COW Minutes 2007 10-09-07 Page 1 of 13
APPROVED WITH CORRECTIONS 10/23/07
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER
October 9, 2007
7:00 P.M.
ELECTED OFFICIALS PRESENT:
Mayor Valerie Burd Alderman Rose Spears
Alderman Joe Besco Alderman Robin Sutcliff
Alderman Jason Leslie Alderman Wally Werderich
Alderman Marty Munns (arrived 7:45pm) City Treasurer Bill Powell
Alderman Gary Golinski Deputy City Clerk Lisa Pickering
Alderman Arden Joe Plocher
CITY STAFF PRESENT:
City Administrator Brendan McLaughlin Director of Parks and Recreation Mogle
City Attorney Roth Finance Director Mika
Police Chief Martin City Engineer Wywrot
Community Development Director Miller Public Relations Officer Spies
GUESTS:
See attached list.
PRESENTATIONS
Yorkville Big Band Presentation
Rick Falato introduced himself as the founder and music director of the 21 piece Yorkville Big
Band. He and his wife Carol Falato presented a proposal for sponsorship of the Yorkville Big
Band. The band was founded in 1993. It was first sponsored by Bridge Street Interiors and
performed for the very first Yorkville Hometown Days. In 1994 the Yorkville American Legion
offered to sponsor the band. In return for sponsorship the band performed one free performance
per year. The free performance was usually at the 4th of July festivities. The band has hosted a
dance in Yorkville every third Sunday for the past 14 years. They have a following of dancers
that come from many other communities to dance in Yorkville. Since leaving the sponsorship of
the American Legion on July 5, 2007, the Yorkville Big Band dances have been held outside of
Yorkville. Two other organizations outside of Yorkville have offered sponsorship. However,
they would like to bring the dances back to Yorkville. After 14 years of sponsorship by the
Legion, the band has decided to return to its original concept of being a community big band.
The sponsorship would consist of the following:
1) The use of the Beecher Center to rehearse every Tuesday evening from
September to the end of May from 7:00 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.
2) Storage space for the band equipment at Beecher Center
3) Secured space for the band trailer near Beecher Center
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4) The Beecher Center or another location in Yorkville to host the monthly
Yorkville Big Band dances on either the third Saturday or third Sunday
of each month from September through May.
5) The setup before and after the dance.
6) 32 band shirts for their summer concerts.
Alderman Spears asked if the Yorkville Big Band was a profit or not - for - profit organization.
Rick Falato replied that they were both because they did community events and performed for
schools. They also do some performances where they are paid. City Attorney Mike Roth asked if
they were registered with the Secretary of State as a not - for - profit volunteer organization. Mr.
Falato believes that they are registered as a profit organization.
Alderman Spears said that they have been holding rehearsals at the Beecher Center currently and
when they registered to use the Beecher Center, they said that they were a not - for - profit
organization. She said the charge for the use of the Perkins Room in Beecher Center for profit
organizations for 2 -4 hours of use is $85.00. She told the Falatos that they were already in debt to
city in the amount of $3,315.00. Alderman Spears also said that they were asking for the city to
provide shirts in the amount of $600 -$800. She said that several weeks ago the alderman voted
that they would not get even one shirt each at the cost of $29.00. The alderman are each paying
for their own shirts to attend a function on behalf of the city.
Alderman Spears also asked about the monthly dance that's been hosted at the American Legion
post. She asked if they paid any rental fees for the use of that facility? Mr. Falato responded that
the hall was free, but they shared the profit after the expenses. They charged a fee of $15.00 per
person to attend. Approximately 80 -100 people attended. Mr. Falato said that after expenses
there was not much of a profit. Each band member was paid $25.00 a night for 3 hours of work.
The food cost was approximately $550.00 each night. There were 21 band members plus setup.
Alderman Spears said that September through May would be a total of 9 dances. Mr. Falato said
that they could probably lower the fee and not have food. Alderman Spears also questioned the
request for storage space. She said that the Beecher center has very limited storage space. She
said the city currently pays $225.00 per month to store their supplies and equipment at other
facilities. She said that if there was extra storage space available at the Beecher Center she would
like to see the city store their items there instead of paying to store them elsewhere. She said that
they were also asking for secured space for the band trailer. She doesn't know of any space that
we would have for them to store the trailer. She also feels that insurance and liability would be
another concern if we were storing their equipment.
