McHenry Times

City of McHenry City Council met May 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 Koch, Alderwoman Miller-absent, 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. 

Presentation: Proclamation for the McHenry Garden Club- read by Mayor Jett after 20 years of celebration of the Garden Club. The Garden Club members took several pictures to celebrate their accomplishments. 

Public Comment: The President of the Garden Club, Wanda, took time to thank the council and spoke about going from 14 members up to 50 members she expressed her appreciation for the evening's proclamation. 

Nancy Fike spoke regarding the Landmark School and discussed the potential of the building being an icon that identified McHenry for many years. She is hoping that the city has a vested interest in speaking to District 15 regarding this along with including information from the Landmark Commission to help preserve the building. 

Zack Walters, a resident, spoke to The Council regarding the crosswalk between Route 120 and Oak Drive, his concern is regarding safety and feels that nobody is paying attention to how dangerous it is when crossing there. He talked about the dangers of biking to go to the park and would like there to be a green arrow there to help improve the situation, also noting the history of accidents in that area with pedestrians. 

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

*Clerks Note: Agenda Item pulled by Alderman Koch. 

A. Resolution Authorizing Continuation of the McHenry County Municipal Risk 

Management Agency (Deputy Clerk Johnson) 

Alderman Koch wanted to know why they chose 12 years instead of 4 years, as explained by Deputy Clerk Johnson stated that The City is not locked in if needed, they did the 12 years so that it did not need to be coming back every 4 years to The City. Alderman Koch stated the doesn't like the 12 years and would rather have a review every 4 years. 

Alderwoman Bassi questioned if the rates are locked, per Deputy Clerk Johnson, the group tries to shop around and get the best rate possible, noting he is not an expert on this matter. 

A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderwoman Bassi to approve the Consent Agenda Item as presented: Roll Call: Vote:5-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller-absent. O-nays, O-abstained. Motion carried. 

* Clerks Note Agenda Item pulled by Alderman Glab. Alderman Glab wanted to defer this until the discussion of video gaming tonight instead. However, this item no longer needed to be voted on because there were two gaming partitions lost and two were awarded making them equal. 

B. Ordinance Amending Section 4-6-8, Subsection A - Number of Video Gaming Licenses, of the McHenry City Code (Deputy Clerk Johnson) 

*Clerks Note Agenda Item pulled by Alderman Koch. 

C. Award a material supply contract for bulk rock salt to Morton Salt, Inc., of Chicago, Illinois, in the amount of $92,280.00 (1,000 tons @ $92.28 per ton), and approve a contingency allowance for a twenty percent overage on the contract in the amount of $18,456.00. (Director Wirch) 

Alderman Koch thinks the price is too high and would like to be on the list for the state bid for salt. Director Wirch stated that just like every community they did jump in for the bid. A few years ago they combined with Lake County, there are 60 communities together doing so. Would be happy to look into other bids for next year. 

Alderman Glab would like a comparison over the last three years from the state, as agreed by Director Wirch. 

A motion was made by Alderman McClatchey and seconded by Alderwoman Bassi to approve the Consent Agenda Item as presented: Roll Call: Vote:5-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller-absent. O-nays, O-abstained. Motion carried. 

*Clerks Note Agenda Item pulled by Alderman Glab. 

G. Award a contract to Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) in the amount of 

$83,400.00 to perform the 2024 Pavement Management Study (Director Wirch) 

Alderman Glab discussed the year plan and wanted to know if there could be a visual plan since now it will be every 5 years. Stated that more than $2 Million is needed for the roads. Would like the direction pointed at the General Fund because a lot more is needed so that we are not spinning our wheels with the budget for the roads. 

Alderman McClatchey asked about the survey process, Director Wirch explained that he was not aware of an actual list of roads from the last 10 years. This will help see which have gotten worse than the others to help with the evaluation. 

Alderman Santi that we got on the right track doing a program like this, helps give an objective measure of the roads 

Alderwoman Bassi wanted to know if we did not spend the $83,000 and applied to the actual road, how much could be done, per director with a quarter of a mile. This year we are doing about 7 miles of road a year, and resurfacing every 20 years which is the direction that we are heading, agree more funds are needed but he feels it is noticeable already. 

Alderwoman Bassi stated that it is the responsibility of each Alderperson to fight for their wards if needed. This conversation went on for some time. 

Call to question: 

A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderman McClatchey to approve the Consent Agenda Item as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 2-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Miller-absent. 3-nays-Alderman Glab, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Koch, O-abstained. Motion failed. 

