Neighbors tell McHenry County Board of Health house at 10600 Wheatlands Way remains public-health hazard

Sheila Gutierrez, who said she lives at 10591 Wheatlands Way in Huntley, told the McHenry County Board of Health on April 21 that neighbors still experience foul odors, flies and rodents coming from 10600 Wheatlands Way and that the property is "an embarrassment to the community and a hazard to our health." She and other neighbors asked the board to press county and village agencies for faster action.

"The home was deemed uninhabitable after the raid," Gutierrez said, referring to a search of the address on July 25, 2024; she told the board the occupants have continued to appear to live at the property and that dumpsters and cleaning before inspections appeared staged. Anna Wasilowski, who said she lives at 10576 Wheatlands Way, told the board she had filed complaints with village and county offices and had seen only one in-person inspection by the health department since the warrant.

Kelly Aldis, identifying herself as a Georgian Place subdivision resident, described insults and threats she said came from the occupants and said the neighborhood has recorded threats, photos and repeated contact with police and other agencies. "This behavior is terrorizing our neighborhood, and it is unacceptable," Aldis said. Several neighbors described animals found dead in nearby yards and a continuing strong odor that makes it difficult to sit outside.

Board members and health department staff told residents the county's public-health division has the file and considers it a priority. "This file is a high priority for our division," Administrator Adamson said. Board members said the state's attorney's office and Huntley police are involved and that the county will consult outside counsel as necessary, noting there is active litigation on the property. The board agreed staff would provide a written status report to board members and said they would try to coordinate a public update while protecting any limits imposed by ongoing court proceedings.

Residents told the board they had documentation to share, asked how progress is being tracked, and said they fear retaliation if their names are public. Board members and staff said they would accept contact information and statements from neighbors and follow up through staff and the state's attorney's office.

No formal board action (motion or vote) was taken immediately at the meeting on the property; the board requested a staff report and follow-up. Staff described the department's authority as limited to items covered by the county's public-health ordinance and said other elements (police investigations, pending litigation) are being handled by other agencies.

The neighbors provided several clarifying details to the board in public comment: the property was searched under a warrant on July 25, 2024; a letter to the McHenry County State's Attorney's Office from Patricia Nam dated July 30, 2024 described conditions as an "imminent public health risk" and requested the residence remain unoccupied until corrective action was completed; neighbors reported the occupants pleaded guilty in relation to a separate Boone County case involving more than 54 dogs; and the village had posted an "unfit for occupancy" notice on the property. Residents asked the board to confirm progress and timelines.

Board members urged patience while staff coordinate with outside counsel and the state's attorney, but they also asked staff to provide a clear, written update to the board before the next meeting. Several neighbors said they would provide written statements and contact information for staff to gather evidence.

The meeting record shows the board intends to follow up; staff said they will consult with the state's attorney and report back to the board in writing.