McHenry Times

City of Harvard City Council met April 25.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Kelly called the Regular City Council Meeting to order and led the pledge to the flag at 7:00 pm. City Clerk Moller called roll to establish a quorum. Aldermen present: Haderlein, Schulz, Lavallee, Carncross, Gorman, Meza, Perkins and Luna. Also present: City Administrator Leone, Treasurer/Finance Director Bejot, Chief Bauman, Code Enforcement Officer Nutley, Community Development Director Day, Deputy Chief Sacco, Supt. Parks & Rec Knop, Supt. Public Works Kruckenberg, Supt. Utilities Grant, City Attorney Clifton and members of the audience.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None

FY2023/2024 BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING

A motion was made by Alderman Schulz, seconded by Alderman Perkins to open the Budget Hearing. Aldermen voting aye: Haderlein, Schulz, Lavallee, Carncross, Gorman, Meza, Perkins and Luna. All ayes. Motion carried.

Mayor Kelly called the public hearing to order to review the FY2023/2024 Budget, notice of which was published in the Northwest Herald on April 15, 2023. City Clerk Moller called roll. Aldermen present: Haderlein, Schulz, Lavallee, Carncross, Gorman, Meza, Perkins and Luna.

Mayor Kelly asked for public comment. There was none. Alderman Gorman thanked staff for a very organized and professional presentation of the budget; Mayor Kelly thanked Finance Director Bejot for a great job.

A motion was made by Alderman Schulz, seconded by Alderman Perkins to close the budget hearing. Aldermen voting aye: Haderlein, Schulz, Lavallee, Carncross, Gorman, Meza, Perkins and Luna. All ayes. Motion carried.

CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION BLAKE LIVDAHL/IESA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP 167 LBS.

A Certificate of Recognition was presented to Blake Livdahl who won the Illinois Elementary Sports Association (IESA) State Championship at 167 lbs. on March 18th, 2023.

PLAQUE PRESENTATION TO SUPERINTENDENT JIM KRUCKENBERG

Superintendent Jim Kruckenberg is retiring after 26 years of dedicated service to the City of Harvard, effective April 28, 2023. City Administrator Leone presented Jim with a plaque thanking him for his years of service to the City of Harvard.

PLAQUE PRESENTATION TO PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MEMBER TOM CONDON

Tom Condon has resigned from the Planning and Zoning Commission after almost 10 years of service. Tom was not in attendance; Mayor Kelly will hand deliver the plaque.

CONFIRM APPOINTMENT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR - APPROVED

A motion was made by Alderman Carncross, seconded by Alderman Perkins to confirm the appointment of Donovan Day as the Community Development Director. Roll call vote: Haderlein, aye; Schulz, aye; Lavallee, aye; Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye; Meza, aye; Perkins, aye and Luna, aye. Motion approved eight to zero. Donovan was then sworn in as the Community Development Director.

CONFIRM APPOINTMENT SUPERINTENDENT PUBLIC WORKS - APPROVED

A motion was made by Alderman Perkins, seconded by Alderman Schulz to confirm the appointment of Robert Lamz as the Public Works Superintendent. Roll call vote: Schulz, aye; Lavallee, aye; Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye; Meza, aye; Perkins, aye; Luna, aye and Haderlein, aye. Motion approved eight to zero. Rob was then sworn in as the Public Works Supt.

COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES - APPROVED

A motion was made by Alderman Schulz, seconded by Alderman Carncross to approve the Community and Economic Development Committee Regular and Closed Session Meeting Minutes of March 29, 2023, as presented. Roll call vote: Carncross, aye; Meza, aye; Luna, aye and Schulz, aye. Motion approved four to zero.

ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES - APPROVED

A motion was made by Alderwoman Haderlein, seconded by Alderman Gorman to approve the Administration Committee Regular and Closed Session Meeting Minutes of February 25 and April 11, 2023, as presented. Roll call vote: Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye; Perkins, aye and Haderlein, aye. Motion approved four to zero.

CONSENT AGENDA - APPROVED

The items under the Consent Agenda are acted upon in a single motion. There is no separate discussion of these items prior to the Council vote unless a Council Member requests that an item be removed from the Consent Agenda for separate action.

a. Special City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes of March 15, 2023

b. Regular City Council Meeting Minutes of March 28, 2023

c. Administration Committee Meeting Minutes of February 25 and April 11, 2023

d. Community & Economic Development Committee Meeting Minutes of March 29, 2023

e. Park Board Meeting Minutes of March 20, 2023

f. Administrators Report

g. Building & Grounds Report

h. Community Development Department Report

i. Harvard Diggins Library Directors Report

j. Parks & Recreation Report

k. Police Department Report

l. Public Works Department Report

m. Utilities Department Report

A motion was made by Alderwoman Haderlein, seconded by Alderman Schulz to approve the Consent Agenda, Items #12a-m as presented. Roll call vote: Gorman, aye; Meza, aye; Perkins, aye; Luna, aye; Haderlein, aye; Schulz, aye; Lavallee, aye and Carncross, aye. Motion approved eight to zero.

