McHenry Times

City of McHenry City Council met Feb. 5.

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 Mille, and Mayor Jett. Others present Attorney McArdle, Administrator Ostrovsky, 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, in addition, Mayor Jett introduced Suzanne Ostrovsky the new City Administrator to her first meeting. 

Public Comment: none 

* Clerks Note: several items were pulled for separate consideration and are listed below. 

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

D. Approve the transfer of a Class B Liquor License and Video Gaming License from PAPAJAY LLC, d/b/a Wild Crab Boil to Northern Cafe IV LLC at 341 Front Street, McHenry (Deputy Clerk Johnson) 

F. January 16, 2024, City Council Meeting Minutes 

G. Issuance of Checks in the amount of $770,218.22 

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

*Clerks note: Item pulled for separate consideration by Alderman Glab. 

A. Resolution Regarding CMAP's Report Entitled Plan of Action for Regional Transit (PART) (Mayor Jett) 

Pulled by Alderman Glab wanted further explanation regarding this, what are the benefits other than widening route 31. 

A motion was made by Alderman Glab 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: Item pulled for separate consideration by Alderman Glab. 

B. Reject all bids for the production of Well #14 and discontinue any further work on Well #14 at this time (Director Wirch) 

Pulled by Alderman Glab has reservations and would like an explanation if we are not moving forward with well #14 and how will we move forward with informing the residents. There is no action level from the EPA at this time from Director Wirch, not sure what they will be mandating until further notice. Also learned that this price is just for the casing in the ground, totally could be closer to a million dollars. Alderman Glab would like to see how the rest of the council feels about it. 

Alderman Strach thanked Director Wirch for the call for further explanation. He understands that this can help utilize the east side of town, but it is still early and there is no evidence of what the EPA is going to do moving forward. 

Alderwoman Miller supports the halt of work on Route 14. If the well needs to be replaced and the levels are low, along with there being no mandate, would rather cease the work on it to look into the future of what direction we are going now. 

A motion was made by Alderwoman Miller and seconded by Alderman Santi to approve the Consent Agenda Item 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 carried. 

*Clerks note: Item pulled for separate consideration by Alderman Glab. 

C. Authorize staff to purchase five vehicles through McHenry County BID 23-6516 now, with payment and delivery in FY 24/25, for an amount not to exceed $204,266.00 (Chief Birk) 

Pulled by Alderman Glab, wanted to know if the policy has been reviewed regarding this, directed towards Chief Birk. What is the ballpark figure of the retired vehicle amount? Chief Birk stated that this is part of the 20-year investment plan that had already been approved. 

Alderman Santi thanked the Chief for their conversation and wanted to revisit some of his points, seems that police are going to SUVS because there are no more police sedans anymore. As confirmed by Chief Birk the SUVs are the popular choice moving forward. 

A motion was made by Alderwoman Santi and seconded by Alderman McClatchey 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, O-abstained. Motion carried. 

*Clerks note: Item pulled for separate consideration by Alderman Glab. 

E. Parks & Recreation Facilities & Special Use Permit Requests 

Pulled by Alderman Glab, who wanted to know what time the ending would be and would like clarification. Director Hobson gave an overview of the mini-special event and how it would be put together. 1-6 pm is the time frame that has been discussed 

A motion was made by Alderman Glab and seconded by Alderman Santi 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. 

H. Discussion Item Agenda. 

a. Dining & Entertainment District (Chief Birk and Director Hobson) 

The discussion focused on the programming from Thursday to Sunday, the parameters of a cup, and also the hours, and asked for feedback from the district. There was a lot of support regarding the two streets. There was a continued conversation on Main Street, all but one did not want to have it. Were interested in having a trolley during the hours of the program. Trolleys can be up to $900 a day, they are expensive, but this is something that they are interested in. There was then a survey sent and only 7 responses came back, the most vocal is the RiverPlace townhouse homeowners 9 in favor and 4 against it. Would like the feedback from the council on moving forward with this. 

