McHenry Times

City of Harvard City Council met April 26.

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, Perkins and Luna. Alderman Meza was absent. Also present: City Administrator Nelson, Treasurer Bejot, Code Enforcement Officer Nutley, Chief Mark Krause, 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

FY2022/2023 BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING

Mayor Kelly called the public hearing to order to review the FY2022/2023 Budget, notice of which was published in the Northwest Herald on April 16, 2022. City Clerk Moller called roll. Aldermen present: Haderlein, Schulz, Lavallee, Carncross, Gorman, Perkins and Luna. Alderman Meza was absent. Mayor Kelly asked for public comment. There was none. A motion was made by Alderman Carncross, seconded by Alderman Perkins to close the budget hearing. Aldermen voting aye: Haderlein, Schulz, Lavallee, Carncross, Gorman, Perkins and Luna. All ayes. Motion carried.

PLAQUE PRESENTATION TO POLICE CHIEF MARK KRAUSE

Chief Krause thanked the City Council and previous councils that he has had the honor and privilege working with as well as the police department and staff over the last 27 years. Mayor Kelly presented Chief Krause with a plaque for his years of service to Harvard.

CONFIRM POLICE CHIEF APPOINTMENT

Mayor Kelly said there were 25 applicants that applied for the Police Chief position. He announced that the appointment will be Deputy Chief Tyson Bauman. A motion was made by Alderwoman Haderlein, seconded by Alderman Gorman to confirm the appointment of Tyson Bauman as Police Chief. Roll call vote: Haderlein, aye; Schulz, aye; Lavallee, aye; Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye; Perkins, aye and Luna, aye. Motion approved seven to zero. Tyson thanked the City Council and said it was an honor.

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES - APPROVED

A motion was made by Alderman Gorman, seconded by Alderwoman Haderlein to approve the Transportation Committee Meeting Minutes of March 23, 2022, as presented. Roll call vote: Haderlein, aye; Lavallee, aye; Gorman, aye and Perkins, aye. Motion approved four to zero.

ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES - APPROVED

A motion was made by Alderwoman Haderlein, seconded by Alderman Carncross to approve the Administration Committee Meeting Minutes of April 14 and April 19, 2022, as presented. Roll call vote: Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye; Perkins, aye and Haderlein, aye. Motion approved four to zero.

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 March 22, 2022

b. Administration Committee Meeting Minutes of April 14 & April 19, 2022

c. Transportation Committee Meeting Minutes of March 23, 2022

d. Park Board Meeting Minutes of March 21, 2022

e. Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes of April 5, 2022

f. Administrators Report

g. Building & Grounds Report

h. Community Development Department Report

i. Harvard Diggins Library Directors Report

j. Parks & Recreation Report

k. Police Department Report

l. Public Works Department Report

m. Utilities Department Report

n. Proclamation Arbor Day April 29, 2022

o. The Village Quilters request to host a craft sale in conjunction with the Harvard Garden Club plant sale on Saturday. May 14, 2022, from 8 am – 2 pm, in the Library Burbank Meeting Room p. Payment of bills in the amount of $1,153,345.32

Alderwoman Haderlein removed Item #p, Payment of Bills.

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

INDIVIDUAL ACTION CONSENT AGENDA ITEM – PAYMENT OF BILLS

Treasurer Bejot noted a revision to the Vendor Listing in the Treasurer’s Report: Tom Johnson was changed to Johnson Tractor for the purchase of blades for the woods mower. There is no change to the total amount. A motion was made by Alderwoman Haderlein, seconded by Alderman Schulz to approve the Treasurer’s Report as revised in the amount of $1,153,345.32. Roll call vote: Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye; Perkins, aye; Luna, aye; Haderlein, aye Schulz, aye and Lavallee, aye. Motion approved seven to zero.

PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION – APRIL 5, 2022

Castcarr Properties, 201 & 205 West Front St. – Conditional Use – Tabled

A motion was made by Alderwoman Haderlein, seconded by Alderman Schulz to table the agenda item until the next City Council Meeting pending a review by the City Attorney into the legality of the publication notice. Aldermen voting aye: Haderlein, Schulz, Lavallee, Carncross, Gorman, Perkins and Luna. All ayes. Motion carried.

PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION – APRIL 5, 2022

John Stricker, 110 Brainard LLC, 110 E. Brainard St. – Conditional Use – Ordinance 2022-107 Approved The petitioner is seeking a conditional use pursuant to Table 8-1 of the Unified Development Ordinance to utilize the subject property as a motorcycle repair shop. Subject property is located in Chemung Township and commonly known as 110 East Brainard St., Harvard, IL 60033. PIN 01-35-411-013; 01- 35-411-015. After reviewing the evidence and testimony presented, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends to the City Council to grant the petitioner’s request as presented.

A motion was made by Alderwoman Haderlein, seconded by Alderman Gorman to approve the Commission’s recommendation as presented. Mayor Kelly opened the floor to comments/questions. Roll call vote: Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye; Perkins, aye; Luna, aye; Haderlein, aye; Schulz, aye and Lavallee, aye. Ordinance 2022-107 approved seven to zero.

Alderman Schulz recused himself from the meeting at 7:12 pm.

RELINQUISH CLASS B LIQUOR & TOBACCO LICENSES PATEL ENTERPRISES HARVARD INC., 711 E. DIGGINS ST. - APPROVED

A motion was made by Alderman Perkins, seconded by Alderman Carncross to accept the relinquishment of the Class B Liquor and Tobacco License submitted by Induben Patel, Patel Enterprises Harvard, Inc. d/b/a Lions Liquors, Beer, Wine & Spirits, 711 E. Diggins St., upon approval of a license issued to Soha Enterprises LLC, d/b/a Lions Liquors. Roll call vote: Perkins, aye; Luna, aye; Haderlein, aye; Lavallee, aye; Carncross, aye and Gorman, aye. Motion approved six to zero.

CLASS B LIQUOR & TOBACCO LICENSE SOHA ENTERPRISES LLC. D/B/A LIONS LIQUORS, 711 E. DIGGINS ST. - APPROVED

Soniya Patel submitted a Class B Liquor and Tobacco License Application for Soha Enterprises LLC d/b/a Lions Liquors, 711 E. Diggins St. The background check was satisfactory. Fees have been paid and insurance submitted. A motion was made by Alderman Perkins, seconded by Alderwoman Haderlein to approve the license application as presented. Roll call vote: Perkins, aye; Luna, aye; Haderlein, aye; Lavallee, aye; Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye. Motion approved six to zero.

CLASS A LIQUOR & TOBACCO LICENSE SUNRISE HARVARD INC. 100 ADMIRAL DR. - APPROVED

Uday Trivedi, Sunrise Harvard, Inc., d/b/a Sunrise Food & Liquor, 100 Admiral Dr., Ste. 1 has submitted a layout for consideration for a Class A Liquor License to allow for a gaming room. The applicant currently has a Class B license. Mayor Kelly noted that as the Liquor Commissioner, much like all convenience stores, he requires a separate entrance from the store and the gaming area that cannot be accessed from the convenience store. The applicant has submitted the requisite drawings showing how they would accomplish that requirement. After discussion, a motion was made by Alderman Carncross, seconded by Alderman Perkins to approve the license application, pending payment of fees. Roll call vote: Luna, aye; Haderlein, aye; Lavallee, aye; Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye and Perkins, aye. Motion approved six to zero.

At 7:18 pm, Alderman Schulz returned to the meeting.

RELINQUISH TOBACCO LICENSE ZIA SADDIQUI INC., 24 N. AYER ST. - APPROVED

A motion was made by Alderwoman Haderlein, seconded by Alderman Schulz to accept the relinquishment of the Tobacco License submitted by Zia Saddiqui, Inc. d/b/a Harvard Cigarettes & Cigar, 24 N. Ayer St. upon approval of a license issued to Harvard Tobacco, Inc. d/b/a Harvard Cigarettes & Cigar. Roll call vote: Haderlein, aye; Schulz, aye; Lavallee, aye; Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye; Perkins, aye and Luna, aye. Motion approved seven to zero.

