City of Byron City Council met June 1.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
1. CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Rickard called the meeting to order at 6:30 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, Michael Gyorkos, Christy Hanlin. Seven members present by roll call vote.
Quorum established.
* - denotes start of the roll call vote
Aldermen Absent: None
PRESENT: Mayor John Rickard
City Clerk Caryn Huber
City Attorney Kim Krahenbuhl
Police Chief Todd Murray
Dir. of Econ. Dev. Larry Hewitt
Dir. of Public Works Aaron Vincer
Engineer Jason Stoll
Citizens Bill Pirnat
4. REVERENCE PERIOD – Mayor Rickard led the Council in prayer.
4. REVERENCE PERIOD – Mayor Rickard led the Council in prayer.
5. APPROVAL/AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA –Motion by Alderman Isaacs to approve, as presented, the April 1, 2020, agenda. Seconded by Alderman Reilly. Roll call vote: Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Reilly, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS 0.
6. MINUTES –
a. March 18, 2020, Regular Council Meeting Minutes – Motion made by Alderman Fulrath to approve, as presented, the March 18, 2020, Regular Council Meeting minutes, seconded by Alderman Hanlin. Roll call vote: Fulrath, AYE; Reilly,
AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE. Motion passed: AYE 7; NAY 0; ABS 0.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT – None
8. TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Huber reported that she has prepared a document, located in Dropbox, that compares, by month, our larger sources of revenue. With the uncertainty of the future as far as our tax revenues, this document should assist with providing information at a glance as to what we are receiving in comparison to what we have received in the past. She continues to monitor IML communications for their speculations as to what will be the areas most likely to suffer losses.
9. LIST OF BILLS – Alderman Hobbie asked about the charges from SERVPRO. Director Vincer explained that there was a sewer back up on Hamer Ct. due to tree roots and diapers that had been flushed. The sewer had been cleaned within the past four months. Since the backup was not the fault of the homeowner, the city paid for the clean-up. They have inspected the line, and it has been determined that the clay pipe is in good shape. Alderman Hanlin asked about the $3.00 refunds to several people on the list of bills. These are garbage refunds to senior citizens in Creekside. Alderman Hanlin motioned to approve the list of bills dated April 1, 2020, in the amount of $69,211.72. Seconded by Alderman Hobbie. Roll call vote: Reilly, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE. Motion passed: AYE 7; NAY 0; ABS 0.
10. MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Rickard has approved Director Vincer’s request to hire part time summer help starting in May. He will hire Braden Little at minimum wage. • Mayor Rickard has extended the declaration of a local state of emergency for another 60 days, or until Council meets again.
11. CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT – No report.
12. CITY ENGINEER’S PROJECT STATUS – Engineer Stoll reported that a bid opening was held, via Zoom, on March 31, 2020, for the 2020 Street Projects. All bids came in lower than the engineer’s estimate. O’Brien Civil Works was the low bid at $137,000. The committee discussed the bids tonight and will present to council at a later time. The zoom meeting was recorded at Fehr-Graham in the event it is needed for FOIA requests in the future.
13. REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT –Director Hewitt reported that the Park District will likely be holding off on their expansion project until next year. • With more people being home, homeowners are starting projects without realizing a permit is needed. He is working with them to make sure permit applications are filed. • He is communicating financial assistance information (grants, SBA loans, etc.) to businesses through the Chamber office. • Director Hewitt and Clerk Huber are splitting time in the office and working from home when able.
14. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – Director Vincer reported that the Public Works staff is being as productive as possible while still staying safe. He and Assistant Director Oleson are splitting time in the office, and the staff is working independently whenever possible. Brian is handling JULIE locates and water meter reading, and Gary is filling potholes and doing yard repair. He will also be running the sweeper once it arrives. Unless absolutely necessary, they will continue to observe social distancing guidelines and work as independently as possible. They will continue to do sewer cleaning and sewer lining. The backup on Hamer Ct. noted during discussion regarding the list of bills will be marked as a “hot spot” and will be monitored closely.
15. POLICE CHIEF REPORT – Chief Murray reported that the focus is keeping the officers safe. Responses to calls have been modified, and traffic enforcement is minimal. Items are being handled by phone or email whenever possible.
16. COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Community Services – Alderman Fulrath reported that all items discussed appear later in the agenda.
b. Public Safety – No report.
c. Administrative – Alderman Hanlin reported that all items discussed appear later in the agenda.
17. CONTINUING BUSINESS –
a. Rush Property – Nothing new to report.
b. 2020 Streets Program – Alderman Fulrath reported that the committee will take another look at the bids at their next meeting. They hope to have a better idea of what funds are available.
c. 2020-2021 Budget – Alderman Hanlin reported that the budget has been adjusted slightly, particularly in sales tax. The budget reflects a break even situation at this point. Alderman Isaacs is asking department heads to watch spending, particularly in the first few months of the fiscal year. In the water and sewer department, $1.6 million in revenue is expected, with expenditures of $1.7 million. The sewer revenue that is designated for capital expenditures has not been transferred as planned in order to cover the shortfall. A rate study is needed as soon as possible. He added that the general fund includes money to repair the City Hall roof and HVAC system, payments for the new sweeper and truck, and money to demolish the Rush property if needed. Final approval on the budget is needed at our next meeting.
d. Resolution-Street Sweeper-Authorization to Secure Loan – Council has previously approved the purchase of a Street Sweeper, and Byron Bank has asked for a formal resolution. It is included in Dropbox as Resolution 2019-7. Alderman Reilly motioned to approved Resolution 2019-7, authorizing the city to secure a loan for the street sweeper. Seconded by Alderman Hanlin. Roll call vote: Hobbie, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Reilly, AYE. Motion passed: AYE 7; NAY 0; ABS 0.
18. NEW BUSINESS –
a. Building Permit Fee Review – Director Hewitt is recommending a slight increase in fees for building permits. The new fees are in line with what area communities are charging for permits. Alderman Hanlin reported that the Administrative Committee is recommending the passage of the building permit fee increases, and first read may be waived if no objection. Roll call vote: Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Reilly, AYE; Hanlin, AYE. Motion passed: AYE 7; NAY 0; ABS 0.
19. COUNCIL TALK – None
20. 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. 21. COMMUNICATION –
a. Next Regular City Council Meeting – Wednesday, April 15, 2020 @ 6:30pm.
Mayor Rickard adjourned the City Council meeting at 7:04 pm.
https://www.cityofbyron.com/vertical/sites/%7B67304C08-5FC3-4329-8F07-4786D33EE040%7D/uploads/Minutes_-_2020-04-01-Approved.pdf
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