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COW Minutes 2002 01-31-02 Town Meeting 1 ��, F TO UNITED CITY OF WN MEETING YORKVILLE ,�-'` �� R" .\� E;® THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 2002 BEECHER COMMUNITY CENTER 7:00 P.M. i In attendance: Mayor Prochaska Alderman Anderson Alderwoman Burd Alderman Kot Alderman Munns Alderwoman Spears Alderman Sticka Treasurer Allen City Clerk Milschewski Administrator Graff Finance Director Pleckham Administrators Assistant Baker Public Works Director Dhuse Police Chief Martin Guests: Mike Morley - Waste Management Building Inspector Bill Dettmer See attached sheets Mayor Prochaska called the meeting to order and led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance PRESENTATION BY WASTE MANAGEMENT Mike Morley with Waste Management (WM) spoke about the garbage program in Yorkville. He stated that the program has been in place since 1995 with residents having a 64- gallon refuse cart, an 18- gallon recycling bin and as of two years ago, unlimited yard waste service. Every week citizens can have one bulk item (mattresses, furniture, etc.) picked up at no additional charge and any additional refuse cans or bundles will be picked up when labeled with a prepaid sticker. Yorkville has a spring and fall cleanup where white goods (washers, .dryers, water heaters, etc.) and tires are picked up at no additional charge. Mr. Morley explained to the citizens present that Kendall County is a waste exporter because there are no solid waste facilities within the county. All refuse generated in the county is shipped to landfills in other counties. He explained that refuse is taken primarily to a landfill near Morris, Illinois. He stated that Yorkville is a very strong participant in recycling. He said the program takes a wide variety of household goods that are recyclable with no limit to the residents. He said that in meetings with the City Council the concern for how to contain recyclables in the bins was discussed. He stated that WM is now discussing with the City the concept of providing 35- gallon carts on wheels for recyclables and he showed the citizens one of the carts. He explained that the recyclables did not need to be separated. Mayor Prochaska asked Mr. Morley to explain the recycling process. He explained that ten years ago the recycling program was limited. The trucks had six or seven compartments and the recyclables had to be divided into the compartments (glass, newspaper, plastic). Now the system has evolved to the point where the drivers do not need to separate recyclables at the curb but rather they are separated at the recycling centers. The "up" side is that the drivers spend less time at the curb but the "down" side is that the process costs more at the sorting center. There is some revenue in recycling but the market fluctuates a lot. He stated that it is still more cost efficient to recycle. Don Burks of 421 Jackson Street asked if the new recycling cart would cost the taxpayers more money. Mayor Prochaska stated that in the new proposal from WM the cost was going to increase 75% per month. He stated that nothing had been finalized yet. Mr. Burks asked about the every other week pick up of recyclables. Mayor Prochaska stated that this has been discussed 2 recently at a Public Works Committee meeting. He turned the floor over to Alderman Kot, Chairman of the committee. Alderman Kot explained that the Council had concerns that the citizens might have trouble keeping track of the pickups. If a pickup were missed, a resident would have a month's worth of recyclable before the next pickup date. Mayor Prochaska stated that the every other week pickup brings down the cost. Andy Kubala of 70 Trillium Court asked when the next white goods pickup would be. Mr. Morley said the tentative date was the week of April 23, 2002 to coincide with the Keep America Beautiful Week. Chief Martin asked about the percentage of recycling done in Yorkville. Mr. Morley stated that the average is about 80% with it fluctuating with the seasons. He stated that Yorkville has a very high rate of participation compared to other cities. Ted King of 1824 Country Hills brought up a problem with the refuse cart and the lid blowing open. He asked if the design could be changed to include a clamp to secure the lid. Mr. Morley stated that the carts do not come with an option for a clamp. He stated that WM does not manufacture the carts so he would mention it to the manufacturer. He suggested using a brick on top of the lid and Alderwoman Spears suggested using a bungee cord. Mike Morley stated that WM does not object to creative ideas as long as cans are accessible. Jeff Poska asked if WM or the City does the leaf pickup in the fall and how often is this scheduled. Mayor Prochaska stated that the service is a combined effort. The City does the leaf "plowing" and WM hauls the leaves away. Public Works Director Eric Dhuse stated that the service was done three times last fall. Mr. Poska asked about the use of yard waste bags and Mr. Morley explained that any time between April I' and November 30"' there is unlimited pickup of yard waste in lawn & leaf bags. Mr. Poska asked about the pickup of twig bundles and Mayor Prochaska explained that the City does the brush pick up. There were no more questions from the attendees. Mr. Morley closed his presentation by asking how the group liked the new recycling cart and it received a round of applause. Mr. Morley provided "mini" refuse carts for the audience. PRESENTATION BY ICCI - PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Mayor Prochaska introduced Building Inspector Bill Dettmer and explained that Mr. Dettmer would be addressing the group concerning