City of Byron City Council met May 15.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
1. CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Rickard called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Led by Mayor Rickard
3. ROLL CALL – Aldermen present: *Todd Isaacs, Emily Gerdes, Mittzi Fulrath, Dan Reilly, Zeke Hobbie, Amber Dach, Michael Gyorkos, Christy Hanlin. Eight members present by
Roll Call Vote. Quorum established.
* - denotes start of the roll call vote
PRESENT: City Clerk Caryn Huber
City Attorney Kim Krahenbuhl
Dir. Of Econ. Dev. Larry Hewitt
Public Works Aaron Vincer
City Engineer Jason Stoll
Chief of Police Todd Murray
Citizens: Pam Kultgen, Bill Pirnat, Hannah Feldhaus, Kathy Ebens, Edward Ebens, Paul Maas
4. REVERENCE PERIOD – Mayor Rickard led the Council in prayer.
5. APPROVAL/AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA – Motion by Alderman Hanlin to approve, as presented, the May 15, 2019, Agenda, seconded by Alderman Fulrath. Roll call vote: Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Reilly, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Dach, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 8; NAY, 0; ABS 0.
6. MINUTES –
a. May 1, 2019, Regular Council Meeting Minutes – Motion made by Alderman Hanlin to approve, as presented, the May 1, 2019, Regular Council minutes, seconded by Alderman Isaacs. Roll call vote: Fulrath, AYE; Reilly, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Dach, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE. Motion passed: AYE 8; NAY 0; ABSTAIN 0.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT – None
8. TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer’s report is in Dropbox. We do not have a Treasurer at this time. Alderman Hobbie asked why water and sewer (under the “bills to pay” column) is substantially higher than the beginning of the month. Alderman Isaacs explained there is more being paid out in this pay period, and referenced the List of Bills.
9. LIST OF BILLS - The tentative bills for the City of Byron were presented to the Council for discussion. Alderman Isaacs inquired about the $3500 charge to J&R Supply Inc. Director Vincer said they are rebuilding the aeration basins and J&R is providing the parts needed to do this (work being done in house). He mentioned that the bill from SSI Aeration is for the actual diffusers. Motion made by Alderman Isaacs to approve the payment of bills dated May 15, 2019, in the amount of $120,365.43. Motion seconded by Alderman Hanlin. Roll call vote: Reilly, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Dach, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 8; NAY, 0; ABSTAIN, 0.
10. MAYOR’S REPORT – The IML’s book “Handbook for Newly Elected Officials” is very informative, and there are copies for everyone. • Mayor Rickard signed a letter written by the Mayor of Rockford indicating the importance of the Rockford Airport, and stating opposition to building the airport in Peotone. • The Mayor and Council are invited, as they are every year, to participate in the Memorial Day Parade. Chet Kobel continues to organize the event.
11. CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT – No report.
12. CITY ENGINEER’S PROJECT STATUS – Engineer Stoll reported paving for the parking lot is scheduled for tomorrow. • 3rd Street restoration efforts are underway and they are asking residents to water the areas that were seeded. Mayor Rickard asked how we can notify the owners, and suggested we hang something on their doors. • Engineer Stoll is working on contracts with N-TRAK, and street projects should begin in June.
13. REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – Director Hewitt reported that he sent an email regarding Blackhawk Hills Spring Summit at Hairy Cow on June 10. The organization funnels federal and state grant money for economic development. They facilitate enterprise zones, business districts, etc. • There is a meeting scheduled for next week with the marketing director at Fehr Graham to discuss social media and how we can begin utilizing it for the city.• The Route 2 overlay is done. We tried to get additional work done, but were unable to expand the project. • A new title company has moved into the Landis Building, and another business (unknown at this time) will be moving next door to K. Paige. • Alderman Reilly asked why customers at Hairy Cow seem to be parking more in the street than in the parking lot. Director Hewitt agreed it may look like that at times since the employees park in the street. He continues to encourage the owner to begin clean up and landscaping.
14. COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Community Services – No report.
b. Public Safety – The chicken ordinance was discussed at tonight’s Public Safety meeting. The committee is recommending that Council maintain the current ordinance that does not allow raising chickens within city limits. • The committee is recommending that Council approve the hiring of two new police officers. Chief Murray added that at the June 5 meeting, we will be recognizing Lieutenant Randels on his retirement, hiring two new police officers, and promoting Officer Brechon to Sergeant.
c. Administrative – No report.
15. CONTINUING BUSINESS –
a. School Resource Officer/School agreement – Nothing new. The Police Department needs to be fully staffed in order to provide an officer to serve at the schools. b. Intergovernmental Agreement with Byron Township – Director Vincer has changes proposed from the Township and the ball is back in our court. He will discuss at the next TAS meeting.
c. Ordinance 6.08.080 Chickens – Discussed under Committee reports.
d. Sean Adams Pre-Annexation Agreement – Attorney Krahenbuhl has made several changes to the agreement and it will be discussed at committee.
e. COLA Increase – Will be discussed at the next meeting.
16. NEW BUSINESS –
a. Cave Inn Outdoor Fence Variance Approval – Director Hewitt has been discussing the fence at Cave Inn with the owner. Matt Pendergrass is asking for a variance to allow a 6 ft. wrought iron fence instead of a 7 ft. solid fence for the front. Chief Murray is not comfortable with the fence being flush with the fronts of the buildings and would rather see it set back at least 3 ft. Director Hewitt mentioned they have put a separate bathroom outside. Alderman Isaacs asked if Matt could attend the next meeting.
b. O’Hare Hairport’s TIF Application – The committee will discuss further at their June meeting. There were questions regarding awning colors and building painting. Director Hewitt will visit with the owners to discuss prior to the next committee meeting.
c. Payment to O’Brien Civil Works – Information is included in packet regarding the first payment due to O’Brien Civil Works for work on the parking lot project. Engineer Stoll said he is recommending that the first payment of $17,218.80 be released. Motion by Alderman Reilly to bypass first read and recommend first payment of $17,218.80 to O’Brien Civil Works. Alderman Hanlin seconded. Roll call vote: Hobbie, AYE; Dach, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Reilly, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 8; NAY, 0; ABSTAIN, 0.
17. COUNCIL TALK – Mayor Rickard will be getting several shirts to identify himself at public functions as being from the City of Byron and asked if Alderman would like to do the same. We will get several sample shirts. • Alderman Hanlin asked if anyone has been in touch with Matt Bortoli. Director Vincer has spoken with him, and they anticipate Aldermen may be contacted. • Alderman Isaacs hopes to have preliminary budget figures early next week.
18. EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. Section 2(c)11 – Pending, probable or imminent litigation
b. Section 2(c)1 – Personnel
c. Section 2(c)(5)(6) – Purchase/Sale of City Owned Real Property
d. Section 2(c)(21) – Review/Approval of Closed Meeting Minutes
e. Section 2(c)(2) – Collective Bargaining Negotiations
Mayor Rickard advised there was no need for an Executive Session.
19. COMMUNICATION
a. Next Regular City Council Meeting – Wednesday, June 5, 2019 @ 6:30 pm.
Mayor Rickard adjourned the City Council meeting at 7:03 p.m.
https://www.cityofbyron.com/vertical/sites/%7B67304C08-5FC3-4329-8F07-4786D33EE040%7D/uploads/Minutes_-_2019-05-15_Approved.pdf
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