McHenry Times

City of McHenry City Council met June 5

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Call to Order

The City Council of the City of McHenry, Illinois, met at McHenry City Hall, 333 S Green St, on Monday, June 5, 2023, at 7:00 p.m.

Roll Call

Deputy Clerk Johnson called the roll. Roll call: Members present: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderman Strach, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller, Mayor Jett. Others present: Attorney McArdle, Director of Public Works Strange, Director of Community Development Polerecky, Finance Director Lynch, Director of Economic Development Martin, Director of Parks and Recreation Hobson, and Chief of Police Birk.

Pledge of Allegiance

Mayor Jett led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Proclamation

Mayor Jett read a proclamation recognizing Patrick Devine for his service as Alderman of Ward 6 from March 20, 2017 until April 30, 2023. Mr. Devine was in attendance and accepted a framed copy of the proclamation.

Public Comment

There were no comments from the members of the public that were present. Consent Agenda

A. Accept and authorize the execution of a Proposal from Gov HR USA to assist with the City Administrator Recruitment and Selection process.

B. Ordinance amending Title 7, Chapter 2, Section 5, Operation of Non-Highway Vehicles on City Streets, of the McHenry City Code.

C. Waive the competitive bidding process and accept a proposal from Associated Electrical Contractors of Woodstock, Illinois in the amount of $119,346.00 for the replacement and relocation of the Motor Control Center 9MCC) for Water Treatment Plant #2.

D. Purchase of two Chevrolet Tahoes from Tim Lally Chevrolet of Warrensville Heights, Ohio under Ohio State Purchasing Contract #RS108658 in the amount of $88,414.00.

E. Purchase of the following vehicles for use by the Department of Public Works:

NOTE: A separate agenda supplement is provided detailing each vehicle purchase.

a. Field Operations Division 1-ton dump truck from Buss Ford of McHenry, Illinois in the amount of $134,962.00;

b. Field Operations Division 1-ton Utility Truck from Buss Ford of McHenry, Illinois in the amount of $82,196.00;

c. Field Operations Division Cargo Van from Victor Ford of Wauconda, Illinois in the amount of $52,295.00;

d. Water Division Cargo Van from Victor Ford of Wauconda, Illinois in the amount of $52,295.00; and,

e. Water Division ½ ton Truck from Sunnyside Co. of McHenry, Illinois in the amount of $40,876.00.

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

G. May 15, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes;

H. Issuance of Checks in the amount of $473,357.39

Alderman Glab asked to pull consent agenda item A for separate consideration. Alderman Koch asked to pull consent agenda item C for separate consideration.

A motion was made by Alderman McClatchey and seconded by Alderman Santi to approve consent agenda items B, and D through H as presented. Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Strach, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays, 0-absent, 0-abstained. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda Item 6.A. Accept and authorize the execution of a Proposal from Gov HR USA to assist with the City Administrator Recruitment and Selection Process

Alderman Glab stated that he is against the City Administrator recruitment policy and is not necessarily thrilled with going out for a nationwide search. We had an incident years ago where we got an employee from out of town and it wasn’t a good fit for our community. He feels we should keep the search closer and with people more familiar with our area. Anderman Santi stated that he looks forward to working with Gov HR, and believes we are fortunate to work with an entity with this type of background for recruitment. Alderwoman Miller echoed Alderman

Santi’s comments, and after reading their proposal and resume, believes there is not a community that they haven’t touched.

A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderwoman Miller to accept and authorize the execution of a proposal from Gov HR USA to assist with the City Administrator Recruitment and Selection Process. Roll Call: Vote: 6-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Strach, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 1-nay: Alderman Glab, 0-absent, 0-abstained. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda Item 6.C. Waive the competitive bidding process and accept a proposal from Associated Electrical Contractors of Woodstock, Illinois in the amount of $119,346.00 for the replacement and relocation of the Motor Control Center 9MCC) for Water Treatment Plant #2

Alderman Koch asked why the City did not go through the competitive bidding process, and stressed that he is against not using the open bidding process. Director Strange explained that this project is similar to a previous lift station project. These are challenging projects that have a blend of engineering and professional services. This should not be done as a low-bid item, and does not require a bid selection process. As an electronic construction project, it is difficult to break down line items for bidding on the project, and difficult to prepare a set of plans to run an open bidding process. For a similar past project, the City spent as much money trying to engineer and design bid specifications as it cost to just pay for the project. There were two proposals received for this project, although not done as an open bidding process. He recommends using this quality-based selection process for these unique projects and challenging work. According to Director Strange, this is the best and most cost effective way to get this work completed.

