McHenry Times

City of Harvard City Council Met Jan. 26.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Kelly called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 7:00 pm. City Clerk Moller called roll to establish a quorum. Aldermen present: Haderlein, Schulz, Carncross, Meza, Gorman, Perkins and Opper. Also present: City Administrator Nelson, Treasurer Bejot, Chief Krause, Code Enforcement Officer Nutley, Supt. Parks & Rec Knop, Supt. Public Works Kruckenberg, Supt. Utilities Grant, City Attorney TJ Clifton and members of the audience.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None

CONSENT AGENDA - APPROVED

Mayor Kelly stated that items under the Consent Agenda are acted upon in a single motion. There is no separate discussion of these items prior to the Council vote unless a Council Member requests that an item be removed from the Consent Agenda for separate action.

a. Regular City Council Meeting Minutes of December 8, 2020

b. Park Board Meeting Minutes of December 14, 2020

c. Administrators Report

d. Building & Grounds Report

e. Community Development Department Report

f. Harvard Diggins Library Directors Report

g. Parks & Recreation Report

h. Police Department Report

i. Public Works Department Report

j. Utilities Department Report

k. Appoint Alderwoman Haderlein to fill Library Board Vacancy

l. Payment of bills in the amount of $1,851,662.06

A motion was made by Alderman Schulz, seconded by Alderwoman Haderlein to approve the Consent Agenda, Items 5a–l, as presented. Roll call vote: Haderlein, aye; Schulz, aye; Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye; Meza, aye and Perkins, aye. Motion approved six to zero.

INDIVIDUAL ACTION CONSENT AGENDA ITEM

None

Alderman Opper joined the meeting.

VENDING LICENSE APPLICATION/ERA CANDY DROPS SERVICE, SITE LOCATION HARVARD COIN WASH, 207 RANDALL ST. - APPROVED

A motion was made by Alderman Perkins, seconded by Alderman Opper to approve the vending license application submitted by ERA Candy Drops Service, Site Location Harvard Coin Wash, 207 Randall St. Roll call vote: Schulz, aye; Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye; Meza, aye; Perkins, aye; Opper, aye and Haderlein, aye. Motion approved seven to zero.

IDOT RESOLUTION FOR 2021 MFT ROAD PROGRAM IN AMOUNT OF $207,550.00 - APPROVED 

Alderman Opper made note that the resolution was omitted from the agenda packet. Administrator Nelson indicated that the resolution was for the upcoming road program in the amount of $207,550.00. The estimated budget is $175,000.00 but a little more is appropriated for IDOT purposes. A motion was made by Alderman Carncross, seconded by Alderwoman Haderlein to approve the resolution. Roll call vote: Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye; Meza, aye; Perkins, aye; Opper, abstain; Haderlein, aye and Schulz, aye. Motion approved six to zero, with one abstention.

AIRPORT PLAZA RESUBDIVISION OF LOT 4 – ORD. 2021-101 APPROVED

The petitioner, B&V Grant Highway, LLC is requesting approval of the Airport Plaza Resubdivision of Lot 4 into 3 separate lots. Comments/questions:

• Alderman Schulz inquired about any deed restrictions on the property and the 100’ frontage requirement. Administrator Nelson stated there are restrictions with Walgreens for certain uses, which would be up to Walgreens to enforce. He did not think the proposed uses would be part of those uses on the restricted deed. The special use would require a public hearing. Administrator Nelson also noted that Lot 1, where the donut shop will go, has a 114’ of frontage as the roadway is included as part of the lot. There was additional discussion that the City is not responsible for maintaining the road which is a private driveway. There is an agreement between 1st National Bank and Walgreens for plowing as part of the original subdivision where everyone shared the cost.

• At Aldermen Opper’s inquiry, Administrator Nelson confirmed that the City Council was strictly voting on the resubdivision and not what goes in the subdivision. Under the new UDO, the proposed resubdivision is considered a minor subdivision and does not require a public hearing; it just requires action of the City Council. The special use requires a public hearing which is scheduled for February 2, 2021, at 7 pm before the Planning and Zoning Commission. The Commission’s recommendation will come before the City Council at the February 23rd meeting.

• At Alderwoman Haderlein’s inquiry, Administrator Nelson reviewed the access easements that are already in place from when the property was originally subdivided property for public access up and down the roadway as well as stormwater, sanitary sewer, water mains, etc. There are no new proposed access easements/entrances for the other lots off of Highway 14.