INDIVIDUAL ACTION CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

None.

PAYMENT OF BILLS - APPROVED

A motion was made by Alderwoman Haderlein, seconded by Alderman Carncross to approve payment of the bills in the amount of $717,531.44. Roll call vote: Meza, aye; Perkins, aye; Luna, aye; Haderlein, aye; Schulz, aye; Lavallee, aye; Carncross, aye and Gorman, aye. Motion approved eight to zero.

Alderman Schulz recused himself from the meeting at 7:12 pm.

MILK DAY CERTIFICATE REQUESTS SATURDAY, JUNE 3, 2023 – APPROVED

The City Council reviewed a request submitted by Eric Brehm, Hub Lounge, 15 N. Ayer St., for Saturday, June 3, 2023, for a Milk Day Certificate, pursuant to Section 25.06B.2 pending payment of fees/security deposit. A motion was made by Alderman Carncross, seconded by Alderman Meza to grant the certificate as requested. Roll call vote: Perkins, aye; Luna, aye; Haderlein, aye; Lavallee, aye; Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye and Meza, aye. Motion approved seven to zero.

The City Council reviewed a request submitted by John Giannasi, Front Street Tap, 106 E. Front St. for Saturday, June 3, 2023, for a Milk Day Certificate, pursuant to Section 25.06B.2. The fees have been paid. A motion was made by Alderman Perkins, seconded by Alderman Carncross to grant the certificate as requested. Roll call vote: Luna, aye; Haderlein, aye; Lavallee, aye; Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye; Meza, aye and Perkins, aye. Motion approved seven to zero.

Alderman Schulz returned to the meeting at 7:14 pm.

PETITION FOR VARIATION

Helping Hands Recycling and Chemung Township Variation from Section 21.18B, Licensing Second Hand Articles Drop-Off Containers, 807 8th St. - Ordinance 2023-107 Approved

Gina Peshek/Helping Hands, 2300 Stonington Ave., Hoffman Estates, IL and Bob Nystrom, Chemung Township Road Commissioner, 24120 Route 173, Harvard, IL were in attendance to review their petition requesting relief from Section 21.18B, Licensing Second Hand Articles Drop-Off Containers. Current zoning prohibits second hand articles drop-off containers in all zoning districts except in the “M”

Manufacturing Zoning District. The property subject to the petition is located at 807 8th St., which is zoned R-2 Residential Zoning District. The requisite notice was sent to adjoining property owners and no objections have been received.

Mayor Kelly opened the floor to comments/objections. Alderman Schulz related that the City had previous bins removed as they were an eyesore and placed on properties without owner approval. At Alderman Gorman’s inquiry, Bob indicated he was there to monitor the bins and would call Helping Hands when the bins are full. The Township would further remove any garbage that is dumped. Gina stated that the bins are secure, made out of steel, and will be monitored and emptied every day if necessary. She further indicated that she is available 24/7 and has never had any complaints from the municipalities they service. Helping Hands takes responsibility for what they do and if there are problems, they will remove the bins. The bins are for textiles and shoes, but they have outlets for other items, i.e. books and household items, that might be placed in the bins. Alderman Meza said he would be in favor if there was a 3-year time limit on the approval with a condition that bins could be removed if items aren’t disposed of as needed by Chemung Township. Attorney Clifton indicated that approval could contain a sunset provision that would require the petitioner to come back for additional approval and conditioned with it being routinely cleaned up. If the City starts to get complaints, the City Council could vote to revoke the variance. Alderman Gorman inquired why the property is zoned R-2. Alderwoman Haderlein noted it is typical in zoning if it’s a government use, the zoning doesn’t matter as any government use is permitted in any zoning district. Mayor Kelly noted that essentially, should the township vacate the premises, it would be a R-2 residential zoning district. Alderwoman Haderlein complimented the petitioners on their diligence in reaching out to the neighbors and how the area was kept clean in the short period of time the bins were there. With some reservations to make sure it’s not forever in case there are problems down the road, Alderwoman Haderlein said she would completely support their petition. A motion was made by Alderman Meza, seconded by Alderman Carncross to grant the variation as requested, to be revisited in three years and reviewed for violations. Attorney Clifton clarified the motion is to approve the variance for three years; the petitioner can come back prior to the expiration of that three years and seek renewal. Roll call vote: Haderlein, aye; Schulz, aye; Lavallee, aye; Carncross, aye; Gorman, no; Meza, aye; Perkins, aye and Luna, aye. Ordinance 2023-107 approved seven to one.

