McHenry Times

City of Harvard City Council met May 24.

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, Chief Tyson Bauman, Community Development Director Santeler, Supt. Parks & Rec Knop, Supt. Public Works Kruckenberg, Supt. Utilities Grant, City Attorney TJ Clifton and members of the audience.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None

OATH OF OFFICE CARMEN SACCO AS DEPUTY CHIEF OF POLICE

Carmen Sacco was sworn in as the Deputy Chief of Police.

PLAQUE PRESENTATION TO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR STEVE SANTELER

Mayor Kelly presented Community Development Director Steve Santeler with a plaque in recognition of his service to the City of Harvard from 11/27/1995 - 06/17/2022. Steve thanked the current and past administrations and staff that he has had the honor and privilege working with. In addition, with his almost 3 decades working for the City, he has developed lasting relationships in the community with residents, business owners, developers and councils that he will cherish very much.

PLAQUE PRESENTATION TO OUTGOING “SPIRIT OF 76” SCHOLARSHIP BOARD MEMBER

Jean Hutchinson was not in attendance. A plaque will be mailed to her in recognition of her service as a member of the “Spirit of 76” Bicentennial Scholarship Board from 03/10/2004 – 04/30/2022.

CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION TO OUTGOING PARK BOARD MEMBERS

Joel Kriete and Mike Vest were not in attendance. Certificates of Recognition will be mailed to them in recognition of their service on the Park Board.

• Joel Kriete from 06/17/2017 – 04/30/2022

• Mike Vest from 08/28/2018 – 04/30/2022

ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES - APPROVED

A motion was made by Alderwoman Haderlein, seconded by Alderman Perkins to approve the Administration Committee Meeting Minutes of May 11, 2022, as presented. Roll call vote: Haderlein, aye; Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye and Perkins, 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 and Year End City Council Meeting Minutes of April 26, 2022

b. Administration Committee Meeting Minutes of May 11, 2022

c. Park Board Meeting Minutes of April 18, 2022

d. Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes of May 3, 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. MFT Resolution for Maintenance 2nd Street Sidewalk Program

n. MFT Resolution for Public Works Annual Maintenance

o. Proclamation Declaring June Community Health Partnership Month

p. Reappoint Scott Logan and Jose Saucedo to the Park Board

q. Reappoint Jo Carbonetti and Alderwoman Luna to the “Spirit of 76” Scholarship Board r. Reappoint Tom Condon and J Albertson to the Planning & Zoning Commission s. Reappoint Steve Wright to the Police Commission

t. Payment of bills in the amount of $1,934,923.66

Alderwoman Haderlein removed Item #o, Proclamation Declaring June Community Health Partnership Month.

A motion was made by Alderman Schulz, seconded by Alderman Carncross to approve the Consent Agenda, items 7a-n and p-t, as presented. 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.

PROCLAMATION DECLARING JUNE AS COMMUNITY HEALTH PARTNERSHIP MONTH - APPROVED

Mayor Kelly read the Proclamation Declaring June as Community Health Partnership (CHP) Month and presented the petition to a representative from CHP. A motion was made by Alderman Schulz, seconded by Alderwoman Haderlein to approve the proclamation. 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.

CASTCARR PROPERTIES ZONING PETITION

FYI: The petitioners have dropped their petition. No further action required. The petitioners plan to reapply to the Planning and Zoning Commission at a later date with a different petition.

PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION – MAY 3, 2022

Tomasz Zawierta (petitioner) and City of Harvard (Property Owner) – Conditional Use/Inside and Outside Storage Units Ordinance 2022-113 Approved

The petitioner is seeking a conditional use pursuant to Table 8-1 of the Unified Development Ordinance to utilize the subject property for a series of self-storage buildings as well as outside storage. Subject property is a vacant parcel located in Chemung Township and is located on the west side of North Division, north of Northfield Ave., with frontage on North Division and Northfield Ave. PIN 01-26-451- 026 After reviewing the evidence and testimony presented, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends to the City Council that the petitioner’s request for a conditional use be approved with the condition that the only ingress/egress is off of Route 14.

Mayor Kelly commented that this is the 7 acres north of town that the City owns that the City Council tasked staff to sell. Mayor Kelly opened the floor to comments/questions. A motion was made by Alderman Perkins, seconded by Alderman Gorman to approve. Attorney Clifton clarified that it is a motion to approve the recommendation. Alderwoman Haderlein inquired if it could be public knowledge

what the petitioners are paying for the property. City Administrator Nelson stated that the property is under contract and it’s all public knowledge; the selling price of the property is $187,000. Roll call vote: Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye; Meza, aye; Perkins, aye; Luna, aye; Haderlein, no; Schulz, aye and Lavallee, aye. Ordinance 2022-113 approved seven to one.

