McHenry Times

City of McHenry City Council met Oct. 5.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

Call to Order: The City Council of the City of McHenry, Illinois, met in regular session on Monday, October 5, 2020, 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 absent, 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, Chief of Police Birk, City Planner Sheriff, and City Clerk Ramel.

Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Jett led the pledge

Public Comments: No public comments

Consent Agenda: Motion to Approve the Following Consent Agenda Items: A. Adoption of revised Purchasing Policies and Procedures dated October 5, 2020; B. September 8, 2020 City Council Amended Meeting Minutes;

C. September 21, 2020, City Council Meeting Minutes;

D. Issuance of Checks in the amount of $172,540.84.

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

Individual Action Item Agenda

A. Motion to approve or deny a Video Gaming License to Don’s Subs located at 323 Front Street.

Administrator Morefield stated that the agenda supplement a year ago came to us to approve liquor license. At that time the liquor license was approved but Don’s Subs was then directed to come back in a year for video gaming consideration. The owners of Don’s Subs were on the Zoom call with us, have filled out the application for video gaming.

Applicants were asked if they would like to say anything they responded noting that many customers are asking for gaming, which could also help with additional revenue during these times. Alderman Devine voted in favor last time for them they have done everything asked of them in the year and would like to support them for this. Alderman Schaefer wanted to know how much of the inside seating would be removed, it was confirmed that two tables to the back would be lost, not losing sitting table more of a preparation table.

Alderman Santi stated a year ago he was open to this discussion, did take time to talk to Lisa one of the owners, wanted to know if there would be changes to hours. Cary another owner stated that they may stay open until 9 the latest, hours are adjusted due to Covid. Alderman Glab, stated that the applicant has followed, no problem supporting them. Alderman Schaefer stated that he hears many from community that McHenry does have many gaming establishments and some may not want more.

Administrator Morefield explained the parameters that applicants need to follow regarding video gaming; partitioning of the gaming units, signage-interior only, and video monitoring are the three points that have to be part of the approval per Administrator Morefield.

Public Comment: Margaret from the gaming company explained how the electronic gambling machines would look to help reassure The Council that they would be aesthetic and compact in size.

A motion was made by Alderman Glab and seconded by Alderman Devine to approve Individual Agenda items as presented. Roll Call: Vote: 6-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Harding, Alderman Mihevc, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller. 1-nays -Alderman Schaefer, 0-abstained. Motion carried.

B. Motion to adopt a Parameters Ordinance providing for the issuance not to exceed $29 Million Taxable General Obligation Bonds (series 2020B) for the purpose of funding all or a portion of the unfunded liability of the City’s Police Pension Fund; a Budget Stabilization Fund for such unfunded liability; the levy and collection of a direct annual tax for the payment of and interest on the bonds; and, the sale of the bonds to Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated.

Director of Finance, Lynch, recapped the September meeting of 2020. Alderman Glab asked the question could this cost us more in the long run. Director Lynch stated that there is a risk, but not very likely. It was noted that the Property Tax Levy was moved to another line item, it may also help lower the dollar amount per year. Three line items will be presented on tax bill, according to Director Lynch.

There was support on the call from the financial advisors to help with any questions. Alderman Schaefer explained that he supports the risk because of the rates being so low, right now. No public Comments.

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

C. Contingent upon the approval of Agenda Item 6B, the adoption of a Resolution Approving a Pension Obligation Bond Policy.

Director Lynch, stated that the purpose is to outline the city’s acknowledgement and risks. No public comment.

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

D. Motion to approve a Parameters Ordinance providing for the issuance of not to exceed $3,300,000 General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2020A, for the purpose of refunding certain outstanding general obligation bonds of the City; providing for the levy and collection of a direct annual tax sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on said bonds; authorizing and directing the execution of an escrow agreement in connection with the issuance of the bonds; and, authorizing the sale of the bonds to Robert W. Baird & Co Incorporated.

Director Lynch, explained the above item. No public comments.

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

7. Discussion Items.

A. Pre-Submittal input regarding the redevelopment of 3510 W. Elm Street No public Comment.

Director Polorecky presented this discussion item. Needed preliminary feedback regarding this discussion item. Was approved by planning and zoning then changes caused it to go back to planning and zoning with these changes. There was presentation that was given by GW Properties Diane Menza LFI current owners, shared the revisions during the presentations. GW is one of the partners and Jon Silverberg went over the changes. The old and new plans were presented. Loredo Taco would be first one in northwestern IL. A visual presentation was displayed on the zoom meeting for all to view.

Alderman Harding stated that the new plan looks nicer than the original plan happy with the pumps and how they are placed, concerned about the traffic and fuel trucks. Several questions were asked. Alderman Santi brought up the traffic issues in that location. Alderman Schaefer stated that he likes the new design. Alderwoman Miller asked about the parking island, was curious why parking was not closer to the building. It was explained that landscaping, and over flow parking, and employee parking.

This discussion went on for some time. Mayor Jett was asked for his opinion on this discussion stating that he was in support of the new design that has been presented. He is in favor of the site, may open up the corner, and adds value to the city.

Public Comment on this discussion item: Bettye would like one FB page regarding all that is going on, wanted to know about electric cars, with refueling section for them. Was wanting to know if we are having an arts center sent info to Alderman Schaefer.

Nancy likes new plan only concern the parking on south side of the bank.

Staff Reports: Director of Parks and Recreation, Hobson stated that Saturday night Globe Lightings will go on until till end of October, weather permitting.

Mayor’s Report:

A. Input regarding returning to in-person meetings beginning October 19, 2020.

Alderman Glab in support of the Zoom Meetings. Alderman Harding would like to revisit this idea in the spring, in favor of having meetings on Zoom, safest way. Most of The Council in Support of Zoom.

City Council Comments: Free COVID testing went well per Alderwoman Miller. Alderman Schaefer talked about the many signs around streets, thinking that many of the business are doing so because of COVID.

Executive Session if Needed: Not at this time.

Adjourn: A motion was made Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderman Glab to adjourn the meeting at 8:46 PM.

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