McHenry Times

Village of Huntley Village Board met Jan. 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

CALL TO ORDER:

A meeting of the Village Board of the Village of Huntley was called to order on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. in the Municipal Complex, Village Board Room, 10987 Main St., Huntley, Illinois 60142.

ATTENDANCE:

PRESENT: Village President Timothy Hoeft; Trustees: Vito Benigno, Ronda Goldman, Mary Holzkopf, John Piwko, JR Westberg, and Ric Zydorowicz

ABSENT: None

IN ATTENDANCE:

Village Manager David Johnson, Deputy Village Manager Lisa Armour, Executive Assistant and Special Events Manager Barbara Read, Deputy Chief of Police Linda Hooten, Senior Analyst/Emergency Manager Patrick Ullrich, Director of Public Works and Engineering Tim Farrell, Director of Human Resources and Organizational Compliance Chrissy Hoover, Development Manager Melissa Stocker, Communications and Compliance Manager Sarah Palaszewski, and Village Attorney Betsy Gates-Alford. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Village President Hoeft led the Pledge of Allegiance.

PUBLIC COMMENTS: None

CONSENT AGENDA:

All items listed under Consent Agenda are considered to be routine by the Village Board and may be approved and/or accepted by one motion with a Roll Call Vote. If further discussion is needed, any member of the Board may request that an item be moved off of the Consent Agenda to Items for Discussion and Consideration.

Village President Hoeft read aloud the following Consent Agenda items:

5.1 Consideration – Approval of the December 7, 2023 Village Board Meeting Minutes and the December 14, 2023 Join Liquor Commission and Village Board Meeting Minutes

5.2 Consideration – Approval of the January 11, 2024 Bill List in the amount of $1,432,876.44 5.3 Consideration – Ordinance Approving a Plat of Easement for Venture One- Huntley Commerce Center: 11400 Venture Court (Project Pie/Amazon)

5.4 Consideration – Approval of Payout Request No. 1 to ClearSpan for the West WWTP Covered Sludge Storage Pad in the amount of $20,091

5.5 Consideration – Approval of Payout Request No. 7 to Schroeder Asphalt Services, Inc. for the Church Street Parking Lot and Cornell Development Site Improvements in the Amount of $128,127.09

5.6 Consideration – Resolution Approving the Purchase of a 2024 John Deere Gator XUV835M from AHW LLC through Sourcewell Contract No. 031121-DAC in the Amount of $39,160.22

5.7 Consideration – Resolution Approving Community Water Supply and Wastewater Testing Services with Pace Analytical Services for the period January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024 at a cost of $39,502.20

5.8 Consideration – Ordinance Amending Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Restrictions for Traffic on Hennig Road

5.9 Consideration – Approval of the Annual Contribution Payment to the Intergovernmental Risk Management Agency (IRMA) in the Amount of $389,505

Village President Hoeft asked if the Village Board had any comments or changes to the Consent Agenda; there were none.

A MOTION was made to approve the January 11, 2024 Consent Agenda.

MOTION: Trustee Benigno

SECOND: Trustee Goldman

AYES: Trustees: Benigno, Goldman, Holzkopf, Piwko, Westberg, and Zydorowicz

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

The motion carried: 6-0-0

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AND CONSIDERATION:

6.1 Consideration – Ordinance Approving the Boundary Line Agreement with the Village of Gilberts.

Village Manager Johnson stated the Village most recently approved a boundary agreement with the Village of Gilberts in January, 2004. The agreement established the jurisdictional boundary for both planning and annexation purposes. The term of the agreement was for 20 years.

STAFF ANALYSIS

A new agreement is proposed for another 20-year term with the same terms and boundary lines. The Village of Gilberts Village Board approved the new agreement on December 5, 2023. The proposed agreement continues a similar boundary line as established in the previous agreement. The boundary lines are shown in the attached exhibit. The Village of Huntley Village Board reviewed the draft agreement on December 7, 2023.

2022-2025 STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT

The Strategic Plan includes “Engaged Community” as a strategic focus and the following goal: “Enhanced Community Partnerships,” in which the Village will work with other governmental agencies to foster a collaborative approach to community concerns. Renewing the boundary agreement allows each community to focus on serving those areas within their respective boundaries and to avoid annexation issues with property owners.

FINANCIAL IMPACT

None.

