City Council Minutes 1998 01-22-98 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE UNITED CITY
OF YORKVILLE, KENDALL COUNTY, ILLINOIS HELD AT THE KENDALL COUNTY
BOARD ROOM, 111 W. FOX ST., YORKVILLE ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 1998.
Mayor Bob Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. and led the Council in the
Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Clerk Simmons called the roll.
Ward I Spang Present
Sticka Present
Ward II Lynch Present
Kot Present
Ward III Jones Present
Prochaska Present
Ward IV Sowinski Present
Stafford Present
QUORUM
A quorum was established.
INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS
Mayor Johnson welcomed those present and asked them to introduce themselves and to
enter their name on the attendance sheet provided.
AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA
Mayor Johnson stated that under Administration Committee the Kendall County Lease
Agreement will follow Minutes for Approval.
Alderman Kot stated under Public Safety, item#1 should read November and December
Monthly Police reports not September Monthly Police Reports.
Mayor Johnson stated under Economic Development Committee reports he added House
Bill #2373, he stated under Mayor's report he will announce a Special City Council
Meeting, he stated under Public Works Committee Reports the five (5) year Street Plan
is removed from the agenda.
MEETING DATES
Public Works Committee
Monday February 9, 1998 6:30 PM Kendall County Building
Conference Room - Suite 3
Economic Development Committee
Tuesday February 17, 1998 7:00 PM Kendall County Building
Conference Room - Suite 3
Public Safety Committee
To be announced 6:30 PM Kendall County Building
Conference Room - Suite 3
Administration Committee
Tuesday February 10, 1998 6:30 PM Kendall County Building
Conference Room - Suite 3
CITIZENS COMMENTS
No citizen comments.
PUBLIC HEARING
No Public Hearing.
PLANNING COMMISSION/ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS/SIGN REVIEW BOARD
Alderman Jones gave a brief update of the January 14, 1998 meeting. First item PC98-1
Annexation and Rezoning request by the Schneiders which was approved, will go to
Economic Development Committee next and then to Committee of the Whole, second
Minutes of the Regular City Council meeting January 22. 1998 - Page 2
item PC98-2, request through the County for residential, which was passed and went to
Economic Development Committee and will go to Committee of the Whole next, third item
PC98-3 request from Inland for rezoning at the corner of Route 34 and 47, was voted
down.
MINUTES FOR APPROVAL
A motion was made by Alderman Prochaska and seconded by Alderman Spang to accept
the minutes of the regular meeting of the City Council of January 8, 1998 as presented.
Motion carried by viva voce vote.
(AGREEMENT) KENDALL COUNTY LEASE AGREEMENT FROM
FEBRUARY 1, 1998 UNTIL APRIL 30, 1998.
A motion was made by Alderman Prochaska and seconded by Alderman Lynch to approve
the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the lease agreement with Kendall County for lease
of approximately 1000 square feet of space on the third floor of the building at 111 W. Fox
Street, Suite 3 for the City of Yorkville Administration offices at a cost of $1000.00 per
month beginning February 1, 1998 until April 30, 1998. Clerk Simmons called the roll.
Jones aye Prochaska aye
Spang aye Sticka aye
Kot aye Lynch aye
Stafford aye Sowinski aye
Motion carried: Ayes: 8 Nays: 0
(AGREEMENT) KENDALL COUNTY LEASE AGREEMENT FROM MAY 1,
1998 UNTIL APRIL 30, 1999.
A motion was made by Alderman Prochaska and seconded by Alderman Lynch to approve
the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the lease agreement with Kendall County for lease
of approximately 1000 square feet of space on the third floor of the building at 111 W. Fox
Street, Suite 3 for the City of Yorkville Administration offices at the cost of $1000.00 per
month beginning May 1, 1998 until April 30, 1999 with a possible termination after a 60
day notice by the City to the County.
There was discussion that the wording "with a possible termination after a 60 day notice
by the City to the County" was not supposed to be included in the agreement.
Alderman Lynch withdrew his second and Alderman Prochaska restated the motion.