TOBACCO LICENSE, HARVARD TOBACCO INC., 24 N. AYER ST. - APPROVED

Kashif Syed has submitted a Tobacco License Application for Harvard Tobacco Inc., d/b/a Harvard Cigarettes & Cigars, 24 N. Ayer St. The fees have been paid. A motion was made by Alderwoman Haderlein, seconded by Alderman Schulz to approve the tobacco license application as presented. Roll call vote: Schulz, aye; Lavallee, aye; Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye; Perkins, aye; Luna, aye and Haderlein, aye. Motion approved seven to zero.

VENDING LICENSE APPLICATION/VIC’S PLACE BAR & GRILL, 10 N. AYER ST. - APPROVED

A motion was made by Alderman Schulz, seconded by Alderman Carncross to approve the vending license application submitted by Vivek Moradia, Video Wonders Inc. d/b/a Vic’s Place Bar & Grill, 10 N. Ayer St. Roll call vote: Lavallee, aye; Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye; Perkins, aye; Luna, aye; Haderlein, aye and Schulz, aye. Motion approved seven to zero.

SPECIAL EVENT LIQUOR LICENSE DEBORAH LESETH @ MILKY WAY PARK - APPROVED

Alderman Schulz recused himself from the meeting at 7:21 pm.

Deborah Leseth is requesting a Special Event Liquor License for Saturday, May 28, 2022, from 1 – 6 pm at the Milky Way Park East Shelter. The fees have been paid. A motion was made by Alderman Carncross, seconded by Alderwoman Haderlein to approve the license application as presented pending submission of dram shop insurance. Roll call vote: Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye; Perkins, aye; Luna, aye; Haderlein, aye and Lavallee, aye. Motion approved six to zero.

Alderman Schulz returned to the meeting at 7:22 pm.

JOHN GIANNASI, FRONT STREET TAP, 106 E. FRONT ST., MILK DAY CERTIFICATE SATURDAY, JUNE 4, 2022 – APPROVED

The City Council reviewed a request submitted by John Giannasi, Front Street Tap, 106 E. Front St. for Saturday, June 4, 2022, for a Milk Day Certificate, pursuant to Section 25.06B.2 pending payment of fees/security deposit. A motion was made by Alderman Gorman, seconded by Alderman Carncross to grant the certificate as requested. Roll call vote: Gorman, aye; Perkins, aye; Luna, aye; Haderlein, aye; Schulz, aye; Lavallee, aye and Carncross, aye. Motion approved seven to zero.

FORMER MOTOROLA PROPERTY TAX INCREMENT FINANCING (TIF) PHASE 1 FEASIBILITY

Mayor Kelly and City Administrator Nelson advised the City Council that the Feasibility Study has been completed and the property qualifies for a TIF. The next step in the process would be a development plan/study to be paid for by the developers. The consultants will not be engaged until a wire transfer has been received. Upon completion, the study will be presented to the City Council for review. A public hearing is required and additional ordinances will need to be passed by the City Council.

FOP LABOR AGREEMENT MAY 1, 2023 - APRIL 30, 2026 - APPROVED

A motion was made by Alderman Perkins, seconded by Alderman Schulz to approve the proposed changes and ratification of the Agreement between the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council/FOP Lodge #134 for a Labor Agreement beginning May 1, 2023, and expiring April 30, 2026, and authorizing execution of the contract. Roll call vote: Perkins, aye; Luna, aye; Haderlein, aye; Schulz, aye; Lavallee, aye; Carncross, aye and Gorman, aye. Motion approved seven to zero.