LEGAL ANALYSIS

The required legal notice was published in the Northwest Herald on December 6, 2023. ACTION REQUESTED

A motion is requested of the Village Board for an Ordinance Approving a Boundary Line Agreement with the Village of Gilberts.

Village President Hoeft asked if the Village Board had any comments or questions related to this agenda item; there were none.

A MOTION was made to approve an Ordinance Approving the Boundary Line Agreement with the Village of Gilberts.

MOTION: Trustee Holzkopf

SECOND: Trustee Piwko

AYES: Trustees: Benigno, Goldman, Holzkopf, Piwko, Westberg, and Zydorowicz

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

The motion carried: 6-0-0

6.2 Consideration – Resolution Authorizing a Design Engineering Professional Services Agreement with Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. (CBBEL) for the Former Village Hall Site Redevelopment Improvements in the Not-to-Exceed Amount of $43,000

Director of Public Works and Engineering Tim Farrell stated in 2023, the Village Board approved a resolution expressing the Village’s intent to sell the former village hall building at 11704 Coral Street to a private developer subject to a redevelopment agreement for the conversion and expansion of the existing office building into a restaurant use. The Village has been working with a potential user for the restaurant space since that time to identify space need requirements and interior layout. The Board also approved a resolution authorizing negotiation of a redevelopment agreement with True North Properties, Inc. (“TNP”) as the developer for the building. TNP recently completed the purchase and renovation of the former Catty property on S. Church Street. The Developer most recently appeared before the Village Board in November for concept review of building elevations and interior layout as well as to discuss the draft redevelopment agreement and property purchase and sale agreement.

STAFF ANALYSIS

Staff has solicited a proposal from Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. (CBBEL) for design engineering services for the Former Village Hall Site Redevelopment Improvements. The not-to-exceed design engineering cost is $43,000.

The design includes the removal and replacement of the alleyway between the BBQ King restaurant and the new building’s foundation, replacement of the public sidewalks along north and east sides of the new building, conversion of the existing landscape bump-out on the west side of Church Street to provide two additional parking stalls and the installation of a fenced off outdoor restaurant brick paver seating area at the building’s southeast corner. The design will also include providing the site with new fire suppression/domestic water service, sewer service and roof and surface drainage systems for the alleyway. Design for the existing street and parking lot lighting that will need to be relocated to construct the proposed improvements will be performed and a dumpster enclosure that will be constructed within the southeast corner of the existing municipal parking lot immediately north of the building. CBBEL will provide the Village with legal descriptions and exhibits to establish the limits of the alleyway to be retained as the Village’s property between the new building and the existing BBQ King restaurant property and the limits of encroachment within existing Village municipal parking lot and Church Street right of way by the building’s elevated pedestrian sidewalk along its northern and eastern faces.

Staff has reviewed the proposal and all is in order for Village Board consideration.

2022-2025 STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT

The Strategic Plan identifies “Strong Local Economy” as a strategic focus and the following goal: “Location of Choice for New and Expanding Businesses of all Sizes,” and “A Vibrant Downtown Gathering Place.” The addition of a restaurant will offer new dining opportunities, with additional commercial development in the downtown enhancing its location as a gathering place and reinforcing the economic vitality of the area.

FINANCIAL IMPACT

The FY24 Budget includes $750,000 for the Former Village Hall Redevelopment project including Professional Design Engineering Services of the Site and Streetscape Improvements in the Downtown TIF Fund, Line Item 440-00-00-8007.

LEGAL ANALYSIS

None required.

ACTION REQUESTED

A motion by the Village Board to approve a Resolution Authorizing a Design Engineering Professional Services Agreement with Christopher B. Burke Engineering, LTD (CBBEL) in an Amount Not to Exceed $43,000 for the Former Village Hall Site Redevelopment Improvements.

Trustee Benigno inquired if the integrity of the original building’s exterior will be maintained; Director Farrell replied in the affirmative. Village Manager Johnson clarified that the two-story structure would remain but the one-story additions would be razed.

Trustee Piwko inquired on the potential relocation of the time capsule located adjacent to the proposed development. Village Manager Johnson stated that the time capsule relocation has yet to be determined.

A MOTION was made to approve a Resolution Authorizing a Design Engineering Professional Services Agreement with Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. (CBBEL) for the Former Village Hall Site Redevelopment Improvements in the Not-to-Exceed Amount of $43,000

MOTION: Trustee Benigno

SECOND: Trustee Holzkopf

AYES: Trustees: Benigno, Goldman, Holzkopf, Piwko, Westberg, and Zydorowicz

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

The motion carried: 6-0-0

6.3 Consideration – Proposed West Wastewater Treatment Plant Garage Storage Building

Director of Public Works and Engineering Tim Farrell stated the FY24 budget includes funding for a new garage storage building at the West Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP).

