HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 04/24/2017 - City CouncilANNUAL MEETING
April 24, 2017
Mayor Low called the annual scheduled April 24, 2017 annual meeting of the McHenry City
Council to order at 7:00 p.m. In attendance were the following Aldermen: Santi, Glab, Schaefer,
Curry, Wimmer and Devine. Absent: Condon. Also in attendance: City Administrator Morefield,
Deputy City Administrator Hobson, Director of Economic Development Martin, Chief of Police
Jones, Director of Public Works Schmitt, Director of Community Development Polerecky,
Director of Finance Lynch, City Attorney McArdle, City Engineer Pieper and City Clerk Dalton.
CITY OF MCHENRY MISSION STATEMENT
Mayor Low read aloud the Mission Statement of the City of McHenry.
PUBLIC INPUT SESSION
None.
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Special Event Liquor License for outdoor service of alcohol for Nicolino's Trackside annual Kentucky Derby event,
Saturday, May 6, 2017, from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm; and
B. Approval of Payment of Bills, in the amount of $85,648.32.
Motion by Wimmer, second by Schaefer, approving the Consent Agenda, as presented:
Voting Aye: Santi, Glab, Curry, Schaefer, Wimmer, Devine.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Condon.
Motion carried.
MOTION TO APPROVE:
• RESOLUTION R-17-007 IN RECOGNITION OF CITY CLERK JANICE DALTON:
• RESOLUTION R-17-008 IN RECOGNITION OF WARD 5 ALDERMAN RICHARD W.
WIMMER; AND
• RESOLUTION R-17-009 IN RECOGNITION OF MAYOR SUSAN E. LOW
Mayor Low read aloud the Resolution R-17-007 recognizing City Clerk Janice Dalton.
Mayor Low acknowledged City Clerk Dalton's sixteen years of dedicated service to the City of
McHenry having been first elected as a write-in candidate in 2001. Mayor Low expressed
appreciation and gratitude to City Clerk Dalton and requested that Resolution R-17-007 be
incorporated into the minutes of the meeting.
Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman Schaefer, Alderman Curry, Alderman
Wimmer and Alderman Devin thanked City Clerk Dalton for her service to the City of McHenry.
Motion by Wimmer, second by Schaefer, incorporating Resolution R-17-007, recognizing
City Clerk Janice Dalton, into the minutes of the meeting of April 24, 2017.
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April 24, 2017
Voting Aye: Santi, Glab, Curry, Schaefer, Wimmer, Devine.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Condon.
Motion carried.
Mayor Low read aloud Resolution R-17-008 recognizing Ward 5 Alderman Richard
Wimmer. Mayor Low acknowledged Alderman Wimmer's years of dedicated service to the City
of McHenry. Mayor Low summarized Alderman Wimmer's many accomplishments, expressing
appreciation and gratitude to Alderman Wimmer. Mayor Low requested that Resolution R-17-
008 be incorporated into the minutes of the meeting.
Mayor Low, Alderman Santi, Alderman Glab, Alderman Schaefer, Alderman Curry and
Alderman Devin thanked Ward 5 Alderman Wimmer for his service to the City of McHenry.
Motion by Schaefer, second by Curry, incorporating Resolution R-17-008, recognizing
Ward 5 Alderman Richard Wimmer, into the minutes of the meeting of April 24, 2017.
Voting Aye: Santi, Glab, Curry, Schaefer, Wimmer, Devine.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Condon.
Motion carried.
City Administrator Morefield requested that City Clerk Dalton read aloud Resolution R-
17-009 recognizing Mayor Susan E. Low. City Clerk Dalton stated that the City Clerk does not
often speak at the Council meetings, but was honored to be asked tonight to read the
Resolution honoring Mayor Low into the minutes of the meeting. City Clerk Dalton stated that
she felt privileged to read the Resolution recognizing a portion of the accomplishments attained
by an individual she has admired personally and professionally.
