HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 6/7/2022 - City CouncilSpecial Meeting
Coffee with the Chief
6.7.22
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MINUTES
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
McHenry Public Library, 809 Front St, McHenry, IL
Tuesday, June 7, 2022, 6:30 p.m.
NOTICE: The agenda for this Special Meeting is being posted to comply with the requirements of the Open
Meetings Act. Although this isn’t an actual meeting, a majority of a quorum of the McHenry City Council might be
present. Therefore a Special Meeting notice with an agenda must be posted. There are no items for the City
Council to take action on, and this will simply be a “meet your elected officials” night as part of the Coffee with the
Chief that Chief hosted by Chief of Police John Birk.
Roll Call: Mayor Jett called the roll call.
Members present Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderman Harding-
absent, Alderman Strach, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller, and Mayor Jett. Director of
Economic Development Martin, Chief of Police Birk, and City Clerk Ramel.
Coffee with the Chief - Meet your Elected Officials discussion
Chief Birk opened the informal meeting by introducing all The City Officials that were elected
and gave some background on the casual Q&A discussion. Each official stood up and said
hello to the residents of McHenry before the question session started.
Public Comments: Several Residents of McHenry addressed concerns/questions that they
had regarding The City. Below is a summary of some of the topics that were discussed by Chief
Birk and The City Council Members present.
Some questions were asked regarding the utilization of golf carts/UTVs with the worry of
younger children driving them, around the age of 10-12-year-old. The residents wanted to
know if there could be more enforcement of the rules. Chief Birk expressed that they are
open to getting calls regarding any underage drivers as well as the option to contact the
alderman/alderwoman regarding this. Along with that topic Chief Birk talked about the
registration of the vehicles and the safety inspections .
Another question was asked regarding if there could be police officers on bike patrols again,
Chief Birk explained that staffing is hard to do with this because of response time. Every
office does do multiple foot patrols to help get the officers out meeting others in the
community along with schools as well so it is something that is emphasized by the police
department to create relationships within the community.
Special Meeting
Coffee with the Chief
6.7.22
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Another topic brought to discussion was how are we reacting to the school safety, per Chief
Birk’s annual, and tactical skills are reviewed all the time. There is a standing school safety
committee as well lock down drills, and major drills.
Question about Hidden Pearl, there is talk about something that there may be a potential
patron in there.
Question about mowing the right away wondering if it is a City Property we mow it and
tickets are going out with those that are not mowing.
Speeding down Ramble Road was also address and how much people are speeding, Chief
Birk talked about adding a speed radar detector in that area as soon as this week to help
with that.
Questions about the new garbage company Flood Brothers in August and unlimited
curbside yard waste were also explained by Alderwoman Miller. Two options are available
for the garbage cart as well.
There will still be a sticker program as well. Buyback program for the old stickers to the new.
Can purchase own vessel but label it yard waste.
Questions about reflective clothing while bikers are out at night. Chief stated that reminders
and tips can help remind people to wear that clothing on FB etc.
Alderman Glab spoke about what is happening with the road program. Alderwoman Miller
talks about the road repairs going on and the amazing amount of progress that The City
has come to with that.
Mayor Jett talked about Miller Pointe and gave an overview of the parking lot, bathrooms at
Miller Pointe, Tiny Shops, etc.
Adjourn: A motion was made by Alderman Strach and seconded by Alderman Glab to
adjourn the meeting at 8:20 PM. Roll Call: Vote:6-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab,
Alderman McClatchey, Alderman Harding-absent, Alderman Strach, 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