McHenry Times

City of Harvard Community & Economic Development Committee met October 20.

 Here are the minutes as provided by the committee: 

Chairman Carncross called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm. Committee members present: Chairman Dan Carncross, Aldermen Jay Schulz, Raul Meza and Alderwoman Rosa Luna. Also present were Mayor Michael Kelly, Aldermen Charlie Gorman, Anne Nutley Code Enforcement Officer, Mr. Mike Bannwolf and City Administrator Dave Nelson.

Public Comment

None

Harvard Milk Days Discussion

Mr. Bannwolf addressed the Committee and noted that Milk Days is going to celebrate its 82nd anniversary. Mr. Bannwolf also noted the working relationship the Milk Days Board has with the city and how it truly is a partnership. The Milk Days Board is looking for office space and inquired about using some space at City Hall. Mayor Kelly noted that there are 2 vacant offices downstairs in the Parks, and Community Development Departments.

Alderman Schultz made a motion to have staff draw up a simple lease for the use of the two offices on a one-year automatic renewable term, 30-day time limit to terminate except for the time period of the months of February through September. Alderman Carncross seconded all ayes motion passed.

Mr. Bannwolf noted the long-term plans for the Milk Days Board is to have their own office building with storage and inquired about the land at Milky Way Park at the far eastern end of the park. This section of the park does not have any deed restrictions so it could be used for this purpose. The Committee felt that this idea is certainly worth looking at and exploring how we could all make it work. There was a consensus to move forward with this concept.

Abandoned Properties

Anne Nutley addressed the committee concerning three properties; 307 Grant Street, 607 W. Blackman, and 204 E. Park. 204 E. Park is currently under contract so there is no need to discuss this property. See attached memo from Code Enforcement officer Nutley.

Motion made by Alderman Schulz to authorize the staff to foreclose upon the properties located at 307 Grant Street and 607 W. Blackman Street, Seconded by Alderman Carncross. All ayes motion passed.

New Business

There was discussion about the vacant lots at 41-45 north Ayer Street. Alderman Meza brought up the fact that people are using this as a parking area and under our code it should be blacktopped. Mayor Kelly thinks this land would make a good park for the downtown area and we should work with the owner about trying to make this happen. The Mayor will report back to the committee on any progress with this concept.

Motion made by Alderman Meza seconded by Alderman Carncrossto adjourn the meeting. All ayes motion passed.

Meeting adjourned 7:24 pm.

https://www.cityofharvard.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/community_development_committee/meeting/14666/minutescommunitydevelopment2022-10-20.pdf