McHenry Times

City of McHenry City Council met May 15

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Roll Call: Mayor Jett called the roll call. 

Members present Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Strach, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller, and Mayor Jett. Others present Attorney McArdle, Administrator Morefield, Director of Public Works Strange, Director of Community Development Polerecky, Finance Director Lynch, Director of Parks and Recreation Hobson, Director of Economic Development Martin, Chief of Police Birk, City Planner Sheriff, Deputy Clerk Johnson, and City Clerk Ramel. 

Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Jett led the pledge. 

Recognition: Plaque presentation to Michael Roberts for service to the McHenry Police Commission. This was presented by Mayor Jett, commending him for the 14 years of involvement. 

Consent Agenda: Motion to Approve the following Consent Agenda Items as presented: 

Award of bid for the 2023 Paint Pavement 1 

A. Marking contract to Precision Pavement Markings, Inc. in the amount of $27,348.94. 

(Public Works Director Strange) 

B. Award of a material supply contract for Bulk Rock Salt to Morton Salt, Inc. in the amount of $138,420.00, and a contingency allowance for a 20% overage on the contract in the amount of $27,684.00. (Public Works Director Strange) 

C. Task Order for Professional Engineering Services for the Water Tower #4 Repainting Project with Robinson Engineering in the amount of $64,831.00. (Public Works Director Strange) 

D. Sales Order for the purchase of a Volvo VHJD 42F300 Single Axel Dump Truck with Snowplow and Wing Setup with Bonnell Industries of Dixon, Illinois in the amount of $304,714.88. (Public Works Director Strange) 

E. Authorization for the Mayor's execution of an extension to the Exclusive Listing Agreement with Jack Minero of Berkshire Hathaway for the listing of 914 Front Street through May 16, 2024. (Community Development Director Polerecky) 

F. Ordinance amending various sections of the McHenry Municipal Code relating to Fines and Penalties. (Deputy City Clerk Johnson) 

G. Authorization for the execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Village of Prairie Grove for Plan Review and Inspection Services. (Community Development Director Polerecky) 

H. Parks & Recreation Facilities & Special Use Permit Requests; 

1. May 1, 2023, City Council Meeting Minutes; 

J. Issuance of Checks in the amount of $614,531.86; 

K. As Needed Checks in the amount of $211,426.39. 

A motion was made by Alderman McClatchey and seconded by Alderman Santi to approve Consent Agenda Item as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Strach, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. O-nays, 0-abstained. Motion carried. 

Individual Action Item Agenda: 

A. Honorary Street Sign for Ed and Joan Buss 

Motion to approve a Resolution designating the intersection of John Street and West Golfview Road and "Honorary Ed and Joan Buss Way." (Public Works Director Strange) 

A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderwoman Bassi to approve Individual Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Strach, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. O-nays, 0-abstained. Motion carried. 

No public comment. 

B. Sign Variance for Starbucks, 904 S. Route 31 

Motion to approve a sign variance to Starbucks, located at 904 S. Route 31, to allow one additional wall sign and two additional menu boards not to exceed 48.75 square feet in area. (Community Development Director Polerecky) 

Alderman Glab expressed his concerns about the sign variances and likes the ordinances that allow us to control the sign variances. 

A motion was made by Alderwoman Miller and seconded by Alderman Strach to approve Individual Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Strach, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays, 0-abstained. Motion carried. 

No public comment. 

C. Liquor License for El Vado Mexican Restaurant, 929 Front Street 

Motion to approve a Class A Liquor License to El Vado Mexican Restaurant, located at 929 Front Street, and, if approved, pass an Ordinance amending Title 4, Chapter 2, Alcoholic Liquor, Section 6, License Classification and Fees; Approval Authority; Limitation on Number of Licenses. (Mayor Jett, Deputy City Clerk Johnson) 

Alderman McClatchey asked about the background check, it was cleared per Chief Birk. 

A motion was made by Alderman Strach and seconded by Alderwoman Miller to approve Individual Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Strach, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays, 0-abstained. Motion carried. 

