City of Rock Falls Council met April 4.
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 at 6:30 p.m. April 4, 2017 in the Council Chambers of Rock Falls by Mayor William B. WeSCott,
Deputy City Clerk Michelle Conklin called the roll following the pledge of allegiance. A quorum was present including Mayor William B. Wescott, Aldermen Reitzel, Logan, Snow, Kuhlemier, Schuneman, Kleckler and Folsom. In addition City Attorney James Reese, and City Administrator Robbin Blackert were present.
A public hearing was held at 6:30 p.m. to hear public comments concerning the proposed annexation agreement for property located at 222 Martin Road, Rock Falls IL. Hearing no comments the public hearing was closed.
Recognition:
Fire Chief Gary Cook introduced new Fire Fighter Mark T. McPhillips, he was pinned by his brother Fire Fighter Brian McPhillips.
Audience Requests:
Michael Rizzo, a citizen from Whiteside County addressed the City Council on his concerns about the Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Rock Falls, City of Sterling and Whiteside County, Mr. Rizzo presented a written copy of his concerns which have been attached and made part of these minutes.
Consent Agenda:
1. Approve the Minutes of the March 21, 2017 Regular Council Meeting
2. Approval of bills as presented
3. Approval of Resolution 2017-758 - Accepting a Grant from IHDA Abandoned Residential Property Municipal Relief Program
A motion was made by Alderman Snow and second by Alderman Schuneman to approve the consent agenda as presented.
Vote 7 aye, motion carried.
Ordinance First Reading:
A motion was made by Alderman Reitzel and second by Alderman Snow to approve the first reading of the following Ordinances:
1. Approval of Ordinance 2017-2303 Authorizing Lease of Real Estate for Cellular Tower,
2. Approval of Ordinance 2017-2304 Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance.
3. Approval of Ordinance 2017-2305 Vacating a portion of alley South of Ada Street
6. Approval of Ordinance 2017-2308 Amending Article XI of Chapter 6 - Private Outdoor Pools,
7. Approval of Ordinance 2017-2311 Amending Section 34-283 and Section 34-284. Uses for B-1 Zoning.
Viva Voce Vote, 7 aye, motion carried.
A motion was made by Alderman Snow and second by Alderman Reitzel to approve the first reading of the following Ordinances:
4. Approval of Ordinance 2017-2306 Adding Article VI to Chapter 20 - Open Burning
5. Approval of Ordinance 2017-2307 Amending Section 32-510 Burning
Alderman Schuneman stated that he had a problem with the two Ordinances not being taken back to the Ordinance Committee for review. It seems that there is no compromise with burning, it is either a complete ban or nothing. The City by Ordinance allows burning of prairie grasses but yet we will not allow the residents to burn yard waste and We have not given them any way to get rid of their yard waste.
Alderman Reitzel reminded the Council that the City's contract with our waste hauler already has provisions to pick up yard waste, all you have to do is put it in paper bags or into a container with an "X" on it and put it out to the curb.
Alderman Snow Stated that the City already has ordinances in place and other things in place for the residents to dispose of their yard waste.
Alderman Kuhlemier stated that he has mulched or bagged his yard waste for years, these ordinances will only add another layer of government,
Upon roll call Alderman Reitzel, Logan, Snow and Kleckler voted aye, Alderman Kuhlemier, Schuneman and Folsom voted nay. Mayor Wescott voted aye,
Vote 5 aye, 3 nay. Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Alderman Schuneman and second by Alderman Logan to approve Ordinance 2017-2312 Amending Section 16,390-1 Special Use Permit. Alderman Snow recused himself from the vote.
Viva Voce Vote, 6 aye, Motion Carried.
Ordinance Second Reading/Adoption:
A motion was made by Alderman Kuhlemier and second by Alderman Logan to approve the adoption of Ordinance 2017-2301 authorizing and providing for the issue of not to exceed $5,300,000 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.
City Administrator Robbin Blackert addressed the City Council and state that the ordinance providing for the issuance of bonds to finance the broadband System being considered now is in the same form as the ordinance reviewed by the City Council at its meeting on March 21, 2017. As you recall, the ordinance delegates the authority of the City Council to issue the Bonds to certain designated officials (the Mayor, City Clerk, City Treasurer and the City Administrator) as long as the final Sale terms are within certain parameters (as to par amount, interest rate, tax levy, etc.) expressly set forth in the ordinance, These parameters are primarily established in Sections 4 and 12 of the ordinance. The City determined that, in order to pay the costs of the first phase of the project, the City's best interest is served by adjusting certain of these parameters slightly from the version of the Ordinance that was presented at the March 21, 2017 City Council meeting. Specifically, the parameters adjusted in this version of the Ordinance are as follows: (i) the maximum total principal amount of the issue would increase from $5,050,000 to $5,300,000, (ii) the maximum principal amount due in any single year would increase from $470,000 to $485,000 and the maximum tax levy (which the City would expect to abate) in each year would increase from $485,000 to $505,000.
