City of Byron City Council met Aug. 4.
Here are 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, Todd Isaacs, Mittzi Fulrath, Cheryl Metz, Zeke Hobbie, Jessica Nehring, Michael Gyorkos, Christy Hanlin. Eight members present. Quorum established.
Aldermen Absent: None
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
4. REVERENCE PERIOD – Mayor Rickard led the Council in prayer.
5. APPROVAL/AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA –Motion by Alderman Gyorkos to approve, as presented, the August 4, 2021, agenda. Seconded by Alderman Hanlin. Roll call vote: Isaacs, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Metz, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Gerdes, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 8; NAY, 0; ABS 0.
6. MINUTES –
a. July 21, 2021 Committee of the Whole Special Meeting Minutes – Motion by Alderman Metz to approve, as presented, the July 21, 2021, Committee of the Whole Special Meeting Minutes. Seconded by Alderman Hobbie. Roll call vote: Fulrath, AYE; Metz, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Gerdes, ABSTAIN; Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS 1.
b. July 21, 2021 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Motion by Alderman Hanlin to approve, as presented, the July 21, 2021, City Council Regular Meeting Minutes. Seconded by Alderman Nehring. Roll call vote: Metz, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Gerdes, ABSTAIN; Isaacs, AYE; Fulrath, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS 1.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT – None
8. TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Huber stated that the treasurer’s report for the month of July is in Dropbox. On the revenue comparison sheet, she also included the percentage up or down of current monthly figures as compared to the same months in 2019 and 2020.
9. LIST OF BILLS – Alderman Gerdes inquired about charges from Ehmens and Helms, since both are for air conditioning repairs. Director Vincer stated that Ehmens did repairs to the air conditioner at the Public Works building, while Helms performed work on the air conditioner at City Hall. She also asked about the $3,840 charge from GoGov. This is for the Byron Alerts app, and is an annual charge. Alderman Metz asked about the $2,100 charge from Sherwin Industries. Director Vincer explained that the charge is for crack sealer. Mayor Rickard asked about the $190.49 charge from Modern Shoe Shop. This charge is for boots for Gary Treese (public works). Motion by Alderman Fulrath to approve the list of bills dated August 4, 2021, in the amount of $54,194.18. Seconded by Alderman Isaacs. Roll call vote: Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Metz, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 8; NAY, 0; ABS 0.
10. MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Rickard reported that we received a letter from IDOT indicating that we did not receive the HSIP (Highway Safety Improvement Program) grant we applied for to construct a roundabout at Mill and Tower. Instead, they suggested we paint chevrons and do shoulder improvements. We are still in the running, however, for a $2,000,000 grant from Rep. Kinzinger’s office for the same project.
11. CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT – Attorney Szeto reported that he has received documents from the Title Company for the Rush property. There is a mistake to correct, and his office will retype the signature blocks prior to getting signatures from the two heirs.
12. CITY ENGINEER’S PROJECT STATUS – Engineer Stoll reported that Struck & Irwin has completed slurry work in Fawn Ridge, Brighton Ridge, and on Belair. We should receive a bill in September. Martin & Co. will mobilize for work on Sumner St. next week. The project should take two to three weeks. Union St. work will begin after that. Alderman Hobbie has had conversations with several neighbors on Belair, who are unhappy with the look of the slurry seal. Engineer Stoll explained that slurry is used to maintain roads at 1/3 the cost of asphalt, and suggested we try to educate the residents as these maintenance projects continue in the future. The slurry should even out as traffic drives on it. Alderman Gerdes asked how many times slurry can be applied to a road. Engineer Stoll replied that it can be applied several times provided the road and base are good. The slurry is applied 3/8” thick, and does wear down over time.
13. DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT STATUS – Director Hewitt reported that an interview was held earlier today with an attorney for the compliance officer position. An interview with another candidate will be held next week. • After receiving the structural report on Spanky’s, Director Hewitt met with the owner who has indicated he would like to improve the building. • There are several large blank sides of buildings in the downtown area, and we plan to post on Facebook asking for artists willing to paint murals. Two of the walls are in the alleys downtown, where we also plan to hang rope lights. Alderman Hanlin suggested he get in touch with Kathy Wickler. Rotary has been discussing a similar project and has begun some research. • The owner of Family Dollar is completing structural work in the basement of the building at a cost of $80,000. He also intends to apply for TIF funding for some façade work.
14. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – Director Vincer reported that there is a failure of the Headworks screen involving an auger. The manufacturer has an upgrade, and has agreed to sell the upgrade at the same price ($7,000) as a new auger. • Two water services have been replaced on Southfield. Both are failures in the copper piping that runs from the main to the curb stop.
