SYCAMORE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA October 19, 2015

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1 SYCAMORE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA October 19, 2015 CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE MEETINGS No Meetings are Scheduled 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. INVOCATION REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 7:00 P.M. 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 5. AUDIENCE TO VISITORS 6. CONSENT AGENDA A. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting of October 5, B. Plan Commission Meeting Minutes from September 14, C. Payment of the Bills for October 19, PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS, COMMUNICATIONS, AND BILLS. A. A Presentation by Barry Schrader of the DeKalb County Citizens for Better Mental Health Care. 8. REPORTS OF OFFICERS 9. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES 10. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1

2 A. A Public Hearing for the Purpose of Considering and Hearing Testimony as to Proposed Annexation Agreements between Certain Property Owners and the City of Sycamore, Illinois, affecting Property Comprising Approximately Acres of Land Generally Situated South of North Grove Road, West of Brickville Road, and North and West of Motel Road and Extending West of Brickville Road a Distance of Approximately 4, Feet at Maximum, in Mayfield and Sycamore Townships, DeKalb County, Illinois. This Public Hearing pertains to Ordinances through presented below on first reading. BACKGROUND In February 2011, the City Council approved the Northwest Sub Area Plan to provide for a rural conservation subdivision north and west of Motel Road shown on the City s Future Land Use Map as rural residential. This land use designation was intended to recognize the existence of areas within the City s mile-and-a-half planning jurisdiction that already have an established rural residential character, and which might see the development of additional, large-acre home sites utilizing individual wells and individual septic tank absorption fields. Given the properties are surrounded by agricultural uses, this type of development would create a blended edge that fades into the adjacent rural landscape and defines the edge of the City s northwest planning quadrant. The Northwest Sub Area plan led to the creation of a unique zoning district designation, identified as R-4 rural residential, to accommodate very sparse housing and some noncommercial animal husbandry. Property owners within this zoning designation would be allowed to keep no more than two horses or two other livestock animals on a lot containing three gross acres with an allowance for one additional horse or livestock animal for each acre above the three acre minimum. Given that the properties within the rural residential area are controlled by multiple owners, the pace of potential annexation was unknown when the Northwest Sub Area Plan was established. Any annexation of properties needs to be contiguous to the existing City limits. Since the Northwest Sub Area Plan was established in 2011, the respective property owners have expressed varying levels of interest in annexing to the City. In recent months, the property owners approached the City to craft an annexation agreement that would define the zoning as R-4, Rural Residential and guide the ultimate annexation and development of the properties. It is proposed that the subject properties be zoned, upon annexation to the City, in the R-4 zoning classification of the current zoning chapter of the Sycamore Unified Development Ordinance, comprising Rural Residential District permitted uses not requiring a Special Use Permit or variance unless subsequently applied for and approved by the City Council. WHAT IS R-4, RURAL RESIDENTIAL ZONING? The attached annexation agreements define the zoning for the properties as R-4, Rural Residential. This zoning designation is consistent with the City s Northwest Sub Area 2

3 Plan. The Unified Development Ordinance defines and outlines R-4 zoning and development requirements as follows: RURAL RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT (R-4) According to the City s Unified Development Ordinance the Rural Residential District is established to define appropriate guidelines for development in the rural residential area comprising the Northwest Sub-Plan Area that was approved by the Sycamore City Council on February 7, This area is bounded on the south by Freed Road, on the west by the east branch of the South Branch of the Kishwaukee River, on the north by North Grove Road, and on the east by the Koehling Farm adjacent to Brickville Road. This sub-area comprises approximately 370 acres and presently features small farms, a local church, and a well-established hunting and fishing preserve, close to single family housing that was established with a rural character within the DeKalb County political jurisdiction in the 1970s. In this area, low density single family housing was developed on one-to-five acre lots with individual wells and septic tank absorption fields, utilizing rural County road designs that feature ditches to convey storm water runoff. It is the City s intent that parcels within this sub-area shall be annexed in a sequential and orderly fashion, and that they shall retain their rural character so as to constitute a final planning edge to the community s northwest side. Accordingly, lot sizes shall be a minimum of three (3) gross acres (0.33 units per gross acre). These lots will not be large enough to support commercial agriculture, but will be large enough to permit private stables and accessory buildings for a limited number of horses or other livestock. The map symbol for this district shall be R-4. LOT DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS Minimum Lot Width: 250 foot minimum Minimum Lot Depth: 400 feet Minimum Lot Area: Three gross acres. A guesthouse may be constructed as a separate building on a lot of four (4) or more gross acres and must be located behind the rear building line of the principal residence. Front and Corner Side Setback: 50 feet Side Yard Setback: 25 feet on interior lots. A minimum of 25 feet must be provided between a driveway and a side lot line. Rear Yard Setback: 50 feet. Lot Coverage (maximum): 30% Frontage Look : Porch, Fence, Stoop, Forecourt, Dooryard ACCESSORY BUILDINGS Detached Private Garages. Detached private garages may be constructed in rear yards for the storage or shelter of motor vehicles with no facilities for mechanical service or repair of a retail nature. All licensed vehicles, trailers, boats and recreational vehicles shall have 3

