McHenry Times

City of McHenry City Council met June 19.

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.

Proclamation: recognizing Ryan Harding’s service as Alderman of Ward 6 from January 6, 2020, through April 30, 2023.

Mayor Jett read the proclamation and presented it to Ryan Harding as his family joined him for a picture in front of the council. The Council applauded his time of service.

Public Comment: No public comment

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

A. Ordinance Amending Title 7: Motor Vehicles and Traffic; Chapter 4: Parking Regulations, Section 7-4-9: No Parking At Any Time, of the McHenry City Code to establish “no parking” on both sides of the Front Royal Drive from Route 120 (Elm Street) to near Manchester Mall. (Police Chief Birk)

C. Ordinance Amending Title 4, Business and License Regulations, Chapter 2, Alcoholic Liquor, of the McHenry City Code. (Deputy City Clerk Johnson)

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

F.June 5, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes;

G. Issuance of Checks in the amount of $308,217.40;

H. As Needed Checks in the amount of $369,167.83.

A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderman McClatchey 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. 0-nays 0-abstained. Motion carried.

*Clerks Note: Consent Agenda Item B. pulled by Alderman Glab. 

B. Ordinance Amending Title 9-4B-1 Subsection F of the McHenry Municipal Code about Wastewater Rates, increasing the sewer rate from $4.20 per 1,000 gallons to $4.37 per 1,000 gallons (residential) and $4.06 per 1,000 gallons to $4.22 per 1,000 gallons (congregate care). (Finance Director Lynch)

Alderman Glab looked at the rates and thinks the rates need to be balanced one down before one goes up. Wanted to know if this item could be delayed until the next meeting. Alderwoman Bassi wanted to know the increased rates and wanted to know what they would be used for, as confirmed by Director Lynch, it would be operational with the bulk of the cost being materials and supplies including chemicals.

Alderman Santi wanted to know if we pushed this item to the next meeting would Director Lynch still have time to prepare, as confirmed, the next meeting would be fine she will need them by August 1st.

Alderman Koch wanted to know if the water rates had to be raised, it could be decreased to help with the increase in sewer rates per Director Lynch.

Alderwoman Miller wanted to know what the average user is, about 4500 gallons. For both water and sewer, it is a .85 increase for both.

Alderman Strach wanted to know what an average water main break cost could be, it would be about $5,000 + per Director Strange and then confirmed there could be up to 2-10 breaks a year possible.

A motion was made by Alderman Glab and seconded by Alderman Santi to bring back Consent Agenda Item on the next Agenda/Meeting for further review: Roll Call: Vote: 5- ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Koch. 2-nays, Alderman Strach, Alderwoman Miller, 0-abstained. Motion carried.

*Clerks note: Consent Agenda Item D. pulled by Alderman Glab. 

D. Waive the competitive bidding process and accept the low quote from AMB Roofing and Sheetmetal in the amount of $350,850 for the re-roofing of the Hickory Creek Barn. (Parks and Recreation Director Hobson)

Alderman McClatchey questioned the high cost of the project, according to Director Hobson it is a huge roof and it is around the estimate that were thinking it would be. Director Hobson collected three quotes.

Alderman Koch wanted to know who would be overseeing the project, and it was confirmed that staff will oversee it, per Director Hobson.

Director Polerecky added it is still required to go through a permit and the building code is being followed. This conversation went on for some time and continued after the public comment.

*Clerks note: There was a motion on the floor by Alderman Strach and seconded by Alderman Santi, but then the motion was withdrawn and revised per below. 

Public Comment: KM construction was part of the bidding process, representatives went to the podium and questioned the acceptance of bids. Victor W. spoke regarding the question that had been posed by Alderman Glab that you do not have to add plywood to the roof to comply with the manufacturer’s warranty.

Next, Bridgett B. who is the tenant since last year of Hickory Hills Farm took the podium. Bridgett explained why time is a factor regarding the barn and how important it is to move forward at a quick pace, she would not want to see the barn have spontaneous combustion, especially with the 21 hours that occupy it. She asked The Council to act now.

