McHenry Times

Village of Johnsburg President and Board of Trustees met June 6.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

President Hettermann called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Village Hall.

Attendees

Trustee Mike Fouke

Trustee Beth Foreman

Trustee Jamie Morris

Trustee Josh Hagen

Trustee Greg Klemstein

Trustee Scott Letzter

Village Administrator Claudett Sofiakis

Assistant Village Administrator Vinny Lamontagna

Attorney Michael Smoron

Chief Keith VonAllmen

Special Projects Coordinator Rick Quinn

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION – Mark Hoffmann of 1103 Rocky Beach Road attended regarding the back lot owned by the Pistakee Yacht Club. He stated that he bought his home next to the Yacht Club in 2014 and explained that the back lot was bought by the Yacht Club in the 70’s to support the activities of the club. Mr. Hoffmann acknowledged that there are more boats stored on the property now as compared with 20 years ago and they have received a letter from the Village stating that the boats need to be removed. He questioned what needs to be done to resolve the matter as he has several trailers of his own on the property and doesn’t have anywhere else to put them.

Michael Smoron explained that the complaint is that the Yacht Club is not following the variance granted by the County, which provided for the construction of a facility for boat storage not boats storage in the open He pointed out that the notice in 1970 did not include a request for a variance which raises a question regarding its applicability. He explained that the property does not conform to zoning requirements and the Village has received complaints regarding the storage of boats on the property.

Mr. Rob Bryson of 28792 W. Maitoba, McHenry stated that he moved to the area five years ago and since joined the Yacht Club. He explained that the Club had a rich history of yacht racing and sailing but that activity has declined over the years. He added that in order for the Club to grow they want to strengthen the community sailing school by offering different types of sailing opportunities.

President Hettermann explained that there are no objections to the Yacht Club and Sailing School but the back lot has turned into a marina and junk yard. He added that at the meeting recently held with the Yacht Club it was confirmed by the club representative that there are inoperable boats that have not moved in years. President Hettermann explained that no one has an issue with the sail boats owned by the club, but in addition to the inoperable boats, the power boats, trailers, and junk are the issue. He pointed out that the storage of trailers was not approved except in cases where a boat is brought in to launch for the day and the owner returns and takes their boat home at the end of the day. President Hettermann stated that had the activity been controlled proactively it may have not come to this. He noted that the Club installed landscape screening from the homes along one stretch of Rocky Beach but not by the other neighbors.

Trustee Hagen disagreed with charactering the activity as a marina but agreed that some boats need to be removed. He stated that he is not sure what type of plan needs to be developed but if they could get a better understanding of the complaint then it can be addressed. He explained that the Club wrote a new policy in the fall and it was approved in spring which will address some of the problems.

Trustee Foreman asked for confirmation that some of the boats are inoperable. Mr. Hoffmann confirmed that they are not operable. Trustee Letzter stated that is appears the Club needs to get more aggressive about addressing the boats in disrepair and those not authorized on the property.

President Hettermann explained that the boats owned by Yacht Club are not an issue. Mr. Hoffmann responded that the Sailing School owns the boats, not the Yacht Club and the other boats stored on the property are private boats owned by members of the Club. President Hettermann stated that the property is in a residential area and is zoned for residential use therefore is limited to no more than 4 boats and other recreational vehicles per lot. He pointed out that now that the Club has combined all of the lots, the property consists of only one lot.

Trustee Foreman questioned what the Club’s solution is. Mr. Bryson stated that they are not offering a solution as they don’t have one. He expressed that the Club needs the space for boat storage or they cannot be successful and explained that the annual fee for a social membership is $160 and boat storage is $125 per year.

Trustee Hagen stated that the Club needs guidance to determine what will resolve the complaint Mr. Hoffmann agreed that the Club needs to get rid of some of the boats. Trustee Fouke stated that it seems that the Club is taking an all or nothing approach rather than meet the Village half way. Trustee Hagen stated that the neighbors knew the Yacht Club was there for 150 years. President Hettermann responded that the activity on the property has changed and it was not used for the storage of powerboats. He added that the Village went through this problem with the Club a few years ago and helped them clean up the property and it is now having to be dealt with again.

