City of Rock Falls Council met August 15.
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 August 15th, 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, Kuhlemier, Snow, Schuneman, Kleckler, Folsom, and Sobottka. In addition City Attorney Jim Reese and City Administrator Robbin Blackert were present.
Audience Request:
Tayne Austin asked the City Council if there could be "Slow Children Playing" signs installed on West 24th Street. Mayor Wescott informed her that the Police will investigate and bring their findings back to the Public Property committee.
Sharon Simester inquired about burning on the island on the previous Friday. She thought that there was to be no more burning on the island. City Administrator explained that the Public Property Committee has not made a change in the City disposal methods of the wood at this time, and the property is not in city limits.
Alderman Reitzel clarified that residents are allowed to burn wood.
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 Schuneman and second by Alderman Folsom.
1. Approve the Minutes of the August 1st, 2017Regular Council Meeting.
2. Approval of bills as presented.
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 2017-2330 Addition of Article 11.5 to Chapter 16 - Food Truck Vendor License.
Vote 8 aye, motion carried
A motion was made by Alderman Logan and second by Alderman Kuhlemier for the adoption of Ordinance 2017-2331 Amending Section 32-22 to read "Utilities Committee"
Vote 7 aye 1 nay (Kleckler), motion carried
City Administrator Robbin D. Blackert:
City Administrator Robbin Blackert presented a memo on the effects of the State Budget on the City of Rock Falls. It was explained that the local government distributed tax will be cut for one year by 10%, but at the same time they promise to pay 14 months instead of 12 months in FY18. Beginning in July, the state will now impose a 2% fee on all locally imposed sales tax collected by the state. The City of Rock Falls can expect to be charged $16,360. The State did nothing about the pension crisis, and discussion of giving all of the Fire and Police pensions the same deal as Chicago received has had nothing come of it. Adm. Blackert remarked that Springfield was able to pass House Resolution 30 though which declared October to be "Zombie Preparedness Month".
Mayor Wescott added that the new sales tax fee was originally a 1%increase on everything collected, but it was now changed, and this will affect the schools also.
Alderman Kuhlemier stated that this is taxation by a different means.
Administrator Blackert reviewed a report given to the Council from Terracon concerning the demolition ofthe limestone building. Alderman Kleckler asked about the procedure for people picking up limestone from the former limestone building area. He was concerned about why it was treated as hazardous. Administrator Blackert stated the asbestos was in the roof and piping. Some items that are not deemed safe are the wood and piping material. Ifresidents want to come down and get some of the rock, it is available after 5:00 pm and on weekends. Alderman Snow inquired about the City's liability for someone getting hurt in the area, and it is the same as any other City property. Administrator Blackert welcomed Mayor Wescott back to the City Council.
Information/Correspondence:
Eric Arduini, City Clerk
A motion was made by Alderman Snow, and second by Alderman Folsom for the approval of the Mary Avenue Block Party. This includes barricades and a road closure on September 9th, 2017. Mayor Wescott added that this event has been going on for a number of years. It will be from 1l:00am to 10:00pm. Alderman Kuhlemier has never heard of any problems with the event. Vote 8 aye, motion carried
City Engineer Brian Frickenstein
A motion was made by Alderman Reitzel, and second by Alderman Kuhlemier to approve the bid for the Galt Avenue street project to Civil Constructors 2283 Route 20 East, Freeport Illinois in the amount of $161,515.15.
Department Heads:
Water - Ted Padilla
Amotion was made by Alderman Schuneman, and second by Alderman Logan for the approval of the bid for a 2017 F-350 extended cab with equipment from Bonnell Industries Inc. 1385 Franklin Grove Road, Dixon, IL. in the amount of $67,644.00.
Alderman Kleckler asked for a clarification about where the vehicle will be purchased from. Bonnell will be taking the chassis from Anderson Rock River Ford in Rockford, IL, and adding equipment. Mr. Simon confirmed that this is replacing a truck.