the City's property maintenance policy. The mayor explained that the policy is not new to the City but the way it will be enforced has changed. Mr. Dettmer explained that the City of Yorkville adopted the BOCA (Building Official's and Code Administrator's) Code. For about five years, property maintenance inspections have been done based on complaints brought to the City. To better serve the City, ICCI has worked out a new inspection program called an "outside survey". Using this method, an inspector will go to an area and inspect the outside of property and look for specific areas of the code such as excess trash, abandon vehicles and weeds. The inspections will be done ward to ward in the city, one day a week, for the next summer only. After this time, the program will be reviewed to see if it should be continued. Mr. Dettmer explained this program would give the City an idea of what is happening out in the community. He stated that it is designed to be educational because the inspector will talk with people about the concerns and work with them to correct violations. Carole Leifheit of 309 E. Fox Road asked what was the allowable number of vehicles parked in a driveway or yard. She also asked if the inspector would be looking at the front and back of houses. Mr. Dettmer explained that the inspectors will be out of their vehicles, walking on the 3 street but will not go on an individual's property unless they have received permission to do so. In regards to the vehicles, the building inspector will be working with the Police Department. If a vehicle is licensed and operative and parked in a driveway it is a legal vehicle. However, if a vehicle is parked in a fi-ont yard or not licensed, they will address this. There were no further questions from the audience. Mr. Dettmer closed his presentation with an invitation for anyone with questions to call him. He also invited any interested citizen to come along with the inspectors to see what they do. CABLE TELEVISION Mayor Prochaska stated that George Glass with the Southwest Fox Valley Cable and Telecommunications Consortium was going to make a presentation but was unable to attend. Mayor Prochaska turned the floor over to Alderman Richard Sticka of Ward I who is the City's liaison to the consortium. Alderman Sticks explained to the audience that the Consortium represents five communities: Sandwich, Plano, Yorkville, Oswego, North Aurora. Waubonsee College is also represented. AT &T Broadband has not kept the promises they made a few years ago to upgrade the infrastructure in these communities. They have not been cooperative until just recently when they changed corporate policy. The Consortium has been negotiating with them and attending meetings with the cities of Aurora, Naperville, Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles. The communities have joined together to put pressure on AT &T Broadband to get them to fulfill their promises. AT &T Broadband has made changes in their management and has merged with ComCast, which seems to be a positive thing. The group is working on temporary extensions of the agreement with the cable company. They would like to get away from the temporary extensions and go to a full long -term agreement. Alderman Sticka explained that negotiations are currently underway and because of this he could not elaborate on all the things the Consortium is trying to do. They are trying to create a situation where AT &T Broadband would be penalized for not completing the infrastructure work on schedule. They are assuring the Consortium that they will begin the upgrades soon and finish them this year. The updating will include putting in fiber where there is currently cable and providing high speed internet service. Alderman Sticks asked for input from the audience. Andy Kubala asked under what authority did AT &T Broadband increase their fees about 17 0 /o? Alderman Sticks stated that he was not sure under what authority they did this. He explained that there is a huge amount of federal control over what they can and cannot do so he assumed they were allowed to do this. He stated that they are in a competitive market place because if their prices become too high, people can switch to satellite dish. Alderman Sticks stated that the city can't dictate what their charges are. Mayor Prochaska stated that cable companies have to justify their increases to the federal government but not to the communities. Alderman Sticka stated that he believed the merger with ComCast makes them the largest cable provider and from everything he has heard ComCast has been a dedicated cable provider. He also informed the group that the city gets about $40,000.00 /year from AT &T Broadband whereas it receives no revenue from dish providers. Alderman Sticks asked if anyone had any problems with customer service because he has heard complaints from other communities about this. Mr. Kubala stated that he has had to wait about fifteen minutes before being assisted on the telephone. He also commented that when AT &T Broadband took over the cable service, they said were going to change how they were going to present scheduling and progr to show on the television what the program was, its rating and its duration. He asked if there was any discussion regarding this and Alderman Sticks stated none that he participated in. 4 Dan Nicholson of 323 Gawne Lane asked if a price or cost freeze could be part of the negotiations. Alderman Sticka stated that he did not think the Consortium or communities were allowed to do this. There were no further questions or comments. PRESENTATION OF RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT OF PRAIRIE PARKWAY Mayor Prochaska spoke about the resolution