City Council - Regular Meeting

Just kidding, Sue. He was gonna lightly tip it. Yeah. Slipped. All right, everyone. Welcome to the Monday, April 20th city council meeting. Clerk, please call the role. Alderwoman Baney here. Alderman Glad here. Alderman Dhy here. Alwoman Bassie here. Alderman Davis here. Alman Cook here. Alwoman Miller here. Please stand for the pledge. Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation with liberty and justice for all.

All right. At this time, I open a public hearing uh for the proposed fiscal year 2627 budget at approximately 7:02 p.m. Uh is there anyone from the public that would like to make a public statement regarding the budget? See none. Looking for a motion to close the public hearing. Alderoman Bainy. I'll make a motion to close the public hearing. Thank you. Second. Alderoman Miller. I'll second that motion. Thank you. Clerk, please call the role. Alderwoman Bainy. Yes. Alderwoman Miller. Yes. Alderman Cook. Yes. Alderman Davis. Yes. Alwoman Bassie. Yes. Alman Dhy. Yes. Alderman Glad. Yes.

Thank Council. I'm looking for a motion to adopt adopt the fiscal year 2627 budget. Alderman Dhy. I'll make a motion to adopt the fiscal year 2026 27 budget. Thank you. Second. Alderman Cook. I'll second that motion. Thank you. Discussion by city council. Aldin Bassy. Can you hear me? Sure. Oh, okay. Yeah, I can. Can you Can you hear me?

Thank you. Um, I don't want to belabor the points um, I already made in the previous two budget meetings, but I'm voting no because the budget includes a sewer and water rate increase, another $120,000 bailout to the rec center, two third-party concept plans for parks, and excessive tiff spending beyond what the tiff fund will generate. Thank you. Any other comments by city council? I see none. Uh, clerk, please call the roll. Alman Dhy, yes. Alderman Cook, yes. Alderwoman Miller, yes. Alman Davis, yes.

Alman, Alwoman Bassie, no. Alman Glad, no. Alwoman Bainy, yes. Thank you, councel. Next item on the agenda is public comment. Uh, Molly, I have you on here, but we'll bring that I'll bring you up during that item. Okay. Is there anyone else that would like to make a public uh comment that is not on the for items that are not on the agenda this evening? See none. Moving on to uh conceptual presentation by Mildred Solar. If you could please step up to the podium. Okay. Hi everybody. Hi. How are you?

Good. How are you? Good. Hey, good evening everyone. Um, my name is Tori Day. Um, and I'm an associate on our project development team at One Energy. Um, I'm joined today by Mackela Blandon who's our associate director of development. And we're really excited to bring forth this proposal for a new solar location in the city of Mckenry. Um, and we look forward getting your feedback on this conceptual presentation for the new location. Um, so just a little bit about One Energy. one energy solar developer nationwide, but we have a really strong footprint here in the Midwest. Um, our largest office is in Madison, Wisconsin, which is where I'm based, and we've developed 55 of projects similar to the one that we're proposing today across the Midwest. Uh, we also have eight projects that are located in Illinois that are participants in the Illinois Community Solar Program and three of those are here in Mckenry County. So, the project that we are presenting today, we're calling Mildrid Solar B. Um, this is an updated location to the previous uh permit that we submitted for a conditional use permit um off of Curran Road. So, our original project location is marked A on the map there and highlighted in purple. Um it's south of 120 um off of Curran Road. And the new project that we are proposing a location for today is marked as B on that map and highlighted in red. Um so there's a couple reasons why um we're resiting this project in this new location. And we think um it's it's a different location that could be maybe more beneficial and a little less impactful to the city than the previous location that we submitted our permit for. Um so it takes a couple things to be able to site a solar project. One thing is a willing land owner. So, our landowner was willing to lease this new project area to us. Um, also interconnection capacity. Um, so to be able to connect this project to comed's distribution grid, Comet has to give you

a positive indication that a project of this size could fit on the grid. And, uh, we have that with this project. Um, this project that we're proposing is the same size as the last one. So, Mildred B is the same size as Mildred A at about 5 megawatts and a little less than 30 acres of land used. Um, also land has to be well suited for solar. So, we look for good buildability characteristics. So, it's relatively flat. It's big enough for a solar project. There's no major uh flood planes or wetlands that would further constrain the site. Uh, so we think that this could be a preferred location over location A for a couple reasons. Um, and based on some of the feedback we got with our first conditional use permit, um, in this new project location, the nearest residence is located 750 ft away from the project. Uh, this is based on our analysis, one of the only places in the city of Mckenry that you can locate solar so far from residences. Um, also based on some feedback that we got in our first permitting attempt about preserving land for residential development, um, the original solar project A was located near some infrastructure that was built out for residential expansion um, to the north. So on that all of that land off of Curran Road. Um, this new project area preserves that land that 150 acres that are owned by our land owners surrounding the project area. So to like the northeast of where our new proposal is, uh 150 acres that are preserved for residential development, uh solar projects are temporary land uses. So the solar project would be in the ground for about 40 years. So at the end of the project's life, it could be taken out and then repurposed for residential. So we kind of see this as an opportunity to have the benefits of a solar project in the interim uh expand some residential development in the area that's slated for residential development first and then it can be further expanded to our project area at the end of its life. Uh so why are we citing the project here

and what are the other options in the city of Mckenry? Um, so we're aware of the new ordinance that was recently passed um, moving solar in the city to I1 parcels located south of Bull Valley Road. And uh, we've done some analysis over some of the locations of what that could look like for solar in the city. Um, and we found two suitable parcels that uh, could be potential candidates for a solar project. Um, one of these projects the or one of these parcels, the one located um to the the northwest uh just off of Bull Valley Road, it's a relatively small parcel for a solar project and it would constrain the site of a project. So, it's not necessarily the strongest candidate for solar. Um, so only one strong option for solar. Um, and it takes a couple things like I'd mentioned to be able to site a good solar project. And interconnection is one of the biggest barriers to solar projects that we have in the state of Illinois. So, not every electrical line that you drive by on the side of the road has sufficient capacity to be able to host a solar project of this size. Um, frankly, less than half of the projects that we study with comed end up having positive results. And, uh, it's pretty rare for COMED to tell us, yes, you can fit a project of this size on this location. Uh so while you might have the land for a solar project, interconnection capacity is pretty hard to come by and so solar can't necessarily go on any land you see. Um not saying that that's the case for these projects. It just takes further studies with comed to be able to uh confirm that. Uh also the component of a willing land owner is not available on this site. The land is not commercially available. And um based on our analysis, our proposed location is the furthest that you can site a solar project from residences in the city of Mckenry. So in both of these industrial zone parcels, you are abuing residential developments and so you're much more likely to have visual impacts of the project and residents will be able to see the project from their house or it they're both located on very major roads in the city. People would drive by these

projects all the time. Our project is not located off a major road. It can kind of fit in nicely. No one will even really know that it's there, but it could still bring the city the benefits of having a community solar project in the area. Uh we also know that the city is aware and has adapted their ordinance based on the clean and reliable grid affordability act or SURA. There's a lot of different components of the act, but uh the particular piece that I'm referring to is the piece that requires municipalities to regulate solar uh without directly banning or having the effect of a ban in their um ordinance. So having a project like the one that we are proposing today with Mildred B is a good opportunity to show that solar is regulated appropriately in the city and in line with SERA and it would eliminate any doubts or any threats that non-compliance could have. Um so while the current solar uh locations that were identified with the new solar ordinance could work for solar um in practice none of these sites may be able to come to fruition. And so if you like the attributes of the solar project that we're proposing tonight, the community benefits that One Energy is willing to bring to the area and the distances from residents, then uh having us move through the conditional use process could lead to a solar project that fits in really well with the community, contributes to the community, and also in the same time puts the city into an unquestionable compliance with SERA. So with that, I'll walk you through the site plan for the project that we're proposing today. Uh just to get our bearings all the way on the left is Curran Road. Um and then the blue lines that you see running throughout those are a flood plane and a wetland lines. Um on the bottom you can see a like gray band that goes from Curran Road to our project area. That's the road that we would propose uh to access our project. Uh the solar array is single axis tracking panels that are oriented north to south and they move east to west throughout the day to track the sun. And we have a fence surrounding the solar

