McHenry Times

City of McHenry City Council met May 18.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

Call to Order: The City Council of the City of McHenry, Illinois, met in regular session at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was held remotely, per above statement.

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, Director of Parks and Recreation Hobson, Director of Economic Development Martin, City Planner Sherrif, Chief of Police Birk, and City Clerk Ramel.

Public Comments: (No public comments)

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

A. May 4, 2020, City Council Meeting Minutes; B. Issuance of Checks in the amount of $1,398,757.77; C. Issuance of As Needed Checks in the amount of $144,677.64.

A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderman Schaefer to approve Consent Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman Schaefer, Alderman Harding, Alderman Glab, Alderman Mihevc, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller. O-nays, 0-abstained. Motion carried. (No public comments).

Individual Action Item Agenda:

A. Motion to authorize the City Administrator to; (1) enter into a lease/loan agreement with First Midwest Bank for a term of 5 years in an amount not to exceed $1,150,185.00 for the purchase of vehicles and equipment, (2) waive the required competitive bidding called for within the City's Purchasing Policies allowing the City to purchase locally, (3) purchase 20 vehicles and 1 backhoe, (4) purchase emergency vehicle equipment for eight vehicles for an amount not to exceed $64,983.09 and (5) purchase one Police Polaris Ranger for an amount not to exceed $14,528.55.

Chief Birk explained this item, he confirmed to Alderman Glab that the vehicles are being replaced and not added to the fleet. Chief Birk stated that we are changing models because the life expectancy of 7 years has passed, the radios will be transferred into the new vehicles. Normally two life cycles are the limit of the equipment, a five ye of this decision in necessity as to what needed to be replaced this year. Due to COVID-19, the Chief explained that they want to see how the finances for the city are affected regarding this crisis. Alderman Schaefer confirmed that he asked about MSRP and learned that we are not paying retail price. Chief Birk also explained that these vehicles will be purchased under a five year government loan which then the vehicles are owned by the city, he also explained that every three years they were trying to rotate them out but are now trying to do every five years. All cars that are being replaced now have 150 thousand miles on them. Alderman Santi wanted to know if at the end of five years is there a buy-out clause, Chief Birk confirmed that there is not and there is no different than a five year loan regarding maintenance etc. Some discussion went on regarding this topic, also noted that this is the first year everything went together as a car budget. No public comments during this time.

A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderwoman Harding to approve Individual Agenda item as presented. Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Ald Alderman Glab, Alderman Schaefer, Alderman Harding, Alderman Glab, Alderman Mihevc, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller. O-nays, 0-abstained. Motion carried.

Discussion Items:

A. Establishment of a Local Municipal Motor Fuel Tax

Administrator Morefield presented this discussion item, stated that there was some research done on this, it was brought back to council to discuss and develop and ordinance for adoption, if accepted. Director of Public Works Strange, explained this would be used for resurfacing can go up to a three cent per gallon tax. This will allow a separate and dedicated road program as explained by Administrator Morefield, the support of local street program that is not part of the general fund account, will support other capital needs for the city. Alderwoman Miller wants to make sure there is specific amount of language to make sure that it's supporting the city. If passed it would go into effect within a few months, ultimately will be up to The Council. Many on the board were in favor of this fund, as long as it is only used for road repairs.

B. Federal Infrastructure Stimulus Bill Projects 

Director of Public Works Strange explained this discussion topic, this is in regards to future grants that may become available. Waste Water demolishing, retention pond, utility relocation, are some of the areas that are looking at. Many grants are first come first serve, Greg Gruen, Project Engineer, explained, and these grants are ones he may apply for. Mayor Jett has the final say if we want to apply for a grant. The City Councils input is discussed before they take the time to move forward before the applications for grants are submitted. Administrator Morefield stated this is just a discussion regarding this, and decisions would be made together as a council to achieve these grants etc.

C. Presentation - Summary of Annual MS4 Activities and Community Outreach

Director of Public Works Strange explained the MS4 permit discharge storm sewer through the IPA. What would be done to maintain the program. Russ Ruzicka Wastewater Treatment Superintendent explained this. Alderman Schaefer asked if pool owners were educated on drainage of pools regarding the chlorine. Public work employees are trained on illicit drainage and helps them identify if there is incorrect drainage.

D. Central Wastewater Treatment Plant 

Director of Public Works Strange, explained this discussion item. A discussion regarding the struggle to develop this property, mainly because much of it is mapped in a flood plain, and it is needed to have preapproval regarding regulation agencies. There is a search for engineering programs to help regarding this. This discussion is to conclude if council is wanting to approve this idea and is willing to move forward. Prepping this sight for redevelopment is what The Council would discuss, this will help the future to move forward to get approvals per Director of Community Development Polerecky. Director of Economic Development Martin stated the flood way and flood plain are both of concern. Alderman Schaefer questioned if there is another plan for the property if it cannot be developed. Administrator Morefield stated that demolition would be the next plan to get the property ready. Many council members were in favor of moving forward with this. The time frame regarding this would be the next 30 days for a proposal stated. There was quite a bit of discussion regarding this topic.

Mayor's Report: Talked about the executive order signed regarding the downtown areas for restaurants with outside seating. Thank you to council regarding the help with this, thankful for public works and parts to get it done quickly. It was also noted that each restaurant and bar were presented all the rules and enforced that that be abided by. Mayor Jett also explained that he was thankful for all the support.

City Council Comments: Alderman Santi stated that he would like owners that customers need to stay in their locations, we need to make sure that the executive orders are followed as close as possible, and stressed standards. Mayor Jett agreed and supported Alderman Santi. Attorney McArdle supported the idea porta toilets for the restaurants to eliminate the need for all customers to go inside and use one restroom,

Executive Session if Needed: Not at this time 

Adjourn: A motion was made Alderman Devin and seconded by Alderwoman Miller to adjourn the meeting at 8:26 PM. Roll Call: Vote:7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman Schaefer, Alderman Harding, Alderman Mihevc, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nay-, 0-abstained. Motion carried.

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