City of Byron Committee of the Whole met May 6.
Here is the agenda provided by the committee:
MEMBERS PRESENT: Alderman Todd Isaacs, Alderman Emily Gerdes, Alderman Mittzi Fulrath, Alderman Zeke Hobbie, Alderman Mike Gyorkos, Alderman Christy Hanlin
MEMBERS ABSENT: Alderman Reilly
OTHERS PRESENT: City Attorney Kim Krahenbuhl, Mayor John Rickard, Clerk Caryn Huber, Development Director Larry Hewitt, Public Works Director Aaron Vincer, Chief Todd Murray, Engineer Jason Stoll, Citizen Bill Pirnat
Mayor Rickard called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm.
1. PUBLIC COMMENT – None
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE – APRIL 1, 2020: Alderman Hanlin motioned to approve the Administrative Committee meeting minutes of April 1, 2020. Seconded by Alderman Isaacs. Motion passed.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE – APRIL 1, 2020: Alderman Gerdes motioned to approve the Community Services Committee meeting minutes of April 1, 2020. Seconded by Alderman Fulrath. Motion passed.
4. CREST VIEW TRAIL WATER ISSUE (CSC) – Director Vincer reported that this is concerning the resident that lives at the bottom of the hill on Crest View Trail. During significant rain events, rain is traveling down Crest View Trail into the existing storm system. If the pipe is full, the water backs up into his yard and has caused damage to his driveway. His garage is lower than the street. Director Vincer asked for the committee’s advice on possible ways that the city can assist. Engineer Stoll suggested building a berm to divert water from the driveway, but added that more information needs to be gathered before making a decision. Alderman Hanlin believes that the homeowner also needs to take steps to remedy the problem, and is concerned that we could be setting precedent for similar situations in the future. Engineer Stoll added that there used to be a ditch next to the home, but it was replaced (in 2017) with a pipe. He is willing to do some survey shots (at no charge) to look at the topography, and examine ways to divert water to the side yard. Director Vincer suggested that if he wants to fill in the driveway, we may be able to help with hauling. Alderman Hobbie motioned to allow Engineer Stoll to survey the land in order to gather additional information. Seconded by Alderman Gyorkos. Motion passed. Alderman Gerdes expressed concerns about determining fault and offering solutions in the event they do not solve the problem.
5. TSC MILL RD. TEST RESULTS (CSC) – Director Hewitt will try to set up a field meeting with Martin to share results of the testing. Director Vincer hopes they will be willing to help with a solution.
6. 2020 STREET PROGRAM (CSC)– Bids have been turned in (3rd St. from Mineral St. to Route 2, and Hamer Court) and O’Brien Civil Works has the lowest bid at $137,850.00. This is $100,000 less that the engineers estimate, and what was put in the budget. We also owe N-TRAK $140,000 for work they will be finishing up from last year. Total award for street program is approximately $280,000. Mayor Rickard recommended that the committee award this bid. IML estimates that municipalities will see a reduction in revenue of between 9 and 17%, which in our case translates to approximately $240,000 to $450,000. If we don’t do any more road projects, we will have the funds available. The committee accepted the recommendation.
7. CERTIFICATION OF REVENUES (Admin) – Alderman Isaacs asked to waive first read and vote tonight to accept the Certification of Revenues at $5,321,150. These are revenue figures taken from the budget. Alderman Hanlin motioned to waive the first read and approve the Certification of Revenues Resolution. Seconded by Alderman Isaacs. Motion passed.
8. CARRY OUT LIQUOR (Admin) – Director Hewitt said that several restaurants are serving carry out food and offering carry out liquor as well (bottles of wine, 6-packs of beer, etc.). Some bar owners have asked if we would consider revising our liquor regulations to include selling single bottles or cans of beer, mixed drinks, etc. Alderman Hanlin asked if it was possible to write a special temporary license. Mayor Rickard said that it was possible if the council wanted to discuss further. Chief Murray reported that the state regulations do not allow carry out beverages outside of the original container. Attorney Krahenbuhl added that we cannot go against state law. Chief Murray will speak to bar owners to clarify. The question was asked about allowing the bars to continue to sell carry out beverages after the lock down is over. Chief Murray said that several bars already have a license that allows this type of carry out. He asked that all questions regarding this topic should be directed to him.
9. BRIDGE LIGHTING (CSC) – Directors Hewitt and Vincer have checked the bridge to see if any of the electrical still exists for lighting. From what they can tell, all of it has been removed. IDOT has not approved string lighting, and will only accept vertical lighting. IDOT will not put lights up. Director Hewitt will be getting pricing, and Director Vincer said there are several solar options. Alderman Hanlin asked why we are the only bridge in the area without lights. Director Hewitt said that the city made the decision to remove them after they kept getting hit by farm equipment. The original lights were positioned too close to traffic, and needed to be set back further.
10. COLA INCREASE (Admin) – The cost of living calculation is based on the consumer price index of 1.54% over the pay period April 1, 2020-March 31, 2021. Attorney Krahenbuhl advised it is not necessary to vote on this. The increase will take effect on May 1.
11. NOISE ORDINANCE (Admin) – Mayor Rickard and the police department have received complaints regarding a neighbor who plays his drums. This neighbor has taken steps to mitigate the noise. The noise has occurred during the time it is allowed according to our current noise ordinance. Alderman Fulrath motioned that the committee is unable to respond to complaints from a single resident, and an ordinance exists that they will not change. Seconded by Alderman Hobbie. Motion passed.
12. HIGHWAY AND DOWNTOWN FAÇADE DESIGN STANDARDS – Nothing new.
13. EXECUTIVE SESSION (Section)(c)(1)-Personnel - No Executive Session.
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION (Section)(c)(21)-Review and Approval of Closed Meeting
Minutes - No Executive Session.
15. ADJOURN – Meeting was adjourned by Mayor Rickard at 6:29 p.m.
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