McHenry Times

City of McHenry City Council met March 4.

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.

Public Comment: None

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

A. Resolution Authorizing the Deputy Clerk to Update the Official Zoning Map and to Publish a Notice of the Zoning Map Update

B. Approve a Task Order in the amount of $35,970.00 to HR Green Inc. for Professional Engineering Services for the Kane Avenue water main replacement;

C. February 20, 2024, City Council Meeting Minutes;

D. February 21, 2024 Special City Council Meeting Minutes;

E. Issuance of Checks in the amount of $182,097.93

A motion was made by Alderwoman Miller and seconded by Alderman Strach 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. 

Individual Action Item Agenda

A. Thorntons Video Gaming

Motion to approve a video gaming license to Thorntons Store 344 at 2108 W IL Route 120, and if approved, a motion to pass an Ordinance Amending Section 4-6-8, Subsection A – Number of Licenses, of the McHenry City Code. (Deputy Clerk Johnson)

Alderwoman Bassi inquired about gaming in gas stations and truck stops in Crystal Lake/Woodstock. According to Deputy Clerk Johnson, he cannot prove if they do not or if there is a truck stop either he did not hear back regarding this.

Alderman Glab talked about if one is getting gaming then others will want it. How do we not approve one and then not another, need to look at it that way.

Alderman Santi brought attention to page 34 and the five bullet points wanting to know if these are requirements, and do they fill the demand in the amount of gas and diesel fuel that is being sold. Per, Deputy Clerk Johnson he has the paperwork stating that they qualify as a truck stop endorsement. Attorney McArdle was asked, and it is up to The Council to make the final call per Deputy Clerk Johnson. Alderman Santi stated It is a concern for him even though they have fulfilled the state requirements. He also asked if we know if the facility that is being built on Ringwood and 120 will fulfill the five bullet points, per Director Polerecky they will.

Alderwoman Miller was not as concerned about the Thorton's ask but it appears if you are not a truck stop that it is good to say that the ordinance would prohibit that, to be eligible A or B license per Deputy Clerk Johnson. Right now they all have C licenses. She is concerned about the county around us.

Alderman McClatchey would like to see no gas stations sell alcohol but has no problems with this item.

A motion was made by Alderman Koch and seconded by Alderman McClatchey to approve Individual Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote:4-ayes: Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderman Strach, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 2-naysAlderman Sanit, Alderwoman Bassi. Motion approved.

B. All Marine Retro Rental Agreement

Motion to 1) approve the revocable concession agreement at Miller Point Park with All Marine Retro Rentals for a 3-year term with an optional two-year extension possibility of two additional years effective May 1, 2024 upon the expiration of the existing agreement, subject to the review and approval of the City Attorney; and 2) to pass an Ordinance Amending Section 4-2-6, Subsection D.7. Class G (Limited Service And Package) License, of the McHenry City Code. (Director Hobson)

Alderman Glab asked to confirm if they have a packaged wine and beer it was confirmed, wanted to know if it was allowed at Miller Point, per Director Hobson in 2021 it was allowed. It is 11-7:30 pm that was approved with their licenses within certain parameters or triangle section.

Deputy Clerk Johnson stated that part of this states that they have a G license with location and hours being outlined. Alderman Glab not seeing a benefit more than a one-year term, would not get behind it otherwise.

Alderman Santi asked if the time slot stays the same, confirmed yes by Director Hobson. He is concerned about the three-year contract, is not comfortable with it, and would like one year and try to be as proactive as possible.

Per Director Hobson, there are revokable parts of the contract that are added in, stated that it has been a good partnership with us supporting Shamrocks of the Fox, adding money towards the fireworks as well, and they have been investing as well.

This conversation went on for some time.

Dylan and Michelle, the owners spoke about the concept that they had provided that has not been done here before and implemented it here in McHenry. They explained the containers and what has been put into them along with the investment it took to update them. Retrofitting the boats and the cost of that along with the rest of the equipment that they had invested in felt that they could see how the business would be successful with it. It was also noted that they had been large contributors to donations as well, for the fireworks, bands, etc. Also expressed how they felt they were part of the community and wanted to bring joy to the residents. It was noted that they are not comfortable with a one-year contract because it makes it hard for them since they have planned out the next five years with staffing, costs, etc.

No other public comment.

*Clerks note: The new motion includes the 5% increase on annual renewal with annual renewal involving The Council to review and assurance that they will be provided with an outline footprint and drawing presented to them as well.

A motion was made by Alderwoman Miller and seconded by Alderman McClatchey to approve Individual Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 6-ayes: Alderman Santi,

Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Strach, Alderman Koch. 1-naysAlderman Glab. 0-abstained. Motion approved.

C. Sheriff’s Marine Unit Building

A motion to 1) waive the competitive bidding process; 2) accept the proposal from S.H. Freund and Sons Inc. in the amount of $461,516.75 for the construction of the Sheriff’s Marine Unit Building at Miller Riverfront Park; and 3) to approve a budget amendment to the Parks Developer Donations Fund expenses in the amount of $461,516.75 and Parks Developer Donations revenue in the amount of $411,516.75. (Director Hobson)

Alderman Koch asked about the Parks Developer Donations Fund, Director Hobson stated we pay for it to be built and they reimburse the city. The invoices will be passed on to be submitted promptly.

Alderman McClatchey stated he is excited about this.

Alderwoman Bassi wanted to know if a sketch and floor plan could be provided, per Director Hobson would be happy to provide it.

No public comment.

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.

Staff Reports: Provided the 1st meeting of each month.

Deputy Clerk Johnson asked for clarification regarding gas stations. C licenses is no response and wanted to make sure that the majority of the council was ok with it, you are not eligible and will not be offered a new liquor license.

Director Hobson reminder 15-17 Shamrocks of the Fox: Shamrock Shuffle Saturday, 10 am will be when the river is dyed green, the tent will open at 11 am with open containers from 11-6, and the parade is at noon. Sunday is the entertainment food trucks at Miller Point 12-6 open container and the fireworks show is at 7 pm.

Mayor’s Report: Nothing

City Council Comments: Alderman Strach, mentioned that last year there was a massive amount of people for the bridge of dying the river, wanted to know what the max capacity was, very concerned since there were so many. Chief Birk will add to the ops plan by watching how many people congregate on the bridge.

Alderman Glab brought up the concrete situation and would like to make sure it is our responsibility to fix the sidewalks. 

Alderman Koch wanted to make sure the fireworks for Mr. Beck are addressed since he is also in his ward. It is coming back to the council on the 18th, per the email sent out by staff.

Executive Session if needed: Not needed

Adjourn: A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderman Koch to adjourn the meeting at 8:42 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. 

https://cms8.revize.com/revize/mchenryil/Document_Center/BoardDocs/City%20Council/5.F.%203-4-24%20Minutes.pdf