A motion was made by Alderman McClatchey and seconded by Alderwoman Miller to approve the Consent Agenda Item newly purposed: To authorize The City Staff through the City Administrators Office to provide sufficient information to the 3 bidders of Hickory Oaks Barn project, to provide new quotes by Monday, June 26th at noon. The bids are not to exceed the total amount of $350,800 with any plywood/sheeting extra provided. The lowest bidder awarded the bids must be sealed: 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.

Individual Action Item Agenda: 

A. Motion to approve an Ordinance Annexing an Approximate 42.5-acre Unincorporated Tract of Land in McHenry County, Illinois. (Community Development Director Polerecky)

Alderman McClatchey asked Director Strange about the road maintenance as well as leaf pickup. They will be incorporated with the city pick-up as well, tree trimming as well. Also asked is what the taxes would be on average for an increase in the area from Director Lynch would go up about $400 for a $200,000 home according to the 2021 stats.

Alderwoman Miller explained the annexation and what happens when larger plans are halted due to those that are unincorporated. Cannot plan services when they are not part of the city.

Alderman Glab wanted to know what happens to the roadways, per Director Strange there is no obligation. Per Attorney McArdle, coming up with an agreement regarding the roads will need to be reached. Alderman Glab mentioned that these comments should be revisited if the annexation appears on the agenda in the future. Would like all these comments discussed before this item comes back to The Council.

*Clerks Note: Many public comments occurred during the meeting, they are also able to be viewed over the YouTube recording of the meeting. 

Public Comment: 

Pam Spain – a resident, of over 25 years is a happy Township Resident who owns her septic. Spoke about the astronomic price for them to get the pumping station if needed for the city water along with the additional taxes are also a lot for the fixed incomes of many neighbors, stating it is forced annexation.

Steve Wagner- a resident that lives in a home that was occupied since 1955. He feels that this choice (annexation) is being forced and states it is not making sense to many of us that live here. This is not what they want in the neighborhood.

Carol Freund- a resident, wrote a letter representing the neighborhood that was labeled and handed out to The City Council members. She had many concerns regarding the also financial challenges and wanted there to be well-informed and consider tabling the vote.

John Michaels- resident echoing the statements of those above them. Very concerned about the barrier at the end of Court Street is not wanting those removed. Worried about traffic as well as children that could be injured due to the increased traffic.

Shannon along with her husband- a resident as well stated that they have over 2 acres and the cost of water and sewer would cause a hardship for them as well, wanted to know what other services would be provided if annexed. Also touched upon the fact that their road is considered an alley and they are responsible for leaves and snow removal.

Tad Lester- a resident, wanted to know what benefits will be offered and would like to know what those will be. Major Jett stated that questions are not answered during the public comment but there could be some discussion with staff to follow regarding those.

Danielle Elward- a resident since 1957 stated that affording the water and sewer would also be a problem for her on a fixed income being retired, also asked about what will they get once this is annexed.

Scott Franz –a resident, stated that the real estate value is the main concern for him, has experience in selling real estate for 30 years and knows it will affect the property value.

Mona Westfall – a resident, stated that she is very angry and wanted to know how the forced annexation could even be legal, and that it would cause higher taxes.

Bob Thesen- Spoke regarding being on a fixed income and owning a little house because it is what he could afford, including the taxes. Stated that additional expenses regarding this annexation could not be afforded. There are many senior citizens that are in the same situation as him.

*Clerks note: 

A motion was made by Alderwoman Miller and there was no second the motion failed. 

Discussion Item Agenda:

A. Conceptual Plan Presentation – Courtyards of McHenry Townhome Development. Supplement provided. (Community Development Director Polerecky)

Alderman Glab asked where the visitor parking is, it is about 34 parking spaces. There are two parking spaces in the garage as well as supported by the petitioner. Asked if there could be more parking because there is only the ability to park two cars in the garage.

Alderman Strach commented that the project looks great, likes that it is what we need here and also this style would be a nice addition to the town.

