McHenry City Council Debates Donor Recognition Signs for Ice Rink

The McHenry City Council is facing a debate over whether private donors to the Miller Point Park ice rink should receive recognition through signage. Mayor Wayne Jett has dismissed the idea of placing an ordinance on a future agenda, stating that more pressing matters are at hand. This discussion arose following a Facebook post by 4th Ward Alderwoman Chris Bassi, who expressed concern about the visibility of donor signs, which she argues function as advertisements in a city-owned park.

Bassi’s letter, shared by Jett, was prompted by a resident’s complaint regarding the presence of these signs. In her correspondence, she emphasized the difference between donations and sponsorships, asserting that advertising signs in exchange for funding could violate city ordinances. Bassi noted, “These advertising signs hinder the public’s ability to enjoy public spaces without being marketed to, and they provide those businesses an unfair advantage.”

The funds for the Miller Point ice rink totaled just under $80,000 for purchase and $10,000 for installation, raised through Jett’s RISE Up Foundation during a two-week campaign from November 13 to November 22, 2023. Jett reported that the foundation secured $67,000 in donations for the 40-foot-by-60-foot rink, which was installed while the final funds were being collected. Currently, all donor signage is located inside the rink, as stated by McHenry Parks and Recreation Director Bill Hobson.

Erecting the rink each season incurs an annual cost of approximately $6,000, as the city contracts the manufacturer for installation. City staff dismantle the rink in spring, typically two weeks prior to the ShamROCKS the Fox St. Patrick’s Day festival. Jett is actively seeking donors through RISE Up to cover these ongoing costs, stating, “I have the relationships to do that.”

Bassi’s letter included inquiries about who approved the advertising signs and whether the sponsorship terms were sanctioned by Jett or the RISE Up Foundation. In a statement to the Northwest Herald, Bassi mentioned that her investigation was initiated after a resident expressed dissatisfaction with the signs in downtown McHenry.

She drew a comparison to a separate agreement with Nielsen Enterprises, which allowed for the placement of personal watercraft docks and associated signage. Hobson clarified that this agreement is distinct, as it is a user agreement rather than a direct donation, meaning that the docks remain the property of Nielsen.

Many features in Miller Point Park and along the Riverwalk have been funded through donations and carry signage to acknowledge these contributions. Hobson noted that the council had not previously reviewed donor signage for approval. Contributions for the spray pad and the pedestrian bridge were made by the Cunat family, while a new amphitheater was donated by retired car dealership owner Gary Lang.

Alderwoman Bobbi Baehne, representing the 1st Ward, affirmed the appropriateness of the current signs, stating, “There are signs all over McHenry acknowledging the people who make it a better place to live, work, and play. These are temporary signs that are part of the ice rink and are absolutely appropriate to me.”

The ice rink was set up for the season last week but remains closed for skating as the chiller system gradually builds the ice. Hobson hopes the rink will be ready for skaters by the Thanksgiving weekend, providing a festive atmosphere for the community.

As the debate continues, it highlights the ongoing discussion surrounding community contributions and recognition within public spaces, balancing appreciation with the integrity of city facilities.