RTA ACCESS TO TRANSIT GRANT APPLICATION – APPROVED

City Administrator Nelson outlined another opportunity to apply for an RTA Access to ransit Grant for construction dollars on the Ayer St./Marengo Rd. sidewalk project and Phase 1 Engineering dollars on the next phase along Rte 173 from Ayer St. to Rte 14. The deadline to apply is May 20th. A motion was made by Alderman Carncross, seconded by Alderwoman Haderlein to authorize City Administrator Nelson to submit the grant application. Roll call vote: Perkins, aye; Luna, aye; Haderlein, aye; Schulz, aye; Lavallee, aye; Carncross, aye and Gorman, aye. Motion approved seven to zero.

PARK BOARD RECOMMENDATION/ PARK FEES - APPROVED

A motion was made by Alderman Perkins, seconded by Alderman Carncross to approve the Park Board’s recommendation to waive park fees, including shelter rental fees for local Harvard based not-for-profit organizations with the stipulation that security deposits can be collected when necessary. Roll call vote: Luna, aye; Haderlein, aye; Schulz, aye; Lavallee, aye; Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye and Perkins, aye. Motion approved seven to zero. Staff will prepare an ordinance for the next City Council Meeting.

ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION/FINANCE DIRECTOR - APPROVED

A motion was made by Alderwoman Haderlein, seconded by Alderwoman Luna to approve the Administration Committee’s recommendation to create the position of Finance Director and to appoint Deb Bejot as the Finance Director with an annual salary of $95,000. Roll call vote: Haderlein, aye; Schulz, aye; Lavallee, aye; Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye; Perkins, aye and Luna, aye. Motion approved seven to zero.

CITY OF HARVARD ANNUAL BUDGET FOR 2022/2023 - ORD 2022-108 APPROVED

A motion was made by Alderman Schulz, seconded by Alderwoman Haderlein to adopt the proposed Ordinance Establishing the City of Harvard Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2022/2023 as presented. Mayor Kelly inquired if an adjustment to the budget would need to be made in light of the approval of waiving park fees for not-for-profit organizations. Administrator Nelson said that an adjustment might be required. He further noted that the property tax levy this year was slightly higher than what was budgeted. It would also be appropriate to discuss the structural deficiency in this fund and how to address for this year and going forward. After further discussion, roll call vote: Schulz, aye; Lavallee, aye; Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye; Perkins, aye; Luna, aye and Haderlein, aye. Ordinance 2022-108 approved seven to zero.

ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 1.14, SETTLEMENT OF OFFENSES AND SECTION 11.14 PENALTIES & DELETING SECTION 11.13I PENALTY - ORDINANCE 2022-109 APPROVED

A motion was made by Alderwoman Haderlein, seconded by Alderman Carncross to adopt the proposed ordinance Amending Section 1.14, Settlement of Offenses and Section 11.14, Penalties and deleting Section 11.13I, Penalty, as presented. Roll call vote: Lavallee, aye; Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye; Perkins, aye; Luna, aye; Haderlein, aye and Schulz, aye. Ordinance 2022-109 approved seven to zero.

ORDINANCE ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM MUNICIPAL SALES TAX - ORDINANCE 2022-110 APPROVED

A motion was made by Alderman Gorman, seconded by Alderwoman Haderlein to adopt the proposed ordinance to allocate funds from the proposed Municipal Sales Tax solely to public infrastructure, specifically road improvements. The proposition will be on the June 28th ballot. Roll call vote: Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye; Perkins, aye; Luna, aye; Haderlein, aye; Schulz, aye and Lavallee, aye. Ordinance 2022- 110 approved seven to zero.

