City of Byron City Council met May 20.
Here is the agenda 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 Hanlin to approve, as presented, the May 20, 2020, agenda. Seconded by Alderman Fulrath. 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.
Minutes Approved as Presented 6/3/20
6. MINUTES –
a. May 6, 2020, Committee of the Whole Special Meeting Minutes – Motion made by Alderman Hanlin to approve, as presented, the May 6, 2020, Committee of the Whole Special Meeting Minutes, seconded by Alderman Reilly. 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.
b. May 6, 2020, Regular City Council Meeting Minutes – Motion made by Alderman Fulrath to approve, as presented, the May 6, 2020, Regular City Council Meeting Minutes, seconded by Alderman Gerdes. 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.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT – None
8. TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Huber reported that the Treasurer’s report is in Dropbox. It includes revenues from the month of April. We have not seen any decrease in revenues as of yet. The revenue comparison is also included in Dropbox. She reported that interest rates continue to decrease, and we are getting a higher return on our CDs in comparison. In the near future, she hopes to bring in an expert in municipal finance to discuss improving our rate of return.
9. LIST OF BILLS – Alderman Gerdes asked about the charge for $18.05 from Byron Bank for an Apple Watch charger. Director Hewitt responded that he had ordered this three-way charger for ipads, phones, etc. Alderman Isaacs asked about a charge from the Byron Township for excavator rental. Director Vincer said that the Township had rented the excavator for ditch work, and they asked if the city wanted to share in the rental to do the ditch work on their portion of the road. It was rented from West Side Tractor. Alderman Isaacs motioned to approve the list of bills dated May 20, 2020, in the amount of $77,837.12. Seconded by Alderman Reilly. 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.
10. MAYOR’S REPORT – Brief discussion was held regarding the Extension of Local State of Emergency. It was decided that the mayor extend the order until Council meets again. • The Public Safety Committee discussed the Governor’s plan to allow outdoor seating at restaurants. Director Hewitt reported that several of the restaurants are banding together to make a plan, and are considering erecting a large tent that would house all of them. Alderman Gyorkos asked about liquor licenses, and questioned city liability if serving off premises. Alderman Reilly asked who is reviewing the restaurant’s plan. Director Hewitt replied that they are to submit plans to the city for review by him, the mayor and Chief Murray. Director Gerdes said that since the next meeting is June 3, Chief Murray and Mayor Rickard would have the authority to review the plans under the Local State of Emergency. Alderman Hanlin asked about restaurants located outside of the downtown area. They will all have the opportunity to submit their own plans. Alderman Fulrath, while supporting the restaurants opening, has concerns about the ability to control the number of people gathering downtown. Chief Murray replied he will discuss many of these concerns with the Ogle Co. Health Department. Attorney Krahenbuhl asked if any of the restaurants with existing outdoor seating will satisfy the requirements that the Governor listed today. Chief Murray will look into this. Alderman Isaacs asked if anyone has talked to the other businesses about losing parking or closing off the street if that is decided. If they are gathering, will the police need to be there, and who is paying for that extra security? Alderman Hanlin asked what other businesses are open downtown – at this time, Family Dollar is the only other establishment open. Chief Murray said that at this time, we do not know what the plans will look like, so it is difficult to speculate on all of the possible scenarios. The mayor summarized that while there are many concerns, he has not heard strong opposition from council, so they will move ahead with asking the restaurants to submit their plans for consideration.
11. CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT – No report.
12. CITY ENGINEER’S PROJECT STATUS – Engineer Stoll reported that N-Trak has begun work to complete the 2019 street projects. With the amount of rain that recently fell, there are wet conditions that are causing concern. They will wait to pave until conditions are better. Barricades are blocking mailboxes and manholes. We are still charging working days once the pavement dries in order to get the project complete as soon as possible. • There was some paving work done last year on Colfax St. near Route 2. The pavement did not hold up well, and there was some raveling at the edge. They are replacing this section. • 2020 Street project contracts are being circulated and we should receive them soon. O’Brien is ready to begin after utility work is done.
13. REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT –Director Hewitt reported that Amber Dach has plans to begin a cross fit business on Colfax St. near the railroad tracks. She has already begun renovations. A zoning hearing will be held on June 11 to request a special use permit. • Excavating has begun for the Park District expansion.
14. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – Director Vincer reported that the street sweeper is in operation and running very well. • As mentioned earlier in the meeting, the city worked with the township to rent an excavator to get ditch work done. • They also worked with the Forest Preserve to rent a hydro-seeder, and the city used it to spray seed and mat over the completed ditch work. • All of the water services on Hamer Court have been replaced and the utility work is done in preparation for paving the street. • Public Works is working with the fire department on a hydrant painting project. A family asked if they could paint the hydrant in front of their house, and they are hoping more will be interested in doing the same. Materials will be provided by the city and the fire department. • Director Vincer is getting pricing to improve drainage in the Shadow Wood subdivision. • A part-time summer worker has been hired.
15. POLICE CHIEF REPORT – Chief Murray reported that People Helping People will have a drive through food drive on May 30 from 9am until noon at the Byron Library.
16. COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Community Services – No report.
b. Public Safety – Alderman Reilly reported that the committee recommends the hiring of a full time officer. They will report to training on June 14. Alderman Reilly motioned to allow the hiring of a full time police officer. This motion confirms action taken at an earlier meeting. Roll call vote: Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Reilly, AYE; Hobbie, AYE. Motion passed: AYE 7; NAY 0; ABS 0. • The committee discussed a request by Chief Murray to hire two part time officers to attend a part time academy class that starts in June. These are two firemen/paramedics from Rochelle that come highly recommended and are currently involved in training Police and Fire in TEMS issues and in Active Shooting Task Force Rescue planning. Total cost would be approximately $2,000, but we would not be paying the officers during this time. The academy runs for nine months. The class consists of attending training one weekend per month, as well as online classes. After training, these officers would be available to help with weekend staffing, festivals, etc. Chief Murray added that a contract was discussed in order to have them fulfill obligations to the city in exchange for paying for the training. Further discussion will be held at the next council meeting. • The committee discussed the emergency rule issued by the Governor. The action was rescinded today. • Andre Gomez, a resident on Friday Road, spoke to the committee about the possibility of raising chickens on his property. Alderman Reilly cited the ordinance that does not allow
the raising of chickens in city limits, however, the subject will be discussed at the next committee meeting to see if any changes should be considered.
c. Administrative – No report.
17. CONTINUING BUSINESS –
a. Rush Property – Nothing new to report.
b. Crest View Trail water issue – Engineer Stoll has surveyed the property and has recommendations to discuss with Director Vincer and the TAS and Community Services committee.
18. NEW BUSINESS –
a. RESOLUTION 2020-2 AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF IML DUES – Alderman Hanlin motioned to bypass the first read and authorize the payment of IML dues. Seconded by Alderman Isaacs. Roll call vote: Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Reilly, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE. Motion passed: AYE 7; NAY 0; ABS 0.
b. EXECUTIVE ORDER ENFORCEMENT – Discussed earlier in the meeting. Original ruling was rescinded.
19. COUNCIL TALK – Alderman Hobbie asked if Council will hold a special meeting to review plans submitted by downtown restaurants. If needed, the mayor will call a special meeting next week. • Alderman Reilly reminded council members of the COVID-19 testing station located at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford.
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, June 3, 2020 @ 6:30pm.
Mayor Rickard adjourned the City Council meeting at 7:27 pm.
https://www.cityofbyron.com/vertical/sites/%7B67304C08-5FC3-4329-8F07-4786D33EE040%7D/uploads/Minutes_-_2020-05-20-Approved.pdf
Alerts Sign-up