4 permanent enclosed garage space. Such buildings may not exceed thirty-five (35) feet in height or two thousand five-hundred (2,500) square feet on the first floor level. Detached private garages may exceed 2,500 square feet by special use only. Private detached garages shall not be closer than fifty (50) feet from the rear and side lot lines. Private Stables and Livestock Buildings. Private stables and livestock buildings may be constructed in rear yards and shall not be closer than seventy-five (75) feet from the rear or side lot lines. The stalls in a private stable or livestock building shall be a minimum of ten feet by twelve feet (10 x 12 ). On a three acre parcel, a maximum of five hundred square feet may be in the first floor area of a stable or livestock building. For each additional acre over three acres, the first floor area may be increased by two hundred and fifty (250) square feet. Private stables or other livestock buildings in excess of one thousand (1,000) square feet on the first floor area shall require a special use permit. Guesthouses. Guesthouses may be constructed in rear yards on a lot of four (4) or more acres. The ground floor area of the guesthouse shall be a maximum of one thousand (1,000) square feet. A guesthouse must be a minimum of fifty feet (50 ) from the rear and side lot lines and a minimum of fifty feet (50 ) from the principal residence. A guesthouse shall have a maximum of two stories and a maximum total living space of one thousand six hundred (1,600) square feet. The ground floor area of a guesthouse shall not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the ground floor area of the principal residence on the lot. Concerns were raised during the Public Hearing at the Plan Commission level that guesthouses would be rented out at some point in the future. Staff has interpreted the intent of guesthouses as primarily serving temporary stays by visitors. In no event should a guesthouse be rented or serve as a permanent dwelling. In order to ensure this is not the case, the City will need to amend the Unified Development Ordinance to reflect that these properties cannot be rented or serve as permanent dwellings. Other Accessory Uses. Tennis courts, swimming pools and accessory uses other than private stables, livestock buildings and guest houses shall be in rear yards only, and shall be no closer than twenty-five (25) feet from a side or rear lot line. VERTICAL STANDARDS Maximum Height: 35 feet; 3 stories. Fences: Refer to Article 6.2. BUILDING USE STANDARDS Ground Floor: Residential. Minimum first floor living area: 1,800 sq. ft. Upper Floor(s): Residential Building Entrance Typically Faces Front Each dwelling unit shall be serviced with its own water service line, building sewer line, sump pump line and all other utility lines and extensions. 4

5 A subdivision plat shall be prepared in accordance with Articles 4.4 and 4.5 of this Code and approved simultaneously with the Special Use Permit. PARKING STANDARDS In addition to the requirements set forth in Article 6.7: Covered Parking: Required (except for guest parking). WHEN AND HOW WILL THESE PROPERTIES DEVELOP? In addition to the zoning classification, development related issues are addressed in the draft annexation agreements. Included among the issues outlined in the agreements are the order of parcels to be annexed, codes and development fees, which City services (excluding sewer and water) shall be supplied to territory as it is annexed, whether internal roads shall be public or private, and the standard to which adjacent public roads shall be maintained. ORDER OF ANNEXATION Each property owner has submitted a draft annexation agreement for consideration. The property owners acknowledge that the draft agreements are being submitted contemporaneously with the other agreements that make up the entire tract, a total of acres. City Council approval of the agreements should be considered in the appropriate order so that contiguity would exist for all properties acceptable for annexation. The annexation agreement does not annex the property, rather serves as a guide for annexation. Annexation will not occur until the owner of part of the entire tract is prepared to annex, plat, and have a building permit issued. At that time, all owners required to establish contiguity shall submit for annexation to the City. From there, a petition for annexation shall be filed and the City will begin the process to validly annex the property to the City. This process includes platting of the property or properties seeking to develop as a Planned Unit Development (PUD) as required by the City s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Any properties being annexed as required to establish contiguity will be required to submit to the Planned Unit Development process at such time these properties are prepared to develop. CODES AND DEVELOMENT FEES The owner agrees to comply with all codes and ordinances currently in effect and as amended from time-to-time for properties zoned R-4. Any existing structure or building will be allowed to remain while any new structure or improvement must comply with all applicable City codes and ordinances. The owner will be required to pay the then-current annexation fees for properties zoned R-4 at the time of final platting and consents to the establishment of a current fee of 5

6 $2,500 per acre. This represents 5/6 ths of the current fee of $3,000 of which 1/6 th is deposited in the City s sewer fund for system maintenance. These properties will not be covered by City sewer, therefore the reduction of the portion dedicated for the sewer system. In the event the annexation fee is raised in the future, these parcels will pay a fee that is 5/6 ths of the fees so established. The establishment of the annexation fee for R-4 zoning will require Council action and can be amended from time-to-time. The owner is required to make all cash or land donations as required by City Ordinance. SCHOOLS, PARKS AND LIBRARY The Sycamore School District has indicated that it has room to accommodate any growth the proposed annexation may bring and has no concerns or objections. The area is currently within the District s boundaries. The owners will file a petition to annex to the Park District contemporaneously with and as a condition of annexation to the City. This will occur at the time of annexation when a final plat is submitted for development and the annexation of any properties required to establish contiguity. The Park District has submitted a letter stating a position that although the development would result in low density and not likely call for added parks, there are still impacts on parks and recreation. Therefore, the Park District expects that the annexation agreements will require the institution of the land/cash ordinance, the execution of impact fees and call for the developer(s) to negotiate an annexation agreement with the Park District. The Sycamore Library is a component unit of the City of Sycamore and therefore any properties annexed to the City would be within the library service area. CITY SERVICES Private wells will be utilized to provide water for drinking and bathing. If properly planned and inspected within County Health Department standards these three acre lots would not pose any inherent public health hazard. The Illinois Water Survey was consulted and noted no issues with water supply in the area as static water levels are relatively high and well depths generally rather deep. The area will not be served by Sycamore s gravity-driven sewer system. Private sewage disposal systems would be utilized within DeKalb County Health Department standards. When the Northwest Sub Area was contemplated, it was assumed that these properties would be serviced by private well and septic. The City will provide police, fire, ambulance and refuse and recycling services along with services and maintenance for public streets adjacent to the property. 6