of support that he has asked the City Council to consider. He stated that since he has been on the Council since 1993, one of the main things he has heard from the residents of Yorkville is their concern regarding traffic on Route 47. He stated that traffic, especially truck traffic, has grown in the last five or six years. He informed those present that according to the current census data, the city's population is at 6200 people. It has increased about 60% since 1990 when the population was 3900. In that same amount of time, traffic counts at Route 34 and Route 47 have increased from about 20,000 cars/day to about 60,000 cars/day; an increase of 200 %. The traffic coming through Yorkville is increasing at a rate substantially higher than the city is growing. Mayor Prochaska presented several reasons for this. One is that there is only one north -south road through Kendall County, Route 47. In it's run from Wisconsin to Champaign, Illinois, Route 47 crosses almost every major highway along its way; I90, I88, I55, I80, I74. Another issue could be the lack of a highway east of Route 47. Mayor Prochaska stated that years ago a highway was proposed to the east but its construction was stopped by concerned citizens. Because of this, traffic on Route 59 in the Fox Valley area is congested. Roads west of Route 59 such as Eola Road and Orchard Road are becoming congested also. Now Route 47 is seeing this congestion. He stated that the Orchard Road Bridge has had very little impact on Route 47's traffic. The mayor went on to talk about the widening of Route 47 through Yorkville. He stated that this plan is still progressing with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). IDOT is now on the second phase of engineering and this should be completed by the middle of 2003. After that point in time, IDOT does not have funding to build anything. The mayor stated that he has written letters to the Governor, State Representatives, etc. asking that they work at getting funding for the project. Another concern the mayor expressed is for the lack of a plan to widen Route 34 west of Route 47. He stated that this was discovered while planning for the traffic light at Route 34 and Game Farm Road. According to traffic counts, this area of Route 34 should be four lanes. He asked IDOT about their plans for this and was told that they are not even thinking of widening this area and they have just begun to think about widening Route 34 east of Route 47 to Orchard Road. Mayor Prochaska and Mayor Roberts of Plano met with IDOT to began discussions regarding the planning of the widening of Route 34. Regarding the proposal to build another highway in Kendall County, the mayor stated that he asked himself if it were to be built, what would he like to see. He stated that he would not like to see anything similar to Randall Road where the road intersects with every cross street. He stated that he would like to see a limited access road but he knows there is some confusion regarding this concept. He stated that he feels it needs to be limited access in order to carry the thru traffic through the area. He read a draft of the Resolution of Support of the Proposed Prairie Parkway. See attached copy. 5 Mayor Prochaska opened the floor to resident's comments on the language in the resolution. He stated that this was not a debate but rather an opportunity for people to voice their opinion on the wording of the resolution. Sandy Stone of Fox Road stated that she just moved into the area in June from Palatine. She said she searched a long time for her home and was attracted by the area's "home town" feeling. Now her home sits 1200 feet from the proposed corridor. She stated that she understands the need but she also opposes the parkway. Mayor Prochaska thanked her for her comment. Robin Klepper of 58 Willow Springs Lane asked if the expansion of Silver Springs State Park would be into the Yorkville area? Mayor Prochaska stated that the City Council discussed the idea of setting aside rural and open space along the parkway as it got to the State Park. They thought that soiree of that land could be used to expand the State Park. Wade Joyner of 275 Ashe Road, Plano asked if the City Council thought about the discussion of placing the corridor east between Yorkville and Oswego. He also asked about an organization or planning authority in which the local governments would be a part of. Mayor Prochaska answered Mr. Joyner's second question first by stating that it was a good suggestion and that is what he is asking for in the resolution. He opened the table up to the Council for their opinion. Alderwoman Burd commented that she felt that going east of Yorkville would limit the opportunity to do something environmentally constructive along the highway. She pointed out the area in Lisle where 1355 cut through areas without a buffer. She hoped that by putting the parkway in an area with more open space it would be more environmentally attractive such as those in the state of Virginia. She stated that this area does not need to be a "sprawlway ". Mayo Prochaska expressed his concerns for placing the highway east of Yorkville. He felt that the opportunity to set aside conservation areas is limited in this area. He stated that the road would have to "snake' through areas and then high walls would need to placed as buffers. This would create a more urban highway. He stated that he has not seen the routing for this plan but it has been described to him as connecting to Route 56, which comes out of westbound I88. The road will then drop down south into Kendall County, close to Route 47, and wander southeast and connect to 180 at Minnooka. He stated that he wanted to know who would