City of Byron Administrative Committee met Aug. 5.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Alderman Christy Hanlin, Alderman Todd Isaacs, Alderman Dan Reilly, Alderman Jessica Nehring
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: City Attorney Kim Krahenbuhl (by telephone), Mayor John Rickard, Clerk Caryn Huber, Director Larry Hewitt, Chief Todd Murray, Chad Nelson (Crum-Halsted) Chairman Hanlin called the meeting to order at 5:15 pm.
1. PUBLIC COMMENT – None
Mayor Rickard asked to speak on several items on the agenda first in order to attend the Community Services Committee meeting: He recommends that the Mask Ordinance (Item #5 on the agenda) be sent to council tonight for 1st read. That way, it is ready to be passed in the event it is needed at a future date. • The water tower antenna (agenda item #7) is for two way radio communication with school buses. Currently Leaf River Communications rents space on the water tower for $650/mo. Chief Murray added there are other emergency services antennas on the tower, and additional antennas would need to be coordinated with them. A new antenna cannot interfere with any that are on there now. • Mayor Rickard hopes to have something to present regarding changes in the personnel policy soon, after the FOP contract is finalized.
Mayor Rickard and Chief Murray left the meeting to attend the Community Services Committee meeting.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – JULY 1, 2020 - Alderman Reilly motioned to approve, as presented, the July 1, 2020, Administrative Committee meeting minutes. Seconded by Alderman Nehring. Motion passed.
3. HEALTH INSURANCE RENEWAL-CHAD NELSON – Chad Nelson presented the Blue Cross/Blue Shield rate increases for our renewal in October. This plan is a grandfathered plan and features a $250 deductible which is difficult to obtain now. He is willing to shop around for another policy, but added that we could expect to see deductibles in the $1200- $5000 range. Many companies that have changed from a grandfathered plan have regretted doing so. Alderman Isaacs suggested that comparison quotes be shopped within the next few years. Earlier this year, additional voluntary benefits (additional life, dental, vision) were made available to employees which they pay for. Chad will make himself available in September to answer employees’ questions, or to make changes to their policies. These voluntary plans have an automatic renewal, and employees can enroll any time since payments are made after taxes.
4. WEEZY’S FAÇADE TIF GRANT – A copy of a TIF Application and two new façade drawings for Weezy’s were included in Dropbox. Weezy’s is applying for $30,000 for façade renovations. At the last meeting, it was suggested that payments be spread out over three years, with an additional amount paid if there is any surplus at the end of the year (similar to the agreement made with Reruns). Attorney Krahenbuhl said that this is allowable, however we cannot put a stipulation in the TIF agreement forcing them to pay back money if they go out of business. Alderman Isaacs asked if payment has to be made if the business does not open, or closes before payment is made. Director Hewitt mentioned that TIF agreements are not transferable if ownership changes. Sean Adams is scheduled to begin work at Weezy’s in the fall. Alderman Hanlin motioned to recommend the approval of the Weezy’s TIF agreement in the amount of $30,000, with payment spread out over three years. Motion seconded by Alderman Isaacs. Motion passed.
5. MASK ORDINANCE – A copy of the IML municipal mask ordinance was included in Dropbox. The ordinance allows cities to enforce the wearing of masks in public. As stated earlier, the mayor recommended that the committee send the ordinance to council for first read, so it is readily available to be passed if needed. Attorney Krahenbuhl added that the council must approve this ordinance by a 2/3 vote of the council (not just of those attending the meeting). Alderman Reilly asked who enforces the ordinance. Attorney Krahenbuhl stated it is the police, and would be enforced like any other city ordinance. Alderman Isaacs recommended that the mask ordinance be passed on to council for approval. Seconded by Alderman Reilly. Motion passed.
6. MORING DISPOSAL GARBAGE RATE INCREASE – The rate for Moring garbage disposal will be increasing by $.50 per residential dwelling. This is an annual increase per their contract. Last year, council voted to pass on $.25 to residents, and absorb the additional $.25. There have been years when the city has absorbed the total cost. There is one more year on the Moring contract. Alderman Hanlin hopes that the next Moring contract will not allow for increase in costs. Attorney Krahenbuhl added that many garbage companies are no longer making money on recyclables, and are not picking them up separately anymore. Alderman Reilly asked if we should explore combining with other communities. Alderman Isaacs motioned to recommend to council that we pass along the entire $.50 increase to residents. Seconded by Alderman Reilly. Motion passed.
7. WATER TOWER ANTENNA FOR SCHOOL BUSES – Alderman Hanlin said that the school potentially wants to put an antenna on the water tower for 2-way communication with school buses. Leaf River Communications currently pays $650/month for their antenna on the tower. Alderman Reilly felt their fee should be nominal since they are not a commercial venture. Discussions will continue
8. FINANCIAL PLANNING PRESENTATIONS – James Rachlin from Meristem made a presentation regarding his company’s ability to assist the public works department with water and sewer long term planning. Additional presentations will be made in the future.
9. REVISIONS TO PERSONNEL POLICY – Nothing new. Mayor Rickard hopes to have revisions soon.
10. HIGHWAY AND DOWNTOWN FAÇADE DESIGN STANDARDS – Nothing new.
11. ADJOURN – Meeting was adjourned by Alderman Hanlin at 6:27 p.m.
https://www.cityofbyron.com/vertical/sites/%7B67304C08-5FC3-4329-8F07-4786D33EE040%7D/uploads/8-5-20_Admin_Comm_Minutes-Approved.pdf
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