City of Byron City Council Met June 2.
Here is the minutes 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: Emily Gerdes (by phone), Todd Isaacs, Mittzi Fulrath, Jessica Nehring, Michael Gyorkos, Christy Hanlin. Six members present. Quorum established.
* - denotes start of the roll call
Aldermen Absent: Zeke Hobbie
PRESENT: Mayor John Rickard
City Clerk Caryn Huber
City Attorney Aaron Szeto
Police Chief Todd Murray
Dir. of Econ. Dev. Larry Hewitt
Dir. of Public Works Aaron Vincer
City Engineer Jason Stoll
Citizens Pam Kultgen, Cheryl Metz
4. REVERENCE PERIOD – Mayor Rickard led the Council in prayer.
5. APPROVAL/AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA –Motion by Alderman Hanlin to approve, as amended, the June 2, 2021, agenda. Seconded by Alderman Nehring. Roll call vote: Isaacs, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Gerdes, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS 0.
6. MINUTES –
a. May 19, 2021 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes – Motion by Alderman Hanlin to approve, as presented, the May 19, 2021, City Council Regular Meeting Minutes. Seconded by Alderman Isaacs. Roll call vote: Fulrath, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS 0.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT – None
8. TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Huber stated that the monthly income report for the month of May is in Dropbox. She also discussed March-February comparisons in income for the years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 (also in Dropbox). When the pandemic began in March 2020, we anticipated reduced revenue, particularly in sales tax, income tax, local use tax and MFT. This report, however, shows an increase in these categories for March February 2020-2021.
9. LIST OF BILLS – Alderman Isaacs asked about the $1,567.50 charge from HELM. Chief Murray said this was a charge for moving the air conditioning unit on the roof prior to recent roof work. Mayor Rickard asked to remove the charge from Nicor in the amount of $1,585.07. The charge was for disconnecting gas at the Rush property, however, Director Hewitt was able to reach our regional Nicor representative who waived the charges. Alderman Isaacs asked about the charge from Vortex Technologies in the amount of $1,275.00. Director Vincor explained this charge is for the calibration of our testing equipment that tests chlorine and floride in our water. Alderman Hanlin motioned to approve the list of bills dated June 2, 2021, in the amount of $55,595.08 (less Nicor $1,585.07). Seconded by Alderman Fulrath. Roll call vote: Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Fulrath, AYE. Motion passed: AYE 6; NAY 0; ABS 0.
10. MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Rickard asked for council consent to appoint Cheryl Metz as Alderman, Ward 1. Alderman Hanlin motioned to make this appointment. Motion seconded by Alderman Gyorkos. Roll call vote: Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Nehring, AYE. Motion passed: AYE 6; NAY 0; ABS 0. Mayor Rickard administered the oath of office to Cheryl Metz, Alderman, Ward 1. • The Governor has extended his emergency declaration to June 26. • The Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF) will not decrease this year as anticipated. • To date, there is no final word on the Exelon plant. Negotiations are continuing, and we hope to hear status in about a week.
11. CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT – No report. Items are on the agenda.
12. CITY ENGINEER’S PROJECT STATUS – Engineer Stoll reported that we have several grant applications pending for street and bike path projects. The decision on the ITEP grant for the Mill Road bike path extension was expected in April, but has not been awarded yet. The Mill Rd./Tower Rd. round-a-bout project is listed on Representative Kinzinger’s web site, and they have asked for additional information, indicating that we may be finalists for an award of his discretionary funds. We request $1 million for the project. A health and safety grant through IDOT should be awarded in July. • A meeting with Martin & Co. will be scheduled to review the Union St. project. The project will be started after ByronFest.
13. DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT STATUS – Director Hewitt reported that a new construction residential permit has been issued in Brighton Ridge. There is one lot remaining. Contry Homes has been issued a pending permit to build on Lot 152 in Rose Meadows. • The plans for a new commercial building on Route 2 are under review. They plan to have a ground breaking Monday or Tuesday next week, and aldermen are invited to attend.
14. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – Director Vincer reported that Assistant Director of Public Works, Jerry Oleson, has resigned. He will begin the process of hiring ad additional person in Public Works. • Chlorine sensors have been installed in all of the well sites. • The department has their new skid loader. • Director Vincer invited Alderman Metz to tour the public works department with him.