project. And our project areas are planted with native pollinator plants. Um so these are great for supporting a healthy ecosystem in the area, supporting local wildlife and pollinators, um improving the soil health and uh doing better storm water management. Uh the site was also designed with uh setbacks taking into account. So we have 50 foot setbacks from our parcel boundaries. Um and the typical setback for residences is 150 feet, but this project area is actually cited 750 feet from nearest residences. So at this distance, there are very limited visual impacts. Um there also great trees surrounding the project area uh that would help further buffer any visual impacts um to our local neighbors and there would be no sound impacts at this distance. But similar to the last project, we'd absolutely be willing to work with the community to identify any locations where we can further limit our visual impact and um any community benefits that the residents nearby would like to see from the project. Um before we hosted a community meeting and integrated that feedback into our project proposal and we'd absolutely be willing to do the same thing on this project. Um so like I mentioned, this would be a community solar project. So it would take part in the Illinois Shines program which is the state community solar program. And so with community solar residents would be able to subscribe to the project and having a subscription to the project would allow them to save money on their comed utility bills. Um with the last project we proposed a u benefit of having a period of exclusivity for city of mckenry residences and so we'd be happy to provide the same on this project. So the residents of City of Mckenry could get the first opportunity to subscribe to the project. Um so that's just a way for us to kind of localize the benefits more so your constituents would be the first ones to get a chance to subscribe if they're interested. So a little bit more about the project benefits of having Mildred Solar be in the city. Um it would bring increased

tax revenue for um all the taxing bodies but especially to Mckenry schools. Um over the 40-year life of the project, we estimate the project would generate about $1 million for the city um and the taxing bodies. Um so having a low impact development that no one can see. It's tucked behind um and kind of preserves future residential development. It kind of provides an interim benefit of tax benefits in a way that's not very impactful. Uh we've also entered into a letter of intent for a donation to the community foundation of Mckenry County. Um, so what that would look like would be a designated fund for the city of Mckenry and we'd be happy to work with any stakeholders or the residents to determine what could be a good area to apply that um that funding to. So whether it's parks or affordable housing, we'd be willing to bring that as a community benefit um to the area to kind of further solidify our um our benefits we'd like to bring. Uh, and then solar overall is a great source of local and clean energy and it supports the local grid and it would help further stimulate the local economy. So, I thank you all for your consideration tonight and I look forward to any questions or comments that you have about this proposal.

Thank you very much. I'll open up for city uh council to ask any questions. Uh, first glow. Yeah. Could we go back to the last screen? you go back one screen. Yeah. The increased tax revenue for Mckenry schools. How do you figure you're going to get increased revenue for them?

Yeah, that's a good question. Um so having a solar project, there is a state of Illinois assessment for how much money uh solar projects contribute to in um tax dollars. Um it's around $5,000 per megawatt per year. And so in the you know all at the end of the day it ends up being around a million dollars um as opposed to it being taxed currently as an agricultural parcel and generating around a thousand a year. Really?

Um you're talking job creation, local spending during construction. What kind of a time frame would you be talking about as far as construction? Yeah. So construction for a project of this size would typically take about four to six months um to yeah fully get the project constructed and so yeah local people would be working on that project and uh coming to the area spending locally. So they're here and they're gone. Basically you're bringing but is affordable. You're bringing in uh construction people. I mean you're not necessarily creating more jobs in the city. Correct.

Yeah, they would Yeah, they would be here like working on jobs in the city and, you know, spending locally and staying locally and that kind of thing. Um, I'll pass to whoever else has a question right now. I've got another one, but I'm not sure yet. Okay. Oh, Bassie.

Thank you. Hi, Tori. Um, I absolutely appreciate how receptive you are to the feedback and working with the residents, but the location is still an issue. Um, the city now has land south of Bull Valley um, Bull Valley Road in an industrial an industrial cord zone for possible solar farms. So that would be the only way appropriate. That would be the only appropriate location for a solar farm. So I don't know if I would be in favor of this. Thank you for that feedback. Uh you are a private company, right? And you work with combat, correct?

That's correct. So in other words, say after 101 15 years, can you sell to another company? Can you sell this project to another company? Yeah, that's a good question. Yeah, this project could be sold to another company. Um, but any commitments that we would make in the permitting process, they would still be held to. So, they would still be held to the same standards that we would be held to. And you're telling me that these panels last 40 years? Okay, that's great. They're warrantied for 40 years.

Okay. But the thing is that just as a particular you sell it after 20 years is the same responsibility of getting them out of there falls onto that company that you sold it to. Does everything transfer over?

Yeah. So we would actually be entering into what's called an agricultural impact mitigation agreement. We call it AMA. And what that is is we would set aside a bond um at the cost of what it cost to decommission a project. Um so that's done through the Illinois State Department of Agriculture and the bond would be held locally. So just in case if we sold it to an irresponsible company or if our company went under, whatever happens, there is money set aside to decommission the project so it's not just sitting there not being used. The reason why I asked that is because of all the shale oil drillers and all that stuff with all the wells. All of a sudden now the Illinois taxpayers are stuck trying to fill these things. Yeah.

And this is what I worry about with these solar farms. It's like all of a sudden somebody does a slight hand and all of a sudden somebody's we're all expected to decommission it. Yeah. And you can't even get rid of these solar panels. They're not recyclable. Yeah. No, I totally understand and appreciate that concern. And I'm just thank you for answering my question. Thank you for your questions. Alder Miller. Thank you. Um, so I h I have redundant questions from your last presentation. This is obviously a community cooperative and are the shares going to be reserved for Mckenry residents only or are you going to co-op to whoever subscribes?

Yep, that's a great question. So, we would be able to offer a period of exclusive subscriptions to City of Mckenry residents. Um, since there are a number of like we have a number of subscriptions we're able to give just in case those aren't filled by City of Mckenry residents um like not enough interest if people don't want to subscribe to the project. So, subscriptions still need to go somewhere. So, at the end of that period of exclusivity, it would open up to all COMED customers. Um, but we would be able to set it so they get kind of like first dibs at subscriptions. So, if they want them, they can get them first. And it very well could be filled by just residents of the city of Mckenry. Um, for a project this size, this is a 5 megawatt project. We see anywhere between 750 to a,000 subscriptions. Um, so there's definitely enough households here to be able to fill that if people if there's an appetite for subscribing to community solar project. putting Mildred B in the middle of nowhere, 750 ft from the closest house, your access road, your gravel access road that's at the north side of those residents. Yeah.

Um how do you propose to maintain that and how often will you be on that road?

Yeah, that's a great question. Um so after the project is constructed, there really is only intermittent um people visiting the project for maintenance as needed. the sites are mostly remotely monitored. So, um traffic is pretty limited. Maybe one uh like pickup truck a month would be pretty standard for a project after it's been constructed. Um but for uh how we would maintain the road, uh we proposed a paved apron to the road. Um so that was some of the feedback we got with the original Mildred proposal was that um a gravel driveway in the city of Mckenry is not acceptable. So, we would pave a certain amount of the road um and then have the rest be um gravel um and so that would be and we would also be submitting an operations and maintenance plan and going through building permits where we had kind of f further solidified a plan for um upkeep of the road.

So, that brings me to my last question um which obviously I asked at the last presentation as well. All of your pictures and your website shows livestock on these sites. Um, in this particular instance, I was told sheep. I'm a farmer. Sheep obviously can't be in a fenced area and only tended once a month. So, I I'm in conflict with you saying someone would visit that once a month, but we're going to put sheep in there. So, what's the real story? Are you taking care of the sheep or are you not taking care of the sheep?

Yeah. So the the sheep is uh usually we would work with a local grazer and they would come bring the sheep to kind it's kind of like a form of um vegetative man management or mowing for us. Um so the sheep would only be visiting the site a couple times a year. They don't live at the site. Um they would just be coming in and um grazing. They have like you know different separate areas that they graze them in one area and move them around. And so um it's usually not the solar company that has the sheep. It's working with someone local to bring in their sheep to the solar area and that's good land management. So, thank you for that. Yeah, of course. And we love working with local grazers.