Mr. Falato stated that St. Charles and Harding would both like to have the Big Band move there.
However, since the band was started in Yorkville as a community band they would like to keep it
here rather than moving to another city.
Alderman Spears said that the band is scheduled to perform at the city's Holiday under the Stars
event. She asked how much the city is paying them to perform. Community Relations Officer
Spies responded that the city would be paying them $1250.00. Alderman Spears asked if they
were paid when they performed during the fireworks. Mr. Falato responded that the 4` of July
performance was the free one in return for sponsorship.
Alderman Spears questioned that the Yorkville Big Band would like the city to provide setup and
clean up services. That would be an additional maintenance and custodian cost to city. Mr.
Falato stated that they are a profit business organization, but there is not much profit. He said that
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when you consider a professional player playing three hours for $25.00, that's not very much. As
far as the shirts, Mr. Falato said that he would be glad to purchase shirts out of his own funds if
the city doesn't want to pay. As far as renting a hall, St. Charles will let them use theirs for
nothing. Harvey would charge them only $75.00 and do all of the maintenance work. They
asked the city to setup the hall because there are so many chairs and tables there and it takes them
two hours to setup the band. Because they have to set up the band they don't have time to set up
tables and chairs in addition.
Alderman Spears questioned how much the Yorkville Big Band was paid for performing at
Hometown Days. They were paid $1000.00. Alderman Spears thinks that we should support all
performers or none - not just the band. She feels that they Yorkville Big Band is a profit
organization that is being paid for their services.
Mr. Falato feels that they have done a lot to support the community. People come from all over
to see the band. In his opinion this is a hometown band. If this was a business, then his
accountant wouldn't have told him that last year that he subsidized the band $4000.00 out of his
own pocket. In his opinion this is not a profit making business. It's something they do as a labor
of love to keep big band music alive.
Alderman Besco agreed with Alderman Spears that if the Yorkville Big Band were a registered
not - for - profit organization, then it would be a totally different situation. He feels that they can't
spend taxpayer's funds for a business. He said that if the band could go back and register as a
not - for - profit, then a lot of them wouldn't have a problem.
Mr. Falato said that he would have to go back and check to see what they are registered as. He's
not sure as it was 15 years ago.
Alderman Sutcliff thinks that this is a great band. She feels that these people have dedicated their
lives to this. She thinks that we should be extremely proud of them. Even though they charge
money and may not be technically a not - for - profit, they don't do this for the money — they do it
fora love of the music. Most of the people basically donate their time, they just get a little
compensation. The true compensation is the enjoyment of the band. She feels that we need a
little culture in our community and they really bring that to us. It's not just dollars and cents. She
feels that they can give us a good name - we're more than just strip malls, we have some heart.
She thinks they are wonderful and would support them in any way she can.
Alderman Leslie stated that he can see both sides. He said that not - for - profit status is very
difficult to get. He would hate to lose them. He asked if they could look at the fees and find a
way to make this work. Alderman Leslie would like to keep these folks here and keep big band
here. Maybe they can work something out to have a win -win. He doesn't want to lose them,
however, as Alderman Spears said, they do have a fiduciary responsibility to citizens. He hopes
that they can sit down and come to a resolution.
Mr. Falato said that's where the free performance comes in. Trying to have communities pay
them $1000.00 per performance, a lot of the communities find it difficult to do that. He said that
if they compare what the Big Band charges to other bands you paid for Riverfront Days, they are
the lowest in cost.
Alderman Golinski said that he likes the big band. He would like to see them stay here.
However, the problem is in deviating from our policy. He has seen this time and time again while
serving on the Park Board. We have sports teams that come through that call themselves the
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Yorkville Cubs or the Yorkville White Sox and they want to use our parks and our fields for no
fee. The groups want the city to waive the fees and the Park Board found out that once you
deviate from your policy you are opening up a can of worms. He would feel differently if they
were not - for - profit. Alderman Golinski asked about our sponsorship policy. Alderman Leslie
responded that it was $250.00 once per year.