15. POLICE CHIEF REPORT – Chief Murray reported that the battery on one of the squad cars blew up. It has been repaired, and he is hoping no long term problems develop as a result.
16. COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Community Services – Most items are on the agenda, with the exception of the facility plan. She asked that a Committee of the Whole be scheduled for July 21at 5pm so everyone can see the facility plan presentation.
b. Public Safety – No report.
c. Administrative – Alderman Hanlin reported that the amendment to the zoning code will needs to be discussed at ZBA. An ordinance amending permit fees will be recommended for approval under continuing business. It changes wording to reference the current fee schedule, rather than change the ordinance every time a fee changes. The food truck application should be ready to present to council next month.
17. CONTINUING BUSINESS
a. Food Truck Application and Ordinance – In process.
b. Ordinance Amending Permit Fees – The Administrative Committee recommends approval of Ordinance 2021-02, An Ordinance Amending Permit Fees. Roll call vote: Hanlin, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Metz, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE. Motion passed: AYE 7; NAY 0; ABS 0.
c. Ordinance Amending Zoning Code to Allow Short Term Rentals as Special Use – This needs to first go to the ZBA for a recommendation.
d. Struck & Irwin Change Order – Slurry Seal in Fawn Ridge – Not available yet.
e. 2021-2022 Streets Program-Alternate Bid – The Community Services Committee recommends that council reject the 2021 street project alternate bid for repair of the south end of Sumner St. Roll call vote: Gerdes, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Metz, ABSTAIN; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE. Motion passed: AYE 6; NAY 0; ABS 1.
f. Baker Property Fines and Fees – Attorney Szeto has informed Attorney Floski that the city would like to recoup attorney fees for work on the Baker house demolition. We are not imposing fines at this point.
g. Declare 2008 Caterpillar Backhoe Loader as Excess Equipment – The Community Services Committee recommends the approval of Ordinance 2021-03, An Ordinance Declaring the 2008 Caterpillar Backhoe Loader as Excess Equipment. Roll call vote: Isaacs, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Metz, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Gerdes, AYE. Motion passed: AYE 7; NAY 0; ABS 0.
h. Street Plan Proposal – Director Vincer has proposed the development of a street plan to identify and prioritize road maintenance and repair. Fehr-Graham’s cost for the plan is $14,250. Funds will come out of the Public Works “drop and drag” program. The Community Services Committee recommends this expenditure for the street plan. Roll call vote: Fulrath, AYE; Metz, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE 7; NAY 0; ABS 0.
i. NextSite Agreement – The Community Services Committee recommends that the City of Byron enter into a contract with NextSite to assist with development of our business community. Cost is $8,000/year for three years. There are also finders fees for new businesses that establish as a result of their efforts. Roll call vote: Metz, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Fulrath, AYE. Motion passed: AYE 7; NAY 0; ABS 0.
j. Rush Property Demolition – Chief Murray reported that ComEd and Nicor will disconnect. He is waiting for bids from Norup and Martin & Co. Attorney Szeto has informed the bank that we are ready to move forward. We should have title shortly.
18. NEW BUSINESS
a. Administrative Hearings-Compliance – Attorney Szeto reported that this discussion came out of the TAS Committee as an alternative method for code enforcement. It would apply to nuisance and building complaints. Currently, we need to go to circuit court for judgements against offenders, which can be a costly and timely process. This method allows an attorney, who has been in practice at least three years and has taken training, to hear the cases and impose judgements and fines. If the process doesn’t work, it would then move to the circuit court. We already use this process for administrative tows and vicious dog hearings. It has been Attorney Szeto’s experience that compliance is achieved approximately 80% of the time using the administrative hearing officer. Attorney Szeto will put together an ordinance to establish this method.
19. COUNCIL TALK – Engineer Stoll thanked Clerk Huber for her assistance with grant applications.
20. COMMUNICATION –
a. Next Regular City Council Meeting – Wednesday, June 16, 2021, 6:30pm.
21. ADJOURN – Alderman Fulrath motioned to adjourn. Seconded by Alderman Hanlin. Roll call vote: Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Metz, AYE; Motion passed: AYE 7; NAY 0; ABS 0.
Mayor Rickard adjourned the City Council meeting at 7:07 pm.
https://www.cityofbyron.com/vertical/sites/%7B67304C08-5FC3-4329-8F07-4786D33EE040%7D/uploads/Minutes_-_2021-06-02-Approved.pdf
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