No public comment. 

D. Video Gaming License for El Vado Mexican Restaurant, 929 Front Street 

Based on the approval of Agenda Item 6C, the motion to approve a video gaming license to El Vado Mexican Restaurant, located at 929 Front Street, is contingent upon the execution of a Video Gaming Development Agreement. (Deputy City Clerk Johnson) 

A motion was made by Alderwoman Miller and seconded by Alderman Santi to approve Individual Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Strach, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. O-nays, 0-abstained. Motion carried. 

No public comment. 

E. Professional Services Contract for the City's 2023 Comprehensive and Downtown Plans 

Motion to approve a Professional Services contract between the City of McHenry and HDR Engineering, Inc. to draft the 2023 Comprehensive Plan and Downtown Plans. 

(Community Development Director Polerecky) 

HDR team, Jeff Young stepped to the podium to present the planning approach for the community of McHenry. The rest of the team also introduced themselves and gave the history and experience that they have working in planning. They are an international firm, they have three offices in Illinois. The four elements: Discover Define, Develop, and Delivery of the project. 

He spoke on public engagement, utilizing pop-up meetings to speak and engage the residents for the project. Design Charette is also something that was talked about, where city involvement will help paint the picture of what the plan would look like. Then finally the implementation plan was discussed as the foundation for the plan, this would be over 18 months. 

Alderwoman Miller stated that she is thankful for the vision of 2050 and the prospects that their team will be moving forward with. 

Alderman Strach stated that this is what the city needs a vision and identity with a real plan. Alderman Santi stated that he looks forward to working with HDR, and wanted to know what is meant by community engagement. Per Jeff, it is asking for the input of the residents and the stakeholders to be involved and then moving forward with the path. 

Alderman McClatchey asked if the Chamber was contacted, but they have not yet. 

Alderman Glab stated it is a lot of money that is being looked at for the plans, whatever the results that it is to the benefits to follow the plan all the way through. 

Alderwoman Bassi is thankful that the younger people are being involved. 

A motion was made by Alderman McClatchey and seconded by Alderman Strach to approve Individual Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Strach, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. O-nays, 0-abstained. Motion carried. 

No public comment. 

Discussion Item Agenda: 

A. MS4 History and Annual Update. (Public Works Director Strange) 

Russell Ruzicka, Treatment Operations Manager, presented slides regarding MS4 updates Alderwoman Miller spoke regarding the rain barrels and would like to see some emphasis on the rain gardens as well. 

Alderman McClatchey talked about the positives of rainwater as well. 

Staff Reports: 

Staff reports are provided at the first meeting of each month. 

Mayor's Report: Miller's point is looking amazing, it is becoming something down there. The Chamber is helping as well and wanted to thank the Parks Department and all the volunteers. Per Director Hobson, still looking for volunteers as well. Splash Pad is open and thank you to Parks Department and all the volunteers from Rise Up Foundation. 

City Council Comments: Alderwoman Bassi, this Wednesday there is a ride of silence for those killed or injured at 7 pm at the train station it is about 1 hour, helmets are recommended and the park district has it on their website as well. 

Thursday night is Pearl Street Market opening night, per Alderman McClatchey. 

Alderman Glab would like to bring Kensington back on the table regarding the road and would like it back on the agenda for this year's street program. Alderwoman Bassi agrees that it is the worst street and would like it on the agenda as well, along with Alderman Koch. Alderman McClatchey agreed as well to bring it up for discussion. 

Director Strange stated that the cost is very large but may be able to have a separate bid regarding it. 

Alderman Glab wanted to comment about the builders putting signs in right away but was not sure that they were approved to be up this long time, wanted to make sure the ordinance is being followed/enforced. 

Executive Session as needed: None 

Adjourn: A motion was made by Alderman Strach and seconded by Alderman Santi to adjourn the meeting at 8:15. Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Strach, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. O-nay-, O-abstained. Motion carried. 

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