City of Byron Administrative Committee met Sept. 1.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
Alderman Hanlin called the meeting to order at 5:15 pm.
1. ROLL CALL –
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Alderman Christy Hanlin, Alderman Jessica Nehring, Alderman Todd Isaacs, Alderman Cheryl Metz
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Mayor John Rickard, Clerk Caryn Huber, Attorney Aaron Szeto, Economic Development Director Larry Hewitt, Officer Jeremy Boehle
ARRIVING AT 5:32 PM (After Administrative Committee Meeting) – Alderman Zeke Hobbie, Alderman Mittzi Fulrath, Alderman Emily Gerdes, Alderman Mike Gyorkos, Engineer Jason Stoll
CITIZENS PRESENT: Rod Stegall, Joe & Amy Schumacher, Andrew & Christina Mundt, Matt & Erica Miller, Amy Eder, Doug & Linda McNames, Patrick Frisk, Ron Svartoien, Daryll Russell, J.B. Northrop, Deb Bonne, Bruce Bonne, Melissa Leon, Rachel Oracki, Tony Dinges, Tim Salo, Don Whetsel, Chad Springer, George & Linda Eckerd, Tom McDonald, Lisa Shaw, Bev Johnson, Brian Johnson, Troy Lantz, Austin Luepkes, Charles Hepfer, Marsha Hepfer, Becky Adams
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 –Alderman Metz motioned to approve, as presented, the September 1, 2021, Administrative Committee meeting agenda. Seconded by Alderman Nehring. Roll call vote: Metz, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Hanlin, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT –
Joe Schumaker - Mr. Schumaker is in favor of allowing UTVs on the streets of Byron. While he understands that there will always be people that will break rules, he asked for a chance to prove that the vast majority will abide by the regulations. As a lifelong resident of Byron, he hopes the town will grow, and he prefers to spend his money here rather than other communities (including Wisconsin) that allow UTV riding. He believes this will benefit all. If a vehicle is taking up a downtown parking place, they are in town spending money.
Andrew Mundt – Five years ago, Mr. Mundt wrote to state representatives and proposed that UTVs have a riding classification similar to motorcycles and scooters. Many communities require purchasing a sticker in order to ride on city streets. This provides additional income to communities. He gave the example of Dixon, IL as having a successful UTV program. Similar to snowmobiles, he believes the groups do a good job of policing themselves. He would rather spend money in Byron.
Erica Miller – Several communities around us allow UTV riding. These include Leaf River, German Valley, Pecatonica, Mt. Morris, Dixon, and Oregon (in the works). These communities charge for stickers that average $25 per vehicle per year. Her family owns seven UTVs. Prior to issuing the stickers, the UTVs are checked for horn, turn signals, insurance, brake lights and other safety features. She would like to keep money in Byron.
Amy Eder – Ms. Eder provided a copy of the UTV ordinance that Mt. Morris recently passed. Even though she lives in Byron, she owns property in Mt. Morris and purchased a sticker ($25) there. UTVs are fuel efficient and have less emissions than cars. They have seatbelts, and, in her opinion, are safer than motorcycles. She recently visited Mt. Morris for an event, and witnessed a large amount of UTVs in town.
Doug McNames – Just like snowmobiles (that are allowed in town), there are always a few “bad apples”, but he would like a fair chance to ride and spend money in town.
Patrick Frisk – He appreciates the opportunity to appear before the committee, and pointed out that the way the laws are now, the UTV riders can’t even come into town for gas. He would like the committee to consider their request.
Ron Svartoien – Mr. Svartoien is a lifelong Byron resident. Like snowmobiles, which he has ridden for 30 years, he believes the UTV community will police themselves.
Daryll Russell – Mr. Russell agrees with those that have spoken, and he appreciates the opportunity to speak to the committee. He believes that allowing UTVs in town is a “win win” for everyone, as we are keeping money in Byron.
J.B.Northrup – The people attending tonight are a small sampling of UTV owners in Byron. On his street alone, there are seven. Owners purchase the vehicles and pay taxes in Illinois, yet they have to go to Wisconsin to ride them. He feels Byron is missing out on revenue, and hopes for “common sense” decisions regarding UTVs.
Deb Bonne – Last year, over 600 people signed petitions asking for the State to allow UTVs. She thanked council for their consideration.
Melissa Leon – She believes the UTV community will be respectful of the rules, and hopes to keep revenue in Byron.
Rachel Oracki – Ms. Oracki has served on many Byron committees, and a question that consistently comes up is how to make Byron a destination. This is an opportunity to bring people in from outside of the community, to support our local businesses, and for the city to raise revenue. She rides in Wisconsin, and many small towns become destinations because of their locations on the UTV trails. The vehicles are pricey, and many are nicer than some cars. These are not ATVs or street vehicles.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – AUGUST 4, 2021 – Alderman Nehring motioned to approve, as presented, the August 4, 2021, Administrative Committee meeting minutes. Seconded by Alderman Isaacs. Roll call vote: Isaacs, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Metz, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
5. PERFORMANCE BONDS FOR ROW EXCAVATIONS – Director Hewitt is still gathering information about the possibility of raising bond amounts for companies working in our right of ways.
