McHenry Times

City of Harvard City Council met March 8.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Finance Committee meeting was called to order 6:33 P.M. Committee members present: Committee members present: Chairwoman Lisa Haderlein, Aldermen Dan Carncross, Charlie Gorman, and Matt Perkins. Also present were Mayor Michael Kelly, Treasurer/Asst. Administrator Deb Bejot, Deputy Chief of Police Tyson Bauman and City Administrator Dave Nelson.

Public Comment

None

Nuisance Code Correction

The Committee reviewed the ordinance for changes on the nuisance code. The changes proposed is altering the penalty section after the City Attorney recommended changes due to problems with the court system. The City Attorney has reviewed the changes and noted that the changes should satisfy the courts. Motion made by Carncross seconded by Gorman to direct the staff to prepare an ordinance for City Council approval at its April meeting. All Ayes motion passed.

Commercial Lawn Mowing Issue

Alderwoman Haderlein referenced an email that was received about commercial lawn mowing companies that take the safety shield off the chute of the lawnmowers, and that this causes a hazard. The Committee discussed what the City can do and it was a consensus that there are other regulatory agencies better equipped to handle this safety violation. Alderwoman Haderlein will reach out to the author of the email and communicate the decision.

Library MOU

Administrator Nelson presented a draft version of the Library MOU that mirrors the letter that Library Director Karen Sutera sent to the committee several months ago. There was discussion about the MOU and its contents and why are we doing this this. Mayor Kelly explained his rationale behind trying to get and updated agreement in writing. The committee would like to add a clause in the MOU about ownership of the building. Alderwoman Haderlein will have a conversation with the City Library Board.

Liquor Code Change

As directed by the Committee last month Administrator Nelson presented changes to the liquor code that eliminates the fees for sidewalk cafés and beer gardens.

Motion by Alderman Perkins seconded by Alderman Gorman to recommend to the city council that the ordinance be adopted. All ayes potion passed.

Police Car Early Purchase

Deputy Chief Bauman would like to order the two new police cars that have been tentatively budgeted for next fiscal year. With delays in manufacturing and supply chain issues we would like to order ahead of time and get in line so that we can receive the vehicles in somewhat of a timely manner. D.C. Bauman noted that we are still waiting for the vehicles we ordered this year and that it’s been ten months.

Motion by Alderman Gorman seconded by Alderman Carncross to recommend to the City Council that we order the vehicles. All ayes motion passed.

New Business

The next regular meeting was called for April 19, 2022 7:00 p.m. with two agenda items to include a review of Communications, Public Relations, and Rules review, and a review of personnel job duties, functions and renumeration.

The Committee would also like to call a special meeting on April 14, 2022, at 6:30 to conduct interviews for two candidates for the Police Chief position, one at 6:30 pm and one at 7:30 pm.

Motion made by Alderman Perkins seconded by Alderman Carncross to adjourn. All ayes motion passed Meeting adjourned at 07:38 pm

https://www.cityofharvard.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/administration_committee/meeting/14577/minutesadministration2022-03-08.pdf