Alderman Spears asked if the Falatos could check with their accountant to see if they are a not-
for- profit. She asked the council that if they do go ahead and support this that they consider
supporting other organizations in town. Alderman Spears feels that we should support all or
none. She thinks that is it is unfair to ask our taxpayers to support a private business whether it's
an entertainment business or not.
Mayor Burd said that she attended one of their concerts at Cantini. She understands what they do
as ambassadors for the City of Yorkville. She realizes that they are not a profit organization
unlike a dance studio that is making a living and operates daily. We need to encourage the arts.
Mayor Burd congratulated them on doing an outstanding job and she thinks that Yorkville has
been very fortunate. She would hate to see Yorkville lose them to St. Charles, as charming as
that town is. She feels that Yorkville is much more charming and she would like to have them
continue to be our ambassadors especially since they have this committment to our community.
Mayor Burd said that perhaps if they could talk after the meeting or tomorrow about this because
she thinks that there may be other opportunities that could be offered to the Yorkville Big Band if
the City Council does not want to further this. She said that they could talk about this privately.
She thanked them and said that she hoped that they realized that a lot of people in this community
are very grateful for what they've done over the years.
DETAILED BOARD REPORT — BILL LIST
Alderman Spears questioned the following items on the bill list:
o Page 5, Special Census Cost in the amount of $200.00. City Administrator
McLaughlin responded that there was a line item budgeted to reserve a spot in line if
we did the cost benefit analysis and it looked like we would get more revenue back to
the city by doing the census. He stated that we have done that analysis and it does
show that we would gain a profit to the city by conducting a special census. This was
a deposit to start that process moving.
o Page 7, 8 Tiny Reindeer, live performance for community events in the amount of
$208.00. City Administrator McLaughlin responded that it was part of a holdiday
event that is going to be held in the park.
o Page 13, Kelly Inflatables Ice Rink in the amount of $300.00. Director of Parks and
Recreation Mogle responded that Community Relations Officer Spies had asked him
to rent an artificial ice rink for the holiday event. It's made out of a plastic substance
that you can skate on. They also bring skates.
o Page 13, Kendall Printing in the amount of $161.00. This was for Thank You cards
for Mayor Burd.
o Page 26, Streets Department — APWA meal and parking in the amount of $133.00.
This was for meals and parking for an employee for more than one day.
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o Page 29, Administration - Bubbles in the amount of $463.32. Finance Director Mika
will look into it and let her know. It was thought to be bubbles that were passed out at
Hometown Days.
o Page 30, Wal -mart — Administration - Candy — Hometown Days in the amount of
$116.71. Finance Director Mika will look into it and let her know.
o Page 30, Administration — Adobe In- Design Training and Conference and
Fundamentals of Speech in the amount of $484.00. Mayor Burd responded that it was
for Community Relations Officer Spies.
o Page 32, Yorkville Big Band in the amount of $300.00. This is a deposit for the
Holiday under the Stars event.
Alderman Spears commented that she is concerned with how the city is spending its money.
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Alderman Besco questioned the following item on the bill list:
o Page 14, Lawn Mowing Express in the amount of $1040.00 for vacant lots. City
Administrator McLaughlin will check on this. He believes that it is for multiple lots.
Alderman Besco asked if this is something that we can bid on in the future.
Alderman Besco questioned if this will be reimbursed? Finance Director Mika
responded that this may be for residents who have violated our height code for grass.
She will look into it.
Alderman Besco commented that he is just looking for the best deal possible.
Alderman Leslie questioned the following item on the bill list:
o Page 32. Yorkville Clerk's Account — Tuscan Plaza and Water Liens in the amount of
$450.00. Deputy Clerk Pickering responded that it was the Clerk's account and the
money was used to record water liens against properties that have not paid their water
bills and also release of water liens. Alderman Leslie verified that the city was not
paying money to Tuscan Plaza. Pickering responded that the city is reimbursed for
this money.
Community Relations Officer Spies commented that the purchase of the candy and bubbles were
part of the 50 Anniversary Celebration. They were handed out at Hometown Days.
There were no further comments or questions.
The Bill List was moved on to the October 9, 2007 City Council agenda.