Alderwoman Bassi wanted to know what other exits there are besides and wanted to know if the density could be lessened. There will eventually be easy access as well, as was confirmed by the petitioner. She also asked what the price point would the townhomes start at, $350,000 was confirmed to be the starting price of them.

Alderwoman Miller likes the development and also thinks it is needed in town as well, not as concerned about density and would like to see more parking for guests. Alderman Santi stated that he is pretty comfortable with the project and also commented on the parking, needs those to know that access to the east will be eventually available as well.

B. Proposed Reforms – City Refuse Contract Leaf Collection Service. Supplement provided. (Public Works Director Strange)

Director Strange stated that Flood Brothers is proposing a bi-weekly collection, which could lead to an addendum to the contract.

Flood Brothers took the podium to discuss the overview and the biggest challenge regarding the leaf collection. The equipment has doubled, for the collection. They feel that the best for the residents, the volume is not matching up as well with certain areas within the neighborhoods. They are proposing different zones with five passes in a season starting in October and then ending in the first week of December. This would also change the pick-up from every week to every other week instead.

Alderman Strach wanted to know how many pieces of equipment were added, it was confirmed they added a total of 5 pieces of equipment from 2.

Alderman Glab expressed his concerns with the lessening of the pick up for the leaves and feels that the promise to the residents that we would pick up each week was.

Alderman Santi was reviewing the map and asking if certain days of the week where it is fanned out, just trying to understand the concept. It was confirmed it is a volume-based decision according to the map that was presented. He would like to review it over the next year.

Alderwoman Miller wanted to thank Flood Brothers for their services, stating that there needs to be more communication regarding the leaves and the containers that will be taken, and unlimited yard waste is accepted.

Alderwoman Bassi stated that her ward has a lot of mature trees, she talked with several residents that they are not comfortable going every other week and would like to see it go as normal and reintroduce to the contract next year instead.

Alderman Koch stated that he also agrees to keep the pick-up once a week as well. Alderman McClatchey also agreed with the others regarding keeping the contract the same.

C. Amendments to the Façade Grant Program. Supplement provided. (Economic Development Director Martin)

Alderman Santi asked if the area that goes west on 120 is part of the program, it is confirmed by Director Martin. He also commented that this program is working and something in the budget that may be able to add more funds to it.

Alderwoman Miller agrees that it has been successful and feels that there may need to be a reduction in funds for these at some point, maybe restructuring it to keep it funded. Alderman Strach thinks reducing the amounts could help us keep it stretched out a bit longer. Per the Administrator, Morefield wanted to hear the direction from the council regarding this.

Staff Reports: 

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

Director Polerecky stated that two weeks ago Taylor Place’s constriction spring of 2024. Director Hobson Main Street Food Truck Fest this Saturday. Fiesta Days will be July 13-23 and the fireworks on the 16th at Peterson Park. The Tiny Shops will be opening the first weekend in July, and the progress is good.

Alderman Santi asked about the new piers and sizing, they are 24 feet in length it was confirmed by Director Hobson, and will hopefully be completed in two weeks.

Mayor’s Report: None

City Council Comments: Alderwoman Bassi, a resident wanted Director Strange that the people that completed the roads over by Dartmoor stated that they were professional and had a positive experience.

Executive Session as needed: 

A. (5 ILCS 120/2) Section 2. Open Meetings. (c) (5)

Executive Session: 

A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderman McClatchey to adjourn to Executive Session at 10:13 p.m. to (5 ILCS 120/2) Section 2. Open: Meetings. (c) (5)

Mayor Jett reconvened the meeting from Executive Session at 10:38 p.m. A motion was made by Alderman Glab and seconded by Alderwoman Bassi to return to an open session. Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman Schaefer, Alderman Harding, Alderman Mihevc, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays, 0-abstained. Motion carried.

Adjourn: A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderwoman Bassi to adjourn the meeting at 11:24 pm. Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Strach, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nay-, 0-abstained. Motion carried.  

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