STAFF ANALYSIS

The West WWTP site does not have any buildings which were purposely constructed to house vehicles or equipment. Lack of dedicated space has caused vehicles and equipment to be stored outside all year round or inside building process areas that have available space which could jeopardize their condition or treatment processes. Budgeted funds will be used to build a 40’ x 64’ two bay, pre-engineered garage storage building at the location identified on the site plan and similar to the rendering included in this report. The building will generally include interior metal paneling and insulation, two 12’ x 14’ insulated paneled overhead garage doors, two entry doors, an awning, a concrete floor and approach, cold water service and electric for lights, receptacles and heat.

2022-2025 STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT

The Strategic Plan identifies “Forward Looking Community” as a strategic focus and the following goal: “Management of Infrastructure Assets for Today and Tomorrow.” Adding garage storage capacity will address existing on-site vehicle and equipment storage limitations.

FINANCIAL IMPACT

The FY24 budget includes $290,000 for the West WWTP Garage Storage Building in the Wastewater Capital Improvement and Equipment Fund 525-00-00-8005.

LEGAL ANALYSIS

None required.

ACTION REQUESTED

The West WWTP garage storage building draft site plan and elevation renderings are presented for Village Board review and discussion. Staff plans to bid the project and present a bid award at a later date for Village Board consideration.

Trustee Westberg inquired if there is a second man door on the building; Director Farrell replied in the affirmative. Trustee Westberg inquired if the second man door is necessary and stated it may take away from space to store equipment in front of the door. Director Farrell stated the design of the structure mirrors the East Wastewater Treatment Plant and the second door was requested by the utility workers. Trustee Westberg inquired if it is required to have two doors. Director Farrell stated he will inquire if a second door is required.

This item is presented for discussion purposes only. No action requested.

6.4 Consideration – Resolution Approving a First Amendment to Water Tower Lease Agreement with Chicago SMSA Limited Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless (12601 Main Street)

Village Manager David Johnson stated the Village and Chicago SMSA Limited Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless entered into a Water Tower and Ground Lease Agreement dated November 20, 2000. This agreement will expire on November 30, 2025.

STAFF ANALYSIS

After several discussions with Verizon the proposed amendment is being brought forth to the Village Board for discussion. The amendment extends the original lease for up to 30 additional years (six 5-year terms). Verizon may elect to terminate the lease at the end of any of the 5-year terms with proper notice to the Village. The Village will retain its rights under the original lease to terminate the contract in the event of a default, as well as its right to have Verizon relocate or move their equipment (at their own expense) to accommodate any water tank maintenance undertaken by the Village. Rent will continue as provided by the original agreement through November 30, 2025. On December 1, 2025, the rent will change to $40,000 per year and thereafter increase by 3.5% annually.

Verizon is eager to continue their relationship with the Village by way of leasing space on the West Main St. Water tower as opposed to pursuing other available options. The passage of this amendment is important to Verizon in order to continue the business relationship they currently have with the Village.

2022-2025 STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT

The Strategic Plan identifies “Forward Looking Community” as a strategic focus, and the following goal: “Long-Range Planning.” By extending the term of this long-standing lease the Village will continue to meet the needs of the community and its utility network.

FINANCIAL IMPACT

The current lease has an increase of 4% annually. The table below shows the history for 2022 and 2023 and the payments that will be made in 2024 through the final payment on November 30, 2025.

12/2021 - 11/2022 2022 $41,018

12/2022 - 11/2023 2023 $42,659

12/2023 - 11/2024 2024 $44,365

12/2024 - 11/2025 2025 $46,139

12/2025 - 11/2026 2026 $40,000 New contract begins

12/2026 - 11/2027 2027 $41,400

12/2027 - 11/2028 2028 $42,849

12/2027 - 11/2028 2029 $44,349

12/2027 - 11/2028 2030 $45,901

12/2027 - 11/2028 2031 $47,507 New contract exceeds 2025 payment

12/2027 - 11/2028 2032 $49,170

12/2027 - 11/2028 2033 $50,891

12/2027 - 11/2028 2034 $52,672

12/2027 - 11/2028 2035 $54,516

Verizon has been reaching out to communities to renegotiate their terms over the last couple of years. According to a representative of Verizon when this was first discussed in June 2022, with cellular companies offering low fixed rates existing lease agreements were becoming unsustainable. Since that time the Village has been able to negotiate an increase in the monthly rate from the original offer of $27,600 and an escalation only every 5 years, to the $40,000 and an annual escalation of 3.5%.