7 STREETS AND COMMON AREAS Streets constructed within any development on the property shall be privately constructed and maintained by the owner(s) of the land in the development. The City will be required to provide services for portions of Brickville, Motel and North Grove Roads when the adjacent properties are annexed. The City does not intend and is not required to upgrade these roads to include curbs, gutters, base, and topcoat. The developer is required to establish a homeowners association for each development, or for the entire tract to assume the responsibility for maintaining the streets within the development(s), and for snow removal, for the maintenance of storm water improvements and drain tiles, for street lights, and for other common areas. In the event that any homeowners association fails to maintain or repair its streets within a month after notice from the City that such streets are in need of maintenance or repair, the City may, but shall be under no obligation to, make such repairs or perform such maintenance, and establish a special service area, and assess the owners of the lands within such development for all such costs incurred. In addition, easements for utilities shall be included on all final plats, and shall extend to the boundary line of any development, to allow for extension of services to adjacent portions of the property. This includes an area of forty (40) feet from the center line contiguous to any public road adjacent to the property for the purpose of road widening or the installation of utility services and an additional ten (10) feet outside said forty (40) foot area, for utility purposes. The developer will be responsible to install any utilities required including but not limited to electric and natural gas services. STORMWATER Any development is subject to requirements imposed by the City Engineer to ensure that both tile flow and overland drainage are appropriately managed. This includes locating all drain tiles at the time of platting and compliance with City of Sycamore Design Standards. The City has used standards developed by the County and State, but also incorporated more restrictive requirements. The City s requirements for the Design of Stormwater Management Systems and the protection of special management areas are required to conform to the strictest of ten adopted standards as listed in the City s UDO. The goal of Stormwater Management Ordinances and Standards are to protect properties through regulation. The opening statement of the DeKalb County Stormwater Management Ordinance which the City has adopted is as follows: 7

8 Ordinance is to safeguard persons, protect property, prevent damage to the environment, and promote the public welfare by guiding, regulating and controlling the design, construction, use and maintenance of any development or other activity which disturbs or breaks the topsoil or otherwise results in the movement of earth on land situated in DeKalb County. The City requires a comprehensive list of eighteen items that are required for a site development permit. It is an all-encompassing submittal using the best available data. The quality of data has been drastically improved within the past ten years through technology and the use of aerial imagery which has led to improved and more accurate designs. At the time of platting, each property will be required to appear before the Plan Commission and City Council. The applicant will be required to submit engineering designs to the City for review and approval. During the Planned Unit Development platting process, the public is invited to voice concerns or provide testimony regarding the plans. The City encourages any concerned party to submit photos or empirical data for use in review of proposed improvements. The following is a brief explanation of how key concerns and special management areas will be addressed. Runoff: Stormwater management is required on all residential developments larger than 2 acres. The disturbed areas on a new development would require detention through the use of individual or regional facilities. Through these ordinances the City will evaluate the existing conditions as well as proposed designs which include restrictions on the rate of flow and location where flow can be discharged. Floodplain: Maps have been generated by FEMA. Topographic survey information provided by the applicant will be used as verification. If areas are hydraulically linked they will be subject to floodplain requirements. Any modification requires City and FEMA approval with an additional 10% of storage created. Depressional Storage: In the event that topographic survey reveals low lying areas that hold water, the volume will be preserved at the original location or within a hydraulically connected area. The goal is to protect features that attenuate flow. Wetlands: These are regulated by Army Corp of Engineers unless jurisdiction is transferred to the City. In most cases, these are protected with buffer areas required. Farm Tile Systems: During the application process these are identified and evaluated. The City will work with the applicant to address any issues. PROPERTIES The properties presented for annexation are shown on the Exhibit below: 8

9 A Public Hearing was held at the October 12 th Plan Commission Meeting. After consideration the Commission forwarded recommendations on each of the properties as discussed below. The Ordinances are presented in the appropriate order necessary to establish contiguity with City limits. Each property owner is petitioning for R-4 zoning and a copy of the draft annexation agreement for each is attached. Notice of the Public Hearing for the October 19 th City Council Meeting was published in the local newspaper on September 25, In addition, letters were mailed to neighboring properties within 500 feet and signs were posted on the property. 11. ORDINANCES A. Ordinance No An Ordinance Concerning a Plan Commission Recommendation of a Request from Wendler Engineering on Behalf of the Owner PT Capital LLC and Steven Glasgow to Vacate a Section of the Right-of-Way on the Northeast Portion of the Property Located at 1513 DeKalb Avenue (P.I.N ) along Coltonville Road and the Dedication of Right-of-Way on the Eastern Edge of the Property Near the Intersection with Route 23 in the City of Sycamore, Illinois. First and Second Reading. 9

