McHenry Times

City of Marengo City Council met May 11.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

CALL TO ORDER 

Mayor John Koziol called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.

ROLL CALL 

Present this evening are Mayor John Koziol; Aldermen Matt Keenum, Mike Miller, Mike DeSerto, Nicole DeBoer, Daren Mobley, Jared Secor (entered meeting at 7:10 PM) and Steve Mortensen. Also present are City Administrator Joshua Blakemore, Interim Chief of Police Paul Fritz, City Attorney David McArdle, Director of Public Works Dan Streit and Finance Director Jennifer Snelten.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES - April 27, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes 

Alderman Nicole DeBoer made a motion, seconded by Alderman Daren Mobley, to approve the minutes from the meeting. The aldermen voted as follows:

Ayes: Keenum, Mortensen, DeBoer, DeSerto and Mobley 

Nays: Abstain: Miller 

Absent: Hammortree and Secor 

The motion passed.

APPROVAL OF LIST OF BILLS - in the amount of $609,603,18 

A question on the cleaning supplies ordered by the police department was clarified. (The department purchases their own supplies.) A question on a difference between the charge for 6 curb stops (page 8) and the credit received. It was explained that when the 6 were returned, the City reordered the correct size curb stops. The credit for the returned items was deducted from the new invoice.

Alderman Nicole DeBoer made a motion, seconded by Alderman Mike Miller, to approve the list of bills in the amount of $609,603.18. The aldermen voted as follows:

Ayes: Mortensen, DeBoer, Miller, Mobley, DeSerto and Keenum N

ays: 

Absent: Hammortree and Secor 

The motion passed.

NEW BUSINESS

a. Motion to Approve the Mayor's Appointment of Officers and Commissions Mayor Koziol is making the following recommendations for appointment of Officers and Commissions: City Administrator Joshua Blakemore, Interim Chief of Police Paul Fritz, City Attorney David McArdle, Z.R.F & M, Police Pension Board James Hare (2 year term expires 2022), Fire & Police Commission Robert Marks (3 year term expires 2023, and Marengo City Cemetery Diane Oranger (2 year term expires 2022).

May 11, 2020 Regular City Council Minutes

Alderman Nicole DeBoer made a motion, seconded by Alderman Mike DeSerto, to approve the list of Mayor's recommended appointments. The aldermen voted as follows:

Aye Mobley, DeSerto, DeBoer, Mortensen, Miller and Keenum

Nay

Absent Hammortree and Secor 

The motion passed.

b. Discussion and Direction on draft of miscellaneous funds for FY 2020/2021 Administrator Blakemore reviewed the suggestions that were put together. There are some funds that are concerns, one of which is the MFT fund, which may decrease due to the pandemic. The specifics on the various funds will be reviewed as more information is known. The Council agreed with the recommendations.

c. Motion to Approve the Annual Report of Police Pension Fund for FY 2019/2020 Finance Director Jennifer Snelten explained the need to provide this document to the Council - it is a yearly requirement. This fund is handled by Lauterbach & Amen, LLP.

Alderman Nicole De Boer made a motion, seconded by Alderman Jared Secor, to approve the Annual Report of the Police Pension Fund for FY 2019/2020. The aldermen voted as follows:

Aye Miller, DeSerto, DeBoer, Mortensen, Keenum, Secor and Mobley

Nay

Absent Hammortree 

The motion passed.

MAYOR'S STATEMENT AND REPORT 

Mayor Koziol stated that no contract has been signed yet for the fireworks for the 4th of July celebration. The 2 declarations, signed back in March regarding COVID-19, were reviewed. The first regarding the state of emergency in the City, and the various steps taken is still in effect. The one authorizing special powers to the mayor has been allowed to expire. McHenry County Chairman Jack Franks asked for help from the towns in McHenry County, wherein a document would be sent to Governor Pritzker requesting that McHenry County not be included in the Cook County/Chicago area pandemic zoning map. Mayor Koziol has done that.

DEPARTMENT HEAD AND STAFF REPORTS 

Finance Director Jennifer Snelten advised that the City is moving forward with the software change to BS & A, and hope to have it completed and in place in either November or December. They are working on preparatory work for the audit. April and Quarterly financial reports will be available at the next meeting Director of Public Works Dan Streit noted that hydrant flushing will start on May 26th.

Interim Chief of Police Paul Fritz reported that all members of the Marengo Police Department qualified on the 5th and 6th at the range, in the rain. They also hope to get back to normal soon.

City Administrator Joshua Blakemore reported that he will be bringing budget proposal documentation to the next meeting, but he has amended the income portion to coincide with what is occurring in the Country. On the COVID-19 zoning map, he hopes Governor Pritzker approves to remove McHenry County from the Cook County/Chicago zone.

City Attorney David McArdle added information on the request made to Governor Pritzker, and that if the original request fails there is a fall-back plan that could be an option. He then updated the Council on the latest information regarding HR Green. They have filed their responsive documents to our complaint, and after careful review, he will be putting together a summary for the Council. This will be done in an Executive Session - the date of which has not been set. He added that the gun range project across the street is making great progress.

REPORTS AND STATEMENTS FROM CITY COUNCIL 

Alderman DeSerto spoke on two items. His firm represents the Flanagan Brothers who own acreage on the south-west, south-east and north-east quadrant section of the interchange (Rte 23 & 190). An offer has been received on the property from a developer, and as things progress, he will be requesting a telephonic meeting between the various parties, the City Administrator Blakemore and Mayor Koziol. He wanted to know if there was any updated information on the Enterprise Zone -- or has that all been put on hold due to the COVID-19 situation.

Alderman DeBoer questioned if the City was making plans in case the State abolished income tax for some persons during this pandemic.

Administrator Blakemore spoke about information he has received regarding payroll tax but also noted that there has not been anything definitive proposed at this time.

Mayor Koziol added that Josh has been looking at the consequences of a loss of funds and what could be adjusted in our budget.

Alderman Keenum asked if anyone had heard from Alderman Hammortree as he has missed 3 of these meetings. Jennifer explained that someone from the City Staff spoke to him, when they dropped off documents, and was told that there were some personal issues that were hindering him from attending meetings. He still wishes to remain as alderman, but his attendance will be spotty.

Administrator Blakemore spoke on information for the Enterprise Zone, noting that Teresa Nortillo has been in touch with Charlie Eldridge regarding moving things forward. Mayor Koziol and Administrator Blakemore requested that she hold off for the time being, until the City has a feel for what the effects of the pandemic has on revenues.

Alderman Mobley has been approached by a local business person about the option of alcohol delivery, and Attorney McArdle explained that some cities allow that to occur, but it is not currently allowed under Marengo guidelines. Attorney McArdle recommended that the business-owner contact Mayor Koziol and Administrator Blakemore. If the City would want to amend the rules, that is possible.

ADJOURNMENT 

Alderman Nicole DeBoer made a motion at 7:33 PM, seconded by Alderman Daren Mobley, to adjourn the meeting. As there were no dissenting votes, the Clerk declared the meeting adjourned.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gOJ8-9lEYCqTb43OyDCQSlx6wWv3q7v-tZk46sAYVXA/edit