A motion was made by Alderman Strach and seconded by Alderman Koch to waive the competitive bidding process and accept a proposal from Associated Electrical Contractors of Woodstock, Illinois in the amount of $119,346.00 for the replacement and relocation of the Motor Control Center 9MCC) for Water Treatment Plant #2. Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Strach, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays, 0-absent, 0-abstained. Motion carried.

Human Resources & Risk Management director Ann Campanella introduced Mark Peterson of Gov HR. He looks forward to working with the Council and Staff and expects to be their best friend over the next few months. He is optimistic that we can attract outstanding candidates for our important position. The selection of a new City Administrator will be one of the most important decisions the Council will make, with large shoes to fill left by Derik Morefield.

Individual Action Items

Use Variation and Zoning Variations, 1407 N Court St.

A motion was made by Alderwoman Miller and seconded by Alderman McClatchey to approve an ordinance granting a Use Variation and Zoning Variations for the property located at 1407 N Court Street. Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Strach, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays, 0-absent, 0- abstained. Motion carried.

Use Variation and Zoning Variations, 1507 N Green St.

A motion was made by Alderman Strach and seconded by Alderwoman Bassi to approve an ordinance granting a Use Variation and Zoning Variations for the property located at 1507 N Green Street. Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Strach, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays, 0-absent, 0- abstained. Motion carried.

Various Zoning Text Amendments – Keeping of Apiaries; Automotive Sales and Towing Business in I-1 Industrial District

Director Polerecky explained that this another action to clean up the City’s ordinances. By policies we have allowed bee keeping, but Staff was approached by a resident looking for approval in ordinance form. Crystal Lake has an ordinance that we modeled ours from that has good regulations. Automotive and towing fit in with the I-1 districts, and adding these to or ordinances is a common sense approach.

A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderman Koch to approve an ordinance granting various zoning text amendments to the McHenry Zoning Ordinance related to the keeping of apiaries on residential lots and allowing Automotive Sales and Towing Business in the I-1 Industrial District. Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Strach, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays, 0-absent, 0-abstained. Motion carried.

Class A Liquor License to Cantaritto’s Bar and Grill, 1228 N Green Street

Alderman Santi asked the owners if they had a tentative opening date, and they are hoping to open around August 15th if all goes well.

A motion was made by Alderman McClatchey and seconded by Alderman Strach to approve a Class A liquor license to Cantaritto’s Bar and Grill, located at 1228 N Green Street, subject to the issuance of an occupancy permit and, if approved, an Ordinance Amending Title 4, Chapter 2, Alcoholic Liquor, Section 6, License Classifications and Fees; Approval Authority; Limitation on Number of Licenses. Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Strach, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays, 0-absent, 0-abstained. Motion carried.

Class A Liquor License to McHenry Steki LLC, 3918 Main Street

A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderwoman Bassi to approve a Class A liquor license to McHenry Steki LLC, 3918 Main Street, and, if approved, an Ordinance Amending Title 4, Chapter 2, Alcoholic Liquor, Section 6, License Classifications and Fees; Approval Authority; Limitation on Number of Licenses. Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Strach, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays, 0-absent, 0-abstained. Motion carried.

Video Gaming License to McHenry Steki LLC, 3918 Main Street

A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderwoman Miller to approve a Video Gaming License to McHenry Steki LLC, 3918 Main Street, subject to the execution of a Video Gaming Development Agreement, and, if approved, a motion to amend the ordinance limiting the number of video gaming license locations . Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Strach, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays, 0-absent, 0-abstained. Motion carried.