Yeah, I I appreciate that you again took the feedback from our first conversation about you can't abandon sheep out there. Yeah, absolutely. Otherwise, I'd be calling the Hooved Animal Society. Um, thank you for thank you for your presentation. as uh again I tend to agree with Alderwoman Bassie that I I'm a I'm a supporter of solar. I just don't think that that location warms my heart at all. Um and and although I would love to see you and your efforts somewhere here, I don't know that I can support that location. Okay. Thank you for that feedback.

Any other questions? Alam GL. Go ahead. Yeah, you're talking about bonds uh to dismantle and what kind of dollars amounts and what kind of an escalation uh due to inflation and everything else are you talking about as far as increasing bonds? I mean, you know, if you're talking 20 or 25 years from now, it could be three or four times the construction cost to take it down. Yeah. Yeah. Absolutely. That's a great question. Um so, how is that being handled as far as the bonds?

Yeah. So the the bond amount is set by a third party engineer. So we're not deciding how much it costs to decommission a solar project. Um someone else is deciding that. Um and typically the um engineer will re-evaluate the project. I believe it's every 10 years. Um they reevaluate the cost of decommissioning so it can be updated. So what kind of an agreement are you going to have that that there's going to be some pitching bonds down in the future? You say you're going to re-evaluate it. that doesn't necessarily mean you reports to take and and add extra to the bonds or is it when you sell it to somebody else they are going to check and see what what the bond amount's going to be.

Yeah. So the the agreement that we'd enter into it's um through the Illinois State Department of Agriculture. Um so it is like a regulated um there there's the Agriculture Mitigation Agreement Act is kind of what set this in place. So, it's like a it's a it's a standard template that you see for solar projects that they're all held to the same um like level of um of commitment to it and they're all held to the same standard and people are very familiar with how do they review that? Um so it would be for the life of the project. So no I mean how often do they review the bonds that there's sufficient amount money in there?

I I believe it's re-evaluated by the engineer every 10 years and the bond is held locally. So it' usually be held with whoever is the authority having jurisdiction. So in this case, the city of McHenry could hold the bond. If we were working with the county, the county would typically hold the bond. So at this time, it's about every 10 years that they review it. That's that's my understanding. Check the language of the EMA, but it is regulated through the state. Yeah. Okay. You talk a period of exclusivity for the city of McHenry for how long?

Yeah, that's a good question. Um, so typically we would do a 30 days period of exclusivity. Um, so they would have to residents would have to opt in themselves. It's not an automatic thing. They would have to decide they want to take a subscription. Um, and so they would have that time period to subscribe until it would open up to all Comed customers. And after it opens up, they're still welcome to subscribe. It doesn't cut them out of it, but it would just be a little bit more competitive. They'd have more people that uh were also able to subscribe after that. Uh, has anybody looked at the soil conditions out there? You know, you talked about the residential construction after that's taken down.

Yeah, that's that's a good question. Um, so usually when we're looking like closely at the soil, we do that later in the permitting process. So, this is just a conceptual presentation. So, that's absolutely something we would take as a due diligence item if there was positive feedback and we wanted to come back to um apply for a conditional use permit. Um but with us using um native pollinator plants on site, it is absolutely our intention to leave the soil better than we found it. Um and it kind of gives the ground a nice uh 40-year break from uh right now it's in agriculture and so it has 40 years to kind of just just be a native pollinator prairie um until it can be converted to any use that the city sees fit at that end of its useful life. And how do you describe how the connections to the grid is going to happen way out there?

Yeah, so we connect to the Oh, you mean like how does it get back to the solar project area? Okay. Yeah, that's a great question. Um, so we would be building and and we would fund this underground line that would run to the um utility poles that are on Curran Road. So, in other words, you're talking what exists or will there have to be uh larger amounts of wires and poles or whatever put in?

Yeah. So, we would propose this as um putting it in underground. So, we're not putting in poles all the way back to the project area. Um we would be funding ourselves uh putting underground wire um from the solar array to Curran Road where the existing distribution lines would then be able to um that's where we'd like kind of hook up the project to

KMED. Well, I know uh years back we had some issues uh further north as far as uh when we expanded uh with Meyer and everything out there that Comemed had to add additional power out there and then we had all these uh electric poles going up that were not in neighborhoods that had them.

Mhm. And uh that would be one of my reservations is the fact that uh I would not want to see that happening into my ward over there because my ward is directly between this and KMED's station. So um I've got that and then I also have uh the fact that uh this area has always been uh more wildlife uh out there. uh we find deer in the back of some of the yards out there. We are looking at uh uh comprehensively uh down the road as far as uh uh a lot of nature paths and everything along the the creek and uh I just don't think that the solar farm fits out there. I really don't. And you wouldn't have my support at all. Thank you.

Okay. Thank you for your feedback. So at this point there's four against. Uh, so the majority is against and Alderman Cook, am I correct on that? So there'll be four. It's not a vote. It's not a vote, but four right now are against the solar farm. We can continue to go and and let them ask questions. I just don't want to, you know, kill you and your team over questions and you're like, "All right, it's already DOA, but I I just want to make sure that, you know, you understand that." So, uh, does any council members want to chime in that has not have not spoken? Aldwoman Benny,

I don't really have any questions, but um I'm going to just echo the sentiment sentiments of Alderwoman Bassie and Miller. I think you've been delightful to work with and I really appreciate how accommodating you've been to council's feedback. Um but also this is already designated in the plan that we've recently completed and I feel like it's you know doing a real disservice for all the work that was done to put that together and you know survey what our residents are looking for and what our staff has identified as being best for the community. So, while I really do like the concept a lot and had that not been done, I don't even think that's a bad location whatsoever, but because of, you know, our future planning, I don't think I can vote for it in that location at this time. Okay, understood. Thank you,

Dornney. Might as well. Yeah, I mean, I would kind of echo you spoke very eloquently about it. Um, I I see it more the nature area, the parks, the, you know, use of that as opposed to solar farm. Thank you. Thank you. Davis, I'm kind of in agreeance um with everyone else, although uh I I think it's a great project. I think I'd like to see it somewhere else. Um just not this location. Okay. Thank you. So, thank you and your team. Uh you know, you're you've been great to work with and and discuss discussing these opportunities, but as as of right now, we're all I think on the same page that it's just not the right location. Okay, understood. Yeah. Thank you all for your consideration, your questions tonight.

I appreciate it. Take care. Thank you.

All right. Moving on to consent agenda items 8A through 8K. Any items that the council would like to pull for separate consideration? Seeing none, I'm looking for a motion to approve 8A through 8K. Aldorin Miller. I'll make the motion to approve consent agenda 8A through K um as presented. Thank you. Second. Alderman Bainy. I'll second that motion. Thank you. Discussion by city council. See none. Clerk, please call the role. Alderwoman Miller? Yes. Alwoman Bainy? Yes. Alderman Glad? Yes. Alman Dhy? Yes. Alwoman Bassie? Yes. Alderman Davis? Yes. Alderman Cook? Yes.

Thank council. Next item on the agenda is individual action items. Uh 9A uh Kimley Horn signed his proposal and looking for a motion to approve a signage proposal for Kimley Horn regarding review design and creation of sign uh signage master plan in the amount not to exceed $24,100. Looking for a motion to approve. Alman Dhy I'll make a motion to approve item 9A the Kimberly Horn signers proposal as presented. Thank you. Second Aldwin Miller. I'll second that motion. Thank you. discussion by city council. Alder Graham.

Yeah, I just think that uh every time we turn around uh we're spending tens of thousands of dollars uh for reviews, designs. Um it really doesn't take a that much of a person that knows graphic arts and everything else to take and create these signs and and the locations. uh to spend $24,000. Uh to me, I would think that would be something that uh staff should be able to do, but on their own. Thank you, Albassi.