Vote 6 aye, 1 nay (Alderman Kleckler), Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Alderman Reitzel and second by Alderman Logan to approve the adoption 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.
Vote 7 aye, Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Alderman Schuneman and second by Alderman Snow to adopt Ordinance 2017-2309 authorizing the signing of an annexation agreement with Gregg Fritsch and Randy Fritsch for the property at 222 Martin Road, Rock Falls IL.
Administrator Blackert stated that the original Annexation Agreement had been modified by changing section 7 paragraph a to read after passage of the Annexation Ordinance, the Ownershall connect and the City shall permit connection, of the Tract to the public potable water supply system of the City when Supply mains are installed in a public right of way adjacent to the Tract. Ownershall be responsible for payment to City of the amount calculated under the rate ordinance of the City for any water Supplied as measured by the meter installed on the Tract,
Vote 7 aye, Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Alderman Schuneman and second by Alderman Kuhlemier to adopt Ordinance 2017-2310 approving the annexation of the property located at 222 Martin Road, Rock Falls IL,
Vote 7 aye, Motion Carried.
City Administrator Robbin Blackert:
Administrator Blackert informed the City Council that Mayor Wescott and herself have been in contact with the Illinois EPA over the last few weeks regarding the Revolving Loan Fund for the demolition of the Limestone Building. In order for us to proceed there will be a notice in the newspaper running from April 6, 2017 through April 13, 2017 stating that the City of Rock Falls is going to implement the asbestOS mitigation and building demolition project at the Limestone Building. The project will be Supported by the Illinois EPA Revolving Loan Fund. Environmental reports including draft work plan and community relation plan will be available for public review and comment at City Hall. There will be a Public Hearing held on this issue at the May 16, 2017 Council Meeting.
A motion was made by Alderman Kuhlemier and second by Alderman Logan to approve the first reading of the Fiscal Year 2018 Budget.
Vote, 7 aye, Motion Carried.
Information/Correspondence:
A motion was made by Alderman Logan and second by Alderman Kuhlemier to approve the recommendation from the Finance/Insurance Committee for liability and worker's compensation insurance premium 2017-2018 to the Municipal Insurance Cooperative Agency (MICA) in the amount of $474,710.00.
Vote, 7 aye, Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Alderman Kuhlemier and second by Alderman Logan to approve the recommendation from the Finance/Insurance Committee for the 2017-2018 renewal with the IPBC (Intergovernmental Personnel Benefit Cooperative) for Employee Health and Dental Insurance through the NIHII (Northern Illinois Health Insurance Initiative) Sub-Pool. The agreement will incur a 1.1% increase for health care and 2.2% increase for dental coverage.
Vote, 7 aye, Motion Carried.
Department Heads:
A motion was made by Alderman Schuneman and second by Alderman Logan to
waive the formal bidding procedures and approve the estimate for additional Crack repair at the hydro plant by Tarlton Concrete Restoration, 5500 West Park Avenue, St. Louis MO, not to exceed $27,000.00.
Vote, 7 aye, Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Alderman Logan and second by Alderman Snow to approve the bid from Sterling Chevrolet, 1802 17th Avenue, Sterling IL for a 2017 Chevrolet Colorado for the Electric Department, Bid includes the purchase price of $29,915.00 with a trade in of the 2006 Ford Ranger in the amount of $8,400.00, total bid price of $21,515.00.
Vote, 7 aye, Motion Carried.
Water Superintendent Ted Padilla presented the City Council with the Source Water Protection award received from the Illinois Section American Water Works ASSOciation for the City of Rock Falls' education program. Mr. Padilla thanked the Electric Department for their participation in the program every year and thanked the City Council for allowing them to have the program.
A motion was made by Alderman Snow and second by Alderman Logan to approve Tourism Director Janell Loos to hire Kate Williams as an intern in the Tourism Department. This will be a non-paid position.
Vote, 7 aye, Motion Carried.
A motion was made by Alderman Logan and second by Alderman Folsom to approve the recommendation from the Tourism Committee to allow Summer Splash Friday June 23, 2017 and Saturday June 24, 2017 and Spring Fest May 18, 2017 through Sunday May 21, 2017 to be held at the Riverfront Patio.
Vote, 7 aye, Motion Carried.
Ward Reports:
Alderman Snow informed the City Council that he had just participated in the Hearts of Gold Fundraiser which helps to raise money for kids with special needs. Mr. Snow wanted to thank everyone involved.
Mayor's Report:
Mayor Wescott informed the City Council that there is a meeting with Gensini Excavating this week and that they are hoping to start work on the Riverfront on April 17, 2017 with a tentative completion date the 3rd week in May.
A motion was made by Alderman Folsom and second by Alderman Reitzel to adjourn the meeting at 7:34 p.m. Viva Voce Vote, 7 aye, Motion Carried.
http://www.rockfalls61071.net/download/agendas_and_minutes/2017_agendas_and_minutes/2017_city_council_meetings/2017_city_council_minutes/04-04-2017-City-Council-Minutes.pdf
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