Class A Liquor License to Leona’s Pizzeria Express of McHenry LLC, 3102 W IL Route 120

A motion was made by Alderman Strach and seconded by Alderman Santi to approve a Class A liquor license to Leona’s Pizzeria Express of McHenry LLC, 3102 W IL Route 120, and, if approved, an Ordinance Amending Title 4, Chapter 2, Alcoholic Liquor, Section 6, License Classifications and Fees; Approval Authority; Limitation on Number of Licenses. Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Strach, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays, 0-absent, 0-abstained. Motion carried.

Video Gaming License to Leona’s Pizzeria Express of McHenry LLC, 3102 W IL Route 120

A motion was made by Alderman McClatchey and seconded by Alderman Koch to approve a Video Gaming License to Leona’s Pizzeria Express of McHenry LLC, 3102 W IL Route 120, subject to the execution of a Video Gaming Development Agreement, and, if approved, a motion to amend the ordinance limiting the number of video gaming license locations . Roll Call: Vote: 7- ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Strach, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays, 0-absent, 0-abstained. Motion carried.

Super Aggregates Gravel Pit, North of IL Route 120 and East of Chapel Hill Road

Director Polerecky explained that a vote to approve as presented automatically approves an Ordinance annexing a 110-acre property located north or IL Route 120 and east of Chapel Hill Road, an Ordinance granting preliminary and final Plat of Subdivision for McHenry Lakes Business Park Subdivision, and an Ordinance granting a Zoning Map Amendment, Variations, and Conditional Use Permit for Earth Extraction, processing, asphalt/concrete recycling, and outdoor storage for the construction of a lake in conjunction with a gravel pit. Variations in the request include: Berm Height: 6-8’ in lieu of 10’ required; Mining Operations Other Than Crushing – Setback Distance: between 30-50’ in lieu of 100’ required; Crushing Activities Setback Distance of 712’ in lieu of the required 750’; Hours of Operation: exemption to operate outside Ordinance requirements to meet contractual obligations from time-to-time.

Alderman McClatchey asked Mr. Pease why he came to the City for the request instead of going through the County. Mr. Pease said he as an ongoing relationship with the County. The gravel business is a short-term thing. They are set to be only 1/10th the size of the next door operation, and are only 120 acres. They have two uses. The first and immediate use is highway frontage built and developed for quality retail and tenants. This is similar to what Kim & Patty’s Café is near the McHenry Hospital or the building near Bull Valley & Crystal Lake Road. He wishes to do a building similar to that on Route 120. The end product would be a residential subdivision on two lakes. They have upper-end homes on upper-end subdivisions. He hopes to accomplish this within 20 years. He encouraged Council to check references in regards to them being good neighbors and working well with the County. He also explained in detail the need for a gravel pit as McHenry County had 31 and now there are only 11. He also stated that being residents of the City of McHenry with businesses in the City, he would prefer to give the City the income and benefits from the gravel pit.

Alderwoman Bassi asked what his idea of short-term meant. She asked if he had a good idea of what the quickest and longest the gravel pit would be operating for. He said normally it would be an expected 20-year task, but operations everywhere have doubled. The duration could be much sooner and probably in the 10-15 year range. With the high interest rates and current construction market, they could finish in the 10-13 year range. Each stage of the operation would not last that long and they would complete one stage and move to the next. The intentionally left the east side stage to the last. It has been discussed to make a shorter, temporary berm on the east so that the residents backing up to the operation could have access to the new lake. Instead of being HOA property for the new subdivision, it could be given away to the homeowners on the east for their use. Mr. Pease also explained that they have an agreement with the County for some of their land being used as a right-of-way for improvements on Chapel Hill Road.

Alderman Strach asked if there would be crushing done on site. Mr. Pease said there would be some crushing to a minor degree. He invited the Council to come on a tour of his existing operations to see how quiet the crushing is. Most of the gravel is in small sizes, with only 1-2% needing crushed. Alderman Strach asked if there is an opportunity to have the gravel crushed at a different site, and Mr. Pease said it could be done in Volo. Alderman Strach also asked about the berm height and setback requests. Mr. Pease explained that they are going just above the water table, so their crusher sits lower and you would not be able to see the crusher from the line-of-sight at their requested variations.

