McHenry Times

City of McHenry City Council met Nov. 6.

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 Community Development Polerecky, Finance Director Lynch, Director of Parks and Recreation Hobson, Director of Economic Development Martin, Chief of Police Birk, City Planner Sheriff-absent, Director of Public Works Wirch, Deputy Clerk Johnson, and City Clerk Ramel.

Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Jett led the pledge.

Public Comment: none

Public Comment:

Hans Hermann, resident of McHenry Riverwalk, moved into the town 9 years ago, he gave compliments to the city for all the wonderful improvements that have occurred. He is concerned about new piers that were put in closest to his residence, stated there are several pier parties 4-5 hours at a time, and they have asked those involved to quiet down, etc., but they are ignored. Stated that the gazebo smelled like urine, and there is an outlet in there where there was a video game party going on because of it. Would like to get it rectified, talked to Alderman Santi, and wanted to know who to work with to help with the situation, concerned about the open alcohol idea as well.

Brigid Silver, a resident, has concerns about the open alcohol, worried about the top driver, high school, and landmark school and concerned about congestion, and problems with the music, stated that she cannot go to bed in her own home because the base is so loud and she keeps calling the police. Not necessary to keep things open till 2 in the morning, it is bringing more outsiders into the city and turning it into a free-for-all after 10:30.

Terry O'Brien, resident, complementing the Riverwalk. With the right proposal, the people could continue to enjoy the area.

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

A. Resolution Designating November 13-19, 2023 as "National Apprenticeship Week" in the City of McHenry. (Economic Development Director Martin)

B. Resolution Designating November 25, 2023, as "Small Business Saturday" in the City of McHenry. (Economic Development Director Martin)

E. October 16, 2023, City Council Meeting Minutes;

F. October 26, 2023 Special City Council Meeting Minutes;

G. October 30, 2023, Special City Council Meeting Minutes;

H. Issuance of Checks in the amount of $844,865.23.

A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderwoman Bassi to approve the 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.

*Clerks Note: This item was pulled by Alderman McClatchey.

C. RISE Up Foundation - Use of Petersen Park to set, host, and clean for a benefit concert from Thursday, September 12, 2024, through Saturday, September 14, 2024; special event liquor license for the sale of beer, wine, and malt liquor with drink ticket sales to cease 30- minutes before park closure; and, a 100% reduction/waiver of charges for city services incurred as a result of this event. (Parks & Recreation Director Hobson)

Alderman McClatchey wanted to know how many city employees were needed during this event, it was confirmed that there were five the rest were volunteers.

Alderman Koch wanted to know the police total, Chief Birk stated it depends on the day. 30 Saturday, 10 first half on Friday. Also inquiring how much of the proceeds pay for the officers, from the park's point of view, per Director Hobson about $7-$8,000 parks, and per Chief Birk, about $20,000 would be the approximate charge.

Alderman Santi wanted to thank Chief Birk and Director Hobson.

Alderman Glab wanted to know the total that was donated for the splash pad and $200,00 was confirmed. This conversation went on for some time.

A motion was made by Alderman McClatchey and seconded by Alderman Glab to approve the 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.

*Clerks Note: This item was pulled by Alderman McClatchey

D. Authorize the execution of a contract with Commonwealth Edison in the amount of $69,988.21 waive competitive bidding and accept a low quote from Associated Electrical Contractors, including base bid, in the amount of $79,500 for Riverwalk Phase 4 electrical work as described in the agenda supplement, for a combined project cost of $148,488.21 - $1,511.79 less than the budgeted amount of $150,000. (Parks & Recreation Director Hobson)

Alderman McClatchey mentioned the discussion that took place last April at the meeting and then mentioned the sea wall being put in this fall. Per Director Hobson the plans are only 95% finished, in conjunction with the electrical plans, then it will need to be brought to the council for a cost estimate and the status of the TIF money.

Alderman McClatchey wanted to know if this could be brought to discussion for the next meeting because it needs to be completed.

Alderwoman Bassi wanted to know the specifics of the funding and what fund, it was confirmed by Director Lynch, that approximately the general fund of $1.6 million and the $1.2 million from the TIF. Alderwoman Bassi also explained that she had put a packet together regarding some of the area parks that needed updates/damage control and replacement equipment for the parks wards and each of the parks. Alderwoman Bassi stated that Ward Four cannot support spending any additional taxpayer money on Miller Riverfront Park until the neighborhood parks are safe and usable. Members of the council had the packet to reference per Alderwoman Bassi.

