McHenry Times

City of McHenry City Council met July 18.

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, 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-absent, 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

Proclamation: Recognizing the Service of Harry Semrow to the City of McHenry. Several council members congratulated Harry Semrow; Chief Birk was honored to work next to him all these years. Attorney McArdle also complimented him along with Alderman McClatchey who talked about how he should be proud of the years he worked with the city. Alderman Glab has known him for years as well one to make the resident of the city proud. Mayor Jett read the proclamation for Mr. Semrow and he was congratulated on the years of accomplishments, well done. The City Council showed admiration with a standing ovation for Harry Semrow, he thanked The Council for the honor.

Public Comments: Tim McCann- recapped what had happened at the last meeting, had questions about grandfathering in with zoning permits, and also sent an email to Ross Polorecky to see if a permit was placed on the property last discussed.

Consent Agenda: Motion to Approve the following Consent Agenda Items:

A. Engineering Task Order – FY2022/2023 Water Main Replacement Program Task Order for $60,100.00 to Baxter & Woodman for Professional Engineering Services for the FY22/23 Water Main Replacement Program. (Public Works Director Strange)

B. Intergovernmental Agreement Revisions – McHenry Township Snowplowing Revised Intergovernmental Agreement for Snowplowing between the City of McHenry and McHenry Township. (Public Works Director Strange)

C. Temporary Construction Easement – Illinois Route 31 Expansion Project

Authorize the Mayor to sign and execute all documents necessary for the granting of a temporary construction easement at the City-owned parcel on Borden Street for the Illinois Route 31 Expansion Project. (Public Works Director Strange)

D. Purchase Order for Ultraviolet Disinfection Lamp Replacement Authorize Staff to approve a Purchase Order for $21,055.00 with Xylem Water Solutions USA, Inc. for 48 replacement lamps. (Public Works Director Strange)

E. Phase II Environmental Subsurface Investigation

Authorize the expenditure of $24,685.00 to Huff & Huff for the completion of Phase II Limited Subsurface Investigation of 3609-3611 and 3519 W. Elm Street and 1209 N. Green Street. (City Administrator Morefield)

F. Waive Competitive Bidding Process for Purchase of Fleet Vehicles Waive the competitive bidding process and authorize the purchase of a 2022 Chevrolet Traverse for $34,764.24 and a 2022 GMC 2500 Silverado pickup truck in the amount of $44,799.24 (for a total of $79,563.48) from Gary Lang Auto Group. (Police Chief Birk)

G. Alley Closure Date Change Request

Change of date from June 26th to September 11th for the closure of the alley west of Riverside Drive for the American Legion “Party Out Back” event. (Deputy City Clerk Johnson)

H. Block Party Request and Special Event Liquor License

Block Party application for Washington Street from 7:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 31, 2022; and a Special Event Liquor License on Sunday, July 31, 2022, from noon (Deputy Clerk Johnson)

I. Block Party Request

Block Party application for Argyle Lane from 2:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 6, 2022. (Deputy Clerk Johnson)

K June 20, 2022, City Council Meeting Minutes;

L Issuance of Checks in the amount of $849,354.75

M As Needed Checks in the amount of $497,408.34

A motion was made by Alderman McClatchey and seconded by Alderwoman Miller to approve Consent Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderman Harding, Alderman Strach, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays, 0-abstained. Motion carried.

*Item pulled by Alderman Devine, stating that he needed to abstain from motion. J. Parks & Recreation Facilities & Special Use Permit Requests;

A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderman Strach to approve Consent Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 6-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderman Harding, Alderman Strach, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays, 1-abstained, Alderman Devine. Motion carried.

Individual Action Item Agenda:

A. Professional Engineering Services – Riverside Drive Streetscape Improvements Motion to approve an Ordinance exercising the City’s Home Rule Authority authorizing the Mayor to enter into a contract with, and to award a contract in the amount of $278,000.00 to, Christopher B. Burke Engineering Ltd. For Professional Engineering Services for the Riverside Drive Streetscape Improvements. (Public Works Director Strange)

The project for the streetscape was approved at the beginning of the year and was awarded the contract to Christopher Burke Engineering Ltd.

John Heinz from Christopher Burke Engineering talked about the significant changes that will be coming to the City of McHenry, much streetscape work has been done by them along with Algonquin being one area he suggested The Council look at. Cost is less than estimated to begin with.

Alderman Glab asked Director Strange where the money is coming from and confirmed those. Alderman Glab stated that he could not support something that is not coming out through the TIFF and understands the goal of the project.

Alderwoman Miller stated that several of the building owners are excited about this project after the first of the year the meeting regarding time frame.