Alderman Santi stated that he spent a considerable amount of time with Mr. Pease about three years ago and recently saw some of his operations. He asked about the variation request for the hours of operation. Mr. Pease explained that there could be an emergency where they are asked to provide aggregate. He said this has only happened three times in 40 years, and explained those situations. If this occurred, he would notify the Police Department and City administrators, but there would not be a large amount of time to notify residents because these are for emergencies only. He said the City is welcome to exclude this time variation request but thinks it is best for the City to have it in place.

Alderman McClatchey said his biggest concern is the increase in traffic. With 50 truckloads, that is 100 times in and out of the facility. He asked if they have already gotten IDOT approval for putting this off Route 120. Mr. Pease explained that they have worked with IDOT for the last three years and have a permit ready to go, but are just waiting for City approval. He explained the turning lanes that will be required, and believes that most traffic will be heading east and not through the City of McHenry.

When questioned by Alderwoman Miller about his conversations with neighboring residents, Mr. Pease stated his desire to hold off a vote from Council until they can get agreements made with neighbors about possibly giving them land. He also thinks the time can be used to do more research about his other operations. Mayor Jett said that the Council may postpone the vote, but he wants to give all attendees and Council members a chance to speak tonight.

Mr. Pease said that property values have been a concern of neighboring areas. He researched Zillow and found that sales that have occurred surrounding subdivisions around gravel pits have showed an increase in home values. Once mining ends, those yards look into open lakes or fields and the gravel pits are then gone forever. Alderwoman Bassi asked if the Zillow search factored in the mining. She asked what the benefit was of having a gravel pit next door. He said they no longer have to look at farm fields forever. Once the temporary berms come down, they have a nice lake and the surroundings have improved. Once the gravel pit leaves, the neighbors have been given something that is valuable to them.

Alderman Glab pointed out that if the homeowners to the east were to acquire some of the Pease land, then part of their property would be annexed to the City and part would still reside unincorporated in the County. Although the mining business may be going quickly now, Alderman Glab cautioned that the business could slow down as well. Mr. Pease explained that by having more mining businesses closer to town, this can save on project costs for municipalities and governments. He cited an example with Woodstock, who reportedly saved $1.1 million on a project by being able to use local sources. Alderman Glab asked what would happen if their location turned out to have the wrong quality of gravel like what happened with Meyer and the north side of Route 120. That was supposed to be a five year project and they still haven’t completed it due to the lack of finding appropriate materials. Mr. Pease stated that he is confident in their testing of what is on their land. If they actually had less quality material, they would finish their mining operations sooner.

Mayor Jett opened up the meeting for public comments on the proposed gravel pit. Terri LaDuke explained that the City might be interested in the money received from the gravel pit, but it is reportedly only going to bring in $2 million. She does not believe that money is worth the issues for the City. She doesn’t like the idea of increased truck traffic on Route 120, and the increased traffic, noise, and dust will make their lives hell.

Valerie Brixy stated that nobody has bothered to come to her neighborhood to talk to them, which is disappointing. She is concerned about the environmental impact, sound, water issues, and noise pollution. There would also be negative effects for the children at the Middle School and Hilltop Elementary School. They moved from a noisy environment to McHenry County to have a peaceful home and now they are facing another noisy environment. She feels home values will plummet and nobody would want to move next to a pit. No matter what they try to do, the gravel pit won’t be a good neighbor.

Tim Kuraszek used a piece of paper to show an example of the single family homes surrounded by a possible gavel pit. Some homes have been there for 50-80 years. He also urged to use common sense by looking at State maps showing gravel deposits in the State of Illinois from the Department of Natural Resources. He does not think they need to force their way into residential neighborhoods. He has talked to a groundwater expert in McHenry County and has been told there will definitely be problems with the wells. The bottom line is that they have homes that they built and moved to so they could live in peace.

Paul Gurns stated that even though this operation may be more efficient and quiet than other gravel pits, it will still be a gravel pit that produces noise and dust. He believes Mr. Pease has given inconsistent answers and can’t directly answer the Council members’ questions. He also states that he hasn’t been involved in any conversations with the developers, but he lives in the neighborhood next door.

