McHenry Times

Village of Johnsburg President and Board of Trustees met Sept. 26.

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

Attorney Michael Smoron

Chief Keith VonAllmen

Special Projects Coordinator Rick Quinn

AMERICAN EAGLE – Tiana Andraos and Matt Villano attended on behalf of American Eagle regarding the Village’s marketing efforts in response to changes in the Village’s goals. Trustee Foreman questioned the target audience of the current efforts and if the established goals are being met. She inquired about the photos used in the social media posts and questioned if more efforts could be made at to use Johnsburg related photos. Ms. Andraos acknowledged the Village’s desire to shift its marketing efforts outside of the Village and in response to that social media postings have been taken on by the Village internally. She offered ongoing assists with those efforts if needed. Discussion was had regarding the use of transparent logos Ms. Adnraos stated that it can be done however there are some concern with using transparent logos on some of the posts as they can become lost in the post.

Trustee Fouke questioned if a plan can be presented outlining what can be done to help the Village reach its goals. Ms. Andraos stated that a discussion needs to occur about how the Village wishes to move forward. President Hettermann expressed that the Village’s staff has effectively promoted events and shared communications with its residents, but the Village needs assistance in attracting developers, businesses and visitors to our community. Trustee Hagen stated that American Eagle is proposing to keep the same hours but redirect their efforts. Discussion was had regarding measuring the effects of those efforts based upon the new direction taken. Mr. Villano stated that in order to proceed, American Eagle needs to understand the new targeted goals. He offered to work with the Village’s team to understand the Village’s new direction/goals and bring forward a proposal for the Village’s consideration.

FROM THE FLOOR - Mark O’Malley attended regarding ongoing concerns associated with the Pistakee Yacht Club. He discussed a variance that was pursued by the Club in 1970 and stated that the Club has been trying to operate within that variance, adding that he feels they are within their rights to utilize the property as they have been doing. Mr. O’Malley stated that he was the commodore in 2013 during which time there were discussions about the Village takng over the Club. He remarked that he hopes recent concerns associated with the Yacht Club are not an attempt for the Village to take over the Club.

Laura King of 2718Tichfield Ter attended regarding the Pistakee Yacht Club. She compared the activities taking place on the Yacht Club’s property with her experience residing next to the gun club when first moving to the Village. She stated that the shooting at the gun club increased while she resided there and when she expressed concerns she was told that nothing could be done because the gun club’s activities were grandfathered in at the time of annexation. She remarked that the same is the case with the Yacht Club.

Lein Keil questioned what could be done about moving along foreclosure proceedings for a home in his subdivision that has been vacant since March of 2022. Attorney Smoron stated that the Village is not able to intervene in the litigation to expedite it but can reach out to the lender.

Hollis Arnold of 2114 Church Street attended to express concern with the amount of traffic and speeding on Church Street. She discussed the facilities located between Fairview Avenue and Rescue Squad Park and all of the activity that is generated by those facilities. Mrs. Arnold noted that the Village has put up signage to record traffic activity but she believes it is in a poor location. She suggested the Village look into other measurers such as a four way stop at Fairview Avenue, speed bumps or the removal of a right turn lane. Mrs. Arnold stated she would email the Village the statistical information shared at the meeting.

OMNIBUS AGENDA – Trustee Morris moved to approve the Omnibus Agenda. Trustee Foreman seconded the motion. All trustees present voted aye on the roll. Motion carried.

•  Move to approve the minutes of the August 31, 2023 and September 12, 2023 Special Meetings of the President and Board of Trustees

•  Move to approve Ordinance 23-24-07 approving B-2 Zoning with a Special Use Permit for a Car Wash Planned Development for the property generally located on the southeast side of Johnsburg Road in front of Angelo’s Market (4200 N. Johnsburg Road) between McHenry Savings Bank (4000 N. Johnsburg Road) and Raymond’s Bowl (3960 N. Johnsburg Road) in Johnsburg, Illinois

•  Move to approve Resolution for Improvement Under the Illinois Highway Code designating the use of Rebuild Illinois Funds for the Riverside Drive Road Improvement Project

•  Disbursements

•  General Fund $192,039.60

•  MFT

•  Waterworks & Sewage Fund $ 4,612.92

•  Golf Course Fund $

•  Land and Building

•  Debt Service/SSA Fund $

•  Total All Funds $196,652.52

NEW BUSINESS

FIRST READ - 807 RIVER TERRACE DRIVE – REQUEST FOR SIDE YARD SETBACK CONSIDERATINO - Trustee Letzter stated that he is aware the Village’s zoning ordinance allows for some flexibility on waterfront lots due to the nature of the lots but the consideration is for the narrow lots along the water. He pointed out that the subject lot is 90 feet wide and questioned the hardship. Trustee Foreman concurred with Trustee Letzter and pointed out that there is much area on the other side of the lot that could be utilized and she feels the plans can be modified to accommodate the required setbacks. It was noted that no one was in attendance on behalf of the requestors, Scott and Terri Shay. Trustee Hagen asked for clarification on the allowance in the ordinance. Trustee Letzter discussed the ordinance and explained that it was intended for the narrow lots on the water. Trustee Hagen agreed that it appears that the ordinance would not apply to the subject lot. Trustee Morris questioned if the home could be shifted towards to other side yard. Mr. Lamontagna stated that it could, but the requestors are attempting to use the existing foundation. He explained that they could use the existing foundation if they stay within the limitations of the Village’s non-conforming use ordinance.

LATERIAL HIRE – Trustee Hagen moved to approve the lateral hire of a police officer. Trustee Fouke seconded the motion. Chief VonAllmen reviewed the lateral hire process. All Trustees present voted aye. Motion carried.

CHIEF VON ALLMEN- RETIREMENT - Chief Von Allmen was presented a retirement plaque by President Hettermann in recognition of his service to the Village. The Chief addressed the Board regarding his retirement.

OATH OF OFFICE – President Hettermann delivered the Oath of Office to Interim Police Chief Jason Greenwald. Retired Police Chief Von Allmen shared supportive words regarding Chief Greenwald’s appointment.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT - President Hettermann reminded all regarding the Celebration in the Park event scheduled for October 7th. Trustee Fouke provided an overview of the events activities. President Hettermann recognized and thanked Mr. and Mrs. Winarski for their efforts in bring the weekly food truck event to the Village this past summer.

ADJOURNMENT – Trustee Morris moved to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Klemstein seconded the motion. All trustees present voted aye. Motion to adjourn was carried at 7:39 p.m.

https://www.johnsburg.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/village_board/meeting/26488/board_minutes_9-26-23.pdf