City of Rochelle City Council Met May 24.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
The Rochelle City Council met in Regular Session at 6:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers of City Hall; 420 N. 6th Street; Rochelle, IL 61068.
PLEDGE TO THE FLAG & PRAYER: The pledge said by Mayor Bearrows and prayer said by Pastor Rob Hamilition.
ROLL CALL: On March 16th, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Pritzker suspended the in-person attendance requirement for public meetings allowing public bodies to conduct meetings electronically without having to comply with the physical quorum requirements or the conditions for participating electronically in a meeting. On March 31st Governor Pritzker extended the order until April 30th. On May 29th Governor Pritzker extended the order until June 27th. On June 26th Governor Pritzker extended the order through July 25th. On July 24th Governor Pritzker extended the order through August 22nd. On August 21st Governor Pritzker extended the order through September 19, 2020. On September 18th Governor Pritzker extended the order through October 17, 2020. On October 16th Governor Pritzker extended the order through November 14th. On November 13th Governor Pritzker extended the order through December 12th. On December 11th Governor Pritzker extended the order through January 9th. On January 8th Governor Pritzker extended the order through February 6th. On February 5th Governor Pritzker extended the order through March 6th. On March 5th Governor Pritzker extended the order through April 3rd. On April 2nd Governor Pritzker extended the order through May 1st. On April 30th Governor Pritzker extended the order through May 29th. Present on Roll Call were Councilmembers Arteaga, Gruben, D. McDermott, T. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey, Hayes, and Mayor Bearrows. Absent: None. A quorum of seven was present. City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh and Deputy City Clerk Rose Huéramo were also present.
PROCLAMATIONS, COMMENDATIONS, ETC: None.
REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS:
∙ Mayor’s Report – Plaque was given to Gregg Olson, Chief Executive Officer for Rochelle Community Hospital dedication during the pandemic. City of Rochelle received plaque at the Chamber Commerce Dinner Award for supporting small business during the pandemic. Reminds all of the Memorial Ceremony and parade on May 31.
∙ Council Members – Councilman Gruben mentioned the recent passing of Veteran Jim Moorehead served in US Navy in a submarine during WWII, lived to be 100 years old.
∙ Good News- American Public Works Association Project of the Year Water Reclamation Facility Improvements. Landscape upgrade on the 6th St. Parking Lot the City purchased last year.
∙ Employee Introductions – Tod Luxton Water Operator
Ryan Miller Wastewater Operator
PUBLIC COMMENTARY: None.
Motion made by Councilor D. McDermott and seconded by Councilor K. Shaw-Dickey, “I’d like to make a motion for Item Agenda #9 concerning Franchise Agreement to be moved to #1.” Roll call vote was taken. Ayes: Arteaga, Gruben, Hayes, D. McDermott, T. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 7-0.
9) Resolution Approving a Cable Franchise Agreement by and between the City of Rochelle and Comcast of California/Colorado/Illinois/Indiana/Michigan, LLC. The previous franchise agreement with Comcast expired in 2015 and was never renegotiated. In 2018, staff once again began meeting with representative from Comcast to update the previous agreement. Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic the negotiations were postponed, and the agreement was not finalized. Last month our team met again with representatives from Comcast to finalize a new agreement for council approval. Below are the changes that are being proposed:
▪ The Comcast entity has changed. The new one is reflected in the title, preamble, Grantee definition, and signature block. Same company, just a change in the entity from an LP to an LLC.
▪ Definitions, Public Way—added the cite from the City’s Municipal Code.
▪ Section 4.6.1, GA Comp TV service—The Third Order was issued by the FCC in August 2019. That is the new Federal regulation, and this new language reflects that.
▪ Section 8.2, Emergency Alert System—The new Federal EAS regulations were issued starting in 2010 (continuing to date). This language reflects that.
▪ Section 8.5, Allocation and Use of the PEG Access Channel—corrected this language to reflect only one PEG channel (not two). The option is there should the City decide to pursue it.
▪ Section 9.4, Enforcement—Changed this section to reflect the language used in all other franchise agreements.
▪ Section 10.2, Notice-Comcast updated their address.
▪ The new agreement is a 10-year agreement upon execution.
