Wayne Jett sworn in as new McHenry mayor

McHENRY – McHenry's new mayor, Wayne Jett, was sworn in Monday in front of a crowd of nearly 100 people.

“A lot of people have been saying that tonight is my night. … I am not making this about me, as this celebration is about the future of our community moving forward. I am excited to work with this amazing council and hardworking staff as a team,” Jett said.

Also taking their oath of office Monday were returning Aldermen Vic Santi and Jeffrey Schaefer, new 5th Ward Alderman Chad Mihevc and new City Clerk Lynzi Nevitt.

At Jett’s first meeting as mayor, City Council members discussed and voted on a request to authorize staff to publicly bid the 2017 Street Resurfacing Program and approve a resolution for the use of motor fuel tax funds for the project.

In April, the Public Works Committee recommended Ridgeview Drive, Centegra Drive, Medical Center Drive and Lawrence Parkway for the program. Curran Road also was proposed as a bid alternate.

During Monday’s meeting, Jett recommended adding Dartmoor Drive as another alternate.

Schaefer made the motion to include Dartmoor Drive, which was seconded by 7th Ward Alderman Geri Condon.

“This is what staff presented as the No. 1 grouping of roads, and although most of them are centered around the hospital, it made sense to go with that for this year,” Schaefer said.

He added, “Although I do know there are many sections of town that could also be improved, we’ve got to go with what we have the finances to cover.”

According to the city’s information packet, the 2017-18 Capital Improvement Program includes $1,015,000 for pavement resurfacing/maintenance, and staff estimate that $100,000 will be required for pavement maintenance. According to the packet, $115,000 of motor fuel tax funds will be used for the resurfacing program.

To determine a list of possible streets to be included in the resurfacing program, the city engineer and staff visited each street to inspect its condition.

“I really compliment staff with being able to put together a system that outlines for us the roads that are on the most-needed list,” Condon said.

The board unanimously approved the motion.