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«l Without Tax Money n Community Center In Plans Of City Council Preliminary ideas for a DrtiDosed community center were furnishing the building. And it can be built without tax monev. he Stanek acknowledged that facilities were needed at the south of When the committee Dointed out that the nroDosed buil Preliminary ideas for a proposed community center were discussed at length at the regular City Council meeting Monday night. Mayor Stanek and the community center committee suggested that a center could be built at Petersen Park for between $30,000 to $400,000 "without tax money". Alderman Elizabeth Nolan explained briefly what was under way, a proposed building containing an 80 by 135 foot hall big enough for a basketball court and other sports and several multipurpose meetins roomsv and asked Xquncil okav to hire Architect William Ewald to work from the oSsic plans which she displayed. Stanek said he wanted to review the committee's concepts and said it was hoped they could use the RDG donation of $100,000 to add to $81,000 already in the park fund and some $80,000 to $100,000 from their next revenue sharing money plus other developer fees. He said this would pay for the construction and leave mdney for furnishing the building. And it can be built without tax money, he claimed. Ms. Nolan said the committee's aim was for a facility that could serve as many people as possible. The large activity area would permit volleyball, basketball, tennis, trade shows, weight rooms and other activities. Alderman William Bolger suggested that they set aside a night for discussion of what to include so they can avoid duplicating what is already available in the schools. He said they should consider a health club or maybe a swimming pool. Other aldermen asked if they were thinking big enough, and noted they should avoid building a white elephant. Alderman Raymond Smith asked about the cost which Stanek asserted would run somewhat over $300,000. Smith wondered if they were ignoring the needs of the rest of the city and putting all their eggs in one basket. Stanek acknowledged that facilities were needed at the south of McHenry and that 30 or 40 acres of the Knox property might be available soon. He assured the Council that the developers' donation ordinance would "balloon up the park fund". In later discussion Mayor Stanek indicated that $100,000 had been appropriated for land acquisition, of which $50,000 is presently available He said $105,000 could be spent from the park fund and with developers' contributions they could consider acquiring 61 acres available from various owners along Green street, Bull Valley road and Route 31 He said the city already owned 4 acres where the garage is located on Green street Alderman Jerome Rogers said they would need a lot more things in it before it could go out for plans. When Ms. Nolan challenged as to what these things were, Rogers noted the need for locker and changing rooms for baseball and other outdoor sports. When the committee pointed out that the proposed building was considered the most economical type of structure available, some alderman said it should be built to last the city a long time It was revealed that Ewald had agreed to draw up the plans for $4,000 because he was a local man working with the committee. After listening to the discussion. Ewald made a reservation about his cost, "Only if it goes from here", he warned He would have to reevaluate his offer if there should be a lot more input Stanek then asked the Council if all the members believed that the project was attainable, and there was no dissent Bolger added. "If we go in. o this, let s go for something nice ." The Council couldn't agree on a date to meet for the community center discussion, so action was deferred until the next Council meeting, when they could devote some time to the subject. VOLUME 103 NUMBER 38 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1978 2 SECTIONS 28 PAGES 20" THE MCHENRY PLAINDEALER "SERVING THE CHAIN-O-LAKES REGION SINCE 1875 ' cur Outline Possible wuhin New Development Subdivision Fox Itidge. just south of West campus high school. is growing. \nd some of that growth is in miniature, such as this cit> and train layout owned by Joseph Ktten. The extensive layout is located in a glass enclosed porch at the rear of his residence at V Kensington. Neighborhood c h i I d r en frequently t all to \ iew the trains in action. \nd when Ftten spots them outside at night he starts the trains and some of them watch for hours. His service to the children of the area will continue through the holidav season. STAFF PHOTO- WAYNE GAYLORD Plan Commission Vote Recommend RDG An anxious mother called recently with information she thought should be passed on to other parents Following a party in her home, hosted by her son, one of the boys, 16 years old. drove a girl to her residence, only to be stopped by a policeman and informed that it was after midnight, which was beyond curfew Hq was given a war ning The young man was told that driving beyond curfew hour meant his license could he suspended because it was in valid Of even more concern to the mother was the fact that the insurance would not cover an accident that might occur Checking with city police, we learned that the curfew for the state is midnight. In McHenry it is 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and midnight on Friday and Saturday nights It applies to anyone under the age of 17. Under age drivers stopped by a policeman after curfew could be arrested for a curfew violation and driving with an invalid driver license The police authority also said. "If someone driving on an invalid driver's license is in volved in an accident, his in surance company probably won't pay because most policies cover licensed drivers only " These are interesting and valuable statistics we are happy to pass along The caller was particularly concerned with the fact that probably other parents are