10 Earlier this year, PT Capital LLC purchased the property located 1513 DeKalb Avenue. The property is the former site of the Tallitsch Ford and Sycamore Mitsubishi car dealerships. The owners intend to rehabilitate the existing building on southwest side of the property to be used for medical purposes. When the property served as a car dealership, the majority of the inventory was stored on the paved area on the northeast portion of the property. The owner intends to develop this portion and has expressed an interest in acquiring the right-of-way within the paved area. The City acquired the right-of-way when jurisdiction of Coltonville Road was transferred by DeKalb County in the 1990 s. In considering the request, staff reviewed existing utility locations and sent letters to determine if any of the utility companies objected to vacating the right-of-way. At the time of writing, none of the utilities have expressed concerns with the proposed.21 acre vacation area as shown below in yellow. The area will include the dedication of a 10 foot utility easement along the northwest portion that is being vacated. During the review, staff noted that the right-of-way along the north and northwest side of Coltonville Road was robust, however the area dedicated to the northeast side near the intersection was restrictive. As a result, staff requested that the.10 acre area shown in green on the map below be dedicated as City right-of-way. 10

11 As a result of this proposed exchange of right-of-way, the property will better be able to accommodate additional commercial development and the City will have flexibility in terms of right-of-way to work with near the intersection of Coltonville Road and Route 23. The Plan Commission considered the request on October 12 th which included a Public Hearing and forwarded a favorable recommendation by a vote of City Council approval is recommended. B. Ordinance No An Ordinance Concerning a Plan Commission Recommendation of Annexation Agreements in Regard to the Zoning Classification and Annexation to the City of Sycamore, Illinois, of the Katherine J. Koehling Property (Part of PIN ) as Part of the Property Comprising Approximately Acres of Land Generally Situated South of North Grove Road, West of Brickville Road, and North and West of Motel Road and Extending West of Brickville Road a Distance of Approximately 4, Feet at Maximum, in Mayfield and Sycamore Townships, DeKalb County, Illinois. First Reading. Ordinances through each involve annexation agreements and the zoning of properties within the Northwest Sub Area as R-4, Rural Residential. The Ordinances are presented in the appropriate order necessary to establish contiguity with City limits. KATHERINE J. KOEHLING PROPERTY PIN: Part of Owner: Katherine J. Koehling (f/k/a Katherine J. Flink) Legal Description: Part of Assessor s Lots Thirty-six (36) and Eighty-six (86) and all of Assessor s Lots 83, 84 & 85 situated in the East Half (E1/2) of the Northeast Quarter (NE1/4) of Section Nineteen (19), Township Forty-one (41) North, Range Five (5) East of the Third (3rd) Principal Meridian, DeKalb County, Illinois, described as follows: Beginning at the Southwest corner of said Lot Eighty-five (85); thence Northerly, along the West line of said Lots 36, 83, 84 & 85, a distance of feet; thence Easterly, parallel with the North line of said Lot Thirty-six (36) and the Easterly extension thereof to a point on the East line of said Lot Eighty-six (86); thence Southwesterly, along said East line to the Southeast corner thereof; thence Westerly, along the South line of Lots 86 & 85 to the Point of Beginning. Common Address: Part of Brickville Road, Sycamore, Illinois A series of amendments to the City Code and Unified Development Ordinance are recommended if the City Council approves Ordinances through These changes are as follows: 11

12 Section B of the City Code will be amended to exempt properties within the R-4 zoning district from being required to connect to the City s sewer service. Section C of the City Code will be amended to exempt properties within the R-4 zoning district from being required to connect to the City s public water supply. Section F of the City Code will be amended to reflect the annexation fee of $2,500 per acre for properties zoned R-4 as they are not connected to the City s sewer service. Article D. R-4, Rural Residential District, Section 1, Lot Development Standards of the City s Unified Development Ordinance would reflect that guesthouses cannot be rented or serve as a permanent dwelling. The Plan Commission forwarded a favorable recommendation by a vote of C. Ordinance No An Ordinance Concerning a Plan Commission Recommendation of Annexation Agreements in Regard to the Zoning Classification and Annexation to the City of Sycamore, Illinois, of the Richard and Jane Hoffman Property (PIN ) as Part of the Property Comprising Approximately Acres of Land Generally Situated South of North Grove Road, West of Brickville Road, and North and West of Motel Road and Extending West of Brickville Road a Distance of Approximately 4, Feet at Maximum, in Mayfield and Sycamore Townships, DeKalb County, Illinois. First Reading. Ordinances through each involve annexation agreements and the zoning of properties within the Northwest Sub Area as R-4, Rural Residential. The Ordinances are presented in the appropriate order necessary to establish contiguity with City limits. RICHARD & JANE HOFFMAN PROPERTY PIN: Owners: Richard L. Hoffman Declaration of Trust dated 12/30/1998 and Jane T. Hoffman Declaration of Trust dated 12/30/1998 Trustees/Beneficiaries: Richard L. Hoffman and Jane T. Hoffman Legal Description: The East 31.8 acres being the East feet of the Southwest Quarter (SW1/4) of the Northeast Quarter (NE1/4) of Section Nineteen (19), Township Forty-one (41) North, Range Five (5) East of the Third (3rd) Principal Meridian, DeKalb County, Illinois, EXCEPTING THEREFROM the South feet thereof, AND ALSO EXCEPTING THEREFROM the Easterly 99 feet of the Northerly 99 feet of said East 31.8 acres used as a site for a school house; situated in the County of DeKalb, State of Illinois. 12