6. AUSTIN LUEPKES-FAMILY DOLLAR TIF APPLICATION – A TIF application is included in Dropbox from Austin Luepkes, who owns the building that houses Family Dollar. He is planning on spending $80-$90,000, of which, $19,800 will be spent on windows, tuck pointing and paint on the outside of the building. The majority of the work will involve solidifying the structure and reinforcing the floors. Alderman Isaacs asked if there are sufficient funds in the TIF account. Director Hewitt said that there is. Alderman Isaacs said that we mainly have funded façade work, but Director Hewitt feels that the majority of the building will be seen, and stressed the importance of keeping the buildings up. Alderman Metz asked how often businesses apply for TIF funds. Director Hewitt replied that it varies and the funds are somewhat fluid. We only have six years left on the TIF. We have also discussed repaving the City Hall parking lot with TIF funds. Other than the bowling alley, Alderman Metz asked if there have been other TIF grants in this amount or higher. There have been several -Action Appraisal building was $16,000, Leombruni’s was $19,000, Uptown Lanes was $40,000. Director Hewitt added that Mr. Luepkes is asking for only 25% of his total project, where some of the other large amounts were asking for 75% of the total. Alderman Isaacs asked how long the lease is for Family Dollar, but that is not known. Director Hewitt said that any time a building is improved, even if the original tenant is no longer there, it adds to the value of the building when being sold. Attorney Szeto added that TIF incentives are normally used to bridge the gap, and thought the city should consider the difference between funding and assisting. Because the property owner would like to have an answer relatively soon, Attorney Szeto stated the agreement could be drawn up, with the committee still considering the amount of funding to award. Alderman Isaacs motioned to recommend council approval for the TIF application for Austin Luepkes as presented. First read will be at City Council tonight, with a vote scheduled for the 9/15/21 meeting. Motion seconded by Alderman Nehring. Roll call vote: Nehring, AYE; Hanlin, NAY; Metz, AYE; Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 3; NAY, 1; ABS, 0.
7. ORDINANCE TITLE 1 REVISIONS – As part of our ongoing code review, the proposed changes to Title 1 are in Dropbox. The committee would like the opportunity to discuss this at the October meeting.
8. HEALTH INSURANCE RENEWAL – Alderman Isaacs said our Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance is up for renewal. We are still grandfathered in, and therefore our increase is 10% (this will likely be our last year). Alderman Metz motioned to recommend council approval to pay the health insurance increase. Seconded by Alderman Isaacs. Roll call vote: Hanlin, AYE; Metz, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Nehring, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
9. MORING DISPOSAL INCREASE – Alderman Isaacs said this is the final year on the Moring Disposal contract. The contract includes a $.50 increase annually, and we need to decide if this total increase, a portion of the increase, or none of the increase should be passed on to residents. The contract is over in a year, and new rates will be discussed at that time. Alderman Isaacs motioned to pass on the entire $.50 increase to residents, across the four billing categories that we currently have. Motion seconded by Alderman Nehring. Roll call vote: Metz, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Hanlin, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
10. UTV DISCUSSION/ORDINANCE – Director Hewitt said that a sample ordinance is included in Dropbox. It includes the necessity to follow state statute, purchase a sticker, and have the vehicle examined for safety features. Alderman Hanlin spoke with Chief Murray, who stated that UTVs are still not allowed on county roads, so they would have no access to Byron. Alderman Isaacs asked Officer Boehle if the county would enforce this. Officer Boehle could not answer that question, but did state that he didn’t think the county would allow it in the near future. Director Hewitt has been in touch with Sheriff VanVickel, and he said he would follow state statute, which states that UTVs are not allowed on any road with a speed limit of over 35 mph. On Barker and Tower Roads, we do have the option of posting a 35 mph speed limit. With more communities authorizing the use of UTVs, the state may, at some point, be more inclined to authorize use across the state. Alderman Isaacs asked to table the discussion for the October meeting. Alderman Hanlin and Alderman Nehring expressed anger over an email thread between Director Hewitt and a citizen that was inadvertently sent out to council members. Director Hewitt offered his apology and explained that it is sometimes difficult to be on the “front lines” between residents and city council.
11. ADJOURN – Alderman Hanlin motioned to adjourn the Administrative Committee meeting. Seconded by Alderman Nehring. Roll call vote: Isaacs, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Metz, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
Alderman Hanlin adjourned the meeting at 6:00 pm.
https://www.cityofbyron.com/vertical/sites/%7B67304C08-5FC3-4329-8F07-4786D33EE040%7D/uploads/9-01-21_Admin_Comm_Minutes-Approved.pdf
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