Chambana Sun

Village of Mahomet Board of Trustees met March 20.

Here is the minutes provided by the Board:

Members Present: Bruce Colravy, Dave Johnson, Don Lynn, and Bill Oliger

Members Absent: Brian Metzger, Andy Harpst

Others Present: Village President Sean Widener, Village Administrator Patrick Brown, Village Treasurer Jeanne Schacht, Village Clerk Cheryl Sproul, Chief of Police Mike Metzler, Village Planner Abby Heckman, Community Development Director Kelly Pfeifer, Emily Jankauski editor of the Mahomet Citizen, residents of Country Ridge, Kyle Wetters, Chad Seben, Justin Smith, Todd Sheets, Doug Tepovich, Rob Lewis, Michael Livermore, Steve Pietrowicz, representatives for Rave Development; Emily Jenkins, Elizabeth Megli, Marti Rave, Tanner Rave, Kyle Rave, and Neil Finlen.

Call To Order/Pledge Of Allegiance/Roll Call:

After the Pledge of Allegiance, Clerk Sproul called the Roll and a quorum was present.

Public Participation:

None.

Ordinances, Resolutions And Other Actions:

Transportation:

An Ordinance Designating A Stop Intersection At Certain Locations (Patton Drive / Churchill Road):

Heckman stated there is a stop sign at this location due to safety purposes but the ordinance had not been submitted for approval.

Johnson moved, Lynn seconded, “To Place An Ordinance Designating A Stop Intersection At Certain Locations (Patton Drive / Churchill Road) On The Consent Agenda For The March 27, 2018 Board Meeting.” Roll Call: All Yes. Motion carried.

Engineering:

An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 06-02-03 An Ordinance Prohibiting The Use Of Groundwater As A Potable Water Supply By The Installation Or Use Of Potable Water Supply Wells Or By Any Other Method Within A Portion Of The Village Of Mahomet (Hen House Property):

Hedrick stated in 2003 the original ordinance passed. She added passing the Ordinance was required by IEPA, because the Village already has an ordinance regulating the use of wells within the Village limits. This amendment was revised to include the Illico property since it had a gas leak and must be approved as well.

Lynn stated there are residential wells in the Village. Hedrick clarified that no new wells are permitted in the Village and any residence hooking up to Village water that had a well must abandon it and it must be capped.

Colravy moved, Oliger seconded, “To Place An Ordinance Amending Ordinance 06-02-03 An Ordinance Prohibiting The Use Of Groundwater As A Potable Water Supply By The Installation Or Use Of Potable Water Supply Wells Or By Any Other Method Within A Portion Of The Village Of Mahomet (Hen House Property) On The Consent Agenda For The March 27, 2018 Board Of Trustees Meeting.” Roll Call: All Yes. Motion carried.

Finance:

Treasurer’s Report:

Schacht reviewed her prepared report. She highlighted revenues received from the various fees such as franchise fee, video gambling fees, as well as the taxes received.

There being no questions, Lynn moved, Johnson seconded, “To Place The Treasurer’s Report On The Consent Agenda For The March 27, 2018 Board Of Trustees Meeting.” Roll Call: All Yes. Motion carried.

Bill List:

Schacht reviewed the additional bills that would be considered at the Board meeting for final approval.

There being no questions, Johnson moved, Colravy seconded, “To Place The Bill List On The Consent Agenda For The March 27, 2018 Board Of Trustees Meeting.” Roll Call: All Yes. Motion carried.

An Ordinance Concerning Water Rates:

Schacht stated this was discussed last month and if there was no objection from the Trustees to the $.03 per 100 gallon increase to water, the prepared Ordinance had been included in the packet and could be considered to be placed on the Consent Agenda. Oliger moved, Lynn seconded, “To Place An Ordinance Concerning Water Rates On The Consent Agenda For The March 27, 2018 Board Of Trustees Meeting.” Roll Call: All Yes. Motion carried.

Community Development/Planning:

A Resolution Concerning Establishment Of A Large Scale Residential Development On 54.0± Acres Of Land Located Immediately South Of Country Ridge Subdivision, North Of Copperhill Drive, And East Of Il Route 47:

Heckman stated developer has asked for a large scale development. Staff recommended this due to the fact the Village can enter into a development agreement. Heckman stated the Plan and Zoning held a public hearing at its March 6th meeting and approved the Area General Plan for the site. Heckman stated the Area General Plan and the development recommendation passed by a 3-2 vote. Heckman continued saying the Large Scale Development is an allowed us in both the R-1B and R-2 zoning districts.

Heckman noted 230 dwelling units would be allowed in this location, but the developer was proposing only 209 residential units. Heckman reviewed how the traffic would be handled in the area.

