Village of Montgomery Village Board met Oct. 26.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
President Brolley called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
Roll Call
Trustee Gier Yea Trustee Betsinger Yea
Trustee Sperling Yea Trustee Jungermann Yea
Trustee Lee Yea Trustee Marecek Yea
Also present: Administrator Jeff Zoephel, Attorney Laura Julien, Director of Public Works Mark Wolf, Director of Finance Justin VanVooren, Director of Community Development Rich Young, Engineer Peter Wallers, Engineer Jeff Freeman, Engineer Tim Paulson, Chief of Police Phillip Smith, Clerk Penny Fitzpatrick. Members of the Press and others.
President Brolley advised that the Board Meeting was being held in an entirely remote format due to health concerns and was in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order regarding Covid-19 restrictions. He noted future meetings would likely be held utilizing both the zoom video conferencing and in-person meeting format in Village Hall.
Public Participation
A. Public Comments.
President Brolley inquired and Administrator Zoephel confirmed that no Public Comments were submitted for the meeting.
B. Presentation on the Gray’s Mill Property.
Director Young introduced Phil Cullen who presented a redevelopment plan for the historic Gray’s Mill Property. Mr. Cullen noted his extensive restaurant/bar experience and introduced his investment partner, Mike Baum, and their business team including Joanne Buckley, Helen Trogub, Mike Kennedy and Jerry Jude. He outlined the five business uses being proposed and summarized the planned updates to the property’s indoor and outdoor spaces, surfaces and landscaping. He further shared his estimated cost projections for redevelopment and requested Village assistance with grant financing, marketing, sales tax rebates, permitting, licensing, signage and natural area improvements. Mr. Cullen noted that his partner and business team were passionate about preserving the historical significance of the building, while providing modernized updates that would make it a highly sought after destination venue in downtown Montgomery.
Trustees Lee, Sperling, Betsinger and Jungermann asked what the anticipated wedding event capacity and parking options would be, how off-season sales would be maintained, what liquor and gaming licenses would be sought, and how flooding mitigation would be handled to protect the property. Also asked were what type of food menu and seating capacity would be offered in the speakeasy, what the timeline to begin the various operations would be, and when the phase two improvements and retractable roof installation was planned. Mr. Cullen addressed these questions and also noted that the overall event space could flexibly be used for additional food and drink service, special events, seasonal celebrations, class reunions, birthday parties, bridal showers, retirement parties, fundraisers and live musical entertainment. He also clarified what type of partnership assistance he was seeking from Village staff, the Montgomery Development Fund Committee, Army Corps of Engineers and local service groups to assist his team’s efforts.
Further Board discussion was had and questions were raised in regard to how the two separate phases and grant requests for a single property would be handled and submitted for consideration to the Montgomery Development Fund Committee. Additional Board feedback noted that more information was needed to clarify how the agreements would be structured and project phases would be handled, and it was stressed that the Montgomery Development Fund Committee review procedures would need to be addressed before this item came back to the Board for discussion and action.
President Brolley summarized that Board support and direction were given to allow staff to move forward with this proposal. The Board expressed their enthusiasm with this project and thanked Mr. Cullen, Mr. Baum and their business team for their presentation and investment in restoring this iconic building in the Downtown Mill District. It was noted that this project would revitalize the Montgomery riverfront, attract other businesses to the area and provide a sought after destination location. Director Young advised that staff would move forward with the two phased grant applications for review by the Montgomery Development Fund Committee, and would also work toward a project development agreement for the Board to consider at a future meeting.
Consent Agenda
A. Minutes of the Village Board Meeting of October 12, 2020.
B. Accounts Payable through October 23, 2020 in the Amount of $248,460.96.
C. Ordinance 1893 Granting a Special Use for Outdoor Storage with an Alternative Surface (Central State Bus Sales – 30 Baseline Road) (Second Reading).
Trustee Jungermann moved to approve Items A-C on the Consent Agenda. Trustee Gier seconded this motion.
6 Yea. 0 No. Motion carried. Trustee Jungermann, Trustee Marecek, Trustee Betsinger, Trustee Gier, Trustee Sperling and Trustee Lee voting yea.
Items for Separate Action
A. Recommendation of the Zoning Board of Appeals on PC 2020-010 Variance to Allow Alternative Surfaces within 250 feet of Public Right-of-Ways and to Encroach Ten (10) Feet into the Eastern Side Yard Setback – Central States Bus Sales.
