McHenry Times

City of Harvard Community Development Committee met March 16.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Chairman Carncross called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. Committee members present: Chairman Dan Carncross, Alderwoman Rosa Luna, Aldermen Jay Schulz and Raul Meza. Also present were Mayor Michael Kelly, City Administrator Dave Nelson, Public Works Superintendent Jim Kruckenberg, Code Enforcement Officer Anne Nutley, City Engineer Gary Rozwadowski, and Treasurer/Asst. Administrator Deb Bejot.

Public Comment

None

Dewey Street Water Update and Marengo Road Water Update

Gary Rozwadowski gave a presentation on the benefits of looping our water system and that the beginning of this process includes the Dewey Street and Marengo Road water main projects. Mr. Rozwadowski went through the plans for each water main extension project and sought comments. The water main that taps into Dewey Street will be moved to the east on the other side of the guardrail and the portion of water main that was proposed to be removed from marengo road will be replace instead and extended out another 20-30 feet if possible. Fire hydrant to be placed at the end of the main. The presentation was for informational reasons and no action was taken. Estimated time frame for a bid letting is June 2022

Building Permit Review

Mayor Kelly gave a presentation about Foxtail Properties and the companies desire to build more homes in Harvard. The Mayor noted that this is a local company that is making an investment in their own community but are having a hard time gaining traction with appraisals on new homes. The Mayor is recommending that the permit fees for 4 homes be reduced to $4,200 and that they must be built within an 18–24-month window. The committee is supportive of this concept to see if we can’t spur some more residential activity in the City. Motion by Alderman Schulz seconded by Alderman Carncross to recommend to the City Council that this proposal be approved. All Ayes motion passed.

Abandoned Property Discussion

Code Enforcement Officer Anne Nutley gave a presentation about three abandoned homes in town 307 Grant, 204 E. Park and 607 W. Blackman.

• 307 Grant Street keep an eye on the property

• 204 E. Park If needed mow the grass for one year lien the property and then seek permission from the Committee to foreclose on those liens.

• 607 W. Blackman we should try to engage the owner to repair the property through the normal procedure and issue citations if necessary. Report back to the Committee at a later date with an updated report.

No other action was taken

Motion made by Alderman Meza seconded by Alderman Schulz to adjourn the meeting. All ayes motion passed.

Meeting adjourned 7:35 pm.

https://www.cityofharvard.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/community_development_committee/meeting/14578/minutescommunitydevelopment2022-03-16.pdf