HOME OCCUPATION PERMIT APPLICATIONS

Damian Bernal d/b/a Plant Garden Landscape, 606 N. Howard St. – Denied

The City Council reviewed a Home Occupation Permit application submitted by Damian Bernal d/b/a Plant Garden Landscape to operate a landscaping business from his residence at 606 N. Howard St. The petitioner was in attendance.

• Alderman Gorman questioned whether the landscaping business qualified for a Home Occupation Permit. The petitioners indicated in the petition that they don’t actually do any work inside the home; a home occupation business is supposed to be inside the home or an accessory building. He felt the real problem is the vehicles in a residential area rather than a home-based business. City code allows a large pickup in the driveway as long as it is a pickup with straight sides, up to a D plate. Other vehicles and equipment such as a flat bed, dump truck, tow truck and snow plows are not allowed in a residential area. He went by that area and it was choked with vehicles. There is relief should the petitioners wish to seek an exception from the parking regulations from the City Council.

• It was noted that the permit could be granted for the administrative/clerical portion of the petitioner’s business, but that would not waive other provisions such as parking regulations.

• The whole stated reason for wanting the Home Occupation Permit is to have trucks parked there.

After further discussion, a motion was made by Alderman Gorman, seconded by Alderwoman Haderlein to deny the Home Occupation Permit application.

Mayor Kelly asked the petitioner to come to the podium and advised that getting the permit won’t allow them to park vehicles in the driveway. Damian Bernal and his son-in-law, Jonathan Mendoza, indicated that Mr. Bernal was attempting to purchase the property next door to solve the parking problem. City Administrator Nelson stated the property next door would still be zoned residential. What is being described is a Contractors/Construction Storage Yard which is only allowed in the manufacturing district. Mayor Kelly related that the petitioners can come before the City Council to request a waiver from the parking regulations. The petitioner thanked the City Council and indicated they would need to find a different solution.

Attorney Clifton clarified that an affirmative vote is to deny the petition. Roll call vote: Gorman, aye; Meza, aye; Perkins, aye; Luna, aye; Haderlein, aye; Schulz, aye; Lavallee, aye; and Carncross, aye. Motion to deny the application was approved eight to zero.

HOME OCCUPATION PERMIT APPLICATION

Juan Rojas d/b/a Rojas Lawncare, 349 Marengo Rd. - Denied

The City Council reviewed a Home Occupation Permit application submitted by Juan Rojas d/b/a Rojas Lawncare to operate a landscaping business from his residence at 349 Marengo Rd. The petitioner was not in attendance.

• It was noted that the Home Occupation Permit application is similar to the previous agenda item. The petitioner does not have any street parking problems that affect traffic, but is running an actual business on the property which is zoned residential with stalls for gravel, mulch, etc.

• At Alderwoman Haderlein’s inquiry, City Administrator Nelson stated there was past direction by the City Council to entertain these types of requests. As it sounds like there is a new direction from the City Council, City staff will proceed accordingly.

A motion was made by Alderman Lavallee, seconded by Alderman Carncross to deny the permit application. Roll call vote: Meza, aye; Perkins, aye; Luna, aye; Haderlein, aye; Schulz, aye; Lavallee, aye; Carncross, aye and Gorman, aye. Motion to deny the application was approved eight to zero.

Alderman Schulz recused himself from the meeting at 7:32 pm.

MILK DAY CERTIFICATE REQUEST FOR JUNE 4, 2022 - APPROVED

The City Council reviewed a request submitted by Eric Brehm, Hub Lounge, 15 N. Ayer St., for a Milk Day Certificate, for Saturday, June 4th, 2022, pursuant to Section 25.06B.2. All fees have been paid. A motion was made by Alderman Carncross, seconded by Alderman Gorman to grant the permit as requested. Roll call vote: Perkins, aye; Luna, aye; Haderlein, aye; Lavallee, aye; Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye and Meza, aye. Motion approved seven to zero.

SPECIAL EVENT LIQUOR LICENSE HARVARD PARKS FOUNDATION - APPROVED

The Harvard Parks Foundation is requesting a Special Event Liquor License for Saturday, July 2, 2022, from 2 – 10 pm in conjunction with the RWB Food Truck Feastival. A motion was made by Alderman Perkins, seconded by Alderwoman Haderlein to approve the license application as presented pending submission of dram shop insurance. Roll call vote: Luna, aye; Haderlein, aye; Lavallee, aye; Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye; Meza, aye and Perkins, aye. Motion approved seven to zero.

