City of Byron City Council met Oct. 6.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
1. CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Rickard called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Led by Mayor Rickard
3. ROLL CALL – Aldermen present: Todd Isaacs, Emily Gerdes, 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
Citizens Pam Kultgen, Bill Pirnat, Russell Crull
4. REVERENCE PERIOD – Mayor Rickard led the Council in prayer.
5. APPROVAL/AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA –Motion by Alderman Isaacs to approve, as presented, the October 6, 2021, agenda. Seconded by Alderman Metz. Roll call vote: Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Metz, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 8; NAY, 0; ABS 0.
6. MINUTES –
a. September 15, 2021 Committee of the Whole Special Meeting Minutes - Motion by Alderman Hanlin to approve, as presented, the September 15, 2021, Committee of the Whole Special Meeting Minutes. Seconded by Alderman Nehring. Roll call vote: Fulrath, ABS; Metz, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS 1.
b. September 15, 2021 City Council Meeting Minutes - Motion by Alderman Hobbie to approve, as presented, the September 15, 2021, City Council Regular Meeting Minutes. Seconded by Alderman Gerdes. Roll call vote: Metz, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, ABS. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS 1.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT – None
8. TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Huber stated that the monthly income statement is in Dropbox, and noted that we received the first of two ARPA payments for $249,321.68. Two CDs matured this week and were renewed for short terms since there hasn’t been any movement on interest rates. At Alderman Isaacs request, there is a YTD budget analysis in Dropbox. He asked that aldermen contact him if they have any questions.
9. LIST OF BILLS – Alderman Fulrath inquired how long TIF reimbursements last. Director Hewitt responded until the reimbursable amount is paid in full, or for the life of the TIF (2027). The agreements state what they are eligible to receive, however, he explained that what they are receiving is their own increment, or the amount taxes increased due to their improvements on the property. The amount of revenue received this year is $325,000 (last year it was $308,000). Motion by Alderman Isaacs to approve the list of bills dated October 6, 2021, in the amount of $188,908.73. Seconded by Alderman Hanlin. Roll call vote: Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Metz, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 8; NAY, 0; ABS 0.
10. MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Rickard reported that he attended the IML conference and attended a workshop on the Police Reform Act. He gave the IML summary of this subject to Alderman Hobbie for the Public Safety Committee to reference. • Mayor Rickard distributed a letter he received from a resident in Jackson Knolls. The letter was in reference to concerns about trains blocking the entrance to the subdivision, sometimes for long periods of time. The mayor asked Chief Murray to investigate further. • Mayor Rickard spoke with Merlin Hagemann regarding starting a beautification plan in Byron similar to Oregon. The plan will start in spring in the downtown area, and feature planters that are put together and maintained by Merlins. • The mayor met with a representative from Surf Broadband. They are interested in receiving permitting in order to provide high speed broadband to every household in the city limits, at a cost that is very competitive with Comcast. They will be making a presentation at the next council meeting, and will put together a proposed agreement for council. • There will be a Committee of the Whole meeting on October 20 at 5:15pm, to continue discussion regarding the Wastewater Treatment Plant. • The mayor asked council for their preference on Halloween Trick or Treat hours. Discussion will take place under Council Talk.
11. CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT – The Baker family has agreed to reimburse attorney and other fees related to our efforts to have their house demolished. The check has been received.
12. CITY ENGINEER’S PROJECT STATUS – Engineer Stoll reported that the Union Street project is complete. Landscaping will be done prior to winter. There is a small section of sidewalk outside of Spanky’s that Spanky’s will replace as part of their renovations.
13. DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT STATUS – Director Hewitt reported that the last two lots in Brighton Ridge are being built on. Foundations are in. There are two remaining lots in Rose Meadows. • Engineer Stoll will be working with Director Hewitt on another grant opportunity to rebuild the downtown area. Meetings will begin next week. • Discussion started at TAS regarding the need to draft a solar ordinance since ground mounted systems have begun to appear more frequently in other communities.
14. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – Director Vincer reported that an old water service line at Walnut St. and Route 2 needed to be replaced. They needed to hire Kelsey for assistance with accessing the line under the highway. • The transmission in one of the pick up trucks went out. The repair will be $4,200. • The International dump truck is also being repaired for rusted rails that hold the box in place. This is a safety issue. Cost will be approximately $8,500. • Salt prices are down. This year’s price is $95.50/ton, compared to last year’s price of $102.50/ton. 350 tons ($33,000) have been ordered and the amount will appear on the list of bills at the next meeting. • Director Vincer said the street sweeper has been out, and he is asking for assistance in asking residents not to place piles of leaves in the streets. This information, as well as information about our burning ordinance, has been put out on Facebook. • Mayor Rickard said that he has received phone calls regarding the good work done by the Public Works Department after the recent storm clean up. Alderman Metz also thanked Director Vincer for fixing two sections of streets that needed attention in the 1st ward.
15. POLICE CHIEF REPORT – Chief Murray reported that testing will take place on Saturday for the police officer candidates. Out of the 25 applications received, four will take part in the testing. • The new squad car is being delivered to the outfitters. • He noted that we have received partial reimbursement from the state for Officer Parlapiano’s training. The amount is reflected in the monthly revenue report and totals $6,020.00. • Chief Murray will investigate the letter written about the train crossing. He has not received a complaint on that crossing in at least two years. • Demolition on the Rush property should take place next week.
16. COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Community Services – Alderman Fulrath reported that the streets plan is being developed by Engineer Stoll and and Director Vincer. They hope to start reviewing at the next committee meeting.
b. Public Safety – No report.
c. Administrative – Alderman Hanlin reported that most items are further in the agenda. They are also working on right of way performance bonds.
17. CONTINUING BUSINESS
a. Mill Road Rec Path – Item is being discussed in committee. The committee recommends that council approve engineering in the amount of $39,900 to begin this project. Rebuild Illinois funds will be used. Roll call vote: Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Metz, AYE; Hobbie, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 8; NAY, 0; ABS 0.
b. Rush Property Demolition – Demolition should be done next week.
c. Ordinance Title 1 Revisions – The Administrative Committee recommends that council approve the proposed Title 1 revisions. In addition, they recommend that the minimum violation fee be raised from $50 to $100. Attorney Szeto will finalize the ordinance. Roll call vote: Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Metz, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 8; NAY, 0; ABS 0.
d. Boat Launch Grant – The grant application has been submitted and no longer needs to remain on the agenda at this time.
e. Austin Luepkes-Family Dollar TIF Application – The Administrative Committee recommends that council approve the TIF application for Austin Luepkes in the amount of $19,810.00 for façade work. When drafting the TIF agreement, the committee has asked Attorney Szeto to add the stipulation that if the company goes out of business within the first year, they are required to refund 100% of the TIF money to the city. If they go out of business in the second year, they are required to refund the city 50% of the awarded amount. Roll call vote: Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Metz, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 8; NAY, 0; ABS 0.
f. Greg & Michelle Jozefowicz/Paradise Nutrition TIF Application – Application is being reviewed in committee.
g. Wastewater Treatment Plant – Engineer Stoll reported that the facility plan was submitted to the EPA, and we expect a response from them in the next two to three months.
18. NEW BUSINESS
a. Squad Car Purchase – The Administrative Committee recommends council approval to bypass first read and allow Chief Murray to purchase a squad car in an amount not to exceed $35,000. Roll call vote: Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Metz, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 8; NAY, 0; ABS 0.
b. Resolution for the Appointment of Tess Crull & Arnquist as Administrative Hearing Officer – Byron resident Attorney Russell Crull introduced himself and said he currently represents four municipalities that are smaller than Byron. The Mayor, Chief Murray and Attorney Szeto met with several candidates, and are recommending Mr. Crull to fill the newly created position of Administrative Hearing Officer. His fee is $200/hour. The procedure to request an Administrative Hearing still needs to be determined. Mr. Crull stated that one of the requirements to his training is to hold several mock trials. The Administrative Committee recommends council approval of Resolution 2021-05, appointing Russell Crull as the Administrative Hearing Officer. Roll call vote: Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, ABS; Metz, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE, Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS 1.
c. UTV Ordinance – Alderman Hanlin reported that the Administrative Committee voted to move the ordinance forward to council. Since some members of the committee were not certain of their vote, the subject matter was moved forward in order to have full council discussion. The School District and Park District have requested that UTVs not be allowed on their properties. The committee also discussed raising the fee, as well as other concerns that will be added to the ordinance draft. The mayor stated that he would like to see the ordinance passed with the understanding that it can also be rescinded if it isn’t working out. There are many surrounding communities that allow UTVs. Alderman Gerdes stated that in Leaf River and Mount Morris, the vehicle does not need to be inspected, but the operator needs to sign a waiver stating that they have the safety features required. She feels it would be an added burden on the Police Department if they had to inspect the vehicles individually. Alderman Hanlin said she has received several calls of concern regarding noise. Alderman Hobbie had concerns about the UTVs taking up parking spaces downtown. The idea of a “curfew” for the vehicles was discussed, with 11:00 pm agreeable to most, and later (1:00 am) on weekends. 16 years and younger would be required to wear helmets, and car seats would be required as they are in any vehicle. Discussion was held regarding fines for violations. Chief Murray stated that in Wisconsin, the fines are $250 for the first violation, $500 for the second and $1,000 for the third. Council members agreed. Alderman Metz asked about speed limits. Attorney Szeto said they are allowed to operate on roads that are 35mph or less. This is stipulated in the ordinance as a state law. Alderman Isaacs suggested increasing the sticker fee. The consensus of council was $100 initially, $50 annually, and $25 for a replacement sticker. Alderman Fulrath suggested adding a map of city limits.
19. COUNCIL TALK – Discussion was held regarding Trick or Treat day and time. After discussion, it was decided to set the Trick or Treat hours on Sunday, October 31, from 4:00-7:00 pm.
20. COMMUNICATION –
a. Committee of the Whole Special Meeting– Wednesday, October 20, 2021, 5:15 pm.
b. Regular City Council Meeting – Wednesday, October 20, 2021, 6:30 pm.
21. Alderman Isaacs motioned to adjourn. Seconded by Alderman Gerdes. Roll call vote: Fulrath, AYE; Metz, AYE; Hobbie, AYE. Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE.
Mayor Rickard adjourned the City Council meeting at 7:45 pm.
https://www.cityofbyron.com/vertical/sites/%7B67304C08-5FC3-4329-8F07-4786D33EE040%7D/uploads/Minutes_-_2021-10-06-Approved.pdf
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