City of Rock Falls Council met March 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 6:40 p.m. March 21st, 2017 in the Council Chambers of Rock Falls.
City Clerk Eric Arduinicalled the roll following the pledge of allegiance. A quorum was present including Aldermen Reitzel, Logan, Snow, Schuneman, and Kleckler. Alderman Kuhlemier, and Folsom were absent. In addition City Attorney Jim Reese and City Administrator Robbin Blackert were present,
Consent Agenda:
Alderman Kleckler asked that item 3 on the consent agenda be read for Consideration Separately. The Consent agenda was read aloud by Clerk Arduini. A motion to approve items 1 and 2 of the Consent agenda by omnibus designation was made by Alderman SnOW, and Second by Alderman Logan,
1. Approve the Minutes of the March 7th, 2017 Regular Council Meeting
2, Approval of bills as presented
Vote 5 aye, motion carried
A motion was made by Alderman Logan, and second by Alderman Schuneman to refer the Petition for annexation and plat to the Planning / Zoning Committee for consideration for the property at 222 Martin Road. Alderman Kleckler asked why the City is not making this resident also install City water service since the City had made others hook up in the past, Mayor Wescott and Attorney Reese explained that there is no nearby water Service available to Service the address, and when services are made available in front of the home, or if the Current sand point goes bad, the owner will be required to hook up per the agreement and Ordinance,
Vote 5 aye, motion carried
The Ordinances for first reading were considered for approval separately.
A motion was made by Alderman Logan and second by Alderman Schuneman to approve the first reading of Ordinance 2017-2301 authorizing and providing for the issue of not to exceed $5,050,000 General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source), of the City for the purpose of paying the COsts of designing, constructing and operating a broadband internet system for the City and related expenses, the pledge of certain revenues to the payment of principal and interest on the bonds, the levy of a direct annual tax to pay such principal and interest if the pledged revenues are insufficient to make such payment, and authorizing the Sale of said bonds to the purchaser thereof.
Vote 4 aye (Reitzel, Logan, Snow, Schuneman), 1 nay (Kleckler) without a majority the Mayor voted aye, motion carried.
A motion was made by Alderman Snow and second by Alderman Schuneman to approve the first reading of Ordinance 2017-2302 authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Sterling and County of Whiteside for operation of the consolidated Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), and the elimination of all tele-Communicator and community service officer positions. City Administrator Robbin Blackert explained that changes have been made to the draft agreement. Adm. Blackert explained the changes to the Council, Alderman Schuneman had questions about the lease agreement, and it was explained that the lease agreement would cover Some capital improvements to the PSAP facility, but the lease would be a no cost. Administrator Blackert also explained the exhibits accompanying the agreement, but a line item breakdown of the Costs were not available at the time of the Council meeting. The share will be broke down initially by having Sterling pay 40%, Rock Falls pay 30%, and Whiteside paying 30%. The agreement may not be perfect, and the cost is much higher than expected.
Alderman Logan confirmed that the Dispatch Director will report to the Advisory Committee. The cost will be higher for the City due to this unfunded mandate by the state and will increase the cost to the City by approximately $125,000 to keep our police station open around the clock.
Alderman Kleckler asked how much the 911 allotment on "Schedule A" may be. Adm. Blackert explained 911 money has typically paid for software and licenses rather than Salaries in the past, it will probably not be a large amount,
Mayor Wescott explained that more information will be made available before the next vote. He also explained the contributions made by the smaller communities into the 911 system, and how that funding may change. Call volume will be revisited in 6 months to break out the percentage of costs to each entity,
Administrator Blackert explained to Alderman Kleckler that the Rock Falls telecommunicator positions will be eliminated and the union will be dissolved. The community service officer will still be employed, but not dispatching part time.
Vote 5 aye, motion carried
City Administrator Robbin D. Blackert:
City Administrator Blackert explained that the Public Property Committee had discussed a potential project in the West Industrial Park where they may need 5 acres. An appraisal had been done, and the fair market value was $25,000 per acre. Attorney Reese Suggested that the land be given to the Industrial Development Committee to handle negotiations, and sign any potential contracts. A motion for the approval of the recommendation from the Public Property Committee for the sale 5 acres of land in the West Industrial Park for $25,000 per acre was made by Alderman Logan, and second by Alderman Reitzel.
Vote 5 aye, motion carried
A motion was made by Alderman Snow, and second by Alderman Schuneman for the approval of the Professional Services Agreement with Stanley Consultants for Screw Pump litigation Assistance at a cost not to exceed $13,000.
Vote 5 aye, motion carried
Administrator Blackert presented a recommendation from the Industrial Development Committee and allowed the Council to review the letter of intent for the sale of 5.6 Acres of land in the RB&W District, Alderman Klecker asked for clarification of the lot boundaries to be sold. Attorney Reese pointed out that this is not a binding contract.
A motion was made by Alderman Schuneman and second by Alderman Logan for approval of a letter of engagement with Standard and Poor's for a public S&P Global Ratings credit rating for US$1,905,000 City of Rock Falls, Whiteside County, Illinois, General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source), Series 2017A, dated: Date of delivery, due: October 01, 2037 US$2,670,000 City of Rock Falls, Whiteside County, Illinois, Taxable General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source), Series 2017B, dated: Date of delivery, due: October 01, 2031, at a cost of $10,800.00.
Vote 5 aye, motion carried
Administrator Blackert reminded the Council that the Finance Committee's budget presentation will be held on March 28th and 29th at 5:00pm. The Enterprise Funds will be held on Tuesday, and the General Fund will be held on Wednesday.
Information/Correspondence:
City Clerk Eric Arduini informed the Council that he had received a thank you letter from the family of Joe Padilla.
City Engineer Brian Frickenstein
Brian Frickenstein informed the Council that he has spoken with the Contractor at the riverfront, and they will be resuming work on the site in the first week in April weather permitting. There was a meeting with the US Army Corps of engineers to examine erosion at East 2nd Street. The Corps will be doing a feasibility study. If a grant is obtained for the work there is a local contribution amount required.
Ward Reports:
Ward 2:
Alderman Snow reminded everyone to vote at the consolidated election on April 4th,
Ward 3:
Alderman Schuneman presented the ad put together by Janell LOOS and Robbin for the Northwest Illinois magazine. Mr. Schuneman also gave his memorial thoughts for Chuck Berry,
Mayor's Report:
Mayor Wescott spoke about Gary Camarano from Whiteside County and a meeting with a members of the Chinese Consulate concerning a new portal which will help commerce with Small businesses who want to do more business with China. They estimate a 27% increase in business in 2018. About 40 business owners were in attendance for the meeting,
Mayor Wescott spoke about the Sesquicentennial Committee having a table at the Sublette Toy show as their featured vehicles this year were International Harvester.
With nothing else for the good of the Council a motion was made by Alderman Snow and second by Alderman Reitzel to adjourn the meeting at 7:16pm.
Viva Voce Vote, motion carried
Meeting is adjourned at 7:21 pm
http://www.rockfalls61071.net/download/agendas_and_minutes/2017_agendas_and_minutes/2017_city_council_meetings/2017_city_council_minutes/03-21-2017-City-Council-Minutes.pdf
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