ITEMS RECOMMENDED BY COMMITTEE FOR CONSENT AGENDA
1. PW 2007 -145 Rob Roy Creek Interceptor (North Branch 1) — Change Order #3
2. PW 2007 - 146116 -118 Washington Street —Plat of Easement
3. PW 2007 -148 Bid Opening Result for Vehicles and Equipment
4. PW 2007 -150 Fountainview — IDOT Highway Permit No. 1
5. ADM 2007 -80 Monthly Treasurer's Report for August 2007
6 ADM 2007 -77 Proposed Amendment to City Code Regarding Mechanical Amusement
Device Licenses
7. PW 2007 -121 Proposed Amendment to City Code regarding Dutch Elm Disease
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Alderman Golinski asked how many bids were received for the vehicles and equipment that the
city was selling. City Administrator McLaughlin responded that some vehicles had multiple bids
and some had only one bid. Some were competitive.
There were no further comments or questions on the consent agenda items.
These items were placed on the October 9, 2007 City Council Consent Agenda for approval.
MAYOR
1. COW 2007 -31 Request for Sponsorship for the Yorkville Big Band
Mayor Burd asked to go around the room to gather a consensus for this request for
sponsorship.
Alderman Golinski responded that they do perform a community function, however he does
have a problem with their profit status. If they come back and are not - for - profit, he might
have a different opinion.
Alderman Werderich would like to help if there was no cost to city.
Alderman Plocher was in favor of working with them if they had a not - for - profit status.
Alderman Spears felt that they would be setting a precedent and if they go ahead, then she
would recommend to any business in the community to please come forward, the city will
support you.
Alderman Munns said that he was going to abstain because he wasn't present for the whole
discussion.
Alderman Sutcliff said that they are a great addition to our city. She feels that they are great
people and we should support them.
Alderman Leslie said that he would need more details. He feels it is very important that we
know where we are spending our money. He wanted to point out in terms of non - profit — that
even if you don't make a profit at the end of the year, it doesn't mean that you are necessarily
non - profit. He feels that the service they provide is great and he would be willing to pay for
it in terms of a line item for entertainment. If they are a not - for - profit organization, then he is
willing to look at it. If they are a profit business, then he can't support this request.
Alderman Besco said that when the seniors were looking at using the Beecher Center, the
council set a very stringent policy. It was specifically written out how it was going to be
used. They need to be not - for - profit. Alderman Besco stated that you usually know if you
are registered as a not - for - profit organization
City Attorney Roth stated that there is a process to set up a not - for - profit. He said that there
are classifications. Organizations fill out the paperwork and they either meet the standards or
they don't.
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Mayor Burd stated that she does not want anyone casting any asperions or allegations on this
organization. She feels that they have been a fantastic benefit to the city.
Consensus from council was for Mr. Falato to check to see if the Yorkville Big Band holds a
not - for - profit status before council makes any decisions regarding this request.
2. COW 2007 -32 Ordinance Annexing Welles Property
Attorney Kelly Kramer was the representative for Ms. Welles. She stated that the property in
question is 232 acres. It needs contiguity through the Hamman property along Sleepy Hollow
Road. It is located on the intersections of Hollenback Road, Route 71, Walker Road and
Sleepy Hollow Road. They are seeking to annex to the city under the city's default zoning
classification of R -1. They see the end use as residential.
Alderman Leslie questioned if the city council would be seeing a request to rezone to A -1 at a
later date so that the property owners would not have to pay higher taxes for the residential
zoning? Attorney Kramer stated that the taxes would not go up substantially with the new
R -1 zoning because the taxes are based upon use and not necessarily the zoning
classification given to the specific property. Ms. Welles would contine to rent out the land to
a local farmer until someone purchased the property or one of the heirs had development
interest in the property.
Community Development Director Miller spoke to the process of annexing land with a
default zoning. He explained that the way the zoning ordinance is written means that the
zoning that incoming property defaults to is R -1 if nothing is requested at the time of
annexation. With a straight annexation such as this the R- lzoning would apply. There is a 60
day period for the plan commission to review. This item is on the plan commission agenda
tomorrow night for discussion. The plan commission will make a recommendation that the
R -1 zoning is appropriate or they will suggest another zoning classification.
Mayor Burd commented that the plan commission is beginning the process of redoing the
comprehensive plan. That might be a consideration if the plan is showing large lots.