A motion was made by Alderman Prochaska and seconded by Alderman Lynch to approve
the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the lease agreement with Kendall County for lease
of approximately 1000 square feet of space on the third floor of the building at 111 W. Fox
Street, Suite 3 for the City of Yorkville Administration offices at the cost of$1000.00 per
month beginning May 1, 1998 until April 30, 1999. Clerk Simmons called the roll.
Prochaska aye Spang aye
Sticka aye Kot aye
Lynch aye Stafford aye
Sowinski aye Jones aye
Motion carried: Ayes: 8 Nays: 0
BILLS FOR APPROVAL
A motion was made by Alderman Prochaska and seconded by Alderman Sowinski to
accept the bills dated January 28, 1998 in the amount of $196,128.15 (vendor),
$67,331.06 (payroll), for a total of$263,459.21. Clerk Simmons called the roll.
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting January 22. 1998 - Page 3
Sticka aye Kot aye
Lynch aye Stafford present
Sowinski aye Jones aye
Prochaska aye Spang aye
Motion carried: Ayes: 7 Nays: 0 Present: 1
ATTORNEY'S REPORT
No report.
MAYOR'S REPORT
Mayor Johnson stated David Schnelzi resigned from the Park Board. He stated that Mr.
Schnelzi was an appointee from the Yorkville School District. He stated that he received
a letter from Doctor Tom Engler stating the School Board was recommending Chris Rollins
to fill the position.
(APPOINT CHRIS ROLLINS TO THE YORKVILLE PARK AND RECREATIONS BOARD)
Mayor Johnson formally appointed Chris Rollins to the Yorkville Park and Recreations
Board representing the Yorkville School District.
(COMPETITIVE COMMUNITY INITIATIVE MEETING)
Mayor Johnson announced there would be a Competitive Community Initiative meeting on
January 28, 1998- 7:00 pm-Austin Room at the Beecher Center. He stated the purpose
of the meeting will be to review the Community Action Plan.
(NORTHERN ILLINOIS PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING)
Mayor Johnson stated that on February 3, 1998 - 7:00 pm, in the Kendall County Board
room, the Kendall County Board will have representatives from the Northeastern Illinois
Planning Commission to talk about their organization and Kendall Counties potential
participation in it which would also invite Yorkville to become part of it if we so choose.
(SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING)
Mayor Johnson formally announced a Special City Council Meeting on Thursday, January
29, 1998 - 7:00 pm at the Beecher Center. He stated the purpose of the meeting will be
for discussion and selection of an architect for a new city office building.
CITY CLERK'S REPORT
City Clerk Simmons asked for a motion to accept the Executive Session minutes of
January 8, 1998.
A motion was made by Alderman Spang and seconded by Alderman Lynch to accept the
Executive Session minutes of January 8, 1998. Motion carried by viva voce vote.
City Clerk Simmons stated the Executive Session Minutes were up for their six month
review and asked the Mayor to recommend the committee appointed for this purpose get
together and review them.
Mayor Johnson asked Committee Members Alderman Stafford and Alderman Lynch to get
together with Clerk Simmons at their convenience to review the Executive Session Minutes
for recommendation of their release to the public.
CITY TREASURER'S REPORT
City Treasurer Richard Scheffrahn reported for the month of November 1997 there was
$256,739.62 Revenue, $291,300.53 Expense, for the month of December 1997 there was
$398,120.97 Revenue, $477,873.18 Expense leaving a balance at the end of the year of
$860,880.32. City Treasurer Scheffrahn asked the City Council to accept these reports.
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting January 22, 1998 - Page 4
A motion was made by Alderman Prochaska and seconded by Alderman Lynch to accept
the City Treasurers report for the months of November and December 1997.
Alderman Spang asked City Treasurer Scheffrahn to give an overview of the Trust and
Agency deficit growing substantially.
City Treasurer Scheffrahn stated that this was being looked into to see exactly where it
stands and preferred to wait until he had all the information.
Motion carried by viva voce vote.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR 'S REPORT
No report.
SCHOOL COMMUNITY REPORT
Alderman Spang stated that the next regular meeting of the Board of Education of Yorkville
Community School District#115 will be January 26, 1998 at 7:30 p.m. in the District Office.
He stated items on the agenda include an update on the High School construction, the
1998/1999 District Calendar, and a report from the Strategic Plan Update Committee
Review.