Joan Sage, Manager, Government & Regulatory Affairs representing Comcast and City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh were available to answer questions. Motion made by Councilor D. McDermott and seconded by Councilor K. Shaw Dickey, “I move Resolution R21-21, a Resolution Approving a Cable Franchise Agreement by and between the City of Rochelle and Comcast of California/Colorado/Illinois/Indiana/Michigan, LLC, be approved.” Roll call vote was taken. Ayes: Arteaga, Gruben, D. McDermott, T. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: Hayes. Motion passed 6-1.
BUSINESS ITEMS:
1) CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS BY OMNIBUS VOTE with Recommendations:
a) Approve Minutes of City Council Meeting – 5/10/2021
b) Accept and Place on File Minutes of Golf Course Advisory Committee – 09/28/20
c) Approve Exceptions – 05/04/21-05/10/21, 05/11/21-05/17/21
d) Approve Payroll – 05/03/21-05/16/21
e) Approve request to allow a graduation party to be held on the dead-end portion of Fairview Drive f) Accept and Place on File Financial Statement – April 2021
Motion made by Councilor D. McDermott and seconded by Councilor T. McDermott, “I move Consent Agenda Items (a) through (f) be approved by Omnibus Vote as recommended.” Motion made by Councilor D. McDermott and seconded T. McDermott, “I would like to rescind my motion on #1 for the consent agenda item.” Roll call vote was taken. Ayes: Arteaga, Gruben, Hayes, D. McDermott, T. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 7-0. Motion made by Councilor T. McDermott and seconded by Councilor D. McDermott, “I make a motion that we change the verbiage on (e) of the consent agenda items to read, approve request to allow a graduation party to be held on the dead-end portion of Fairview Dr contingent upon the City being named on the insurance policy as additional insured.” Roll call vote was taken. Ayes: Arteaga, Gruben, Hayes, D. McDermott, T. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 7-0. Motion made by Councilor D. McDermott and seconded by Councilor Arteaga, “I move consent agenda items (a) through (f) as amended be approved by Omnibus Vote as recommended.” Roll call vote was taken. Ayes: Arteaga, Gruben, Hayes, D. McDermott, T. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 7-0.
2) Resolution Opposing SB2298 Amending the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act of the Illinois Municipal Code. The Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act of the State of Illinois (the “Act”) creates tax increment financing to stimulate and induce redevelopment and to provides cities with a mechanism to construct public infrastructure to spur economic development and job growth within their jurisdiction. The Act makes it possible for municipalities like the City of Rochelle to incentivize development within the areas that are found to be “blighted areas” in order to reduce or eliminate the factors that cause such areas to be designated as “blighted areas” by reimbursing others for the payment of eligible redevelopment project costs as defined in Section 11-74.4-3(q) of the Act. SB2298, sponsored by Senator Ann Gillespie and co-sponsored by Senator Melinda Bush, attempts to eliminate the effectiveness of the most important tool available to municipalities to enhance positive economic change. Proposed Changes:
o Removes or modifies various factors for the definitions of “blighted area” and “conservation area” that will greatly reduce the eligibility for many distressed areas throughout Illinois communities.
o Requires all new redevelopment projects to have a completion date no later than the end of the 10th year after a TIF Ordinance is adopted, instead of the 23 years currently allowed.
o Prohibits new or modified redevelopment project areas that overlap with other previously approved project areas, eliminating the ability for communities to successfully develop or redevelop contiguous areas that may not have been eligible at the time the TIF District was originally adopted.
o Imposes stricter requirements for EAV decline and it would eliminate common TIF eligibility criteria such as dilapidation, deterioration, code standards, excessive vacancies, lack of ventilation, obsolete platting, diversity of ownership, and adjacent deterioration.
Motion made by Councilor Arteaga and seconded by Councilor Shaw-Dickey, “I move Resolution R21-19, a Resolution Opposing SB2298 Amending the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act of the Illinois Municipal Code, be approved.” Roll call vote was taken. Ayes: Arteaga, Gruben, Hayes, D. McDermott, T. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 7-0.
3) Resolution Approving an Amendment to the Personnel Manual (City of Rochelle Employee Handbook). The City of Rochelle “Handbook” Personnel Policies Manual was fully updated in October of 2018. The Personnel Policies Manual is in constant review and revisions shall be made periodically to be consistent with all applicable laws, employment policies and current technology. Amend the Employee percentage of the total premium for the chosen level of health coverage for non-union effective 1/1/2022. Chapter 4: Benefits, Article A: Health Coverage, paragraph. Current Employees: 15% for Employee Only and 18% for Family Change to: 16% for Employee Only and 19% for Family. This amendment would reflect the same percentage as the union employees. Jeff Fiegenschuh was available for questions. Motion made by Councilor Shaw-Dickey and seconded by Councilor D. McDermott “I move Resolution R21-20, a Resolution Approving an Amendment to the Personnel Manual (City of Rochelle Employee Handbook), be approved.” Roll call vote was taken. Ayes: Arteaga, Gruben, Hayes, D. McDermott, T. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 7-0.
