Committee of the Whole Minutes 2012 06-12-12
APPROVED 7/10/12
MINUTES OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
OF THE UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE, KENDALL COUNTY ILLINOIS
HELD IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS,
800 GAME FARM ROAD ON
TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2012, 7:00PM
Mayor Golinski called the meeting to order at 7:00pm and led the attendees in the Pledge
of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Ward I Gilson Absent
Colosimo Present
Ward II Milschewski Present
Kot Present
Ward III Munns Present
Funkhouser Present
Ward IV Spears Present
Teeling Present
City officials present: City Administrator Bart Olson, City Attorney Kathy Orr, Public
Works Director Eric Dhuse, Community Development Director Krysti Barksdale-Noble,
Director of Finance Rob Fredrickson, Director of Parks and Recreation Laura Schraw,
Chief of Police Rich Hart, Code Official Peter Ratos, Deputy Chief Larry Hilt, EEI
Engineer Brad Sanderson,
Other Guests: Lynn Dubajic-YEDC, Steve Lord-Beacon News, Tony Scott-Kendall
County Record, Jillian Duchnowski-Yorkville Patch. See also guest lists.
Mayor Golinski announced that the Rec Center would not be discussed at this meeting.
CITIZEN COMMENTS:
Lynn Dubajic
commented on the Push for the Path progress. She said there are
presently 75 “Power of 1” Teams that have pledged to raise $1,000 for the bike path. As
a result, $56,980 of the targeted amount of $75,000, has been raised. There have also
been several fundraisers, raffles and t-shirt sales to raise money. The amount collected as
of this date is $64,392 which is enough for the first 4 years of payments.
Mark Johnson
said he thought the Rec Center would be on the agenda and that it would
be helpful to know prior to the meeting what actually would be discussed. But he asked
to speak about uncontrolled spending. He said there had been a rally in the park to
discuss taxes and also other topics were the Rec Center and Push for the Path. He related
a story of a woman living on $10,000 social security and she had a 25% raise in her taxes.
Due to this raise, the woman might be forced to move. He said property taxes help to pay
Minutes of the Committee of the Whole – June 12, 2012 – Page 2 of10
for the Rec Center. Mr. Johnson said his group would be taking a hard look at the
County, school district and other organizations to make cuts. He said they will be
rallying people to stop the spending. He stated it costs $500 per person to go to the Rec
Center. He asked the Council to not allow the spending to go deeper.
Mayor Golinski
commented that there will be Rec Center discussions and Public
Hearings at 3 future meetings and a vote will be taken in September.
unidentified citizen
An opened his comments by saying there is a website called
“openthebooks.com” which shows various expenditures such as school administrator
salaries. He also commented on several other issues as follows. He had attended the
Illinois Republican convention in Tinley Park on the previous weekend. Political
contribution amounts were also discussed. He noted a future 5% tax to use a satellite
dish and a future $1.00 tax on cigarettes. He summarized by saying that all citizens must
hold politicians accountable.
Don Burks
said he had attended a recent committee meeting to explore several options
for the Rec Center including an agreement with the YMCA. He also added that about 15
activities do not occur at the Rec Center and said that several activities could take place at
other locations. He said schools might be available to help save money.
For the record, Mayor Golinski noted that the next Ad Hoc committee meeting regarding
th
options will be held July 9.
David Allen
of Rosati’s Pizza stated that he is in favor of the video gaming ordinance
and the amendment to permit extended liquor sales.
George Tsaliangos,
a bar owner said closing the bars at 1:00am is too early and that
patrons simply go to the next town where the bars are open until 2:00am. He said it is
hard to maintain business with the current closing hours.
Lisa Peterson
thanked the Mayor for informing the attendees about upcoming Rec
Center discussions. She also discussed the tax revolt day and said it was a great
opportunity for elected officials to talk with citizens and noted that 2 Yorkville aldermen
and 1 County official attended. She told of a River’s Edge homeowner who was
uninformed about his tax bill and unable to get help. She suggested that future County
bills include a set of printed instructions telling how to get help with understanding the
bills. She indicated that her own taxes have increased 70.8% since 2005. She concluded
by saying that belts need to be tightened at all levels and citizens are starting to revolt.
