City of Rock Falls Council met June 20.
Here is the minutes 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. on May 16th, 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, Kleckler, Folsom, and Sobottka. Alderman Schuneman was absent. In addition City Attorney Jim Reese and City Administrator Robbin Blackert were present.
Public Hearing 6:30 pm
1. A Public Hearing for written or oral comments from citizens regarding the proposed Appropriation Ordinance 2017-2322 for the Fiscal Year commencing May 1, 2017 and Ending April 30, 2018.
The Public Hearing began at 6:30 pm, Mayor Wescott explained the purpose of the required public hearing, City Clerk Eric Arduini informed Mayor Wescott that there had been no verbal or written comments received in the City Clerk's office concerning the issue. No One from the audience spoke about the issue.
The Public Hearing was ended at 6:32 pm
Audience Requests:
Sharon Simester asked if the burn ban were to take effect, could the City of Rock Falls Continue to burn on the island, and could the Park District continue to burn. Mayor Wescott explained that the City would have to find other ways to dispose of tree other than burning,
Jim Buzard asked questions concerning incinerators, recreational fire pits, and Screening regulations that would be coming if the ordinance passes banning burning. Mr, Buzard did also confirm that kiln dried hardwoods would be allowed in the recreational fire, The ban is for only City limits, and is does not cover the entire Coloma Township.
Consent Agenda:
The Consent agenda was read aloud by Clerk Arduini. Alderman Kleckler asked that item number two be considered minus the $70,828.00 bill from Gensini Excavating. A motion to approve the Consent agenda as read minus the Gensini bill was made by Alderman Snow, and Second by Alderman Logan.
1. Approve the Minutes of the June 6th, 2017 Regular Council Meeting.
2. Approval of bills as presented.
Vote 7 aye, motion carried
Alderman Kleckler asked that the Gensini bill be considered after the change order is approved by the Council, Administrator Blackert informed the Council that the pay estimate that had been approved, and the change order have nothing to do with each other, She also stated the change order is being pulled from the agenda.
A motion was made by Alderman Snow, and second by Alderman Sobottka to approve the payment of $70,828.00 to Gensini for work performed at the riverfront, Vote 6 aye, 1 nay (Kleckler) motion carried
Ordinance First Reading:
A motion to approve the first reading of the following ordinances was made by Alderman Logan, and second by Alderman Folsom.
1. Approval of Ordinance 2017-2324. Adding Section 1-41(h)(43) to allow for administrative hearing of private outdoor swimming pool violations,
2. Approval of Ordinance 2017-2325 Vacation of Alley - Dekalb Feeds
Alderman Kleckler asked not to approve Ordinance 2017-2325 due to it being a Complicated issue that should have went to the Public Property Committee before Coming to Council.
Vote 6 aye, 1 nay (Kleckler) motion carried
Ordinance Second Reading/Adoption:
Alderman Sobottka asked which ordinance regulated recreational burning, She recommends that the time be extended past 11:00 pm for recreational fires,
Ordinance 2017-2317 that was on the agenda for adoption did not have anyone motion or second to adopt it.
Ordinance 2017-2318 that was on the agenda for adoption did not have anyone motion or second to adopt it.
A motion was made by Alderman Kuhlemier, and second by Alderman Logan for the adoption of Ordinance 2017-2320 Amending Section 32 of the Rock Falls Municipal Code for changes to the Electric Utility rates, Vote 7 aye, motion carried
A motion was made by Alderman Logan, and second by Alderman Snow for the adoption of Ordinance 2017-2321 Prevailing Wage Ordinance 2017. Vote 7 aye, motion carried
A motion was made by Alderman Kuhlemier, and second by Alderman Logan for the adoption of Ordinance 2017-2322 FY18 Appropriation Ordinance. Vote 7 aye, motion carried
A motion was made by Alderman Kuhlemier, and second by Alderman Reitzel for the adoption of Ordinance 2017-2323 Amending Section 16-354 - License Classifications; fees - addition of Class B-3 Campground. Vote 6 aye, Alderman Snow recused himself from this vote.
