McHenry Times

Village of Johnsburg President and Board of Trustees met July 1

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 Mike Fouke

Trustee Josh Hagen

Trustee Scott Letzter

Trustee Jamie Morris

Trustee James Sylvanus

Trustee Keith Von Allmen

Village Administrator Claudett Sofiakis

Assistant Village Administrator Vinny Lamontagna

Chief of Police Jason Greenwald

Attorney Michael Smoron

Village Engineer Tim Hartnett (absent)

Special Projects Coordinator Rick Quinn (absent)

FROM THE FLOOR – Lisa Pucinelli of 514 Bald Knob attended regarding noise concerns related to a live band that performed at the Backyard Bar and Grill. She asked that the Village purchase a decibel reader and enforce ordinances. She added that the concern was raised previously in December at which time she was told it would be looked into.

Mark Adams of 510 Bald Knob Road attended regarding the same concern and stated that the ordinance restricting noise is very specific about the decibel reading and he would like to see the Village purchase the equipment necessary to enforce the ordinance.

Cheryl Markunas of 1310 Hayden Drive attended to express concern regarding parking at the boat launch.

She asked that additional signage be installed directing overflow parking to park at the Municipal Center.

President Hettermann stated that additional signage would be pursued. Ms. Markunas also expressed concerns regarding persons driving electric bikes traveling at excessive speeds through the gate and along Sunnyside Beach Drive.

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

• Move to approve the minutes of June 17, 2025 meeting of the President and Board of Trustees

• Ordinance 25-26-07 An Ordinance Implementing a Municipal Grocery Retailers’ Occupation Tax and Municipal Grocery Service Occupation Tax for the Village of Johnsburg, Illinois

• Ordinance 25-26-08 An Ordinance Amending Chapter 41, Hotel Motel Tax by Retitling Same Municipal Taxes and adding 41.02 Simplified Municipal Telecommunications Tax, 41.03 Utility Taxes, 41.04 Non-Home Rule Municipal Occupation, Service and Use Taxes, 41.05 Municipal Cannabis Retailers’ Occupation Tax, and 41.06 Municipal Grocery Retailers and Grocery Service Occupation Taxes; and Deleting Chapter 29 Simplified Municipal Telecommunications Tax, Chapter 30 Utility Taxes and Chapter 45, Municipal Cannabis Retailers’ Occupation Tax of the Johnsburg Municipal Code

• Disbursements

• General Fund $153,331.52

• Waterworks & Sewage Fund $ 3,551.52

• Debt Service Fund $ 1,680.00

• Total All Funds $158,563.04

PRESIDENT’S REPORT - President Hettermann discussed the status of the Dutch Creek Habitat Restoration Project. He explained that the Army Corp of Engineers pursued an initial study at a cost of approximately $100,000 which resulted in a Federal Interest Determination being made. He explained that the next step is to complete the feasibility study which will cost approximately $300,000, of which the Village is responsible for half of the cost. President Hettermann requested the board’s consideration to budget $150,000 over the next two years to complete the study. He explained that upon its completion, improvement options will be provided along with their projected costs. The Board can then determine how and if it wishes to proceed. President Hettermann expressed concern that if the Village does not participate in the project while the Army Corp is willing to contribute, the project will never get done as it will be too costly for the Village to take on alone.

Trustee Letzter questioned how the Village will benefit from the project and if it will generate revenue. Village Engineer Tim Hartnett explained that once the study is complete, the Village will have a better understanding of what it will take to restore the habitat and complete hydrological improvements. Additionally, some passive recreation improvements can be incorporated into the project such as walking paths, a canoe launch, lookouts, etc. President Hettermann stated that the project will not result in additional revenues but it will restore an important environmental area within the Village. He added that dreding of the area would be very beneficial as well. Trustee Letzter questioned if the project has been discussed with the Fox Waterway Agency. President Hettermann stated that they are aware of the project and are interested as the Agency is always looking to improve the waterways and they need areas to pump dredged materials which may be possible in association with this project.

Trustee Hagen can questioned if additional grants could be used to help fund the project. President Hettermann stated that additional grant funds could be used so long as they are not federally sourced. Additionally, the Village will get credit for the property needed for the project which is owned by the Village and work in kind. Mr. Hartnett pointed out that the project has been a top priority in the Chicagoland area for the Army Corp over the last ten years. President Hettermann stated that it has taken ten years to get to this point and the project has also been identified as a priority during Village strategic planning sessions. He added that the Village can get credit for any additional property it secures and he is hopeful that the Dutch Creek Woodlands HOA would be open to participating.

President Hettermann announced that the Village will be hosting the McHenry County Council of Governments dinner meeting on July 23rd at the Johnsburg Community Club. He asked that board members let Village Administrator Sofiakis know if they will be attending.

NEW BUSINESS

FY 2026 BUDGET PRESENTATION

Village Treasurer Beckey Kijak reviewed the status of FY 2025 projects and projected year end revenues and expenditures. She discussed the proposed FY 2026 budget, pointing out the anticipated decrease in Cannabis and Use Tax and increase in Sales Tax based upon IML projections. Ms. Kijak stated that no major capital purchases are anticipated in FY 2026 however a larger road program and several park improvements are underway and included in the budget. Contributions to the Police Pension Fund and  Reserves are consistent with planned funding and a larger contribution towards the Capital Plan is included in the budget.

No projects are anticipated in the Water and Sewer Fund budget and the Golf Course is now generating additional revenues which are being directed towards upgrades at the golf course and repayment to the General Fund for improvements pursued when the course was acquired.

Trustee Letzter questioned if the increase in Motor Fuel Tax recently approved by the State will result in additional revenues to municipalities. Ms. Kijak stated she would look into how the additional funds will be distributed.

Ms. Kijak reviewed the FY 2026 budget impacts and 10 year projections. Trustee Sylvanus questioned the increase in expenditures experienced in legal and engineering in FY 2024 and 2025 and the decrease in the amount being budgeted in FY 2026. Village Administrator Sofiakis stated that the increased engineering costs over the past couple of years were associated with major road projects pursued during those years which were included in the General Fund. She clarified that the engineering cost for the Johnsburg Road Improvement Project and the 2026 Road Program are instead budgeted in the MFT fund this year. Village Attorney Michael Smoron explained the increase in legal fees are greatly attributable to litigation matters the Village has been dragged into related to disbutes between neighbors and he is optimistic that the fees will be less over time. Trustee Sylvanus questioned the decrease in overtime budgeted in FY 2026. Chief Greenwald explained that the increase in the number of officers and part time officer availability will help minimize the need for overtime. Trustee Von Allmen questioned the terms of the cleaning and mowing contracts. Assistant Administrator Lamontagna stated that they are on a three year cycle.

Trustee Hagen moved to approve the FY 2026 Budget with the inclusion of $75,000 for the feasibility study associated with the Dutch Creek Habitat Restoration Project Trustee Sylvanus seconded the motion. All Trustees voted aye on the roll. Motion carried.

ADJOURNMENT – Trustee Sylvanus moved to adjourn the meeting. Trustee Morris seconded the motion. All Trustees voted aye on the roll. Motion carried 8:29 p.m.

https://www.johnsburg.org/sites/default/files/fileattachments/village_board/meeting/27403/board_minutes_7-1-25.pdf