Tim Johnson
stated the City should not make a business out of the Rec Center and that
current users will continue to use it. He also reminded voters that some of the Aldermen
will be up for re-election.
Minutes of the Committee of the Whole – June 12, 2012 – Page 3 of10
MINUTES FOR APPROVAL:
1) April 3, 2012 Economic Development Committee
Approved as read by the Economic Development Committee members by voice vote.
2) May 3, 2012 Public Safety Committee
Approved as read by the Public Safety Committee by voice vote.
3) May 15, 2012 Public Works Committee
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Corrections requested shown in :
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Page 1: New Business #2: sentence should read “Mr. Sanderson said
of a payment
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subdivision
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Page 6: 1 paragraph, 2 sentence should read “…Alderman Gilson as soon
possible.”
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Heartland Circle
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A resident
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called her with a concern that subdivision covenants might have been broken.”
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Page 7: 1 paragraph, 2 complete sentence should read: “ ..asked if there is a way
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can…”
The Public Works minutes were tabled until corrections are made and will be brought
back next month for review.
4) May 17, 2012 Administration Committee
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Corrections requested shown in :
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allow employees..”
Page 2: 2 paragraph, 1 sentence should read “..or not we should
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B.U.I.L.D.
Page 3: 6 paragraph, 3 sentence should read “..city is doing with the
program..”
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Page 4: 1 paragraph, 2 sentence is questionable, committee members asked that tape
be re-consulted to determine proper wording.
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be re-consulted, to determine proper wording.
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Alderman
Page 6: 3 paragraph, 1 sentence should read “..Gilson..”
The Administration minutes were then approved as corrected on a voice vote.
Minutes of the Committee of the Whole – June 12, 2012 – Page 4 of10
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE ITEMS:
New Business:
1. EDC 2012-19 OSLAD Grant Applications
a. Riverfront Park Development Grant
Ms. Schraw said she has not received any word from the State if the money for the
st
applications has been released yet. The next application is due July 1 in the event the
first one was denied, resulting in a short turnaround time.
b. Land Acquisition Grant
Ms. Schraw said OSLAD gives land and water conversation grants and these have been
discussed with the Park Board to see if there is interest.
The pending Riverfront Park was discussed and Ms. Milschewski asked if a second grant
could be obtained. Ms. Schraw said it is the same grant. Alderman Colosimo questioned
if the City is locked into using that money if the city gets the grant and the terms are not
favorable during the negotiations. The City would not be locked in according to Ms.
Schraw and she added that the landowner had to be agreeable to the appraisal value and
the City must have the funds for the purchase.
Ms. Spears asked about the letter of evaluation and if it is the current value. A new
appraisal would be needed since the last one was in 2010 and would be dependent on
whether or not the Council was in favor of such a purchase. Mr. Olson pointed out that a
larger amount of a parcel could be purchased under the current land values. Alderman
Spears also asked if there is a penalty associated with a grant if the City does not have the
funds. There is a 2-year penalty if an awarded grant is not used, however, State money
along with money from the Cor-Lands, would result in no capital outlay. This is a
dedicated source of funding and if this funding is not paid out, no grants will be awarded
either, according to Mr. Olson.
It was agreed to move this item to the City Council consent agenda.
2. PC 2012-01 PUD Ordinance Amendment
Ms. Barksdale-Noble said since 2010 the Zoning Commission has held meetings to
review the current zoning ordinance and to propose revisions. The significant changes
proposed for the PUD Chapter are as follows:
1. PUD’s will revert to special uses rather than districts
2. Revise and streamline the review process
3. Eliminates Park Board review, but allows for a Park Board representative to
have a vote on the Plan Commission
4. Establishes a deadline for final plat of approval with a proposal that
construction begin no longer than 3 years from approval
Attorney Orr added that Ms. Barksdale-Noble spent a huge amount of time in revising
this needed amendment. Prior to the economy’s downturn in 2008, a developer would
rezone their property with no PUD.
