City Council

GENEVA CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOVEMBER 4 , 2013 CALL TO ORDER The November 4, 2013 meeting of the Geneva City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall by Mayor Kevin Burns. Aldermen present: Chuck Brown, Mike Bruno, Don Cummings, Dorothy Flanagan, Dean Kilburg, Craig Maladra, Richard Marks, Tom Simonian, Dawn Vogelsberg (via teleconference). Aldermen absent: Ron Singer. Also attending: City Atty. Charles Radovich, City Administrator Mary McKittrick, Asst. City Administrator/Dir. of Administrative Services Stephanie Dawkins, Public Works Director Dan Dinges, Economic Development Director Ellen Divita, Community Development Director Dick Untch, Finance Manager Thomas Dahl. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Led by the champion Geneva 12U Blue Little League Baseball team. PUBLIC HEARINGS, SPECIAL ITEMS AND PRESENTATIONS Recognize the Geneva 12U Blue Little League Baseball Team Mayor Burns recognized the players and coaches of the Geneva Vikings 12U baseball team, which won the USSSA World Series. He then presented World Championship rings to the team and coaches. PUBLIC HEARING ON FOURTH AMENDMENT TO FISHER FARMS ANNEXATION AGREEMENT Moved by Ald. Marks, seconded by Ald. Bruno to open the Public Hearing. Carried unanimously by voice vote. MOTION CARRIED The Public Hearing was opened at 7:34 p.m. Aldermen present: Chuck Brown, Mike Bruno, Don Cummings, Dorothy Flanagan, Dean Kilburg, Craig Maladra, Richard Marks, Tom Simonian, Dawn Vogelsberg (via teleconference). Aldermen absent: Ron Singer. Also attending: City Atty. Charles Radovich, City Administrator Mary McKittrick, Asst. City Administrator/Dir. of Administrative Services Stephanie Dawkins, Public Works Director Dan Dinges, Economic Development Director Ellen Divita, Community Development Director Dick Untch. Mayor Kevin Burns called for comments from the public or from the Council. Dir. Untch explained that the annexation amendment pertained to a development proposed by Blue Geneva LLC at the southeast corner of Bricher Rd. and Peck Rd. The amendment specifically addresses the rezoning of that property from a R7 District to an R4 District and parameters that establish the PUD plan, as well as cash contribution requirements pertaining to the Park Dist., School Dist., Library Dist. and fire protection. Ald. Flanagan asked as to the extent of the changes to the annexation agreement. Ald. Brown asked regarding the outcome of the Plan Commission vote and extent of discussion. Ald. Kilburg sought information regarding how the cash contribution figures were derived. Dir. Untch addressed the Council members’ questions. Hearing no further comments from the Council or audience, Mayor Burns called for a motion to close the Public Hearing. Moved by Ald. Brown, seconded by Ald. Marks to close the Public Hearing. Carried unanimously by voice vote. MOTION CARRIED 1252 Geneva City Council Meeting November 4, 2013 Mayor Burns stated that this item is listed as 11g on the Omnibus Agenda and that he will be voting on it as part of the Omnibus Agenda. The Public Hearing was closed at 7:38 p.m. OMNIBUS AGENDA All items listed on the Omnibus Agenda are considered to be routine by the Council and will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion on these items unless a Council member or citizen so requests in which event the item will be removed from the Omnibus (Consent) Agenda and considered in its normal sequence on the Agenda. Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve the Omnibus Agenda as presented. Roll call: AYES: 10 (Ald. Brown, Bruno, Cummings, Flanagan, Kilburg, Maladra, Marks, Simonian, Vogelsberg, Mayor Burns) NAYS: 0 MOTION CARRIED APPROVE MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING HELD OCTOBER 14, 2013 AND THE REGULAR MEETING HELD OCTOBER 21, 2013 Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED APPROVE REPORTS Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED COUNCIL COMMITTEES Committee of the Whole Nov. 11, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. OTHER ITEMS AND CORRESPONDENCE Accept of FY2013-14 2nd Quarter Goals Status Report Moved by Ald. Marks, seconded by Ald. Cummings to accept FY2013-14 2nd Quarter Goals Status Report. Carried unanimously by voice vote. MOTION CARRIED Discussion on Route 31 Road Diet Improvements for FY2014-15 Goal Consideration Mayor Burns explained that this matter was discussed at the City’s recent strategic planning workshop, where it was felt that the topic should be further discussed in a more public forum. Ald. Simonian said that he and Ald. Maladra had met with Fifth Ward resident Bob Fitzsimmons, who requested that the Council revisit the bike path plan along Rte. 31 first presented in 2005. Mr. Fitzsimmons, along with former Kane County Transportation Dir. Phil Bus presented the plan, which calls for road diet improvements to Rte. 31 from Fabyan Pkwy. to the Third St. intersection. The plan would reduce Rte. 31 from four lanes to two lanes, with the additions of an intermittent center median and a bike trail on both sides of the highway. Mr. Bus said the plan is designed to provide a reduction in speed and a safer route. He provided details on the proposed reconfiguration of Rte. 31. Ald. Cummings asked about the