pathway Court to Sunset Terrace or Hill Drive, eliminating the possibility of cut-through traffic to the single-family neighborhood.  

Mr. Michalkiewicz also reviewed the traffic study completed for the development and explained the developer will incorporate recommendations into the plan. The recommendations include stop signs along the two proposed site entrances onto Teckler Boulevard and Pathway Court for  traffic exiting the site, and maintaining the existing all-way stop at Teckler Boulevard and Pathway Court traffic pattern through the new site access configuration.  

In addition, Mr. Michalkiewicz explained the demand and supply need for multi-family in the Crystal Lake market and the potential tax revenue that would be brought into the community. He  explained units would be phased in.  

A representative of AG Architecture provided an overview of the materials that would be used  throughout the development. He reviewed building elevations for both 20 and 23-unit buildings, clubhouse and garages, explaining that all sides of the buildings will include architectural  elements, and will not have solid flat walls. Each unit will have its own entryway and include high-quality finishes.  

Mayor Haleblian asked if there was anyone in the public who wished to speak on the request. He said the City Council is well informed on the development. He asked that the public comments  be limited to five minutes or less. He asked that individuals not be repetitive in their comments if a concern has already been voiced, for the sake of time.

In addition, Mayor Haleblian asked that people be respectful of the process and that appropriate behavior be maintained. He said this would help ensure speakers will be heard.  

Brad Fennessy, resident of 217 Sunset Terrace, and Sarah 10swiak, resident of 4 I Esther Street, thanked the City Council spoke on behalf of several neighboring streets with concerns regarding the size of the development. He said neighbors are against the rezoning of the property from R2 zoning.  

Mr. Fennessy said there are also concerns with the density of the property and said the Planning  and Zoning Commission vote against the project affirmed these concerns. He said there are more zoning issues that need to be addressed.  

Ms. 10swiak stated that she hopes the City of Crystal Lake follows existing zoning laws, which are designed for a purpose, to encourage a certain type of development. Pathway Court parcel is currently zoned R2 and adjacent to single family homes to the north and west. R2 character is low to moderate density and the requested zoning changes of the proposed development does not fit in this location. She said transitional apartments at this density will dramatically change the  character of the neighborhood, and asked the City Council to keep the residents already living in the historic downtown in mind when considering the petition.  

Mr. Fennessy also expressed major concerns about traffic entering and leaving the development and the safety of users of the Prairie Trail. He said the neighbors are concerned with adding more apartments within an area where many are already being built, and the impact the additional units  would have on community resources.  

Steve Verseman, resident of 27 Hill Drive, stated his backyard is the Immanuel Lutheran  campus. He said he and his wife are in favor of the development. He said the church has been a good neighbor and this is a high-quality development with a greenspace buffer. He said there will be no connection to Sunset Terrace and the development will bring tax dollars into the community.  

Bob Dorn, resident of 190 Cascade Drive, Vice Commander of the American Legion, and member of Immanuel Lutheran, said the church works with the American Legion to help provide veteran services. He spoke about several programs that the American Legion has collaborated with the church on. He said he is in support of the project.  

Heather Martz shared her experience with Immanuel Lutheran and the impact the church has had on her life. She recognizes change is hard, and realizes the investment everyone here has in the community. She said the proposed development would help the church to have even more impact  on the community.  

Heather Kroencke, partner and owner of Zanck and Saladin at 40 Brink Street, said it is becoming increasingly hard to attract high quality associates to work in McHenry County. She said additional quality housing; close to transportation is a big draw for young professionals.  

Ms. Kroencke said this is truly a partnership between the church and developer, a type of project the City should look for. 

Amy Antor, resident of 992 Village Road, stated that her family has been a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church for 16 years, lived in Crystal Lake for 7 years, and she also works at the school. She said the land is a function of safety and finance for the church. She said there have been incidents with people staying on the property. She said the development would provide a safer  environment.  

