McHenry Times

Village of Johnsburg President and Board of Trustees met Jan. 24.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

President Hettermann called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Village Hall.

Attendees

Trustee Tom Curry

Trustee Beth Foreman

Trustee Kyle Frost

Trustee Josh Hagen

Trustee Greg Klemstein

Trustee Scott Letzter

Village Administrator Claudett Sofiakis

Assistant Administrator Vinny Lamontagna

Chief Keith VonAllmen

FROM THE FLOOR - Carl Kaminski attended to discuss the Honor Rewards program. He explained that veterans can file their DD-214 discharge papers with the Recorders office and in doing so, will be enrolled in the Honor Rewards progam which provides discounts and other benefits to veterans.

OMNIBUS AGENDA - Trustee Curry moved to approve the Omnibus Agenda. Trustee Letzter seconed the motion. All Trustees voted aye on the roll. Motion carried.

∙ Move to approve the minutes of the December 6, 2022 Regular Meeting of the President and Board of Trustees

∙ Disbursements 

∙ General Fund                        $889,379.33

∙ MFT

∙ Waterworks & Sewage Fund    76,758.07

∙ Golf Course Fund                     69,900.00

∙ Land and Building                    62,462.50

∙ Debt Service/SSA Fund           28,256.50

∙ Total All Funds                  $1,126,756.40

PRESIDENT’S REPORT - President Hettermann informed the Board of the upcoming meeting schedule for February and March.

OLD BUSINESS 

MCHENRY COUNTY DIVISION OF TRANSPORATION - Assistant Director of Transportation Scott Henning and Joyce Delong from the McHenry County Division of Transportation attended to discuss the improvements being pursued on the Johnsburg Road bridge. Mr. Henning discussed the deterioration of the bridge dating back to 2018 when initial modifications were made to direct traffic off of the affected beams. He explained that in 2021, additional lane modifications were implement because of further deterioration. Mr. Henning stated that the bridge was built as a box beam bridge, which was commonly done in the 70’s as the design was cost effective. Mr. Henning stated that the beams began deteriorating more quickly than expected and the initial plan was to replace the affected beams until the bridge could be rebuilt. Upon examining the bridge it was determined that the substructure is is still in good condition and only the superstructure is deteriorating therefore the County has decided to replace the entire superstructure. The improvement is expected to cost $1-1.5 million rather than the $3-3.5 million it would cost to replace the bridge. The County ordered the beams in November to stay ahead of supply chain challenges and the project is expected to be let in March. Mr. Henning explained that construction will begin immediately following school closures as the the bridge will be closed for approximately 4-6 week. Ms. DeLong revieed the proposed detour route which will utilize Route 31, Route 120 and Chapel Hill Road. She explained that local traffic will likely figure out their own routes to move about town but when establishing a detour route, the County is required to utlize only State and County routes. The detour is about 6.5 miles. Ms. DeLong stated that a northern route was considered, but would result in a 11 mile detour. Mr. Henning stated that he will work with the Village to insure that proper signage is put in place to direct people to the detour route and if additional measures can be added to alleviate confusion, they will work with the Village to implement them. Trustee Frost questioned the type of beam replacement. Scott explained they will utilize the same box beam construction.

President Hettermann confirmed that barricades will be placed on Johnsburg Road, west of Spring Grove Road and at Sweetwater Lane, Dutch Creek Lane and Riverside Drive north into Johnsburg Farms limiting travel to local traffic only. Mr. Henning concurred. He added that the County looked into the addition of a sidewalk along the bridge, but determined that it would make more sense to allow pedestrians and bicyclist to utilize the 9 feet wide shoulders at this time and in the future when the Village decides to pursue sidewalks along Johnsburg Road east into town, the sidewalks could be added and they are willing to partner on the project and share in the costs. Ms. Sofiakis questioned if the addition of sidewalks along the bridge in the future would result in another shut down of the bridge. Mr. Henning stated that it would not result in a complete shut down but some temporary lane closure would likely occur.

Trustee Foreman question why the deterioration occurred so rapidly. Ms. DeLong explained that is is likely because of how the beams were originally designed and the impacts of salt seeping through the membrane. Mr. Henning explained that the County has 80 bridges in their system and most of them are of the same construction but this bridge is unique because of the amount of daily traffic traveling over the bridge.

STRATEGIC PLANNING STATUS 

COMPREHENSIVE PARK PLAN - Trustee Curry and Foreman reported that upon reviewing all of the parcels, three were recommended for consideration to sell. Discussion occurred regarding the outlot in Remington Grove. Trustee Klemstein stated that much new construction is taking place in the subdivision and a park would be beneificial and the residents desire the property to be improved. The board discussed obtaining information on all of the Village’s properties. Trustee Klemstein suggested that a map exhibit be provided to help identify each property.

CART/UTV PATHS - Trustee Klemstein reported that he and Trustee Letzter have continued their efforts to get in touch with private property owners for easements to facilitate a path running east/west. President Hettermann explained that Township is areeable to using their property. McHenry Township Supervisor Gary Barla was in attendance.

MARKETING PLAN – Trustee Hagen reported that he and Trustee Frost have been discussing several advertising opportununities to include advertising benches and on the home run fence at Hiller Park. The creation of a binder with local discounts was also discussed along with advertising stones around the golf cart parking lot and T-box markers at the golf course. President Hettermann stated that upgraded T-box markers should be pursued as he believes they can easily be sold. Discussion occurred about adding speakers on the decorative light posts on Johnsburg Road. President Hettermann explained that it has been discussed in the past but is very costly. New technology related to the speakers may be a more cost effective alternative.

President Hettermann questioned the status of the #JohnsburgLife effort. Trustee Hagen stated that it is a separate effort being pursued by the Economic Development Committee but he hopes to have a final design for consideration shortly so that decals can be printed by Spring. He added that social media posts have been including #JohnsburgLife and it is building slowly. Trustee Hagen also discussed efforts to pursue more banners. President Hettermann agreed that they should be regularly exchanged and the Village has an inventory of what is currently available. A review of the inventory should be done to determine what is needed so the business community can be made aware of the opportunity..

Trustee Hagen stated that he would like to see more business participation in Village events. President Hettermann explained that the idea was to make the events an opportunity for local organizations to participate and raise money. Trustee Hagen stated that he would like businesses to also have the opportunity and suggested they offer something at the event such as face painting and be allowed signage idenfitying that the activity is supported by the business. He added that JABA is trying to have more of a presence as well so that business owners know about the organization. Trustee Hagen reported that Justin Grelitz expressed an interest in donating labor and materials for work on the golf course fence along Chapel Hill Road. President Hettermann suggested that Mr. Kleinhanzel be contacted to coordinate the effort.

ADJOURNMENT – Trustee Foreman moved to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Letzter seconded the motion. All Trustees voted aye. Motion to adjourn was carried at 7:54 p.m.

https://www.johnsburg.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/village_board/meeting/26385/board_minutes_1-24-23.pdf