Heckman stated staff had included excerpts of the unapproved minutes from the March 6th meeting were provided to the Board along with a document that included questions and answers that had been presented by the public and staff.

Widener asked Heckman to summarize the questions with the answers that were presented at the PZC meeting.

Widener then outlined the order the meeting would progress to allow for input from staff, the developer and the public.

A representative of the developer stated a concept had been provided to the Plan and Zoning Commission in December 2017 and they had refined their plan based on concerns voiced at that time by the Commission. It was noted that this development was similar to a Planned Unit Development with attached and detached single family homes.

It was noted that after the March 6th meeting, additional discussions had been held with concerned residents. It was added that some of the residents’ concerns were not in their control and they had further discussed these concerns with Village staff as to how to address them.

In addition, the developer was not seeking waivers or deferrals and were only planning on 209 housing units. It was stated that it had been suggested that no more would fit, but that was not the case. The developer wanted to allow for open space in order to allow the Homeowner’s Association to include amenities that would be beneficial to the residents.

Also mentioned was the fact that a development agreement was required and would require agreed upon terms for both the developer and the Village that would give both parties certainty and development controls to the Village that they would not have without a development agreement, which would not have been required if the property had been developed another way.

A lake and an area for a park area were also discussed for the new development. It was mentioned the developer did not want to bind the HOA to amenities, but allow for the potential for these amenities if desired. It was mentioned that this process is similar to what the Country Ridge Developers did by leaving these additions in the hands of the HOA.

It was mentioned that the developer was working closely with Village Staff in order to provide traditional covenants and insure the Village was protected. The developer did not anticipate rental units, but more young families and older residents.

The developer had other representatives address other issues. It was noted that this would be a phased project and would take multiple years to build out. This type of development would allow people to transition when life style warrants a change.

A power point presentation was made that reflected drawings, and it was discussed that some items included in the development would be zero lot line single family attached dwellings, a boulevard, mailbox clusters, a round about, approximate 7 acres lake with available park area, and others.

The developer provided a storm water expert to address storm water, erosion and sedimentation control during construction. She stated the current storm water pond can hold a 25 year storm event. She noted it currently holds the run off for the surrounding farm land. She stated the proposed basin would be a bit larger and designed to hold a 50 year storm event. She noted it would eventually handle the current subdivision, the surrounding farm land and the development and could also provide protection during a 100 year event or 7” of rain a day. She stated it would hold the water and then release it to the drain along Route 47. She stated discharge would be released the same as it does currently as per ordinance.

She also added that the basin would be the first thing constructed and act as a sediment basin that would hold all the water and the sediment created. She anticipated silt fences would be installed around the perimeter of the construction as well. She noted the EPA had requirements to protect the neighboring development and they are aware of these and would be taking steps to comply. She added that sedimentation would decrease as the development occurs due to more solid surfaces. She stated the size of the basin would allow the water to sit longer, which allows the sediment to settle more before the water was released downstream.

She stated the area around the pond would have enough space available for a playground to be built, if desired by the HOA. She estimated the size of for a playground comparable to Nick’s Park in Monticello.

The engineer for the project stated that the Village Engineer asked them to consider superseding the ordinance which they did by providing a basin that could help of a 100 year storm event, which does exceed the ordinance.

The developer also provided a traffic engineer who was also an expert in his field.

The power point presentation also included some photos of single family detached residences that would be of the similar design. It was noted the price point would be $250,000-$300,000, some ranch style, story and a half, full basements, 2-3 stall garages. It was mentioned the fronts would be brick and stone. The units would not all look the same and anticipated some custom homes that might be wanted as well.

It was anticipated these dwellings would be first time homeowners and empty nesters.

Photos were shown of the single family attached units proposed. It was anticipated these would be ranch style, brick and stone fronts, 1600 sq. feet, 2 car garages. They would be low maintenance life style separate HOA that will cover snow removal, mowing, etc.

The developer, Marty Rave stated he had been in business since 1982 and wanted to touch on some of the comments and concerns. He stated he was unable to attend the Plan and Zoning meeting. He addressed the different areas of concern. He stated he understood the County Ridge residents’ concerns.

Village Engineer, Ellen Hedrick stated the Village had paid to oversize Country Ridge Drive due to the road eventually connecting with Prairieview Road. She anticipated the traffic impact not changing from what had been planned when Country Ridge Subdivision had been developed when this undeveloped area was included in the planning stage.

The traffic expert stated when he had been approached to look at the Intersection Design Study that had been done years ago, he took the added traffic from the proposed Sangamon Fields and added it to the data in the IDS, funneled it to Route 47 and it worked out great, showing no traffic signal needed and at the average delay worked out to 19 seconds. He stated he looked ahead to 2040 and did not see any traffic issues at that intersection.