President Brolley noted Items for Separate Action A. and B. would be discussed together and voted on separately. Director Young shared that Recommendation PC2020-010 was a cleanup item regarding a Variance to Allow Alternative Surfaces for Central States Bus Sales. He advised the Zoning Board of Appeals recommended approval of this variance as requested and explained that any dust control issues would be addressed by a dust mitigation bond. Director Young noted John Tebrugge representing the developer and Doug Donaldson from Central States Bus Sales were present to answer any questions regarding this item.
Trustee Sperling moved to approve the Recommendation of the Zoning Board of Appeals on PC 2020-010 Variance to Allow Alternative Surfaces within 250 feet of Public Right-of-Ways and to Encroach Ten (10) Feet into the Eastern Side Yard Setback – Central States Bus Sales. Trustee Gier seconded this motion.
6 Yea. 0 No. Motion carried. Trustee Sperling, Trustee Lee, Trustee Jungermann, Trustee Marecek, Trustee Betsinger and Trustee Gier voting yea.
B. Ordinance 1895 Granting a Variance from Certain Setback Requirements (Central State Bus Sales – 30 Baseline Road) (Waiver of First and Passage on Second Reading).
With no further discussion, President Brolley requested a motion to approve Ordinance 1895 as Waiver of First and Passage on the Second Reading.
Trustee Sperling moved to approve Ordinance 1895 Granting a Variance from Certain Setback Requirements (Central State Bus Sales – 30 Baseline Road) (Waiver of First and Passage on Second Reading). Trustee Jungermann seconded this motion.
6 Yea. 0 No. Motion carried. Trustee Sperling, Trustee Lee, Trustee Jungermann, Trustee Marecek, Trustee Betsinger and Trustee Gier voting yea.
C. Acceptance of Bid for the Sale of Property at 310 N. River Street.
Administrator Zoephel noted the bid for the sale of the Property at 310 N. River Street had been opened, read into record, shared with the Board with development details and staff had recommended acceptance of this bid offer. President Brolley inquired and Attorney Julien clarified this item addressed the acceptance and award of a bid to Wurst Kitchen. She further explained what the next steps would be in regard to the sale, closing and change of ownership for this property to the bidder, and shared what the Village’s reverter rights would be if the project did not meet the development specifications set forth in the bid proposal.
Attorney Julien and Director Young also discussed what the next expected steps would be to address the applicant’s forthcoming request for special use approval and request and application for Montgomery Development Fund financial assistance. Both President Brolley and Director Young thanked Wurst Kitchen for their vision and investment in the community to move this project forward and build a mixed use development in Montgomery’s Downtown Mill District.
Trustee Gier moved to approve the Acceptance and Award of a Bid for the Sale of Property at 310 N. River Street. Trustee Jungermann seconded this motion.
6 Yea. 0 No. Motion carried. Trustee Gier, Trustee Sperling, Trustee Lee, Trustee Jungermann, Trustee Marecek and Trustee Betsinger voting yea.
D. Resolution 2020-024 Authorizing the Execution of an Intergovernmental Recipient Agreement for Coronavirus Relief Funds with Kane County, Illinois.
Director VanVooren summarized Resolution 2020-024 and noted it authorized the execution of an Intergovernmental Recipient Agreement for Coronavirus Relief Funds with Kane County. He shared the application for these funds had been submitted and approved, and this resolution acceptance was the next step in the process in order for the Coronavirus Relief Funds to be granted.
Trustee Marecek moved to approve Resolution 2020-024 Authorizing the Execution of an Intergovernmental Recipient Agreement for Coronavirus Relief Funds with Kane County, Illinois. Trustee Jungermann seconded this motion.
6 Yea. 0 No. Motion carried. Trustee Marecek, Trustee Betsinger, Trustee Gier, Trustee Sperling, Trustee Lee and Trustee Jungermann voting yea.
E. Waiver of Bid and Purchase of GMC 3500 from Coffman Truck Sales.
President Brolley noted Board consensus was granted to table discussion and action on this item for a future meeting.
F. 2021 Landscape Maintenance Services Contract Extension with Cornerstone Partners.
President Brolley noted Board consensus was granted to table discussion and action on this item for a future meeting.
