McHenry Times

City of Harvard City Council met March 22.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

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

PUBLIC COMMENT

None

PUBLIC HEARING

Public Hearing pursuant to the requirements of Sections 10 and 20 of the Bond Issuance Notification Act of the State of Illinois, as amended on the plans to issue Taxable General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source), Series 2022 in the amount not to exceed $4,950,000. Mayor Kelly called the Public Hearing to order at 7:00 pm. Michael Kelly, Mayor, as Hearing Officer read the following statement:

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. This hearing will come to order. Let the record reflect that this is a public hearing being held pursuant to the requirements of Sections 10 and 20 of the Bond Issue Notification Act of the State of Illinois, as amended (the “Act”). Notice of this hearing was published on March 1, 2022, in the Northwest Herald newspaper, being a newspaper of general circulation in the city. This is a hearing regarding a plan to issue not to exceed $4,950,000 in aggregate principal amount of the City’s Taxable General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source), Series 2022 (the “Bonds”).

The proceeds of the Bonds will be used to (i) fund a portion of the City’s unfunded police pension liability relating to the police employees, (ii) fund a budget stabilization account, and (iii) pay certain costs of issuance of the Bonds.

The Bonds will be issued by the City in accordance with the provisions of Section 15 of the Local Government Debt Reform Act of the State of Illinois, as amended, and shall constitute a general obligation of the City, payable from (i) all collections of the City derived from its levy for police pension purposes, (ii) all collections distributed to the City from Retailer’s Occupation Taxes, Service Occupation Taxes, Use Taxes and Service Use Taxes, and (iii) ad valorem taxes of the City for which its full faith and credit have been irrevocably pledged, unlimited as to rate or amount.

This public hearing is required by Sections 10 and 20 of the Act. At the time and place set for the public hearing, residents, taxpayers and other interested persons will be given the opportunity to express their views for or against the proposed plan of financing, the issuance of the Bonds and the purpose of the

The Hearing Officer asked if there was anyone who wished to submit written comments. There were no written comments submitted. The Hearing Officer asked all residents, taxpayers or other interested persons attending the hearing and desiring an opportunity to express their views for or against the proposed Bonds, to please stand so that they may have an opportunity to make those comments or statements. There were no comments expressed.

The Hearing Officer concluded the public hearing regarding a plan to issue not to exceed $4,950,000 Taxable General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source), Series 2022.

The public hearing was concluded at the hour of 7:05 p.m., March 22, 2022.

ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES - APPROVED

Alderwoman Haderlein amended the Administration Committee Meeting Minutes as follows:

• February 12th Theminutes should reflect that Aldermen Meza and Lavallee were in attendance.

• February 19th The minutes should reflect that Alderman Lavallee was in attendance.

• March 8th The minutes say that the purpose of the meeting on April 14th would be to discuss the Mayor’s appointment of the Police Chief. The minutes should reflect that the purpose of the meeting is to conduct interviews for two candidates for the Police Chief position.

A motion was made by Alderwoman Haderlein, seconded by Alderman Carncross to approve the Administration Committee Meeting Minutes of February 12th, February 19th and March 8th as revised. At Alderman Meza’s inquiry, City Administrator Nelson confirmed that the proposed liquor code change ordinance would eliminate the fees for sidewalk cafés and beer gardens. Alderman Meza noted that Bopp’s would be the only place that could have a beer garden and inquired about their fencing. City Administrator related that they would still be required to submit a plan to the Mayor’s office and noted there is still some oversight even though there is no fee. Alderman Meza made comment that the City garbage can would primarily be used for their liquor garbage. Roll call vote: Haderlein, aye; Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye and Perkins, aye. All ayes. Motion carried.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES MARCH 16, 2022 - APPROVED

A motion was made by Alderman Schulz, seconded by Alderman Carncross to approve the Community Development Committee Meeting Minutes of March 16th, as presented. Roll call vote: Schulz, aye; Carncross, aye; Meza, aye and Luna, aye. All ayes. Motion carried.

CONSENT AGENDA - APPROVED

The 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 February 22, 2022

b. Administration Committee Meeting Minutes of February 12, February 19 & March 8, 2022

c. Community Development Committee Meeting Minutes of March 16, 2022

d. Park Board Meeting Minutes of January 17, 2022

e. Administrators Report

f. Building & Grounds Report

g. Community Development Department Report

h. Harvard Diggins Library Directors Report

i. Parks & Recreation Report

j. Police Department Report

k. Public Works Department Report

l. Utilities Department Report

m. Rick Lipinsky - Reappointment to the Police Pension Board for Two Year Term

n. Payment of bills in the amount of $443,228.22

A motion was made by Alderman Carncross, seconded by Alderman Meza to approve the Consent Agenda, items 7a-n, as presented. Roll call vote: Lavallee, aye; Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye; Meza, aye; Perkins, aye; Luna, aye; Haderlein, aye and Schulz, aye. Motion approved eight to zero.

