McHenry Times

City of McHenry City Council met May 5

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Roll Call: Mayor Jett opened with the roll call.

Members present: Alderwoman Baehne, Alderman Glab, Alderman Doherty, 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-absent, Acting Director of Public Works Adams, Deputy Clerk Johnson, and City Clerk Ramel.

Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Jett led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Oaths of Office were administered to the following candidates elected in the April 1, 2025, Election: Alderwoman Ward 1 Bobbi Baehne; Alderman Ward 3 Stephen Doherty. Alderman Ward 5 Andy Davis; Mayor Wayne Jett; City Clerk Trisha Ramel, by Deputy City Clerk Monte Johnson.

Public Comment: Sue Meyer expresses gratitude to all of us who serve, saying that it is thankless and rewarding. Admire those who run for office and are willing to serve.

Geri Condon wanted to thank everyone for serving on the board; she also served. Wanted the Council to do what is right for the community. It feels strongly that term limits.

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

A. Illinois Marines Corps League Days Proclamation (Deputy Clerk Johnson)

B. Annual Appointment to Boards, Commissions, and Other Offices (Deputy Clerk Johnson)

C. Ordinance Relating to Class E Liquor Licenses: Amending Section 4-2-6, Subsection D.6. Limitation on Number of Licenses (Deputy Clerk Johnson)

D. Authorization to renew the City’s subscription with Tyler Technologies and authorize the mayor to sign the terms and conditions associated with the twelve-month renewal of Tyler Technologies (Chief Birk) 

E. Special Use Permit for the Pearl Street Market for the summer markets and band concerts, May 15, 2025, through August 28, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. each Thursday; and approve a Special Use Liquor License in conjunction with those events; and waive the associated fees for the reservation and support services (Director Hobson)

F. Special Use Permit from the McHenry Riverwalk Foundation to allow the consumption of alcohol throughout the grounds of Miller Point Park in conjunction with the Music Sunday band concerts beginning on May 26, 2025, through the end of the summer season on September 29, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. – 4 p.m., and to waive all associated rental and support fees for the event (Director Hobson)

G. Parks & Recreation Facilities & Special Use Permit Requests (Director Hobson)

H. April 21, 2025, City Council Meeting Minutes Issuance of Checks in the amount of $420,451.65

Alderwoman Bassi had a question on E & F, wanting to know the fees that are waived for each. Director Hobson stated that this is something that is negotiated and cannot give an exact amount for this, they look at the impact on the city services first, then weigh out a negotiation. Approximately, band concerts cost around $1,500 for the season. For summer on that Sunday, not much of a presence is needed the cost could be around $500-700 range for that.

Alderman Glab, as far as the alcohol has reservations about alcohol on the waterfronts, will support this because of the 1–4-year frame, but not if it were a longer term.

A motion was made by Alderwoman Miller and seconded by Alderwoman Baehne to approve the Consent Agenda Item as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderwoman Baehne, Alderman Glab, Alderman Doherty, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Davis, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays 0-abstained. Motion carried. 

Individual Action Item Agenda

A. Use and Zoning Variations – 1214 Park Street

A motion to pass an ordinance granting a Use Variation and Zoning Variations for the property located at 1214 Park Street (Director Polerecky)

A motion was made by Alderman Doherty and seconded by Alderwoman Miller to approve Individual Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderwoman Baehne, Alderman Glab, Alderman Doherty, Alderman Davis, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays,0-abstained. Motion approved.

B. Planned Unit Development – 1012 N Green Street

A motion to pass an ordinance granting a Conditional Use Permit and Final Plan Approval for a Planned Unit Development to accommodate the existing school, reconfigure the parking lot, and construct a maintenance garage at 1012 N Green Street (Director Polerecky)

Alderman Glab has reservations about District 15's failure to catch this over the years. Is there anyone here who is from the district who could explain that they are not claimants of that property? There was an error with the “6” being left off the 156 in the unofficial directory. Superintendent Dr Ryan McTauge took the podium and explained that this was indeed the error that and the property is owned by McHenry School District 156. The corrections are taking time to be corrected by the county. He also thanked Mayor Jett for the leadership that has been shown on this topic.

Mayor Jett also noted that it would be appreciated if Alderman Glab knew of some concerns for this Item Agenda that he should contact him more than 15 minutes before the meeting, so that any information that needs to be prepared can be done beforehand, providing more resources, etc.

Alderwoman Bassi wanted to know who owns the property, the Superintendent for 156 said that they own the 10 parcels as far as their concerns. She asked if they would be correcting the paperwork, and it was agreed that it had to be done.