SPECIAL EVENT LIQUOR LICENSE FELIX SALAS/LIONS PARK - APPROVED

Feliz Salas, 704 E. Brown St., is requesting a Special Event Liquor License for Saturday, June 11, 2022, from 3 - 7 pm at the Lions Park Shelter in conjunction with a pool party. 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: Haderlein, aye; Lavallee, aye; Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye; Meza, aye; Perkins, aye and Luna, aye. Motion approved seven to zero.

Alderman Schulz returned to the meeting at 7:35 pm. At Alderman Schulz inquiry, Supt. Knop indicated that the Salas’ pool party doesn’t start until 7:15 pm and confirmed that alcohol will not be allowed at the pool.

ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 6.13.H.5, PARK FEES - ORDINANCE 2022-114 APPROVED

A motion was made by Alderman Schulz, seconded by Alderman Carncross to adopt the proposed ordinance Amending Section 6.13.H.5, Park Fees, to waive Park/Park Shelter Rental Fees for local not-for-profit organizations. Roll call vote: Schulz, aye; Lavallee, aye; Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye; Meza, aye; Perkins, aye; Luna, aye and Haderlein, aye. Ordinance 2022-114 approved eight to zero.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING

Chairman Carncross called a Community Development Committee Meeting for Wednesday, June 22nd, 2022, at 6:30 pm to discuss the Capital Improvement Plan. City Administrator Nelson encouraged the City Council to attend whether they are on the committee or not.

DEPT. HEADS REPORT

Written reports as submitted.

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

Community Development Director Santeler reported that the MFT Road Program has been completed. He further updated the City Council on commercial developments that have submitted plans. There are also a couple residential homes that are being proposed by KLM in Huntington Ridge Subdivision.

Code Enforcement Officer Nutley reported she is working on getting grass cut throughout the City. The owner of Turtle Crossing on the doctors side has sold the lots to Cars for Kids so it will be in limbo until she can obtain contact info to get the grass cut.

Supt. Kruckenberg reported on sewer lining on Route 14 from McKinley to Burbank St. VisuSewer is under contract to do some additional tv’ing throughout the City, but they haven’t started yet. The new jetter truck has been delivered and is in use.

Supt. Knop reported that the pool is being filled and the system will be fired up later in the week. The pool opening date is June 6th.

Chief Bauman reported on changes within the department since Mark’s retirement last week. Tyson was sworn in as Chief and Carmen was sworn in as Deputy Chief. The Police Dept. will be running a sergeant’s exam to fill the fourth slot with a test date in Sept. Three individuals have submitted for the open detective position. There are still two open slots for officers. The Police Dept. Facebook page has been launched.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

The aldermen and City Attorney congratulated Chief Bauman on his promotion to Chief and also thanked Community Development Director Santeler for his years of service to the community and wished him the best of luck.

ALDERMAN LAVALLEE

At Alderman Lavallee’s inquiry, Mayor Kelly noted the City is an in-kind sponsor for Milk Days. There isn’t anything official that the aldermen need to do for Milk Days, but there is a Milking Contest on Saturday, June 4th at 5 pm on the Milk Day Grounds for anyone that would want to participate.

ALDERWOMAN HADERLEIN

Alderwoman Haderlein noted a request that apparently was only sent to the aldermen regarding a proclamation declaring June as Pride Month that was not sent to the Mayor’s office and therefore, not included in the Consent Agenda. After discussion, the consensus was to have the proclamation on the June 28th City Council Meeting agenda.

ALDERMAN GORMAN

Alderman Gorman called a Transportation Committee Meeting for June 9th, 2022, at 6:30 pm. Items to be discussed are the same as the cancelled meeting and a request from Harvard Physical Therapy on Front St. reference handicap parking along Eastman and/or Front St.

NO REPORT

City Attorney Clifton and Aldermen Schulz, Carncross, Luna, Perkins and Meza had no additional report.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Report as submitted.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

City Administrator Nelson highlighted the following item from his report:

• The City submitted a grant to the McHenry County Council of Mayors for the Marengo Road project and has been awarded 1.485 million to complete that project.

CLERK’S REPORT – UPCOMING MEETING DATES

June 7 Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting – POST TO CANCEL

June 8 Administration Committee Meeting – 6:30 pm

June 9 Transportation Committee Meeting – 6:30 pm

June 20 Park Board Meeting – 6 pm

June 22 Community Development Committee Meeting – 6:30 pm

June 28 Regular City Council Meeting – 7 pm

MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Kelly congratulated Chief Bauman in his new tenure as chief and to Deb Bejot as the new Finance Director. He further thanked Steve for his service and hard work for the community and wished him the best in his retirement.

He thanked the City Council for their engagement and felt the new committee structure has been helpful to stay on top of things. The Mayor looks forward to continue with each committee doing the work they need to do for their respective cognizance.

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 7:56 pm.

https://www.cityofharvard.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/city_council/meeting/14534/ccminutes2022-05-24.pdf