McHenry Times

City of McHenry City Council met Nov. 4

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Roll Call: Mayor Jett opened with the roll call.

Members present Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Davis, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller, 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-virtual, Director of Public Works Wirch, Deputy Clerk Johnson, and City Clerk Ramel.

Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Jett led the pledge.

Public Comment:

Kerry Zander, a resident of McHenry for 20 years, who used to run Papa John's wanted to speak about the mobile taco truck, right next to the business. All the customers are parking in the lot affecting several of the businesses that are currently there. The noise from the truck is very loud, and they cannot hear the traffic down 120. People from the laundry mat are going to the taco truck instead of her established business. Complimented the downtown and The City. She said this taco truck is appalling, and she pays taxes and amenities, and that it is not fair to have the business going towards the food truck.

Presentation: Annual Financial Report for the Fiscal Year ending April 30, 2025 (Eccezion)

An overview of the annual financial report was given as an overview. An unmodified opinion was given which is one of the highest that can be received. Financial highlights page 17 is the fund balance, which is a good spot to be in. The General fun was also discussed as well, the same position as last year which is good. Page 19 the water sewer fund was stated to be good as well. Overall the funds seem good. This information was presented to The Council beforehand as well.

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

B. Resolution Designating November 17-23, 2024, National Apprenticeship Week in the City of McHenry (Director Martin)

C. October 21, 2024, City Council Meeting Minutes

D. Issuance of Checks in the amount of $740,190.22

A motion was made by Alderwoman Miller 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 Davis, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays, 0-abstained. Motion carried.

*Clerks note this item was pulled for separate consideration by Alderman McClatchey

A. Amend the opening hours and liquor license times of the 2025 R.I.S.E. Up event for Friday, September 12th, and Saturday, September 13th from 4:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Alderman McClatchey pulled this item and wanted to know when the bands start and when they finish. Per Mayor Jett, it depends on how many headliner bands start. Has a bit of a problem with the alcohol starting at 3:00 pm.

The main reason the venue would open earlier was to help with traffic when the gates opened, per Mayor Jett.

Alderwoman Bassi asked if it would end at the same time it was confirmed by Mayor Jett.

Aldwerwoman Miller commented that she is happy for the change to help alleviate the traffic, rather than have the venue provide the drink service otherwise there could be tailgating.

Alderman Glab feels that 3:00 is way too early, in regards to drinking, and thinks 4:30 was early enough. Mayor Jett stated that clear bags are allowed but no food or drinks are allowed, and neither is alcohol. Wanted to make sure that people get in and help that it relieves the pressure on the volunteers.

Alderman Koch wanted to know if there not allowed to vape or smoke cigarettes. Per Mayor Jett, there is no smoking area set up. Chief Birk stated there are restrictions in several parks, however, Director Hobson stated that there are no main restrictions in the parks, but events can choose to be non-smoking. He wanted to know what the money is earmarked for, Mayor Jett stated a new Veterans Park is where they were planning, and he is open to any ideas.

Director Hobson stated this will be a truly inclusive park.

Alderman Santi wanted to confirm when the time change is occurring and as a volunteer stated that customers did come in pretty quickly with the general admission tickets. This foundation was started to help with projects within The City of McHenry, per Mayor Jett. 

Alderman McClatchey wanted to know how long the bands go at the Blues Brews and BBQ, usually around 4:30-11 but the crowds are different in comparison to Fiesta Days adding further to the discussion.

A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderwoman Miller to approve the Consent Agenda Item as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 5-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman McClatchey, Alderman Davis, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 2-nays- Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Glab, 0-abstained. Motion carried.

Individual Action Item Agenda

A. TRIO Liquor License

A motion to pass an ordinance Amending Section 4-2-6, Subsection D.3. Class C License, of the McHenry City Code; and approve a Class C Liquor License to Graham Enterprise, Inc. dba Trio -138, at 5520 W Elm Street, McHenry, pending the successful completion of a background check (Deputy Clerk Johnson)

Alderwoman Bassi wanted to know if there is an ordinance between school distance and the sale of liquor. There is a restriction for funeral homes and schools. Entry to entry 100 ft. per Chief Birk.

A motion was made by Alderman Koch and seconded by Alderman Santi to approve Individual Agenda with the option to add an addendum: Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Davis, Alderman Koch. 0-nays. 0-abstained. Motion approved

Discussion Item Agenda

A. Lennar Conceptual Presentation – Single Family Home Subdivision near Bull Valley and Curran Road (Director Polerecky)

Director Polerecky opened this discussion item, the commercial zoning will not work, and are asking to remove this.