• A motion was made by Alderwoman Haderlein, seconded by Alderman Opper to approve the Airport Plaza Resubdivision of Lot 4 as presented. Mayor Kelly opened the floor to further discussion. Alderman Perkins inquired if it seemed feasible to have a big storage place right there in the eyesight of everything. Mayor Kelly responded that would be up to the land owner and also the City Council to give him a special use to do so. Administrator Nelson noted the UDO has requirements that require architectural details on the storage units. Hopefully, when the planning process is completed, they won’t look like storage units. The standards require masonry and fencing to make it look like more than it is. When it comes back to the City Council, that should be one of the concerns to be discussed.

Roll call vote: Gorman, aye; Meza, aye; Perkins, aye; Opper, aye; Haderlein, aye; Schulz, aye and Carncross, aye. Ordinance 2021-101 approved seven to zero.

VACANT LOTS IN COUNTRY BROOK SUBDIVISION/AUTHORIZATION TO PROCEED WITH FORECLOSURE - APPROVED

There are currently 25 vacant lots in Country Brook Subdivision with unpaid weed liens in the amount of $13,398.75. Three liens were filed on each of the vacant lots during 2020. The property owner has not responded to any of the Code Enforcement Officer’s efforts for compliance with the City’s local ordinance relating to weeds and grass. The owner has been cited and the City has been in court since August with no disposition to date. After discussion, a motion was made by Alderman Schulz, seconded by Alderman Carncross to authorize City staff to move forward with foreclosure upon the liens. Roll call vote: Gorman, aye; Meza, aye; Perkins, aye; Opper, aye; Haderlein, aye; Schulz, aye and Carncross, aye. Motion approved seven to zero.

AUTHORIZING SALE OF SURPLUS PROPERTY - ORD. 2021-102 APPROVED

A motion was made by Alderman Perkins, seconded by Alderman Gorman to approve the proposed ordinance Authorizing the Sale/Disposal of Personal Property Owned by the City. Roll call vote: Meza, aye; Perkins, aye; Opper, aye; Haderlein, aye; Schulz, aye; Carncross, aye and Gorman, aye. Ordinance 2021- 102 approved seven to zero.

PROPOSED ORDINANCE DESIGNATING SMOKE-FREE PARK ZONES - ORD. 2021-103 APPROVED 

The City Council reviewed the Park Board’s recommendation and proposed ordinance Amending Section 6.13, Parks, Designating Smoke-Free Zones in the City of Harvard Parks. Alderman Schulz reported that Elizabeth Goad from the McHenry County Dept. of Health brought this matter to the Park Board and the City will be able to work with them to get grant money for park signage. A motion was made by Alderman Perkins, seconded by Alderman Gorman to approve the ordinance as presented. Roll call vote: Perkins, aye; Opper, aye; Haderlein, aye; Schulz, aye; Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye and Meza, aye. Ordinance 2021-103 approved seven to zero.

PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING PARKS BUDGET FY2020/2021 - ORD. 2021-104 APPROVED 

The City Council reviewed the Park Board’s recommendation and proposed ordinance Amending the City Annual Budget for FY2020/2021 to transfer $7,000 from Account 04-00-58000, New Equipment Fund, to the Parks Capital Improvement Account be used for the Northfield Court Tennis Courts. Alderman Opper said he noticed the Park Board was looking to get some new mowers and inquired if the transfer would cause a shortage of funds needed to get the new equipment to mow the parks or if that had been accounted for. Chairman Schulz confirmed that had been accounted for. A motion was made by Alderwoman Haderlein, seconded by Alderman Gorman to approve the budget transfer and ordinance as presented. Roll call vote: Opper, aye; Haderlein, aye; Schulz, aye; Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye; Meza, aye and Perkins, aye. Ordinance 2021-104 approved seven to zero.

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETINGS - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2021

Chairman Opper scheduled a Finance Committee Meeting/Budget Workshop for Saturday, February 6, 2021, at 8 am to discuss the FY2021/2022 Budget.

DEPT. HEADS REPORT

Written reports as submitted.

Chief Krause reported that the new Police Dept. building is coming along well and he anticipates having quite a few of staff and resources moved in by the next City Council meeting.

