McHenry Times

City of Harvard Administration Committee met Oct. 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The Administration Committee meeting was called to order 6:30 pm. Committee members present: Chairwoman Lisa Haderlein, Aldermen Dan Carncross, Charlie Gorman, and Matt Perkins. Also present were Mayor Michael Kelly, Alderman Jay Schulz, Finance Director Deb Bejot and City Administrator Dave Nelson

Public Comment

None

Property Tax Levy

Finance Director Bejot went through two different scenarios of a property tax levy 2022 for collection in 2023. See attached power point. There was discussion about the merits of keeping the tax levy at a lower rate or go for the highest amount. Motion made by Alderman Carncross to present an ordinance for a property tax levy that reflects a 5% increase seconded by Alderman Perkins. All ayes motion passed.

Ordinance to allow someone to call in for a Council or Committee meeting.

Administrator Nelson started the discussion by presenting the state statute that regulates call in procedures for public meetings. This is assuming that that the pandemic rules are eventually repealed. Alderman Gorman did some research and found an ordinance that would be his preference from the City of Waukegan. There was discussion about the merits of allowing this. It was noted that you still need a quorum present in public which would limit committee meetings to one person and City Council meetings to three persons calling in. In each case a city official would still need permission of the remaining city council members to participate in this fashion. There was a motion made by Alderman Carncross to authorize the staff to draft an ordinance that closely follows the Waukegan ordinance. Seconded by Alderman Perkins. All Ayes motion passed.

Policy regarding the sale of two recently sold properties

There was a lengthy discussion about the proceeds of the sale from the properties located at Rt. 14 and Northfield and the old police station. The proceeds of these sales are $198,976.20. Should the City have a standard policy for when it sells assets or should the City deal with each case on a case-by-case basis. There is some merit in having a set policy but Administrator Nelson remembers a time when any one time income was helpful to paying the bills. In the event of bad economic times, it was decided that the City Council should deal with each instance at the time that it happens. In this specific case on the $198,976.20 it was decided that during the upcoming budget workshop that there should be a dedicated time to discuss what the City would like to do with the proceeds.

New Business

Administrator Nelson handed out a list of surplus property of vehicles and other items. Administrator asked the committee if they would like to deal with this list at its next meeting or to just include one the next City Council meeting. This list will appear on the next scheduled City Council meeting where there may be discussion and an eventual vote.

Mayor Kelly brought up the fireworks ordinance and the issue with the School District for two years in a row asking to late for the City Council to review. There was discussion about the merits of allowing this to be a ministerial act of the Administration. This topic will appear on the next agenda.

Motion made by Alderman Perkins Seconded by Alderman Carncross to adjourn the meeting. All ayes motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 7:15 pm.

https://www.cityofharvard.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/administration_committee/meeting/14667/minutesadministration2022-10-11.pdf