13 A series of amendments to the City Code and Unified Development Ordinance are recommended if the City Council approves Ordinances through These changes are as follows: Section B of the City Code will be amended to exempt properties within the R-4 zoning district from being required to connect to the City s sewer service. Section C of the City Code will be amended to exempt properties within the R-4 zoning district from being required to connect to the City s public water supply. Section F of the City Code will be amended to reflect the annexation fee of $2,500 per acre for properties zoned R-4 as they are not connected to the City s sewer service. Article D. R-4, Rural Residential District, Section 1, Lot Development Standards of the City s Unified Development Ordinance would reflect that guesthouses cannot be rented or serve as a permanent dwelling. The Plan Commission forwarded a favorable recommendation by a vote of D. Ordinance No An Ordinance Concerning a Plan Commission Recommendation of Annexation Agreements in Regard to the Zoning Classification and Annexation to the City of Sycamore, Illinois, of the Albert and Lois Hoffman Property (PINs , , , and ) as Part of the Property Comprising Approximately Acres of Land Generally Situated South of North Grove Road, West of Brickville Road, and North and West of Motel Road and Extending West of Brickville Road a Distance of Approximately 4, Feet at Maximum, in Mayfield and Sycamore Townships, DeKalb County, Illinois. First Reading. Ordinances through each involve annexation agreements and the zoning of properties within the Northwest Sub Area as R-4, Rural Residential. The Ordinances are presented in the appropriate order necessary to establish contiguity with City limits. ALBERT & LOIS HOFFMAN PROPERTY PINs: , , , and Owners: Trust No dated 02/16/1996 and Trust No dated 02/16/1996 Trustees/Beneficiaries: Lois M. Hoffman, The National Bank & Trust Company of Sycamore, as Trustee, Gary Hoffman, Richard Hoffman, Barry Hoffman, and Daniel Hoffman Legal Description: Part of the Northwest Fractional Quarter (NW frac ¼) of Section Nineteen (19), part of the Northeast Quarter (NE1/4) of Section Nineteen (19) and part of 13

14 Lot 24 in Section Nineteen (19), all in Township Forty-one (41) North, Range Five (5) East of the Third (3 rd ) Principal Meridian, DeKalb County, Illinois, described as follows: Beginning at the Southeast corner of the Northwest Fractional Quarter (NW frac ¼) of said Section Nineteen (19); thence West, along the South line thereof, chains; thence North parallel with the West line of said Section to the Northwest corner of Lot Twenty-four (24) in Assessor s Division of said Section Nine (9); thence Easterly, along the North line thereof, and along the Easterly extension of said North line to a point, feet West of the East line of the Northwest Quarter (NW1/4) of the Northeast Quarter (NE1/4) of said Section Nineteen (19); thence South parallel with said East line to a point feet South of the Northeast corner of the Northwest Quarter (NW1/4) of said Section Nineteen (19) as measured along said East line; thence Easterly, parallel with the North line of the Northwest Quarter (NW1/4) of said Northeast Quarter (NE1/4), feet to a point on said East line; thence Southerly, along said East line to the Northeast corner of the Southwest Quarter (SW1/4) of said Northeast Quarter (NE1/4); thence Westerly, along the North line of the Southwest Quarter (SW1/4) of said Northeast Quarter (NE1/4), feet; thence Southerly, parallel with said East line to a point feet North of the South line of the Southwest Quarter (SW1/4) of said Northeast Quarter (NE1/4); thence Easterly, parallel with said South line to a point feet West of said East line; thence Southerly, parallel with said East line, feet to a point on the South line of the Southwest Quarter (SW1/4) of said Northeast Quarter (NE1/4); thence Westerly along said South line, feet, more or less, to the Point of Beginning. Common Addresses: Brickville Road, Sycamore, Illinois 60178; 1563 Motel Road, Sycamore, Illinois A series of amendments to the City Code and Unified Development Ordinance are recommended if the City Council approves Ordinances through These changes are as follows: Section B of the City Code will be amended to exempt properties within the R-4 zoning district from being required to connect to the City s sewer service. Section C of the City Code will be amended to exempt properties within the R-4 zoning district from being required to connect to the City s public water supply. Section F of the City Code will be amended to reflect the annexation fee of $2,500 per acre for properties zoned R-4 as they are not connected to the City s sewer service. Article D. R-4, Rural Residential District, Section 1, Lot Development Standards of the City s Unified Development Ordinance would reflect that guesthouses cannot be rented or serve as a permanent dwelling. The Plan Commission forwarded a favorable recommendation by a vote of