benefit from this road because it would come from westbound I88 south to go east on I80. He did not feel this would take traffic around and through the area. He stated that it would become a commuter highway into Chicago and developers would love to see this. He stated that he did not support a highway to the east. . Dan Nicholson asked if passing the resolution of support would jeopardize the immediate resolution of traffic issues because the Prairie Parkway is not proposed for ten to fifteen years. He wanted to know what could be done from now until it is built. Mayor Prochaska reiterated that he sent letters to the Governor, along with others, asking that the funding for other road projects in the area be found. He recommended that citizens also write letters to their representatives. He named other communities in the area that are growing along with Yorkville acid stated that according to the 2000 census, the Chicago area is a growth area. Walter Klepper of 58 Willow Springs Lane commented that he appreciated the concern about Route 47. He stated that every meeting that he has gone to regarding the Prairie Parkway, even meetings with IDOT, everyone wants to take the corridor and move it east. He stated that if one looked at a map of the proposed corridor, which indicates every homestead and farm, a western corridor would miss areas of growth. He stated that by going west there is more room for 6 protected areas along the parkway which would benefit watershed areas. He stated that the City Council should support the western corridor. Carole Leiflieit commented that in the last paragraph of the resolution beginning with "Whereas" seemed to be the opposite of the last paragraph of the resolution beginning with "Furthermore ". Mayor Prochaska stated that the final "whereas" paragraph refers to the paragraph above regarding the cost to build or improve local surface streets. Alderman Sticka stated that he agreed that the paragraph was confusing and Alderwoman Burd suggested that the paragraph be amended to state "local" roads. Mayor Prochaska thanked Ms. Leitheit for her input. Ms. Leifheit commented that the State didn't have the funds to build the parkway but wanted to set aside land so that the area does not build up and she stated that there are no f aids to widen Route 47. She asked if the parkway gets on a roll, how far back would this push the Route 46 project? Mayor Prochaska clarified that the State hasn't assigned funds for the widening and he didn't have a definite answer to her question at this point. He again stated that he will keep pushing IDOT on the widening of Route 47 because regardless if the parkway is built, Route 47 is still very important to the County. Ms. Leifheit asked if Route 47 was in the States five or ten year plan. Mayor Prochaska stated that Route 47 improvements are not solidified in the States five - year plan. Dan Nicholson asked if the City Council supported any revisions to the parkway that have been made by local residents impacted by the road. Mayor Prochaska stated that the Resolution does not state it supports the Prairie Parkway "as presented" and it does mention that the Council encourages IDOT to work with the local landowners. Dale Woodworth of 508 E. Main Street commented that no matter where a new road is planned, there will be opposition. Beth Talley of unincorporated Kendall County addressed the Council. She stated that the residents of unincorporated Kendall County will be the ones most adversely effected by the roadway. She stated that the road is a win -win situation for those living in town but for those in the country it is a lose -lose situation. She stated that she is aware there is a terrible problem with traffic in Yorkville but she doesn't agree with the solution of shoving the traffic ten miles into the country in order to solve the problem. She explained that the people out in the unincorporated areas choose their way of life and the road will come straight through the heart of Kendall County's agricultural land. She stated that this area has some of the best farms in the nation and in the world. She expressed her feelings that there has to be a better way to do this. She asked that the City Council support the need for a beltway but strongly add words so that the roadway is planned in the best possible way so that it will do the least damage to the agricultural heartland of Kane and Kendall Counties. Mrs. Talley read a paragraph of a letter she wrote to the City Council stating that she agrees that the parkway is needed but asked them to help plan the road in such a way that prime farmland is not destroyed. Her eloquent appeal to the City Council was met with applause. Kim Leifheit of 12998 River Road, Plano stated that she is one of the two houses that the road will go directly over. She stated that she hears the City Council talk about open space and invited them out to her residence to see all the open space they want. She agreed that IDOT should work with the landowners. Mayor Prochaska pointed out that the resolution asks IDOT to do this. Alderwoman Burd commented that she owns land on River Road and has heard talk of this parkway coming through the area for several years. She stated that until the map showed up with the plan, she thought the roadway would go over her property. She said that if the road would have to go through her property, she would be devastated. However, she knows there is a need I 7 for the parkway and she would probably have accepted it. She stated that she does not feel that this is a "Kane County" problem or a "Yorkville" problem. She feels this is a problem for everyone in the area; we are all sharing it because growth is going on throughout