Items for Discussion
A. Sustainable Water Supply Planning Overview.
Engineer Jeff Freeman provided updates on the Sustainable Water Supply Planning Overview, and discussed the three Northeastern Illinois alternate water supply options available to the Village in order to plan for its long-term water supply needs. In this discussion, he noted the benefits, challenges, costs, choices and long-term water supplies available from either the Deep Sandstone Aquifer, Lake Michigan or the Fox River. In contrast, he summarized and described the existing Village water works system, pressure zones, flow rates, water wells, storage facilities, treatment plants, distribution, system monitoring and source well limitations. He highlighted the Village’s growth rates and water demand projections through 2050, and noted all three options would need to be compared and contrasted to determine which choice offered the best and most cost-effective water supply, based on each long-term system’s cost, sustainability, water quality and quantity, control, governance and implementation standards.
Engineer Freeman first explained how the Fox River could be used as a water source, in combination with the deep aquifer as a backup supply. He noted this option could be chosen independently or in concert with the Village of Oswego and City of Yorkville utilizing a Sub-Regional Plan for water service. He further described how Lake Michigan water could be purchased through the DuPage Water Commission or City of Joliet, and he explained the various connections, transmissions, capacity, contracts, funding costs, number of participating communities and board governance that could apply to these water source options.
Trustee Lee inquired whether the deep aquifer could continue to be used if Joliet, Oswego and Yorkville stopped drawing from it, and Trustee Jungermann asked how governance and usage controls would be maintained and protected if Lake Michigan water was purchased from the DuPage Water Commission or the City of Joliet. President Brolley asked and Engineer Wallers discussed how water service, rates, governance and participation with these two Lake Michigan water distribution commissions would potentially be addressed and negotiated, and how contract agreements and terms would be set and maintained if either of these alternate water supply options were selected. Trustee Marecek inquired and Engineer Wallers commented on what controls, benefits and proportional representation Montgomery would possibly have if it joined the developing Joliet Water Commission and its participating communities.
President Brolley noted all three water supply options would need to be further researched and vetted by staff so that an informed and timely decision could be made to determine which would best serve the Village for its long-term water needs. He noted the Sustainable Water Supply Planning Report would need to be finalized and would come back to the Board for further consideration and discussion. President Brolley and Trustee Jungermann thanked Engineers Wallers and Freeman for their presentation regarding this discussion.
President Brolley noted the Board would take a short break at 9:32 p.m. and Administrator Zoephel advised the meeting recording would be paused. President Brolley called the meeting back to order at 9:42 p.m. and asked that the meeting recording be resumed.
B. Montgomery Overflow Floodplain Improvements Feasibility Study - Draft.
Engineer Tim Paulson discussed the outcome of this draft study and how it tied together with the TIF2 Transportation Study results. He summarized the project goals to create infrastructure improvements, improve drainage and floodplain management, consider regional detention basin options and provide economic development opportunities in the TIF area. He shared the preliminary determinations from the study, noted three improvement option recommendations, and outlined the possible project areas, costs, testing requirements and next phasing/sequencing steps necessary to finalize the study and move forward with TIF District improvements.
President Brolley thanked Engineer Paulson for his draft overflow floodplain improvement presentation and asked what the timeline was to determine which project improvements would best benefit the TIF District. Engineer Wallers noted recommendations, sequencing and next steps were being considered by staff and Board direction would be needed to move forward with this project. President Brolley thanked Engineer Paulson for his presentation and noted this topic would be discussed again at a future meeting.
C. Snow Removal and Ice Control Plan Revisions.
Director Wolf summarized the Snow Removal and Ice Control Plan Revisions and discussed his department’s continuing operations, reduced salt procurement prices and surplus salt stock on hand. He further shared the continuing Intergovernmental Agreement with the Village of Oswego, which exchanges brining application services for brining materials and benefits both communities. He outlined how the snow removal routes would be staffed for the season and thanked the Board for increasing the vehicle and snow removal equipment so Public Works could safely and effectively clear roads and facility parking lots during snow events.
Director Wolf shared that a second fleet mechanic had been added to staff, to help ensure that vehicles and equipment would be serviced and ready for use to provide better service to residents. He thanked the fleet division employees for their seasonal operations preparedness and noted the two fleet mechanics would be brought in to clear cul-de-sac snow routes as needed. Trustee Sperling inquired and Administrator Zoephel advised that the snow removal plans and route information could be shared and linked to the Village website, social media pages and newsletter to more readily provide residents with this information. President Brolley thanked Director Wolf for his snow removal and ice control plan presentation.
