McHenry Times

City of Harvard Ordinance Committee Met Feb. 11

Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:

Chairwoman Haderlein called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. Committee members present: Alderwoman  Haderlein, Alderman Gorman and Alderman Perkins. Also present were Mayor Michael Kelly, City  Administrator Nelson, Code Enforcement Officer Nutley and members of the audience. 

Public Comment 

None 

Parking Along Galvin Parkway 

Alderman Gorman gave an overview of a complaint relating to a dangerous intersection at Galvin Pkwy/Route  173 when vehicles are turning into the subdivision at the same time a vehicle is exiting, particularly when  cars are parked along Galvin Pkwy close to the intersection. He reached out to residents via the subdivision’s Facebook Group for input. There were comments that people just need to slow down, but others felt it was a real problem that should be addressed. Residents also commented that they hoped any mitigation would still  provide ample parking without increasing parking in the cul-de-sac. Jessica Reuter who lives in the  subdivision addressed the Committee and confirmed it is a concern, mainly on the right side when exiting the  subdivision. The Committee discussed options of putting in a lane marker similar to Northfield Ave. or  restricting parking on one or both sides of the street. Jessica’s opinion was that parking should be restricted on both sides of the street. A motion was made by Alderwoman Haderlein, seconded by Alderman Perkins  to recommend to the City Council to implement no parking 100’ from the stop sign on both sides of the street.  There was further discussion about limiting the restriction to just one side of the street which could be  revisited if needed. City Administrator Nelson said it would probably be April before signs could be put up  and any enforcement action takes place, so the ordinance could be approved and additional input obtained  before it actually goes into effect. All ayes. Motion carried.  

Consider Increasing Littering Fines 

The current fine for littering is $25 as set in the Settlement of Offenses. The issue came up after someone  witnessed a diaper being thrown from the window of a vehicle. After discussion, the consensus was to table  discussion and to conduct a complete review of Section 1.14, Settlement of Offenses, which hasn’t been done  for a number of years. Code Enforcement Officer Nutley related there is also an Illinois state statute for  depositing materials on the highway that a police officer could cite if they saw someone throwing something  from their window. 

Nuisance Lighting 

Chairwoman Haderlein brought up discussion on nuisance lighting and noted that while there is a reference  in the UDO, Article 9.2, Exterior Lighting, there isn’t any language in Chapter 11, Nuisances. There is a  situation where a neighbor is shining a spot light from inside his home into the window of another house.  There are also situations where individuals have a motion-activated light that shines out into neighbors’  homes. An option would be to reference the UDO in Chapter 11; City Administrator Nelson noted in that  scenario, the Committee would need to define new and existing homes and determine if all standards in the  UDO need to be applied which would affect the entire community. After further discussion, City  Administrator Nelson will draft an ordinance for Committee review to address the situation. 

An Ordinance Committee Meeting was scheduled for Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 6:30 pm. 

A motion was made by Alderman Gorman, seconded by Alderman Perkins to adjourn the meeting. All ayes.  Motion carried. 

Meeting adjourned at 7:20 pm. 

https://www.cityofharvard.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/zoning_planning_and_ordinance_committee/meeting/14248/minutesordinance2021-02-11.pdf