McHenry Times

Village of Johnsburg President and Board of Trustees met April 25

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Attendees

Trustee Mike Fouke

Trustee Beth Foreman

Trustee Jamie Morris

Trustee Josh Hagen

Trustee Greg Klemstein

Trustee Scott Letzter

Village Administrator Claudett Sofiakis

Assistant Village Administrator Vinny Lamontagna

Chief of Police Jason Greenwald

Attorney Michael Smoron

Village Engineer Tim Hartnett (absent)

Special Projects Coordinator Rick Quinn

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION – Hollis Arnold of 2114 Church Street attended to express her objection to the non-highway vehicle paths. She stated that non-highway vehicle owners represent a small portion of the community and the tax dollars spent on the paths could be directed towards other improvements. President Hettermann explained that the money used for the paths is derived from funds raised by groups in support of non-highway vehicles and the fees collected from non-highway vehicle registrations. Ms. Arnold referenced money that was used to purchase land on Riverside Drive for the paths. President Hettermann explained that the path planned on Riverside Drive is for bicyclist and pedestrians and the money spent was for wetland banking that was required for the Riverside Drive Improvement Project. Ms. Arnold questioned where she can see the funds collected from non-highway vehicle registrations. President Hettermann explained that it is a separate line item in the revenue and expense report. Teresa Stade, also in attendance, questioned if the fines collected for non-highway vehicle violations are in the same account. Village Administrator Sofiakis stated that the fines are in the Local Fines line item.

Henry Reinke of 2917 Regner Road attended regarding the Pistakee Yacht Club. He explained that he has been a member of the Yacht Club for 50 years and experienced many changes with the Club during that time. He stated that he planted all of the arborvitae trees along the road and shrubs on the Yacht Club’s property. Mr. Reinke remarked that the situation has become too complicated and expressed that he feels the situation can be addressed with members of the club sitting down with Village representatives to resolve the issues. He added that it has been a private club since 1897 and there has never been any problems. President Hettermann explained that about 12 years ago the property was a mess and the Village brought in scrappers to help the Club get the property cleaned up by getting rid of old metal and old piers. He added that last year it turned into a junk yard again. Mr. Reinke agreed that the property was a mess.

President Hettermann stated that the Village is trying to address the matter properly so the issues don’t continue to come up every couple of years. He referenced the meeting held with Mr. Reinke and Ms. Twomey this year in an effort to come up with an amicable resolution and stated that following the meeting he was questioned by other Yacht Club members as to why the meeting took place as any meeting should be with them, not Mr. Reinke and Ms. Twomey. Mr. Reinke stated that those individuals are new members of the Club. 

President Hettermann stated that the Village met with Yacht Club representatives last year and several correspondences were shared following that meeting to try and reach a resolution but the Yacht Club chose to pursue a declaratory judgment in court. He explained that more recently a meeting was held with Commodore O’Malley, Laura King and the Yacht Club’s attorney to develop an agreement similar to what was discussed with Mr. Reinke and Ms. Twomey. He stated that just before that meeting a boat was observed on the property with the sail used for a cover blown off and lying on the ground and a power boat completely lacking a cover exposed to the elements all winter. Mr. Reinke again agreed that the property was a mess and stated that he planted the arborvitaes years ago to hide the mess. He added that he planned to plant more arborvitaes along the other property lines even before the Village included the plantings as a requirement in the agreement. Mr. Reinke questioned why the matter can’t be addressed with a handshake agreement. President Hettermann explained that was done 12 years ago and it has again became a problem. Mr. Reinke expressed concern that future representatives of the Village may not be as friendly. President Hettermann expressed the importance of the agreement to protect the interests of both parties in the future.

RECESS FOR CLOSED SESSION - Trustee Fouke moved to recess the meeting to go into closed session to discuss pending litigation regarding the Pistakee Yacht Club vs. the Village of Johnsburg.

Trustee Letzter seconded the motion. Trustee Hagen stated that he will be refrain from participating in the closed session as he has a conflict of interest in the matter. Trustees Letzter, Fouke, Foreman, Klemstein and Morris voted aye. Trustee Hagen abstained. Motion carried at 7:19 pm

RETURN TO REGULAR - Trustee Fouke moved to return to regular session. Trustee Morris seconded the motion. Motion was carried with Trustees Letzter, Fouke, Foreman, Klemstein and Morris voting aye. Trustee Hagen abstained. Motion carried at 8:18 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT – Trustee Foreman moved to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Fouke seconded the motion. All Trustees voted aye on the roll. Motion carried at 8:18 p.m.

https://www.johnsburg.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/village_board/meeting/27019/board_minutes_04-25-24.pdf