LEGAL ANALYSIS

The amendment and resolution have been reviewed by the Village Attorney.

ACTION REQUESTED

This item is presented for discussion.

Trustee Holzkopf inquired if it is a 3.5% increase every year; Village Manager Johnson replied in the affirmative.

This item is presented for discussion purposes only. No action requested.

6.5 Consideration – i) Authorization to Proceed with the Implementation of the 2024 Village Special Events; and ii) Resolution Approving Certain 2024 Village Sponsored Events as Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) Special Events

Executive Assistant and Special Events Manager Barbara Read stated staff is preparing for the 2024 Farmers Market and other special events sponsored or coordinated by the Village. Staff is requesting Village Board approval for the attached list of special events and approving certain 2024 Village sponsored special events as DORA events.

STAFF ANALYSIS

Upon Village Board approval of the proposed special events for 2024, Staff will coordinate a meeting with the downtown businesses and Huntley organizations to share event information and encourage their participation.

2023 Special Events Recap

• Green & Clean Huntley Day: 705 cars (611 in 2023) entered the event at the Municipal Complex; 13.42 tons of electronics were recycled; 10 people attended the tours of the West Water Treatment Plant; 2.5 tons of documents were safely destroyed; hundreds of gently-used books were collected and donated to non-profit organizations; the Huntley Lion’s Club collected eye glasses; the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) collected and recycled ink jet cartridges and three (3) dumpsters were filled at Public Works on Donald Drive with unwanted household items.

• Ladies Night Out in the Square: The downtown businesses that participated appreciated the approximate 250 women coming in to their business at each event (May and December).

• Concerts in the Square in 2023 were held on Tuesday nights from June 27 through August 15. Attendance ranged from 700 to 5,000 (most concerts at approximately 1,700). The Bella Cain concert held in conjunction with National Night Out had the attendance of approximately 5,000.

• The annual Movie in the Park held on July 21 at Parisek Park (Movie: Disney’s Encanto) had over 700 people in attendance. This event is co-sponsored with the Huntley Library and included a food truck, Kona Ice truck, movie characters and free activities for attendees to do prior to the movie start.

• Bike Huntley was held on July 30 as a kick-off to National Night Out with 133 people participating. As in previous years, participants received a swag bag with a t-shirt (sponsored by CBBEL), water bottle, and other items. A free hot dog lunch was served at the end of the ride.

• Very Merry Huntley was held on December 2 included: Kris Kringle Market; Tree Decorating Contest ($400 collected and donated to the Grafton Food Pantry); Free Hot Chocolate; Free Trackless Train rides; Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Collection; D158 Choirs Caroled outside the Gazebo from 3pm 4:30pm; Santa & Mrs. Claus arrived on a fire-truck at 5pm followed by Tree/Town Square Lighting; and Fireworks Show. The Village and the Legion’s Auxiliary co-sponsored a Community Pasta Dinner with the proceeds ($1,000) going to the Grafton Food Pantry.

• Wreaths Across America – Held in the Huntley and St. Mary cemeteries and sponsored by the Village, Legion Post 673, and the Huntley Rotary. After a short ceremony, wreaths were placed on Veterans graves.

• The weekly Farmers Market: the community continued to show great support for the 23-40 family farms and businesses that participated weekly at the market.

2022-2025 STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT

The Strategic Plan identifies “Engaged Community” as a strategic focus and the following goals: “Community Events,” “Enhanced Community Partnerships.”

FINANCIAL IMPACT

Expenses for the Farmers Market come from line item 100-10-00-6353; $25,000 has been budgeted for the 2024 Farmers Market. The weekly market will be held each Saturday from May 25 through October 12. The indoor market is held the second Saturday of each month November through May.

Expenses for the other Village sponsored special events come from line item 100-10-00-6352; $115,000 has been budgeted for this year’s events:

• Green & Clean Huntley Day

• Ladies Night Out on the Square (May and December)

• Concerts in the Square

• Family Fun Day at the Farmers Market

• Independence Day Fireworks ($35,000)

• Bike Huntley

• Hootenanny Glow 5k

• Fall Harvest Fest at the Farmers Market

• A Very Merry Huntley

• And other special events

Staff will reach out to Huntley businesses and organizations to help sponsor events to offset costs. In 2023, Huntley businesses/organizations donated $15,800 towards concerts and special events.

