Council approves Riverwalk Shops "Dinner Under the Stars" permits and alcohol waiver for two nights

The City of McHenry City Council approved a special use permit and a special-event liquor license for the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce to hold the Riverwalk Shops "Dinner Under the Stars" events, and voted to allow alcohol in the specified park footprint for those nights.

Alderman Miller moved to approve the park special use permit, the special-event liquor license and an exception allowing alcohol in the park footprint for the events; Alderman Frank McClatchy seconded. Council discussion focused on park use, policing and the event fee. Staff said the event footprint is contained to the Riverwalk Shops area of Miller Pointe Park and does not extend over the bridge or onto private property. The city described its contribution as limited to supplying garbage cans and standard permitting support.

Aldermen expressed differing views about using the park for a ticketed, higher-price fundraiser. One alderman noted the $83 fee per event (plus a security deposit usually $50) and said the fee seemed low for reserving park space; staff confirmed the fee is charged per event and the standard security deposit applies. Chief of Police reported there were no incidents at last year’s event and that regular foot patrols cover the Riverwalk.

Molly Ostap, president of the McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce, testified that the Chamber is a nonprofit and that the dinner does not generate profit for the Chamber itself; proceeds go to the Chamber Foundation to support Riverwalk shops and related projects. She said prior events drew about 80 attendees, and the Chamber increased capacity to 120 for this year.

Council approved the request with a roll-call vote recorded by the clerk.