Um I I'm actually going to be voting no on this because of the scope of the contract. within the $58,500 parking downtown parking study were already uh there were already recommendations on sign placement and illustrations of what the signs should look like. One of the duties of the city planner per the job description is quote professional and technical planning work um utilizing advanced techniques in gathering and analyzing um and present presentation of data. End quote. Our staff, specifically our city planner, should analyze the recommendations and illustrations already in the downtown parking study and present a signage master plan inhouse. So, the city is not paying for recommendations we already paid for and received. The city should instead work with a traditional traditional sign manufacturer to design and create signs. Consultants are expensive and should not be the default for what should be done by the city.

Thank you. Any other comments by city council? See none. Open it up for public comment. See none. Clerk, please call the role. Alderman Dhy. Yes. Alwoman Miller, yes. Alderman Cook, yes. Alderman Davis, no. Alderwoman Bassie, no. Alderman Glab, no. Alderwoman Baney, yes.

That item has passed. Thank you, city council. Next item on the agenda is 9B, East Beach Park Pavilion. Looking for a motion to approve a project to purchase and install a park pavilion for East Beach Park in the amount uh total amount of $68,36612. Looking for a motion to approve. Alderman Cook, I wish to approve East Beach Park Pavilion. Thank you. Second, Alderwoman Dainy. I'll second that motion. Thank you. Uh discussion by city council. Alderman Cook. Mr. Hopson. Did uh we purchased the pavilion already last year. Correct.

We did in uh June or July. Okay. So, have we paid for that already or this is all thrown into one basket and then we It's this is a cumulative presentation for you. We have not paid for it yet. Okay, that's all I want to know. That's what I thought. Glenn.

Yeah, Bill. Um, glad to see things along the lakeshore, MLM Lake. uh being built up and it the lake um we've spent tons of money over the years uh uh and several times with the mil foil and all that. Um but with this park pavilion, this isn't just for that neighborhood. Correct. I mean, if anybody wants to rent out the pavilion, just like any of the other areas like in Peterson Park, whatever, it's open for permits. Correct.

That's correct. The nice thing about East Beach is it does have some parking spaces there. So, it's not just a neighborhood park and it also has that that pedestrian connection to Peterson Park. But, you're correct, it would be it would be one that we put on the slate and if you wanted to reserve it, there are parking spots that are there and then along to go with the or to go along with the the new playground that we installed a couple years ago now. Great. I think two years ago. Thank you. Any other comments by city council? Any public comment regarding this item? Trish, please call the role. Alman Cook, yes. Alumoman Bainy, yes. Alderman Glab, yes. Alman Dhy, yes. Alumoman Bassie, yes. Alman Davis, yes. Alwoman Miller, yes.

Thank you, councel. Next item on the agenda is 9C, American Legion Vetfest event. Uh motion. I'm looking for a motion to approve one uh a specific uh a special use permit application by the Mckenry American Legion Post 491 for the use of Veterans Memorial Park in conjunction with a proposed Vetfest event on August 15th, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Also, approval of a special event liquor license by the same uh for the event with s service hours contained by 12:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. And uh you could separate these votes if need be, but I am looking for a motion for both items. Alman Glenn.

Yeah, I'll make that motion and uh I won't have to repeat it. I think the way you uh spoken I don't have to be shorted. The way I butchered it, it was good. Okay, perfect. Second. Al Miller, I'll second that motion. Thank you. Discussion on this item by city council. See none. Any public comment? Trish, please hold. Alman Glab, yes. Alderwoman Miller, yes. Alderman Cook, yes. Alman Davis, yes. Alwoman Bassie, yes. Alman Dhy, yes. Alwoman Beanie, yes.

Thank you, council. Next item on the agenda is 9D, Twisted Limits liquor license. I am looking for a motion to approve a class E bring your own uh alcohol liquor license to twisted limits act throwing uh lounge and pass an ordinance amending section 4-2-6 relating to class A C E and H liqu liquor licenses of the Mckenry city code I am looking for a motion to approve DHY I'll make a motion to approve item 9D the twisted limits liquor license as presented thank you second one Miller I'll second that motion discussion by city council Ald

I just know uh last year uh we had an organization that was looking at doing something at twisted limits and we had talked to to the manager over there and everything else and I just feel I know it's it it's a little shaky when you talk about throwing axes and uh and having liquor at the same time but uh seems like uh very responsible people and I think uh they'll do well. Thank you. Any other city council comments? Any public comment regarding this item? Trish, please call the role. Alman Dhy, yes. Alumoman Miller, yes. Alderman Cook, yes. Alman Davis, yes. Alwoman Bassie, yes. Alderman Glab, yes.

Alderwoman Baney, yes. Thank you, council. Next item on the agenda is the discussion item uh regarding the parking time regulations on Green Street and Riverside Drive. Uh, first I'm going to open it up to city council uh for any comments that they have and then I'll open up for public comment as well. Uh, so we'll go ahead and Doug, do you want to present this item or I can if you want.

So go ahead. Sure. Sure. So, the the the council had approved a parking um study with Kimley Horn in uh 2025 January of last year. And one of the recommendations was to um reduce the parking limit on Green Street and Riverside Drive from 4 hours to two hours. Um on Green Street from Walkagan to Elm and on Riverside Drive from uh Elm to Broad. um during peak times when they have a 90% utiliz because during peak times they have a 90% utilization rate if I can say that word. Um so one of the um this was one of kind of the lowhanging pieces of fruit on that we that uh we saw we could accomplish initially by addressing. So the council wanted to look at this issue um but wanted the impact the review of the businesses on both these streets before anything moved forward with changing anything. Um so in December I surveyed all the businesses on these streets um basically by calling them and asking them um would you be in in support of a changing the parking uh duration from 4 hour to 2 hour and this would be from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. which was recommended by Kimley Horn. Currently, right now it's 68 6 am to 6 pm. Um and um it was this is for on street only and I put the responses in the they're in the supplement of uh the uh packet. Um as you can see it was it was split basically on both streets. Um there was not overwhelming majority um on either

street. Um, some of the things I'll point out were, um, enforcement was brought up a lot. Um, whatever we do, we need to enforce. I think that was that was a big issue brought up. Um, you know, a couple pe several people brought up why why not three hours? Um, you know, as a compromise. Um, employee parking was brought up uh as a concern um to address employee parking and we do have parking permits that we have now that sort of addresses that. Um, but that was brought up. Um, customer experience was something that was brought up. Um, so people said that we don't want people to have the bad taste in their mouth. They come go into a store, restaurant, they come out, there's a ticket on their car. Um, and then a lot of people said that they there's not enough time to go in and have a meal in two hours and come, you know, to do that in in two hours or or less than two hours or to go shopping and have a meal or to to enjoy yourself on downtown in two hours or less. So, they they said, "We we don't want to we'd rather have the the four hours." So, all the business owners were very appreciative of the engagement between the city and the business owners. So, um I thought it was very wellreceived. Um so, I'm passing this information along to the city council for discussion purposes and um I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Thank you, Doug. And we appreciate all the work you put into that and getting a hold of these business owners as well. Uh so, I'll open up for city council comments. Aldo Benny, go ahead. Um I just want to say like first of all we spent a lot of money on a parking study that seemed to be um very thoroughly done and a lot of information provided and being that that was one of the recommendations and that they are experts in this and actually were commissioned to study the you know movement of parking um that it's something I really do want to consider. Um whoever said you can't enjoy a meal in two hours that's crazy. I mean in the nicest restaurants you go to they will kick you out in two hours. Like that's the turnover time maximum. um for a restaurant. While I do see the value in being able to park on the street to go into, you know, conveniently run into a business, that sort of thing, I feel like someone who's coming and planning on spending more than 4 hours, I would love to see that parking spot, you know, the parking lot across the street from DC Cobbs used for longer term parking. And parking on the street, I think a 2-hour limit is probably very workable. I also know that there are definitely employees of these businesses that park out there for 6, eight hours at a time. Um, which isn't really benefiting the community or the shopping district whatsoever. So, um, it's a way to kind of curb that sort of thing. So, I'm leaning towards being in favor of switching to a two-hour um, parking limit.

