McHenry Times

Village of Cary Committee of the Whole met Feb. 11

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

ATTENDANCE 

Village Board of Trustees 

Mayor Mark Kownick, Trustee Dale Collier, Trustee Rick Dudek, Trustee Ellen McAlpine, Trustee Anthony Stefani, Trustee Rick Walrath, Trustee Jennifer Weinhammer 

Others Present 

Village Administrator Morimoto, Community Development Director Simmons, Public Works Director Noonan, Superintendent Steve Kopacz, Superintendent Matt Anderson, Police Chief Finlon 

I. Call to Order 

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Kownick at 6:00 p.m. 

II. Roll Call 

The roll was called and all were present. Trustee McAlpine joined the meeting at 6:04 p.m. 

III. Pledge of Allegiance 

Mayor Kownick led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. 

IV. Open Forum 

There being no comments, Mayor Kownick closed Open Forum at 6:01 p.m. V. Discussion Regarding Fiscal Year 2026 - Fiscal Year 2030 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) 

A. Discussion on Fiscal Year 2026 - Fiscal Year 2030 Capital Improvement Program Administrator Morimoto, Community Development Director Simmons, Public Works Director Noonan, Police Chief Finlon, Superintendent Kopacz, and Superintendent Anderson provided an overview of the Fiscal Year 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). 

Charlie Middlestedt, 109 E. Ross Avenue, does not support the proposed potential Hilltop Subdivision sidewalk design. 

John Rohrbach, 120 Cherry Street, is concerned about the increased traffic in the Hilltop subdivision due to nearby businesses and feels all the properties in the subdivision should have sidewalks. 

Ellen Branson, 15 Ross Avenue, thanked the Board for attempting to put together a solution to a difficult issue. 

Judy Middlestedt, 109 E. Ross Avenue, stated they were told at a previous meeting that a sidewalk couldn't be installed in front of 110 E. Cherry Street because the property line ended at the curb. Ms. Middlestedt noticed the design presented this evening showed sidewalk in front of 110 E. Cherry Street and asked if something had changed.  

Director Noonan stated as more detailed property information was examined, it was discovered there was room between the property line of 110 E. Cherry Street and the curb for the installation of sidewalk. 

Chris Reike, 446 Lloyd Street, asked if the presentation could be viewed after the meeting.  

Administrator Morimoto stated yes, the CIP presentation will be put on the Village's website as it has in previous years. 

Mr. Rohrbach asked if there were projections on Cary's population once the current proposed residential projects were completed, and if it would be possible to achieve home rule status. 

Mayor Kownick stated a community must have 25,000 residents to achieve home rule status, and the Village currently has less than 18,000 residents. 

Director Simmons stated Cary's population would likely remain under 20,000 residents once the residential projects are completed. 

Mr. Rohrbach asked what the advantage is for the Village to own Cary Lake at Rotary Park, and feels the Park District would be a more appropriate entity to own this property. 

Mayor Kownick stated the Village approached the Park District and the McHenry County Conservation District about the property, but they were not interested in acquiring more land. Mayor Kownick stated once the property is fully up and running, maintenance costs will not be burdensome. 

Mr. Rohrbach supports the overhead shade structure for Alfresco Alley. Mr. Rohrbach asked if the Village has researched rebate incentives for the installation of electric vehicle charging stations. 

Mayor Kownick stated certain projects are on hold for now due to the current federal funding freeze. 

Mr. Reike stated sidewalk and pavement grinding are effective ways to address some of the concrete and road repair issues.

The Village Board provided feedback on the Village's 5-year CIP and discussed potential new revenue.

Mayor Kownick thanked Village staff for putting together the information for the workshop presentation.

Trustee Dudek and Mayor Kownick encouraged residents to stay engaged and participate in Village discussions.

VI. Adjourn

Motion:

There being no further items to discuss, Mayor Kownick entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:41 p.m.

Motion moved by Trustee McAlpine and motion seconded by Trustee Walrath

AYES: Collier, Dudek, McAlpine, Stefani, Walrath, Weinhammer

NAYS: None

ABSTAIN: None

https://www.caryillinois.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02112025-190