4) Ordinance Waiving the Competitive Bidding Requirements and Awarding Johnson Tractor the Purchase Order for the Purchase of Mower and Tractor. The Electric department received a quote for a new tractor and mower in the amount of $53,408.99 from Johnson Tractor under the Sourcewell pricing. The Sourcewell program is a cooperative purchasing plan that streamlines the procurement process by developing RFPs on behalf of public entities securing the best price available for its members. Currently the Tech Center, Electric, Water and Water reclamation departments are spending more than $1,000 a month in mowing services. In effort to cut down on the cost of maintaining large grassy areas throughout the City we wish to purchase an adequate piece of equipment to efficiently and on a timely manner keep up with the mowing in these areas. The new mower is a 15 feet batwing model that will encompass a larger area in a shorter amount of time to effectively upkeep all the RMU facilities in a more manageable manner. The mower and tractor will be a collective purchase between the Electric, Water and Water Reclamation departments. Utilities Superintendent Adam Lanning and Blake Toliver Director of Electric Operations were available for questions. Motion made by Councilor T. McDermott and seconded by Councilor Gruben, “I move Ordinance 21-5251, an Ordinance Waiving the Competitive Bidding Requirements and Awarding Johnson Tractor the Purchase Order for the Purchase of Mower and Tractor in the amount of $53,408.99, be approved.” Roll call vote was taken. Ayes: Arteaga, Gruben, Hayes, D. McDermott, T. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 7-0.
5) Change Order for Well House #4 Project to Contract with Larson & Larson Builders, Inc. The Well 4 rehabilitation project contract #2 for the construction of the well house was bid and awarded to Larson & Larson Builders on November 25, 2019. Due to the Covid pandemic in 2020 the project was on hold. In May the Well 4 pump malfunctioned and was taken out of service. With reduced system capacity we must proceed with the total rehab of well 4 as planned for the upcoming development in a couple of months. Unfortunately, with the recent increase in all labor and materials cost due to the pandemic the total project increase is 7% in the amount of $103,810.11 bringing the total project cost to $1,527,228.62 from $1,423,418.62 back in November 2020. We have seen these increases across the board due to the shortage of building materials. The following are changes to the contract documents are as follow: (1) Add $103,810.11 to the contract for the increase in material and labor; (2) Revised completion date of November 20, 2021. Adam Lanning was available remotely for questions. Motion made by Councilor Gruben and seconded by Councilor T. McDermott, “I move Council approve a Change Order for Well House #4 Project to Contract with Larson & Larson Builders, Inc in the amount of $103,810 for a total contract award of $1,527,228.62.” Roll call vote was taken. Ayes: Arteaga, Gruben, Hayes, D. McDermott, T. McDermott, Shaw Dickey and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 7-0.
6) Change Order for Well House #4 Project to Contract with Cahoy Pump Service. The Well 4 rehabilitation project contract #1 for the pump and motor was bid and awarded to Cahoy Pump Service on November 25, 2019. Due to the Covid pandemic in 2020 the project was on hold. In May the Well 4 pump malfunctioned and was taken out of service. With reduced system capacity we must proceed with the total rehab of well 4 to plan for the upcoming development in a couple of months. The following are changes to the contract documents: (1) Add additional compensation of $1,400 due to line item cost increases; (2) Add additional compensation of $ 29,074 due to updated items and changes; (3) Revised completion date of November 20, 2021. Adam Lanning was available for questions. Motion made by Councilor T. McDermott and seconded by Councilor D. McDermott, “I move Council approve a Change Order for Well House #4 Project to Contract with Cahoy Pump Service in the amount of $30,474 for a total contract award of $165,603.” Roll call vote was taken. Ayes: Arteaga, Gruben, Hayes, D. McDermott, T. McDermott, Shaw Dickey and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 7-0.