OLD BUSINESS
City Attorney Kramer gave an update on the White Oak Estates sidewalk issue. He stated
one issue in question was along Fox Road and from the information dug up it was clear
that the sidewalk was on the preliminary plat/preliminary engineering but was not on the
final engineering, so Joe Wyrott is going to contact the developer and insist on the
sidewalk on Fox or money be put up for it and that it is a requirement. City Attorney
Kramer stated regarding the homeowners issue regarding sidewalks and the railroad
tracks. He stated there is a typed summary of the original ICC hearing. He stated there
is some reference in the summary on how they wanted it designed to accommodate a
sidewalk without a drop off. He stated there were no mandatory requirements in the
hearing summary from the ICC or the Burlington on where the sidewalk must be put nor
did the summary prohibit it. He stated City Engineer Joe Wyrott told him the Burlington
made a mistake on the crossing in a sense that they had a dimension on how long the
timbers for the crossing should have been and should have been off centered to the west
to accommodate a sidewalk so there would not be a gap. He stated the Burlington
centered the timbers on the blacktop right of way and but where the sidewalk would go the
timbers do not extend all the way out. He stated the minutes Jim Nanninga and Joe Wyrott
dug out for him were not helpful in a sense that they do not state you must put a sidewalk
in or no you don't have to put a sidewalk in. He stated that it was up to the City Council
if they wanted to honor the White Oak Estates Home Owners Association and not require
a sidewalk along River Birch Drive.
Alderman Spang stated that he has spoke to Tony Robinson of the White Oak Estates
Board of Directors, and Tony Robinson asked him to convey to the City Council that the
Board of Directors does not wish to make a call either way on the pedestrian crossing over
the railroad tracks and wants it left up to the City Council. Alderman Spang read a letter
(attached) from the Board of Directors of White Oak Estates into the record. Alderman
Spang stated that Tony Robinson told him that he will report to the City Council the results
of the vote taken at their homeowners association meeting in February.
Alderman Lynch stated that he got a call from one of the homeowners and he told him that
he wanted sidewalks every place.
There was discussion and decision that the issue of a sidewalk over the railroad tracks
should be discussed at the next Public Works meeting since the issue has become more
complicated.
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting January 22, 1998 - Page 5
NEW BUSINESS
There was none.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE REPORT
(SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER, NOVEMBER WATER REPORTS)
A motion was made by Alderman Sowinski and seconded by Alderman Lynch to accept
the September, October, November Water Department Reports. Motion carried by viva
voce vote.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
(NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER BUILDING PERMIT REPORTS)
A motion was made by Alderman Jones and seconded by Alderman Lynch to approve the
November and December Building Permit Reports of 1997. Motion carried by viva voce
vote.
(HOUSE BILL #2373)
Mayor Johnson stated House Bill #2373 is a bill introduced by Representative Pat Linder.
He stated this bill calls upon certain types of mandated studies to be done by the County
regarding the proposed Race Track and it also talks about mandating for a citizens
referendum. He stated that he felt this was good way to approach the Race Track issue.
He stated that he asked the Economic Development Committee to review House Bill #2373
and bring back their recommendation.
Alderman Jones stated that they did looked into this legislation and it is their
recommendation that the City Council support this bill.
A motion was made by Alderman Jones and seconded by Alderman Spang to support
House Bill #2373 and ask our State Representatives to pass the bill. Clerk Simmons
called the roll.
Jones aye Prochaska aye
Spang aye Sticka aye
Kot aye Lynch aye
Stafford aye Sowinski aye
Motion carried: Ayes: 8 Nays: 0
Mayor Johnson asked City Administrator Jim Nanninga to compare letters to Senator Ed
Petka and State Representative Tom Cross advising them of the City Councils support of
this legislation. He also directed City Administrator Nanninga to also send a copy to
Representative Pat Lindner.
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE REPORT
(NOVEMBER & DECEMBER MONTHLY POLICE REPORTS)
A motion was made by Alderman Kot and seconded by Alderman Sowinski to accept the
November and December Monthly Police Reports. Motion carried by viva voce vote.