Mayor Low's numerous accomplishments, contributions and dedication to the City of
McHenry were read, having been first elected as Ward 3 Alderman in candidate in 2001,
appointed as Mayor of the City of McHenry July 1, 2003 and elected to her first term as Mayor
in 2005. City Clerk Dalton noted that Mayor Low is a lifelong resident of the City of McHenry
expressing appreciation and gratitude to Mayor Low for her dedicated service to the City of
McHenry, which she served with honor and distinction. City Clerk Dalton requested that
Resolution R-17-009 be incorporated into the minutes of the meeting.
Motion by Curry, second by Santi, incorporating Resolution R-17-009, recognizing Mayor
Susan E. Low, into the minutes of the meeting of April 24, 2017.
Voting Aye: Santi, Glab, Curry, Schaefer, Wimmer, Devine.
Voting Nay: None.
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April 24, 2017
Absent: Condon.
Motion carried.
MOTION TO ACCEPT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
AND GRANT A USE VARIANCE TO ALLOW A TATTOO PARLOR AND ART STUDIO AT 3940 W.
MAIN STREET WITH THE CONDITION THAT THE USE VARIANCE SHALL EXPIRE AND BECOME
NULL AND VOID IF THE TATTOO PARLOR USE CEASES FOR A PERIOD OF SIX (6) CONSECUTIVE
MONTHS
Director of Economic Development Martin informed Council that the applicant is
seeking a Use Variance to allow a tattoo parlor and art studio at 3904 W. Main Street, with the
condition the Use Variance shall expire and become null and void if the tattoo parlor use ceases
for a period of six consecutive months.
Director Martin stated that Staff has been working with the applicant for an extended
period of time in an effort to find an ideal location for the business. The applicant's narrative
provides a good overview of their proposed business. Staff does not believe a tattoo parlor and
art studio would have any adverse land use impacts on adjacent properties or require
additional City services. Staff noted that there exist several vacancies on Main Street and the
proposed use would add an additional element and amenity for people to come to Main Street.
Staff supports the proposed Use Variance.
Director Martin informed Council that the Planning and Zoning Commission
unanimously recommended approval of the Use Variance to allow a tattoo parlor and art studio
at 3940 W. Main Street, with the condition the Use Variance shall expire and become null and
void if the tattoo parlor use ceases for a period of six consecutive months.
Alderman Santi expressed concern that tattoo parlors might have an adverse effect on
redevelopment of an area.
Alderman Glab requested that visuals be restricted regarding the art displayed.
Alderman Schaefer opined that he is not a proponent of tattoo parlors and the
associated variances.
Alderman Curry inquired about the art studio component of the proposed use.
Applicants, Justin and Cory Murov, addressed Council. Ms. Murov stated that they would not be
focusing on teaching art so much as displaying art to enhance and contribute to the community.
Responding to an inquiry from Council, Ms. Murov informed Council there would be a
separation between the ink space and the art space.
Mayor Low reiterated that the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously
recommended approval of the Use Variance. She stated that while some people do not care
personally for tattoos, many people see tattoos as a creative art form and seek out a talented
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April 24, 2017
artist to achieve their tattoo. Mayor Low opined she likes the distinction between the tattoo
parlor and the art studio.
Motion by Wimmer, second by Devine, approving the Use Variance to allow a tattoo
parlor and art studio at 3940 W. Main Street, with the condition that the Use Variance shall
expire and become null and void if the tattoo parlor use ceases for a period of six consecutive
months.
Voting Aye: Wimmer, Devine.
Voting Nay: Santi, Glab, Schaefer, Curry.
Absent: Condon.
Motion denied.
MOTION TO APPROVE THE FISCAL YEAR 2017/2018 BUDGET, AS PROPOSED AND
RECOMMENDED BY THE FINANCE AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
City Administrator Morefield requested that Council adopt the Fiscal Year 2017/2018
Annual Budget as proposed and with funding as discussed and recommended by the Finance
and Personnel Committee. City Administrator Morefield informed Council that the format of
the documents has been revised and reformatted for easier analysis. City Administrator
Morefield thanked all the department directors and acknowledged Director of Finance Lynch
and her huge role in the preparation of the Budget. City Administrator Morefield provided
Council with a brief outline of each Fund.
Alderman Curry opined that he likes the new format and stated he appreciates City
Administrator Morefield's and Director of Finance Lynch's discussions with him and answering
his numerous questions.