James Kirk, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church, said he is in the young professional  demographic which this development will attract. He said he is currently renting an apartment in  Crystal Lake with rent increasing. There is a greater demand for housing for young professionals, and a greater supply is needed.  

Kathy Schmidt, resident of 151 S. Williams Street, said no one is doubting the sincerity of the church. She said she noticed a lack of green space in the plan, she said more concrete and buildings are not needed.  

Ms. Schmidt said there is a shortage of single-family homes. She said it behooves the community to look to the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission.  

Larry Joswiak, 41 Esther Street, said he was there when past proposed developments where not approved at this location. He said single-family homes are in demand in the community, and he  worries about renters, who are not as invested in the community.  

Mr. 10swiak asked if the development will help pay for the impact on schools and public safety.  

Bill Weller, Crystal Lake resident for over 45 years, said he the issue has been clouded here. He said the issue is not the great things the church does. The issue is the density and tenor of the neighborhood that will change with the development. He said he would much rather see 15-20 single-family homes be built there instead of multi-family development.  

Karl Storz, 184 Cascade Drive, said there were 70-80 people in attendance supporting the  project.  

Mayor Haleblian closed public comment.  

Councilman Hopkins asked about the phases and timeframe of the development. The petitioner stated the entire project would take 24 months. The first building and clubhouse will be built in 10 months and one additional building every month thereafter. Work will start on the south end  and move north.  

Councilman Hopkins said he is very familiar with the property. He said there is a use for both  single family and apartments on the property. He likes the design and they are rentals, but more in line with owner-occupied units.  

He has concerns with the project density and the distance to the properties to the north. He said with the rezoning, work could be done here. He suggested taking a building out, which would result in more green space as well as space for the neighbors.  

Councilwoman Montford commended the church for wanting to invest in the community. She said the percentage of renter vs. homeowner for Crystal Lake is toward the top compared to other communities. Another concern is the number of the units already being built and adding more into the mix. Finally, single-family homes are needed in the community, and rezoning the parcel  from R2 is concerning for the adjacent properties. At this time, she cannot support the project.  

Councilwoman Montford said she talked to many residents regarding the petition and many people indicated they do not want to see Crystal Lake become the next Schaumburg. She said she is concerned with the saturation at this point.  

Councilman Hubbard said he is hoping a compromise can be found here. He agrees with Councilman Hopkins.  

Councilwoman Brady said she was on the Plan Commission when they previous development was discussed years ago. She said the key to this is the church did not have to rezone the  property because they received a Special Use.  

Once extending Walkup Avenue was off the table, the ability to build single-family homes also went away. She said the traffic would not go through to the neighbors. It is not marketable for single-family homes. She stated that this is a natural area for apartments, and this is exactly what  this would be. This development is exactly what young professionals are looking for - they do  not want to own a single-family home and the maintenance that goes with it.  

She said maybe she would reduce the density of the project.  

Councilman Philpot commended Pastor Tieman and members of the congregation. He said  everyone here wants to make Crystal Lake a better place to live. He said the key selling point of  Aaron Shepley's mayoral campaign was Crystal Lake is a special place and has a lot of history and the job of the Mayor is keeping what is special about the City while still moving forward  into change.  

He said he has seen a lot of data that Crystal Lake has not met the demand for multi-family. The need is there for new residents and people wanting to downsize. He said this is a beautiful project and he likes the design and thinks this is a great project, but he has similar concerns to Councilmembers Hopkins and Montford regarding density.  

Councilman Philpot said as rezoning is being asked for, maybe a reduction in density and  changes to the site, would help alleviate some of the concerns.  

He said the City is currently hiring public safety personnel and Crystal Lake is going to grow.  

Councilwoman Smith thanked the public for coming to the meeting. She also thanked Immanuel Lutheran. She asked what Immanuel Lutheran's control is in the project. The petitioner said it is a long-term partnership; the goal is not to turn around and sell the property.  