(ORDINANCE 98-1) ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 6 IN REGARD
TO HUMAN RESOURCES COMMISSION
A motion was made by Alderman Kot and seconded by Alderman Stafford to adopt
ordinance amending Chapter 6 in regard to Human Resources Commission. Clerk
Simmons called the roll.
Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting January 22, 1998 - Page 6
Sticka aye Kot aye
Lynch aye Stafford aye
Sowinski aye Jones aye
Prochaska aye Spang aye
Motion carried: Ayes: 8 Nays: 0
(ORDINANCE 98-2) AMENDMENT TO LIQUOR ORDINANCE
A motion was made by Alderman Kot and seconded by Alderman Prochaska to adopt an
ordinance amending Title 3, Section 3-4B-8 of the Liquor Control Ordinance of the United
City of Yorkville. Clerk Simmons called the roll.
Spang aye Sticka aye
Kot aye Lynch aye
Stafford aye Sowinski aye
Jones aye Prochaska aye
Motion carried: Ayes: 8 Nays: 0
ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE REPORT
(APPOINTMENT OF CITY SECRETARY/DEPUTY CITY CLERK)
A motion was made by Alderman Prochaska and seconded by Alderman Lynch to appoint
Sandra Marker to the position of City Secretary/Deputy City Clerk effective January 23,
1998 with a starting salary of$24,000.00 per year under the terms of the City of Yorkville
Employee manual, plus the $2,900.00 stipend for Deputy Clerk. Clerk Simmons called the
roll.
Kot aye Lynch aye
Stafford aye Sowinski aye
Jones aye Prochaska aye
Spang aye Sticka aye
Motion carried: Ayes: 8 Nays: 0
At this time Mayor Johnson called Sandra Marker forward and swore her in.
(RESOLUTION 98-1) JOB DESCRIPTION-SECRETARY TO THE CITY
ADMINISTRATOR
A motion was made by Alderman Prochaska and seconded by Alderman Sowinski to
approve the newly revised job description for the position of Secretary to the City
Administrator. Clerk Simmons called the roll.
Stafford aye Sowinski aye
Jones aye Prochaska aye
Spang aye Sticka aye
Kot aye Lynch aye
Motion carried: Ayes: 8 Nays: 0
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
Alderman Spang read a typed summary (attached) of his opinion on the act the City
Council will be taking one week from tonight to firm up plans for a new city office building.
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Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting January 22,1998 - Page 7
Alderman Prochaska, Alderman Sowinski, Alderman Stafford and Alderman Sticka gave
brief opinions.
Mayor Johnson made a brief statement in response to Alderman Spang, Alderman
Prochaska, Alderman Sowinski, Alderman Stafford's opinions. He stated that there is no
right or wrong to anyone's opinion. He stated that we have to look with what we feel is the
best vision for the future and with the best interest of our employees and also our city. He
stated that he feels the City Council needs to look at how we can enhance Economic
Development in this community.
Alderman Sticka gave a brief statement on his feelings.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Alderman Sowinski and seconded by Alderman Spang to adjourn
the meeting at 8:04 p.m. Motion carried by viva voce vote.
By:
Deborah K. Simmons, City Clerk
City of Yorkville, Illinois
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
7-1
PLEASE SIGN IN!
NAME: ADDRESS:
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01/21/1998 17:26 6309934419 - CAPSTONE PAGE 01
White Oak Estates
Honr2eownetts Association
January 21, 1998
City of Yorkville
Board of Planning & Zoning
111W. Fox Street
Yorkville, IL 60560
Dear Board Members:
This is to clarify, in writing, the position of the White Oak Estates
Board of Directors regarding the requirement for sidewalks along River Birch
Drive in our subdivision and to outline our planned course of action to amend
the White Oak Estates covenants accordingly.
After being approached by homeowners living along River Birch Drive
requesting we delete the requirement for sidewalks in front of their homes,
the White Oak Estates Directors surveyed the property owners of the
subdivision to determine a census opinion on the issue. Whereas the vast
msjority of property owners support the position of not requiring sidewae
along River Birch Drive the Board of Directors filed the variance request
before you now.