A motion was made by Alderwoman Miller and seconded by Alderman Davis to approve Individual Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 6-ayes: Alderwoman Baehne, Alderman Glab, Alderman Doherty, Alderman Davis, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 1-nays-Alderman Glab,0-abstained. Motion approved. 

C. Mural at 3411 W Elm Street

A motion to approve a mural agreement and approve the social media voting process to select the final mural design at 3411 W Elm Street (Director Martin)

A motion was made by Alderman Doherty and seconded by Alderwoman Baehne to approve Individual Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderwoman Baehne, Alderman Glab, Alderman Doherty, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Davis, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays,0-abstained. Motion approved.

D. Thermoplastic Pavement Markings

A motion to approve the bid award for the 2025 Thermoplastic Pavement Marking contract to Precision Pavement Markings, Inc. for $55,850.70 (Acting Director Adams)

Alderman Koch wanted to know if it is the entire city, it is just a portion of it, per Acting Director Adams. It is in various parts throughout the city.

Alderman Glab wanted to know if it is residential and crosswalks, and it was confirmed by Acting Director Adams.

A motion was made by Alderman Koch and seconded by Alderman Davis to approve Individual Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderwoman Baehne, Alderman Glab, Alderman Doherty, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Davis, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays,0-abstained. Motion approved.

E. McHenry Music Festival Date Change

A motion to amend the dates of the 2025 R.I.S.E. Up event, canceling Thursday, September 11, and adding Sunday, September 14, 2025, with event and liquor hours opening at 3:00 p.m. and closing at 10:30 p.m. (Director Hobson)

Alderman Glab said Sunday nights at 10:30, kids have school at night, but Thursday nights would probably be the would be the same.

Alderman Koch is glad that not done on 9/11, in agreement with it.

A motion was made by Alderwoman Baehne and seconded by Alderman Davis to approve Individual Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderwoman Baehne, Alderman Glab, Alderman Doherty, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Davis, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays,0-abstained. Motion approved. 

Discussion Item Agenda

A. TIF Presentation

Director Martin talked about the Feb 11th City Council meeting and the proposed TIF districts.

The consensus at the end of the meeting was that staff would work with a consultant to see how feasible it would be. We were fortunate to have a presentation from Pete from Teska Associates.

• Reviewed what a TIF is (Tax Increment Financing)

• TIF is not new or unique to Illinois

• Tax Increment Financing Goals

• TIF Funding and what it is used for

• How TIF Generates Revenue

• Blighted vs. Conservation

• Improved vs. Unimproved

Criteria:

1. Dilapidation

2. Obsolescence- Structural / Economic

3. Deterioration

4. Illegal Uses

5. Below is the Standards code

6. Excessive Vacancies

7. Lack of Ventilation

8. Inadequate Utilities

9. Excessive Land Coverage

10. Deleterious Land Usage

11. Environmental Remediation (EPA)

12. Lack of Planning

13. Declining in EAV

Eligibility plan & Redevelopment plan would be the next steps moving forward, usually done in a step plan. Following that, notify taxing districts, hold a public hearing, and notify businesses with certified mail.

Administrator Ostrovsky gave a summary and discussed route 31 improvements and how that may be something that needs to be held off on. I wanted to know what areas would be of interest for the TIF. Afterward, an RFP would then be done after and move on from there. This discussion went on for some time. Most of the Council wanted to move forward and then have the committee of the whole, 

Staff Reports

Provided the 1st meeting of each month.

Administrator Ostrovsky wanted to discuss the legalities of the comp plan. Brandy Quance stated that most of what they have been asked is theoretical; it will be on what depends on, but the guidance will be limited to what is going to happen.

The environment is still being worked on by Director Polerecky.

Mayor’s Report: Mayor Jett will not be here next meeting. Congratulations to all those who were elected or re-elected.

City Council Comments: Alderman Glab wanted to look and see what is being paid for water bills – wanted to make sure if there are two units, then they need to be paying their fair share. Per Director Polerecky, they do enforce that.

The state of Utah just got rid of fluoride, then Florida, per Alderman Koch, looking forward to getting rid of it.

Alderwoman Miller wanted to thank Mayor Jett for meeting with the Red Hat Society, they have volunteered to help with focus groups. I wanted to thank The Chamber for the third rendition of the mini shops, the ribbon cutting ceremony. There were 100s of people down there.

Executive Session: Not needed

Adjourn: A motion was made by Alderwoman Baehne and seconded by Alderman Doherty to adjourn the meeting at 8:53. Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderwoman Baehne, Alderman Glab, Alderman Doherty, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Davis, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nay-, 0-abstained. Motion carried.

https://cms8.revize.com/revize/mchenryil/Document_Center/BoardDocs/City%20Council/Amended%20Minutes.pdf