LEGAL ANALYSIS

None required.

ACTION REQUESTED

A Motion of the Village Board to Approve: i) Authorization to Proceed with the Implementation of the 2024 Village Special Events; and ii) Resolution Approving Certain 2024 Village Sponsored Events as Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) Special Events.

Village President Hoeft asked if the Village Board had any comments or questions related to this agenda item; there were none.

A MOTION was made to Approve: i) Authorization to Proceed with the Implementation of the 2024 Village Special Events; and ii) Resolution Approving Certain 2024 Village Sponsored Events as Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) Special Events.

MOTION: Trustee Piwko

SECOND: Trustee Westberg

AYES: Trustees: Benigno, Goldman, Holzkopf, Piwko, Westberg, and Zydorowicz

NAYS: None

ABSENT: None

The motion carried: 6-0-0

VILLAGE ATTORNEY’S REPORT: None

VILLAGE MANAGER’S REPORT:

RECOGNITION OF BARBARA READ RETIREMENT

Village Manager Johnson recognized Executive Assistant and Special Events Manager Barbara Read for her 17+ years of service. He noted that Barb started as a permit coordinator in 2006 and moved to the Manager’s Office in 2007. He acknowledged her many contributions to the Village and thanked her. He reviewed a presentation that highlighted the number of meetings attended and events managed. He stated she will be greatly missed and thanked her again for all she has done. He asked her to come forward and he and Village President Hoeft presented her with a rendering of a booth, “Barb’s Booth,” that will be built in recognition of her years of service. This booth will serve multiple purposes, such as kids crafts and Village giveaways, at the Farmers Market. Executive Assistant and Special Events Manager Barbara Read thanked the Village Board, Staff, and her family for all their support over the years.

Village President Hoeft asked if the trustees would like to make any comments.

Trustee Goldman expressed her appreciation in working with Barb over the years and that she would be missed. Trustee Zydorowicz stated she is the face of Huntley and the Village has been fortunate to have her and thanked her. Trustee Holzkopf expressed her thanks for all Barb has done. Trustee Westberg stated that Barb has done so much, with much of it behind the scenes, and noted the success of the Very Merry Huntley events. Trustee Piwko thanked her for all she has done. Trustee Benigno stated she set the standard for how a job should be done and thanked her. Village President Hoeft thanked her for all she has done for the Village and the success of the special events.

VILLAGE PRESIDENT’S REPORT: Village President Hoeft shared that the Indoor Farmers Market at Fellowship Hall is this Saturday, January 13th from 9am to 1pm and that municipal offices will be closed on Monday, January 15th due to Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Village President Hoeft read aloud the following statement: The Village has received inquiries from residents concerning the possibility of asylum seeker bus drop-offs. In recent months, thousands of families and individuals seeking asylum in the United States have been transported to the Chicago metropolitan area. Basic necessities including emergency shelter, food, and health care are required to provide for their safety and well-being. Without any public transportation options, Huntley is an unlikely drop-off location. However, we are prepared to address such an event if it were to occur. The Emergency Management division of the Police Department is in regular communication with the McHenry and Kane County Emergency Management Agencies to monitor the situation. Both EMA’s have developed guidance for local communities to address a drop-off and are the designated points of contact. The Police Department has established a protocol with the goal of encouraging and directing the migrants to the landing zone in Chicago, where state and federal resources are available to provide for their needs as described in the following excerpt from a January 3rd press release from the Governor’s office: “The State's new intake center will be co-located with the City of Chicago's bus landing zone to maximize efficiency, with six heated tents now under construction at the site and expected to open in the coming weeks. The site will connect new arrivals with wraparound services and help those with sponsors or an alternate final destination along on their journey.” The Village will continue to monitor and make adjustments as necessary.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None

NEW BUSINESS: None

EXECUTIVE SESSION: No

ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further items to discuss, a MOTION was made to adjourn the meeting at 8:46 p.m.

MOTION: Trustee Piwko

SECOND: Trustee Zydorowicz

The Voice Vote noted all ayes and the motion carried.

https://cms6.revize.com/revize/huntley/document_center/Government/Agendas/Village%20Board/2024/01.11.24%20VB%20Minutes.pdf