McHenry Times

City of McHenry City Council met Aug. 19.

Here is the minutes provided by the  council:

Call to Order: 

The City Council of the City of McHenry, Illinois, met in regular session on Monday, August 19, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. in the McHenry City Council Chambers, 333 S. Green Street, McHenry, IL.

Roll Call: Mayor Jett called the roll call. 

Members present: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman Schaefer, Alderman Mihevc, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller, Alderwoman Bahne and Mayor Jett. Others present: Attorney McArdle, Administrator Morefield, Interim Director of Public Works Strange, Director of Community Development Polerecky, Finance Director Lynch, Director of Parks and L. Recreation Hobson, Director of Economic Development Martin, and Chief of Police Birk, and City Clerk Ramel.

Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Jett led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Public Comments: Paul Dreske, Jim Condon, Mark Justen signed in for public comment.

Mark Justen of the Parks and Recreation Department had discussion of inter-govt. agreement with high school , FD traffic on Crystal Lk Road. He would like to see his tax dollars go to support the traffic light at the high school, McHenry District 156. and police tax dollars, thinks Council would like to discuss this further. Paul Dreske and Jim Condon also present for the public comment spoke later in the evening regarding agenda item 7A.

Consent Agenda: Motion to Approve the Following Consent Agenda Items: A-F

A. Authorization to Request Bids for the Ringwood Road Water Main Extension Project; 

B. Appointment of Jill Weaver to the McHenry Landmark Commission; 

C. Block Party Request; 

D. August 5, 2019, City Council Meeting Minutes; 

E. Issuance of Checks in the amount of $ 341, 891. 21; 

F. Issuance of As Needed Checks in the amount of$ 228, 361. 87.

A motion was made by Alderman Schaefer and seconded by Alderwoman Miller to approve consent agenda items as presented. Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Schaefer, Alderman Glab, Alderwoman Baehne, Alderman Mihevc, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller. 0- nays, 0- abstained. Motion carried.

Individual Action Item Agenda:

Motion to approve an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of McHenry and McHenry High School District 156 regarding Ingress/ Egress and Traffic Signalization for McHenry West Campus.

Administrator Morefield presented exhibits for council to consider approval regarding McHenry High School West campus property and second item. Most of the council was involved in the discussion or development of the IGA's regarding these first two Individual Action Items. Mayor Jett opens discussion; Alderman Santi, was questioning if further analysis needs to be done can by request at the cost of District 156, it was confirmed that statement is supported. The drainage area will be maintained and cleaned out drainage by District 156, also questioned by Alderman Santi. The council also questioned who would be we be policing these efforts and how often. Director of Community Development Polerecky stated a few times a year we can follow up on that. Alderman Schaefer, was curious if get an update on what has been found currently with water issues. Director of Community Development Polerecky stated that there was a natural spring under the tennis courts, did some engineering to elevate the issues. They will drain into the drainage dip, there should be no need to discuss separately. Alderman Glab, questioned what happens with drainage if it goes onto private property, curious about what the future could hold with this discussion. The lots on the exhibit were confirmed as numbers 1- 39, by Attorney McArdle. Drainage on private property states we can all take part in cleaning it up. We cannot predict how it is going to go in the future. Discussion if the school identify the property owners, a concern that was brought up by Alderman Glab. Attorney McArdle commented that the school has the right to keep it free flowing. Kensington Drive was also addressed. ( Administrator Moorefield went to get the exhibits). This was part of a lengthy discussion by the council.

Alderman Glab discussed the bus turning lanes at McHenry West, talks about the shortcuts through neighborhoods, and how much more traffic will be flowing through Whispering Oaks. Should this be looked at through Public Works, in order to help with the neighborhood traffic, putting hours on for the left turns to help limit certain hours. Chief Birk, discussed that fact that the left turn hand restrictions with traffic flow during certain hours has been and can further be studied to determine the peak times of traffic and flow. Alderman Glab had the main concern to be proactive before the expansion is done. We do not know how many will turn left, per Chief Birk we can make an ordinance if needed and bring it back to council and can revisit and put a clause in there if needed. McHenry School District 156, West Camps, is willing to support that people will not cut through the subdivision, per Chief Birk. Alderman Glab, would like Public Works to look at the curbs, making it easy that the bus drivers etc.

