McHenry Times

City of Harvard Administration Committee met Feb. 8.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee: 

Chairperson Lisa Haderlein called the meeting to order at 6:34 PM. Committee members present: Chairperson Haderlein, Aldermen Charlie Gorman, and Aldermen Matt Perkins. Also present were Mayor Mike Kelly, City Administrator Lou Leone, and Finance Director Deb Bejot.

Public Comment: None.

Request for Amend Section 15.22, Traffic, Violation/Penalty: Leone discussed a memo from the City Attorney, Timothy Clifton, regarding suggested changes to the fee structure and additional language under the DUI section. The current practice at the judiciary is to default to the fees set by ordinance. The city ordinance currently sets a minimum range only. The proposed ordinance sets the maximum range as set by State Statute. Alderman Gorman motioned to recommend to the City Council for approval with suggested changes in the language. Seconded by Alderman Perkins. All ayes, motion passed.

Request to Amend Section 15.07(b), No Parking Locations: Leone discussed a proposed ordinance to prohibit parking along Front Street between Diggins and Page Street. Mayor Kelly suggested including the north side of Front Street along the old City Hall. Motion to recommend to the City Council with the additional changes was made by Alderman Gorman. Seconded by Alderman Perkins. All ayes, motion passed.

Review Section 21.15, Banquet Hall License: Leone discussed proposed changes to the Banquet Hall permit language. The currently form states a $10,000.00 annual fee which was supposed to be a one-time fee. Additional changes include making the license fee equal to a class A Liquor License so the permit will equal any increases in the future. Alderman Perkins motioned to recommend to the Council with minor changes in the language. Seconded by Alderman Gorman. All ayes, motion passed.

Discussion on CGI Digital Agreement: Leone discussed the proposed contract for video services with CGI Digital. CGI Digital will prepare five videos highlighting the community including the industrial park for the City’s use. As part of the agreement, the City will provide a letter of introduction to the business community. Alderman Perkins motion to recommend the contract to the City Council. Alderman Gorman seconded the motion. All Ayes, motion passed.

Discussion on the Proposed Memorandum of Understanding with the Library: Mayor Kelly discussed proposed additional changes to the draft MOU due to the vagueness of the contract termination section. Mayor Kelly believes the changes discussed will be ready for the regular Council meeting at the end of February. No motion required.

Surplus Declaration: Leone presented to the committee a list of firearms that the Police Department would like to sell at auction. A motion to recommend declaring the listed property as surplus was made by Alderman Gorman, seconded Alderman Perkins. All ayes, motion passed.

Discussion on Sidewalk Snow Clearing: Gorman discussed a sidewalk snow clearing proposal to encourage citizens to remove the snow on sidewalks after a snow fall. Gorman mentioned how communities in Iowa have existing snow removal policies that could potentially serve as a template for a similar ordinance in Harvard. Anne Nutley noted that if the City removed the snow, we would have to place a lien on the property to recoup the costs – just as is done now when mowing or other property maintenance expenses are incurred by the City on private property. Staff was directed to research the topic further and if possible, develop a draft policy.

Discussion on TreeCity USA Application: Chairwoman Haderlein discussed the requirements needed to apply for a TreeCity USA credential. Leone shared that the City currently meets most of the requirements for the certification. Mayor Kelly noted the need to create a tree board as the remaining requirement not met by the City. Staff was directed to prepare a draft ordinance for the committee to review at the next meeting.

New Business: Leone shared with the committee future projects he will work on. One of those projects is a comprehensive overhaul of the municipal code book.

Adjournment: A motion to adjourn was made by Alderman Gorman, seconded by Alderman Perkins. All ayes, motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 7:48 PM.

https://www.cityofharvard.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/administration_committee/meeting/14744/minutesadministration2023-02-08.pdf