The mayor of McHenry is firing back at an alderwoman who questioned why signs were posted on a community ice rink in recognition of families and businesses who donated their time and resources to build it.
McHenry Mayor Wayne Jett said in a social media post that he wanted to address concerns raised by Alderwoman Chris Bassi about signs inside the Miller Point Park ice rink.
Jett said the rink, structure, installation, maintenance and removal of the inverink in the first year was funded 100% through private donations from local businesses and residents through the RISE Up Foundation.
He said no tax dollars were used to bring the rink to the community and the city paid to put the rink up the last two years to be sure the rink is installed properly with the cooling system.
Along the rink are signs recognizing donors who donated efforts or money for the rink, Jett said.
“The signs on the rink are not advertisements,” Jett said. “They are donor recognition for the people and small businesses that stepped up and funded this community amenity in less than two weeks.”
The mayor said City Council Member Chris Bassi expressed that she believes the donor recognition signs should be removed based on her interpretation of the city’s sign ordinance.
Jett posted Bassi’s email on social media. In the email, Bassi said she was looking for clarification on the Miller Point Park signs on the ice rink after receiving a complaint from a resident about the presence of advertising.
She said it was explained to her that donations to the RISE Up Foundation donated the structure to the city, as well as the funding for set-up and removal.
“There is an important distinction between donations and sponsorship and advertising businesses in a City-owned park in exchange for funding is sponsorship,” she said in her email. “These signs are, to my understanding, a violation of City ordinances.”
She added that the advertising hinders the public’s ability to enjoy public spaces without being marketed to and also provides those businesses with an unfair advantage.
“These advertising signs are visible from outside of the ice rink structure,” she added.
Jett said the city has long acknowledged businesses that donate resources for amenities to have their name on the item. Those include donated benches, bricks, playground features and other community-funded improvements.
One person on social media called Bassi “exhausting” and Jett replied, “Tell me about it.”
He initially said he would bring forth a resolution at the next city council meeting to continue allowing this to continue.
“I will determine whether the signs come down or bring a specific ordinance before the City Council to be approved immediately,” Jett said. “I want to thank every business and resident who contributed. Because of you, this rink is free for families across McHenry to enjoy all winter long.”
Jett on Sunday said he discussed the matter with the city council members individually and they will not be acting on the topic.
“The signs will remain there and I will open more opportunities in the coming weeks to cover the yearly operating costs,” he said.