McHenry Times

City of Harvard Planning & Zoning Commission met Nov. 3.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

Chairman Carbonetti called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. City Clerk Moller called roll to establish a quorum. Commission members present: Tom Condon, Mike Grieshop, Jim Hutchinson and Ian McCafferty. Also present were Alderwoman Lisa Haderlein, Community Development Director Santeler, Code Enforcement Officer Anne Nutley and members of the audience.

Public Comment

Chairman Carbonetti opened the floor to public comment. There was none.

A motion was made by Commissioner Grieshop, seconded by Commissioner Hutchinson to accept the minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting of March 3, 2020. All ayes. Motion carried.

Robert Fisher Jr/Adam Harasimowicz Conditional Use 209 South Division St.

Chairman Carbonetti opened the hearing in the petition of Robert Fisher Jr. (petitioner) and Adam Harasimowicz (property owner). The petitioners are seeking a conditional use pursuant to Table 8-1, General Use Regulations of the Unified Development Ordinance to operate a Motorcycle/ATV/Jet Ski repair shop. The parties of interest in the petition were present. The Notice of Hearing was published per statutory requirements in the Northwest Herald. The Certificate of Publication, completed petition and staff report were entered into the record. Certified notices were sent to property owners within 250’ of the subject property relative to the conditional use.

Subject property is located in Chemung Township and commonly known as 209 South Division St. Harvard, IL 60033 PIN 01-35-469-007

Presentation of Evidence by Petitioners

Upon being sworn in, Robert Fisher, presented his petition seeking a conditional use pursuant to Table 8- 1, General Use Regulations of the Unified Development Ordinance to operate a Motorcycle/ATV/Jet Ski repair shop. Mr. Fisher proposes to open a local power sports repair facility to sell parts/accessories as well as in house service which he thought would be a great fit for our community.

Questions/Discussion by Planning and Zoning Commissioners to Petitioners

Chairman Carbonetti opened the floor to questions or comments from the Commissioners.

• At Commissioner Grieshop’s inquiry, Mr. Fisher stated he has been doing this line of work for 17 years working for other independents. He ran the service department at Hammertime Power Sports, which is a multi-level dealership in Belvidere, for the last 8 years. Commissioner Grieshop noted the petitioner’s website presented itself well. He also thought it was a positive corner in Harvard that would pick up a lot of lake traffic which seems to be some of the petitioner’s clientele. Commissioner Grieshop felt the proposed business would be a welcome addition to Harvard.

• Commissioner McCafferty indicated he thought the proposed repair shop would be a great addition to town especially with people coming into town from the Lake Geneva area.

Identification of Objectors/Supporters/Witnesses/Audience Participation There were no objectors in attendance.

Alderwoman Haderlein asked Community Development Director Santeler if it could be made a right in and right out turn only because of the proximity of the driveway to the corner. Community Development Director Santeler responded that would be up to the State of Illinois, to IDOT specifically. Steve indicated that a right in and right out has to be set back quite a way so as not to impede the flow of the intersection. Alderwoman Haderlein expressed her concern that turning left out of the business onto Brink St. seems problematic. Community Development Director Santeler indicated he could research what the City can do. There was further discussion of using Washington St. which was previously vacated to adjoining property owners and is now a private driveway. An option would be for the petitioner to talk to the current property owners to work out a private agreement. Chairman Carbonetti stated he wasn’t sure what the condition of the bridge is as that street has been closed for a number of years and consequently the bridge hasn’t been inspected. Community Development Director Santeler related that City is required to have bridges inspected by engineers every two years but he didn’t know what the requirements are for private bridges.

Vote on Petition

A motion was made by Commissioner Condon, seconded by Commissioner Grieshop to recommend to the City Council to allow the petitioner to reinstate the conditional use permit for the property per the petitioner’s request and that it would be a beneficial addition to the City of Harvard. Roll call vote: Carbonetti, aye; Condon, aye; Grieshop, aye; Hutchinson, aye and McCafferty, aye. Motion approved five to zero.

The Planning and Zoning Commission’s recommendation will come before the City Council at their next regular meeting on Tuesday, November 24, 2020, at 7 pm to be held via Go To Meeting.

At 7:18 pm, a motion was made by Commissioner Condon, seconded by Commissioner Grieshop to close the hearing. All ayes. Motion carried.

Clerk’s Report

Clerk Moller reported there will be two petitions before the Planning & Zoning Commission on December 1, 2020. The meeting will be held via Go To Meeting.

Chairman’s Report No report

At 7:20 pm, a motion was made by Commissioner Grieshop, seconded by Commissioner Condon adjourn the meeting. All ayes. Motion carried.

https://www.cityofharvard.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/planning_and_zoning_commission/meeting/13901/planningzoningminutes2020-11-03.pdf