Minutes of the Committee of the Whole – June 12, 2012 – Page 5 of10
Alderman Colosimo questioned how the voting Park Board member would be
determined. The Park Board will determine which Board member will cast the vote
according to Ms. Barksdale-Noble. Ms. Schraw added that the voting person would have
a letter of consensus with them to document the Board’s opinion.
The committee members approved moving this item to the Council consent agenda.
3. EDC 2012-20 Ordinance for the Sale of Public Property
Administrator Olson said this is a resolution for RFP for the bidding process for the old
Post Office building. He said it can only be sold through open RFP, however all bids can
be rejected. Alderman Colosimo had concerns about selling since it is prime property on
the riverfront and will increase in value over time. His other concern is that the City
might need the building depending on the rec center and other decisions about building
uses. Mayor Golinski shared the same concerns and said the riverfront should be wide
open like other towns. Alderman Milschewski said she supported Mr. Colosimo’s
opinion and that the City should wait. Sharing this opinion also, Mr. Funkhouser said he
does not support liquidation and the viable property falls into the vision plan. Mr. Kot
said the matter could be re-visited in 6 months and agrees that no action should be taken
at this time.
Old Business: None
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE ITEMS:
New Business:
1. PS 2012-11 Liquor Code Amendment – Hours of Sale
Mayor Golinski asked to have this placed on the agenda after receiving many calls from
bar owners. He said it does not make sense for bars to close at 1am on weekends.
Alderman Colosimo said he talked with establishments and residents and heard no
objections about staying open later. He felt revenue should be kept in the City and the
City should be business-friendly. Alderman Kot also supports this amendment. He
suggested the police could monitor DUI and disorderly conduct calls for the extra hour
they are open and he would like that reported to the Public Safety Committee. The stats
will be monitored by Chief Hart who added that Yorkville has responsible bar owners.
Alderman Funkhouser also supports later hours and noted that Yorkville has a noise
ordinance in place. Ward 4 Alderman Spears also supports this and had no negative
feedback from her ward.
This item will move to the Council consent agenda.
2. PS 2012-12 Video Gaming Ordinance
Many calls were received by the Mayor in reference to this ordinance. He noted the State
wants machines in place by August 1. There is an application process, a $25 fee per
machine and a license is required. There is a limit of 5 per establishment. Some
neighboring towns will be discussing this and the County has already approved gaming.
Alderman Colosimo said he is torn between being business-friendly or having the
machines. Alderman Munns stated the City could test it and receive some of the
Minutes of the Committee of the Whole – June 12, 2012 – Page 6 of10
discretionary dollars being spent. Alderman Kot agreed with this opinion. Businesses
want the machines according to Chris Funkhouser, but he said he has mixed feelings.
Alderman Milschewski asked how many establishments could have these machines. All
A-1 licensed businesses can have them, which is approximately 7 or 8 according to Mr.
Olson.
This item moves to the Council consent agenda.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE ITEMS:
New Business:
1. PW 2012-33 Route 34 Letter of Understanding
Laura Schraw said that in 2010 the City had approved a letter of understanding that a trail
would be built. In 2012 a letter of understanding was approved for a trail from Rt. 34 &
47 to Timber Ridge Road. The State will cost share at 80/20 which now reduces the local
share of this project from $110,000. The City is committed to these trail projects by these
letters, explained Mr. Olson.
Mr. Colosimo said he could not support these trails since the money is not budgeted and
he could not agree to more debt. He asked how many other letters of understanding are
still in effect.
The cost of completed engineering was questioned by Alderman Spears. Mr. Olson said
nothing has been spent for engineering, however, if the City rejects the trail, the City will
receive an engineering bill. She asked where the money would come from. It will be
budgeted according to Mr. Olson. Alderman Kot said he would support this project,
while Alderman Funkhouser will not.
This item will move to the Council non-consent agenda.
2. PW 2012-34 Countryside Center Road Maintenance and Snow Plowing
Alderman Gilson requested this item be on the agenda to determine the status of the
Countryside Center ring road and who will do the snowplowing. The property owner has
proposed to close the roads except to the pool supply store. Alderman Milschewski
asked about the medical offices there, but said there are alternative ways to get there. Mr.