PETITION FOR SIGN VARIATION PROPERTY LOCATED AT 62 N. AYER ST.

ORD 2022-105 APPROVED

The petitioners, Integrity Sign Co. and Community Health Partnership (CHP), are requesting relief from Section 14.04B&C, Signs, for property located at 62 N. Ayer St. Michael Gallo, President of Custom Signcrafters & Integrity Sign Co. and Dr. Eleace Sawyer, CEO, CHP were in attendance and gave a presentation outlining their petition for a sign variation from Section 14.04B and Section 14.04C, Signs, B-1 Zoning Districts, for the installation of a sign that includes a color electronic message center that would extend 75” away on the corner of the building and for a total of 230 sq. ft. of signage.

Dr. Sawyer related that CHP is now open to the public for anyone who needs care. They have expanded services offered to the community to include a pharmacy, an isolation room, a community room, demonstration cooking kitchen, diabetes program and a new administrative wing. They will have their own mobile medical transportation to serve the public to connect people to clinic hours to and from their homes. Alderman Gorman brought up discussion of sign variation requests that might come before the City Council in the future; it was recommended that the sign code be reviewed. The City Council discussed the variation request and reviewed the site plan. Alderwoman Haderlein indicated that from a variance standpoint, given the configuration of the building and the need for wayfinding getting people to the correct place in the building is a compelling reason to grant the request. Alderman Meza noted his concern of allowing multiple overhangs in the downtown and reducing visibility for businesses such as Judy’s Florist. A motion was made by Alderman Schulz, seconded by Alderman Carncross to approve the petition and the proposed ordinance granting a sign variation. Roll call vote: Gorman, aye; Meza, no; Perkins, no; Luna, aye; Haderlein, aye; Schulz, aye; Lavallee, aye and Carncross, aye. Ordinance 2022- 105 approved six to two.

PARK BOARD RECOMMENDATION MAYOR’S MONARCH PLEDGE - APPROVED Pat Lawlor and Ann Stone from the Environmental Defenders of McHenry Co. and members of the Harvard Garden Club were in attendance. They reviewed the National Wildlife Federation initiative to create habitat for pollinators. Melissa Kelnhofer from the Harvard Garden Club indicated their support of the initiative.

The Park Board recommends to the City Council to give support to the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge and identified a project for a pollinator demonstration garden using the island at the pool. Alderwoman Haderlein noted there is also a fairly large area of native plantings behind the library which is maintained by community volunteers and inquired if that would count towards the three required projects. Pat Lawlor responded that would count towards the required projects. The pledge needs to be made by March 31st from Mayor Kelly’s official email address. A motion was made by Alderman Schulz, seconded by Alderwoman Haderlein to approve the Park Board’s recommendation. Roll call vote: Meza, aye; Perkins, aye; Luna, aye; Haderlein, aye; Schulz, aye; Lavallee, aye; Carncross, aye and Gorman, aye. Motion approved eight to zero.

HARVARD MILK DAYS PROPOSED ROUTES FOR THE 2 MILE WALK, 5K & 10K RUN - APPROVED A motion was made by Alderman Perkins, seconded by Alderman Carncross to approve Harvard Milk Days proposed routes for the 2 Mile Walk, 5K and 10K Run to be held on Saturday, June 4th, 2022, as presented. Roll call vote: Perkins, aye; Luna, aye; Haderlein, aye; Schulz, aye; Lavallee, aye; Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye and Meza, aye. Motion approved eight to zero.

RENEWAL OF COMMERCIAL LOAN AGREEMENT - APPROVED

A motion was made by Alderwoman Haderlein, seconded by Alderman Perkins to authorize the Mayor’s execution of all loan documents to renew the commercial loan agreement with The Harvard State Bank as presented in the amount of $571,718.59. Roll call vote: Luna, aye; Haderlein, aye; Schulz, aye; Lavallee, aye; Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye; Meza, aye and Perkins, aye. Motion approved eight to zero.

PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 25.06.B.1, BEER GARDEN CERTIFICATE AND 25.06.B.3, SIDEWALK CAFÉ CERTIFICATE - ORDINANCE 2022-106 APPROVED A motion was made by Alderwoman Haderlein, seconded by Alderman Carncross to adopt the proposed ordinance Amending Section 25.06.B.1, Beer Garden Certificate and 25.06.B.3, Sidewalk Café Certificate, as presented. Roll call vote: Haderlein, aye; Schulz, aye; Lavallee, aye; Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye; Meza, aye; Perkins, aye and Luna, aye. Ordinance 2022-106 approved eight to zero.