This discussion went on for some time.

A motion was made by Alderman McClatchey and seconded by Alderwoman Santi to approve the Consent Agenda Item as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 6-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderman Strach, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 1-nays-Alderwoman Bassi, 0-abstained. Motion carried.

Individual Action Item Agenda:

A. Video Gaming License - Shelly's McHenry LLC dba Corned Beef Factory

Motion to approve a Video Gaming License to Shelly's McHenry LLC dba Corned Beef Factory, located at 4300 W. Elm Street, McHenry, Illinois and, if approved, pass an Ordinance editing Section 4-6-8, Subsection A - Number of Licenses, of the McHenry City Code. (Mayor Jett)

The petitioners brought in corn beef sandwiches for the council to try and gave a brief overview of the Corned Beef Factory concept once again. It was stated that to proceed with the opening of the establishment both the liquor and gaming licenses needed to be approved.

Alderman Santi wanted to know if in Carol Stream and Woodstock have the same master plan, it was confirmed that it is. Stated that they are not allowed to use this concept without gaming and liquor licenses as well.

Alderman Glab wanted to know why they would not come to McHenry unless they get video gaming He has some have some reservations regarding this and cannot support this. Per Attorney McArdle, the rules do allow for the petitioners to come back to the council regarding the license approvals.

Alderman Strach thanked the petitioners for their time, they do not run Carol Stream or Woodstock locations, confirmed. Wanted to know the sales revenue percentage how much is food and how much is alcohol. Carol Stream average is about $40,000 the Woodstock is about $20,000 not sure of the split between alcohol and food.

Alderwoman Miller stated that she sees 7 gaming booths per the blueprint, and the petitioners confirmed that one is a retention terminal, but they are only allowed to have 6 by law, also confirming that the storage on the plans, is located behind the bathrooms. The space is under lease for 5 years, also being explained to the council, per Alderwoman Miller's question.

Mayor Jett stated that this was an opportunity for the space to be tried out and is in support of the businesses, on the west side of town.

Mayor Jett also wanted to publicly note that he is not in favor of pulling any liquor licenses for establishments in town.

This conversation went on for some time.

A motion was made by Alderman McClatchey and seconded by Alderman Strach to approve Individual Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 6-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Strach, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 1-nays, Alderman Glab. 0-abstained. Motion approved.

No public comment.

B. Liquor License Transfer

Motion to transfer a Class C Liquor License from Mohini Inc dba Shamrock Food and Liquor to Shamrock Convenient Food and Liquor, located at 4105 Shamrock Lane, McHenry. (Deputy City Clerk Johnson)

A motion was made by Alderman Strach 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. 0-nays. 0-abstained. Motion approved.

No public comment.

C. Conditional Use Permit - Youth and Family Center of McHenry County

Motion to approve a Conditional Use Permit for Assembly Use for the Youth and Family Center of McHenry County at 1007-1011 N. Green Street, McHenry, Illinois. (Community Development Director Polerecky)

Fence and snow removal were addressed, per Director Polerecky

Alderman Glab wanted to know how the fence issue was resolved, it was taken care of after the meeting Youth and Family will not be putting up the fence.

No public comment.

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. O-abstained. Motion approved.

D. Preliminary and Final Plat of Subdivision and Final Plan Approval for a

Conditional Use Permit – 2019 N. Richmond Road

Motion to pass an Ordinance granting Preliminary and Final Plat of Subdivision Approval and Final Plan Approval for a Conditional Use Permit for a Commercial Planned Unit Development for the property located at 2019 N. Richmond Road. (Community Development Director Polerecky)

The petitioner stood at the podium to answer any questions regarding how the decision was made with the owner. No public comment.

A motion was made by Alderman Strach and seconded by Alderman Koch to approve Individual Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 6-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Strach, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 0- nays, Alderman Glab. 0-abstained. Motion approved.

No public comment.

E. Budget Amendment - Emergency Boiler Repairs to the Municipal Center

Motion to approve a repair invoice in the amount of $31,116.72 and pass an Ordinance amending budget item 100-03-5120 in the amount of $19,116.72 for emergency repairs to the municipal center boilers. (Community Development Director Polerecky)

Alderman Koch wanted to know the time frame, Director Polerecky stated they are in pretty good shape. Alderwoman Bassi wanted to know what fund, general fund was confirmed. Alderman Glab stated kudos to the staff, for finding ways to do this. No public comment.