Supt. Kruckenberg reported on cleanup of the recent snowstorm.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

ALDERMAN GORMAN

Alderman Gorman reviewed a complaint he received regarding a dangerous intersection at the entrance to Park Pointe Subdivision on Route 173/Galvin Parkway and referred the matter to the Ordinance Committee to consider restricting parking close to the entrance.

ALDERMAN PERKINS

Alderman Perkins noted he has responded to emergency calls in Park Pointe Subdivision and concurred with Alderman Gorman that it is a dangerous intersection.

ALDERWOMAN HADERLEIN

Alderwoman Haderlein called an Ordinance Committee for February 11, 2021, at 6:30 pm to discuss the intersection at Route 173/Galvin Pkwy, light pollution and nuisance light issues, as well as a couple other minor items brought up by former Alderwoman Heinsohn that are still pending.

ALDERMAN SCHULZ

Alderman Schulz advised the City Council that Supt. Knop has requested that the Park Board make a decision by March to determine if the swimming pool will open for the upcoming summer season.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

City Administrator Nelson noted one item to add to his report regarding the WWTP. The City is trying to finalize paperwork on the $2 million grant from the DCEO. He received an email today that we’re only weeks away from getting the grant contract so the City can move forward with the project. Financing is in place with the IEPA.

NO REPORT

Aldermen Meza, Carncross and Opper, Treasurer Bejot and Attorney Clifton had no additional report.

CLERK’S REPORT

February 2 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting, 7 pm

February 6 Finance Committee Meeting/Budget Workshop 8 am

February 11 Ordinance Committee Meeting, 6:30 pm

February 15 Park Board Meeting, 6 pm

February 16 Events Committee Meeting – 5:30 pm

February 23 Regular City Council Meeting – 7 pm

The McHenry County Clerk will be sending out e-mails for the electronic submission of Economic Interest Statements. The filing deadline is May 1st.

MAYOR’S REPORT

• The Police Station is nearing completion. Evidence and files will be moved in the next week or two with personnel to follow.

• Mayor Kelly signed the $22 million loan agreement with the IEPA for the WWTP. 

• A meeting is scheduled with the county next week on the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategic Area to move the project forward.

• Mayor Kelly met with the developer who purchased the surplus property from the City on 9th St. The residential home was built and sold; however it appraised for a bit less than what they sold the home for. This is still a concern in our community and for developers to try and make a profit to ensure they get the margin they’re looking for. The developer came to the Mayor to request the City consider reducing the building fees even further than what the City did a few years ago. The Mayor noted he hesitates to bring that request to the City Council as there is a certain amount of real cost to the City. Reducing fees any further would put the City in a negative budget issue. His hope is that the economy will turn around with further investment into our community. The key issue is that home values in Harvard are still a bit less than they are in the eastern part of the county where it is more profitable to build.

• The Mayor and staff are investigating the possibility of bringing fiber optic to the community in accordance with the 2040 Strategic Vision under a Safe and Connected Community. The City is gathering facts to understand what model would make the most sense for our community. The Mayor will bring staff findings to the City Council for review and discussion.

• The Motorola property is currently under contract. The buyer is in the due diligence phase and has up to 90 days to determine if in fact they will move forward. The purchaser is not publicly known, but they will need to contact the City to determine what they need to do to bring the building into code. The Mayor intends to notify the City Council directly once there is a firm understanding of who the buyer is and what they plan to do so the council has that information before anyone else does. The prospective buyer is trying to keep the information quiet until they are ready to disclose their plan to the community and media.

• The Mayor would like to schedule a meeting of the whole in the spring to revisit the 2040 Strategic Vision to refocus on the established goals in that plan. He would like to put a focus on some type of indoor recreational facility in our community. It’s likely to be a long-range plan and will take the better part of a decade but if we don’t start planning for it now, it will never get accomplished.

• The City is sponsoring a Mobile Food Pantry at Brown Bear Daycare on Saturday, January 30th if anyone would like to volunteer to help. The distribution will start around 10 am.

A motion was made by Alderman Schulz, seconded by Alderman Meza to adjourn the meeting. Aldermen voting aye: Haderlein, Schulz, Carncross, Gorman, Meza, Perkins and Opper. All ayes. Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 7:51 pm.

https://www.cityofharvard.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/city_council/meeting/14070/ccminutes2021-01-26.pdf