Kendall County and is not going to stop at Route 47. She stated that she felt some people are trying to stir up conflict for political reasons and it shouldn't be this way. People need to work together to develop a solution. She commented that she doesn't want the road in this area and she'd like to stop the area from growing and keep things they way they are but this wouldn't be fair because she moved into the area. She feels that the parkway is something that has to be done and the Council doesn't want anyone to be hurt but it can't be stopped. Every single expressway in the area has been put up on someone's property; someone has had to give up something so we all could benefit. Carol Leifheit commented that she was born and raised in the country and moved into town after she married. She agrees that the countryside should not be "gobbled" up unless it is done very carefully. She stated that the parkway should not "meander" along, eating up farmland but be planned in a straight shot. Dan Nicholson suggested that wording of the resolution be strengthened to support the people effective by the parkway. He asked if IDOT would respond to the resolution and Mayor Prochaska stated that they are taking comments until February 10, 2002. There were no further comments or questions. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS Downtown Study Dan Nicholson asked if the Council has received any word on the Downtown Study. Mayor Prochaska stated that they have not yet heard from Northern Illinois University, who is doing the study. Eldamain Road Another person asked about the status of the Eldamain Road Project and Mayor Prochaska stated that this is a County project and they are continuing to work on it. Dan Nicholson asked about the Council's support of this. Mayor Prochaska stated they support the widening of Route 47 and a bypass at Eldamain Road. He also stated that a local way across the Fox River at Eldamain probably will be needed. Fox River Dam Alderwoman Spears asked for an update on the dam. Mayor Prochaska stated that the State has budgeted funds to hire an engineering consultant to make suggestions for improvements. There is to be a community based group to work with the consultants and the Mayor stated that he was waiting to hear from the Department of Resources about this. He stated that Tom Cross will also be working to get local residents on the committee. He stated that if anyone presents was interested in being in the group to please contact him. There were no further comments from the audience so Mayor Prochaska adjourned the meeting at 8:25 P.M. Minutes by Jackie Milschewski 1/31/2002 STATE OF ILLINOIS ) ) ss DRAFT COUNTY OF KENDALL ) " RESOLUTION NO. 2002- 'RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT OF THE PROPOSED PRAIRIE PARKWAY i WHEREAS, THE UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE, Kendall County, Illinois, hereinafter called the CITY, surrounding communities and unincorporated areas continue to experience population growth, and WHEREAS Yorkville has experienced traffic increases at rates greater than the rate of population increase, WHEREAS said increases has cause a noticeable increase in congestion in the City, and WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council recognize that traffic and congestion will continue to increase even with the planned expansion of Illinois Route 47 which is the only north -south highway that currently traverses the entire county, providing access to I 7190, I -88, I -80 and points further north and south, and WHEREAS the Mayor and City Council recognize the need to reduce the flow of pass- through truck traffic in the downtown area in order to help facilitate redevelopment and to - enhance safe accessibility of that area to local residents, and WHEREAS, the cost to build or improve local, surface streets to accommodate pass - through traffic will be borne by local taxpayers, and WHEREAS, ready access to suc r�would act to further enhance the opportunity for rapid development in adjacent -rural areas, - 1 NOW THEREFORE, the Mayor and City Council of the United City :)t Y orxvine ao hereby support the establishment of a corridor protection area for the proposed Pj)r�T�fi i Y PP p p p Y as a limited access highway located westerly of the City. FURTHERMORE, the Mayor and City Council urge I.D.O.T. Officials to collaborate with landowners, Municipal Officials, other State Officials, Kane & Kendall County Officials and Federal Officials. The purpose of such collaboration is to establish open space through rural areas adjacent to'the corridor; explore the feasibility of expanding Silver Springs State park; and develop design and placement criteria so as to minimize impact to current land owners, minimize . environmental impacts, and compliment the rural and agricultural character of the area. Passed and approved by the UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE'S City Council this day of 1 2002. APPROVED: ATTEST: Mayor Arthur F. Prochaska, Jr. Jacqueline Milschewski United City Of Yorkville City Clerk Date ressuppruirie 2 a i UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE TOWN MEETING January 31, 2002 SIGN IN SHEET NAME (PLEASE PRINT!) PHONE # VGA ✓p 3 0 SSA - 60 71 �'lv C\J17 F3 1 ;?lam' �� /- t��G .v�,o � �.� 5/3' 7 7 9 � 9 G UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE TOWN MEETING January 31, 2002 SIGN IN SHEET NAME (PLEASE PRINT!) PHONE # .LYnr,f .�2- oSy3 YOC AL 0 oU-�, (A S53` /7 4 .(/ ✓aNc ��,��� s 3 ?K wade LTm - 0 ` 7 3 Rd - sq l �� v i.4,�/ 2 = � f UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE TOWN MEETING January 31, 2002 SIGN IN SHEET NAME (PLEASE PRINT! ) PHONE # v2 q3 W(-k r �� nom- �� ►z �5J °