Hedrick stated another traffic concern from the residents had been there was no access to Route 47 from Sangamon Fields. She stated when Country Ridge was being planned the 56 acres of Sangamon Fields was not expected to have Route 47 access. She explained that no development can be down that does not allow access to surrounding undeveloped land. She noted the land to the south of Sangamon Fields to Copper Hill would have to have 2 points of access in order to develop. IDOT would allow for a Route 47 access to this undeveloped land but stated the distance between Route 47 accesses would be too close and IDOT would not issue a permit for one in Sangamon Fields.

Hedrick stated she had talked to someone in Permits at IDOT and they would allow for a temporary construction entrance for Sangamon Fields to alleviate the construction traffic on County Ridge Drive.

Hedrick added there had been some concern with the speed limit on Route 47 at the intersection. Brown stated a request had been sent to IDOT to reduce the speed limit prior to the current intersection but anticipated the request to be denied. He stated the Village had similar experiences with Thornwood Subdivision on north 47 and eventually did received a reduction in the speed in that area. Brown stated staff would keep trying.

Widener stated this item would be on the regular agenda for further discussion, due to the absence of two Trustees. He opened the floor for Trustees to ask technical questions and then opened the floor to public comment.

Oliger and Johnson requested a copy of the time frame that was shown in the presentation.

Oliger asked the developer if the market softens would he stop development and Mr. Rave stated he would. Rave stated there was always a possibility for a downturn but he looked at it differently, but the pond would be built first and if a down turn happened development would slow or stop.

Widener stated the village had platted quite a few lots and the majority had been built on.

Widener thanked the developers for listening and responding to the majority of concerns. Widener stated he had also talked to the HOA. He stated the issues have been identified and now to answer them. He stated the Large Scale Residential Development is something different for the Village. He believed they did a great job providing information and being open to suggestions.

Widener opened to public for comments.

Mike Livermore 401 E. Orchard stated he was Board member for the Lake Owner’s Association and was concerned with the discharge from the proposed lake and asked if the current pipe was going to connect the two ponds. He stated there are only 40 homeowners who financially support the current lake and asked how they could alleviate the 40 homeowners from financially supporting both lakes once they are connected.

Widener stated the Village was not in the business of neighborhood detention basins. He stated they are the burden on the HOAs. He added additional runoff was protected by State and EPA law. The developer’s engineer stated stated the current residents are better off with this development than they are now having to deal with the run off and sediment from an ag operation. He stated the new development bring in EPA regulations for a construction site and there would be a lot of eyes on this development making sure they abide by the rules. It was reiterated that the current lake was only designed for a 25 year storm event and they would benefit from the development of Sangamon Fields due to the new lake slowing down the run off and filtering the sediment before it gets to the current lake.

Mr. Livermore asked what precautions would be taken during the initial construction. He was reassured there were many layer of protection that are required that would protect them as the lake was being developed.

Kyle Winter 707 E. Country Ridge Drive, asked how often the Village plans are updated and studied. He stated since the widening of Country Ridge Drive and the build out of Country Ridge Subdivision, more children were present. He stated people have started putting signs in their yards asking people to slow down. He asked if the increased population was taken into consideration for these decisions and suggested another entrance to Route 47 should be revisited. He stated he wanted to be sure all safety concerns were considered. He added development to the south was not a surprise. He also stated he believed there would be more families with small children attracted to the area and not people downsizing, which would greatly increase the traffic.

Widener stated this Board has taken safety concerns seriously. He stated usually it is the residents of the neighborhood who are the worst offenders to speeding in the area.

Hedrick stated there had been another 4 way stop added. Brown added there had been discussions with additional enforcement in all of the subdivisions and they could possibly see that in the future.

Mr. Winter asked why not solve the problem now instead of 15 years. Hedrick stated IDOT will only allow 1 entrance other than the current one and Copper Hill. Pfeifer reviewed why this development would not be allowed a Route 47 entrance by IDOT.

Steve Pietrowicz, 605 Dove Drive stated he expected more traffic on Deer Run Drive. Pfeifer stated Deer Run had been sized that way in anticipation of additional traffic when the area developed. Pietrowicz stated there are cars parks on that road as well. Widener stated staff would look into parking regulations.

Rob Lewis, 201 E. Country Ridge stated he had nothing against the developer, in fact he believed Rave was best suited to develop the area. He stated he did not want to see a short term solution for a long term problem. Lewis stated there are 200 homes north of this that use that road, he stated one entrance for 20-25 years was a short term solution for a long term problem.