configuration of the median section. With Mr. Bus showing where the median would accommodate left turns. Ald. Cummins also asked how this plan would pair with a possible traffic circle at Third St. Ald. Brown asked as to 1253 Geneva City Council Meeting November 4, 2013 lane width under the plan. Mr. Bus said lanes would probably be less than 12 ft. Ald. Kilburg asked if any consideration has been given to Rte. 31 as it runs through Batavia and North Aurora, saying that the highway is also narrow farther south. He also asked if the plan’s priority is safety or an enhanced bike trail. Mr. Bus called the plan a package including both. Ald. Kilburg also asked about traffic flow. Ald. Maladra said the plan would be an opportunity to complete part of the 2005 bike trail plan as well as addressing safety concerns along Rte. 31. He felt the plan was workable. Ald. Bruno noted that the plan fills a gap in the current bike trail. Dir. Dinges explained that this project is in the Public Works Dept.’s long-term plan and that the department would like to accomplish it in consort with IDOT resurfacing. He added that the traffic lanes would probably still remain at 10 ft., as they are now. He was concerned that vehicular speed might increase with only one lane each way. He said IDOT will not pay for the entire project and other questions will need addressing. Ald. Flanagan also expressed concern with the lane width, saying she felt that vehicle speeds might not be reduced as desired. Ald. Simonian said that it was felt in previous discussions that while IDOT would not fund the entire project, it might become further involved as a striping opportunity in conjunction with the resurfacing. He noted the current safety issues on Rte. 31 for both drivers and bicyclists. Mayor Burns asked if anyone objected to advancing this plan for further consideration, with no objections heard. Ald. Kilburg wanted assurance that the Council would be able to see the stated goal before approving the plan. Mayor Burns answered that tonight’s discussion would advance the plan as a goal, with the caveat being that additional conversation, review, research, study and planning with appropriate local and State agencies take place before the final road diet plan is presented for consideration as it advances toward a budget. Ald. Kilburg also wanted assurance that residents in the area to be affected would have the opportunity to express their opinions on the plan at an early stage in the development process. Ald. Simonian agreed, adding that he has heard only positive comments so far. Ald. Brown pointed out that drivers using this stretch of highway also are stakeholders in the plan, noting that it is rare today to narrow a major highway. Admin. McKittrick reminded the Council that following every strategic planning workshop, a report with a list of the prioritized goals is prepared. She said should the Council approve, the road diet plan could be added to the goals. She said that subsequently, the goals are included in the budget, giving another opportunity to review the wording and the budgeted costs involved. MUNICIPAL BILLS FOR PAYMENT The following bills were presented for payment: General Fund $38,880.85 Cultural Arts Fund 48.31 SPAC Fund 10,678.13 Beautification Fund 615.00 Tourism Fund 110.02 Tri-Com Fund 21,714.76 SSA #1 37.76 SSA #11 1,850.03 General Capital Projects 297,580.99 Infrastructure Capital Projects 15,315.00 TIF #2 65,507.79 Electric 71,942.61 Water/Wastewater 50,472.22 Refuse 740.00 1254 Geneva City Council Meeting November 4, 2013 Cemetery 34.11 Commuter Parking 4,632.02 Group Dental 2,640.00 Utility Refunds 342.71 __________ Total Funds $583,142.31 Moved by Ald. Brown, seconded by Ald. Flanagan that the bills be approved and vouchers prepared. Roll call: AYES: 9 (Ald. Brown, Bruno, Cummings, Flanagan, Kilburg, Maladra, Marks, Simonian, Vogelsberg) NAYS: 0 MOTION CARRIED COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ITEMS OF BUSINESS Approve Ordinance 2013-42 Authorizing and Providing for Issuance of General Obligation Refunding Bonds (Electric System Alternate Revenue Source) Series 2013 Finance Mgr. Thomas Dahl introduced Raphaliata McKenzie, Speer Financial, who explained that the City had a negotiated bond sale today refunding electric revenue bonds resulting in a savings to the City of approximately $77,000 at a new rate of 2.28 percent. She said the opportune time was right to refund the bonds. Admin. McKittrick reminded the Council that this involves the bond issue approved in June with a sale having been scheduled for August, but that the sale was delayed until today because of unfavorable August rates. Bob McQuillan, 2677 Berkshire Dr., asked as to the fees required to refund the bonds. Ms. McKenzie said the $77,000 was net fees, emphasizing that fees were saved because of the small size of the bond issue. She said the total fees were $39,500. Ald. Cummings felt a competitive sale might have resulted in greater savings. Ms. McKenzie said that a negotiated sale took better advantage of market change, and that competitive sales do not move as quickly. There being no further discussion, roll call: AYES: 9 (Ald. Brown, Bruno, Cummings, Flanagan, Kilburg, Maladra, Marks, Simonian, Vogelsberg) NAYS: 0 MOTION CARRIED Approve Estimated 2013 