The White Oak Estates Board of Directors will present an amendment
to the covenants at our annual homeowners association meeting scheduled
for next month. An official vote to amend the covenants will,be taken at this
meeting with the will of the majority prevailing.
The White Oak Estates Board of Director recognizes that both the
Zoning Board and the Homeowners Association must approve the proposed
change independently before this issue is resolved and is therefore confident
the position of all effected parties is adequately represented and protected.
Best Regards,
1//451--
le Oak Estates
Board of Directors
One week from tonight this council will act to firm up plans for a new city
office building projected to cost $1.2 million. Two proposals for office space,
each costing less than $500,000, have been rejected.
The first, best option was, of course, to acquire the Historic Court House
and renovate it for the city's use. That plan was estimated to cost $300,000 to
bring it up to a standard we could use today. Each successive year would have
required maintenance and revision. The amount of updating could have been
driven by available revenue rather than revenue needs being driven by debt
load. That option would have provided over 14,000 square feet of space for the
City Administration and Police Department. Room would also have been
available for Engineering, Parks, and even some rental space to help with
maintenance costs.
Another option rejected was one suggesting better utilization of current
facilities. Remodeling present office space in the public works building would
yield 1,600 square feet for Engineering, Public Works, and records storage. A
2,500 square foot addition to the Beecher Building or the Library would provide
Administration two and one-half times the current office space in use. The Police
department could benefit by a 1,000 square foot addition to their building and
paving the parking areas. A garage could be added for some of the squad cars
for a very reasonable cost. There might even be some money available to rehab
the Parks building down at the river front. The cost estimate of this project would
be around $500,000.
Tonight I offer a third option. There are several buildings in the downtown
area that are available for a very reasonable cost. One that comes to mind is the
former Farmers State Bank Building, known more recently as the Wilder Horse
Company building. It is available for just over $100,000 and would provide over
2,000 square feet of office space for the Administration Department of the city.
Additions and improvements could be made to the Police Department as outlined
previously along with remodeling the Public Works and Engineering Offices for a
cost well under$500,000. Where better to put City Hall than right downtown?
Before we embark further on a 1.2 million dollar path, consider this. Aside
from the fact that we must have permanent quarters, several other areas are
competing for the available funds. Can we divert the over 2 million dollars that
this debt becomes when financed while other areas of city services are so
woefully under funded?
This Council is not willing to formally adopt a 5 year street repair plan
because the revenue required is uncertain. What about the Police Department?
Can we continue to chase criminals, respond to emergencies, and patrol our city
with squad cars that have over 100,000 miles on them? We currently have five
of our nine police vehicles above 100,000 miles and two more above 70,000
miles. What about Public Works? Last year we began an addition the Public
Works garage and had to stop because the required funding did not materialize.
Two of our four heavy trucks are falling apart. One, a 1985 model, and the other,
a 1983 model, were used when we purchased them from the State of Illinois
Highway Department. We have no idea how many miles they have, their
odometers were long ago broken. The third truck is a 1976 model. That's 22
•
years old now. Talk to the Public Works employees. Ask them to show you the
equipment they work with everyday. Do we have an amortization plan to replace
these vehicles or will we just appropriate the $70,000 or$80,000 needed when
one finally gives up.
We plan on taking a 2.3 million dollar loan from the Illinois Environmental
Protection Agency to rehabilitate the sanitary sewer system. These repayment
dollars are to come from utility taxes and sewer tap on fees. Both of those
revenue sources are dependent on the ups and downs of the economy. In
addition, that loan will only fund the most critical repairs. There remains over 2
million dollars in additional repairs of a less critical nature for which no funding
source has yet been identified.
The statement has been made that we should have all our offices in one
place. If we were well funded and didn't know where to spend the next tax dollar,
I think a new 1.2 million dollar Yorkville Government Center would be a fine idea.
The reality is that we don't have that kind of money.
We, as servants of the good people of Yorkville, must never lose track of
what we are here for, to serve our citizens, not spend their money on ourselves.
for one can conduct the city's business in a rehabbed downtown building, and at
the same time hopefully contribute to the revitalization of our downtown area.
What better way for the city to start getting ready for the year 2000!
Jeff Spang
Alderman, Ward 1
January 22, 1998