STP FUNDING MATCH RESOLUTION. - APPROVED

At Alderwoman Haderlein’s inquiry, Mayor Kelly and Finance Director Bejot related that the total project is over a five-year period (Airport Rd. to Route 23, not including the bridge). The City match for the road is 90/10 of the total project cost. The match for the bridge is 80/20 but the City will be asking for a 90/10 match based on our income level. There was discussion as to the dollar amount of the City match for Phase 1 Engineering which would be $49,500. A motion was made by Alderman Schulz, seconded by Alderman Perkins to approve the STP Funding Match Resolution for the Marengo Road project as presented at an estimated cost of $495,000. Additional discussion ensued. At Alderman Schulz’ inquiry, Mayor Kelly related that the sidewalk will go from Airport Rd. and connect to the existing school sidewalk. Alderman Lavallee recommended the project sequence to either be doing both projects simultaneously or the bridge first. City Administrator Leone related that the City is currently working on the finances for the bridge. Roll call vote: Schulz, aye; Lavallee, aye; Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye; Meza, aye; Perkins, aye; Luna, aye and Haderlein, aye. Motion approved eight to zero.

STP-Br FUNDING MATCH RESOLUTION - APPROVED

A motion was made by Alderman Perkins, seconded by Alderman Carncross to approve the STP-Br Funding Match Resolution for the Marengo Road Bridge project as presented at an estimated cost of $31,000. Roll call vote: Lavallee, aye; Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye; Meza, aye; Perkins, aye; Luna, aye; Haderlein, aye and Schulz aye. Motion approved eight to zero.

ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION BUDGET AMENDMENTS ORD. 2023-108 APPROVED

A motion was made by Alderwoman Haderlein, seconded by Alderman Carncross to adopt the proposed ordinance Amending the FY2022/2023 Budget, as presented. Roll call vote: Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye; Meza, aye; Perkins, aye; Luna, aye; Haderlein, aye; Schulz, aye and Lavallee, aye. Ordinance 2023-108 approved eight to zero.

ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION SURPLUS PROPERTY DECLARATION – ORD. 2023-109 APPROVED

A motion was made by Alderman Carncross, seconded by Alderwoman Haderlein to approve the Committee’s recommendation to adopt the proposed ordinance Declaring Surplus Property, as presented. Roll call vote: Gorman, aye; Meza, aye; Perkins, aye; Luna, aye; Haderlein, aye; Schulz, aye; Lavallee, aye and Carncross; aye. Ordinance 2023-109 approved eight to zero.

ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION ALLOCATING FUNDS FROM SALES TAX ORD. 2023-110 APPROVED

A motion was made by Alderman Schulz, seconded by Alderman Carncross to approve the Committee’s recommendation to adopt the proposed ordinance Allocating Funds from Non-Home Rule Municipal Sales Tax, as presented. Roll call vote: Meza, aye; Perkins, aye; Luna, aye; Haderlein, aye; Schulz, aye; Lavallee, aye; Carncross; aye and Gorman, aye. Ordinance 2023-110 approved eight to zero.

ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION USE OF PROCEEDS FROM SALES TAX – RESOLUTION APPROVED

A motion was made by Alderwoman Haderlein, seconded by Alderman Schulz to approve the Committee’s recommendation to adopt the proposed resolution Regarding the Use of Proceeds from Non Home Rule Municipal Sales Tax, as presented. Alderwoman Haderlein and Alderman Gorman clarified that the proposed resolution allocates the funds specifically to roads and sidewalks, not other infrastructure. Roll call vote: Perkins, aye; Luna, aye; Haderlein, aye; Schulz, aye; Lavallee, aye; Carncross; aye; Gorman, aye and Meza, aye. Motion approved eight to zero.

CITY OF HARVARD ANNUAL BUDGET FOR FY2023/2024 - ORD 2023-111 APPROVED

A motion was made by Alderman Perkins, seconded by Alderman Carncross to adopt the proposed Ordinance Establishing the City of Harvard Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2023/2024, as presented. Roll call vote: Luna, aye; Haderlein, aye; Schulz, aye; Lavallee, aye; Carncross, aye; Gorman, aye; Meza, aye and Perkins, aye. Ordinance 2023-111 approved eight to zero.