Widener stated the Village did have a long range transportation plan that had not been adopted yet, but the Village had been looking into this issue. He stated the Board had recently approved a resolution to facilitate another railroad crossing as part of the plan.

Hedrick stated traffic had been taken in consideration when Country Ridge was being planned. She stated all this area was included in the study. Mr. Lewis stated he did not know of any other subdivision in the area that has only one road for 400 homes.

Hedrick stated Thornewood had 3 entrances and they cause problems as well.

Mr. Lewis asked how the entrance to Sangamon Fields would be identified to reduce someone travelling through Country Ridge looking for it. Mr. Rave stated there was money in the budget for signage. Mr. Lewis asked where the signage would be located. The Engineer stated the signs would probably be located in the boulevard.

Widener stated Country Ridge was originally accessible only from South Mahomet Road.

Pfeifer stated Oak Creek and Conway operate the same way, to get to Conway people have to go through Oak Creek.

Chance Seben, 1813 Bluebird, asked to be shown the outline of the 7 acre pond. The Engineer stated the lake would be 50 feet from the back yards and there would be a turf path around the lake.

Mr. Sebens stated he had heard rumors of a paved walkway that would go around the lake. Mr. Rave stated his vision was 6 1⁄2 acre lake that would start out shallow and then be deep enough for fish. He added he envisioned kayaks, but that would be up to the HOA who would dictate the amenities that they would add. Mr. Sebens asked if there would be any financial jump start for the HOA to add these amenities. It was stated the land would be created by the developer for these amenities but there would be no financial incentives for them. It was also discussed that these amenities also become a liability for the HOA, that is why it would be up to the HOA what they develop. Mr. Sebens mentioned the park/playground area being close to the lake and suggested they consider dedicating 4 lots for green space and relocate the park.

It was stated that the developer respects the Country Ridge HOA and the time and resources it took to build their park, but changing the layout was not probably and was not anticipated at this time.

Stan Bergman, 605 Country Ridge asked if there would be an easement between the Country Ridge and Sangamon Fields where they meet. He stated he had lived in an area previously where there was an easement used as a walking path and homeowner’s were able to install fences if they wished. Pfeifer stated no easement had been platted as an access pathway in Country Ridge, and no side yard easements had been platted either.

Widener stated this item will be heard again at the Board meeting, March 27th. He stated the Developer’s Engineer and Attorney would be in attendance. He stated anyone with other questions could contact himself, Village Staff and/or the Trustees. Mr. Rave also gave the phone number for his attorney as 309/828-5281.

Widener allowed a short recess to allow people to leave is they desired.

A Resolution Concerning A Preliminary Plat For 9.6± Acres Of Land Located West Of The Lake Of The Woods Apartments Complex And South Of Prairie Crossing 1st Subdivision:

Heckman stated the Plan and Zoning Commission voted favorably to recommend approval of the Preliminary Plat for the property located behind Lake of the Woods Apartments. She stated it would connect to Red Bud Drive but there would be no access to the Apartments. She stated they were requesting 1 waiver for the block length to exceed 1000 ft. to allow people room to back out of their driveways.

Pfeifer stated the current HOA of Prairie Crossing were not required to accept it into their HOA, but they want to include them in their HOA.

Widener stated he would entertain a motion to place on the Consent Agenda and if either Harpst or Metzger wanted to discuss it, one of them could request it be pulled from Consent and placed on the Regular Agenda to discuss it.

Lynn moved, Johnson seconded, “To Place A Resolution Concerning A Preliminary Plat For 9.6± Acres Of Land Located West Of The Lake Of The Woods Apartments Complex And South Of Prairie Crossing 1st Subdivision On The Consent Agenda For The March 27, 2018 Board Meeting.” Roll Call: All Yes. Motion carried.

Administrator’s Report

Departmental Reports

Water/Wastewater

Transportation

Engineering

Parks And Recreation

Police/Esda

Community Development/Planning:

Brown stated the preliminary budget will be discussed at the board meeting and that he was taking some days off.

Mayor’s Report:

March Meeting Calendar:

Widener stated he appreciated the Trustees patience and allowing the discussion on the Large Scale Development.

Johnson stated he appreciated having the supporting documents and especially the PZC minutes.

Widener stated any Trustees that had questions about the PZC members’ actions feel free to reach out to them and discuss it with them.

Widener stated the March Board of Trustees meeting would be held March 27, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.

New Business:

Adjournment:

Oliger moved, Johnson seconded, “To Adjourn At 8: 05 p.m.” Roll Call: All Yes. Motion carried.

http://www.mahomet-il.gov/vertical/Sites/%7B8D137460-5EE3-4B54-9DF0-146867CF080D%7D/uploads/003-SS_03202018_minutes_Study_Session.pdf