Alderwoman Miller thanked Director Hobson and Chief Birk for the leg work in this, she did not expect the outcome. She feels that pursuing this would be good because of the success of other events such as the Wine Walk and the Shamrock of the Fox Events. Feels like it deserves a test run, and troubleshooting the problems that could come up as well. Per Director Hobson this is a one-year trial because of that. 

Alderman McClatchey, knowing this is a pilot program, would like to focus on the Riverwalk first, the plan is too much at once would like to see what happens after a year. 

Alderman Glab stated that the riverwalk intends that it was built for the community, it deters people from bringing their families and cannot support this with alcohol. 

Alderman Santi asked Chief Birk about the patrols, they would be there to help with compliance with the alcohol rules and will report back on the parameters in December. Would like to see at least 90% support this from the business owners. Would like to see a smaller scale with the option to grow in the future. Restaurants/bars that agreed with it were over 10 from riverside and Green Street, liquor license owners, per Director Hobson. 

Alderman Strach spoke about his visit with three owners and stated there was one that had a very strong no and he cannot be behind it at this time. 

Alderman Bassi stated that many people stated to her that they do not want to expose children and grandchildren to the open alcohol, and she cannot support this, those spoken to her are not just from her ward. 

Alderman Koch asked why they were not informed regarding the meeting with the business owners, however, Director Hobson did state that they were informed, at each step. 

Mayor Jett stated that he thought that there would be more support regarding this. Stated that he has heard nothing but positive about it, hoping that maybe we can do other things to get support from The Council, would like to get more information to retailers, etc. 

Public Comment: Steve Distastio, resident. Thanked the Mayor for doing a good job. Has some concerns regarding these issues, and personal experiences living by the Riverwalk. He talked about the amount of trash that he had to pick up by his boat, and worried about the increase in that. The other concern is the stench of urine in the gazebo and the overflowing trash from the boaters with the garbage. Special events could be an exception but not seeing the good in it during the regular week. 

Mollie Ostap- From a business perspective the direction of the town there is potential, keeping the residents happy and excited to hear good things from other towns. 

Stefanie, the resident- talked about the broken glass that she sees while walking her dog and has concerns about this. Also, talked about the people who are hanging out in the gazebo late at night and screaming obscenities. She gave specific examples to The Council on things that she encounters, especially in the summer with over-served people. 

Alderman Strach, Alderman Glab, Alderwoman Bassi, and Alderman Koch, at this time, are not in support of moving forward with this plan. 

This conversation went on for some time. 

b. TIF District Presentation by SB Friedman (Director Polerecky) 

Director Polerecky explained that there would be a high-level overview of why TIF districts are created and what they are used for, to help Jeff from SB Friedman share the deck with The Council. Public -Private partnerships, were discussed. Why municipalities participate financially, was also covered and the different ways/reasons were outlined. TIF: Tax Increment Financing was defined. What costs can TIF funds reimburse for was also covered. The conditions for providing TIF assistance were also covered. The benefits that also benefit TIF districts were presented as well, as some of the criticisms of it and finally the steps in how to create a TIF and what is involved with it. 

Alderman Glab stated that he believes the taxes do go up for the residents regarding TIFS. Mayor Jett did ask for Jeff to clarify this statement. 

Alderman Strach wanted to know the time frame when creating a TIF, normal TIF is more or less a six-month process. 

*Clerks Note: This was an extensive presentation and can viewed through the uploaded meeting recording. 

c. Conceptual Presentation by Shodeen Group for 1111 Green Street (Director Polerecky) 

Dave from Shodeen presented the deck regarding the conceptual plans. 

Floor #1 3200 Sq ft commercial space/restaurant proposal of open dining, there were some visual pictures for examples as well as other details once in a redevelopment agreement. Floor #2 Level 2 parking off of access from Waukegan Street. 

There are 4 floors with 22 units per floor, broken down he lists the types of units that there will be. The topic regarding the parking needed to be reviewed by The Council because several plans need to be considered. 