Tax Levy Moved by Ald. Maladra, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve the estimated 2013 tax levy. Resident Bob McQuillan stated that equalized assessed valuation has declined by $36 million in the past year and that this is the fifth consecutive year that the EAV has declined. He called for a zero percent increase in the tax levy, noting that the City is only one of six taxing bodies that comprise the property tax bill. Roll call: AYES: 9 (Ald. Brown, Bruno, Cummings, Flanagan, Kilburg, Maladra, Marks, Simonian, Vogelsberg) NAYS: 0 MOTION CARRIED 1255 Geneva City Council Meeting November 4, 2013 Approve Special Event Application from Geneva Chamber of Commerce for Christmas Walk Events December 6-7, 2013 Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED Approve Ordinance 2013-41 Removing Exemptions from Special Service Area #1 Taxation of Certain Real Properties Within Special Service Area #1 Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED Approve Ordinance 2013-37 Amending Sterling Manor Planned Unit Development to Allow Alternative Area IV to be Developed as Single Family Attached Dwellings or Condominiums Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED Approve Ordinance 2013-38 Amending Title 11 (Zoning), Section 11-2-2 (Definitions of Words and Terms), Related to the Definition of the Term “Family” Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED Approve Ordinance 2013-39 Authorizing Execution of an Amendment to the Fisher Farms Annexation Agreement Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED Approve Ordinance 2013-40 (1) Amending the City’s Comprehensive Plan to Change the Land Use Designation of a Portion of the Subject Property From “Commercial: Retail, Service, Office” to “Single-Family Residential”; (2) Amending the City’s Comprehensive Plan to Change the Land Use Designation of a Portion of the Subject Property from“Commercial: Retail, Service, Office” to “Multi-Family Residential”; (3) Rezoning (Zoning Map Amendment) a Portion of the Subject Property From the “R7 Multi-Family District: to the “R4 High Density Single-Family Residential District”; (4) Amending The Fisher Farms Planned Unit Development (Granted by Special Use Under Ordinance 96-27 and 2005-32); And (5) Granting Preliminary/Final Planned Unit Development and Plat of Subdivision Approval for a 43-Lot Single-Family Residential Development - Blue Geneva LLC Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED Approve Resolution 2013-117 Authorizing Execution of Purchase of Reverse Osmosis Membranes Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED Approve Resolution 2013-118 Authorizing Budget Amendment for Purchase of Reverse Osmosis Membranes Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED 1256 Geneva City Council Meeting November 4, 2013 Approve Resolution 2013-119 Authorizing Bid Award and Purchase of Distribution Automatic Transfer Switches and Controls for Waste Water Treatment Plant Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED Approve Resolution 2013-120 Authorizing Purchase of One-Ton Dump Truck for Electric Division in the Amount of $45,965.00 from Badger Trucks Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED Approve Certificate of Acceptance for Excel Gymnastics at 1000 S. Randall Road Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Brown to approve motion as presented. Approved by unanimous roll call vote. (Omnibus Agenda). MOTION CARRIED NEW BUSINESS “Moving Wall” Displayed at West Aurora High School Speaking on behalf of Ald. Singer, Ald. Flanagan made everyone aware that the Vietnam Memorial “Moving Wall” will be at West Aurora High School from Nov. 7 through Nov. 11. Concern Regarding Prairie State Increased Costs Resident Bob McQuillan questioned if the City planned to address the situation regarding the cost and operation of the Prairie State Power Generation Facility, with which the City has invested and contracted for electric power. Because of increased costs at the facility, he expressed concern that electric rates might increase quickly. He encouraged discussion on the matter at future meetings. Death of South Elgin Village President Jim Hansen Mayor Burns noted the passing of South Elgin Village President Jim Hansen, who died last Friday. He expressed condolences from he and the City Council to the Hansen family. CLOSED SESSION ON THE PURCHASE AND/OR LEASE OF PROPERTY FOR THE USE OF THE PUBLIC BODY Moved by Ald. Bruno, seconded by Ald. Flanagan that the Council adjourn to Closed Session. Roll call: AYES: 9 (Ald. Brown, Bruno, Cummings, Flanagan, Kilburg, Maladra, Marks, Simonian, Vogelsberg) NAYS: 0 MOTION CARRIED The Council adjourned to Closed Session at 8:42 p.m. Moved by Ald. Marks, seconded by Ald. Cummings that the Council return to Open Session. Roll call: AYES: 9 (Ald. Brown, Bruno, Cummings, Flanagan, Kilburg, Maladra, Marks, Simonian, Vogelsberg) NAYS: 0 MOTION CARRIED 1257 Geneva City Council Meeting November 4, 2013 The Council returned to Open Session at 9:06 p.m. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, moved by Ald. Marks, seconded by Ald. Flanagan to adjourn the Geneva City Council meeting. Carried by voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 9:07 p.m. ________________________ Lynn P. Landberg, City Clerk 1258