*Clerks Note Agenda Item pulled by Alderwoman Bassi. 

1. Approve a Parks Special Use Permit Application submitted by the Pearl Street Market for the summer markets and band concerts May 16th - September 19th from 4 pm to 9 pm each Thursday, to approve a special event liquor license in conjunction with those events and to waive the associated fees for the reservation and the support services (Director Hobson) 

Alderwoman Bassi wanted to know will the alcohol be monitored so that it would not leave the confined area. Director Hobson stated that they do the best that they can with the city staff, and those that are selling, but he cannot guarantee that people will not leave the confined areas. He also stated that there will be signs in place, there will not be staff at every entry point, there is not enough staff. 

Chief Birk, stated there have been zero issues at Miller Park, but if needed overtime could be assigned. There will be a foot patrol there but will not be standing or stationed there. 

A motion was made by Alderman McClatchey and seconded by Alderman Koch to approve the Consent Agenda Item as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 5-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller-absent.O-nays- 0-abstained. Motion carried. 

*Clerks Note: Agenda Item pulled by Alderwoman Bassi. 

J. Approve the Special Use Application from the McHenry Riverwalk Foundation to allow the consumption of alcohol throughout the grounds of Miller Point Park in conjunction with the Music Sunday band concerts beginning on May 26th through the end of the summer season on September 29th from 1 pm - 4 pm and to waive all associated rental and support fees for the event (Director Hobson) 

Alderwoman Bassi had her questions answered above, therefore no further questions were needed on this item.

A motion was made by Alderwoman Bassi and seconded by Alderman Santi to approve the Consent Agenda Item as presented: Roll Call: Vote:5-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller-absent. O-nays, O-abstained. Motion carried. 

D. Approve A Resolution for Improvement authorizing $85,163.00 of Motor Fuel Tax funds for the Bull Valley Road STP project (Director Wirch) 

E. Waive competitive bidding requirements and award the contract to Langton Snow Solutions, Inc. in the amount of $37,432.50 with a 65% retainer of $24,331.12 (Director Wirch) 

F. Award the bid award for the 2024 Hydrant Painting Program contract to GO Painters,Inc. of Maywood, Illinois, in the amount of $34,775.00 (Director Wirch) 

H. Award the bid award for the 2024 Thermoplastic Pavement Marking contract to Superior Road Striping, Inc. in an amount of $42,886.70 (Director Wirch) 

K. Authorize the Mayor to execute an Updated Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of McHenry and the County of McHenry relating to the McHenry County Sheriff's Marine Unit (Director Hobson) 

L. Parks & Recreation Facilities & Special Use Permit Requests 

M. April 15, 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes 

N. April 29, 2024 City Council Special Meeting Minutes 

O. Issuance of Checks in the amount of $310,944.36 

A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderman McClatchey to approve the Consent Agenda Item as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 5-ayes: Alderman Santi, 

Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey; Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller-absent.O-nays- 0-abstained. Motion carried. 

Individual Action Item Agenda: 

A. Honduras Restaurant Video Gaming 

A motion to approve a video gaming license to Restaurante Hondureno Bustillo Matute at 4113 W Shamrock Lane, 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) 

Alderman Santi wanted to know if the owner was present, they were not here this evening. There was no menu in the packet. If this turns out to be more of a gaming parlor would like to pull the liquor licenses if so. 

No public comment 

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

B. Foxhole Pub Liquor License 

A motion to approve a Class A liquor license to Foxhole Pub at 3308 W Elm Street, McHenry, and if approved, pass an Ordinance Amending Title 4-2-6, Subsection D-1, Limitation on Number of Licenses, of the McHenry City Code (Deputy Clerk Johnson) 

Alderman McClatchey asked for the petitioners to step to the podium, Alderman McClatchey wanted to say thank you for the preservation of the building. 

Alderman Santi stated that he appreciated the presentation and wished him good luck. 

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

C. Foxhole Pub Video Gaming

Pending the approval of a Class A liquor license, a motion to approve a video gaming license to Foxhole Pub at 3308 W Elm Street, McHenry, 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 wanted to know how many terminals they would have for video gaming, it was confirmed by the petitioners that there would be six. 

