McHenry Times

City of Harvard Community & Economic Development Committee met Aug. 13

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Chairman Dan Carncross called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm and called roll to establish a quorum. Committee members present: Chairman Dan Carncross, Alderman Jay Schulz, and Alderwoman Lori Lancaster. Alderwoman Luna was absent. Also present were Mayor Michael Kelly, City Administrator Lou Leone, Community Development Director Donovan Day, and Code Enforcement Officer Anne Nutley.

Public Comment

Chairman Carncross opened the floor to public comment for any item not on the agenda. There were none.

Adjudication Hearings-Status Update

Director Day provided an update on the Adjudication Hearings to the Committee. Along with Code Enforcement Officer Nutley, Director Day visited the City of Woodstock to observe their adjudication hearings. This was a new experience for Officer Nutley. Director Day, who initiated the program in Woodstock, and Officer Nutley attended various hearings during their visit.

The next step involves reviewing the proposed ordinance drafted by the City Attorney and obtaining data from the Police Chief and Deputy Chief regarding the types of violations that would be processed through adjudication. This information will help estimate the number of cases anticipated each month and determine the appropriate fees to assess.

Disposition of 307 Grant St.

Code Enforcement Officer Nutley provided an update on the property located at 307 Grant St, which was recently acquired from the City. The property is in fair condition—not a teardown but a candidate for rehabilitation. The next step is to auction the home and have the committee declare it as surplus property to proceed with the process. The home has been vacant since 2018. When the property is auctioned, there will be specific conditions attached, including a requirement for the new owner to bring the home into compliance within a set timeframe, ensuring it does not remain in its current state.

A motion was made by Alderman Schulz and seconded by Alderman Carncross to recommend to the City Council that 307 Grant St. be declared surplus property. All ayes. Motion carried.

Set Monthly Committee Meeting Timeframe

The Committee discussed the Committee Meeting timeframe and scheduled the Community & Economic Committee Meeting for the second Tuesday of each month.

Strategic Vision

The Committee reviewed the strategic vision for the Community & Economic Development Committee. Director Day presented a document detailing various tactics for Year 1 of the strategic plan, including target dates for achieving each tactic, prioritized as follows:

1. Revise and Adopt Economic Development Plan

• Develop a marketing plan, update marketing materials, and distribute them to all businesses.

• Staff have been working on the Business Registration database, with a spreadsheet created for the software company. The aim is to launch the system in October 2024. Registration will be free if completed before the deadline. Director Day is working with Community Core to get the database operational. Alderman Carncross suggested that introducing a fee might delay the process, as the City wants to encourage business registration. It was proposed to waive the registration fee for one year. Communication will be conducted through social media, mail, and at City Hall.

2. Develop Clear Policies and Practices for Supporting Cultural Events

• Review current practices, examine policies from other communities, and implement improvements.

3. Enhance Policy to Promote Development of Existing Subdivisions for Middle-Income Housing

• Release a Request for Proposals (RFP) for services, select a consultant, and complete an eligibility study. 

4. Create a Downtown Master Plan

• Establish a Business Development District and prioritize projects.

5. Establish a Best-Practice Business Retention and Development Plan

• Review current guidelines, compare with other communities' guidelines, and present recommendations to the Committee/City Council for implementation.

6. Improve Incentives for Downtown Building Improvements to Promote Quality Upper-Story Apartments

• Review current guidelines, examine practices from other communities, and present recommendations to the Committee/City Council.

New Business

John Schallert will be presenting a business development workshop at Starline on September 16th from 8a.m. to 4p.m. The workshop will focus on effective business marketing strategies. The registration fee is $25 for businesses within the corporate limits and $75 for those outside. The day will include a morning presentation followed by group discussions in the afternoon. Marketing materials for the workshop will be distributed this week. Final details are being completed, and the materials will be sent out shortly.

City Administrator Leone informed the Committee that the Harvard Chamber of Commerce is currently searching for a new Executive Director. He extended the City’s support and services to assist the Chamber during this transition, if needed. The Committee agreed with this approach. Alderman Carncross emphasized that helping another organization can enhance the City's visibility and strengthen its relationships. Mayor Kelly added that partnering with the Chamber is crucial, as it plays a vital role in the business community and it's beneficial for the City to be actively involved.

Director Day updated the Committee on recent developments:

• Dunkin' Donuts: Expected to be completed in 3 weeks.

• Starbucks: Awaiting revised engineering plans.

• Delong Car Wash: Construction has begun, and the City is currently working on the engineering aspects.

Additionally, Director Day conducted a few final inspections for new construction properties and is still projecting around 50 new homes to be built within the year. Alderman Carncross inquired about the ratio of rental versus owner occupied homes. Director Day reported that it is approximately fifty-fifty. Alderman Carncross expressed his satisfaction with this diversity. Mayor Kelly noted the importance of having a mix of both rental properties and owner occupied homes in the community.

Director Day informed the Committee that the City recently secured a grant from the Mayor’s Metropolitan Caucus to conduct a study on missing middle housing in Harvard. As part of the process, the City provided information on several vacant or potential sites. The City is collaborating with Optico to develop a site plan, which will be presented to potential developers. This initiative aims to address the missing middle housing issue and attract developers to the area.

Alderman Schulz asked about the two vacant lots in Shadow Creek. Director Day responded that the City has recently signed an agreement with a surveyor to create the subdivision, having found a more affordable option. He will check on the timeline for when these lots will be available for sale.

City Administrator Leone informed the Committee that Code Enforcement Nutley will begin the Leadership Greater McHenry Program.

A motion was made by Alderwoman Lancaster, seconded by Alderman Schulz to adjourn the meeting. All ayes.

Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 7:15 pm. 

https://www.cityofharvard.org/media/23256