McHenry Times

City of Harvard Community & Economic Development Committee met Feb. 15.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee: 

Chairperson Dan Carncross called the meeting to order at 6:38 PM. Committee members present: Chairperson Carncross, Alderwoman Lisa Haderlein, Alderman Jay Schulz, and Alderwoman Rosa Luna. Also present were Mayor Mike Kelly, Alderman Charlie Gorman, City Administrator Lou Leone, Building Inspecter Anne Nutley, and Economic Development Consultant Charlie Eldredge.

Public Comment: None.

Economic Development Update: Charlie Eldridge discussed the status of the economic development projects. Project Bell: the initial feasibility report had come back favorable. Mayor, Leone, Nutley and Eldridge did a walkthrough of the Motorola building. The developers have been doing repairs to the building and have a prospective tenant. The Starbucks/Popeyes project: McHenry County has offered to waive the required turn lane if that will help the project along. There have been discussions to develop another site for a fast casual location on Airport Road. Petdine expansion is almost finished, and ADM is already discussing the possibility of another addition in the future. Badger Fulfillment is discussing a possible expansion. Mayor, Leone and Eldridge have also met with a dispensary group. Leone discussed developing a residential development plan to spur housing should project bell proceed forward. Eldridge discussed the upcoming appointment of Leone to the Enterprise Zone Board. Eldridge discussed potential changes to the enterprise zone incentives and a need to update the strategic plan.

Parking Alternatives for 309 N. Division: Leone and Nutley discussed an issue with parking as it relates to 309 N. Division. Developers interested in the site are having issues with parking given the location of the site along Route 14. Alderman Schulz suggested the City work with the Historic Society to secure designated parking stalls at the back of their property. Staff expressed appreciation for the suggestions.

Welcome Sign in Spanish: Alderwoman Luna discussed a proposal to add “welcome” in Spanish to the City’s welcome signs. It was noted that some of the welcome signs appear to need repair or replacement. Suggestions were made to draft an ordinance to require Spanish language on future welcome signs. Staff was directed to look into concepts/costs of creating a welcome sign for each of the City’s sites.

New Business: Leone discussed a proposal to do a “Harmilda on Parade” program to spur community involvement. The committee directed to continue looking into this program. Alderman Schulz discussed the need to replace or enhance the Christmas lights throughout the City.

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

Meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM.

https://www.cityofharvard.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/community_development_committee/meeting/14746/minutescommunitydevelopment2023-02-15.pdf