Rick Olson and Richard Murphy from Lennar stood at the podium to present his wide range of home projects etc. About five years ago they stood in front of The Council to present Legend Lakes. The site is north of BullValley Road, 300 acres in size, surrounded by residential. Site data was presented to The Council, including access to pedestrians and topography and access points from other communities. 

Site plan:

• proposed 580 homes- three different product types, single-family types, and active adult homes (Andare).

• A total of 6 parks -one is also a clubhouse/pool as well

• Different amenities for all ages

• Greenspaces – 43% open space

• 16-18 models each having three different elevations

Alderwoman Bassi thinks there is a huge need for ranch-style homes, thanks to them, and wanted to know the rough price point. They are trying to get some homes in the $200K because they want to target those who are thinking of renting to purchase, according to the developers. She also asked if each section has an HOA, it was confirmed that there may be annual dues and maintenance in each target for snow and grass monthly. Her only concern is the concern about pickleball courts and concerned about the noise complaints.

Alderman McClatchey said this was a great idea, happy to see homes and not just apartments. Wanted to know the HOA fees, the developer just got an estimate back annual was about $400 the monthly was low $100. The same manager would manage the whole place.

Alderman Glab wanted to know if these are private parks, the initial thoughts per the developer said yes, but at this point it is very conceptual. It has been done both ways with parks. The clubhouse is another area that bothers him, hates to see a clubhouse that nobody would like from the history that he has experienced.

Alderwoman Miller likes the offerings that are put together, to help with the need that is known. The combination will help satisfy the demand, like the ponds and how they make it different. The planning process has been a great job.

This discussion went on for some time.

A. Redevelopment of 3510 W Elm Street (Director Martin)

Victor Kniazevych, who owns Professional Remodeling Services - Upgrade Your Home Today! From Chicago approached the podium to express his interest in this location. Victor He would like to redevelop the vacant former First Midwest Bank Building at the northwest corner of Green and Elm Street into a mixed-use residential and commercial building and construction. 

This would include a maximum of 28 residential rental units and 12,000 square feet of commercial space on the first floor of the building. The 28 residential rental units would primarily consist of two bedrooms.

Alderwomen Miller stated that parking is adequate but would need to see more information for the TIF funding request before she could support that. Happy conceptually with what there was to offer.

Alderman Santi is also concerned about parking and is happy to hear that there are options that are being looked at to address those.

B. Discussion and Direction – 2024 Property Tax Levy (Director Lynch)

Administrator Ostrovsky presented the property tax levy process to The City Council, including the timeline for adoption. Property Tax Levy is one of the taxing that The City Council is allowed to set and is the Home Rule community and not subject to the “tax cap” (PTELL). The property tax levy has been kept pretty steady in the last 14 years and has decreased.

There are some options to consider:

• Option 1: Increase by PTELL 3.4%

• Option 2: Increase by new growth 1.2%

• Option 3: Create a new levy for NISRA dues.

Alderman Glab can understand that over the years adjusted could see the growth being instituted. Maybe get leaner and not give money away. Alderman Santi is also in agreement with that increase as well. Alderman McClatchey wanted to know the total budget for the year. According to Director Lynch, the General Fund has expenses of $30.3 M. He is in favor of keeping the levy the way it is.

Alderwoman Miller talked about how we would fund sidewalks, roads, etc. can’t possibly keep the tax levy flat, and are not able to approve expenditures without increasing our taxes.

Alderman Davis agrees that something should be done, 1.2% could be utilized and will not affect the average person as super expensive. Would like to see some of the other taxing bodies go down as well.

Alderman Koch agreed as well for the 1.2% though not in favor of raising taxes, concerned about the economy.

Alderwoman Bassi would like to see it stay flat if we are comfortable giving away money for grants.

Mayor Jett looked to see who was in favor of the 1.2% that is the direction that will be followed. 

NISERA staying as is.

This conversation went on for some time.

Staff Reports: Director Polerecky Orchard Beach's letters went out regarding the annexation. Provided the 1st meeting of each month.

Mayor’s Report: None

City Council Comments: Alderwoman Bassi stated that leaf-blowing complaints and the gas level and noise, are there ordinances and whom do they contact? Director Polerecky stated that he would gladly speak to those who have complaints.

Alderman Glab would like to add to a future discussion item the food truck topic once again for review.

Executive Session: none

Adjourn: A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderman McClatchey to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Davis, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nay-, 0-abstained. Motion carried. 

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