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COW Minutes 2004 04-20-04 (;]I'Y COUNCIL ON Page 1 of 4 UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Tuesday, April 20, 2004 City Hall Lower Level Conference Room 7:00 p.m. In Attendance: City Art Prochaska — Mayor Richard Sticka - Alderman Valerie Burd - Alderwoman Rose Spears - Alderwoman Paul James - Alderman Larry Kot - Alderman Wanda Ohare - Alderwoman Joe Besco - Alderman Tony Graff— City Administrator Traci Pleckham — City Finance Director Marty Munns — Alderman Kelly Kramer — City Attorney Laura Brown — Executive Director of Parks & Recreation Guests Kathy Farren — Kendall County Record Lois William Dan Waitt- Beacon News Lois William Sue Vos — Aurora Tourism Council Peter Huinker — SEC Engineering Russ Walter — Library Board Lou Riedl Michelle Pfister — Library Board J. MacNeil — Yas/Fischer Tim Winter — PDG S. Yas — Yas/Fischer Craig Cobine, Attorney Drew Daniels - Sexton Steve Larson — Ehlers & Associates Julie Govi Joseph Gruber — Library Board Marvin DeLahr — Indep. Engineer Mayor Prochaska called the meeting to order at 7:03pm Presentation: 1. Fine Arts Presentation by Sue Vos Sue Vos of the Aurora Tourism Council appeared before the committee to speak about tourism possibilities for Yorkville. She started the discussion with a handout of questions pertaining to "Arts in Yorkville." Ms. Vos stated that art professionals are leaving the urban areas for safe, friendly areas and seeking small towns. In addition, travel habits have changed and travelers are now going to "off the beaten path" areas to purchase art and to shop in unique areas. She asked for ideas from the committee as to cultural aspects they would like to see in the community. Some of the suggestions were: art gallery, cultural center, unique shopping, new library, museum, ability to sponsor events, sculpture gardens and art pieces /education for children and adults. I Page 2 of 4 Ms. Vos then asked what resources the community has to achieve these goals. Some of these resources noted were: people, unique buildings, unit of government in support of these projects, economic development, developers, access to grants, Riverwalk, Fox River, community theater, junior college nearby, library, access to grants and many others. Possible locations suggested for art programs were the former jail, Boy Scout camp, Riverwalk, shops and restaurants. Ms. Vos suggested the possibility of partnering with local businesses such as the lumber company and the custom cabinet business. Further, she offered suggestions of the various types of events which could be held such as outdoor theater, film festival, art workshops, artist in residence programs, "organ crawl" (music from several churches) and more. The discussion turned to funding. In order to begin the program, she suggested increasing the hotel tax by one point, securing grants and developer fees. She also noted a proposed program for the State to repay the loans of arts students. To begin the initiative for a possible arts program Ms. Vos suggested the following: • Arts Forum — input from people in the arts • Product Inventory potential spaces for events • Benchmark Survey — set up on website, publish in papers asking for input from citizens In conclusion, she offered any help her organization could provide. The Mayor moved forward in the agenda to the Land Cash Ordinance Mavor; 1. Land Cash Ordinance 96 -3 and 2003 -12 The dollar amount for the developer has been increased under this ordinance and would apply to any new development at the time this ordinance is passed. This item will go before the City Council for consideration. 2. Library Request for Referendum Mr. Russ Walter of the Library Board introduced Michelle Pfister (Director of the Library) and Steve Larson (Library Board Financial Advisor). Mr. Walter gave an overview of Board discussions which included the building plan for a new library, how much it would cost to build and operate the building based on community growth and how it could be funded. The Library Board wishes to place Page 3 of 4 a referendum on the November ballot to raise $8,750,000. This represents about $40 additional tax dollars on the average $200,000 home or about 10 cents for each $100. The Library Board favors the referendum as the only way to raise this money. Mayor Prochaska asked if there is a plan to enlist the community's involvement to raise money and place people in positions to support the referendum. Attorney Kramer cautioned that there is a new ethics ordinance adopted by municipalities which governs politics. Mr. Walter added that the Board is aware that no signs showing support for the referendum can appear on the library property, library employees cannot ask for votes, but can state that there is a referendum and plans for the library can be displayed inside the building. A "Friends of the Library" group will be organized to gather support for the project. Mr. Walter noted there had been some discussion whether November would be the optimum time for this referendum since the schools would also have a referendum at that time. The Mayor noted that November would provide the largest voter turnout. Alderwoman Ohare asked if six months [before November] would be adequate time for all the necessary paperwork. The City would have to place the referendum on the ballot since the Library does not have the authority to issue bonds. It was noted that the City Council would have to adopt an ordinance to place the referendum on the ballot after the Library Board adopts a resolution. A resolution must be adopted by the Library Board 65 days before the election. The Mayor noted that the Council must also be convinced that this measure warrants a referendum. He also mentioned that legal meetings /public hearings might be necessary before it is even placed on a referendum. Attorney Kramer will look into the legal issues. It was noted that the Library Board has voted to proceed with the referendum on the ballot. j Alderman James asked how long the additional $40 in taxes would be needed to fund this project. If no other city funds were used, the length of time would be 20 years based on projected growth. Mr. Walter stated that based on projected population growth, the operating budget could be funded. Development fees could also offset the bond costs. It was noted that the group to support the referendum and open bank accounts could be organized at this time and that anyone can be in that group. Mr. Larson stated that up to $300,000 can be received or spent, before the State Board of Elections needs to be notified. Mr. Walter explained that the State recommends a certain square footage per population and that the library would be built based on a life expectancy of 20 years. There would be room for expansion and the existing building would be joined by a Page 4 of 4 hallway with the new structure. Branch libraries are options as the City grows, however, since the property is available, the new structure would be built at the present location. This location also made sense due to the school and Beecher center being nearby. To conclude the discussion, the Mayor asked Attorney Kramer to ascertain the schedule for the City to place this matter on the November ballot, for discussion at the next Committee of the Whole meeting. Mayor Prochaska also asked for a Library Board member to be present at the May 4 meeting. At this point, the meeting was being moved back upstairs for the rest of the agenda items. Due to tornado conditions in the area, the attendees were immediately moved back to the basement. After a meeting delay, Mayor Prochaska ended the Committee of the Whole meeting at approximately 8:20pm due to continued severe weather conditions. Minutes respectfully submitted by Marlys Young, Minute Taker — PLEASE - 11N - J MEETING:. DATE: ©'O /V I NAME STREET ADDRESS CITY --1 3cacoK PtA4% Au, ww., dos 4 O LUL .12v. AJhle- `�� / �' Sv�,e�ti� s, yd-" lt�lGY � --� ✓�/ lag s an ��s ( � �,� w�l x - r16 L 2 m P�C 1 1 bv3 GOz l W7,Te VQ AyJ S7Z� I I Y - A5 IYXAJ A!; / C � ar• ✓; n ��L � hr S�.r F,