She asked for the price point for one and two bedrooms. The petitioner said it would range from $1,700 to $2,800 depending on if there were an attached garage.  

She asked City staff if there was anything that could be done to protect pedestrians on the bike path crossing the driveway. He said additional signage and other enhancements could be done at the crossing as part of the upcoming improvement project.

Councilwoman Smith appreciated the risk for the taking the joint venture with the developer. She  said is trying to balance with needs for the residents in the area. There is a need for this price  point and type of housing. She said she also concerned with the density, that maybe it could be decreased.  

Mayor Haleblian said a compromise is needed. He said the market in Crystal Lake has changed. He does not understand the rental business, but today's market is different. He said he did a lot of research and the market is there.  

Mayor Haleblian said renters in this type of housing are also vetted. He said he works with many people who moving back to Crystal Lake. That being said, he said he would like to see the density be reduced.  

The petitioner thanked the City Council for the feedback. The petitioner said they would like to find a solution for the greater good. He said the overall feel of the development is owner occupied. He understands the issue is density. As a compromise, he suggested eliminating the two buildings to the north (a reduction of 40 units) and adding additional buffer for the neighbors  to the north.  

Councilwoman Brady asked City staff what the density would be with these two buildings  removed. Ms. Maxwell said about 11.  

Councilwoman Brady asked if the developer could work with staff.  

The petitioner said removal of the two buildings would increase the space between the neighbors  to the north to about the length of a football field.  

Councilman Philpot said he wanted the density closer to 9.  

Councilman Hopkins asked the petitioner to talk to the neighbors to see if these changes would be acceptable.  

Councilman Hubbard said he would be ok with the reduction and the petitioner meeting with the neighbors.  

Councilwoman Montford said she is still concerned the market will be over saturated.  

Ms. Maxwell said the petitioner would not have to go back to the PZC if the changes are not a  greater variation than what is currently being asked for.  

The petitioner said they could work with staff and present a new plan at the May 21, 2024 City Council meeting.  

Councilwoman Brady moved to continue the petitioner's request to the May 21, 2024 City Council meeting. Councilman Hubbard seconded the motion. On roll call, Mayor Haleblian and Councilmembers Brady, Philpot, Smith, Hopkins and Hubbard voted yes. Council member  Montford voted no. Motion passed.  

Mayor Haleblian recessed the meeting at 9:34 p.m.

Mayor Haleblian reconvened the meeting at 9:39 p.m.  

23. Purchase of Fire Rescue Pumpers  

Fire Rescue Chief Craig Snyder provided the Mayor and City Council with an overview of the  request, including the rotation of the Department's five existing pumpers. The two reserve engines are eight and 13 years-old respectively, and would be sold or auctioned off at the time  the two new pumpers are delivered. The new pumpers would be frontline for 10 years and then reserve for five years. He also explained the advantages of purchasing a custom apparatus.  

Mayor Haleblian asked for the pricing on each engine. Chief Snyder said pricing has increased dramatically in the past three years.  

Councilman Philpot asked if commercial apparatus would last longer on the front line. Chief Snyder said no, the custom would ultimately last longer, especially incorporating paramedic  calls.  

Councilwoman Brady said the firefighters absolutely deserve the best equipment possible. Mayor Haleblian said this is an investment.  

Councilwoman Montford said the storage of equipment in the unit allows for a faster response.  

Councilwoman Brady moved to adopt a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an  agreement with Macqueen Emergency for the purchase of two (2) Pierce Fire Rescue Pumpers, through the Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC) purchasing cooperative, in the total purchase amount of $2,392,000.00. Councilwoman Smith seconded the motion. On roll call, all  present voted yes. Motion passed.  

Council Inquiries and Requests  

Councilman Philpot inquired about narcan in vending machines.  

Adjourn  

There being no further business, Councilman Hopkins moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:54 p.m.  Councilman Philpot seconded the motion. On voice vote, all present voted yes. Motion passed.

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