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City of McHenry Council
Meeting Minutes
9.20.21
Minutes
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Monday, September 20, 2021, 7:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers, 333 S Green St, McHenry, IL 60050
In light of the current COVID-19 public health emergency, this meeting will be held remotely only.
The public can observe and participate by connecting online via Zoom at
hftps:Hcitvofmchenrv.zoom.us/o/82968252059
Or by phone at 312-626-6799, Meeting ID 829 6825 2059
Call to Order:
The meeting was held remotely via Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting
was in compliance with the Open Meetings Act per guidelines by the Illinois Attorney
General's Office.
Roll Call: Mayor Jett called the roll call.
Members present: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderman
Harding, Alderman Strach, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller, and Mayor Jett. Others
present: Attorney McArdle, Administrator Morefield, Director of Public Works Strange,
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, and City Clerk Ramel.
Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Jett led the pledge.
Public Comments:
Tom- resident of North Oaks Subdivision, made comments regarding the street and
concerns about the older neighborhood of the subdivision. Asking for consideration of
resurfacinig of Chestnut and Redwood where the old section and new section meet in the
subdivision.
Consent Agenda: Motion to Approve the following Consent Agenda Items:
A. Resolution Designating October 1, 2021 as National Manufacturing Day in the City of
McHenry; (Economic Development Director Martin)
C. Waiving of the competitive bidding process and award of a contract purchase order in
the amount of $49,000.00 to Robert H. Ward & Associates for sprayed concrete curb
repairs; (Public Works Director Strange)
D. Award of a contract to Insituform Technologies USA, LLC for the 2021-2022 Sanitary
Sewer Lining Program in an amount of $190,881.60; (Public Works Director Strange)
E. The minutes of the Public Works Committee meeting from July 26, 2021; the Parks &
Rec Committee meeting from December 17, 2018; the Finance & Personnel Committee
meeting from August 23, 2021; and the Community Development Committee meeting
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9.20.21
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from February 26, 2021; with the understanding that the majority of the Council members
were not present at these meetings to verify the accuracy of the minutes;
F. Parks & Recreation Facilities & Special Use permit requests; (Parks & Recreation
Director Hobson)
G. Ordinance Authorizing the Purchase of and Accepting the Real Estate Contract for 1209
Green Street, McHenry, Illinois, Between McHenry Savings Bank and the City of
McHenry;
H. August 30, 2021 City Council Meeting Minutes;
I. Issuance of Checks in the amount of $714,770.03;
J. Issuance of As Needed Checks in the amount of $367,372.15.
A motion was made by Alderwoman Miller and seconded by Alderman Strach to approve
Consent Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman
Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderman Harding, Alderman Strach, Alderman Devine,
Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays, 0-abstained. Motion carried.
B. Ordinance Fully Amending and Restating the City of McHenry's Personnel Policy and
Manual; (Human Resources Director Campanella)
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*Clerks Note- Consent Agenda Item 3B *pulled by Alderman Santi-
Alderman Santi had some questions regarding this item regarding the last time an employee
handbook was completed as an update, Ann Campanella stated it was 1996 was when the
entire handbook was created but updates have been done along the way. Also, it was
touched upon those adjustments have been made as questioned, the directors were involved
along with copies sent for review and to Administrator Morefield. The question of publishing
the handbook on The City website, for potential employees to review would be an option.
There is some confidential information so probably not, other City websites were compared
and they do not employee handbooks online either.
A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderman Harding to approve
Consent Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman
Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderman Harding, Alderman Strach, Alderman Devine,
Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays, 0-abstained. Motion carried.
Individual Action Item Agenda: None
Discussion Items.
*Clerks note 5A is being pulled from the agenda this evening.,
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A. Update with request for input and direction regarding extension of Riverwalk from Elm
Street/Route 120 north to Webers Park. (Parks & Recreation Director Hobson)
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9.20.21
B. Conceptual Presentation for Cunat Apartments. (Community Development Director
Polerecky)
Presented by Director Polerecky, in summary there will be 35 acers developed for 540
apartments, the location of Illinois Route 31/Veterans Parkway. The Cunat's want to develop
the entire site, which are currently empty lots. Brian Cunat, thanked The Council for their
time, approached the owner of the current property, the demand and need is strong. This is a
higher end apartment complex, similar project within The City of Volvo. This complex will be
built in two phases. Indoor pool, outdoor pool, clubhouse, and playground areas were some
amenities that were mentioned. All standards for fire code will be met. Stronger demand for
1- or 2-bedroom complex. Looking for a new signal light at 31 and Veterans Parkway, also
looking for sewer system and increase in lift station. Wanted to get feedback from The City
Council regarding this, to also check into the infrastructure of The City of McHenry.