15. POLICE CHIEF REPORT – Chief Murray reported that attendance was good at National Night Out. He thanked Alderman Nehring for her help with the event. • One of the squad cars is getting the motor replaced at Kunis. It is under warranty. Another vehicle needs transmission work. He reiterated that several squad cars will need to be replaced next year. The cars were typically purchased with Telecom tax funds in the past, however, that fund, which used to net $8,000-10,000/year, is now only collecting $4,000/year.
16. COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Community Services – Alderman Fulrath reported that discussions are still being held with Quality Metal regarding discharging into our sanitary sewer. • Discussion was held regarding replacing water and sewer main on Route 2 when the street is dug up for reconstruction. • Another Committee of the Whole meeting needs to be scheduled to discuss the waste water treatment plant facility plan.
b. Public Safety – No report.
c. Administrative – Alderman Hanlin reported that the committee had discussed allowing UTVs on city streets. • The Moring contract will stay on their agenda.
17. CONTINUING BUSINESS
a. Approval of Permit Fee Schedule – Alderman Hanlin reported that the Administrative Committee recommends council approval of the permit fee schedule as presented. Roll call vote: Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Metz, AYE; Hobbie, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 8; NAY, 0; ABS 0.
b. Ordinance Amending Public Works Employee Expenditures – This ordinance allows on call public works employees to expend up to $500 without the prior approval of the Public Works Director or Mayor. Alderman Fulrath reported that the Community Services Committee recommends council approval of Ordinance 2021-06. Roll call vote: Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Metz, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 8; NAY, 0; ABS 0. c. Mill Road Rec Path – Nothing new to report.
d. Rush Property – Nothing new other that what Attorney Szeto reported.
18. NEW BUSINESS
a. Sidewalk Café Ordinance – This ordinance comes with a recommendation for passage from the Administrative Committee, however, two items need to be added or corrected. They will add a $50 fee, and specify that restaurants may have sidewalk cafes from April 1 – November 1. The Ordinance will be on the agenda at the 8/18 meeting with these changes.
b. Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Execute Documents Related to the American Rescue Plan Act – Alderman Isaacs motioned to waive first read on Resolution 2021-04. Motion seconded by Alderman Gyorkos. Roll call vote: Hanlin, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Metz, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 8; NAY, 0; ABS 0. • Alderman Metz motioned to approve Resolution 2021-04, allowing the mayor to execute documents related to the American Rescue Plan Act. Motion seconded by Alderman Isaacs. Roll call vote: Gerdes, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Metz, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE Motion passed: AYE, 8; NAY, 0; ABS 0.
c. Boat Launch Grant – DNR is offering a 100% grant to improve boat access areas. Director Hewitt has had some concept drawings completed for our boat dock, which includes fencing, plants, a gazebo/shelter, and restroom (in Dropbox). Deadline for the grant is September 1. The mayor has authorized Fehr-Graham to do the grant applicatio at a cost of $7,500.
19. COUNCIL TALK – Alderman Hobbie asked about the timing of getting a crosswalk across Mill Road. The rec path may not be completed this fall, but Engineer Stoll will ask Martin & Co. to pour a cement pad so a cross walk may be added prior to school starting. • Alderman Metz discussed the electric aggregation letter that residents recently received, and felt it would be beneficial to add the current price and ComEd’s price to they can make comparisons. Director Hewitt added that ComEd’s prices fluctuate, so it would be important to add an “as of” date. Mayor Rickard explained that the letters are written and mailed by Rock River Energy, but he will pass along the suggestion. • Alderman Gyorkos asked for an update on the power plant. Mayor Rickard will be meeting with executives next week, and there is hope that the legislature will meet in two weeks. Paul Dempsey, Exelon, stated earlier in the week that they need to follow procedures as if they were going to stay open or going to close. • Alderman Fulrath asked that a Committee of the Whole be scheduled for Wednesday, August 18 to further discuss the waste water treatment plant. At this point, decisions need to be made if we are going to do the entire project, a phased project, or no project. Alderman Gerdes asked if the Mill Road Rec Path can be discussed as well. Mayor Rickard noted that engineering is not complete, and the funding has not been received. Funding will come from the American Rescue Funds, and the MFT Rebuild America grant. The Committee of the Whole will begin at 5:00 pm.
20. COMMUNICATION –
a. Committee of the Whole – Wednesday, August 18, 2021, 5:00 pm.
b. Next Regular City Council Meeting – Wednesday, August 18, 2021, 6:30 pm.
21. ADJOURN – Alderman Isaacs motioned to adjourn. Seconded by Alderman Fulrath. Roll call vote: Isaacs, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Metz, AYE; Hobbie, AYE, Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Gerdes, AYE. Motion passed: AYE 8; NAY 0; ABS 0.
Mayor Rickard adjourned the City Council meeting at 7:18 pm.
https://www.cityofbyron.com/vertical/sites/%7B67304C08-5FC3-4329-8F07-4786D33EE040%7D/uploads/Minutes_-_2021-08-04-Approved.pdf
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