Bill Hobson

The meeting commenced with roll call and the pledge of allegiance. Key discussions included a presentation by the Heartland Realtor Organization regarding a $7,500 grant secured to offset the cost of a parking study for the downtown area. A public hearing was held for the 2025 property tax levy, which was subsequently passed, despite some council members expressing reservations about the need for an additional levy related to NISRA funding. An action item involved authorizing the mayor to execute a gifting agreement for the donation of approximately 94 acres of vacant land from the Chicago Title Land Trust Company. A significant discussion centered on a development update for 3510 West Elm Street, where the developer sought TIF assistance due to the property being valued underwater in the current TIF district structure compared to its initial base value. Multiple council members expressed opposition to the requested $3 million TIF assistance, citing previous assurances that no assistance would be needed and concerns about setting a negative precedent. The council also discussed the possibility of canceling the first meeting scheduled for January 2026 due to a lack of agenda items.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding the 2025 Property Tax Levy for $3,265,000, which was subsequently passed by a 5-2 vote. A presentation was given by Heartland Realtor regarding a grant for a parking study, including the presentation of a $7,500 check. The Consent Agenda, which included the approval of tax abatements for various GO Bonds, a Right-of-Way Permitting Agreement with i3 Broadband, approval of previous minutes, and financial check authorizations, passed unanimously. An individual action item involved authorizing the Mayor to accept the donation of approximately 94 acres of vacant land. During discussion items, the Council largely opposed granting TIF assistance for the 3510 W Elm Street development project, citing concerns about the request coming after initial assurances and the impact on future development incentives. Staff reports included planning for the first meeting in January and positive comments regarding departmental and administrative performance during the year.

The regular meeting included unanimous approval of the agenda. The primary discussion involved a request for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to operate a Motor Freight Terminal at 1412 Ridgeview Drive by Koltrans Inc. & Koltrans Truck & Trailer Repair Inc. Staff reported no concerns, and the public hearing concluded without input. The Commission ultimately approved the CUP, conditioned upon all onsite development adhering to submitted plans. Subsequent staff reports noted that HDR would present on the UDO at the next meeting, and development was set to commence on The Oaks at Irish Prairie Phase 2, involving 66 new single-family homes by Ryan Homes.

The agenda for the upcoming meeting includes roll call, public comments, and the approval of previous meeting minutes from January 6, 2026. New business items cover committee updates for Plaque distribution, future Events logistics including applying for the Fiesta Days Parade float, the Education Committee's draft syllabus for an internship program, organizing Peterson Farm documents, social media engagement, and labeling historic online photographs. Other new business involves Document Review progress and Certified Local Government status. Discussion items include planning the 2026 Landmark Movie (potentially focusing on WWI/WWII or interviewing past Commissioners) and open discussion regarding painting and updating historic downtown signs.

The Regular City Council Meeting agenda included several items for consideration and action. Key discussion points included a motion to approve amendments to the McHenry City Code regarding the number of Class A Liquor Licenses and Video Gaming Licenses. Action items involved passing an Ordinance granting a Conditional Use Permit and Final Plan Approval for a Planned Unit Development at Parkland Middle School, and passing an Ordinance granting a Conditional Use Permit for an Assembly Use at 1501 S IL-31. A discussion item concerned the Distinguished Citizens Memorial Plaza as an alternative to the former Honorary Street Signs Program. The agenda concluded with plans for staff reports, the Mayor's report, council comments, and an Executive Session for the setting of a price for sale or lease of property owned by the public body.