McHenry Times

City of McHenry Planning & Zoning Commission met Nov. 20

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

Chairwoman Rockweiler called the November 20, 2024, regular meeting of the City of McHenry Planning and Zoning Commission to order at 5:30 p.m. In attendance were the following:

Commissioners Locke, Rockweiler, Riley, Bremer, Gleason, Lehman, and Beattie. Also in attendance were City Planner Cody Sheriff, Director of Community Development Ross Polerecky, and Deputy City Clerk Monte Johnson.

Approval of the Agenda:

Members of the Commission unanimously approved the agenda via voice vote.

Approval of Minutes:

A motion was made by Commissioner Lehman and seconded by Commissioner Gleason for approval of the July 17, 2024, and October 23, 2024 Planning and Zoning Commission 

Minutes as presented. Voice Vote: 7-ayes: Commissioners Rockweiler, Locke, Gleason, Bremer, Riley, Lehman, Beattie. Motion Carried.

2025 Meeting Schedule

Members of the Commission unanimously approved the 2025 Planning & Zoning Commission meeting schedule as presented via voice vote.

Public Input

No members of the public offered any public input.

File No. Z-2024-20

Petitioner: Matt Johnson

Request for a Use Variance to allow a Contractor’s Office at 3318 Pearl Street

Chairwoman Rockweiler opened the file at 5:31 p.m. Petitioner Matt Johnson was sworn in. Planner Sheriff explained that the City’s new Comprehensive Plan was approved on Monday night, so we can now use the recommendations from that plan. Although the plan recommends a tourist type usage in this area, this is a low impact use. Everything must be stored indoors, and the right of way line runs up to the building with all public parking, so there will be no vehicles stored overnight. Staff does not anticipate any adverse impacts to the neighbors.

Commissioner Gleason asked if this space is only being used as office space, and Mr. Johnson explained it was, and that nothing will be stored outside. He is the only person that will be working in or using that space. Commissioner Locke asked if this has been newly painted, and it was explained that the entire building has been painted within the last couple of years. It was also noted that the front part of the building is still being used as a bike shop. Director Polerecky explained that bathrooms will need to be installed to make it occupiable, but this request is fine with Staff since the building is already an industrial use.

Chairwoman Rockweiler opened the public hearing portion of the meeting at 5:37 p.m. With nobody wanting to speak, she closed the public hearing at 5:37.

All members of the Commission agreed that this is good use of the property, and is a quiet, clean, and small operation. No Commission members had any concerns.

A motion was made by Commissioner Bremer and seconded by Commissioner Lehman to recommend approval of the Petitioner’s request for a Use Variation to allow a contractor’s office on the subject property, and my making said motion, they agree that the approval criteria for Use Variances have been met as outlined in the staff report.

Roll Call Vote: 7-ayes: Bremer, Locke, Rockweiler, Riley, Gleason, Lehman, Beattie. Motion Carried.

File Z-2024-20 was closed at 5:38 p.m.

Staff Report: Planner Cody Sheriff announced that a single-family development is being proposed by Lennar. There are a variety of architectural style types of homes with different age targeted units. Staff is also actively working with Redwood for their development, and it should be coming forward to City Council for approval in December.

He also reported that the Landmark School has been approved as a historical landmark, and the Comprehensive Plan was approved at Monday’s meeting.

Commissioner Bremer expressed her frustration with the City Council and questioned the Commission’s role as they put a lot of time, effort, and discussions into these meetings. It is painful when it goes forward to the City Council, and they don’t follow their recommendation. Planner Sheriff stated that the Planning & Zoning Commission is a recommending body, and that the City is required to have the Commission by State law.

Chairwoman Rockweiler questioned why the Council did not approve the storage unit proposal, and Planner Sheriff stated that the opposition was mainly due to the outdoor units. Once those were removed from the proposal, the item passed by a majority vote.

Commissioner Locke thanked Ross Polerecky and his staff for working on getting properties cleaned up with screening. He believes Director Polerecky does not get recognized for what he does behind the scenes.

Adjourn: Members of the Commission unanimously approved to adjourn the meeting at 5:49 via voice vote.

https://cms8.revize.com/revize/mchenryil/Document_Center/Department/Community%20Development/Planning%20&%20Zoning%20Commission/Packets/PZ%20Agenda%20Packet%2012.18.24.pdf