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

D. Orchard Beach Road Annexation 

A motion to pass an Ordinance Annexing 1920 Orchard Beach Road (Director Polerecky) 

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

E. 2212 Richmond Road Use Variation 

A motion to pass an ordinance granting a use variation to allow the outdoor storage of automobiles, recreation vehicles, trailers, and equipment as the principal use on a portion of the property located at 2212 N Richmond Road (Director Polerecky) 

Alderman McClatchey is not happy with the location of this proposal. Per Director Polerecky staff thought it would be a good location because it was hidden. 

Alderman Glab has concerns about flooding in that area and wonders where the water will go, not a good spot for it. 

Nate Wiseman with Vantage Holdings stood at the podium to give more insight this is a C5 Highway commercial, that will allow outdoor storage but not as a primary use. It would be professional storage, secure fenced, automatic gate with a code for those to enter with limited access. Corporate focused, commercial rental and nothing short term, including fleet storage, marinas, etc. Have had no comment in any of the surrounding companies. 

Alderman Koch wanted to know if these are commercial, per the petitioner they will cater more to corporate clients not short-term, would like to store fleets, etc.

A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderman Koch to approve Individual Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 2-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller-ab. 3-nays-Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi. 0-abstained. Motion failed. 

F. 3717 Main Street CUP and Use Variation 

A motion to waive the Zoning Hearing Application Fee and a motion to approve an Ordinance granting a Conditional Use Permit for an Assembly Use (Church/Banquet Facility) and Use Variances to allow rental storage space (mini-warehouse), commercial office and kitchen space, and Zoning Variations to accommodate the existing principal and accessory structures (Director Polerecky) 

Alderman Santi asked Director Polerecky to confirm where it says the mini warehouse is internal yes, confirmed. 

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

G. 4719 Elm Street Variance and CUP 

A motion to pass an ordinance granting a Variance and Conditional Use Permit to allow an Open Sales Lot in conjunction with Automobile Sales (Director Polerecky) 

Alderwoman Bassi wanted to ask the petitioner to walk her through what the concept would look like. The West side will have a fence for safety, other than that it will be open with an office building. The petitioner is working on the design of it, and would like it to be nice and modern with customer parking in the front office, this will be new construction, confirmed by the applicant as asked by Alderwoman Bassi. 

Alderman Glab wanted to know how many cars will be in the lot, as of now the petitioner is about 20 cars at this time. The property owner will maintain the right away such as any other property owner, as confirmed by 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 Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller-absent. O-nays. O-abstained. Motion approved. 

H. Summer Concerts at Miller Point 

Approve the special use of Miller Point Park by the City of McHenry to allow for bands, food trucks, and the consumption of alcohol throughout the grounds of Miller Point Park in conjunction with the community concerts on June 15th and August 24th from 5 pm - 9 pm. (Director Hobson) 

Public Comment: 

Michael Mcconey- praised the city regarding these events, in public comment. 

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

I. Olde Mille Ponds Easement Agreement 

Approve an agreement to allow the Olde Mill Ponds Homeowners Association rights to an easement located on Lot 106 of the Olde Mill Ponds Subdivision. Said easement is for access and the installation of a new irrigation well (Director Polerecky) 

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, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller-absent. 0- nays. 1-abstained-Alderman Santi. Motion approved. 

Staff Reports: 

Provided the 1st meeting of each month. 

Director Hobson stated that there is a community garden by Peterson Farms online application for $50 per 8 that are there.

Administrator Ostrovsky 

public service recognition week, wanted to thank the staff. 

Comprehensive plan workshop next Monday at 6 pm 

Mayor's Report: None 

City Council Comments: Alderwoman Bassi wanted to know what overview will be allowed to be picked up for the large garbage pickup. Per Director Wirch it will be on social media, Nixle, and the city website. It will be unlimited bulk items that are too big for garbage bags and totes. If not over 50 pounds or over 50 feet, the carpet needs to be rolled up. Will not take construction debris items, appliances -e-waste, paint, batteries, and tires. It will be communicated to the residents. 

Alderwoman Bassi wanted to know who the residents call if they have issues, it was confirmed that they can call Director Wirch. 

Alderman Glab said this is a great tool for our residents and would like to see it advertised as much as possible. 

Alderman McClatchey said great jobs pick up the branches too. 

Alderman Koch wanted to know if there are inspections for parks and if he could see them. Per Director Hobson no info on the Shamrock of Fox Event just yet. 

Executive Session if necessary: Not needed 

Adjourn: A motion was made by Alderman and second Santi seconded by Alderman McClatchey to adjourn the meeting at 8:32 Roll Call: Vote: 5-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller-ab. O-nay-, O-abstained. Motion carried.

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