A motion was made by Alderwoman Miller and seconded by Alderman Santi to approve Individual Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 6-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman McClatchey, Alderman Harding, Alderman Strach, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller. 1- nays- Alderman Glab, 0-abstained. Motion carried.

B. Commercial Tenant Incentive Grant – McHenry Power Equipment, 3622 W. Elm Street

Motion to enter into a Commercial Tenant Incentive Grant Agreement with the owner of McHenry Power Equipment, located at 3622 W. Elm Street, in an amount not to exceed $20,000. (Economic Development Director Martin)

Alderman Santi stated that he is under the sales taxable amount, however, Director Martin did bring up the out-of-state taxes regarding this. Alderman Glab stated that we should not be giving out money if it is not brought in tax dollars, however, including out of state would ask about the loan offers we could give the owner.

Alderwoman Miller asked if the improvements would help bring in more money for the business, the facade needed to be done.

Art Gurda owner, spoke that it did state taxable sales did not state where they needed to be from.

Alderman Strach wants to know how many are employed about 5 were confirmed, and if needed more people would be hired.

Alderman Santi asked Director Martin if businesses have applied for this grant there are several in town. He is not comfortable approving something with a low return.

Alderman McClatchey stated that it could help improve the look of the town. Alderwoman Miller can understand the point of the facelift but is struggling with the criteria of the grant and the amount.

No public comment.

A motion was made by Alderman McClatchey and seconded by Alderman Devine to approve Individual Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 3-ayes: Alderman McClatchey, Alderman Devine, Alderman Strach. 4-nays-Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman Harding, Alderwoman Miller, 0-abstained. Motion carried.

C. Façade Improvement Grant – McHenry Power Equipment, 3622 W. Elm Street Motion to approve a Façade Improvement Grant in the amount of $5,000 to McHenry Power Equipment, located at 3622 W. Elm Street. (Economic Development Director Martin)

Alderman Glab asked what amount has been given in the past $2,500-$3,000 confirmed by Director Martin, who understands pricing has gone up and has no issues with it. This is not for tear down per Director Martin.

Alderman Santi asked if there was a sales tax with this, it is not confirmed by Director Martin. No public comment.

A motion was made by Alderman Strach 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. 0-nays, 0-abstained. Motion carried.

Discussion Items:

A. Conceptual Presentation and Discussion

Super Aggregates McHenry Lakes Gravel Pit Operation (Northeast Corner of Illinois Route 120 and Chapel Hill Road).

Jack Pease of Super Aggregates stood at the podium to discuss a recap to The Council since there are new Alderman/women that are here. Talked about commercial use and talked about three buildings where there are about 110 businesses in town, want to continue the pattern towards retail business.

The Council was supplied the presentation booklets by Director Polerecky to review while Jack Pease also went over more details with The Council. Jack Pease also offered a tour to those that would like to see it.

Alderman McClatchey which way are the trucks going to come and go, there is an exhibit but about a quarter mile for the intersection, full interchanges, and about 50 trucks per day. Adlerman Glab asked how many years is he looking at buildouts it was confirmed about 20 years, it depends on the market.

Alderman Miller stated she has no issues with the brim request would like to see them around the entire project, she also inquired about the additional hours of operation. What if we helped them at 6 am-6 pm Monday-Saturday, not much hardship would be caused to them, could we bend those hours if an emergency.

Alderman Devine wanted to know the size difference per Belvedere location, it is being treated the same way, little crushing needed finer product here.

Director Polerecky asked for any questions to be emailed to him and Planner Sheriff as well.

Executive Session:

Executive session to discuss potential litigation under 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11).

A motion was made by Alderman Strach and seconded by Alderman Santi to adjourn to Executive Session at 8:23 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 8:35 p.m. A motion was made by Alderman Harding and seconded by Alderman Strach to return to the open session. Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderman Harding, Alderman Strach, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays, 0- abstained. Motion carried.

Staff Reports:

Staff reports are provided at the first meeting of each month.

Mayor’s Report: none

City Council Comments: Alderman McClatchey state this was the best run Fiest Days, half the people at the park we from other cities, proud to be part of the city. Alderwoman Miller stated that may have not gotten the information out to the City regarding Flood Brothers.

Alderman Strach wanted to know about the sticker swap, per Director Strange stated 8-12 M F days a week for the buyback.

Director Strange has been in touch with them regarding the communication to the residents.

Adjourn: A motion was made by Alderman Strach and seconded by Alderman Santi to adjourn the meeting at 8:45 PM. Roll Call: Vote:7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderman Harding, Alderman Strach, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nay-, 0-abstained. Motion carried.

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