DEPT. HEADS REPORT

Written reports as submitted.

Utilities Supt. Grant updated the City Council on the WWTF project; the treatment plant is three months out from completion. Seed sludge will be brought in this week from Woodstock and Belvidere to start seeding the ditch and feeding our sludge to it next week. If everything goes as planned, the old plant will be decommissioned early in May.

Supt. Kruckenberg reported that the water main from Burger King down to McComb has been lined; the main will probably be on-line next week pending chlorination. Jim commented he has been very fortunate working with everyone through the years and that it has been his pleasure. His retirement party will be at Bopps on May 5th at 3 pm.

Supt. Knop reported that the pool is 6 weeks away from opening and 5 weeks away from getting guards in the pool for training. Pool passes go on sale May 1st and other water programs go live the first week of May.

Police Chief Bauman reported the new hire Anthony Vialpando was sworn in on May 17th. He will report to the Macon County Police Training Institute in Decatur for 16 weeks of training.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

The City Council, City Staff and City Attorney thanked Public Works Supt. Kruckenberg for his years of dedicated service to the community and wished him the best of luck. Deb and Lori presented him with a small plaque “Whatever You Say Kruck”.

Community Development Director Donovan Day and Public Works Supt. Rob Lamz were welcomed by the City Council, City Staff and City Attorney.

ALDERMAN LAVALLEE

Alderman Lavallee thanked the town for voting for the sales tax and noted that it will make a difference. The City will definitely spend citizens’ money wisely. Mayor Kelly said it’s likely the City won’t start seeing money come into the coffers until January.

ALDERWOMAN HADERLEIN

Alderman Haderlein called an Administration Committee Meeting for Tuesday, May 9that 6:30 pm.

ALDERMAN GORMAN

Alderman Gorman called a Transportation Committee Meeting for Thursday, May 11th at 6:30 pm. The City Engineer has looked at the roads that were paved over the last 5 years to be preserved, most of them aren’t that bad and won’t require a lot of sealer. The City Engineer thinks we may be able to get more roads done for the same amount of money.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Report as submitted.

NO REPORT

City Attorney Clifton and Aldermen Carncross, Alderman Schulz, Alderwoman Luna, Alderman Perkins and Alderman Meza had no additional report.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

• The pavement project is looking at preservation for roads done up to eight years ago for the $120,000 that was originally budgeted.

• City Administrator Leone expressed gratitude to the general public for their trust of the City Council and Staff to utilize the 1% sales tax.

• City Administrator Leone related that since he interviewed with the City, three employees have retired – Dave Nelson with 36 years, Steve Santeler with 20+ years and now Jim Kruckenberg with 20+ years. Dave built all of the staff and they left the City in a good place for new staff to pick up where they left off. He further stated to the staff as a whole that they are a great staff to work with. He is excited to see what Harvard’s future is.

CLERK’S REPORT – UPCOMING MEETING DATES

May 2 Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting – POST TO CANCEL

May 9 Administration Committee Meeting, 6:30 pm

May 11 Transportation Committee Meeting 6:30 pm

May 15 Park Board Meeting, 6 pm

May 23 City Council Meeting, 7 pm

MAYOR’S REPORT

• The City is going to host an Open Forum in the Community Hall on May 18th at 6:30 pm to discuss the possibility of trying to bring some type of indoor rec center to our community. The Mayor would like to engage the community to get people’s input and to bring stakeholders together to start serious discussion on creating an indoor rec center. He expects Dr. Tafoya from the School District, members of the Park Board and Parks Foundation and various business members to participate in the discussion. He has also invited representatives from Mercyhealth to attend. Notices will be posted to social media.

• With reference to the former Motorola facility, Mayor Kelly stated for the record that the building is being brought back up to code. The owners are working diligently to do that in order to bring an occupant to the building. Any additional information will be made public as warranted. Alderwoman Haderlein made reference to the tenant advertising for jobs.

• The City is moving forward with ARPA funds for the fiber optics project; more information should be available by the next City Council Meeting.

A motion was made by Alderman Meza, seconded by Alderman Perkins to adjourn the meeting. Aldermen voting aye: Haderlein, Schulz, Lavallee, Carncross, Gorman, Meza, Perkins and Luna. All ayes. Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 8:04 pm.

https://www.cityofharvard.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/city_council/meeting/14692/ccminutes2023-04-25.pdf