Kathy Schlueter asks Council to look at Google Maps and see what the gravel pits look like near a residential neighborhood. She referenced the staff analysis in the packet that has a statement that a gravel pit next to existing family land use is not an ideal scenario, and should be avoided if possible due to negative impacts on property values. This is not in compliance with the future land use consideration. The only reason the City would deviate from this is money, and $2 million should not be enough. Given the proximity to single family residential, staff also recommends the denial of hours variation request. The request to lower berms should also not be considered, per Ms. Schlueter, because they have not shown a hardship. She asks that the developers just consider getting to the end product now.

Dave Harmon stated that he has read that Mr. Pease is in violation of a stormwater agreement for a tile on Route 120. Community Development Director Polerecky explained that the tile in question is out of the City’s jurisdiction, but that the McHenry County stormwater division does have an open violation against the property. Mr. Harmon asked how the developer could be trusted with this violation.

Michael Alva explained that his back yard is right up against the proposed pit. He has a well and swimming pool near the property as well. Although this may last less than 20 years, there are no guarantees when they will finish. He stated that if you come to his house at 6:00 a.m. you would hear Thelen. Although gravel pits are necessary to build roads, they don’t need to live next to another one. He urges Council members to come to his house and see how dangerous it would be to have a pit 50 feet from his house. Although the pit may still be constructed under County jurisdiction, that does not mean that the City should allow it.

Robin Ciuris read of the dangers of silicosis, caused by exposure to crystalline silica dust. She explained the three types of silicosis and the fact that there is no cure or reversal of the disease. She worries about he elementary school, the church with a daycare, and the movie theater. The particles stay in the air for 12 hours, and will be there day and night, even once they are finished.

Anthony Ciuris stated that this issue comes down to one thing. Council can either vote for corporate greed or private health.

Jeff Jacobs believes that the magical quiet crusher does not exist. He believes Mr. Pease is using complete salesmanship. Their gravel pit will be just like every other gravel pit. He does not believe Council would vote for the gravel pit if it was in their neighborhood. He also doesn’t like the answers given from Mr. Pease.

Debbie Hoffman explained that she moved to Eastwood Manor in 1968. They had a small parcel on a small pond with nothing in the area. Since they moved there, the area has grown and they do love their neighbors. She also believes a five lane highway on Chapel Hill road would be dangerous. Director Polerecky explained that the Chapel Hill Road project is a County project, and he is willing to give out more information on that issue for anybody that leaves their name and number with Deputy Clerk Johnson.

Mayor Jett closed the public comment portion of the topic and opened up discussion once again to Council. Alderman McClatchey stated that McHenry is growing and doing a lot of good things. He wants the City to grow up, but thinks this is the worst place for a gravel pit.

Alderman Santi stated that he still has questions he needs answered and is uncomfortable voting on the issue at this time. He also thanked everybody for coming out and appreciates their comments. He also explained that Mr. Pease purchased this property 3 ½ years ago, and been doing this business for many years. Mr. Santi also warned that if the City does not take control of this gravel pit, the County could control it instead. Alderwoman Bassi thanked all members of the public who attended as this is an emotional issue for them. Alderman Glab also warned the public that the County could take control of the gravel pit. He urged everyone to think about the best entity to control the gravel pit, be it the City of McHenry or McHenry County based in Woodstock. A motion was made by Alderman Strach and seconded by Alderwoman Bassi to postpone a vote on the agenda item until the regular City Council meeting on July 17, 2023. Roll Call: Vote:

7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Strach, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays, 0-absent, 0-abstained. Motion carried.

Kensington Drive Resurfacing

Director Strange reported that per direction from Council, he has looked into the possibility of resurfacing Kensington Drive prior to its scheduled completion date. The City is very limited on what it can do this year. It is not possible to properly resurface the road in 2023 because there would be a two month process for the bidding, advertising, and contract process. IDOT was also consulted to see if the road could be added to this year’s existing program, but IDOT would not allow that. The options are to add it to next year’s schedule or wait for 2025. He explained that all roads recommended in next year’s project have a rating of 30 or lower, with the lowest score being the worst rated road. Kensington has a score of 32. The estimated cost for Kensington Road is $343,000.

Alderman Glab stated that he has been bringing up the need to do Kensington Road for seven years. After analyzing the survey done in 2019, he is disturbed that Kensington isn’t given credit for being a collector road. We are doing residential streets ahead of collectors, which doesn’t seem appropriate. He believes traffic counts should be considered during the busy times of the year, especially when school is in session. This should make Kensington necessary as it is used more frequently.