7) Ordinance Waiving the Competitive Bidding Requirements and Awarding WESCO the Purchase Order for the Purchase of Electric Supplies Inventory. For the last five years the Electric department has depleted their electric supplies inventory without restocking the supplies used. To minimize disruptions in the distribution system the department wishes to replenish their supplies inventory. As we focus on system upgrades and maintenance, we need to have materials to replace old or faulty infrastructure such as pads, poles, and transformers. With lead times for construction materials up to 6 months; the need to have materials in stock to replace equipment during power outage events are critical for reliable service delivery. We requested quotes from three electric suppliers and the lowest Sourcewell price received was from WESCO Distribution in the amount of $143,661. The Electric department has a long-standing relationship with WESCO and recommends awarding the purchase order for the needed supplies to WESCO. Adam Lanning was available for questions. Motion made by Councilor D. McDermott and seconded by Councilor Arteaga, “I move Ordinance 21-5252, an Ordinance Waiving the Competitive Bidding Requirements and Awarding WESCO the Purchase Order for the Purchase of Electric Supplies Inventory at a cost of $143,661, be approved.” Roll call vote was taken. Ayes: Arteaga, Gruben, Hayes, D. McDermott, T. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 7-0.
8) Ordinance Waiving the Competitive Bidding Requirements and Awarding Gasvoda & Associates Inc the Purchase Order for the Purchase of Flowmeter Scada Devices. As we work towards improving our systems and service delivery, we need some system upgrades to our sewer flowmeters. In order to automate the readings of industrial sewer customers we are looking to purchase fifteen (15) SCADA flow monitoring devices. These devices will enable accurate and automated readings of sewer discharge that will be directly transmitted to our system. Currently we are manually obtaining these readings or rely on third-party water readings that are then entered manually each month before each billing cycle. By purchasing these devices, we are improving our billing practices, saving resources, and adequately billing our customers. We are requesting the purchase of these devices from our local supplier which is the only option available for this upgrade and compatible with our current equipment. Adam Lanning and Director of Water/Water Reclamation Jay Mulholland was available for questions. Motion made by Councilor T. McDermott and seconded by Councilor D. McDermott, “I move Ordinance 21-5253, an Ordinance Waiving the Competitive Bidding Requirements and Awarding Gasvoda & Associates Inc the Purchase Order for the Purchase of Flowmeter Scada Devices at a cost of $50,125, be approved.” Roll call vote was taken. Ayes: Arteaga, Gruben, Hayes, D. McDermott, T. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 7-0.
10) Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Agreements with the Progressive Park Rochelle for the Purchase of Two Utility Easements. RMU is in the process of installing a substation in Progressive Park, which will be the new supply for 1600 Ritchie Court. The new feeder cable will be in an underground duct package that will be on the East side of 1600 Ritchie Court and then continue on the North side of the building to the unit substations for that property. As a result of the new feeder cable duct package, the City will need to cross two parcels owned by Progressive Park Rochelle LLC. The City has already purchased one easement for a transmission easement, which was part of the Purchase and Sale Agreement with Commonwealth Edison. By approving this resolution, the City is authorizing the City Manager to execute two additional agreements with Progressive Park Rochelle LLC for the purchase of two utility easements in the amount of $13,333.33. Jeff Fiegenschuh was available for questions. Motion made by Councilor Shaw-Dickey and seconded by Councilor Arteaga, “I move Resolution R21-22, a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Agreements with The Progressive Park Rochelle LLC for the Purchase of Two Utility Easements at a cost of $13,333.33, be approved.” Roll call vote was taken. Ayes: Arteaga, Gruben, Hayes, D. McDermott, T. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 7-0.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: at 7:38 PM, Councilor Hayes moved and seconded by Councilor T. McDermott, “I move the Council recess into executive session to discuss pending or imminent litigation.” Roll call vote was taken. Ayes: Arteaga, Gruben, Hayes, D. McDermott, T. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 7-0.
At 7:55 PM, moved by Councilor T. McDermott and seconded by Councilor Shaw-Dickey, “I move the Council return to open session.” Roll call vote was taken. Ayes: Arteaga, Gruben, Hayes, D. McDermott, T. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 7-0.
ADJOURNMENT: At 7:56 PM, moved by Councilor Shaw-Dickey and seconded by Councilor D. McDermott, “I move the Council adjourn.” Roll call vote was taken. Ayes: Arteaga, Gruben, Hayes, D. McDermott, T. McDermott, Shaw Dickey and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 7-0.
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