Alderman Santi thanked Dave for his time, if we have two levels of parking 157 spots, do we know what is needed for units and public and across the street? There have been no specific numbers pinpointed yet, just a general idea that the two levels of parking could be sufficient. More research would need to be done regarding the specific numbers. Per Director Polerecky it is about 20 that the Riverwalk residents use. 

Alderwoman Bassi also thanked Dave for the presentation. A total of six floors is what she wanted to confirm, the garages are not underground, but street level, also confirmed as well. Any thought of having the units be owner-occupied, it is almost impossible to finance condominium buildings, per Dave. 

The range of the rent is 1850 per month, for the two-bedroom unit. 

Alderman McClatchey wanted to know who owns it, it is a contract purchaser, per Dave. How much of the parking going to be public, most of it during the day for free, and at night time will have to have a city hall permit for the evening. 

Alderman Glab wanted to know who owns the garage, it is sold back to the city per Dave. The patrol, maintenance, etc falls to the city. 

Alderwoman Miller is concerned about the parking, Dave is comfortable with the parking that has been proposed during the plan as he reassured her. 

Two-story parking recap majority wanted to move forward with those ideas. The majority wanted to move forward with the TIF and the Re-Tiffing as well. 

This discussion went on for some time. 

Individual Action Item Agenda: 

ComEd Engineering Agreement 

Motion to approve the execution of a contract, pending attorney review, with 

ComEd in the amount of $30,000.01 and approve a budget amendment in the amount of $30,000.01 (Director Polerecky) 

A motion was made by Alderman Koch and seconded by Alderman Santi to approve Individual Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 5-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Strach, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 2-nays-Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi. 1- pass-Alderman Glab. Motion approved. 

No public comment. 

Riverwalk Phase IV 

Motion to award the bid for the construction of the Riverwalk from the Pearl Street Bridge to the Route 120 Bridge, referred to as Phase 4, to Alliance Contractors in the amount of $1,501,085.60 (Director Hobson) 

Alderman McClatchey wanted to know if they worked with us before completing phase I did a great job. 

Alderman Santi wanted to know if there is an expiration date on the bids, typically it is 60 days. 

Alderman Glab stated the bid is great, and wanted to see if go through in another two years but just needs to move forward. 

Public Comment: John Smith Riverwalk Foundation President, talked about Alliance and how top-notch this contractor is. Mayor Jett thanked him for all the work that he put into this and all he has done. 

Alderman Santi wanted to thank those residents in attendance who have been supportive. Alderwoman Miller is thrilled to see this go through, the backside of Riverside Drive will encourage the property owners to be on the front side of the building. 

Alderman McClatchey, fortunate to have this also thanked John. 

A motion was made by Alderman McClatchey and seconded by Alderman Santi to approve Individual Agenda Items 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 approved. 

No public comment. 

Staff Reports: 

Provided the 1st meeting of each month. 

Mayor's Report: None 

City Council Comments: 

Alderman Glab commented that being observant of the Riverwalk is important in identifying the lost bricks and staying on top of any other maintenance items. Director Hobson stated that they are doing constant repairs to make sure that things are being maintained. 

Alderman Koch stated that the ice fisherman would like to know if there can be an area cleared from the snow so that they can easily access the water. He also wanted to know if there is a lead pipe replacement, per Director Wirch the final count is due in regards to how many will be replaced, which will start in 2027. 

Executive Session: 

A motion was made by Alderman Strach seconded by Alderwoman Miller to adjourn to Executive Session at 10:28 p.m. to discuss the purchase or lease of real estate property or whether a particular parcel should be acquired. 5 ILCS 120/c) (5). 

Mayor Jett reconvened the meeting from the Executive Session at 11:20 pm p.m. A motion was made by Alderwoman Bassi and seconded by Alderman Strach 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 Santi and seconded by Alderwoman Bassi to adjourn the meeting at 11:25. 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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