Thank you, Alman. Yeah, I kind of agree that uh I think this ordinance more than anything will uh curtail uh the employees from parking out there. Uh you know, you go out to Riverside uh on a Friday night uh at 5:30 or 6:00 even um try to find a place to park. I mean, it's very very difficult. You might get lucky that somebody's just leaving a restaurant or something, but then you can go in a place and come back in about another hour, hour and a half. Once the dinner hours are over, boom, the street's half empty. So, I mean, if somebody came out after eating and needed to go somewhere, if they had to, they could drive down half a block or whatever to park in another spot near where they're going. I really don't see that being an issue. So, uh, again, I'll also agree the fact that we did a study and this is a recommendation. Um, that doesn't necessarily mean we can't readress it in six months or a year from now, but maybe we need to see how how it works.

Okay.

So, I've lived here long enough to go from two-hour parking to 4hour parking, from meters to meter maid to chalk walker. I I think I've seen every rendition of downtown parking. Um, which is why the parking study was so incredibly important, which identified in a nutshell, we have plenty of parking. It's just not in the right spot in some of our locations. So, I'm totally in support of moving the on street parking to two-hour and incorporating the new signage that we just approved the design work of identify what is extended parking or longer parking because when you pull in right now and you know someone just saw the two-hour parking, they might not stay for dinner somewhere that's going to take more than two hours. But if we're clear and intentional about you can be on the street for two hours or you can be a sidewalk away for four hours, I I think that gives our guests, our visitors, and our consumers clarity as to where they can be. But I'm in support of the two hours because that's premium parking. Um, you know, I had suggested previously that, you know, the only alternative to premium parking would be to put the pay for premium parking policy in play, which got no traction, whoever is listening. Um, so again, I think this is a good solution.

Thank you.

Hold on, Bessie. I also support the change to the 2-hour street parking from 6:00 a.m. to 1000 p.m. If we are going to be paying for these expensive consultants because we need their expert opinion, then we should either follow their recommendations or stop hiring them. There is still ample parking in the cityowned lots, ample parking around Veterans Park, as well as ample side street parking. The best and only way to ensure premium street parking is shared by the businesses is through greater turnaround and that can only be accommodate accomplished with enforcing the time restrictions.

Thank you. Any other ground? Yeah, I want to mention the fact that we got this letter that was left uh on our desks as far as the parking. Uh I think there's some good points in it. There also some that uh just I don't think would work. But I think more than anything else is the problem winds up and again being in retail all my life, I saw it all the time. And that's the fact that people want convenient parking. People do not like to walk from point A to point B. and they get upset because the fact they can't park that close. Uh if they've got to walk an extra, you know, half a block or something, uh that they do get disgruntled. I mean, and I don't think there is anything that we can do other than having reserve parking uh to accommodate everybody that that wants to park right up to next to the business they want to be. Now, older woman Miller brought up as far as pay for premium parking and maybe that's not a bad idea. However, uh in today's electronics and everything else, you the way you would pay for it. Um possibly if you are stopping at one of those businesses uh maybe there is some incentive uh as far as uh to where you don't pay for the parking if you are visiting those establishments right there. I don't know. I mean it's just food for thought maybe you know to where uh the businesses have some kind of passes or something that they pass out to the business uh to the customers so that they don't have to pay for parking to come to their establishment. I don't know uh food for thought you know I mean

every little comment that anybody can make sometimes comes out with a complete solution. So I'll just leave it at that. Thank you. Alman Davis, any input? Yeah, I I'm in support of the twohour.

Yeah, I'm also in support of the two hours. I like what the consultant proposed and I think we should follow it. Alman Cook, of course. Uh, keep it, you know, whatever the consultant said. Let's try it. Like all them glab said, you know, we can always address it six months, a year from now. But, uh, if we're paying this kind of money to have them figure it out, let's go with it. Okay. Uh, so at this point, I'm going to open up for public comment. Uh, Molly, uh, if you'd like to come up, can you hit that center button for P? There you go. Thank you.

Close yours. All right. Um, I want to start by saying I'm really glad that we are actually discussing solutions for parking. Um, we hear all the time from visitors and community members who struggle to find parking in the evenings or on event days. Um, I think the parking study had some really good suggestions. Where I have concern is the idea of a blanket two or even three-hour parking limit on downtown streets because I'm not sure that it's going to solve the problem that we're trying to fix. And in some cases, I think it might create new ones. Um, from a tourism and economic development perspective, we've been working very intentionally to position downtown McHenry as a place where people spend time, not just make a single stop. We want people to browse multiple shops, grab a meal, walk the river walk, maybe get a drink or dessert after. That kind of experience doesn't fe fit neatly into a 2-hour window, and it doesn't feel especially welcoming. Um, so when we limit parking, we're unintentionally discouraging those longer multi-stop visits. So instead of inviting people to linger, we're asking them to watch the clock or risk a ticket. Um, at the same time, the issue that we're hearing about isn't all day parking, it's peak time congestion. So a 2-hour restriction doesn't solve that. If everybody wants to eat at 6:00, there's not going to be parking whether we have that 2-hour restriction or not. um we're we're not increasing capacity or improving the experience for people. I know one of the arguments is that people just don't want to walk. And in some cases, that's absolutely true, but I think most people will walk when the environment supports it. Right now, we're assuming people should use municipal lots if street parking is limited, and in theory, that makes absolute sense, but in practice, we have some significant gaps. We have no clear way currently of identifying how to get to those available parking lots. When they get there, the lots are not clearly marked. There's no clear direction on

where to go if those lots are full. And in some cases, available parking means crossing a highway, which isn't intuitive or comfortable for visitors. As a quick example, I ask my own family about where they would park on if the municipal lot on Green Street filled up. Now, I've been with the chamber for 10 years, and they come to a ton of our events. So, they're very familiar with the downtown area, and none of them realize that the Court Street or Venice Street parking lots existed. I don't think that it's a willingness issue always. I think it's sometimes a vi visibility issue. People will walk when it's clear where to go, when it feels safe and connected, and where the experience is intuitive. Before we rely on walking as a part of the solution, we need to create that environment first. And as we think about signage, I would just encourage us to think about how it feels from a visitor's perspective. Signage should guide people. It should feel welcoming and helpful, not punitive. If the first thing someone sees is a warning about time limits or a ticket, this sets a very different tone than clear, friendly direction to where they can park and explore. There's also a really important piece of this conversation around employee parking. A significant portion of the downtown street parking is being used by employees. Not because they're trying to take customer spaces, but because there aren't enough viable off- streetet options, especially along Riverside Drive. If we put a 2-hour time limit in place without addressing that, we're not solving the problem. We're just shifting it somewhere else. So, I'm just asking that we prioritize the things the parking study identified that actually improve the experience. Wayfinding, signage, pedestrian access, and employee parking solutions before we implement restrictions that could unintentionally limit the kind of downtown experience we've been trying to build. We all want the same thing, an accessible, thriving downtown where businesses succeed and visitors feel welcomed. Parking is a big part of this first impression. And I would just encourage us to make it easy for people

to come stay and experience everything our downtown has to offer. Thank you. Thank you, Marley. Anyone else that would like to make a public comment, sir?

Can you hit the center button, please? I'm uh Phil Sweeney, 213 Barnwood Trail, Mckenry, Illinois. And I'm also uh representing the American Legion on Riverside Drive today. Uh a couple things. First, we have some handicap people that come to the American Legion. They got their wheelchairs. We are very deficient on handicap parking spots on Riverside Drive, especially near our building. Uh, if you're asking these guys after 2 hours to get up, get in the wheelchair, get in their car, and move it and come back cuz they're watching a football game, this is going to last three and a half hours. Uh, I think it's going to be unfair to the handicapped people in our group, yet alone anybody else in the American Legion that's been there for over two hours. Um, so I'm asking uh we go to longer time, especially on the sporting nights or sporting games and um four hours and also get some more handicap parking spots because I I just don't want to tell our guys, hey, you've been here for two hours, you got to move. Thank you.

Thank you. Anyone else? If you could state your name and address for public record. Sure. Oh, hit it one more time. There you go. Sorry. Live. We'll just leave it live the whole time.

