City of Rock Falls Council met July 5.
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 July 5th, 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, Kuhlemier, Schuneman, Kleckler, Folsom, and Sobottka, In addition City Attorney Jim Reese and City Administrator Robbin Blackert were present,
Mayor Wescott extended his condolences to the family of Mr. Frank Yaklich, The City had been working with Frank in preparation for the Sesquicentennial. He was a great area historian, and passed away suddenly last Saturday.
Consent Agenda:
The consent agenda was read aloud by Clerk Arduini. A motion to approve the consent agenda as presented by Omnibus designation was made by Alderman Snow, and Second by Alderman Logan.
1. Approve the Minutes of the June 20th, 2017 Regular Council Meeting,
2. Approval of bills as presented.
3. Approval of "Boot Drive for MDA" on Saturday, August 12th. 2017 from 9am to 1pm at the intersection of First Avenue and Third Street - Rock Falls Firefighters. Vote 8 aye, motion carried
Ordinance First Reading:
A motion to approve the first reading of the following ordinances was made by Alderman Snow, and second by Alderman Reitzel.
1. Approval of Ordinance 2017-2326 Repealing Section 34-402 - Extraction Operations,
2. Approval of Ordinance 2017-2327 Amending Section 34-126 to remove quarrying of Sand and gravel.
3. Approval of Ordinance 2017-2328 Amending Chapter 32, Article 2, Section 32 27(b) Supplemental or additional charges for additional services, Vote 8 aye, motion carried
Ordinance Second Reading/ Adoption
A motion was made by Alderman Snow, and second by Alderman Logan for the adoption of Ordinance 2017-2317 adding Article VI to Chapter 20 - Open Burning. Vote 4 aye (Reitzel, Logan, Snow, Schuneman), 4 nay (Kuhlemier, Kleckler, Folsom, Sobottka) Mayor Wescott voted aye to break the tie, motion carried
A motion was made by Alderman Snow, and second by Alderman Logan for the adoption of Ordinance 2017-2318 amending Section 32-510 - Burning. Vote 4 aye (Reitzel, Logan, Snow, Schuneman), 4 nay (Kuhlemier, Kleckler, Folsom, Sobottka) Mayor Wescott voted aye to break the tie, motion carried
A motion was made by Alderman Kuhlemier, and second by Alderman Reitzel for the adoption of Ordinance 2017-2324. Adding Section 1-41(h)(43) to allow for administrative hearing of private outdoor swimming pool violations. Alderman Schuneman questioned the need for this ordinance, and said that it seems to be targeting kiddie pools. Mayor Wescott explained that there was no way to enforce the Current pool registration ordinance. Attorney Reese explained that this lets violators be punished through the administrative hearing process. Vote 6 aye, 2 nay (Kleckler, Sobottka), motion carried
A motion was made by Alderman Snow, and second by Alderman Reitzel for the adoption of Ordinance 2017-2325 Vacation of Alley - Dekalb Feeds. Alderman Kleckler Stated that after he looked into the situation more, he found that this ordinance was drafted to correct mistakes made in the past, and he now supports it. Vote 8 aye, motion carried
A motion was made by Alderman Logan, and second by Alderman Schuneman for the adoption of Ordinance 2017-2329 Standing Committee Roles, Alderman Kleckler asked why this was not brought forth for two readings. Mayor Wescott explained that the new committee assignments will begin after the July 6th, 2017 Public Works - Public Property Committee. He would like the committees to secure times and dates at their 1st meeting to ensure a quorum will be able to be present at the meetings. Vote 7 aye, 1 nay (Kleckler) motion carried
City Administrator Robbin D. Blackert:
Alderman Logan made a motion and second by Alderman Kuhlemier to approve the Wages for the 3 employees that did not go to Sterling for the dispatch consolidation, The proposed Wages included a 3% increase which will be retroactive to June 26th, 2017. Vote 8 aye, motion carried
A motion was made by Alderman Reitzel, and second by Alderman Schuneman to approve the change order for Gensini Excavating for work at the RB&W District Park for Phase II of the project,
Alderman Kleckler found it unacceptable that the change order was brought to the Council for approval after the work had been done. He stated that the additions and deletions amounted to nearly $400,000,
Brian Frickenstein explained that the change amount was around $19,000 for the $1.4 million contract.
Mayor Wescott stated that change orders are common with most projects. Contractors would never meet deadlines, and the City could not enforce deadlines if every change order went to the Council for approval. Mayor Wescott explained that the control building was halted in order to build the stage. The grass seeding was changed to Sodding,
Administrator Blackert informed the Council that as long as she had been Serving, this is the way change orders were handled starting with the new sewer plant, Vote 7 aye, 1 nay (Kleckler) motion carried
Information/Correspondence:
City Clerk Eric Arduini informed the IML Conference is coming up September
21-23 in Chicago. The Aldermen should let him know if they are going to attend. He also informed the Council that the move to paperless meeting will be coming Soon, Mayor Wescott Congratulated Dick and Lori Simon on the birth of their new granddaughter.
Department Heads: Tourism - Janell Loos
Tourism Director Janell LOOS reported that this will be an extremely busy Weekend, and on the Tourism website there is an "Extreme Summer Challenge" that helps people make the most of the activities this weekend. Two farmer's markets, Touch-a-Truck, Rock Falls River Chase, an antique tractor and engine show, and the Whiteside County Barn Tour.
The Bass Pro Shops Big Cat Quest had 61 boats entered, and about 1000 spectators each day. Alderman Kuhlemier added that the largest catfish was 36.8lbs.
Ward Reports:
Ward 1:
Alderman Daehle Reitzel reminded the Council about the Public Works - Public
Property Committee meeting being held on July 6th at 8:15am. He was also impressed with the amount of families that went to the park for movie night.
Ward 2:
Alderman Glen Kuhlemier mentioned that Louie Bellson's birthday was July 6th, He was one of the greatest Jazz players, and one of Rock Falls' illustrious Sons born on 8th Avenue.
Ward 3:
Alderman Jim Schuneman wished his wife, and Mayor Wescott Happy Birthday. He also congratulated Grandma and Grandpa Simon,
Alderman Kleckler wanted to correct statements made at the last Council meeting, and said that there were trees burned on the island on June 14th and 15th,
Mayor's Report:
Mayor Wescott and Administrator Blackert informed the Council that the limestone building demolition will begin on July 17th, West 1st Street will remain open, but all access to the lower dam will be prohibited during the demolition. The entire process will take 3-4 weeks, Water will be applied to the site during the demolition, and air quality test will be done throughout the process. Mayor Wescott stated that blocking off the dam is hard, but necessary as the contractor needs to take the building down in the Safest manner possible, Trespassers will be prosecuted. If there is any limestone that can be repurposed, the City will use it, and if there is still some left over, it will be offered to residents for re-use. Anyone interested in the limestone for their use may contact City Hall and be put on a list.
Mayor Wescott gave a Schedule of events for the Sesquicentennial. There are now nine class reunions coming to town during the event.
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 7:26 pm. Viva Voce Vote, motion carried
Meeting is adjourned at 7:26 pm
http://www.rockfalls61071.net/download/agendas_and_minutes/2017_agendas_and_minutes/2017_city_council_meetings/2017_city_council_minutes/07-05-2017-City-Council-Minutes.pdf
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