Mr. Hoffmann stated he has nine boats which he put in the water so the trailers are stored on the Yacht Club’s back lot. Discussion was had regarding the cost to rent a slip at the Yacht Club and Mr. Hoffmann stated that a member can rent a slip for a power boat for $1900 annually. President Hettermann suggested that they charge a higher fee for the slip that is more in line with other marinas which would bring in more revenues than trying to rent the property for boat and trailer storage.

Mr. Bryson stated he could probably get the inoperable boats off the property by the end of July and could provide some screening but not sure what type of screening. Assistant Administrator Lamontagna suggested the Club put together a plan with landscaping, boat stall locations and other details of what they are proposing. President Hettermann questioned the number of boats being stored. Mr. Hoffmann stated they have 38 boats on the property. President Hettermann emphasized that they need to limit the number of boats on the property. He explained that the expanded use of the property is the issue. He added that the Sailing School’s boats are not an issue, it’s the expanded use of the property that is at issue as it is not appropriate for neighbors to have to look at all of the other boats, trailers and junk, many of which are from people that don’t even live in the community.

OMNIBUS AGENDA - Trustee Foreman moved to approve the Omnibus Agenda. Trustee Morris seconded the motion. All Trustee voted aye. Motion carried.

∙ Move to approve the minutes of the May 16, 2023 Regular Meeting of the President and Board of Trustees

∙ Disbursements 

∙ General Fund $221,812.93

∙ MFT

∙ Waterworks & Sewage Fund $ 28,381.36

∙ Golf Course Fund

∙ Land and Building 475.00

∙ Debt Service/SSA Fund 13,697.00

∙ Total All Funds $264,366.29

PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Hettermann discussed the upcoming meeting schedule for June and July. He stated that the June 20th meeting is canceled as the Board will meet again on June 29th before the Committee of the Whole meeting. There will be no meeting on July 4th but will meet again on July 18th and because the McCog meeting is July 26th the July 27th Committee of the Whole is canceled. He reminded all that the State of the Village is June 14th. President Hettermann reported that Trustee Morris will work with Trustee Hagen on the marketing initiatives and Trustees Foreman and Fouke will work on the sale of Village properties and development of a Comprehensive Park Plan.

BUDGET PRESENTATION – Village Accountant Beckey Kijak reviewed the FY 2024 Budget presentation. Discussion included a review of the 2023 project and program highlights along with vehicle and equipment purchases made over the past year. She reported that many year-end revenues came in greater than budgeted and noted that grant funds closed out lower than budgeted as the projects did not proceed in FY 23 so the revenues are carried over into the FY 24 budget. Year-end expenses were primarily less than budgeted.

In reviewing the FY 2024 proposed budget, it was noted that greater contributions were being made towards Reserves to assist with cash flow which will aid in grant supported projects that require the Village to pay invoices up front and seek reimbursements. Increased contributions to the Sewer and

Water Capital Fund are also included in the budget to accommodate inflationary impacts. The Sewer and Water Fund is also covering the debt service on the Sewer bond without contributions from the General Fund.

Ms. Kijak reviewed projects and vehicle and equipment purchases planned this year in the budget. The presentation included a review of the General Fund Capital Improvement Plan and 10 year projects which reflects increased contributions towards road and infrastructure projects.

Trustee Letzter questioned why real estate taxes remain flat. Ms. Kijak explained that increases in the levy are directed solely at the Police Pension Fund. Discussion was had regarding inflationary impacts on future projects include the proposed water tower in the downtown area.

Trustee Klemstein moved to approve FY 2024 budget as presented. Trustee Letzter second the motion. All Trustees voted aye on the roll. Motion carried.

ADJOURNMENT – Trustee Fouke moved to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Hagen seconded the motion. All trustees present voted aye. Motion to adjourn was carried at 8:23 p.m.

https://www.johnsburg.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/village_board/meeting/26464/board_minutes_6-6-23.pdf