Um, Julius White. I'm the CEO of Heart Alliance. We operate both DC Cobbs Mckenry and Whiskey Diablo on Riverside Green for Cobbs obviously. Um, so fortunate fortunate enough to have uh businesses on each of the roads that we're discussing here. And for us, um, we really just want everyone to consider the guest. I know you spoke briefly, um, regarding some of the, um, guests being able to wanting to park close, older clientele. Um, the gentleman mentioned some, um, handicapped guests outside of the Legion. You know, outside of Cobbs, we have a single handicap stall for that entire run of the block nearby us. We have many guests who whether they be handicapped or older are just looking to be as nearby the space as possible for the duration of their meal. We are fortunate enough to host special events. Um, you know, you can imagine a scenario where a celebration of life, you have someone who again is coming to our venue to just find the nearest space for this memorial service. And then our private party windows, the shortest time window that you can book is 3 hours. So these events are 3, four plus hours just for that um special occasion. And now, yes, you're going to be faced with people either coming out and trying to reposition their vehicles during these events or coming out to tickets from the city. And I agree that, you know, ultimately we're going to run into a situation where it is a little unsavory for folks that may be traveling in from outside of just Mckenry or even the other surrounding communities for these occasions. And now they walk out and

they get a ticket. that's not going to want to bring people back to spend time or their money in our town, which I think is, you know, ultimately the goal of all the businesses as well as, you know, council's job as well, right? I feel um we should really reconsider because as um I believe as Molly stated um whether it's two or four hours um reducing to two is just going to increase it's not going to eliminate the issues of employee parking. We encourage our team members to park either behind us on Green Street or across in the municipal lot behind us on Riverside. um that parking we're trying to preserve for our guests. But again, on a Friday night at Whiskey Diablo, you can easily park, walk in, and then find out that you are looking at a 45 to 60 minute wait for your table. So now, are you going to leave, go to your vehicle, try to find somewhere else to park cuz your meal's not even going to start in that time, or you going to get in your car and drive to Crystal Lake? Either one's a possibility. I don't think we should limit that window where that becomes an option for the guest. I think we should keep our opportunities at 4 hours and find as discussed other opportunities for folks to either make sure employees have spaces or that there is um ample direction from more of the municipal lots.

Sure.

Go ahead. So, um I'm just curious if you're talking about like a celebration of life, something that you have a three-hour window for, when you're working with somebody to bring in an event like that, um or booking with them, what are you doing to let them know where appropriate parking is to share with their guests? I know you can't do that for every couple or group coming in for dinner, but um I do some of the marketing for the Vixen, all of the marketing for the Vixen. And we are really diligent about having maps on our website. If we have, you know, when we've got bands coming in, we're providing them with places that they, you know, can park. We're letting guests know when we have big special events that those lots, you know, on um Venice and other lots are available. And it's one of the things we've talked about on council to Molly's point, signage, messaging is so critical, letting people know where is a safe place to travel. And one of the things we talked about was getting all the businesses on board to, you know, kind of have a shared vision for how do we help people, you know, um, move around the city and know where a safe or convenient place to park is. So, I'm just curious if that's something that you guys are doing when you're working with larger groups in your establishment or something you'd be willing to do and would it make an impact?

Yeah, that's something that we do at all times. You could view our social media. There's posts that go out telling guests where they can find additional parking in front of instead of in addition to just in front of the spaces when we work with private parties and special occasions like that. That is part of the communication because obviously if we're bringing an additional 80 people into the space they need a place to be able to park. So that's part of the booking and communication lines on those events. But I think you know that is an inconvenience that could come up. The majority of this seems to be focused on day in and day out. Friday, Saturday is, you know, really when we're all, I think, talking about the volume of cars on those streets. Um, so, you know, that is um kind of separate. People would have to then view to us. You know, not everybody's looking, not everybody's booking reservations. There's people driving by, stopping, looking to pull in,

and we know they don't read. So, there that kind of happens, too. But I was just curious if that was Yeah, but that is certainly a part of our private party booking experience. You know, you communicate with your individual um catering director and they're letting you know, okay, your group can park here, there's private here, there is a single handicap stall, there's also part, you know, that's all just part of the hospitality sector there. Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Julius. Appreciate it, sir. Please state your name and address for public record.

Uh Sean Grainy, 223 Barnwood Trail in Mckenry. Um I wanted to echo some of the comments that were already made. Um and particularly about the foot traffic on Riverside Drive. I also represent the American Legion. Um we get a lot of people that will go to the different restaurants and the bars on Riverside Drive. If they have a 2-hour limit, they're not necessarily going to come in. Maybe they spend 30 minutes waiting for a table at Whiskey Diablo 8 at an hour and then they have to get back in their car and they have to move their car or and they're typically not going to just move it and then come back to the to Riverside Drive. So, we will lose that foot traffic and we do get quite a bit of good foot traffic during the summer months especially people are walking up and down the street. So, I'd like to ask the council to consider that that you're going to lose a lot of that foot traffic with that that 2-hour parking limit. I don't know what the right answer is. 4 hours seems to have I mean, I know it's not working the way we wanted to. And especially with Riverside Drive, we don't have that big parking lot that we like we do on Green Street. So, Riverside Drive, all we have is over by Veterans Park. A lot of people aren't familiar with that. and we can't warn the traffic ahead of time like you could with an event. But then we also do have the same problem with events. Some of our events are going to be 2, three, four hours. Our karaoke night on Thursday nights that runs 3 hours. So I'd like to cons I'd like to ask that you consider maybe upping that time. The three-hour might seem like a good compromise. Um that would be my uh request. So thank you.

Thank you, sir. Any Yes. I have a question. If someone were to go there, say at 8 o'clock after they had dinner and they stay till 11, that really is only one hour, right? Like at nine o'clock, that is Chief. Go ahead. Our parking restrictions end at 6 p.m., right? So, there is no parking restriction after 6 p.m. Okay. You can stay from 6:00 p.m. to 2 a.m. in the same parking spot. 2 a.m. Well, technically 2 p.m. No, you can do it. You can technically at 2:01 p.m. if you parked your car, you would not the 4-hour restriction does not apply because 6:01 p.m. is when it could be enforced with the citation and you're already outside the scope of the time restriction at that point. Okay,

does everyone understand that? So, anything after 2:01 really the parking for hour doesn't even go into 2001 p.m. currently currently. But if it's a 2h hour, it would be 4:01. So, so anyone that came after four o'clock would be able to stay all night long and wouldn't and so that foot traffic issue wouldn't be quite as important, right? Of course, but that's as of right now it's proposed till 9 p.m. but as of right now. So, just FYI, I just want to make sure everyone's on the same page with that. So, go ahead. Please state your name and address for public record. My home address?

Sure.

No, I'm just and I'm with um Verdant Soul. I'm a co-owner of Verdant Soul. Um is 1350 Riverside Drive. Um I really wanted to echo what Molly said. Um we do a lot working with the community. I mean, there's several business owners here on Riverside Drive. We work with pretty much all of them. Customers come in, they want to know where to get a donut, where to go get a drink, where to go get a burger. Um, we are sending people everywhere. So, if they're coming in and parking in front on Riverside Drive and they have to go move their vehicle, I mean, they are going to leave. Um, having the two-hour parking moving outside of that area or having the two-hour parking and then having them to go into our neighborhoods. But I also live right there and having all of those people who are coming in going out to the bars and dealing with that situation as a neighbor as a resident is incredibly uncomfortable as well. So having the two-hour parking, not only are we losing our foot traffic in the residential area, but we're also moving all of that into our residential area where there is a park where my son rides his bike, kids are moving around there. I don't know how the police presence is going to change. I've asked for higher police presence in that area for this reason, but I don't know. I mean, I've something with parking with the traffic needs to be handled. But I think um you couldn't really say it much better than what Molly said. I don't know. I don't know if you guys have any questions. I know you've had, you know, um, some of the things that you said. I think that I'm not sure how often you're in, you

said you work with the Vixen, but I don't know how often I live in downtown. Huh? I live downtown. You live downtown. Are you on like the Riverside area where you're just off of Green Street? Off of Green Street. Yeah. I mean, it's Green Street, I think, is not as much as Riverside Drive and being in that area, but um I understand there is a parking issue, but I think the two-hour parking isn't solving anything from a retail perspective and clearly from a restaurant perspective as well.

