City of McHenry City Council met May 16.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
Roll Call: Mayor Jett called the roll call.
Members present Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderman Harding, Alderman Strach-absent, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller, and Mayor Jett. Others present Attorney McArdle, Administrator Morefield, Director of Public Works Strange, Director of Community Development Polerecky, Finance Director Lynch, Director of Parks and Recreation Hobson, Director of Economic Development Martin, Chief of Police Birk, City Planner Sheriff-absent, Deputy Clerk Johnson, and City Clerk Ramel.
Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Jett led the pledge.
Public Comments: None.
Administrator Morefield opened the meeting by explaining why the agenda format looked different. He wanted to change the format to try to enhance the agenda items with the focus and thought defining each item and its type would give The Council a heads up on it. Consent Agenda are items that are motioned on at once Action Items are the Individual Items that have not been previously approved. Discussion Items help get input from the council or the public that does not require action. The Consent Agenda can be pulled to be treated as action items during the meetings as well. This will help improve transparency overall.
Consent Agenda: Motion to Approve the following Consent Agenda Items: *Clerks Note pulled by Alderman McClatchey
A. Administrative Hearing Officer Appointment (Administrative Item) A resolution consenting to the appointment of Mollie Dahlin as Administrative Hearing Officer for the City of McHenry upon satisfying the stated conditions and in coordination with the retirement of the City’s current Administrative Hearing Officer, Harry Semrow, in 2022. (Staff
Alderman McClatchey wanted to shout out to Harry Semrow.
A motion was made by Alderman McClatchey and seconded by Alderman Harding to approve Consent Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 6-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderman Harding, Alderman Strach-absent, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays, 0-abstained. Motion carried.
*Clerks note item pulled by Alderman McClatchey
F. hydrant Painting Program (Budgeted Item)
Award of Bid to GO Painters, Inc. of Maywood, Illinois in the amount of $31,850.00 (actual amount may vary based on final measured quantities). (Public Works Director Strange)
Alderman McClatchey had some questions as to how many years we wait to sandblast the hydrants. It was confirmed every 5 years.
A motion was made by Alderman McClatchey and seconded by Alderman Santi, to approve Consent Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 6-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderman Harding, Alderman Strach-absent, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays, 0-abstained. Motion carried.
*Clerks Note Pulled by Alderman Glab
I. Venice Avenue Reconstruction Project (Budgeted Item)
Task Order for Professional Engineering Services with HR Green, Inc. of McHenry, Illinois for $49,845.00. (Public Works Director Strange)
Alderman Glab wanted to see if this could be paid for by the TIFF program. Alderman Santi also wanted to pull this item and had some questions wants to present the area to make it as attractive and have the same liking as the Riverwalk to Green St.
A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderman McClatchey to approve Consent Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 6-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderman Harding, Alderman Strach-absent, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays, 0-abstained. Motion carried.
*Clerks Note Pulled by Alderman Glab
N. McHenry Riverwalk Special Use Permit (Event)
Approve a Parks Special Use Permit Application submitted by the McHenry Riverwalk Foundation for the use and ability to park 1 -2 food trucks a day on Saturdays and Sundays only at Miller Point Park from May – to September from 12 pm to 6 pm and split the revenue on a $50/truck/day charge. (Director of Parks and Recreation Bill Hobson)
Alderman Glab does not favor the food trucks vs. brick and mortar restaurants, also bringing in the food trucks from out of town would like to know what the trucks are serving. Alderman Santi wanted to confirm what the vote was and it was confirmed by Director Hobson 2 trucks max. One year vote. He will give more of an option to those that can spend time in the environment as well, he is comfortable with this.
Alderwoman Miller loves the idea of it and gives us the opportunity for Miller Pointe looking forward to the exposure. Alderman Devine said a restaurant vs. food truck cannot be compared to two different things. Motion with one year only, per Alderman Devine. No public comment.
A motion was made by Alderman Devine and seconded by Alderman Santi to approve Consent Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 5-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman McClatchey, Alderman Harding, Alderman Strach-absent, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller. 1-nays- Alderman Glab, 0-abstained. Motion carried.