Alderman Wimmer stated that Director of Finance Lynch did an outstanding job.
Alderman Devine stated that this is his first opportunity reviewing the Fiscal Year Budget
and is impressed by the process.
Alderman Santi opined that the new format is a great improvement. Alderman Santi
stated that an excellent job was done by Staff.
Alderman Glab opined that the new format is clear and makes for easy understanding.
He stated he would still like to see additional money for the Street Program.
Alderman Schaefer opined that he is impressed by Staff's efforts and is pleased to once
again see a balanced budget.
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April 24, 2017
Motion by Curry, second by Schaefer, adopting the 2017/2018 Annual Budget, as
proposed and with funding as discussed and recommended by the Finance and Personnel
Committee.
Voting Aye: Santi, Glab, Curry, Schaefer, Wimmer, Devine.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Condon.
Motion carried.
MAYOR'S STATEMENT AND REPORT
MOTION TO APPROVE FISCAL YEAR 2017/2018 ANNUAL APPOINTMENTS OF
MUNICIPAL OFFICERS BOARD AND COMMISSION MEMBERS AND STANDING
COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL
Mayor Low informed Council that she and Mayor Elect Jett have met and concur
regarding the appointed municipal officers, as defined in the McHenry Municipal Code. Mayor
Low presented the names and designations of the appointment and requested that consent of
Council.
Alderman Curry opined that he still has issues with the appointment of a City Engineer
and is unable to support the appointment. Alderman Glab opined that he feels that having a
City Engineer is necessary. A brief discussion ensued.
Motion by Schaefer, second by Wimmer, consenting to the appointment of Fiscal Year
2017/2018 Municipal Officers, as defined in the McHenry Municipal Code.
Voting Aye: Santi, Glab, Schaefer, Wimmer, Devine.
Voting Nay: Curry.
Absent: Condon.
Motion carried.
MAYOR'S REPORT
Mayor Low congratulated Mayor -Elect Wayne Jett, City Clerk -Elect Lynzi Nevitt and
Ward 5 Alderman -Elect Chad Mihevc.
Mayor Low thanked Council for their efforts to do what is best for the entire community
and their willingness to serve. She stated she is proud to be a part of the City of McHenry,
proud the City is a Character Counts! Community and proud of the City's efforts taking part in
St. Baldrick's annually. She said it was a privilege working with Staff and acknowledged their
hard work, camaraderie and professionalism. Mayor Low recognized the contributions of City
Attorney David McArdle and City Engineer Chad Pieper. She thanked family and friends for their
support and stated she loves the City of McHenry and was honored to serve as Mayor.
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April 24, 2017
COMMITTEE REPORTS
There were no Committee Reports.
STAFF REPORTS
Director of Economic Development Martin requested community support for the family
of Thomas Damiano, a resident that recently lost everything in a fire at their home in Lakemoor.
A fundraiser will take place at Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin Robbins on Thursday, May 4, 2017, all
day. Special promotional pricing will take place between 5:00 pm and 9:00 pm. A portion of the
entire day's sale proceeds will be donated to Mr. Damiano's family. Bulldog Alehouse and
Dunkin' Donuts have contributed $100 gift cards to the Damiano family.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
City Clerk Dalton apologized stating she neglected to inquire if there were any
comments from Council regarding Mayor Low following the reading of Resolution R-17-009.
Alderman Devine thanked Mayor Low for her service to the community.
Alderman Schaefer thanked Mayor Low, stating that it was a pleasure working with her.
Business was always conducted at the Council level despite disagreements. Alderman Schaefer
stated he always received sound advice from Mayor Low.
Alderman Curry thanked Mayor Low for her service.
City Attorney McArdle stated that Mayor Low has been a pleasure to work with. He
noted that Mayor Low was positive during her administration and always supportive of Staff.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Wimmer, second by Devine, to adjourn the meeting at 7:54 pm.
Voting Aye: Santi, Glab, Schaefer, Curry, Wimmer, Devine.
Voting Nay: None.
Absent: Condon.
Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:54 pm.
A/."Y/
Mayor
City Clerk