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF TAXABLE GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS (ALTERNATE REVENUE SOURCE), SERIES 2022A – ORDINANCE 2022-111 APPROVED

A motion was made by Alderman Schulz, seconded by Alderman Perkins to adopt an ordinance authorizing the issuance of Taxable General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source), Series 2022A to an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $4,950,000 for the purpose of (i) funding a portion of the City’s unfunded police pension liability relating to the police employees, (ii) funding a budget stabilization account, (iii) paying certain costs of issuance of the Bonds, and (iv) providing for the levy and collection of a direct annual tax for the payment of the principal of and interest on said bonds. City Administrator Nelson advised that the ordinance sets a maximum amount the City can go to; the bonds have not been priced yet. With the volatility of the bond market for municipal issues, the longer it takes to figure it out, it may not make any sense to do it at all as the rates keep going up. Roll call vote: Gorman, aye; Perkins, aye; Luna, aye; Haderlein, aye; Schulz, aye; Lavallee, aye and Carncross, aye. Ordinance 2022-111 approved seven to zero.

AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF TAXABLE GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS (ALTERNATE REVENUE SOURCE), SERIES 2022C – ORDINANCE 2022-112 APPROVED

A motion was made by Alderwoman Haderlein, seconded by Alderman Carncross to adopt an ordinance authorizing the issuance of General Obligation Refunding Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source), Series 2022C to an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $890,000 for the purpose of (i) refinancing certain outstanding obligations, (ii) paying for costs related thereto, and (iii) providing for the levy and collection of a direct annual tax for the payment of the principal of and interest on said bonds. Roll call vote: Perkins, aye; Luna, aye; Haderlein, aye; Schulz, aye; Lavallee, aye; Carncross, aye and Gorman, aye. Ordinance 2022-112 approved seven to zero.

DEPT. HEADS REPORT

Written reports as submitted.

Utilities Supt. Grant updated the City Council on the WWTF project.

Community Development Director Santeler stated that the contractor for the MFT Road Program will start Thursday. The Ayer St. Water Main Lining Project has been completed.

Code Enforcement Officer Nutley has compiled the annual property maintenance booklet for the City Council. Letters will be sent to property owners this week.

Supt. Kruckenberg said the Public Works crew is doing some prep work for the road program and lining a portion of the sanitary sewer main on Route 14 from McKinley to Burbank. Brush pick-up starts up May 9th. He currently has one seasonal worker, so the department may be short staffed this summer.

Supt. Knop reported he should have a full staff for the upcoming pool season and is getting ready to open on June 6th. Pool passes will go on sale May 2nd.

Deputy Chief Bauman congratulated Chief Krause on his upcoming retirement and thanked the City Council for his confirmation as Chief. He and Chief Krause attended Jose Andrade’s graduation from the Illinois State Police Academy; he has started his field training. Officer Macko has 17 years of prior experience and is in week 3 of field training. Tyson met with a new recruit who has accepted the pre-employment agreement. Deputy Chief Bauman has selected Carmen Sacco as the new Deputy Chief.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

The aldermen thanked Chief Krause for his years of service to the community and congratulated the next round of leadership.

ALDERMAN GORMAN

Alderman Gorman called a Transportation Committee Meeting for May 10th at 6:30 pm.

NO REPORT

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

TREASURER’S REPORT

Report as submitted. Treasurer Bejot thanked the aldermen for the promotion and their faith in her; she will work hard to live up to that.

CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT

City Attorney Clifton updated the City Council on the status of the Country Brook foreclosure. The Sheriff’s sale was held on March 31st with the 24 lots going to a realtor who has an LLC in Woodstock.

CLERK’S REPORT – UPCOMING MEETING DATES

May 3 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting – 7 pm

May 10 Transportation Committee Meeting – 6:30 pm

May 11 Administration Committee Meeting – 6:30 pm

May 16 Park Board Meeting – 6 pm POST TO CANCEL

May 17 Chief Bauman Swearing In Ceremony, 7 pm

May 23 Park Board Meeting – 6 pm

May 24 Regular City Council Meeting - 7 pm

The deadline to file the Economic Interest Statement is May 1st.

MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Kelly noted there are a lot of changes happening within City staffing. He thanked the City Council for being involved and engaged to ensure there is a smooth transition moving forward into the future.

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

Meeting adjourned at 7:55 pm.

https://www.cityofharvard.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/city_council/meeting/14533/ccminutes2022-04-26.pdf