Attorney Kramer said that estate type development is what they anticipate for that area.
Attorney Kramer stated that those size lots would have the least impact on the farmland
around it.
Alderman Besco questioned the lack of a public hearing for this annexation request.
Attorney Kramer stated that under the state statute if you are petitioning to annex under the
default zoning classification, there is no requirement for a public hearing on the annexation
request.
There were no further comments or questions.
This item was placed on the October 9, 2007 City Council agenda for approval.
3. COW 2007 -33 Ordinance Annexing Pobol Property
Attorney Kelly Kramer was the representative for Stanley and Diane Pobol. She stated that
this is approximately a 4 -5 acre site located on Lisbon Road. The petitioners are seeking to
annex to the city under the default R -1 zoning classification. This particular property,
depending upon a subsequent user, may revert to the agricultural district in that the property
owner may be able to market it to horse and equestrian purchasers. Right now, they are
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looking to simply annex the property to the City of Yorkville with the default R -1 zoning
classification. They currently have a single family residence on the property.
Alderman Golinski asked when the public hearing would be held on the zoning. Attorney
Kramer responded that it would be held at the November plan commission meeting.
Alderman Golinski questioned if the city usually held public hearings for property before the
annexation. Attorney Kramer responded that under state statute the public hearing is for the
annexation agreement itself. Community Development Director Miller responded that
annexation agreements do require a public hearing. This is a straight annexation request with
the default zoning. It just happens that the timing of this public hearing is for the November
plan commission. The ordinance allows for 60 days for the plan commission to consider.
Alderman Golinski asked what happens if the plan commission comes back and said this is
inappropriate zoning. Attorney Kramer said that if that circumstance happened that they
would approach the property owners and they could reconsider and refile the rezoning request
under the agricultural district. Attorney Kramer said that the council will receive the plan
commission's recommendations on the zoning. Mayor Burd asked that if the council doesn't
like the zoning recommendation after they've annexed it, can they vote for a different zoning.
Attorney Kramer responded that the zoning is only if there is a change from the R -1 zoning.
If there is any change from the R- 1zoning, then the city council will entertain the request at
that time. According to Community Development Director Miller the city council can
request a zoning amendment. That would be discussed at a public hearing.
Alderman Besco asked if this parcel was necessary for the city to be contiguous to further our
borders to the south. The previous parcel would put us in a different situation for us to annex
more property to the south. He thought that this parcel was landlocked by existing land.
Attorney Kramer responded that this was true, that this parcel squares up that area. Alderman
Leslie asked if this was similar to the Welles request. Mayor Burd responded that this request
was similar to the Conover property in that it would be totally surrounded by the city on three
sides right now. Attorney Kramer stated that they have an access easement. They are
somewhat landlocked because they gain their access from Lisbon Road. Alderman Leslie
suggested that they have an annexation agreement in hand before they move forward.
Mayor Burd asked when this was filed. Attorney Kramer stated that it was filed in July of
2007. Mayor Burd said that this has been going along as a regular annexation. Alderman
Leslie questioned if this property's contiguity was dependent upon the Welles annexation.
The Mayor replied that it was not since it was contiguous to the Hamman property.
Alderman Spears commented that the council had voiced their concern many times about
Joliet annexing properties south of town. She said that any properties that would be willing
to annex to Yorkville on the south side of town would be nothing but a benefit to the City of
Yorkville.
Alderman Besco asked if this had been to Plan Commision. The Mayor replied that it had
not. The staff has been working on it. Mayor Burd stated that the alderman were aware of
this as it had been talked about previously. The council voted previously on paying the fees
for these two annexations.
There were no further comments or questions.
This item was placed on the October 9, 2007 City Council agenda for approval.
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4. COW 2007 -34 Vacation of Sleepy Hollow Road
Mayor Burd asked that the city council postpone discussion of this item to the next regular
city council meeting in two weeks. Alderman Spears agreed with the postponement and
asked if they could also hold a public hearing at the COW meeting and then vote at City
Council. City Attorney Roth stated that there is no public hearing requirement. Alderman
Golinski would also like another public hearing on this issue.
