McHenry Times

Village of Johnsburg Development and Government Affairs Committee met June 25

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Chair: Trustee Keith Von Allmen

1. Call to Order & Attendance

● Meeting called to order by Keith Von Allmen at 6:32 PM.

● Present: Keith Von Allmen, Hagen, Foskett, Keil

● Absent: Block, Johnson, Myers

2. Pledge of Allegiance

● Recited by committee.

3. Audience Participation

● There were no comments from the floor.

4. Approval of Minutes

● Committee Member Keil moved to approve the minutes of May 28, 2025 meeting.

Committee Member Hagen seconded the motion. All members present voted aye.

Motion carried.

5. Chairman’s Report

● Monarch Pledge: Village received a certificate from Environmental Defenders of McHenry County for continued support. Discussion on long-term maintenance of pollinator sites (cutting and burning rotation).

● Sunnyside Park Development: Phase 1 includes two pickleball and volleyball courts with playground. Playground funded by private donor. Installation expected by Fall 2025 or early 2026. Subsurface environmental status discussed; not classified as hazardous. Planned parking lot expansion from 76 to 140 spots.

● Downtown Parking Lot Proposal: Engineer estimate $850,000. Cost-saving measures considered, using in-house labor and aggregate pad preparation.

● Fox River Day: Community event in September. Planning discussed for cleanup sites and volunteer organization. Potential collaboration with Fox Waterway Agency and local groups.

● Land Use & Green Space Preservation: Discussion of May Trails and nearby parcels, including potential land acquisitions for park use. Recommendation to preserve areas in natural state with low-maintenance trails. Emphasis on conservation, native species, and community volunteerism.

● Additional Park Considerations: Potential pocket parks along Johnsburg Road and in Dutch Creek Woodlands. Soil issues affect development viability. Interest in converting areas into passive recreational or conservation zones.

● Riverside Drive Property: Federal funding assistance (50/50 split) for bay area clean-up and canoe launch discussed. High cost remains a barrier.

6. New Business

● Draft mission statement and committee goals presented for review. Emphasis on advisory role, idea generation, and collaboration with other committees. Request for feedback and additions to ratify goals at future meeting.

7. Old Business

● Update on SSA levy increase affecting resident (Otto family). Discussion of public communication strategies to improve transparency on tax changes.

8. Scheduling

● July meeting potentially rescheduled from the 23rd due to conflicts. Alternatives to be sent out to committee members for feedback.

9. Adjournment

● Committee Member Foskett moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Committee Member Keil. All members present voted aye. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM.

https://www.johnsburg.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/development_amp_government_affairs/meeting/27373/dg_min_06.25.25_-_draft.pdf