City Administrator Robbin D. Blackert:
A motion was made by Alderman Logan, and second by Alderman Kuhlemier for the approval of signing an engagement letter with Baird & Co. Administrator Blackert explained that this is the beginning process for the rebuild of the Avenue A substation which will COst $7,000,000 to $9,000,000. The recent electric rate study already had the rebuild figured into the calculations.
Vote 7 aye, motion carried
A motion was made by Alderman Reitzel and second by Alderman Logan for of the recommendation from the Public Works Committee to award the bid for the 5th Avenue and 13th Avenue street projects to Civil Constructors 2283 Route 20 East, Freeport Illinois in the amount of $149,312.35.
Vote 7 aye, motion carried
Administrator Blackert gave a PowerPoint presentation outlining the FY 17 budget, and how the funds ended up for the year. The full presentation will be posted on the City website for review. Alderman Kuhlemier gave accolades to the Department Heads, workers, and everyone else who helps with the budget making.
Information/Correspondence:
City Clerk Eric Arduini read an email received from Ed Barsotti, Chief Programs Officer for Ride Illinois thanking Rock Falls for their hospitality, and thanking the National Guard for water for the bikers.
City Attorney Jim Reese introduced Scott Sandrock who is serving as a law clerk at Ward Murray Pace and Johnson this summer.
Department Heads:
Mayor Wescott thanked Larry Spinka for taking a leadership role in the recent work done at the riverfront. The Mayor also thanked all of the other departments and employees for their hard work in getting the park ready.
Tourism - Janell Loos
Director Loos informed the Council that the Bass Pro Shops Big Cat Quest and Outdoor Show are this weekend. Registration is Friday 4-8pm. She thanked the volunteers from the City, and other volunteers are welcome. A truck will be given away by Majeski Motors to a fisherman if they beat an Illinois record during the tournament,
The Rock Falls River Chase is July 8th and 9th along with Touch - a -Truck on the 8th from 10 am-2 pm,
Administrator Blackert commended Janell Loos for her hard work in the new department,
Ward Reports:
Ward 1:
Alderman Reitzel stated that he visited the RB&W Park, and many people were down there and were all impressed with how it is coming along,
Alderman George Logan Jr, echoed Alderman Reitzel's statements about the riverfront, He gave kudos to the Twin City Joint Fire Command in their handling of a fire during the recent Storms.
Ward 2:
Alderman Glen Kuhlemier went to the RB&W District and saw the benches. One of them will be his, and he encourages anyone who would like to sponsor a bench See Janell in the Tourism Department. He explained that to get the historic business area of town you have to go up town from any other place in the Rock Falls. It is unique to our town, and calling it uptown makes people feel a little bit better about their location.
Ward 3:
Alderman Kleckler remarked that no matter where the City comes up on the burning issue, it is important the City develops a program that residents can use to deal with branches, and logs that may come down.
Mayor's Report:
Mayor Bill Wescott presented a list of new standing committees. He will be presenting new definitions of the committees to be passed through the ordinance committee to be set by ordinance. A motion was made by Alderman Reitzel, and second by Alderman Logan to approve the new standing committees which will take effect after the July 5th, 2017 City Council meeting.
Alderman Kleckler opposed approving the standing committees without the utility Committee being spelled out.
Vote 6 aye, 1 nay (Kleckler) motion carried
Mayor Wescott spoke about the Summer Splash happening along with the catfish tournament, and the first ever movie on the Riverfront, The Sesquicentennial Store is now open downtown, the river front is ready to go. The plans are just about finalized. Tickets are on sale for the Sesquicentennial Ball, The time capsule contents will be on display along with miss sesquicentennial competition. The dinner will be catered by Candlelight Inn, and there will be dancing with the Class Act II band that has worked with Louie Bellson in the past.
The City continues to work hard, and we are getting a lot of inquiries from local businesses, and many outside the area about broadband, and the fiber internet that will be here. It will put Rock Falls at the top of list for Economic Development in the state as the only city offering this kind of quality connectivity at great prices.
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 8:07 pm.
Viva Voce Vote, motion carried
Meeting is adjourned at 7:33 pm.
http://www.rockfalls61071.net/download/agendas_and_minutes/2017_agendas_and_minutes/2017_city_council_meetings/2017_city_council_minutes/06-20-2017-City-Council-Minutes.pdf
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