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City Council Minutes 2008 09-23-08 Joint Special Meeting MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING CITY COUNCIL MEETING JOINT MEETING OF THE UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE CITY COUNCIL AND THE VILLAGE OF OSWEGO BOARD OF TRUSTEES, KENDALL COUNTY, ILLINOIS, HELD IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 800 GAME FARM ROAD ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2008. INTRODUCTION Members in attendance: Yorkville Citv Council: Oswego Board of Trustees: Mayor Burd Village President LeClercq Alderman Allen Trustee Rock Alderman Werderich Trustee Sollinger Alderman Golmski Trustee Michels Alderman Munns Alderman Spears (arrived at 6:30) Also present: City Clerk Milschewski, City Attorney Orr, City Administrator McLaughlin and Assistant City Administrator Olson. DINNER Dinner was from 5:30 p.m. to 6:05 p.m. COMMUNITY GARDENS President LeClercq noted that Oswego has solidified boundary agreements with all its surrounding municipalities. He also noted that Oswego and Yorkville have competed over things through the years. He suggested something spirited and positive; a community garden where the two communities meet. He suggested setting aside property to see who could have the better garden. He felt high schools, civic groups, etc. could participate by planting gardens. There was discussion regarding the size of the garden, location, etc. President LeClercq suggested that a committee be formed consisting of both Yorkville and Oswego residents to investigate the concept. Mayor Burd suggested having staff meet to discuss the project. FOOD PANTRY Mayor Burd stated that she asked the Human Resource Commission to help the Kendall County Food Pantry find a new location. Within a month of this request, the HRC toured the facility and met with the executive director to discuss a new location. Then Assistant City Administrator Olson and Police Sergeant Groesch drove around Yorkville looking for a new facility. They found a new location in the industrial park behind Martin Plumbing that is being donated to the food pantry by an anonymous donor. She explained that the pantry is a private organization and not funded by Kendall County. They use their purchasing power through co -ops to get the most food for their dollar. Mayor Burd explained that the Yorkville sent out information with its water billing asking residents to donate an extra dollar for the food pantry. She asked Oswego to help with the initiative to help the food pantry. President LeClercq thanked Mr. Olson and Sergeant Groesch for their efforts in getting a location. Mr. Olson. He stated he would take the suggestion to the entire Board of Trustees for their input. Administrator McLaughlin noted that Naperville holds a fundraiser for their food pantry. He suggested that the two communities do the same for the Kendall County Food Pantry. Trustee Sollinger added that their school district asked employee to donate from their paychecks by rounding up the amount of their check to the nearest dollar. The money collected is then donated to various causes. Mayor Burd suggested that the Administration Committee discuss doing this with city employees. Trustee Michels stated that there are various things coming up in Oswego and he suggested that the events be tapped into. He also encouraged the youth of the community to participate. Mayor Burd stated that she would have Community Relations Officer Spies contact Oswego's Community Relations Coordinator Michelle Bergeron to see what they can co- ordinate. She asked that any ideas be forwarded to either person. THE OLD JAIL Mayor Burd introduced Stephanie Todd, a historic home specialist. Ms. Todd gave a presentation on the old Kendall County jail building. She explained that the building is on the tern most endangered buildings in Illinois however members of the Kendall County Board are not excited about preserving it. Ms. Todd gave a history of the jail building which was built in 1893 and described the disrepair it is in. The Minutes of the Special Meetine of the Citv Council — Sentember 23, 2008 — Dare 2 Ms. Todd explained that an appraisal of the building several years ago came in at $240,000.00 and that the cost of demolition was estimated at $55,000.00. The County has had buyers but did not sell. She also explained that the historic preservation committee tried to have volunteers help with some outside maintenance however the county board requested each volunteer have $.5 million in insurance. Since the offer to clean up the outside of the building, the building has been on the front burner. Ms. Todd went on to describe the County's old records which are not being taken care of or preserved. Some are even missing. President LeClercq asked how Oswego could help and Ms. Todd suggested they pass a resolution of support for the preservation of the building. Mayor Burd stated that she has spoken with Congressman Foster who is working with Representative Cross to see why the County won't sell the building as several parties have showed interest. i The group discussed how to preserve the building, zoning, possible uses, etc. Mayor Burd stated that she was also going to asked Mayor Roberts of Plano to join in the preservation effort. QUIET ZONES President LeClercq stated that residents of Grande Reserve have asked him about having a quiet zone along the railroad tracks on Mill Road. He stated that he has information about getting a railroad quiet zone. He stated that Oswego would have to spend about $600,000.00 to get a quiet crossing. Alderman Spears noted that Community Development Director Miller and Engineering Enterprises, Inc. are looking into this and the matter has been discussed at the Public Works Committee. Assistant City Administrator Olson added that the Public Works Committee choose not to move forward because improvements to the Mill Road crossings which include a quiet zone will be done in the future by the developers of Grande Reserve. Jeff Freeman with Engineering Enterprises, Inc. explained various ways of making a crossing a quiet zone and the varying costs were discussed. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS Joint Events and Meetings President LeClercq thanked everyone who helped with the Golden Spike event. He also stated that he would like to see three joint meetings like this per year. He asked that the trustees and aldermen give agenda items to either Mayor Burd or him. He stated that at the last election he agreed with Mayor Burd that the two communities would work together. Golf Carts Alderman Allen asked if Oswego was working on public access for golf carts on roads. President LeClercq stated that this is in its infancy. Trustee Michels stated that he received information from the state listing the prohibitions to golf carts on roads. There are several limitations. Cable Television Alderman Spears asked about Oswego and cable television. Trustee Sollinger stated that they are looking at partnering with the school district. They have met with the district officials and discussed the facilities at the high school. They are looking at costs and will take the information back to their Technologies Committee. Trustee Michels asked if "Oswego could get Yorkville's contact information and Administrator McLaughlin stated that the communities could swap information. Canoe Race Alderman Werderich noted that there is a canoe race event coming up and he suggested that Yorkville compete against Oswego. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m. Minutes submitted by: Jacquelyn Milschewski, City Clerk City of Yorkville, Illinois