Alderman Schaefer, had questions regarding the flow of traffic throught the neighborhoods and which parking lot. Chief Birk, they are working with the high school on this. The only goal they have right now address the way the students are being dropped off and picked up, the parking on the south should remain student. Traffic patterns will be studied and supported by the district. A verry lengthy discussion occurred.

A motion was made by Alderwoman Baehne and seconded by Alderman Schaefer to approve consent agenda items as presented. Roll Call: Vote: 5-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Schaefer, Alderman Glab, Alderwoman Baehne, Alderman Mihevc, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller. 0- nays, 2- abstained. Motion carried

Individual Action Agenda Item: Motion to approve an Ordinance amending the FY19/20 Budget, General Fund, in the amount of$ 92,500; and, the acceptance of a quote from BruceSki' s Marine Construction for dredging west of Green Street Bridge in the amount of$ 92,500.

Conversation regarding dredging from Green Street to Rte 120 an issue that will have to be addressed at one point. 7 different agencies looked at dredging the river, one was a hydraulic dredge that pumps and moves it out. Director of Parks and Recreation Hobson explained further regarding the dredging. Alderman Santi, stated that it will help the river be more attractive, could help it last close to 20 years, will help navigation on the river. Talk that there may have been catch basins, which could help boats navigate for years to come. There is no confirmation regarding the basins. Alderman Glab, stated that north of the dredge how much of that would silt would move and fill back into the areas that have been dredged, he wants people to look into it comprehensively, stated that McCullom Lake was once dredged and then five years later it was filled in, questioning how long it would take this to happen to the river. This can also impact the whole area, wants to look at the whole picture for the future. Alderman Schaefer is in favor of this, would like to see this go further. Several residence in the area would like to see it go further. Clarified by Director of Parks and Recreation Hobson. Discussion: Alderman Santi, would like more property and piers to be looked at, Alderman Schaefer would like to agree would like other areas in town to be looked at as well. Alderman Devin, in favor of it, would like to make sure that sea walls will be protected, Director of Parks and Recreation Hobson did also support that public works is working on this.

A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderwoman Baehne to approve consent agenda items as presented. Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Schaefer, Alderman Glab, Alderwoman Baehne, Alderman Mihevc, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller. 0- nays, 0- abstained. Motion carried

Individual Action Agenda Item:

Motion to approve an Ordinance amending the FY19/20 Budget, Parks Developer Donations Fund, in the amount of $ 26,200 for the purpose of purchasing light poles for the Miller Point project.

Parks and Recreation Director Hobson, explained the breakdown of the budget regarding the light poles, they should be in within the next two weeks, coming out of the parks fund. It would be justified to complete the project using these funds, apology of presentation for this in short in time. Justification regarding this. Alderman Santi, what would be left in the funding after this, Director Hobson stated that they will have about $ 30,000 left in the funding, they are now in a fundraising to draw awareness to this area. Any money has been invested into the city. Alderman Glab, questioned if this area deemed park area, Director Hobson confirmed that it is.

A motion was made by Alderman Schaefer and seconded by Alderwoman Miller to approve consent agenda items as presented. Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Schaefer, Alderman Glab, Alderwoman Baehne, Alderman Mihevc, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller. 0- nays, 0- abstained. Motion carried

Individual Action Agenda Item: 

Motion to approve a Temporary Use Permit to allow tents with live music and a Special Event Liquor License on Saturday, September 14, 2019 from 4:00pm to 10:00pm for the McHenry Riverwalk Foundation " Light The Night" event.

Park and Recreations Director Hobson talked about the " Light The Night", this event has come quickly, mainly the kick off of the space that we have created, food, music and crafters will be present at this event becomes a fundraising event and will create attraction also the same day as the wine walk, this will occur that evening. The fire globes will then be drawn to the Riverside Drive area, it was mentioned that Buddyz could help cater the event.

