McHenry Times

City of McHenry City Council met March 25.

Here is the agenda provided by the council:

Call to Order: The City Council of the City of McHenry, Illinois, met in regular session at 6:00 P.M., as a remote zoom meeting.

Roll Call: Mayor Jett called the roll call. Members present: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman Schaefer, Alderman Harding, Alderman Mihevc, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller, and Mayor Jett. Others present: Attorney McArdle, Administrator Morefield, Interim Director of Public Works Strange, Director of Community Development Polerecky, Finance Director Lynch-absent, Director of Parks and Recreation Hobson, Director of Economic Development Martin, and Chief of Police Birk, and City Clerk Ramel.

Public Comment: None

The purpose of the emergency meeting is to give an update of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to discuss opportunities for a local stimulus package.

COVID-19 Update: Mayor Jett opened the meeting informing The Council with updates for the COVID-19 health pandemic. Several council members had questions regarding the length of the stay at home order that is being followed by the governor. Alderman Harding wanted to know if it will be lifted by Easter per the governor and it was expressed by Chief Birk that it could be lifted but could also be extended per the City of McHenry if needed. Alderman Schaefer wanted to know if daily reports will continue by Chief Birk and it was confirmed as long as there is new information it will communicated. Chief Birk also confirmed that COVID-19 illness counts can be communicated as well per Alderman Schaefer. The Council expressed concern for the police and how they are handling the crisis was also touched upon. There is more police presence around town during these times. In regards to business shut downs; there were only a few business that did not comply with the ordinance to close doors. however now are in compliance.

Discussion of opportunities for local stimulus package: Director of Economic Development Martin, explained the resiliency package that would be presented for the local business that are struggling during this time. Small businesses such as restaurants and hospitality businesses could get a loan from the city and emphasized that this should be as quick as possible to help them. There will be an application process that Attorney McArdle will assist with. Administrator Morefield said that the amount of $250,000 would come out of the general balance and businesses most at risk could loan up to $10,000. The amounts loaned to the businesses will need to be repaid as businesses resume back to normal or after the year a 3% interest rate will occur. There has been a similar program that was one other time in history of McHenry, during a time when IDOT had major roadway construction.

Mayor Jett stated that the money loaned would go back to the General Fund, Director of Finance Lynch stated that she would be able to help set up a spate fund. Many of the Council members would like to know who will apply for the loans and wanted to reassurance that the same standard for applying is across the board. The idea of creating a matrix sheet was brought up as an idea as well. In conclusion Mayor Jett wanted to thank the board for all their support. He complimented Chief Birk for being on the front lines and communicating so well to The Council and the community.

Adjourn: A motion was made Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderman Glab to adjourn the meeting at 7:10 PM. Roll Call: Vote:7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman Schaefer, Alderman Harding, Alderman Mihevc, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller. O-nay-, D-abstained. Motion carried.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qkkITc5JiOrcX8fmKiEUH1fwKPjJK4yzWxu1Ct6b5Ws/edit