City of Byron City Council met Nov. 4.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
1. CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Rickard called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Led by Alderman Isaacs
3. ROLL CALL – Aldermen present: Todd Isaacs, Emily Gerdes, Mittzi Fulrath, Zeke Hobbie, Jessica Nehring, Michael Gyorkos, Christy Hanlin. Seven members present by roll call vote. Quorum established.
* - denotes start of the roll call
Aldermen Absent: Dan Reilly
PRESENT: Mayor John Rickard
City Clerk Caryn Huber
City Attorney Kim Krahenbuhl
Police Chief Todd Murray
Dir. of Public Works Aaron Vincer
City Engineer Jason Stoll
Citizens Pam Kultgen, Bill Pirnat, Will Glass (First Midstate)
4. REVERENCE PERIOD – Mayor Rickard led the Council in prayer.
5. APPROVAL/AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA –Motion by Alderman Hanlin to approve, as presented, the November 4, 2020, agenda. Seconded by Alderman Fulrath. Roll call vote: Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE. Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS 0.
6. MINUTES -
a. October 21, 2020-Public Hearing-ITEP Grant – Motion made by Alderman Hanlin to approve, as presented, the October 21, 2020, Public Hearing-ITEP Grant Minutes, seconded by Alderman Hobbie. Roll call vote: Fulrath, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS 0.
b. October 21, 2020-Public Hearing-Issue of General Obligation Bonds – Motion by Alderman Hanlin to approve, as presented, the October 21, 2020, Public Hearing Minutes-Issue of General Obligation Bonds Minutes, seconded by Alderman Nehring. Roll call vote: Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, ABS; Fulrath, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS 1.
c. October 21, 2020-Regular City Council Meeting – Motion made by Alderman Nehring to approve, as presented, the October 21, 2020, Regular City Council Meeting Minutes, seconded by Alderman Isaacs. Roll call vote: Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, ABS; Fulrath, AYE; Hobbie, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS 1.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT – None
8. TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Huber reported that she has completed the annual Treasurer’s Report, and it is published this week in the Ogle County Life. The report is taken directly from our LOCIS system, and summarizes revenue, expenditures and payroll for the last fiscal year.
9. LIST OF BILLS – Alderman Isaacs asked about the charge from Badger Daylighting in the amount of $2,871.75. Director Vincer reported this charge was for upgrading aeration in the final bay, including removing grit at the bottom of the tank. This was also done at the lift stations. Alderman Isaacs also inquired about the paver/roller charge from Heels & Hardhats. Director Vincer explained this was a rental charge for two weeks. Alderman Isaacs motioned to approve the list of bills dated November 4, 2020, in the amount of $131,238.67. Seconded by Alderman Fulrath. Roll call vote: Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Motion passed: AYE 7; NAY 0; ABS 0.
10. MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Rickard reported that he will be entering into an agreement with Sosnowski Szeto to be the new city attorneys. Information about the firm is included in Dropbox. He will ask them to attend the next council meeting. • The last IML magazine included updated revenue projections due to COVID-19. Mayor Rickard will be examining these to see if additional adjustments need to be made to our budget.
11. CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT – Attorney Krahenbuhl reported that he has been in touch with Aaron Szeto, and they have discussed pending city matters. He will be putting packets of additional information together for him.
12. CITY ENGINEER’S PROJECT STATUS – Engineer Stoll reported that he will be working with Director Vincer to put together a list of 2021 street project recommendations.
13. REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – No report.
14. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – Director Vincer reported that the department has been getting the snow plows ready. They are working on an aeration project at the sewer plant, replacing a pump, and doing sewer cleaning. • There has been an increase in cost for sludge hauling, and Director Vincer is looking for opportunities to lower the cost. This will not have to be done again until early to mid-spring. • He asked that everyone remind residents not to blow leaves in the street, as the street cleaner does not pick them up.
15. POLICE CHIEF REPORT – Chief Murray reported that the officer currently in training is doing well. He also reported there were no incidents at the polling places on Tuesday.
16. COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Community Services – Alderman Fulrath reported that the committee began to discuss street projects. Mill Road will be repaired in spring.
b. Public Safety – No report.
c. Administrative – Alderman Hanlin reported that the audit is complete and they will ask a representative from WIPFLI to speak to the committee and council at the December 2 meeting. • The committee discussed a letter received from Comcast regarding renewing their franchise agreement. They will be looking at the original agreement to see if any changes need to be made.
17. CONTINUING BUSINESS –
a. Water Rate Study – The Committee of the Whole met this evening. Alderman Isaacs motioned to implement water and sewer rate increases as outlined in option #1, with a stepped increase beginning in January 2021, for a total of three years. This rate is an increase of $.66 for water and $2.00 for sewer, for a total of $2.66 per 1,000 gallons over the 2,000 gallon base rate. Motion seconded by Alderman Fulrath. Roll call vote: Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, NAY; Fulrath, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE. Motion passed: AYE 6; NAY 1; ABS 0.
b. RFP Energy Savings – Verigy and Engie have submitted proposals. Discussions continue.
c. An Ordinance providing for the issue of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2020, of the City, for the purpose of financing capital municipal improvements in and for the City, providing for the levy of a direct annual tax sufficient to pay the principal and interest on said bonds and authorizing the sale of said bonds to the purchaser thereof. – Will Glass from First Midstate advised the council that Byron Bank will purchase the bonds at a rate of 1.07%. Everything is in place for a December 1 bond closing and payment. The last payment on our 2019 bonds will be on December 1. Alderman Isaacs motioned to approve Ordinance 2020-4, providing for the issue of the bonds. Seconded by Alderman Hobbie. Roll call vote: Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Motion passed: AYE 7; NAY 0; ABS 0.
d. Ordinance 2020-5 Amendments to Byron Municipal Code Chapter 17 – In committee.
e. Declaration of Local State of Emergency – This item will stay on agenda in the event the mayor has to make the declaration.
f. Warrenton Ct./Adams Point Street Acceptance – Engineer Stoll reported that all conditions have been met, and he recommends that the city accept improvements completed by Sean Adams on Warrenton Ct., and take over jurisdiction of the road, including maintenance and snow removal. Alderman Fulrath motioned that the city accept jurisdiction of Warrenton Ct. in the Adams Pointe Subdivision. Seconded by Alderman Isaacs. Roll call vote: Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE 7; NAY 0; ABS 0.
18. NEW BUSINESS –
a. Administrative Leave Policy – Alderman Hanlin reported that the committee discussed the Administrative Leave Policy. This policy is designed to be in place during the declared Public Health State of Emergency, and discusses when administrative leave may be granted and used during the COVID-19 pandemic. Having the policy in place should also expedite the reimbursement of CURE funds for payroll. The committee recommends passage of the Administrative Leave Policy. Roll call vote: Fulrath, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE. Motion passed: AYE 7; NAY 0; ABS 0.
b. Tax Levy – Alderman Isaacs presented figures for the 2020-21 fiscal year tax levy. The levy needs to be passed by the first meeting in December.
c. Audit Approval – As reported by Alderman Hanlin, the committee will invite a representative from WIPFLI to the December 2 meeting to discuss items of importance in the audit as well as answer questions.
d. City Hall Automatic Front Door – A quote was received by Tee Jay Service Company in the amount of $17,641.00 for the installation of motion controlled front doors. The quote also includes replacement of front windows. The committee recommends approval of the quote. Payment will be made through COVID CURE funds. If not approved for this purpose, payment will be made out of TIF funds. Roll call vote: Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE. Motion passed: AYE 7; NAY 0; ABS 0.
e. Comcast Franchise Renewal – In committee.
19. COUNCIL TALK – Director Vincer said that the rate increase would need to be passed as an ordinance. It will begin in the January billing cycle, will bills being paid in February. There was discussion on how to get information to residents including on water bills and on Facebook. Council will review.
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, November 18, 2020 at 6:30pm. Mayor Rickard adjourned the City Council meeting at 7:08 pm.
https://www.cityofbyron.com/vertical/sites/%7B67304C08-5FC3-4329-8F07-4786D33EE040%7D/uploads/Minutes_-_2020-11-04-Approved.pdf
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