Economic Development Minutes 2015 07-07-15Page 1 of 3
APPROVED 8/4/15
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Tuesday, July 7, 2015, 6:00pm
Yorkville City Hall, Conference Room
800 Game Farm Road
In Attendance:
Committee Members
Chairman Ken Koch
Alderman Carlo Colosimo
Alderman Chris Funkhouser
Absent: Alderman Diane Teeling
Other City Officials
City Administrator Bart Olson
Community Development Director Krysti Barksdale-Noble
City Planner Chris Heinen
Code Official Pete Ratos
Other Guests:
Attorney Kelly Kramer Helland
Mr. Terry Richards
Jeff Wehrli, Kendall County Forest Preserve
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Ken Koch at 6:00pm.
Citizen Comments None
Previous Meeting Minutes June 1, 2015
The minutes were approved as read.
New Business
1. EDC 2015-24 Building Permit Report for May 2015
Mr. Ratos reported 77 building permits issued in May: 3 single family, 9 B.U.I.L.D., 8 commercial and
57 miscellaneous.
2. EDC 2015-25 Building Inspection Report for May 2015
There were 158 building inspections of varying kinds including a commercial inspection at Wrigley.
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3. EDC 2015-26 Property Maintenance Report for May 2015
Two cases were heard in May. One was a stop work order since a permit was required at 1024 Deer St.
for Crossfits. A permit was obtained and that case dismissed, however, a $75 fine was issued for
violation of the stop work order. There were also other miscellaneous complaints. Some mowing was
done by Public Works and the violators will be billed. Alderman Koch asked how the complaints
originate—they are called into the City. No further action.
4. PC 2015-27 Foreclosure Bi-Annual Report
Mr. Heinen said this report is a breakdown of foreclosures from January through June this year,
compared to the same time last year and in general, the foreclosures have decreased. Ward 3 still has
the most since there are condo and townhome developments in Bristol Bay and Fox Hill.
5. PC 2015-09 and PC 2015-10 Lot 19 Commercial Drive-Rezoning and Special Use
This property is off Rt. 47 and Boombah Blvd. and is zoned B-3. The owners wish to rezone to M-1
and are requesting a special use for a public storage facility comprised of 9 buildings/320 units.
Because the property will exceed the 60% asphalt coverage, the owner has requested a variance due to
the new zoning ordinance. A petition for a variance will be heard in August at Zoning Board of
Appeals. Alderman Funkhouser said he was not in favor of granting the variance for the site with 60%
coverage, unless something else was given and staff recommended partial gravel of the site
In addition, the petitioner is requesting a 20-foot buffer rather than the required 30-foot buffer, for
which written and graphic presentation will be required. Staff will be recommending additional
landscaping at this location and also supports the variance request since the area to the north will be
commercial in the future. Petitioner Terry Richards said he plans to build a berm with landscaping.
Landscape and engineering plans will also be required. One property owner to the north had concerns
and will attend the Public Hearing. Attorney Kelly Kramer Helland addressed lighting and
landscaping.
It was noted the building will not be a 24-hour facility. The orientation of the buildings, general layout
and building material were also discussed.
This petition will move to Plan Commission for rezoning and special use on July 8th , to City Council in
July and the variance to ZBA in August.
6. EDC 2015-28 Hoover Entrance
Mr. Olson referenced a memo from Director Dave Guritz of the Kendall County Forest Preserve
District, regarding a grant opportunity to upgrade a railroad crossing at Hoover. In order to receive
these funds, there is a requirement that the KCFPD deed the roadway entrance to the City to declare it a
public street from the entrance to north of the RR tracks.
Mr. Olson said an inter-governmental agreement will be needed and would hold the FPD responsible
for maintenance, however, it would still be a City street. Forest Preserve President Jeff Wehrli was also
present at this meeting for questions and further explanation. He said these improvements are needed
for the increased number of visitors to Hoover and the grant is only available for a public roadway.
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Mr. Olson said the grant would allow for $250,000 of improvements including RR gates and flashing
lights. Alderman Funkhouser said he wants to insure there are no City obligations, maintenance,
plowing, review costs, fees, etc. Alderman Koch suggested adding liability language to the documents
and Alderman Colosimo raised the scenario of repairs being needed and no action being taken by the
FPD. Mr. Olson asked the FPD to draft the agreement.
Alderman Koch questioned the legality of having a City street gated, since there will be a gate at the
entrance. Mr. Wehrli said it is important for camper safety and this issue was solved with a suggestion
to install the gate on the other side of the tracks (not on the public street).
This will move forward to the Council unless the agreement is ready close to the next EDC meeting
date and would then be brought back to committee.
Old Business:
1. EDC 2015-21 Vacant Building Registration Program
Staff had proposed a program to track vacant foreclosure properties and conduct inspections. Ms.
Noble did a survey of 90 other Illinois towns with similar ordinances. Fees ranged from zero to $1500
per building. She gave examples of how other communities use this program.
Ms. Noble said in 2010 the City had over 1200 foreclosures or 20% of the city housing, however,
Alderman Funkhouser noted that not all of 1200 were abandoned or vacant. Under the program, banks
would notify the City when they take control of the house. She said many banks anticipate this process
and it is helpful to some banks if they are paying for lawn services which are not being performed.
Alderman Funkhouser said he did not wish the City to be the “police” to help enforce mowing or other
contracts. He is concerned with the amount of City authority with this program.
Mr. Ratos gave an example of a home in Countryside that was bought and the previous owner had
removed electrical wiring placing the home in jeopardy. He said removing fixtures is also common and
by doing inspections, the City is protecting homebuyers. However, Mr. Funkhouser said a private
home inspection is the responsibility of the buyer. Mr. Koch asked if this will take more staff time and
if additional employees will be needed. Mr. Noble said an inspector is in the budget. It was noted the
revenue generated would not cover the cost of an employee, but the program would allow her
department to stay ahead of complaints. Currently 20-40 inspections per day are being done.
Alderman Colosimo had concerns regarding the fee and said this program puts the City on par with
Chicago which he recommends against. He suggested charging by the square feet shown on tax rolls,
however, Mr. Ratos said it's not always accurate. Another suggestion was to charged based on the type
of home such as single family, apartment, etc.
In conclusion, Alderman Colosimo suggested sending this matter to Council for discussion with no
recommendation from EDC.
Additional Business:
The new website was discussed and it was noted the agendas “spin”, and are slow to load, there were
questions on the graphics and whether or not there were releases on the photos. Any concerns should be
sent to Mr. Olson.
There was no further business and the meeting was adjourned at 6:58pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Marlys Young