McHenry Times

City of Harvard Public Property Committee met Dec. 2.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

Vice Chairman Perkins called the Public Property Committee meeting to order at 6:02 pm. Public Property Committee members present were Alderman Matt Perkins, Aldermen Jay Schulz, and Alderman Dan Carncross. Also present Mayor Michael Kelly, Alderman Charles Gorman, City Administrator Dave Nelson.

PUBLIC COMMENT: NONE

CITY OWNED/SURPLUS PROPERTY

Property on Rt. 14 north

Administrator noted that the City Council authorized an appraisal on the property and the property is valued at $205,000.00 Administrator Nelson noted that last year we tried to sell this property through a sealed bid process and that we had no bidders, and that perhaps we should take another option for the sale by hiring a specialized firm that sells commercial real estate. Alderman Schultz noted that we need to sell this property and that the City should not be the owner. There was discussion about what to do with any proceeds and it was determined to have that conversation if and when there is a sale of the land. Alderman Schulz made a motion to inquire with the appraisal company about representing us on the sale of the land and that the staff can also look at other broker opportunities seconded by Alderman Carncross. All ayes motion passed.

200 Johnson Street

Alderman Gorman brought up an idea about using this property for a small parking lot so that the building owners could possibly have parking for tenants of their apartments. The concern is that our UDO requires two parking spots for each apartment in the downtown and that perhaps that is too stringent. The Aldermen felt that we should revisit the parking requirement in the downtown area. The committee also discussed the return on investment on this property. Motion made by Alderman Schulz to declare this surplus property and to bid this property out via sealed bids and have it ready for the January City Council meeting, seconded by Alderman Carncross. All ayes motion passed.

209 1⁄2 Ratzlaff

Motion made by Alderman Schulz seconded by Alderman Perkins to declare this surplus property and to bid this property out via sealed bids and have it ready for the January City Council meeting. All ayes motion passed.

Vacant lot Ninth Street

The Committee discussed what the value may be on this land and determined that $4,500 should be a minimum. Motion made by Alderman Carncross seconded by Alderman Schulz to set a minimum bid price on this property and to have the bids ready for the January City Council meeting. The City has already declared this property as surplus. All ayes motion passed.

Grace Fuel

The Committee reviewed the ordinance and highway agreement. Administrator Nelson clarified that all this is doing is stating that the City will not allow a potable water well to be drilled on private property and in the road right of way. This will also allow the owner of Grace Fuel to finalize their letter of no remediation from the IEPA. Motion made by Alderman Schulz seconded by Alderman Perkins to recommend to the City Council to pass the ordinance and to authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement. All ayes motion passed.

Motion made by Alderman Perkins to adjourn seconded by Alderman Carncross. All ayes motion passed. Meeting adjourned 6:30 p.m.

https://www.cityofharvard.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/public_property_committee/meeting/12241/minutespublicproperty2019-12-02.pdf