D. Public Works Facility Planning Discussion.
Administrator Zoephel noted the Public Works Facility Space Needs Study had been previously presented and summarized for the Board regarding the proposed building’s design options, square footage, projected construction costs and debt impact. He shared the final building plans, construction manager selection, bond issuance, bidding, awards and construction contracts would still need to be determined in the next steps of the project. He noted staff’s recommendation and cost estimates to build the base project with two alternate storage options, including fully enclosed garage space and outdoor material storage bins, and shared the alternate covered parking option would need to be considered at a later date due to bonding limits. Administrator Zoephel requested Board direction on how to proceed regarding this facility planning project.
Trustees Marecek, Gier, Lee and Jungermann discussed and questioned the need for covered versus enclosed parking to protect vehicles and equipment from the elements, what the current versus long-term vehicle and equipment storage needs were, what the benefits and efficiencies of storing all the equipment onsite would be, and whether the existing Public Works facility would be used for equipment storage in the future. Director Wolf noted the long-term plans for the current facility could change once the Village’s alternate water supply option was decided, and he shared that construction costs could go up over time if the alternate covered parking was constructed at a later date. Further Board questions were asked and Director VanVooren and Administrator Zoephel discussed the benefits of repaying the existing bonds with lower interest rates over a longer term, how much bond debt was still outstanding from prior construction projects, and how much new bond debt would be issued for this proposed project over a 20-year term.
Trustees Lee and Betsinger questioned whether the projected population growth and number of expected employees in the study were accurately calculated when cited against comparable communities. Director Wolf shared that the Village’s service needs would grow in the future as preventative infrastructure, project development growth and urban canopy tree maintenance needs increased over time. President Brolley questioned and Director VanVooren noted the bond rates would be locked in at the date of sale. Administrator Zoephel clarified that the bonds could be addressed after the building design schematics were finalized and project bids were received to best assess and evaluate the project proposal. He also noted that construction of the facility was projected to take place in 2021.
President Brolley expressed his appreciation to staff, Williams Architects and the consultants and Directors Wolf, Young and VanVooren for their diligence in handling the space needs study analysis and planning for a Public Works Facility that would best serve the current and future needs of the Village. He noted that additional information was needed to determine what project phasing and alternate building options could best be afforded and built at this time. Administrator Zoephel clarified that the architect’s final design contract, schematic design, site plan, phasing timeline and alternate building plans would come back for Board discussion at a future meeting, and noted the bond timeline could be pushed back to next year. President Brolley inquired and Administrator Zoephel clarified that the findings from the final space needs analysis report would be handled as an acceptance and not as an approval, and indicated that staff would move forward with this facility planning discussion according to the direction given by the Board.
New or Unfinished Business
Trustees Marecek and Jungermann and President Brolley recognized, acknowledged and thanked staff, Director Young and the Community Development Department for their hard work, coordinated efforts and success with moving forward with the Gray’s Mill and Wurst Kitchen development projects in the Downtown Mill District. Trustee Lee inquired and Director Wolf noted he would provide an updated surplus vehicle and equipment report for the Board to review.
Future Meetings
A. Village Board Meeting—Monday, November 9, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.
B. Committee of the Whole Meeting – Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. – (May Be Canceled).
C. Beautification Committee – Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.
D. Village Board Meeting—Monday, November 23, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.
Adjourn into Executive Session: 10:54 – 11:23 p.m.
A. To Discuss the Acquisition of Real Property Pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5).
President Brolley and Administrator Zoephel shared that a separate meeting link had been forwarded to the Board to be able to attend the closed session meeting remotely. Attorney Julien clarified that the Board would not be reconvening after the Execution Session concluded.
Trustee Jungermann moved to Adjourn to Executive Session To Discuss the Acquisition of Real Property Pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5). Trustee Marecek seconded this motion.
6 Yea. 0 No. Motion carried. Trustee Jungermann, Trustee Marecek, Trustee Betsinger, Trustee Gier, Trustee Sperling and Trustee Lee voting yea.
With no further business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 10:50 p.m.
https://ci.montgomery.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10262020-480
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