Alderman Strach explained that all Council members have streets in their wards that need addressed. He has major thoroughfares in his neighborhood with conditions that have deteriorated since the 2019 report that are beyond repair. Those need to be resurfaced in advance of their projected date as well. We went through a request last year to add another street as well, and he believes we should follow the plan we have in place and not make deviations. A motion was made by Alderman Strach and seconded by Alderman Santi to deny the request to have Kensington Drive moved up from its proposed spot on the FY25/26 Road Resurfacing Program.

Alderwoman Bassi thanked Director Strange for his time in educating her on road conditions and scores. She also reported that she visited the high school and had a conversation with the superintendent. We aren’t taking into account that we have added additional parking on West Campus. Many students are now driving as new students and use Kensington as a shortcut. She agrees with Alderman Glab that this road should be moved into the 2024 list. Alderman Koch agreed with Alderwoman Bassi and doesn’t know why we do cul-de-sacs but not this major road. He does not believe it will last another year and won’t make it through the winter.

Alderwoman Miller supports the motion because she likes the process that we have created as it is logical and makes sense. She asked if there is something his department could do to make the road last longer. He said that it isn’t cost effective or feasible for the ones that are a year or two away from completion. They do pothole patching if they are a year or two out, but saw cutting and big patching doesn’t make sense with the limited resources. She also asked Director Strange for a recap of the street raking process. Director Strange explained that a company uses lasers to measure cracks, spiderwebs, and places of distress. This isn’t something the consulting company created on their own. They use an industry standard and it gives a ranking for the whole segment of road. He also said the past method the City used to rank roads was subjective at best and had inconsistency issues. Alderwoman Miller asked how often we should use a consulting firm to do the roads and he suggested we have another study done again next year. He estimates that the cost would be about $50,000 for the study.

Alderman Glab stated that nobody knows our roads better than those who live here as we are local. He doesn’t agree with the survey process and states that timing could be a factor in what time of the year it is completed. He would rather the Committee of the Whole look at the streets and reevaluate the streets for next year. Alderman Koch asked if Kensington was the original road put in or if it has been resurfaced since the subdivision was put in. After discussion about the history of the road and subdivision, it was unable to be determined for sure if the surface is original.

Alderman Santi explained that he made the mistake last year of bringing up a road that could be swapped out of his ward that was not on the schedule. He likes the process we are using by investing $2-4 million each year. He stated that the current program we are using is a thousand times better than he has seen from his last 18 years on the Council. He likes that it is rated by an outside source to keep things fair. After further discussion by Alderman Glab to change the current process, Alderman Strach called the question. With a motion on the floor to deny the request to have Kensington Drive moved ahead of schedule, a roll call was taken: Roll Call: Vote: 4-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman McClatchey, Alderman Strach, Alderwoman Miller. 3- nays: Alderman Glab, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Koch; 0-absent, 0-abstained. Motion carried.

2024 Road Resurfacing Program

Director Strange explained that we plan to follow the same routine as last year and work our way down the list of roads with poor ratings. Looking at the 2024 program, there are also a few alleys that are the City’s responsibility to maintain. At some time we need will need to do those and it could be put into the next study.

Gary Lieder was a resident in attendance and was given permission to speak for a public comment on the topic. He said he was the first resident of the Fox Ridge neighborhood. He has seen all of the development for the last 49 years. The road has continued to deteriorate in worse condition than some of those on the 2024 list. He appreciates the tough decisions the Council must make but asks the Council to find a way to find the money or resources to get Kensington done in 2024.

A motion was made by Alderwoman Miller and seconded by Alderman McClatchey to authorize staff to proceed with plan preparation and public bid the 2024 (FY24/25) Road Resurfacing Program and, if necessary, to solicit proposals for engineering assistance to present to Council for approval at a later date. Roll Call: Vote: 4-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman McClatchey, Alderman Strach, Alderwoman Miller. 3-nays: Alderman Glab, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Koch; 0-absent, 0-abstained. Motion carried.