15 E. Ordinance No An Ordinance Concerning a Plan Commission Recommendation of Annexation Agreements in Regard to the Zoning Classification and Annexation to the City of Sycamore, Illinois, of the Michael Schelkopf Property (PINs , , , and ) as Part of the Property Comprising Approximately Acres of Land Generally Situated South of North Grove Road, West of Brickville Road, and North and West of Motel Road and Extending West of Brickville Road a Distance of Approximately 4, Feet at Maximum, in Mayfield and Sycamore Townships, DeKalb County, Illinois. First Reading. Ordinances through each involve annexation agreements and the zoning of properties within the Northwest Sub Area as R-4, Rural Residential. The Ordinances are presented in the appropriate order necessary to establish contiguity with City limits. MICHAEL SCHELKOPF PROPERTY PINs: , , , and Owner: Michael Schelkopf Legal Description: That part of Section Twenty-four (24), Township Forty-one (41) North, Range Four (4) East of the Third (3rd) Principal Meridian and that part of Section Eighteen (18) and Nineteen (19), Township Forty-one (41) North, Range Five (5) East of the Third (3rd) Principal Meridian, described as follows: Beginning at the Northeast corner of Lot A per plat of said Section Twenty-four (24) recorded in Book B of Plats, page 52; thence Westerly along the Northerly line of said Lot A, feet to a point on a line that is 150 feet West of and parallel with the East line of said section Twenty-Four (24); thence Northerly at an angle of 97 degrees 50 minutes 42 seconds measured counterclockwise from said Northerly line, parallel with said East line, feet; thence Easterly at an angle of 89 degrees 19 minutes 09 seconds measured counterclockwise from the last described course, feet to the West line of said Section Nineteen (19); thence North along said West line, feet to the Southwest corner of said Section Eighteen (18); thence North at an angle of 179 degrees 42 minutes 21 seconds measured clockwise from said West line, along the West line of said Section Eighteen (18), a distance of feet to the centerline of North Grove Road; thence Easterly at an angle of 85 degrees 13 minutes 02 seconds measured counterclockwise from said West line, along said centerline, feet; thence Southerly at an angle of 96 degrees 44 minutes 41 seconds measured counterclockwise from said centerline, feet; thence continuing Southerly at an angle of 178 degrees 21 minutes 19 seconds measured counterclockwise from the last described course, feet to the South line of the Northwest Quarter (NW1/4) of said Section Nineteen (19); thence Westerly at an angle of 89 degrees 55 minutes 01 seconds measured counterclockwise from the last described course, along said South line, feet to said West line of Section Nineteen (19); thence North along said West line,

16 feet to the Point of Beginning, all in Mayfield Township and Sycamore Township, DeKalb County, Illinois. Common Addresses: W. Motel Road, Sycamore, Illinois 60178; 1793 Motel Road, Sycamore, Illinois A series of amendments to the City Code and Unified Development Ordinance are recommended if the City Council approves Ordinances through These changes are as follows: Section B of the City Code will be amended to exempt properties within the R-4 zoning district from being required to connect to the City s sewer service. Section C of the City Code will be amended to exempt properties within the R-4 zoning district from being required to connect to the City s public water supply. Section F of the City Code will be amended to reflect the annexation fee of $2,500 per acre for properties zoned R-4 as they are not connected to the City s sewer service. Article D. R-4, Rural Residential District, Section 1, Lot Development Standards of the City s Unified Development Ordinance would reflect that guesthouses cannot be rented or serve as a permanent dwelling. The Plan Commission forwarded a favorable recommendation by a vote of F. Ordinance No An Ordinance Concerning a Plan Commission Recommendation of Annexation Agreements in Regard to the Zoning Classification and Annexation to the City of Sycamore, Illinois, of the Steven Glasgow Property (PIN ) as Part of the Property Comprising Approximately Acres of Land Generally Situated South of North Grove Road, West of Brickville Road, and North and West of Motel Road and Extending West of Brickville Road a Distance of Approximately 4, Feet at Maximum, in Mayfield and Sycamore Townships, DeKalb County, Illinois. First Reading. Ordinances through each involve annexation agreements and the zoning of properties within the Northwest Sub Area as R-4, Rural Residential. The Ordinances are presented in the appropriate order necessary to establish contiguity with City limits. STEVEN GLASGOW PROPERTY PIN: Owners: Steven Glasgow 2014 Living Trust dated 01/31/2014 Trustees/Beneficiaries: Steven Glasgow 16