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

No public comment.

Discussion Item Agenda

A. Presentation - FY24/25 Community Investment Plan

Supplement Provided

Presented to the council from Administrator Morefield.

Alderwoman Miller wanted to know if the master plan could be sent to her from Administrator Morefield, he said he would.

Alderman Koch wanted to know about gaming, Administrator Morefield explained more about the revenues and expenses and how things can be processed.

B. Discussion and Direction - 2023 Property Tax Levy

Supplement Provided

Presented to the council, by Director Lynch. Always have had a public hearing December 18th will be the date. There were three options listed on the information listed by Director Lynch.

At the request of Alderman Glab, below is information regarding the amount of property tax that has been given up due to the maintenance of a flat, or nearly flat, levy, since 2010. Carolyn provided the information, Per Administrator Morefiled:

2010 was the last regular PTELL increase (other than the one time during the last 13 years). If we had increased our levy by PTELL each year in 2022 our levy amount would have been $6,443,820. This means we gave up $1,682,184 in increases over this time. Without these anctions, our PTELL would be $6,879,278 for the 2023 Levy which is an additional $435,458 in General Fund Revenues.

Alderwoman Miller started the conversation by stating that it is how transparent the city has been especially being home rule, where it doesn't have to be that way. It has been as conservative as possible, however concerned about the future and how to gain more revenue for projects that need to be completed.

Alderman Koch would like there to be no raising of taxes at this time, maybe give it a year to see how things go and find out what will be happening with the federal government as he cannot see raising any taxes at this time, maybe put some projects on hold for now.

Alderman Glab stated that if it is decided that property taxes do rise, then residents need to see the improvements in neighborhoods and their ways of life. Need to be responsible so that improvements are being made. It is important to be transparent by showing the projects being completed around town.

Alderman Strach following the opinions of those before him, as much as the fact of increasing is not in favor we need to move forward with increasing taxes. There is a lot of aging infrastructure coming up and without preparation. The right thing to do is to move it forward so that we are not tapping into the reserves.

Alderwoman Bassi would like to hold it flat for one more year and then reevaluate it after that.

Alderman McClatchey stated that it is bad timing right now and would like to wait one more year before raising the taxes.

Alderman Santi wanted to know the percentage it was bumped to 3% as confirmed by Director Lynch. Talked about the pie chart and the percentage that the city utilizes. This year or next year there should be an increase in the levy in the next 18 months or so to help with maintenance/replacements.

Administrator Morefield as for Director Lynch to explain the levy to the audience.

Mayor Jett asked for a raise of hands after a long discussion regarding the above as to what direction to take.

Staff Reports.

Provided the 1st meeting of each month.

Deputy Clerk Monte, confirmed Tuesday, Feb 20th for the changed meeting date.

Public Comment:

John Smith, McHenry Riverwalk Foundation. Wanted to talk about the Riverwalk Phase 4. 1.9 million dollars to finish the Riverwalk project. There has been so much work that has already been done, and has everyone been in place to finish this project. Would like this to even be considered to be phased.

The majority of the council is up for bid

Mayor's Report: Thank you for the support of Rise Up Foundation, gave a recap on the volunteers, and what to expect. 2-3 day ticketing options were chosen. 50/50 tickets will be available online. Beer tickets are done digitally. The 20th will be when the announcement will go out. The concrete median was approved by Administrator Morefield for Director Wirch.

City Council Comments: Alderman Glab wanted to comment on the leaf program, he wanted to know how long every other was approved for and would like it to be readdressed. Alderman McClatchey wanted to know if there is an update regarding Almond Street, as well.

A motion was made by Alderwoman Miller seconded by Alderman Strach to adjourn to Executive Session at 10:01 p.m. Executive Session - To discuss the purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body (5ILCS 120/2 (c) (5).).

Mayor Jett reconvened the meeting from the Executive Session at 10:20 p.m. A motion was made by Alderman Koch and seconded by Alderwoman Bassi to return to an open session. 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.

Adjourn: A motion was made by Alderman McClatchey and seconded by Alderman Santi to adjourn the meeting at 10:20 pm. Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Strach, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. O-nay-, 0-abstained. Motion carried.

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