Funkhouser asked if the fire department had commented on this and it was stated the fire
personnel can get to the backs of buildings. Mr. Olson said the city will encourage the
owner to keep the roads open.
This is information only.
3. PW 23012-35 MFT Resolution for 2012 Street Maintenance Program
Mr. Sanderson stated the City has $50,000 to spend on the MFT maintenance program.
He said Kennedy Road needs repair this fiscal year and he has a proposed resolution to
take bids for project completion. Alderman Colosimo said the money would be better
spent if it was used on roads that will not be torn up in the next 10 years. However, Mr.
Dhuse said that Kennedy Road repair is tied to Autumn Creek building permits. A road
Minutes of the Committee of the Whole – June 12, 2012 – Page 7 of10
survey is also being done to determine areas needing repair. He added the City would not
get favorable bids if repairs are scattered in various locations.
This item will move to the Council consent agenda.
4. PW 2012-36 Parkway Tree Installation – Vendor Proposal
As of May 10, 36 trees allocated for parkways for the Tree Planting Program were sold.
Staff members have solicited estimates for additional trees for residents still wanting
them. The best price found was $77.80 per tree. Alderman Milschewski said she
received many calls from Heartland Circle wondering if there are other sources for trees.
Ms. Schraw said Homeowners’ Associations might get a better price if there was more
business in a concentrated area. Mr. Olson added that there is still an outstanding grant
application from Morton Arboretum that could result in reduced costs.
Ms. Schraw will prepare materials and place the information on the city website.
Old Business:
1. PW 2012-31 LOC Bond Call Policy
Ms. Barksdale-Noble said there are approximately 150 letters of credits/bonds. She said
staff has developed recommendations to implement new procedures and seeks direction
from this committee for these specific questions:
Maximum completion times of subdivision improvements
1.
Committee recommends 4 years
Authorization to grant extensions for improvement completion
2.
Fee requirement for extension request
3.
$500 fee agreed upon by committee, based on construction date, not calendar.
Committee discussed whether or not the road completion is tied to houses
being built. Mr. Olson said a Public Works discussion included a unanimous
opinion that it’s better to accelerate the maintenance and acceptance of a road
Deadline for final road surface coarse installation
4.
There was a proposal to tie each step of development to the percentage of
buildout, however it was determined this was too cumbersome. Alderman
Colosimo said the simpler, the better and recommended basing development
on segments rather than percentages. Under this proposal, Ms. Barksdale-
Noble said developers must provide a construction schedule. This will not
affect current subdivisions. Alderman Teeling asked about bank-owned
subdivisions and it was noted they would also have to follow the guidelines.
Using staff recommendations, this item will move forward to the Council consent agenda
for a vote.
ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE ITEMS:
New Business
1. ADM 2012-35 Procedural Ordinance
The concept of this ordinance is to have “strong” committees. Presently, the committee
members do not have the authority to place items on the agenda and in the past, some
Minutes of the Committee of the Whole – June 12, 2012 – Page 8 of10
items died in committee. Alderman Kot asked if this ordinance violates State law.
Attorney Orr said while there is no case law to prove this, she said there is a strong case
for it. She said it gives power of veto to 3 people and minimizes the power given by
State Statute. Mr. Kot asked if an item would remain in committee if 2 of 4 committee
members are opposed to a certain item. He said other aldermen not on the committee
might be in agreement. He does not support this ordinance. Alderman Munns added that
if the current C.O.W. structure continues, this is a moot point. He also stated that
committees might discuss an issue at length and that same discussion also occurs at a
Council meeting. Ms. Orr said committees primarily are used to foster ideas, rather than
kill them. Alderman Milschewski said she could not support this since some of the
committees do not have equal ward representation.
Ms. Olson said some communities use a system of 2 Aldermen and 4 citizens and more
communities use the C.O.W. meeting than the committee system.
It was decided to kill this item.
Old Business
1. ADM 2012-19 Countryside Development Discussion
Administrator Olson recommended against refinancing since the existing TIF money
would be lost. YEDC Director Lynn Dubajic said she is working with a commercial
developer who hopes to bring in a medium size business to this site. She added that the
ability to phase in a development and the available $2 million in TIF incentives has
helped accelerate interest in the site.
ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR CONSENT AGENDA:
1. PS 2012-13 Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances Adopting Hiring
Standards for Part-Time Police Officers
No discussion of the ordinance, however, Alderman Colosimo noted that June 14 is the
Torch Run for Special Olympics for the Police Department.
2. ADM 2012-36 Prevailing Wage Ordinance
This moves to consent agenda.
3. ADM 2012-37 Ordinance Amending City Code Regarding Musical Entertainments
Bart Olson said no licenses have ever been issued under this ordinance.
4. ADM 2012-38 Monthly Treasurer’s Report for May 2012
No discussion.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:
1. EDC 2012-21 Building Permit Report for April & May 2012
2. EDC 2012-22 Building Inspection Report Summary for April & May 2012
3. EDC 2012-23 Monthly Property Maintenance Inspection Report
No discussion on above 3 items
Minutes of the Committee of the Whole – June 12, 2012 – Page 9 of10
4. EDC 2012-24 Route 47 Update
Bart Olson gave a brief update and said the City will probably spend $9600 more per
fiscal year than budgeted, depending on change orders etc. The total cost share for the
City is projected at $3.3 million.
5. EDC 2012-25 Glen D. Palmer Dam Completion
The State has turned over part of the maintenance and obligations to the City, but the
State is still in litigation to have the banks and sidewalks completed. The City is mowing
the grass at this time.
Mayor Golinski asked about the island where kids jump on the slippery rocks and the
potential danger. However, it was decided that signage would not prevent accidents.
6. PS 2012-14 Monthly Police Report for March, April & May 2012
No discussion.
7. PS 2012-10 Weather Warning Siren Update
Chief Hart said Public Works saved the City about $10,000 on needed trenching. He said
the process is nearly completed and Com Ed is to be out in about 10 days. Alderman
Milschewski asked where the other new sirens are located. They are at Bristol Bay and
on Kennedy Road/Autumn Creek by the school. Alderman Kot asked that the City look
at the lightning detector for the parks. He said there should be a funding mechanism in
place for the approximate cost of $5-$10,000. There also must be a service contract.
Mayor Golinski said this would be a discussion for the Park Board.
8. PW 2012-37 Annual MFT Expenditure Statement for General Maintenance
No discussion.
9. PS 2012-38 Traffic Signal Maintenance Refund
Eric Dhuse said the City came in under budget and $89,805 will go back to the MFT
fund.
10. PW 2012-39 Annual NPDES Permit Report
No discussion.
11. PW 2012-40 Safe Routes to School Update
The City has met with state representatives to discuss the project. In the new updated
plan, Heustis St. is not included due to the existing sidewalk which is outside of the City
right-of-way and therefore, not eligible for funds. It is recommended to replace the
sidewalk and there is a bid-letting in the fall for the project. Public meetings are
recommended between now and mid-July prior to the bids. Alderman Milschewski asked
if easements are needed and what will be done if there are plantings near the sidewalk.
Easements will be needed and notifications will be sent to residents to trim vegetation in
the parkway.
Minutes of the Committee of the Whole – June 12, 2012 – Page 10 of10
12. ADM 2012-39 Monthly Budget Report for May 2012
No discussion.
13. ADM 2012-40 Monthly Cash Statement for April 2012
No discussion on the above items.
14. COW 2012-01 Library Board 2011-2012 Annual Report
Mayor Golinski said he informed Library Director Michelle Pfister that she did not need
to be present to discuss this report.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS:
(moved up on agenda, prior to Executive Session)
1. Alderman Milschewski said she received a call from a resident on Gawne Lane asking
whether or not Gawne is private or City-owned and that// it is in need of repair. Mr.
Dhuse believes it is private and Mr. Olson added that GIS shows it is private, however,
the City may have it paved at some point.
2. Ms. Schraw said the Relay for Life will be held in Sandwich on June 22-23.
Additional info can be found on the City website or by contacting the Relay for Life
Coordinator.
On a motion by Alderman Milschewski and second by Alderman Munns, the Committee
adjourned the regular meeting and moved to Executive Session at 9:32pm.
Respectfully submitted by
Marlys Young, Minute Taker