City of Byron City Council met Sept. 15.
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: Todd Isaacs, Emily Gerdes, Cheryl Metz, Zeke Hobbie, Jessica Nehring, Michael Gyorkos, Christy Hanlin. Seven members present. Quorum established.
Aldermen Absent: Mittzi Fulrath
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, Bill Pirnat
4. REVERENCE PERIOD – Mayor Rickard led the Council in prayer.
5. APPROVAL/AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA –Motion by Alderman Metz to approve, as presented, the September 15, 2021, agenda. Seconded by Alderman Isaacs. Roll call vote: Gerdes, AYE; Metz, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS 0.
6. MINUTES –
a. September 1, 2021 Committee of the Whole Special Meeting Minutes - Motion by Alderman Hanlin to approve, as presented, the September 1, 2021, Committee of the Whole Special Meeting Minutes. Seconded by Alderman Metz. Roll call vote: Metz, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS 0.
b. September 1, 2021 City Council Meeting Minutes - Motion by Alderman Hanlin to approve, as presented, the September 1, 2021, City Council Regular Meeting Minutes. Seconded by Alderman Nehring. Roll call vote: Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Metz, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS 0.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT – None
8. TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Huber stated that the Treasurer’s Report for the month of August is in Dropbox. Monthly revenues were reviewed at the first meeting of the month. Four CDs matured at the beginning of September, and were renewed for shorter terms in the hopes that the interest rate will improve.
9. LIST OF BILLS – Alderman Metz inquired about the islands mentioned on the Feste & Co. bill totaling $685.00. Director Vincer explained these are the landscaped islands on the downtown corners. Motion by Alderman Hanlin to approve the list of bills dated September 15, 2021, in the amount of $246,446.92. Seconded by Alderman Hobbie. Roll call vote: Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Metz, AYE; Hobbie, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS 0.
10. MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Rickard reported that he had a meeting with NextSite. NextSite provides analysis and analytics that assist with economic development. They are now determining the "personality of the city” to determine what businesses would be appropriate for Byron. • The downtown bar owners had submitted a letter in June requesting closing hour extensions for several dates throughout the year. The first three dates (ByronFest and Halloween) have already been discussed and decided. For the Thanksgiving weekend, they are requesting November 24 (the Wednesday before Thanksgiving), and the 26th and 27th. Christmas extensions are requested for December 17 and 18. Chief Murray pointed out that two cars are needed on duty when the extended hours are granted. After discussion, Alderman Metz motioned to allow the extended hours on Wednesday, November 24, and Saturday, December 18. Motion was seconded by Alderman Gerdes. No roll call was taken, however, no objections were raised and the aldermen all concurred with the decision. Chief Murray added that Aero has asked for their liquor license to be reinstated.
11. CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT – No report. Items are on the agenda.
12. CITY ENGINEER’S PROJECT STATUS – Engineer Stoll reported that the contractor will be doing paving prep this week on Union Street, followed by paving next week. This will conclude the 2020-2021 streets projects.
13. DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT STATUS – Director Hewitt reported that City Hall had an energy assessment. The total cost estimated to upgrade the building to be more energy efficient is $23,994.39. ComEd is offering incentives totaling $7,762.10, and the total cost to the city is $16,232.29. • A resident on Marijon has inquired about purchasing the detention pond behind his home (along Tower Road). The city is agreeable provided we have restrictions in place that the land has to remain detention and has to have easements. Attorney Szeto pointed out that we will have to declare the land as surplus, and go through the process of placing an ad in the paper and accepting bids. He will draft an agreement to be discussed further. • A broadband company has inquired about providing iFiber to residential customers. Director Hewitt is in the process of compiling information for them. • There may be grant opportunities through ARPA for downtown improvements.
14. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – Director Vincer reported that storm damage clean up is complete. Because of the amount of trees that needed to be cut, the tree removal budget is over by $2,400, and there is another $1,000 to be billed. The trees are city trees, and expenses were necessary for safety purposes. • The flow pattern at the wastewater treatment plant needed to be changed due to concrete pieces falling into the clarifier. The concrete is coming off of a bridge deck above the clarifier. • A pump at the sewer plant has failed. They hope to repair, but if replacement is necessary, they will purchase the least expensive option knowing that the plant will be upgraded soon. • Director Vincer will begin working on a five year capital plan for water and sewer as well as a streets plan. • Director Vincer met with Attorney Sosnowski, the mayor and Michelle Wills to discuss revising the pay structure.
15. POLICE CHIEF REPORT – Chief Murray reported that everyone was present at the Public Safety meeting. All items he had to report on were discussed at committee.
16. COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Community Services – No report.
b. Public Safety – All aldermen were present at the committee meeting held earlier tonight.
c. Administrative – No report.
17. CONTINUING BUSINESS
a. Mill Road Rec Path – Item is being discussed in committee.
b. Rush Property Demolition – Two quotes for demolition of the Rush property have been received. There was a significant price discrepancy, and there was a question whether the quote from Martin included removal of the entire foundation. Chief Murray was able to confirm that it did. Alderman Gerdes motioned to award the contract for the Rush property demolition to Martin and Co. for $19,800. Motion seconded by Alderman Gyorkos. Roll call vote: Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Metz, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS 0. Alderman Isaacs asked what our intention is for this property. It is undetermined at this time.
c. Ordinance Title 1 Revisions – The Administrative Committee will continue to discuss at the next meeting.
d. Boat Launch Grant – The grant application has been submitted.
e. Health Insurance Renewal – The Administrative Committee recommends council approval on the health insurance renewal with Blue Cross Blue Shield. Roll call vote: Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Metz, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS 0.
f. Austin Luepkes-Family Dollar TIF Application – Attorney Szeto is drafting a TIF agreement that will include a stipulation that they will pay back the money if they close within one year of receiving the money. Discussion will continue at committee. Alderman Isaacs asked Director Hewitt to prepare an update on the TIF account prior to the meeting.
18. NEW BUSINESS
a. Greg & Michelle Jozefowicz/Paradise Nutrition-TIF Application – The Administrative Committee will review this application at their next meeting and bring a recommendation to council.
19. COUNCIL TALK – Alderman Nehring discussed considering budgeting funds to improve the look of the downtown area. She gave Oregon and Dixon as examples of downtowns that maintain beautiful flower arrangements and hanging baskets and have an overall inviting look. Mayor Rickard agrees, and suggested we possibly designate development funds towards this during the next budget cycle. Alderman Isaacs asked who would maintain. Director Hewitt said that TIF funds can be used for garbage cans, picnic tables, gate-work on the alleys, etc., however, he will also explore other grant opportunities available.
20. EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. Section 2(c)(21) – Review of closed meeting minutes – Mayor Rickard announced that the council will be going into Executive Session for the purpose of reviewing closed meeting minutes. The mayor asked that Attorney Szeto and Clerk Huber remain in the room. Alderman Hanlin motioned to adjourn into Executive Session at 7:08 pm. Motion seconded by Alderman Hobbie. Roll call vote: Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Metz, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS 0. Council returned from Executive Session at 7:10 pm. Roll call: Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Metz, AYE. Seven aldermen present, zero absent. There is nothing to act upon as a result of Executive Session.
21. COMMUNICATION –
a. Next Regular City Council Meeting – Wednesday, October 6, 2021, 6:30 pm.
22. ADJOURN – Alderman Hanlin motioned to adjourn. Seconded by Alderman Gerdes. Roll call vote: Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Metz, AYE; Hobbie, AYE.
Mayor Rickard adjourned the City Council meeting at 7:11 pm.
https://www.cityofbyron.com/vertical/sites/%7B67304C08-5FC3-4329-8F07-4786D33EE040%7D/uploads/Minutes_-_2021-09-15-Approved.pdf
Alerts Sign-up