17 Legal Description: That part of the East Half (E1/2) of Section Twenty-four (24), Township Forty-one (41) North, Range Four (4) East of the Third (3rd) Principal Meridian, described as follows: Beginning at the Northeast corner of Lot A per the plat of said Section Twenty-four (24) recorded in Book B of Plats, page 52; thence Westerly along the Northerly line of said Lot A, feet to a point on a line that is feet West of and parallel with the East line of said Section; thence Northerly at an angle of 97 degrees 50 minutes 42 seconds measured counterclockwise from said Northerly line, parallel with said East line, feet; thence Westerly at an angle of 90 degrees 40 seconds 51 minutes measured clockwise from the last described course, feet; thence Southerly at an angle of 89 degrees 34 minutes 49 seconds measured clockwise from the last described course, feet to the Northerly line of Lot B per said plat; thence Easterly at an angle of 97 degrees 35 minutes 02 seconds measured clockwise from the last described course, along said Northerly line, feet to the Northwest corner of said Lot A ; thence Southerly at an angle of 97 degrees 35 minutes 02 seconds measured counterclockwise from said Northerly line, along the West line of said Lot A, feet to the Southwest corner thereof; thence Easterly at an angle of 94 degrees 09 minutes 23 seconds measured clockwise from said West line along the Southerly line of said Lot A, feet to the Southeast corner thereof; thence Northerly at an angle of 85 degrees 52 minutes 55 seconds measured clockwise from said Southerly line, along the East line of said Lot A, feet to the Point of Beginning, all in Mayfield Township, DeKalb County, Illinois. A series of amendments to the City Code and Unified Development Ordinance are recommended if the City Council approves Ordinances through These changes are as follows: Section B of the City Code will be amended to exempt properties within the R-4 zoning district from being required to connect to the City s sewer service. Section C of the City Code will be amended to exempt properties within the R-4 zoning district from being required to connect to the City s public water supply. Section F of the City Code will be amended to reflect the annexation fee of $2,500 per acre for properties zoned R-4 as they are not connected to the City s sewer service. Article D. R-4, Rural Residential District, Section 1, Lot Development Standards of the City s Unified Development Ordinance would reflect that guesthouses cannot be rented or serve as a permanent dwelling. Common Address: West Motel Road, Sycamore, Illinois The Plan Commission forwarded a favorable recommendation by a vote of G. Ordinance No An Ordinance Concerning a Plan Commission Recommendation of Annexation Agreements in Regard to the Zoning Classification and Annexation to the City of Sycamore, Illinois, of the Deborah Schelkopf Property 17

18 (PINs , , , and ) as Part of the Property Comprising Approximately Acres of Land Generally Situated South of North Grove Road, West of Brickville Road, and North and West of Motel Road and Extending West of Brickville Road a Distance of Approximately 4, Feet at Maximum, in Mayfield and Sycamore Townships, DeKalb County, Illinois. First Reading. Ordinances through each involve annexation agreements and the zoning of properties within the Northwest Sub Area as R-4, Rural Residential. The Ordinances are presented in the appropriate order necessary to establish contiguity with City limits. DEBORAH SCHELKOPF PROPERTY PINs: , , , and Owner: Deborah A. Schelkopf a/k/a Deborah Schelkopf Legal Description: That part of the Southeast Quarter (SE1/4) of Section Thirteen (13), Township Forty-one (41) North, Range Four (4) East of the Third (3rd) Principal Meridian, described as follows: Commencing at the Southeast corner of said section; thence Northerly along the East line of said Section, feet to the centerline of North Grove Road; thence Northwesterly along said centerline at an angle of 94 degrees 50 minutes measured clockwise from said East line, feet; thence continuing Northwesterly along said centerline at an angle of 180 degrees 51 minutes 20 seconds measured clockwise from the last described course, feet for a Point of Beginning; thence continuing Westerly along said centerline a Northwesterly extension of the last described course, feet; thence Southerly at an angle of 84 degrees 10 minutes 38 seconds measured clockwise from said centerline, feet; thence Easterly at right angles from the last described course, feet; thence Northerly at right angles to the last described course, feet to the Point of Beginning, containing 1.0 acres, in DeKalb County, Illinois. AND ALSO that part of the Southeast Quarter (SE1/4) of Section Thirteen (13), Township Forty-one (41) North, Range Four (4) East of the Third (3rd) Principal Meridian described as follows: Beginning at the Southeast corner of said section; thence Northerly along the East lien of said Section, feet to the centerline of North Grove Road; thence Northwesterly along said centerline at an angle of 94 degrees 50 minutes measured clockwise from said East line, feet; thence continuing Northwesterly along said centerline at an angle of 180 degrees 51 minutes 20 seconds measured clockwise from the last described course, feet; thence Southerly at an angle of 84 degrees 10 minutes 38 seconds measured clockwise from said centerline feet; thence Westerly at right angle to the last described course, feet; thence Southerly at right angle to the last described course, feet to the South line of said Southeast Quarter (SE1/4); thence Easterly along said line feet to the Point of Beginning, in DeKalb County, Illinois. 18

19 AND ALSO that part of the Northeast Quarter (NE1/4) of Section Twenty-four (24), Township Forty-one (41) North, Range Four (4) East of the Third (3rd) Principal Meridian described as follows: Commencing at the Southeast corner of said quarter; thence Northerly along the East line thereof, feet for a Point of Beginning; thence Westerly parallel with the South line of said Quarter, feet to the East line of the Southwest Quarter (SW1/4) of said Northeast Quarter (NE1/4); thence Northerly at an angle of 90 degrees 26 minutes 05 seconds measured counterclockwise from the last described course, along said East line, feet to the North line of said Southwest Quarter (SW1/4); thence Westerly along said South line at an angle of 90 degrees 40 minutes 30 seconds measured clockwise from said East line, feet to the West line of Assessor s Lot Seven (7) of said Northeast Quarter (NE1/4); thence Northerly along said West line at an angle of 90 degrees 44 minutes 15 seconds measured counterclockwise from the last described course, feet to the North line of the South Half (S1/2) of the Northwest Quarter (NW1/4) of said Northeast Quarter (NE1/4); thence Easterly along said South line, feet to the East line of said Northwest Quarter (NW1/4); thence Northerly along said East line, feet to the North line of said Northeast Quarter (NE1/4); thence Easterly along said North line, feet to the East line of said Section Twenty-four (24); thence Southerly along said East line, feet to the Point of Beginning, in DeKalb County, Illinois. Common Addresses: North Grove Road, Sycamore, Illinois 60178; Deerpath Road, Sycamore, Illinois A series of amendments to the City Code and Unified Development Ordinance are recommended if the City Council approves Ordinances through These changes are as follows: Section B of the City Code will be amended to exempt properties within the R-4 zoning district from being required to connect to the City s sewer service. Section C of the City Code will be amended to exempt properties within the R-4 zoning district from being required to connect to the City s public water supply. Section F of the City Code will be amended to reflect the annexation fee of $2,500 per acre for properties zoned R-4 as they are not connected to the City s sewer service. Article D. R-4, Rural Residential District, Section 1, Lot Development Standards of the City s Unified Development Ordinance would reflect that guesthouses cannot be rented or serve as a permanent dwelling. The Plan Commission forwarded a favorable recommendation by a vote of RESOLUTIONS None 13. CONSIDERATIONS 19