Thank you very much. Anyone else? Please state your name and address for public record.

Hi, my name is Lori Fischer. Um, I am the owner of Preserve Peculiarities at 1312 Riverside Drive. Um, I'm here tonight because I strongly oppose uh the proposed change from the 4-hour to the 2-hour parking in downtown McHenry. Riverside Drive isn't just a place people run quick errands. It's a destination. People come in, walk, explore, shop small businesses, and enjoy meals. That experience naturally takes time. Reducing parking to two hours puts a hard limit on how long visitors can stay and it is it is it will discourage them from fully engaging with everything our downtown has to offer. This doesn't just affect one business. It impacts all of us. When customers feel rushed or worried about a ticket, they're less likely to browse, visit multiple shops, or sit down and have a meal at a restaurant. Instead of increasing turnover, this could actually reduce the amount of time and money people spend here. We've worked very hard to build a downtown that feels welcoming, unique, and worth lingering. A 2-hour time limit works against that atmosphere. We don't want this to become a place people rush through. We want this to be a place they choose to stay. I would urge the city to consider alternatives, whether that's maintaining the current 4-hour time limit, improving enforcement of existing rules that are already in place, or exploring parking

solutions that support both turnover and the kind of experience that keeps people coming back to Riverside Drive. Downtown Mckenry thrives when people can slow down and enjoy it. Thank you. Thank you very much. Anyone else?

Okay. So, I'd like to give my input on this. Uh Molly, I don't think you could have said it any better. I, you know, honestly, um, we're making changes to our signage, uh, which we just approved tonight. Uh, I think, you know, making knee-jerk reactions and start, uh, changing times without slowly going into these changes and not all at once to see what's working and what doesn't work. Um, I would be in favor of the 4 hour that we currently have. Uh, I would like us to to wait and bring this up as a discussion item maybe in 6 months after the signage is done and revisit this. I think going back from two back to four if it doesn't work I think is uh we look like we don't know what we're doing. Um, in my opinion I know there's seven of you that are for two hours and so I might be just wasting my time. Um, but I do uh I do think we should stick with the 4 hour, do the signage, make the changes that Kimley Horn uh recognized in our study and then revisit this in 6 months, 9 months, a year, whatever the case may be, whatever council would uh agree upon. Um, but I I don't think we should be going and doing all this all at once without seeing how the signage works. And then, you know, things can be change, you know, be changing here in the downtown, uh, with development in the next 6 months or so. Um, you know, I I just I don't think making all these decisions all at once is is the good move for us. Um, I've talked to a lot of the business owners in downtown. Uh, you know, I know we got 50/50. Uh, from what I feel, it feels like it's 9010, but I I get that. Um, you know, the responses going back to Doug Martin was about 5050. Um, so I don't know. I I just uh I would like to see if council would uh be in favor of waiting until all the signage is complete and let's revisit this in 6 months after that is completed and then uh make a decision at that

point. Um because I think also with uh enforcing it um and working on a plan to enforce it the right way as well. And I'm not stepping on the chief's toes and he can speak on behalf of that. Uh, I think, you know, once again, I'm in favor of four hours and not changing it to two. Alman Davis,

well, I agree with the signage that we shouldn't make any changes until that signage is up because obviously if people don't know where to park, it doesn't do any good to change any of the times. Um, I agree. Maybe we wait until that is up and see how things go. Another proposition might be something where you have a limited amount of two-hour parking. So for people who are just going in to do certain things, they're going in to just get a quick bite. They're going in, they're not planning to spend all evening. Those are the parking spots that now you're getting a rotation of parking spots, not somebody just um you know there for the whole evening. So, um, maybe that's something we look into is having premium parking or whatever you want to call it. Have that two-hour parking so that we get that rotation on some spots um rather than people just lingering and then um see where that goes from there. So, kind of that maybe a combination that would help go from there. Okay.

Alder Miller,

I I think the messaging is critical and important. Um, in my professional life, I'm in many communities and I know that one of the trends that I'm seeing is QR codes. Where can I park in a QR code? Which brings up the mapping system. Of course, when you're in a community you don't know, that doesn't help me very much because I'm directionally challenged. So then I'm trying to run my navigator and my phone and figure out where that parking spot is. It's unfortunate that, you know, we don't have access to like Spot Hero, which, you know, I don't go downtown without using that app because it literally drives you to the next available parking spot. But I think messaging and the signage is going to be again critical to letting people know where we have parking. When I first saw our parking study, I was like, "Oh, I forgot about that. Oh, I forgot about those." If I'm forgetting and we're downtown every day, people who only come here once or twice have no idea.

Totally agree. So, I'm hoping that our signage design is also going to include some technology which takes us to mapping because that's some of our lots are hidden. Court Street, you know, if you don't know what's back there, you don't know what's back there. um behind Riverside Drive, you know, behind the Legion. Most people don't know that that alley I know

most people don't know that that alley is public parking. So, I'm hopeful that we have um adequate messaging available on our signs, which will help this decision moving forward. Thank you. And just so you know, um, uh, Director Hopson and I were discussing, uh, marking all those in Google and, uh, ways and those were completed by Bill Hopson as well. So, just so you know, for people that are visiting, go ahead.

Um, so last week I was down in Springfield and I called Suzanne and Chief Burke. uh downtown Springfield, which is very much like downtown Mckenry, has now that Chief Burke looked it up for me. Two streets have implemented backin parking only. So, oh, it's so funny. Amber can do this.

Oh, no, she can't. So instead of instead of pulling into your parking spot, much like our downtown, you now pull past it and back in, which gives you more visibility going out. Um, the first time I did it, it was wonky, but the second time I parked, I was like, well, that kind of worked. So I immediately picked up the phone and said, I love this idea. I called Suzanne and Chief Burke was there and I dropped that one in too. So there you go. Oh boy, that's a good one.

Yeah, it's like my wife going around a roundabout. Still doesn't know which car goes first. I don't know. Um Alderwoman Bainy, go ahead.

Um I just want to say first how much I appreciate all of the business owners from Riverside Drive and and Molly as well coming in tonight. Um it's so important for us to hear your opinion and I I just really appreciate it. I as as you were talking, I was thinking the same thing. I would really like to see the signs go in. Um and not just signage. We've talked a lot about that, but lighting, too. I think there's some great trans, you know, places to walk, but it doesn't feel like it's as safe as it could feel. Um there's also going to be a lot of changes on Riverside Drive. So, when the streetscape is done, I think that may really have some impact that we might want to look at. So, I would be um I would be fine with one waiting for six months or or until the signage is done and the streetscape is done. I'm also kind of interested in it seems like with some of the restaurants maybe the 9:00 if it was moved to 8:00 would possibly be sort of a you know midpoint where that would give people the opportunity to park at 6:01 you know and be able to stay later. So, I'd be interested in that. And it sounds to me like we need to look at more handicap spaces on Riverside Drive. Those are things that we've had conversations with uh Director Hopson, Chief Burke. We've

we've had those questions uh a lot. Um we also have 15-minute parking that we've added on Riverside Drive. I think there's two on Riverside Drive, one right in front of our building and then one by Riverside uh Bakery. So, um and I think those are the quick, hey, get in, get out. So, maybe there's something that we can in the short term where we can try to help some of those businesses that that are quick in-n-outs. Um, and then maybe that's something that we can, you know, enforce uh more on a regular basis. But it's it is very difficult because you're going to have someone just sit there for 15 or 16 minutes to get a ticket. I mean, you know, it's it's a tough situation, but Chief can

and and I think too to your point, I think it's and I so appreciate that Doug actually called the businesses and didn't just send an email or a letter because I think together we can, you know, really work to educate our cons, you know, our customers and clients as to what makes the best experience so that when someone comes from out of town that's experiencing our town for the first time, maybe they have that priority parking because we've talked to our employees about how important it is that they park somewhere else or regular customers that are coming in you know like what we're facing if we don't want to have to change things you know I think if we all work together to educate people that will be helpful as well agre

yeah somehow we need to get uh the word out uh to all the businesses I mean if we if we're going to wait six months it's going to come back and I don't care how much signage you put in there only a certain small percentage will actually follow those signs uh but we're we can only do what we can do. However, um we need to let all the businesses down there know that they need to really put some pressure on their employees to help the situation uh because that does create some of the problem. And not just the employees, but what about the residents that live above some of these uh businesses as well? Is there some way to, you know, hey, if we have to get tougher on everybody loses, you know, so, uh, let's get the word out, you know, let's see some improvement within the next six months and maybe, uh, we can lighten up on what we're talking about.

