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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2/3/2025 - City Council City of McHenry Council Meeting Minutes 2.3.25 1 MINUTES REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, February 3, 2025, 7:00 p.m. City Council Chambers, 333 S Green St, McHenry, IL 60050 Roll Call: Mayor Jett opened with the roll call. Members present Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, 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. Public Comment: none Consent Agenda: Motion to Approve the following Consent Agenda Items as presented: A. Appoint Laura Welter, Donna Storm, and Kirk Donald to the City of McHenry Landmark Commission (Deputy Clerk Monte Johnson) B. Ordinance Amending Section 6-5A-4: Disorderly Conduct, Subsection B. Penalty, of the McHenry City Code (Deputy Clerk Monte Johnson) C. Parks & Recreation Facilities & Special Use Permit Requests D. January 21, 2025, City Council Meeting Minutes E. Issuance of $212,322.84 Checks A motion was made by Alderman McClatchey and seconded by Alderman Santi to approve the Consent Agenda Item as presented: Roll Call: Vote:7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Davis, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays, 0-abstained. Motion carried. City of McHenry Council Meeting Minutes 2.3.25 2 Individual Action Item Agenda A. Addison’s Steakhouse Liquor License A motion to approve a Class A liquor license to Addison’s Steakhouse LLC, located at 820 N John St. (Deputy Clerk Monte Johnson) Alderwoman Bassi asked petitioner Jonathan Descher if he was keeping the establishment open 31 as well as the country club, and it was confirmed that he was thinking of keeping it a sports bar. Alderman McClatchey wanted to know the opening date, the first week of March per the petitioner. No public comment. A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderwoman Miller to approve Individual Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman Davis, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 0- nays, 0-abstained. Motion approved. B. Addison’s Steakhouse Video Gaming License Pending the approval of a Class A liquor license, a motion to approve a video gaming license to Addison’s Steakhouse LLC, located at 820 N John St. (Deputy Clerk Monte Johnson) Alderman Glab no problem with this tonight just replacing what was already at the establishment, in the future very cautious regarding more video/liquor licenses. Alderman Koch asked if this is a new license or one that already exists at the country club, per Mayor Jett this is a new license. No public comment. A motion was made by Alderman Koch and seconded by Alderwoman Miller to approve Individual Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman Davis, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays, 0- abstained. Motion approved. City of McHenry Council Meeting Minutes 2.3.25 3 C. Bumble Bread Revolving Loan A motion to approve a revolving loan to The Bumble Bread Company, LLC, in the amount of $30,000 for paying the costs associated with the purchase of equipment utilized in their business operations, opening expenses, and working capital (Economic Development Director Doug Martin) Per Mayor Jett, after talking for four years with them and the time at the little shops and then moving to brick and mortar, it is exciting to see them move forward. Alderman Glab is excited to see this happen hoping to see even more growth with brick-and- mortar for those entrepreneurs. Alderman McClatchey stated that they went full circle regarding the business. Alderwoman Miller, this speaks to the city's success and it’s a privilege to support them. No public comment. A motion was made by Alderman McClatchey and seconded by Alderman Glab to approve Individual Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman Davis, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 0- nays 0-abstained. Motion approved. D. 3900 Mercy Drive Cannabis Use Variation A motion to approve an Ordinance granting a Use Variation for an Adult-Use Cannabis Craft Grow Facility in conjunction with an Adult-Use Cannabis Infusion Facility for the property at 3900 Mercy Drive (Community Development Director Ross Polerecky) Conditions regarding ventilation and odor can be shut down if this occurs, since there is not growing there should not be any issues with it, per Director Polerecky. Alderwoman Miller asked if there have been any issues, it was confirmed per Director Polerecky, that there have not been any. Alderwoman Bassi wanted to know if the leaves and the stems will be used instead of just the flower, per Director Polerecky before they were not able to use the flower, now it will be processed with the flowers and the stems, but there will not be anything grown there. Alderman Davis, do licenses allow them to grow in the future? Technically, they could, but there is no room to do so, per Director Polerecky. No public comment. City of McHenry Council Meeting Minutes 2.3.25 4 A motion was made by Alderwoman Miller and seconded by Alderman Santi to approve Individual Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman Davis, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays, 0- abstained. Motion approved. E. Upper Campus Parking Lot Conditional Use Permit A motion to approve an Ordinance granting a Conditional Use Permit for McHenry High School – Upper Campus to allow a parking lot expansion for the property at 4716 W. Crystal Lake Road (Community Development Director Ross Polerecky) Alderman Glab has a concern more than anything else that when the topography is a foot higher, unfortunately looking at the flow of where the water goes because of the expansion of the baseball fields that occurred. Do we have any idea where the water will flow due to it? It will be engineered by The City of McHenry. He has reservations in support of