It was the consensus of city council to hold another public hearing on this issue. The public
hearing will be held at the October 23, 2007 Committee of the Whole meeting and it will be
placed on the October 23, 2007 City Council agenda.
5. COW 2007 -35 Proposed Montgomery Boundary Agreement Discussion
Community Development Director Miller spoke on this issue. He said that the staff had been
working on this for the last couple of months. This is a draft document and no action is
requested at this time. Public hearings will be held on this issue. Staff will take comments
from the public hearings and make adjustments to the agreements. The main purpose is to
identify common boundaries on the maps. The agreement includes a lot of language on
design standards. It relies heavily on language from the Yorkville appearance code. It also
includes reviewing one anothers plans. Properties in between have been identified and when
those properties petition for development there would be a joint review process. In regards
to zoning, Montgomery's zoning ordinance would control properties annexing to
Montgomery, and Yorkville's zoning ordinance would control properties annexing to
Yorkville.
Mayor Burd commented that what they are trying to accomplish is the application of the
same design standards regardless of which municipality is annexing property. That way
developers can't play off one municipality against the other.
Community Development Director Miller feels that most of the territory in question will
develop as residential.
Alderman Spears questioned what, if any, Yorkville standards have changed? Community
Development Director Miller responded that at the minimum it does meet our current
appearance code and follows the design standards in our comprehensive plan guideline. The
difference primarily is in density. There is a range of density. For the low density, the
Yorkville standards are used. For the high density the Montgomery standards for residential
development are used. The reason that there is a range is for the properties that use the
Raymond regional basin. In the event that properties utilize the Raymond regional basin
there is less open space that will be part of the residential development.
Alderman Munns questioned that the agreement states that all litigation relating to this will
be heard in Kane County. Community Development Director Miller responded that the
Village Attorney for Montgomery had prepared this document. Alderman Munns said that
we would probably want that changed to Kendall County if we had a choice.
Alderman Golinski asked if they could maps with road names on them the next time that this
comes before council.
Alderman Besco asked if they could also get a regional map that would show the city's
boundaries with the other communites and the road names.
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City Attorney Roth commented that he had read the draft agreement and would review it
further.
There were no further comments or questions.
Consensus to schedule a public hearing in November at the Plan Commission.
ECOMOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
No report.
PARK BOARD
No report.
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
1. PW 2007 -134 Proposed Wetland Ordinance
Alderman Besco said that this item has gone back and forth for quite a while. There was
some thought that this was going to be regulated. It never happened, so now it has come back
to us. The ordinance is in the same form now as when it had been reviewed. Some
developers had reviewed and fine tuned it with staff in the past. The public works committee
forwarded this item to COW to get everyone's input and to move this forward.
Alderman Spears said that they did get an email from a developer who has many comments.
She suggested that they take a little more time to research and review this a little more.
Alderman Leslie said that he agrees with Alderman Spears that they should wait and take
time to review the information.
There were no further comments or questions.
Consensus was for this item to return to the October 23, 2007 Committee of the Whole
meeting.
2. PW 2007 -108 In -Town Road Program Phase 3
Alderman Besco said that for future phases they have asked all the alderman to put together a
list of streets in their wards that they would like to look at. They have also been discussing
how are they are going to fund this. They have comments from staff and a few of the
alderman.
Alderman Golinski agrees with engineering and public works information. He feels that they
are best qualified to evaluate these roads. The only ones that he added are Fox Road from
Route 47 to White Oaks. Alderman Besco mentioned that one portion of Fox Road was
going to be developer funded.
This is just an FYI. There were no further comments or questions.
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3. PW 2007 -152 In -Town Road Program —Fox Street Storm Sewer
Alderman Besco said that this is in regards to a resident on Fox Street between Mill and
Heustis. Basically there is a low portion in their property that holds quite a bit of storm
water. They discussed this solution at Public Works and the consensus was to bring the
whole discussion forward to COW. The change order is in the amount of $4180.00.
Alderman Golinski said that he was familiar with it and that it has been flooding for a long
time whenever we get heavy rains. Alderman Besco said that there is a future possible
connection when they do that portion of the road that they can actually put in more of a
permanent storm sewer.
There were no further comments or questions.
Consensus to move this item to the October 9, 2007 City Council consent agenda.
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
No report.
ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
1. COW 2007 -19 Amended Governing Ordinance Regarding Committee Liaisons
Alderman Munns said that it was the consenus of the administration committee to allow the
chairman of each committee to make the liaision appointments. He said that there was
verbage in the proposed new ordinance that states that the chairman of the standing
committees will select the liaisons.
Alderman Sutcliff said that they are all voted to represent constituents. Some people should
not get more of a vote than other people - that is not doing justice to the people they
represent. She feels that if the governing ordinance keeps getting changed, that pretty soon it
won't be a committee, it will just be one person running things. She thinks that they should
all have equal votes. No one person should be given more of a weighted vote than anyone
else.
Alderman Golinski pointed out a conflict with the governing ordinance and the ordinance that
set up the park board. Under the park board ordinance it has a sub section called city council
participation which says that the Mayor assigns that liaison each fiscal year. He brought that
up in the committee because it is a conflict between the governing ordinance and the
ordinance that created the Park Board. Mayor Burd said that's because they changed it. The
Mayor used to appoint all of the committee chairman.
Alderman Plocher would like to it to be that if there is a general consensus in the committee,
then that's who the liaison would be. If there is a tie, then it would go to the Chairman to be
the tiebreaker. Alderman Munns said that they did discuss that option and that the committee
didn't like this option as much as the other one.
Alderman Golinski said that the liaison positions are not that big of a deal. The only reason
he agrees with the chairman appointing the liaisons is to simplify the decision. If you have
two people who want to be liaison to the same committee then you have to try to talk to four
people and if you have a tie vote, then the Chairman still gets a second vote. Alderman
Werderich said that he has a disagreement with that statement. You don't have to petition,
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you just have to throw your name in the pot. To make the argument that the committee
chairman gets two votes — with the way the new ordinance is structured, the committee
chairman gets all of the votes, all four of them. Mayor Burd asked if this change was brought
about because of a tie? She said that from what she understood, there was no tie on the
committee. It wasn't a tie vote that is bringing this about. It was a clear decision by the
committee. There was no problem with the committee being able to make the decision.
Someone on the committee did volunteer to be the liaison.
Alderman Leslie said that the orginal problem was a misinterpretation on both parts of the
governing ordinance. In accordance, there were several people that thought that the chairman
had the power of appointment. The impetus for this discussion was confusion. Now they are
reviewing it and they have a recommendation from the Administration Committee to change
it.
Alderman Munns said that just because we pass something, doesn't mean that for the future,
it might not be the best way.
Alderman Werderich said that he would like to point out that this is the 3` time since he has
been on the city council that they have amended the governing ordinance. He thinks there
should be some kind of idea in place for people to understand and abide by. Otherwise you
are putting too much power in the hands of the few.
Alderman Munns said that it's like Roberts Rules of Order — sometimes they follow it and
sometimes they don't. He agrees that there should be one set of rules and everyone follows
the same.
There were no further questions and comments.
Consenus to move this item to the October 9, 2007 City Council agenda.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
Alderman Spears requested that the entire governing ordinance be reviewed once again. City
Administrator McLaughlin said that it will be on the November Admin Agenda.
City Administrator McLaughlin mentioned that he has an informational item from staff that
relates to a fiscal matter. The Speedway gas station is under redevelopment on Route 47. They
are re- routing some sanitary lines so that the lines do not go under the building anymore which is
what the city wanted. They came across a stormwater pipe that needs to be changed. There is a
48 inch piece of corrugated metal pipe running our storm sewer through there. If there is no
objection then as city administrator, he would like to authorize that work to be done. No formal
action was needed. Consensus for the city administrator to proceed.
�
Alderman Munns asked Chief Martin if there was anything that they could do about all of the
accidents at Cannonball and 34. Chief Martin explained that they were doing their best to try and
slow people down. He said that there is construction going on in almost every section of town
right now. One of their squads was hit by a sweeper working for one of the construction
companies.
Page 13 of 13
Alderman Munns asked if they could look at cars coming out of Walgreens and turning left on Rt.
34. He said that it's becoming a nightmare. The Chief said that they will have to talk to IDOT
about it.
There was no further additional business.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 P.M.
Minutes submitted by Lisa Pickering, Deputy City Clerk
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