The Ridgefield Metra Station, as usual, is included on the agenda for tonight's 7:30 p.m. City Council meeting. However, there is a difference. In the past it has been an item for continuation because it was reported that Metra was not ready to deal with it.
The plan had its beginning prior to the suicide of Metra's former chief, Phil Pagano, and has been continued for months because of the change in Metra's structure. At a recent Council meeting, Councilwoman Brady-Mueller mentioned that perhaps someone from Metra should come before the Council to discuss their plans.
The property is located in the Crystal Lake Watershed and there are some concerns regarding the release of drainage points downstream.
The annexation agreement has not been approved by the Council and has been on the Council Agenda since March 2010 with no action taken. In the interim, Metra had its own problems with the self-demise of its Chief Executive Officer, Phil Pagano. A new Executive Director has been hired by the Metra board.
Crystal Lake Wrestling Team Achievements Recognized
On a better note, the Crystal Lake Central High School Wrestling Team is to be recognized for their achievements.
2011 Independence Day Parade
Also, approval is requested of a resolution approving the 2011 Crystal Lake Chamber of Commerce Independence Day Parade scheduled for Sunday, July 3.
Senior Housing on Station Drive
The Council is also to consider the approval of a 79-unit affordable housing project for Banner apartment Senior Housing, planned for 355 Station Drive.
Limited Parking on Deerhaven Drive
The Council is also to consider a motion to adopt an ordinance making it unlawful to stop, stand, or park any vehicle on the northwest side of Deerhaven Drive, east of the intersection of Woodhaven Drive to near the intersection of Saddle Creek Lane Monday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. during August and September. The reason for this is the street is only 25 feet wide and parking takes place in connection with Ken Bird Park which sports teams use for practice. The parking on both sides of the street makes it difficult for emergency vehicles to pass.
Getting Ready for Summer
The Council is to consider an intergovernmental agreement for Enforcement and Safety Patrol from Lakewood for Safety Patrol upon the Crystal Lake. The agreement carries a $1,500 increase over the previous year. There are no changes to the decal fees from those of last year.
Upgrading Virginia Street Corridor
The Council is being requested to approve a bid award for Virginia Street Corridor Improvement construction for Curran Contracting. The amount is $4,215,630.89. This is for the work on Virginia Street corridor Improvement from Carpenter Street to Linn Avenue. Resurfacing of the roadway along U.S. Route 14 between Crystal Lake Avenue and Teckler Boulevard will also be accomplished. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will be contributing to the resurfacing portion of the project.
Also, engineering for Phase III of the above project is to be awarded to TranSystems Corp, for $186,216.37. This is to provide for streetscape improvements from Carpenter Street to Linn Avenue and includes decorative roadway and pedestrian lighting, removal and replacement of the existing sidewalk and curb and gutter, and the installation of decorative elements, including specialty paving, street furnishings, signage, and landscaping. This work is anticipated to begin in early April this year.
State Gets Involved
The Illinois Department of Transportation is to be paying 100% for resurfacing and all other items associated with the resurfacing of the Virginia Street Corridor Improvements from Crystal Lake Avenue to Dole Avenue and from four tenths of a mile west of Virginia Road to Teckler Boulevard. The work is estimated to cost $1,439,172.83 based on the lowest bid received. IDOT will also contribute $675,000 towards the resurfacing of Virginia Street to the central segment of the project between Dole Avenue and Linn Avenue. The City Council is to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with IDOT for the work.
Along with the same project, the Council is being asked to approve appropriating $1,805,000 in MFT funds for the construction and Phase III engineering services.
Along with the Virginia Street improvement project, decorative entry features and signage at McCormick Park has been planned.
Rain Barrel Code
The Council is also being asked to approve a City Code amendment establishing rain barrel code requirements. These have become popular and it is considered necessary to adopt a code to regulate these as they are potential property maintenance issues. The City does not wish to discourage this environmentally friendly practice but the ordinance is designed to facilitate the use of the rain barrels to they remain functional without becoming unsightly or unsafe.
No comments:
Post a Comment