McHenry Times

City of McHenry City Council met Jan. 6.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

Call to Order: The City Council of the City of McHenry, Illinois, met in regular session beginning 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 Harding, Alderman Mihevc, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller- ( absent), 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 Recreation Hobson, Director of Economic Development Martin, and Chief of Police Birk, and City Clerk Ramel.

Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Jett led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Swearing into Office: Alderman Ward 4: Ryan Harding Mayor Jett introduced Ryan Harding. Attorney McArdle swore him in under oath as the new Alderman for the 0 ward. Congratulations to Alderman Harding from The City Council.

Public Comments: Patriot Estates Tony Muser stood before The Council to express that he is concerned about safety. He was present with several residents that represent the age 50 and older Patriot Estates neighborhood. There was a few incidences that caused concerns to the residents, per Fred Radik, he had an experience as well. They both feel there needs to be more police presence and they are asking the council for help regarding this. Chief Birk offered to talk to the residence after the meeting was over.

Consent Agenda: Motion to Approve the Following Consent Agenda Items:

A. City of McHenry Complete Streets Policy and Ordinance to support transportation access, quality of life, and economic development for the City of McHenry and its residents; 

B. Oakwood Drive Bridge Replacement Preliminary Engineering Services Agreement for Federal Participation with Baxter & Woodman Inc. in an amount not to exceed 119, 465 ($ 23, 893 General Fund, $ 95, 527 Federal Aid), the Local Agency Agreement for Federal Participation, and a City of McHenry Resolution appropriating funds for the Oakwood Drive Bridge Replacement; and, a Budget Amendment Ordinance for Phase I Engineering Services for the Oakwood Drive Bridge Replacement Project which will amend the overall contract cost from $ 75,000 to 119,465 and the local share from $ 15, 000 to $ 23, 893; 

C Per the City's Purchasing Policy, an Ordinance Amending the FY19/20 Budget, increasing Fund 100. 01. 5110 in the amount of $ 15,000 for the Boone Creek Dredging Project; 

D. IDOT resolution approving MFT funds in the amount of$ 413,120; 

E. Professional Services Contract for the Barreville Road Wing Wall Replacement Project to Hampton, Lenzini, and Renwick Inc. in an amount not to exceed $ 60, 610; 

F. December 16, 2019, City Council Meeting Minutes; 

G. Issuance of Checks in the amount of$ 283,816.30.

Alderman Glab asked that items A, B, and E be pulled from the Consent Agenda. A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderman Harding to approve Consent Agenda items C, D, F, and G as presented. Roll Call: Vote: 6-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Harding, Alderman Glab, Alderman Schaefer, Alderman Mihevc, Alderman Devine. 0-nays, 0-abstained, 1- absent: Alderwoman Miller. Motion carried.

Items Removed from Consent Agenda

A. City of McHenry Complete Streets Policy and Ordinance to support transportation access, quality of live, and economic development for the City of McHenry and its residents;

1 Pulled separate by Alderman Glab stating that we are not addressing the basic problem the streets of McHenry, paying 20% takes away from the street programs. Stressed concerns about this.

A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderman Schaefer to approve the City of McHenry Complete Streets Policy and Ordinance to support transportation access, quality of life, and economic development for the City of McHenry and its residents. Roll Call: Vote: 5- ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Schaefer, Alderman Harding, Alderman Mihevc, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller- absent. 1- nay- Alderman Glab, 0- abstained. Motion carried.

B. Oakwood Drive Bridge Replacement Preliminary Engineering Services Agreement for Federal Participation with Baxter& Woodman Inc. in an amount not to exceed $ 119, 465 23,893 General Fund, $ 95, 527 Federal Aid), the Local Agency Agreement for Federal Participation, and a City of McHenry Resolution appropriating funds for the Oakwood Drive Bridge Replacement;; and, a Budget Amendment Ordinance for Phase I Engineering Services for the Oakwood Drive Bridge Replacement Project which will amend the overall contract cost from $ 75, 000 to $ 119,465 and the local share from 15, 000 to $ 23,893;

Pulled by Alderman Glab, Boone Creek concerns, not the same open area it used to be concerned about it not being developed, discussed the concern about 100 year storms and wants to make sure the capacity is not going to change. Director Strange explained how changes could occur. Alderman Glab would like long term studies to be done regarding this item.

A motion was made by Alderman Glab and seconded by Alderman Mihevc to approve the Oakwood Drive Bridge Replacement Preliminary Engineering Services Agreement for Federal Participation with Baxter & Woodman Inc. in an amount not to exceed $ 119, 465 23, 893 General Fund, $ 95, 527 Federal Aid), the Local Agency Agreement for Federal Participation, and a City of McHenry Resolution appropriating funds for the Oakwood Drive Bridge Replacement;; and, a Budget Amendment Ordinance for Phase I Engineering Services for the Oakwood Drive Bridge Replacement Project which will amend the overall contract cost from $ 75, 000 to $ 119, 465 and the local share from $ 15, 000 to $23, 893. Roll Call: Vote:6-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman Schaefer, Alderman Harding, Alderman Mihevc, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller- absent. 0- nay-, 0- abstained. Motion carried.