not aware the insurance doesnt cover an accident on an invalid license The point is a good one and may prompt more moms and dads to accept greater responsibility for the whereabouts of - their ones after curfew young Too bad just the though of an accident and its physical ef fects on the young drivers -- and the people they meet couldn't produce the same responsibility. K A F Induct Six From Area In Honor Society On Friday, Dec 1 Marian Central Catholic high school hosted the annual induction ceremony for all new members of the Marian chapter of the National Honor society This year the school honored a total of twenty-two students in all from the senior, junior and sophomore classes Seniors include Heather Newkirk. Jill Schaefer and Beth Thelen. all of McHenry Sophomores inducted were Kathie Dieterle. Darlene Grenier and Ben Johnston. McHenry Students are selected as candidates for this high honor (Continued on page 19) After several months of debate the Planning com­ mission has recommended that the city of McHenry allow Residential Development Group (RDG i to proceed with negotiations with the Council and the Zoning Board of Ap­ peals for a planned unit development (PUD) involving {HI acres of the Backhaus farm southwest of Fox Ridge The action was unanimously ap proved by the seven planners present at meeting for deliberations Dec 5. after they included a fourth recom mended stipulation to be in­ cluded in the preannexation agreement This stipulation, suggested by Chairman Jack Pepping, recommends that the Council work out plans with the developer to restrict the number of units built in a period of time and to put safeguards on growth Only Jerry Bunting voted "no" on the motion The other three recom­ mendations for stipulations made earlier by the planners were: providing that RDG donate both land for site and money for schools, restricting the area fronting on Curran road to single family residences only; and that provision be made to relocate the proposed school site from the edge of Boone creek flood plain or provide safeguards for children Although this meeting was set as a review meeting which precludes audience par ticipation. general discussion ensued when the question of phased or controlled development arose Jim Berg, representing RDG. pointed nut that restriction of volumes of sales was peculiar to the building industry and did not^ apply to lawyers (directed at Attorney Jeff Ladd representing objectors) and car dealers (referring to I he traffic problem). Pepping initiated the con trolled rate of development discussion by asking Don Gerstad, RDG representative, over how long a period of time his firm planned to erect the 1,278 living units planned for the proposed Winding Creek unit Gerstad replied Jhat ex perience and the capacity of his company indicated it would take about twelve years or an avrage of about 100 units per year if sales go at an even pac t- Pepping observed that other cities have paced development of subdivisions and he thought the Plan commission could consider this It could be worded to set a limit tor each year or a series of years that would not be exceeded He also asked Gerstad how the developer fees would be paid Gerstad said that presently they are paying them with each permit taken out. but that the method is now under discussion He also pointed out that the constitutionality of building restrictions had not been resolved Gerstad noted that phasing doesn't work with \ multi-family projects w hich I"must go all at once when the economics is feasible" Ger stad advised that he understood the sewer plant expansion was* going to begin, and it would require eighteen months to complete. The capital development fees asked from RDG. he said, were set over and above the estimated current replacement cost of the facility and so will enable the village to continue the ex pansion of its facilities in the future in spite of inflation Planner George Cole asked if the builder would want a schedule < for development i or would he set his own for the Plan commission (Continued on page 19) The McHenry County Sheriff's department reported some instances of vandalism and theft in the McHenry area In a burglary reported Dec 2 at the Sunnyside Standard station. 4207 Wilmot road, the loss was discovered to be $200 Open Weather Line The Illinois State police will ovide weather and road adition reports on special phones lines between now and April 15 of next year The service, operated each year, offers motorists regularly updated information about highway conditions throughout Illinois with special attention given to local winter driving problems Captain James Murphy. Elgin District commander, advises the public in this area to call 312 742-7642 in Elgin for the report "We encourage motorists to use the weather phone line, especially during severe weather conditions." Murphy said in cash, an ignition tester, several automobile titles, a camera and some tools. The sheriff said the identities of the offenders were learned and two men were arrested Reported as arrested in connection with the in­ vestigation were Paul Schroeder. 20. and William Schneider. 