City of Rock Falls Council met February 21.
Here is the minutes as provided by the council:
The regular meeting of the Mayor and City Council of Rock Falls, Illinois was called to Order by Mayor William B. Wescott at 6:30 p.m. February 21st, 2017 in the Council Chambers of Rock Falls.
City Clerk Eric Arduini called the roll following the pledge of allegiance. A quorum was present including Aldermen Reitzel, Logan, Snow, Kuhlemier, Schuneman, Kleckler, and Folsom. In addition City Attorney Jim Reese was present,
Community Affairs:
Steve Mortensen of the Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce reminded the Council that the Annual Dinner will be Thursday, February 23rd. Mr. Mortensen informed the Council that % of the dessert auction proceeds will be donated to the Rock Falls Sesquicentennial Celebration,
State of the City:
Mayor Wescott gave the 2017 State of the City address which will be attached as part of these minutes,
Consent Agenda:
The Consent agenda was read aloud by Clerk Arduini. A motion to approve the consent agenda by Omnibus designation was made by Alderman Snow, and second by Alderman Folsom.
1. Approve the Minutes of the February 7th, 2017 Regular Council Meeting
2. Approval of bills as presented
3. Proclamation - Junior Achievement Day April 6th, 2017
Vote 7 aye, motion carried
Ordinance Second Reading/Adoption:
A motion to adopt Ordinance 2017-2299 an ordinance authorizing the issuance of general obligation alternate bonds of the City of Rock Falls, Whiteside County, Illinois, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $13,000,000 for the paying the costs of designing, Constructing and operating a broadband internet System for the City and related expenses was made by
Alderman Logan and second by Alderman Reitzel,
Vote, 6 Aye, 1 Nay (Kleckler), motion carried
City Administrator Robbin D. Blackert:
A motion was made by Alderman Reitzel, and second by Alderman Snow for the approval of the recommendation of the Public Works committee to sponsor the Sauk Valley Landlord's Association City-Wide Cleanup on May 13th, 2017 in the amount of $2000.00. City Administrator Robbin Blackert reminded the Council that this event happened last year because a citizen's group stepped forward. Last year the event was an overwhelming Success, and it shows that this group cares about the community. Vote, 6 Aye, 1 Abstention (Kleckler), motion carried
A motion was made by Alderman Reitzel, and second by Alderman Snow for the approval of the revised "Fiberoptic Project Turnkey Rollout" and approval to proceed with Phase 1 not to exceed $206,677-Magellan Advisors 999 18th Street, Suite 3000, Denver, CO, Administrator Blackert informed the Council that this will allow the 90-120 days of design Work to begin sooner. This will help with the buildout to begin in better weather after the final vote on April 4th. Vote, 6 Aye, 1 Nay (Kleckler), motion carried
A motion was made by Alderman Logan, and second by Alderman Schuneman for approval of the agreement with Chapman and Cutler LLP for bond and disclosure Counsel pertaining to Ordinance 2017-2299, Vote, 6 Aye, 1 Nay (Kleckler), motion carried
City Administrator Blackert announced that the City had received an Illinois Housing Development Authority $44,000 abandoned properties grant 3 years ago. The City has just received confirmation that this year the City will receive $71,000 in funds which will help with mowing, clean-up projects, and demolition of abandoned houses. Mayor Wescott thanked the hard work of Michelle Conklin in the City Clerk's Office, and Building Inspector Mark Searing for their help in attaining this grant.
Administrator Blackert informed the Council that the annual budget meetings will be held On March 28th and 29th,
Department Heads:
Electric - Dick Simon
Electrical Director Dick Simon read aloud and asked approval for a letter of resignation from Jeff Wescott. Mr. Simon stated that Jeff Wescott has served the City for over 35 years. Mayor Wescott added that Jeff is his little brother. A motion to accept the letter of resignation was made by Alderman Kuhlemier, and second by Alderman Snow.
Viva Voce Vote, motion carried
Water - Ted Padilla
A motion was made by Alderman Reitzel, and second by Alderman Schuneman for the approval of the amended engineering agreement with Willett Hofmann for the Well No. 7 project increasing the fee by $12,714.36. Adm. Blackert informed the committee that this is for added Construction observation on the project,
Superintendent Padilla informed the Council that the first bacterial sample from Well #7 passed on Saturday. The well may be online by the end of the week.
Vote 7 aye, motion carried
Tourism - Janell Loos
A motion was made by Alderman Snow, and second by Alderman Schuneman for the approval of the RB&W use application and waiving of the usage fees for the Sauk Valley Landlord's Association City-Wide Cleanup on May 13th, 2017.
Viva Voce Vote, motion carried (Aldermen Reitzel, and Kleckler recused themselves from this vote)
Ward Reports:
Ward 2:
Alderman Kuhlemier reiterated that the budget discussions will be held at 5:00pm on
March 28th and 29th, He would appreciate an audience.
Alderman Snow spoke about the nuisance of burning yard waste over the past weekend. It is a quality of life issue. The City garbage carrier will haul it away for free many months of the year. Residents should utilize this. Sterling implemented a burning ban years ago, and they are a healthier city because of it, Mr. Snow has had many complaints from residents, and he is passing them along.
Mayor's Report:
Mayor Wescott informed the Council of a public hearing for General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source) to be held at 6:30pm on March 7th, 2017.
A motion was made by Alderman Snow, and second by Alderman Schuneman to rescind the appointment of Alderman George Logan Jr. to the Zoning Board of Appealseffective immediately. Mayor Wescott stated that he has talked to Mr. Logan and the current Zoning Board of Appeals had always had an aldermanic member and 9 members in the past, The Commission needs to be operated with seven members, and two coming from the planning commission. This is just to get the numbers right, and the recommendations will come back to the City Council for approval. Viva Voce Vote, motion carried
A motion was made by Alderman Snow, and second by Alderman Schuneman for the re-appointment of Mr. Rick Turnroth to the Zoning Board of Appeals effective immediately through 4/30/2022.
Viva Voce Vote, motion carried
With nothing else for the good of the Council a motion was made by Alderman Folsom and second by Alderman Reitzel to adjourn the meeting at 7:04pm,
Viva Voce Vote, motion carried
Meeting is adjourned at 7:04pm
http://www.rockfalls61071.net/download/agendas_and_minutes/2017_agendas_and_minutes/2017_city_council_meetings/2017_city_council_minutes/02-21-2017-City-Council-Minutes.pdf
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