HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 03/25/2020 - City Council A
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MINUTES
EMERGENCY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Remote Zoom Meeting - Meeting ID: 208 357 050
March 25, 2020, 6:00 p.m.
Call to Order: The City Council of the City of McHenry, Illinois, met in regular session
on Monday, March 16, 2020, at 6:00 P.M., as a remote zoom meeting.
Roll Call: Mayor Jett called the roll call.
Members present: Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman Schaefer, Alderman
Harding, Alderman Mihevc, Alderman Devine, Alderwoman Miller, and Mayor Jett.
Others present: Attorney McArdle, Administrator Morefield, Interim Director of Public
Works Strange, Director of Community Development Polerecky, Finance Director
Lynch-absent, Director of Parks and Recreation Hobson, Director of Economic
Development Martin, and Chief of Police Birk, and City Clerk Ramel.
Public Comment: None
`- The purpose of the emergency meeting is to give an update of the Coronavirus disease
2019 (COVID-19) and to discuss opportunities for a local stimulus package.
COVID-19 Update: Mayor Jett opened the meeting informing The Council with updates
for the COVID-19 health pandemic. Several council members had questions regarding
the length of the stay at home order that is being followed by the governor. Alderman
Harding wanted to know if it will be lifted by Easter per the governor and it was
expressed by Chief Birk that it could be lifted but could also be extended per the City of
McHenry if needed. Alderman Schaefer wanted to know if daily reports will continue by
Chief Birk and it was confirmed as long as there is new information it will be
communicated. Chief Birk also confirmed that COVID-19 illness counts can be
communicated as well per Alderman Schaefer. The Council expressed concern for the
police and how they are handling the crisis was also touched upon. There is more police
presence around town during these times. In regards to business shut downs; there
were only a few business that did not comply with the ordinance to close doors,
however now are in compliance.
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Discussion of opportunities for local stimulus package: -�
Director of Economic Development Martin, explained the resiliency package that would
be presented for the local business that are struggling during this time. Small
businesses such as restaurants and hospitality businesses could get a loan from the
city and emphasized that this should be as quick as possible to help them. There will be
an application process that Attorney McArdle will assist with. Administrator Morefield
explained that the amount of$250,000 would come out of the general balance and
businesses most at risk could loan up to $10,000. There would be no payments or
interest within one year. The amounts loaned to the businesses will need to be repaid
as businesses resume back to normal or after the year a 3% interest rate will occur.
There has been a similar program that was one other time in history of McHenry, during
a time when IDOT had major roadway construction.
Mayor Jett stated that the money loaned would go back to the General Fund, Director of
Finance Lynch stated that she would be able to help set up a spate fund. Many of The
Council members would like to know who will apply for the loans and wanted to
reassurance that the same standard for applying is across the board. The idea of
creating a matrix sheet was brought up as an idea as well. In conclusion Mayor Jett
wanted to thank the board for all their support. He complimented Chief Birk for being on
the front lines and communicating so well to The Council and the community.
Adjourn: A motion was made Alderman Santi and seconded by Alderman Glab to
adjourn the meeting at 7:10 PM. Roll Call: Vote:7-ayes: Alderman Santi, Alderman
Glab, Alderman Schaefer, Alderman Harding, Alderman Mihevc, Alderman Devine,
Alderwoman Miller. 0-nay-, 0-abstained. Motion carried.
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