20 A. Consideration of the City of Sycamore s Financial Statements for Fiscal Year , Including the Independent Auditor s Report. This summer, an audit team led by Dan Rowe from Wipfli, LLP conducted fieldwork for the City s annual independent audit. The firm reviewed the City s financials and accounting controls and no findings were reported. Noteworthy features of the audited financial statements and the independent auditors report include: As of April 30, 2015 the General Fund cash reserve increased to $5,415,063 on a modified accrual basis. The fund balance represents 37% of the general operating expenditures in FY2016. This ratio is consistent with the City s policy of maintaining 3-4 months of reserves and is especially important given the decreasing reliance on property taxes. The City continues to exercise fiscal discipline while moving the general fund toward financial independence and away from reliance on capital transfers. The FY15 budget projected operating expenditures would exceed revenues by $385,000 requiring offsetting capital transfers. For the first time in seven years actual operating revenues exceeded expenditures by $348,775, demonstrating that the City s multi-year plan to eliminate a reliance on capital transfers continues to progress. Prior to the economic downturn the City experienced budget surpluses for ten consecutive years. Total General Fund revenues (inclusive of capital transfers) exceeded budget expectations by $534,299. The increase is largely attributed to spikes in the 1% sales tax, income tax and restaurant and bar tax. General Fund expenditures were $198,580 under budget due primarily to decreases in health insurance and worker s compensation premium costs. Water fund revenues saw an increase of approximately 2.2% (before transfers) in FY2015 while the sewer fund saw a decrease of 1.36% before transfers. Water Fund and Sewer Fund user fee revenues came in at $1.88 million and $2.26 million respectively. The increase in water user fee revenue can be attributed to a phased water rate increase in FY15, as well as increased use and new development. The City s Fire and Police Pension Funds experienced a net increase of $1.6 million combined. The two funds earned $1.57 million in investment income resulting in a return of approximately 6.8% for the year. Investment income, employee contributions and a required City contribution fund the plan. Significant investment returns help reduce the amount the City is required to contribute each year. The report is presented as a draft awaiting additional pension information required under a new standard by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board. This information was historically prepared by the pension fund actuary in mid-november and used in 20

21 calculating the City s required contribution. Once finalized the report will be submitted to the State of Illinois. Mr. Rowe will be on hand to answer any Council questions. B. Review of the City s Home Rule Sales Tax Implemented in July During the budget process in January 2010, the City Council approved an increase of.50% to the home rule sales tax rate to help reduce the large revenue shortfall caused by the slowdown in the economy and housing market. At the time, the impact of the economic downturn was not fully known and the Council wanted assurance that the sales tax would be reviewed and potentially altered if the economy bounced back in a significant fashion. The Council reviewed the rate in September of 2012 and passed Resolution 567 that directed another review in Since 2010, the economy and City revenues have trended upward from recessionary lows and in some cases are at pre-recession levels. While revenues catch-up to where they once were, expenditures have slowly increased over the past five years. The City Council has held the line on the property tax levies the past six years and budgets that are balanced using capital fund transfers continue to be the norm. In FY16, this is again the case with $200,000 in transfers bringing the general operating budget into balance. This is a marked improvement over FY12 transfers of $728,000 which was anticipated as part of a five to seven year plan to neutralize the General Fund s reliance on capital transfers. The City Manager anticipates it will take another two to three years to move the City s General Fund away from needing these transfers. This plan can be achieved through natural revenue growth, continued fiscal restraint and attraction and retention of businesses that impact our local economy. The home rule sales tax increase that went into effect on July 1, 2010, is critical in continuing toward a balanced budget independent of additional capital transfers. The.50% tax accounted for $973,000 of revenue last fiscal year. The City Council is aware that each fiscal year the budget process begins late in the fall with discussion of the property tax levy and each line item is reviewed. Once the preliminary numbers are put together, a review of the major funds (General, Proprietary and Capital) are presented to the Council for consideration before being implemented into the preliminary budget document. Sycamore s budget process is one where each revenue and expenditure line item is reviewed for necessity. The City of Sycamore has cut costs where possible without jeopardizing service levels. This has been accomplished without increasing the property tax levy for existing homeowners and businesses. Any change in key revenue sources, whether local or as a result of changes in State shared income, would certainly have dramatic negative impacts on service levels. 21