And, and we've had these conversations with businesses in the past. Uh, we brought them in, we've had conversations with them during whether it was a liquor uh, meetings or whatever the case may be. Um, so we could do a better job of communicating that and I think it's been a lot better than seven years ago or six years ago. I think it's been a lot better. Chief, do you agree? Um, so I think, you know, once again, as new businesses come into town, we can talk to those new owners as well. Um, but maybe that's something that we can definitely get out um and do a better job at. So, I agree. So, is council or at least the majority of council uh in favor of getting the signage done that we just approved tonight after the signage is installed? Let's wait 6 months to see how that works and then we'll bring it back as a discussion item 6 months from then and then we can have a conversation and once again we'll reach out to the business owners and maybe we'll have a little bit more input from that more business owners and really make sure that we're making the right decision. I just don't think making all these decisions at once is is the right move. Let's make this We've done a great job of making our city a vibrant community and I don't want to hinder that at all for any of these business owners or the city as a whole. So, do I have the support to do that by the council?

Let's try it. Let's try that and go from there. Okay. Do you have a specific date on a meeting of when we're talking? If we're talking six months, we'll do six months from when signs get installed. So once the signs get installed, then we'll six six months and we can have I mean we're here after the sign every two weeks. So we can always have convers installed. After the signs are completed or six months from now. No, six signs six months after the signs are completed. That gives us some time to kind of get the the signage done if there's some signage that we need to add.

Well, in six months we'll have a conversation. You know what I mean? because then, you know, at least in six months, have another conversation and go from there because I know that's going to that's and we'll be meeting with all the business owners that are on Riverside Drive to discuss that at a later date. Um, actually soon, I should say. Um, because it's coming it's coming quick. Um, but we will be having conversations once we get a a plan from our contractors and so forth. So, um, but as of right now is we're good six months from when the signs are installed. Uh if any of you have questions, concerns, reach out to myself or council members uh through the website. Um but we'll have a conversation six months after the signs are installed and then go from there. Everyone go with that? Thank you. Appreciate the support with that. All right. Uh any staff reports? None. Okay. Uh mayor's report, I have none. City council comments. Although I'm bassing.

Okay. Flood brothers contract expires um next year. I've received many complaints about them and I know the city has as well. When will the city be sending out the RFP for waste management? This is certainly something we'll be talking about with the council this year. Um, obviously the council will have the final word on whether we go out to RFP or whether we continue that contract. So, um, you know, obviously keep those constituent thoughts in mind, um, as we move forward, but this is something that we will be looking at as staff and bringing to the council here shortly. So, we're not definitely putting out an RFP. Are we looking at staying with Blood Brothers? That will be the council's determination and not staff's.

We'll come in. We'll bring it in as a discussion item. Okay. All right. Any other city council comments? Aldwin Bann, I just wanted to make one comment to make sure it was on the record. Um, at our last meeting, we had a vote on removing my home from the TIF district, of which a couple council members um denied. And I just wanted to put on record that alderman, former alderman Frank Mcclache, also lives in the TIF district, runs a business out of his home with a sign um on the outside of his business, and it had never been an issue, and nobody um voted to have him remove that. So, I just want that to be on record. Thank you. Thank you, Aldor Miller.

I just want to again go out there for the public that's listening and encourage them if they haven't gone ahead and painted a tile for the Riverwalk Foundation that my family and I got together over the weekend and I know Alderwoman Bayes did the same and we contributed and painted our tiles and it was an absolute blast. Um, you don't have to be an artist, you don't have to be good at it. It's just fun to do. So, if you're looking for a little project, I think Director Hobson said we have 12 tiles left. So, we're get we're definitely getting down. It's It's in the It's less than 20 that we have left.

Perfect. So, if you're looking for a last minute fun thing to do for your family, I strongly encourage it. This is a project that will obviously the tiles will be installed to celebrate the 250th uh birthday of America. Um and revealed on July 4th. You can be a part of the history making moment at the Mckenry Riverwalk. Thank you.

Thank you, sir. Any other go? Yeah, I just want to bring up the fact that uh you know earlier I brought up uh when we were talking the budget as far as the money we're spending for all these uh uh reports and and surveys and everything else here. We do a parking study and already we're we're binging on it and and backing off of it and and we're not going with the recommendations that we paid for. So, if we're going to do it locally, then let's do it locally and let's save the taxpayer some money rather than spending tens of thousands of dollars on some of these surveys. Uh, if we're going to make the decisions here uh with the help from uh businesses or residents, uh then maybe there are some of these uh uh surveys that we don't need to spend the money on that we could save on. Just a comment. I mean, I I would say that we're doing 75% of what their recommendations were. Um, and also, uh, the parking study goes towards, uh, you know, when we get a developer coming into our community, having the parking study completed by a professional versus something on a napkin, uh, goes a long way. and Ross can probably um talk more on that, but I think it's very important when we meet with a local business that wants to either take over a business, let's say Buddies, and the first question they ask is like, well, I'm a new new person in this community. Where are they going to park? Or do you have a parking study or you know, how any of that information, it's nice to give them something that's actually professional versus saying, well, you know, we think, you know, uh so it goes a long way hiring professionals that do this on a daily basis. Um, so I encourage, you know, as some of you have mentioned that we're I don't want to say wasting, but kind of along those lines. I don't think we're wasting money. I think we're doing it the right way. And if we're going to be growing our community and and continuing to grow, I think this is the right way to do it. And it's not like I want to

see us spend all this money, but at the end of the day, um, you hire professionals to do the job. And I think we're doing a good job on uh using the parking study and taking 75% of what they recommended and not saying that we're not going to do the other part. Um but I think we do it in steps. I I guarantee if you bring Kimley Horn in here, they're going to say I think that's a good idea. Take steps. I don't think they would say do everything all at once. It did not say that. Um but I think we take steps on anything that we do. And I think sometimes, you know, at fault of mine at times since I've been mayor is you make decisions and all of a sudden you're like that might not have been the best move. I think taking your time, which is something that I don't like doing. Um, usually I'm the one who says, "Let's just go all out." Um, which says a lot about this is, you know, my stance on it. But

go ahead. I just want to bring up the fact that I'm making that statement because of the fact that I've been through several comprehensive plans, studies, and everything over the years. And in most cases, uh you know, we I remember uh one of the first ones that I sat in uh for 10 months that we did uh meetings once a month with businesses and and residents and everything else to create a a comprehensive plan. and then six months later a developer comes in and they want to do this or that in another area and we just shot the heck out of the whole comprehensive plan, never adjusted it. And that's what I'm worried about. I'm I want to make sure that if we're spending the money for it that we're going to either follow it or we're going to massage it a little

to to where it fits for our community. Uh again, because you have a lot of outside uh firms that come in here, they don't really know our our community like we do. Uh they can give us the statistics and the facts and everything else, but we're the ones that were elected to make those decisions and and maybe we need to keep all the information that we're given to make the right decisions here locally.

Thank you. Any other city council comments tonight? All right. Uh, at this time we're going to go into executive session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees 5CS120-2C1. I would ask that the general public please exit the room. Uh, all staff members can leave at this uh at this time as well. I there will be no vote. Motion to enter executive session. Alderman Davis. I mean Alderman Glab. Sorry. Sorry. Second. Alderman Davis. I'll second that.

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.

And then Trish, if you could just do a roll call, please. present. Yes.