McHenry Times

Village of Johnsburg President and Board of Trustees met Nov. 19

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

President Hettermann called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Village Hall.

Attendees

Trustee Beth Foreman

Trustee Mike Fouke

Trustee Josh Hagen

Trustee Greg Klemstein

Trustee Scott Letzter

Trustee Jamie Morris

Village Administrator Claudett Sofiakis

Assistant Village Administrator Vinny Lamontagna (absent)

Chief of Police Jason Greenwald

Attorney Michael Smoron

Village Engineer Tim Hartnett (absent)

Special Projects Coordinator Rick Quinn (absent)

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION: Len Keil attended to express concerns regarding the possibility of pedestrians crossing Route 31 from the new housing development to get to the Township Park. President

Hettermann stated that the Village would monitor the matter.

OMNIBUS AGENDA – Trustee Hagen moved to approve the Omnibus Agenda. Trustee Morris seconded the motion. All Trustees voted aye on the roll. Motion carried.

● Move to approve the minutes of the November 7, 2024 Special Meeting of the President and Board of Trustees

● Disbursements

● General Fund $ 89,999.96

● Waterworks & Sewage Fund $ 4,466.19

● Debt Service/SSA Fund $ 575.00

● Total All Funds $ 95,041.15

PRESIDENT’S REPORT – President Hettermann informed board that the owner of Palace Bowl would like to obtain a Class A-1 liquor license to allow for an outdoor beer garden. Trustee Foreman questioned the requirements for a Class A-1 license. President Hettermann explained that the area needs to be fenced in and meet specific standards included in the Ordinance. Discussion occurred regarding sewer availability to the property. No concerns were expressed by the Board regarding the request for an A-1 liquor license.

ORDINANCE 24-25-11 AMENDING CHAPTER 15 OF THE JOHNSBURG MUNICIPAL CODE

Trustee Morris moved to approve Ordinance 24-25-11 Amending Chapter 15 of the Johnsburg Municipal Code. Trustee Fouke seconded the motion. Village Administrator Sofiakis explained that input from the last meeting was incorporated into the current draft along with input from the Village attorney. Chief Greewald asked that language be added holding the owner of the non-vehicle accountable when involved in a violation if the owner refuses to disclose who was driving the vehicle at the time the violation occurred. Attorney Smoron stated that language could be added to address those circumstances which  would hold the owner vicariously liable. Trustee Foreman expressed concern that the fees for late registration are too high. The board dicussed changing the fee for registrations made six months after the due date to $75 and $60 and double the fee after a year but not assess the additional $200 fine proposed. President Hettermann pointed out that it is a privilege to be able to travel with non-highway vehicles in the Village and that privilege should not adversely affect operations. He added that the increased fees would help offset the cost of personnel administering and enforcing the program.

The board discussed language included in the proposed ordinance requiring seat belt. Trustee Fouke stated that older golf carts cannot be equipped with seatbelts without pursuing significant fabrication changes. The board agreed that consideration needs to be given in those instances. Chief Greenwald pointed out that State requires seatbelts on golf carts when driving on the roadway. Attorney Smoron confurmed that to be accurate and read from the section of statute that addresses seatbelt requirements. President Hetterman pointed out that if the State requires seatbelts the Village should incorporate it into the ordinance and if older golf carts are unable to be equipped with them, consideration should be provided.

Trustee Hagen questioned if Class 1, 2 or 3 e-bikes are easily identified. Trustee Fouke confirmed that they are standardized. Trustee Hagen expressed concern with the specific language included in the ordinance regarding the signage needed to prohibit unauthorized vehicles from using private parking areas. Attorney Smoron stated that the language could be changed to reflect that “no trespassing” signs are sufficient for enforcement.

The board agreed to table action on the matter to the next meeting so that the additional changes can be incorporated into the Ordinance.

Trustee Fouke reminded all about the arrangements for the upcoming Holiday Magic Event.

ADJOURNMENT – Trustee Foreman moved to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Fouke seconded the motion. All Trustees voted aye on the roll. Motion carried at 7:50 p.m. 

https://www.johnsburg.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/village_board/meeting/26845/board_minutes_11-19-24.pdf