21, who both &iveJan address of 127 Route 12. Fox Lake Both were charged with burglary, theft over $150 and theft from a coin operated machine A court hearing was scheduled for Dec 5. Entry was apparently gained by removing a pane of glass, and the station was searched and a vending machine pried open, deputies noted A break in was discovered at Creative Kitchens and Baths, to 12 W Route 120. occurring Dec. 3 or 4 Entryjya<made bv prying open the front door The owner listed the losses as a microwave oven, ten personal shower assemblies and a number of towels Deputies said that an effort to pry open the safe was unsuccessful On Dec. 3 deputies in vestigated a complaint by a McHenry resident that his car parked at 3312 S Chapel Hill road since the previous night had been damaged by breaking the windshield, the rear win dow and several side windows The tail lights had also been smashed On Nov. 30, the sheriff received a complaint that a resident of S River road had parked his unlocked vehicle at 1308 S. Lily Lake road and somebody entered it The loss B r i t a n n v B u i l d e r s , represented by owners David l^add and Robert Robinson, and Attorney James Bishop outlined for the city Council Mory^iy night a possible new development of a tout 40 acres adjacent to and south of Country Club Estates If the Council is interested. Bishop said, he would meet with At­ torney Barnard Narusis and work out an agreement for annexation Ladd explained that R 3 zoning would be requested and the density would be about 3 residences per acre w ith a grid plan for streets The nearest sewer connection is at Clover and his firm would install the lift station required to make this connection, he said If any nearby property owners, such as in Country Club Estates, wore interested in using the facility, it could be arranged Bishop said the agreement sftmild provide for a recapture of c^sts if other owners tied in Other information indicated that there appeared to be no soil problems and that the proposed development would not change the residential character of the neighborhood Aldermen George Harker and Ray Smith moved to permit the firm to proceed on annexation plans Fred Meyer, superintendent of Public Works, explained how a project to connect the sewers serving the Market place and the area behind it to the Ramble road interceptor would provide relief for the presently overworked Millstream lift station Engineering per formed by Baxter and Wood­ man had revealed the possibility of installing the relief line without disturbing the plethora of other utilities in the street right-of-way And the resulting flow would all be by gravity. Stanek pointed out that this would permit servicing about two thirds of McHenry Lakes subdivision through Millstream and permitting more building on Industrial drive The cost of the improvement as proposed by Lakeland Construction was $33,974 The board approved the informal bid as a deadline of April 1 had been set for a possible price increase Mayor Stanek announced good news about the proposed enlargement of the sewerage disposal plant Supt/ Meyer explained that reviewing the engineering and planning at the present plant site indicated there was room for a clarifier on the south side so the existing building would not have to be torn down or moved It could simply be enlarged He said there was also room for a final clarifier and the result would be an increase of 4.000 in population equivalents <PE> Meyer cautioned that Hal Sundin of the engineering firm had noted that the EPA frequently changes its mind, and the city could lose its land disposal permit Presently the sludge, stabilized with lime, is spread over certain farmlands If this solution is terminated, then the city could need an aerobic digestor which might cause some increases in cost, or maybe not. Stanek indicated He termed the $1,190,000 price for enlarging the city's sewage treating facilities as a fair firm price due to not having to relocate the disposal building In other business the aldermen approved a hid bv Craftsman Painting and Ser­ v i c e o f $ 3 0 , 5 0 0 . c o n s i s t i n g \ > i $28,000 for painting the water tower inside and out and $2.r>(>(> for installing a safety rail l>eside the ladder Meyer in answer to Council inquiry about risk to city personnel causing need for the ra i l , noted tha t only one contractor, who is insured, ever climbs the tower other than the "nuts in town No city employee need ever g'> up. he said Meyer was also concerned about get t ing requi red water samples to Spr ingf ie ld fo r test ing The postof f ice due to delays, he said, was not getting (Continued on page 19) County Levy At $4,310,150 At a special meeting of the McHenry County board the members approved a levv on all taxable property amounting to $4,310,150 This amounted to less than a third of the almost $14 million approved earlier in November One large part of the levy will be for General Fund purposes, in the amount of $552,000 Other levy figures are as follows Building commission and Rent fund, $295,000; County Audit fund. $15,849. Bogardus 'veterans' assistance>. $12,800; Election fund, $129,226, Emergency Service & Disaster agency, $27,888. Assessment fund, $164,148, Mapping fund. $86,688, Property Record System fund, $97,444 Tort Judgment and Liability fund. $317.3(H); costs ot extending and collecting taxes, $134,000. Highway fund $559,000. County Bridge fund. $401,500. Illinois Municrpal Retirement fund $658,000. Mental Health fund $746,827. Tuberculosis Ad ministration fund. $112,480. The remainder of the budget requirements'w ill be made up Through state and federal funding W i n C O f C S e r v i c e A w a r d Burglaries Include Two Businesses xwas reported astw^ speakers, a^ tape 4j|a>*r and a box con taining twenty four tapes On the same date deputies also investigated a report that a house under construction at 803 East Blvd was entered and someone had stolen a sump pump and four heat registers Another burglary discovered Dec 4 was believed to have taken place between Nov 28 and 30 A window was forced open on a garage at 5205 W Orchard drive The intruder removed electric sanders. an electric drill, a radio scanner and four carburetors In a later report, another resident from this address complained of losing his CB radio from his car parked at 5200 W Flanders road between 9 and 10 a m of the same day Bemice and Ken Sheridan, at right, are the proud recipients of special award for outstanding service, presented to them at the annual Chamber of Commerce Christmas party held Saturday night at Chapel Hill Country club. It was the first such award given, recognizing the couple for numerous activities including the membership drive which he served as co-chairman. Making the presentation is Suzanne Kauss, vice-president of the McHenry C of C. STAFF PHOTO-W AYNE GAYLORD 3toarb Winning iletospaprr