Discussion Item Agenda

Class A Liquor Licenses, Catering Endorsements, Serving of Alcoholic Beverages at Funeral Homes

Deputy Clerk Johnson explained that Justen Funeral home had come to Council in the past requesting a liquor license. At the time, enough Council members were concerned that one of the City’s current classes of licenses didn’t fit in with what might be appropriate for a funeral home. Clerk Johnson also explained that businesses without a liquor license have the opportunity to have their event catered with alcohol by a business that has their catering license. The issue was brought before Council so they could give input on the possibility of funeral homes catering with liquor, and for Mr. Robert Justen to explain his request for liquor to be available at certain funeral services.

Mr. Justen explained how his business has gone down with the increase in popularity of cremations. Many people are no longer choosing to have a somber funeral, and want to have something more upbeat with celebration of life services. Many people also want to be able to toast their friend or relative who has passed on, and the ability to serve liquor would be another service that his funeral home could offer. He stated that he has lost a lot of business to restaurants or other banquet halls because he cannot offer alcohol,l so people take their cremated relatives elsewhere to have their celebration of life. He also explained that if liquor was served at his business, it would be easier for him to control the drinking as opposed to now where people may get drunk in the parking lot, and it is hard to police that area.

Deputy Clerk Johnson explained that City of McHenry liquor license holders with a Class A license that have obtained a catering endorsement can serve alcohol off their premise, and a funeral home could be one of those places. Per State and City laws, the food must be the main part of the catering service with alcohol as an incidental service. There must also be a contract stating what the fee will be for the venue, much like a traditional catering event such as a wedding. The licensed business doing the catering would be responsible for handling all of the liquor concerns and regulations.

Police Chief Birk explained that our current ordinances do not allow alcohol sales within 100 feet of a funeral home. To properly allow catering, we would need to pass an ordinance making that legal. He also cautioned Council from opening up more types of licenses because it could get tricky with other types of businesses that aren’t bars or restaurants asking for liquor licenses. He explained that funerals can be a moment of weakness and depression and mixing that venue with alcohol can be dangerous.

With a majority of the Council stating that they are comfortable with allowing catering at a funeral home, Mayor Jett explained that an ordinance should be written and brought before Council for passage at a future meeting.

Mayor’s Report

Mayor Jett explained that it has been suggested by Staff to cancel the July 3rd Council meeting as it is the night before a major City holiday. This would only leave one meeting in July, the July 17th meeting.

City Council Comment

Alderman Santi reported that the Buss Honorary Street Sign dedication is set for July 8th at 3:00 p.m.

Alderman Glab reported calling Director Hobson about the approval of alcohol for the flag ceremony in the park. We allow beer and wine at the park with approval, but advertising came out that stated people should bring their own alcohol, which could open up issues with hard liquor and the inability to control what is being consumed.

Alderwoman Bassi thanked Chief Birk and his officers for giving them a safe experience for their bicycle ride.

Alderman Strach reported that he had a meeting with Aqua concerning the McHenry Shores subdivision. He held a meeting for those residents with the assistance of Chief Birk and Deputy Chief Walsh, and he thanked them for their assistance with the meeting.

Alderman Koch reported talking to Director Hobson regarding porta-potties at East Beach and West Beach in the Lakeland Park subdivision. Director Hobson explained that porta-potties are located at East Beach. A discussion was had regarding picnic tables and opening those parks up for bigger audiences with more amenities. Director Hobson explained that a master plan is being written up for our park services, and we are using the Hitchcock Design Group. A kickoff meeting was held last week for that plan, and it is similar to a comprehensive plan but for the parks facilities.

Executive Session Minutes and Recordings

A motion was made by Alderman McClatchey and seconded by Alderman Strach to pass a resolution approving the destruction of any executive session recordings that exist more than 18 months, and for the release of certain minutes, and to keep certain minutes confidential. Roll Call: Vote: 6-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Strach, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays, 0-absent, 1-abstained: Alderman Glab. Motion carried.

Adjournment

A motion was made by Alderman Sanit and seconded by Alderwoman Bassi to adjourn the meeting at 10:07 p.m. Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Strach, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays, 0-absent, 0-abstained. Motion carried.

https://cms8.revize.com/revize/mchenryil/Document_Center/BoardDocs/City%20Council/Minutes%206-5-23.pdf