Vote 8 aye, motion carried
Tourism - Janell Loos
Tourism Director Janell Loos introduced Katie Williams who was an invaluable intern with the Tourism office over the summer. Ms. Williams is going into her senior year at Northern Illinois University where she is majoring in economics, and minoring in sociology. She has been helping with social media, the website, and the Northern Illinois Film Office. She thanked the Council for allowing her to work in Rock Falls. Mayor Wescott stated that we are thankful for her diligence, and putting in a lot of hours for the City.
Director Loos made an announcement about Pink Heals. It has grown, and she has been overwhelmed by the support and events of the surrounding communities. The Pink Party on the Riverfront will be held from 4:00pm - 7:00pm in the RB&W District, on the Rock Falls Riverfront. There will be health and wellness booths setup. The Pink Heals Firetruck will be on display with t-shirts available. There will be fireworks that night. The same day form 10:45-12:00pm Pink Heals will be at CGH Medical Center in Sterling. More information will be available on the Tourism website, and on social media.
Mayor Wescott introduced Wayne Shafer who is the new Fiber optics Director.
Wayne thanked the Council for the welcome, and in his first week, he has been getting great support from everyone.
Ward Reports:
Ward 1:
Alderman Daehle Reitzel reminded residents to be careful when driving with students going back to school.
Ward 2:
Alderman Glen Kuhlemier pointed out the new bannisters that were installed at the City Council Chambers. He gave thanks for being Grand Marshall in the Sesquicentennial Parade. He stated that we now have an opportunity to begin a new page in Rock Falls' history. He wishes his wife Delores Happy Birthday on August 16th.
Alderman Brian Snow reminded residents that we have a lot of road work going on right now. He asks for patience as some roads will be closed.
Ward 3:
Alderman Jim Schuneman informed the Council that the next Utilities Committee meeting will be held on August 28th at 8:15am at the Electric Office.
Alderman Kleckler thought about possible signage for parents to not allow children to play in the streets. Parenting skills should be used to keep children from playing in the streets.
Mayor's Report:
Mayor Wescott explained the ordinance that addresses parking, and dropping off students are issues that occur on 8th Avenue. The Schools have worked with the City to try to work on this problem. He asked that this ordinance go to second reading to have the rules in effect for the beginning of the school year. Alderman Snow made a motion, and second by Alderman Reitzel for the waving of the first reading, and adoption of Ordinance 2017-2332 amending section 18-155 Standing and Parking; prohibited and restricted areas between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm and Section 18-168 Resident Parking. Temporary signs will be posted until the new signs are made, and the information will be going out to parents and residents for a couple of weeks.
Vote 8 aye, motion carried
Mayor Wescott spoke about the Sesquicentennial, and was sorry that he missed the first three days of the great week. He spoke of the wonderful committee of people who worked so hard and diligently in the planning of this. They wanted to do more, but it came down to the amount of help available for the events. He thanked Robbin and Eric for stepping up when he couldn't make it to the event. He thanks the civic groups that also helped make it successful. Thanked the schools for the use of their facilities at no charge. One of the highlights was that it gave the City an opportunity to recognize Glen Kuhlemier who has devoted years to the City serving as Mayor, Alderman, and on committees. Mayor Wescott thanked the Chamber ofCommerce for the work that they did organizing the parade. He thanked Tourism for the Miss Sesquicentennial pageant, and the Beard Contest, He recognized the uptown business owners for their hard work on the street dance which went very well without any problems. Mayor Wescott thanked all of the City crews for the extra work that they did to make the City look great, and help everything run smoothly.
A motion was made by Alderman Snow, and second by Alderman Schuneman to enter executive session for section 2(c)(11) threatened or pending litigation, and section 2(c)(21) review of closed session minutes.
Vote 8 aye, motion carried
City Council entered Executive Session at 7:13 pm City Council returned to regular session at 8:01 pm
A motion was made by Alderman Snow, and second by Alderman Sobottka to approve and keep sealed the executive session minutes reviewed.
Vote 8 aye, motion carried
With nothing else for the good of the Council a motion was made by Alderman Folsom and second by Alderman Sobottka to adjourn the meeting at 8:02 pm.
Viva Voce Vote, motion carried
https://rockfalls61071.net/download/agendas_and_minutes/2017_agendas_and_minutes/2017_city_council_meetings/2017_city_council_minutes/08-15-2017-City-Council-Minutes.pdf
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