E. Professional Services Contract for the Barreville Road Wing Wall Replacement Project to Hampton, Lenzini, and Renwick Inc. in an amount not to exceed $ 60, 610;

Pulled by Alderman Glab wanted to know if the Conservation Department or Prairie Grove could help with the cost of this. Stated that there are different entities that should also be part of the spending of this, understands it is part of our right away but there should be other taxing properties that should be part of the cost of this. Alderman Santi asked if there was grant money or any other programs that could support this. Director Strange stated that there was research on this topic not much IDOT help. Most of it is typically a local responsibility.

A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderman Mihevc to approve the Professional Services Contract for the Barreville Road Wing Wall Replacement Project to Hampton, Lenzini, and Renwick Inc. in an amount not to exceed $ 60, 610. Roll Call: Vote: 6-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman Schaefer, Alderman Harding, Alderman Mihevc, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller- absent. 0- nay-, 0- abstained. Motion carried.

Individual Action Item Agenda:

A. Motion to adopt an Ordinance Amending Title 1, Administration, Adding Chapter 10, Indemnity Protection and Defense for City Officers, Officials and Employees of the City of McHenry's Municipal Code; and a motion to reimburse Mayor Wayne Jett for legal fees incurred defending the ethics complaint filed against him in in the sum of$ 2,745. 10.

Attorney McArdle explained this item, he has pulled an Ordinance as an example Lake Forest is the town that he used. Alderman Mihevc is very in favor of having an ordinance, the example from Lake Forest is a bit broad and would like to create our own and would like to be closer to statue. Glab would like to table this topic. Alderman Santi would like to have the ordinance more tailored to our city, would like to make a motion to the payment separate. Alderman Schaefer needed more clarification of the ordinance, Attorney explained a bit further.

A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderman Devine to table the adoption of the Ordinance Amending Title 1, Administration, Adding Chapter 10, Indemnity Protection and Defense for City Officers, Officials and Employees of the City of McHenry' s Municipal Code until the next regular City Council Meeting. Roll Call: Vote: 6-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman Schaefer, Alderman Harding, Alderman Mihevc, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller- absent. 0- nay-, 0- abstained. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderman Schaefer to reimburse Mayor Wayne Jett for legal fees incurred defending the ethics complaint filed against him in in the sum of $2,745.10 pursuant to the Tort Immunity Act. Alderman Mihevc explained that he was not able to support the motion for three reasons. First, the move would be retroactive. Second, the City of McHenry has no current ordinance to support it. Third, his belief is that the Tort Immunity Act doesn' t clearly cover this situation. After further discussion, a motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderman Schaefer to withdraw the previous motion to reimburse Mayor Jett for legal fees incurred defending the ethics complaint filed against him in the sum of$ 2,745. 10 pursuant to the Tort Immunity Act.

Clerk's note: No votes were taken by the Council after either set of motions made by Alderman Santi regarding the reimbursement of fees for Mayor Jett.

Discussion Items:

A. Consolidation of Independence Day Fireworks to first weekend of Fiesta Days.

Parks and Recreation Director Hobson has explained that the city has really taken on many events and wanted to talk about managing them better. It was explained that doing so helps with manpower for the events and the chamber also feels it fits well to make these changes. It could open up with more sponsors in doing so. McHenry Jaycees was one of the groups that were met with and options were discussed with them, it was supported and as well with Fiesta Days. This brings the discussion up to The Council, since the summer schedule will change with this. This topic was opened up to discussion. Alderman Schaefer was very in favor of this. Offering collection sites within the areas may also help with the funding standpoint. There was a lengthy discussion regarding this topic. Many City Council members gave their opinion.

Staff Reports: City planner has been hired, his name is Cody Sheriff per Director Polerecky: Administrator Morefield discussed the capital improvement program, the information plan was passed out to the City Council. A brief description was given regarding this, it will be discussed with questions on the January 20th. The next hand out that was given was a plan to replace the city gateway signs. The option diagrams were handed out, wanted the opinion of which one The Council likes the most.

Mayor' s Report: Sponsorship levels for the concert coming up over$ 200 thousand dollars has been raised for the artists so far. The openers will be set soon and this will be confidential until

February 9th until it goes public.

City Council Comments: None

Executive Session if Needed: None

Adjourn: A motion was made Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderman Glab to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 PM. Roll Call: Vote: 6-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman Schaefer, Alderman Harding, Alderman Mihevc, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller- absent. 0- nay-, 0- abstained. Motion carried.

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