McHenry Times

Village of Fox River Grove Board of Trustees met April 4.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 

Village President McLaughlin called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in the Municipal Center. Present at roll call were Trustees Curtiss, Knar, Migdal, Schladt, Sepeczi and Wall. Also, present were Assistant Administrator Bechler, Chief Waitrovich, and Village Clerk Caesar. 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 

PUBLIC COMMENT 

None. 

VILLAGE PRESIDENT AND TRUSTEE REPORTS 

President McLaughlin announced there would be a Meet the Mayor night on Tuesday, April 11th at 6:30 p.m. in the Village Hall Community room. 

Trustee Curtiss stated that the Lions Club has pledged a 2023 Fireworks donation to the Village of Fox River Grove for $500. 

1. APPROVAL: CONSENT AGENDA - APPROVAL VIA ONE VOTE FOR ALL 

A. Village Board Meeting Minutes - March 21, 2023 

B. Accounts Payable - April 4, 2023 

C. Ordinance 2023-02, Surplus Property 

D. Resolution 2023-03, TIF #2 Extension 

Trustee Wall made a motion to approve consent agenda items A - D. Trustee Migdal seconded. Roll Call: Trustee Curtiss, Knar, Migdal, Schladt, Sepeczi, and Wall -all "yes." MOTION PASSED. 

2. PUBLIC HEARING: FISCAL YEAR 2023/24 BUDGET 

Village President McLaughlin opened the Public Hearing at 6:33 p.m. for the Fiscal Year 2023/24 Budget. There was no public comment. Village President McLaughlin closed the public hearing at 6:34 p.m. 

3. APPROVAL: ORDINANCE 2023-03, Special Events Commission 

President McLaughlin stated that altering the structure of the Special Events Commission was per the recommendation of the Chair and due to the inability to find volunteers to fill vacancies within the Special Events Committee and other Commissions. The members would be appointed by the Village President, subject to the confirmation by the Village Board, serving staggered terms of three (3) years beginning on May 1 and ending on April 30 following the completion of a three (3) year term. President McLaughlin added that other agencies, such as the Lions, Jaycees, Library, etc., that are always valued participants in the annual Fireworks Event would be encouraged to come to the SEC meetings and participate in the planning and execution. 

Trustee Migdal made a motion to approve Ordinance 2023-03, altering the structure of the Special Events Commission. Trustee Curtiss seconded. 

A discussion was held. 

Trustee Wall stated he was not in favor of reducing the number of commission members just before this year's Fireworks event and was upset about not having the topic on an earlier agenda for discussion prior to its approval. 

President McLaughlin added that appointments are scheduled for the April 18th Board meeting given the May 1st effective date. 

Trustee Knar feels more involvement is better, however recognizes that volunteerism in the community has declined, as there were many vacancies on the 2023 Consolidated Election Ballot. 

Trustee Curtiss asked if people inquiring about potential openings are receiving callbacks. Trustee Curtiss likes the concept of reducing the committee size as it does become challenging having a quorum working with seven (7) members when people aren't available due to other conflicts. Lack of obligation tends to put more unexpected stress and responsibility on the Chair. 

President McLaughlin stated that all inquiries receive consideration and interviews unless disqualified for some reason or another. 

Trustee Schladt would prefer to keep the committee size in more of a three-to-five-member range. With five seats, the commission can still function with a quorum of three (3) members present. Trustee Schladt commended the current chair for her exceptional ability to handle large events with minimal assistance but is concerned if Jamie were to step down, the committee would not be able to execute as flawlessly with newer and fewer members. 

Trustee Knar asked Kirsten Wall, future Trustee and current Parks Commission Chair, who was present what her thoughts were on the restructuring of the SEC. 

Kirsten Wall responded that as a long-time chairperson, it is tough to lead six (6) people. They do not always want to work and while she feels Jamie is amazing, her concern would be if one of the three (3) members decided to leave, it could become a disaster and would recommend going with a five (5) member committee, even if two seats remain vacant for the time being. 

Trustee Sepeczi stated that members not fulfilling their commitments needs to be addressed and fixed. The President should talk with the members to ensure they are on the proper commissions and maybe find a better fit for them if the timing of meetings or the events does not work for them. 

Trustee Migdal withdrew his motion to approve Ordinance No. 2023-03 as proposed. Trustee Knar seconded. 

Trustee Schladt made a motion to amend Sec. 2-262 of Ordinance No. 2023-03 stating the Special Events commission shall consist of five (5) members instead of three (3). Trustee Knar seconded. Roll Call: Trustee Wall - No. Trustee Curtiss, Knar, Migdal, Schladt, and Sepeczi - all "yes." MOTION PASSED. 

Trustee Migdal made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 2023-03 in its entirety as amended. Trustee Knar seconded. Roll Call: Trustee Wall No. Trustee Curtiss, Knar, Migdal, Schladt, and Sepeczi — all "yes." MOTION PASSED. 

4. DISCUSSION: WATER/SEWER RATE OPTIONS 

Assistant Administrator Bechler introduced four Water/Sewer rate reduction rate scenarios for the Boards consideration prior to the Villages third and final rate increase for the water main replacement funding over the next thirty-five (35) years. 

A discussion was held. 

The Board directed Staff to apply the 75% Tax Recapture Reduction scenario to offset the total bill increase overall to water/sewer households within the Village. 

5. OTHER BUSINESS: 

None. 

ADJOURNMENT 

Trustee Wall made a motion to adjourn the Village Board meeting at 7:17 p.m. to go into Executive Session. Seconded by Trustee Knar. A voice vote was taken. Trustees Curtiss, Knar, Migdal, Schladt, Sepeczi, and Wall - all "yes". MOTION PASSED. 

Village President McLaughlin called the meeting to order at 8:01 p.m. in the Municipal Center. Present at roll call were Trustees Curtiss, Knar, Migdal, Schladt, Sepeczi, and Wall. 

Trustee Wall made a motion to adjourn the Village Board meeting at 8:01 p.m. Seconded by Trustee Migdal. A voice vote was taken. Trustees Curtiss, Knar, Migdal, Schladt, Sepeczi, and Wall - all "yes". MOTION PASSED 

https://cms5.revize.com/revize/foxrivergrove/document%20center/Minutes/Village%20Board/Village%20Board%20Minutes%204-4-2023.pdf