this item. Wanted to know if there is curbing around it, confirmed by the petitioners. The drainage will be towards the primary basin west of the baseball field. Alderwoman Miller stated that any other time they have been before us, there have not been issues. There have not been any comments from the condos per Director Polerecky. A motion was made by Alderman McClatchey and seconded by Alderman Santi to approve Individual Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 6-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Davis, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 1-nays-Alderman Glab 0-abstained. Motion approved. F. Duker School Conditional Use Permit A motion to waive the public hearing application fee for School District 15 and approve an Ordinance granting a Conditional Use Permit for Chauncey H. Duker School to allow an expansion of the parking lot and add a new access drive off Grove Avenue for the property at 3711 Kane Avenue (Community Development Director Ross Polerecky) Alderwoman Miller is happy to see this, and Kane Ave is a mess and this will help with the traffic and the kids etc. to flow even better. This helps provide an additional area for pick up and drop off. Alderman Santi stated that he appreciates a couple of the neighbors who gave him a call regarding this, along with the Planning and Zoning meeting. Also, meeting with District 15 to City of McHenry Council Meeting Minutes 2.3.25 5 take the time to meet with him to understand this more. No blocking of driveway signage will also be added for the neighbors. Alderman Koch stated it is a good idea, seems to be thrown together and maybe it could have been fine-tuned more and maybe a better idea. The civil engineer answered questions at the podium and explained that other ideas were also noted, including the navigation of the parking lot and how they came up with the ideas presented. Alderman Glab is not in favor of this at all to waive an application fee, the residents are losing money because of it. Spoke about Kane Ave and how wide the street is and could occupy parking for teachers. Chief Birk stated that there is a unique situation in Kane, there are two schools on that street. It is composed because there are two sets of buses and parents going to two different schools, along with inadequate parking for staff. It creates a problem with children being dropped off, it can create a vacuum there. There are many problems with traffic and this is a good start. Keeping teachers in the parking lot helps alleviate the blind spots for children who are walking through. Allows more flow, this is an ongoing issue and he is firm on his decision supporting this. Josh Reitz superintendent of District 15 stated that there are conversations at the beginning of each year, stated that they had to get creative with the situation. There are 200 3-year-olds, pre-K, alone with Edgebrook alone. Alderwoman Bassi talked to some residents and stated that the new parking is too close to the homes, which is why she cannot support this. Alderman Koch asked why the fee would be waived, and looked at it as a wash per District 15, for the taxpayers. 6F and 6G could be waived per Mayor Jett and then charge one fee, if that is something that The Council was looking for. Per Mayor Jett, we have a partnership with our school districts and it is important. The right of way would have to be vacated per Director Polerecky if this project will move forward. This conversation went on for some time. City of McHenry Council Meeting Minutes 2.3.25 6 Public Comment: Hailey Pellot, resident located directly on Grove Street where the parking lot would back up to. She understands the need for the parking and has concerns as a resident about where the parking would affect her, location on Grove. Has not noticed any safety issues for years, with the current drop off and pick up, as she also has children that do attend the schools as well. The current proposal could cause more issues than solved since the parking lot is going to be 20 feet away from where her children sleep. Marcy Holroyd, an Algonquin resident who is the grandmother of Hailey above, spoke regarding the parking that will affect her daughter’s home. Would like to reconsider the Grove access gate if it becomes a problem. Kathy, a resident of McHenry, and also a neighbor on Grove Street of the proposed parking lot, stated that she moved there because it was a dead end, and it was beautiful. The gate is a huge concern for them. Jill Stone, a resident who also lives on Grove Street. Stated that this idea is not good by any means, stated that they have lived there since she was five, and loved the peace. Many children play in the field all the time. There is a gate there now and it is always left open, that is a huge issue that lives on Grove Ave. Josh Reitz, Superintendent for District 15 along with Jeff Schubert the Chief Financial Business Officer and Megan Michel- representative for J. Condon & Associates took the podium. The district will be responsible for the opening and closing of the gate. They did offer to put in concrete bollards, but the canopies are what they went with, a 6ft. tree is the size. Any of those improvements are open for the district. 