A motion was made by Alderman Schaefer and seconded by Alderwoman Baehne to approve consent agenda items as presented. Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Schaefer, Alderman Glab, Alderwoman Baehne, Alderman Mihevc, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller. 0- nays, 0- abstained. Motion carried

Discussion Items:

Orchard Beach Improvement/ Maintenance Intergovernmental Agreement: 

Jim Condon McHenry Township Commissioner gave public comment regarding Orchard Beach Drive. Gave history of this road and explained it was non dedicated road originally, and was privately maintained. When Kennedy Home Development came in the road is then annexed and then falls under the city limits. Then the road is no longer supplied with McHenry Township funding. 1400 ft. of non- dedicated road is now not getting funding from the Township, it was no fault of their own. They cooperated with the development when it occurred. Kennedy Homes south side of Orchard beach wraps around it which is part of the McHenry roads. Trying to upgrade the road, the north portion $ 450 per center lane mile, and the Township wants to contribute the rest it would then become a Township road. Would like to work with the city so they can plow all the way through and have the roads upgraded. Proposed $ 100, 000 and associated could contribute $ 25, 000 asked the city $ 50,000, Township would contribute the rest. The residence would get a road that is maintained, no longer have that right now. The city will maintain that right away, please consider these ideas. Would like the time line of next year. The county is not all the way on board with this, this was presented over six months ago. Several local representatives have been contacted by Jim Condon regarding this plan.

Council Attorney McArdle, explained that, Director of Public Works Hobson could add to subdivision control ordinance, it will not fit into the normal expectation, but the deal being proposed would improve but still would be hard to maintain. Alderwoman Baehne, who will take over once this is completed, further discussion occurred with Jim Condon the McHenry Township Commissioner. The responsibility could be negotiated. The city would consider it a public road, which could be the simplest way. Township would help make sure that drainage areas by Kennedy Homes would be taken care of, it's the biggest problem and they would find a way to solve it. Alderwoman Miller would like to have more of a discussion, to make a better decision, agreed upon by Alderwoman Baehne. Alderman Glab would like to table this discussion, regarding the annex of the Kennedy Homes/roads Township Commissioner. Curb and gutter and sidewalk specifications were discussed. Alderman Santi also following up regarding specifications. Mayor Jett asked if anyone further had direction regarding this topic. 230,000 would be the estimate of the project per the Commissioner. Alderman Devine confirming the amounts with the council. Alderman Mihevc is not favor of this. Alderwoman Miller still perusing staff time regarding this and the history of it. Mayor Jett would the majority of council like to further review this, agreed.

Paul Dreske, also made a public statement regarding this topic, he has been involved in the development of Orchard Beach, his concern is there is 42 homes and if nothing is done Orchard Beach Road will no longer last. This is an opportunity for us to act and this is a cooperative effort by the Township, County, City, and Orchard Beach owners and $ 25,000 can be added to others that fund the project. He explained that this is the time to do it so it will help eliminate future issues.

Central Wastewater Treatment Plant Redevelopment: 

Administrator Moorefield, talked about the strategic planning of this topic and presented it to the council. The most pressing issue is the demolition of the property. Mayor Jett stated that he is trying to talk with several developers regarding this property, there is much to discuss regarding this topic. Mayor Jett, also suggested the idea of townhomes. Alderman Santi, talked about third party and maybe someone that deals with water development. Discussed the Miller Point in respect to this party. Discussion on Request for Proposal. Alderwoman Miller gave her insight, regarding her real estate background. The idea of townhomes was also discussed and the council should be open to the development and/ or engaging local realtors. Mayor Jett asked if the majority of council would like to move forward with ideas regarding this property. Yes agreed by the council.

Executive Session: 

Mayor Jett explained that the Council will not meet in executive session tonight. 

Staff Reports, Mayor' s Report and Council Comments: 

Glacier Ridge road report starting soon, per Director of Public Works Strange. Administrator Moorefield, new communication format and notification was sent out from him.

Mayor's Report: A thank you went out to City Clerk Monte Johnson for his attendance and help with the meetings, thankful for the support.

City Council Comments: none

Adjournment: 

A motion was made Alderwoman Baehne and seconded by Alderwoman Miller to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 p.m. Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Schaefer, Alderman Glab, Alderwoman Baehne, Alderman Mihevc, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays, 0- abstained. Motion carried

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