The
Richmond Village Board went into a closed session immediately after the
regular board meeting was called to order. The reason for the closed
session was announced as “Pending Litigation”. Two attorneys
representing the village attended along with Village Engineer Tim Hartnett.
The village is being sued by Tamarack Farms which is owned by developer
Peter Bell though it is not clear if this is the .
The
intersection at Rt 173 and Rt 12 has been the topic of many separate
discussions since the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) changed
the lane setup a few years ago. IDOT put in a dedicated left hand turn
lane at that time which forces people who are not turning left to enter a
single lane to the right. If someone is continuing north on Rt !2, they
often must wait through long waiting lines. The village board would like
to investigate an alternative plan for the intersection which would
alleviate traffic congestion.
However,
Village President Kevin Brusek said, “The village has nothing to do with
the way the intersection is set up. This is entirely controlled by IDOT
which is extremely happy with the setup. It meets IDOT’s chief
requirement that is the safe movement of traffic.” Brusek said that
adding two extra lanes, though needed, would require that the McHenry
Savings Bank and the buildings on the southwest corner be moved.
The
village is committed to Richmond Printing until May 31, 2005, for website
maintenance. However, the job will be put out for bids immediately.
The
village needs to print at least 500 Vision Brochures to be eligible for an
$80,000 government grant. Trustee Dan Deters initiated discussion about
possible improvements to a proposed brochure and the printing will be
postponed until later.
Trustee
Dave Kielpinski is concerned about a business in downtown Richmond that
has been closed up for 3 years. The entire building is vacant. Kielpinski
asked if there are any legal actions that might be taken. Brusek said he
would prefer to talk to the owner personally before anything else is done.
Castle
Gardens would like to take down an old barn on their leased business
property at Rt 12 and Rt 31. and replace it with a pole building of the
same size. Deters objected citing the opinion offered at a previous
committee meeting that no new pole barns be allowed in the village.
Kielpinski, Schultz and Wulffen agreed. Brusek was incredulous.
“Do you know how much tax money they pay the village?” said
Brusek. “The building would be nearly out of site behind their main
store. I will call Mr. Williams (owner of Castle Gardens) and tell him you
want a wood frame building instead.”
Kielpinski
who heads up the Economic Development Committee reported that the Antique
Appraisal show will take place in January and the Presidential Ball
planning is under way.
There
was discussion about the height of street light poles allowed in the
village. The maximum height should be 16 feet.