B. Landmark Designation (Administrative Item)
Ordinance Designating the property located at 812 N. Mill Street which includes the structure formerly known as the Hanly Mill, as a McHenry Landmark under the McHenry Historic Preservation Ordinance. (Deputy City Clerk Johnson, McHenry Landmark Commission)
C. Waive Requirement for Competitive Bidding and Authorization of Purchase Order Contract (Administrative Item)
Ordinance waiving the requirement for competitive bidding set for in 65 ILCS 5/8-9-1 and the required competitive bidding outlined in the City’s Purchasing Policy and, approve and authorize the execution of a Purchase Order Contract with Eagle Biomass of McHenry, Illinois in an amount not to exceed $92,800 for the demolition of the property at 914 Front Street. (Community Development Director Polerecky)
D. Exclusive Listing Agreement – 914 Front Street (Administrative Item)
Approve Mayor’s Authorization of an exclusive listing agreement with Jack Minero of Berkshire Hathaway for the list of 914 Front Street, McHenry, Illinois through April 30, 2023. (Community Development Director Polerecky)
E. Master Engineering Services Agreement Modifications (Administrative Item)
Modifications to the Master Engineering Services Agreement between the City of McHenry and HR Green, Inc. of McHenry, Illinois for professional engineering services. (Public Works Director Strange)
G. 2022 Paint Pavement Marking Program (Budgeted Item)
Award of Bid to Precision Pavement Markings, Inc. of Pingree Grove, Illinois in the amount of $33,213.70 (actual amount may vary based on final measured quantities). (Public Works Director Strange)
H. City Fueling Station (Budgeted Item)
An ordinance approving a Professional Services Agreement and Award of Professional Services Agreement Contract with Integrity Environmental Services, Inc. of Naperville, Illinois in the of $37,100.00. (Public Works Director Strange)
J. City Hall Parking Lot Rehabilitation Project (Budgeted Item)
Task Order for Professional Engineering Services with HR Green, Inc. of McHenry, Illinois for $24,850.00. (Public Works Director Strange)
K. Bulk Rock Salt Purchase (Budgeted Item)
Award a Material Supply Contract to Morton Salt, Inc. of Chicago, Illinois for $131,835.00 and approve a 20% contingency allowance for $26,367.00. (Public Works Director Strange)
L. Public Alley Closure for American Legion “Party Out Back” (Event)
Closure of the public alley west of Riverside Drive on Sunday, June 26th from 12:00 pm until 5:00 pm. (Deputy City Clerk Johnson)
M Public Street Closure for Liberty Club, NFP (Event)
Closure of Park Street from 1304/1309 Park Street to Elm Street on Sunday, August 7th from 12:00 pm until 6:00 pm. (Deputy City Clerk Johnson)
N. Parks & Recreation Facilities & Special Use Permit Requests
O. May 2, 2022 City Council Meeting Minutes
P. Issuance of $899,236.91 Checks
R. As Needed $137,069.37 Checks
A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderman McClatchey to approve Consent Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 6-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderman Harding, Alderman Strach-absent, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays, 0-abstained. Motion carried.
Individual Action Item Agenda:
A. 2023 Road Resurfacing Program (Planning Item)
Motion to Authorize Staff to proceed with the plan preparation and public bidding of the 2023 (FY23/24) Road Resurfacing Program and, if necessary, to authorize the solicitation of proposals for engineering assistance to be considered by the City Council at a later date. (Public Works Director Strange)
Alderman Glab commented on the outside firm and how to decide what is best for our city and streets change over the years but stated that the study should be evaluated each year. They should be looking at the worst streets in their ward and comparing them to the study, waiting too long could cause reconstruction, not in support of it.
Alderman Santi asked Director Strange some questions regarding the budgets over the years, catching up on the roads and how we are behind its aggressive but only so much that can be done, happy that there is an investment thus far need to do more is comfortable with it.
Alderwoman Miller talked about the mapping survey on the streets and conditions. The ranking of the streets is critical to her because the worst first, and we are catching up from where we used to be, feels that we are doing things the correct way, and staying with the plan. This discussion went on for some time.
No public comment.
A motion was made by Alderwoman Miller and seconded by Alderman McClatchey to approve Individual Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 5-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman McClatchey, Alderman Harding, Alderman Strach, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller. 1-nays- Alderman Glab, 0-abstained. Motion carried.
B. Annexation and Zoning Map Amendment – 5816 W. Elm Street (Code Amendment or Variance Item)
Motion to approve an Ordinance Annexing an 8.9-acre tract of land commonly known as 5816 W. Elm Street in McHenry, Illinois (Mayor and City Council vote); and, if approved, motion to approve an Ordinance granting a Zoning Map Amendment to C-5 Highway Commercial District, Zoning Variations and a Use Variation for a Caretaker Residence in conjunction with a Conditional Use Permit for the operation of a Mini
Warehouse with Outdoor Storage (City Council simple majority vote)
Annexation Motion
A motion was made by Alderwoman Miller and seconded by Alderman Santi to approve Individual Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderman Harding, Alderman Strach, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller, Mayor Jett. 0-nays, 0-abstained. Motion carried.
