City of Byron Administrative Committee met Nov. 4.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Alderman Christy Hanlin, Alderman Todd Isaacs, Alderman Jessica Nehring
MEMBERS ABSENT: Alderman Dan Reilly
OTHERS PRESENT: Clerk Caryn Huber, Attorney Kim Krahenbuhl, Police Chief Todd Murray Alderman Hanlin called the meeting to order at 5:36 pm.
1. PUBLIC COMMENT – None
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – OCTOBER 7, 2020 - Alderman Nehring motioned to approve, as presented, the October 7, 2020, Administrative Committee meeting minutes. Seconded by Alderman Hanlin. Motion passed.
3. ORDINANCE 2020-04 AMENDMENTS TO BYRON MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 17 –
Clerk Huber reported that the Ordinance proposes possible changes to Municipal Code Chapter 17, which has to do with zoning. The changes include repealing sections on the plan commission and the comprehensive plan, which no longer exist. On p.14, Director Hewitt changed the questions to those that the Zoning Board of Appeals currently answers when deciding a zoning issue. Other changes reflect updates to current policies. Aldermen Isaacs asked to have another month to read through the changes before recommending to Council. It will be placed on the December 2 agenda.
4. AUTOMATIC FRONT DOOR – QUOTE – Clerk Huber reported that a quote was received from Tee Jay Service Company for new front doors and windows at city hall. We had hoped to replace the doors with a sliding glass door, but because of the height of a steel beam above the doors, we had to instead receive a quote for a door with an automatic door opener. Side windows will also be replaced. Chief Murray added that the current front has been on the building for over 50 years. There is significant corrosion along the bottom of the door, and a 1⁄2” gap between the doors when closed. The quote is for $17,641.00, and we will apply to the CURE program to reimburse the project. If it is not approved through the CURE program, TIF funding will be used. Alderman Hanlin motioned to recommend to council to approve the quote for the installation of the doors, entering the bill in the COVID line item. If reimbursement is not made by CURE, a journal entry will be made to move to TIF expenditures. Seconded by Alderman Isaacs. Motion passed.
5. ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE POLICY – Clerk Huber discussed the Administrative Leave Policy included in Dropbox. We plan to apply for payroll reimbursement through the CURE program, and it is recommended that an Administrative Leave Policy be in place to expedite funding. Alderman Hanlin asked if there is an ending date to the policy, and Clerk Huber said it specifies that the policy is in force during the declared Public Health State of Emergency related to the spread of COVID-19. Attorney Krahenbuhl added that most companies are adopting a policy of this nature, including his law firm. Alderman Nehring motioned to recommend to council the approval of the Administrative Leave Policy. Seconded by Alderman Isaacs. Motion passed.
6. TAX LEVY – Alderman Isaacs presented the tax levy calculations included in Dropbox. He explained that we have the ability to tax up to 5% of the previous year (not including bonds) without having to hold a Truth in Taxation hearing. There is a 2.3% increase from last year’s levy due to the assessed valuation. Alderman Isaacs pointed out that General, Street Lighting, Crossing Guards and Police are a set rate, and we cannot raise those categories. The far left column includes cash balances as of 5/1/20 in most of the accounts, and he is trying to spend these down. The proposed tax rate for this year is.88031 (it was.89328 in 2019), and we will collect $642,462.94 in taxes. There is a chance that this number could change as a result of any protested EAVs. The Tax Levy Ordinance includes our budget as well as the money that will be collected through the levy. This ordinance needs to be passed by the first meeting in December in order to meet the Ogle County Clerk’s deadline. Alderman Hanlin motioned to move the tax levy to consideration by council. Seconded by Alderman Nehring. Motion passed.
7. AUDIT APPROVAL – A copy of the 2019-2020 audit is included in Dropbox. Alderman Isaacs suggested asking our accountant from WIPFLI to attend the committee and council meeting in December in case there are questions. He will ask them to prepare short bullet points of items of importance, as well as discuss any changes from this year to last.
8. COMCAST FRANCHISE RENEWAL – Comcast sent a letter to Mayor Rickard regarding the renewal of their franchise with the City of Byron. The committee will look at the original franchise agreement at the next meeting.
9. REVISIONS TO PERSONNEL POLICY – Nothing new.
10. HIGHWAY AND DOWNTOWN FAÇADE DESIGN STANDARDS – Nothing new.
Alderman Hanlin adjourned the meeting at 6:10 pm.
https://www.cityofbyron.com/vertical/sites/%7B67304C08-5FC3-4329-8F07-4786D33EE040%7D/uploads/11-4-20_Admin_Comm_Minutes-Approved.pdf
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