POLICE CAR PURCHASE - APPROVED

With delays in manufacturing and supply chain issues, the Administration Committee would like to order the two new police cars that have been tentatively budgeted for in the next fiscal year ahead of time so the vehicles can be received in a timely manner. A motion was made by Alderman Carncross, seconded by Alderwoman Haderlein to approve the Committee’s recommendation. Roll call vote: Schulz, aye; Lavallee, aye; Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye; Meza, aye; Perkins, aye; Luna, aye and Haderlein, aye. Motion approved eight to zero.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE/BUILDING PERMIT REVIEW - APPROVED The Community Development Committee recommends to the City Council to approve the proposal to reduce the permit fees for Foxtail Properties for 4 homes to $4,200/per permit; the homes need to be built in an 18– 24-month window. The City Council discussed making similar offers or changing the permit fees for other developers in the future. Attorney Clifton noted that this type of side developer agreement provides flexibility to deal with market conditions and doesn’t bind or prohibit the City Council from making similar agreements in the future. A motion was made by Alderman Schulz, seconded by Alderman Meza to approve the Committee’s recommendation. Roll call vote: Lavallee, aye; Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye; Meza, aye; Perkins, aye; Luna, aye; Haderlein, aye and Schulz, aye. Motion approved eight to zero.

PUBLIC HEARING FOR BUDGET ON APRIL 26, 2022

There will be a public hearing on April 26, 2022, at 7 pm to review the FY22/23 budget.

DEPT. HEADS REPORT

Written reports as submitted.

Utilities Supt. Grant updated the City Council on the WWTF project which is about 55 days behind schedule due to a shortage of materials.

Community Development Director Santeler has been in contact with the contractors for the Ayer St. Water Main Lining Project and the MFT Road Program who are getting ready for their prospective projects.

Supt. Knop related a phone call from the Illinois Master Gardeners informing him that the Harvard Master Gardener has retired. There will not be a community garden at Lions Park for the foreseeable future. The garden donated about 25,000 lbs. of produce to the Harvard Food Pantry last year.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

ALDERMAN SCHULZ

Alderman Schulz reviewed the Park Board’s recommendation that park fees, including shelter rental fees, be waived for local Harvard based not-for-profit organizations with the stipulation that security deposits can be collected when necessary. The recommendation will be on the next City Council agenda. The Park Board also waived the park and shelter fees for the Parks Foundation Food Truck Feastival to be held on July 2, 2022, at Milky Way Park pending the outcome of City Council action on the park fees.

ALDERWOMAN HADERLEIN

Alderwoman Haderlein related that the Friends of the Harvard Library and Harvard Historical Society are hosting a Spring Tea luncheon fundraiser on Sunday, April 24th to be held at The Starline Factory; cost per ticket is $50.

ALDERMAN MEZA

Alderman Meza related that the Harvard Senior Center is holding a Chicken Dinner fundraiser on April 11th at Brown Bear Daycare. Cost per ticket is $15.

NO REPORT

City Administrator Nelson and Aldermen Carncross, Lavallee, Luna, Perkins and Gorman had no additional report.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Report as submitted.

CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT

City Attorney Clifton updated the City Council on the status of the Country Brook foreclosure. The Sheriff’s sale is scheduled for the morning of March 31st. Additionally, the Country Brook outlots have been deeded back to the City.

CLERK’S REPORT – UPCOMING MEETING DATES

March 23 Transportation Committee Meeting – 6:30 pm

April 5 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting – 7 pm

April 14 Administration Committee Meeting – 6:30 pm

April 18 Park Board Meeting – 6 pm

April 19 Administration Committee Meeting– 7:00 pm

April 26 Budget Hearing, Regular and Year End City Council Meeting - 7 pm

MAYOR’S REPORT

• The Harvard EDC is retooling and moving forward to rebolster the organization. • The Harvard Parks Foundation is up and running. The Foundation is developing both long-term and short-term goals, with the first short term goal to raise funds for a dog park. The Foundation is also planning a strategy visioning workshop.

At 8:02, a motion was made by Alderman Schulz, seconded by Alderman Meza to go into Closed Session to discuss Section 2(c)(2) Collective Bargaining. Aldermen voting aye: Haderlein, Schulz, Carncross, Lavallee, Gorman, Meza, Perkins and Luna. All ayes. Motion carried.

At 8:15 pm, a motion was made by Alderman Schulz, seconded by Alderman Perkins to reconvene the open session. Aldermen voting aye: Haderlein, Schulz, Carncross, Lavallee, Gorman, Meza, Perkins and Luna. All ayes. Motion carried.

The full City Council was in attendance.

A motion was made by Alderman Schulz, seconded by Alderman Carncross to authorize execution of the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Harvard and the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council by the appropriate personnel. Roll call vote: Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye; Meza, aye; Perkins, aye; Luna, aye; Haderlein, aye; Schulz, aye and Lavallee, aye. Motion approved eight to zero. The Collective Bargaining Agreement will be on the April City Council Agenda.

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

Meeting adjourned at 8:17 pm.

https://www.cityofharvard.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/city_council/meeting/14532/ccminutes2022-03-22.pdf