360-degree cameras can also be reviewed if there are issues with the parking lots. All Duker staff would be directed to park there. Alderman Davis would like the trees to be large enough to add more protection to the resident's homes. Also, wanted to know if there is an automated gate with a swipe card as a suggestion. Also, concerned that this gate will be closed. Alderman McClatchey would like the trees to be doubled up, even if it costs more money. This conversation went on for some time. *Clerks Note: Original motion made, then withdrawn by. A motion was made by Alderwoman Miller and seconded by Alderman Santi to approve Individual Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman Davis, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays, 0- abstained. Motion approved. City of McHenry Council Meeting Minutes 2.3.25 7 *Clerks note: second motion with addended verbiage referenced by Attorney McArdle. A motion to reduce and consolidate the fee to $900.00 in total and approve the proposed ordinance, following edits: 1 remains as. 2. The school district should provide district-owned gate access to Grove Ave. Student morning drop off and pickups will be closed after pickups and closed any other time including weekends or any other time. 3. As is. 4. The school district will provide a guardrail. 5. As is with the provision the easement be reserved in favor of the city to access the gate and the lift station adjacent to the school property. A motion was made by Alderwoman Miller and seconded by Alderman Santi to approve Individual Agenda Items as revised: Roll Call: Vote: 5-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Davis, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 2-nays-Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Glab, 0- abstained. Motion approved. G. Middle School Track and Field Conditional Use Permit A motion to waive the public hearing application fee for School District 15 and approve an Ordinance granting a Conditional Use Permit for McHenry Middle School to allow a Recreational Track & Field at 2120 W. Lincoln Road (Community Development Director Ross Polerecky) Alderwoman Bassi was visiting with the resident who was there for the meeting and wanted to know if they could use the track field when not in use. Per D15, yes it could be a community event but need to make sure doing right with the use. A motion was made by Alderman McClatchey and seconded by Alderman Davis to approve Individual Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 6-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Davis, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 1-nays-Alderman Glab 0-abstained. Motion approved. H. Riverwood Bus Lane Conditional Use Permit A motion to waive the public hearing application fee for School District 15 and approve an Ordinance granting a Conditional Use Permit for Riverwood Elementary School to allow an expansion of the parking lot to add a new bus lane for the property at 300 S Driftwood Trail (Community Development Director Ross Polerecky) City of McHenry Council Meeting Minutes 2.3.25 8 Alderwoman Bassi, stated that residents are concerned about draining and flooding and wanted to voice this concern. Per the engineer, there is currently a storm sewer where it will be directed to. The water will continue to the basin and will not leave that area. A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderwoman Miller to approve Individual Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 6-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman Davis, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 1-nays-Alderman Glab 0- abstained. Motion approved. I. Public Works Director Recruitment Agreement A motion to approve a Master Services Agreement with MGT Impact Solutions, LLC, for the recruitment of a Public Works Director, in an amount not to exceed $24,000 (City Administrator Suzanne Ostrovsky) Added: The condition that Attorney McArdle will look over that contract Alderwoman Miller stated that the experience was great to use a professional recruiter to help bring the best talent. Alderman Santi wanted to know the time frame, per Mayor Jett not in a rush at this time. Acting Director Adams has done a great job filling this role as of now. Alderwoman Bassi stated that this should be completed in-house. A motion was made by Alderwoman Miller and seconded by Alderman Santi to approve Individual Agenda Items as presented: Roll Call: Vote: 6-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman Davis, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 1-nays-Alderwoman Bassi, 0- abstained. Motion approved. Discussion Item Agenda Staff Reports Provided the 1st meeting of each month. Administrator Ostrovsky explained that the development discussion will be put on hold because there will at least be one council member joining with the election around the corner. Also, a reminder to The Council that the parking study, that was approved will also be completed soon as well. Feb 18th meeting will be the discussion of the upcoming TIFF districts, looking at more of the outlying areas in the community. Normal meeting time for this. City of McHenry Council Meeting Minutes 2.3.25 9 Director Polerecky stated that the environmental for Green and Elm has been approved and heard back from IDOT. Mayor’s Report: State of The City is Feb 20th luncheon. City Council Comments: Alderman McClatchey stated the polar plunge worked out well, kudos to Chief Birk. Executive Session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees (5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1)) A motion was made by Alderman Santi seconded by Alderman Koch to adjourn to Executive Session at 8:49 pm to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees (5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1)) Mayor Jett reconvened the meeting from the Executive Session at 10:00 p.m. A motion was made by Alderwoman Miller and seconded by Alderman Koch to return to an open session. Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Davis, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nays 0-abstained. Motion carried. Adjourn: A motion was made by Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderwoman McClatchey to adjourn the meeting at 10:05 Roll Call: Vote: 7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman McClatchey, Alderwoman Bassi, Alderman Davis, Alderman Koch, Alderwoman Miller. 0-nay-, 0-abstained. Motion carried. X Mayor Wayne Jett X City Clerk Trisha Ramel