City of Dixon City Council met Sept. 8.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Arellano at 5:30pm.
ROLL CALL
Councilman Oros, Considine, Marshall, Venier, and Mayor Arellano answered roll call.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/INVOCATION
The Pledge of Allegiance was cited and the invocation was given by Councilman Oros.
PUBLIC HEARING
Rebuild Illinois Shovel Ready Sites Grant
**Stricken**
PROCLAMATION
Chamber Week
Mayor Arellano proclaimed September 14 – September 18, 2020 as Chamber of Commerce Week in Dixon, IL and acknowledged the numerous benefits and services the Dixon Chamber of Commerce and Main Street provide to the businesses and residents in our community.
WORK SESSION
New Liquor License Classification
Mayor Arellano spoke about the reason for the work session and introduced each speaker. Lori Sheridan explained her business concept and business history to the council and discussion ensued. Sierra Wiseman explained her business concept to the council and discussion ensued. Changes will need to be made for both request which will be brought back to the council.
WORK SESSION
Utility Expansion
**Stricken**
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Councilman Marshall moved that the minutes of the Regular Session Council Meeting of Monday, August 17, 2020; be accepted and placed on file. Seconded by Councilman Oros. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Marshall, Oros, Venier and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried
APPROVAL OF TOTAL LABOR AND OUTSIDE CLAIMS
Councilman Oros moved that the Total Labor and Outside Claims in the amount of $311,360.04 be approved and ordered paid. Seconded by Councilman Considine. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Marshall, Oros, Venier and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
None
CITY MANAGER REPORT
The City of Dixon was featured in policy profile in Northern Illinois University – Center for Governmental Studies. He handed out the article and there will be a write up in the telegraph soon. He has asked Finance Director to create easier graphs to follow to show a snapshot for another perspective on finances. The council retreat will be Tuesday, September 22 and Thursday, September 24 from 8am-11:30 at Sauk Valley Community College, Jon Mandrell will moderate there will be reports from different departments.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Mayor Arellano – Excited to watch the road work being done. Council chambers now that it is painted, decorate and remote attendance preparation (sound proofing, electronics, etc.) may be reimbursable through the CARES act but if not reimbursable, would the council approve the cost of such preparations? Discussion ensued. He has had meetings with all of the council and most of the department heads. Resident expansion- the enterprise zone residential study with the region has been put on hold and if not approved, should we do our own study? Hispanic Heritage Month starts September 15th he will bring something next meeting. The City has been asked for a letter of support for the old jail teardown. Comcast is to notify the Mayor when there are viewing changes to the area, July 24th the Cubs baseball will be on marque sports network. ComEd has upped its financial assistance, contact them directly.
Councilman Considine – He spoke about forming a Liquor Commission. Would like information brought to the retreat on this.
Councilman Marshall – In favor of remote and live stream meetings. YWCA has had an uptick in calls more severity and intensity. October is Domestic Violence and Abuse Awareness Month. Lee and Whiteside have had about 700 victims, 250-300 of them in Lee. How can we help as a council?
Councilman Oros – Conversations on social media platforms supporting and negatives about businesses in our community. Regardless how we feel about the mask guidelines, support business who have to abide by them. We will survive by taking care of our neighbors and businesses. Discussion ensued.
Councilman Venier – Dixon Historic Theatre is going through challenging times now. There is a go fund me page on their facebook page, if you have the ability to make a contribution. The monthly expenses are $2000, even when closed. They have no revenue at this time, they had a great venue planned for this year but were not able to due to COVID.
BOARD & COMMISSIONS REPORTS
Reports on file: Historical Commission Meeting Minutes.
VISITOR/PUBLIC COMMENT
Paul Campbell spoke to the council regarding what he has picked up on the streets of Dixon on his walks through NE Dixon the last five months. Nails and screws and different metal objects that were left behind from dumpsters and construction sites. Contractors should be responsible for cleanup. Can they receive a citation? Discussion ensued.
ORDINANCE WITH RESPECT TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT LEADERSHIP
**Stricken***
RESOLUTION COMMITTING LOCAL FUNDS IN CONNECTION WITH REBUILD ILLINOIS GRANT ASSISTANCE
**Stricken**
RES# 2818-20 – CONFIRMING APPOINTMENT OF WILLIAM SIEMER TO THE DIXON AIRPORT BOARD
Councilman Oros moved to approve the appointment of William Siemer to the Dixon Airport Board. Seconded by Councilman Considine. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Marshall, Oros, Venier and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried
APPROVAL OF A PROFESSION SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH WILLETT HOFMANN & ASSOCIATES FOR WORK ON THE ANCHOR ROAD TARP PROJECT
Public Works Director/Assistant City Manager Heckman explained the request, and discussion ensued. Councilman Considine moved to approve the agreement with Willett Hofmann & Associates for services related to the Anchor Road TARP Project. Seconded by Councilman Venier. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Marshall, Oros, Venier and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried
APPROVAL OF ADDITIONAL STUDY FEES WITH SB FRIEDMAN WITH RESPECT TO ADDITIONAL AREAS ADDED TO THE TIF STUDY AREA
Councilman Considine moved to approve the Additional Study Fees with SB Friedman with respect to the Additional Areas added to the TIF Study Area. Seconded by Councilman Venier. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Marshall, Oros, Venier and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried
REFER PETITION FOR REZONING FOR
AARON PROPHETER – 703 PALMYRA STREET
TO THE PLAN COMMISSION
Councilman Venier moved to refer the rezoning petition from Aaron Propheter for 703 Palmyra Street to the Plan Commission. Seconded by Councilman Marshall. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Marshall, Oros, Venier and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried
CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF ACCOMMODATIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE LIQUOR LICENSE FEES DUE TO THE IMPACT OF THE GOVERNOR’S EXCUTIVE ORDER WITH RESPECT TO COVID-19
Mayor Arellano explained the consideration of prorating of license fees for license classes who were affected by the COVID-19 order. Discussion ensued regarding reimbursement or reducing next years fees. Discussion ensued. It was consensus to move the vote to the next meeting.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilman Venier moved to go into Executive Session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of a specific employee pursuant to Section 2(c)(5) of the Open Meetings Act. Seconded by Councilman Considine.
Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Marshall, Oros, Venier and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried
RECONVENE
Councilman Oros moved that the Regular Council Meeting of Tuesday September 8, 2020 reconvene into Open Session. Seconded by Councilman Venier. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Marshall, Oros, Venier and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried
DISCUSSION
Discussion ensued regarding the plan for the TIF boundary and Retreat Information.
ADJOURMENT
Councilman Venier moved that the Regular Council Meeting of Tuesday, September 8, 2020 be adjourned to meet in Regular Session on Monday, September 21, 2020, at 5:30pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Seconded by Councilman Marshall. Voting Yea: Councilman Considine, Marshall, Oros, Venier and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried
The meeting adjourned at 7:45pm.
https://www.dixongov.com/index.php?option=com_docman&view=download&alias=2670-09-08-20-council-meeting-minutes&Itemid=1086
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