Mayor Jett, asked The City Council on their input regarding this. On the north and east side
up against housing developments, per Alderman Santi would there be fencing on those
borders or trees etc. Correct as confirmed by Director Polerecky. Also asked was walking
paths, as confirmed by Brian & John Cunat these will be connected by walking paths along
with indoor and outdoor swimming pools and conference space as well.
L..
Alderman McClatchey stated he liked the location of the complex. Alderman Glab, asked
some questions regarding the Volvo complex that contained 17 acres, located behind the
Home Depot. Alderman Glab expressed his concerns regarding the water system and
pumps, per Director Strange this would not have any concerns regarding this. Had further
questions regarding the walkway and the widening of route 31.
Alderman Harding has some questions regarding the traffic signal, per Director Polerecky
stated that these are all under review if this discussion goes further. Alderman Devine was
concerned about the apartment amount, that is his only concern, happy with the location. Per
City Planner Sheriff, stated it was hard to compare the market absorption because it has
been 20 years since an apt. development had been built in McHenry County.
Alderman Santi thanked the Cunats for their time and liked the style of the apartments.
Alderwoman Miller feels this is filling a need for 1 or 2 bedroom housing along with the
location, also thanked them for their time.
Alderman Strach, would follow the comments of Alderwoman Miller, conceptually looks good
and the demand is also supported for here. Per Mayor Jett on to the next step and time to
move forward with this.
Alderman McClathcey stated this could be a win to drive new restaurants and retail etc.
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C. Water and Sewer Base Fees continued discussion and City Council direction. (Public
Works Director Strange)
Presented by Director Strange recapping the presentation from August, did more research with
finances, thankful to Director Lynch for that. Based on the current collections and fees there
are two options: sewer lining / power painting/ capital maint. replacement/.50 option per billing
cycle. Or water main option $8. Wanted to bring the ideas to The Council to see what should
be adopted and moved forward with.
Alderwoman Miller feels the second option would have her support. Alderman Glab questioned
the water usage and who is paying for it, questioned the fees and stated that there are many
that cannot afford it. Alderman Devine agrees with Alderwoman Miller and Alderman Strach as
well. Alderman Harding is leaning towards the first option and many people struggling.
Alderman McClatchy stated that is against raising the pricing, also thanked Director Lynch.
Alderman Santi has favor option A but has received some concerns from constituents.
This discussion went on for some time, also talk about compromise regarding the pricing
scenarios to accommodate in between. Mayor Jett would like to be more transparent about the
needs and getting the residents informed as to what is going on. The consensus was $4 for the
fee increase, also waiting to see what this could do in regard to Director Strange to bring back
to council.
Executive Session to discuss the purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public
body, including meetings held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should
be acquired (5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5).)
Staff Reports:
A. September 20, 2021 Staff Report Provided. - Director Polerecky talked about the roller
rink property and the developer contacted the property owners as well regarding a multi-
family developer but there is not much regarding info on it.
Mayor's Report: Big week for Rise Up Foundation, two years in the making. About 3,500
Saturday about 7,500 people. There will be fireworks as well 11 pm at night.
City Council Comments: Alderman Santi stated that they are eliminated obstetrics and would
like to request a letter from council to not support this Administrator would like to get feedback
from the staff to help draft a letter to the hospital or he can help with a letter for aldermen as
well. Per Major Jett we could get a letter out for sure.
Alderman Glab stated he had some issues with the school and the parking now, especially
with a senior area that is being dumped into a subdivision. Would like to send a letter to the
school regarding the bus lane and the traffic.
Chief Birk is going to monitor the cars on Oakwood all week and is watching the videos from
the neighbor that has watched the traffic. This was discussed in 2019 as well regarding this
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being a right only traffic situation. Alderman McClatchey stated there are some complaints
regarding dumpsters. Alderman Polerecky has helped answer some questions for Alderman
McClatchey to help resolve issues.
Alderman Glab had a question regarding the base of a tree that had fell, new growth wanted
to know if the tree is being dug up. Director Strange stated that he will get him an ETA on
that.
Adjourn: A motion was made Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderman McClatchey
to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 PM. Roll Call: Vote:7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab,
Alderman McClatchey, Alderman Harding -absent, Alderman Strach-absent, Alderman
Devine, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nay-, 0-abstained. Motion carried.
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Mayor Wayne Jett
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City Clerk Trisha Ramel c f4