Zoning Motion
A motion was made by Alderwoman McClatchey and seconded by Alderman Santi to approve Individual Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 6-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderman Harding, Alderman Strach-absent, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays, 0-abstained. Motion carried.
C. Sign Variance – 1830-1840 N. Richmond Road (Code Amendment or Variance Item)
Motion to grant a Sign Variance to allow an additional 24sq/ft of advertising signage for a total of 56sq/ft, and an additional 4 feet of height for a maximum of 10 feet. (Community Development Director Polerecky)
Aspen Dental asking for a variance request because the developer takes care of freestanding and tenants take care of wall signs. No public comment
A motion was made by Alderman Devine and seconded by Alderwoman Miller to approve Individual Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 6-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderman Harding, Alderman Strach-absent, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller, Mayor Jett. 0-nays, 0-abstained. Motion carried.
D. Amendments to Class G and Special Use Liquor Licenses (Code Amendment or Variance Item)
Ordinance Amending Title 4, Chapter 2, Alcoholic Liquor, Section 6, License Classification and Fees. (Deputy City Clerk Johnson)
Our code matches the state code moving forward per Monte. No Public Comment.
A motion was made by Alderwoman McClatchey and seconded by Alderman Santi to approve Individual Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 6-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderman Harding, Alderman Strach-absent, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller, Mayor Jett. 0-nays, 0-abstained. Motion carried.
Discussion Items:
A. Honorary Street Signs
Discussion and direction for the permanent placement of Honorary Street Signs once they are removed from street sign locations. (City Council, Staff, Public)
Director Strange did some brainstorming to display the downtown streetscape plan that allows room for growth as new signs do get retired. Wanted to see what The Council would think.
Director Hobson passed along some information that he had researched thinking this idea could work at Green Street Park, not a lot of traffic but a visible location nice area just for reflection as well. Bronze plaques with limestone are part of the landscaping.
Mayor Jett stated that The Council will give feedback and then will turn to public comment. Alderwoman also discussed a resident’s idea regarding a carved brick idea as well. Director Hobson expressed the brick program would be an easy way to honor as well.
Alderman McClatchey wanted to know what is going to happen with the signs that are currently up. Maybe the Landmark Commission help nominate the signs that come before The City Council. Would like to extend the ten years.
Alderman Harding agrees with Alderman McClatchey and also likes Director Hobson, but has some concerns about taking down some of the honorary names come down. Alderman Glab stated that by leaving the signs up it takes away from the new signs that would go up, hence the ten years, maybe have the names inscribed on a wall, and a description under the name, etc. maybe could invite the kids from the schools to visit and learn about history.
Alderman Santi would like to see the families have the option to remove after ten years and then move to the new designated location. Alderman Devine agrees with the extension of 10 years but maybe a QR code will be scanned and taken to the city website so they can read about its history of it.
Mayor Jett did talk with several families and understands that they want the honored ones to be recognized and asked the public to explain the stance they would like.
Public Comment: Several residents spoke during the Public Comment portion of this item. Those included Jon Meyer, Michael Freund, Cynthia Locke, and Celeste Hydeman. Many are in support of honoring and placing honorary retired signs in a new location as well as some in favor of keeping the signs up another 10 years. This discussion went on for some time and will be brought back to The Council for further discussion.
Executive Session:
Executive Session to discuss the purchase of real property for the use of the public body, including meetings held to discuss whether a particular parcel should be acquired (5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5).)
A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderwoman Miller to adjourn to Executive Session at 8:38 p.m. to discuss pending litigation on the purchase or lease of real estate property for the use of the public body
Mayor Jett reconvened the meeting from Executive Session at 8:50 p.m. A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderman Devine to return to the open session. Roll Call: Vote: 6-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderman Harding, Alderman Strach-absent, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays, 0- abstained. Motion carried.
Staff Report:
Staff reports are provided at the first meeting of each month.
Mayor’s Report: None
City Council Comments: Director Troy gave an update. Peterson Barn roof update by Director Hobson. Roller Rink will be getting started to demo that per Director Polerecky. Thursday night is the opening night to Pearl Street per Alderman McClatchey
Adjourn: A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderman Harding to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 PM. Roll Call: Vote: 6-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderman Harding, Alderman Strach-absent, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nay-, 0-abstained. Motion carried.
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