City of Rochelle City Council met Oct. 12.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
I. CALL TO ORDER:
1. Pledge to the Flag lead by Mayor Bearrows.
2. Prayer said by Pastor Boehm.
II. ROLL CALL: Present Councilor T. McDermott, Councilor Hayes, Councilor D. McDermott, Councilor Shaw Dickey, Councilor Arteaga, and Mayor Bearrows. Absent Councilor Gruben. Also, present City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh, City Clerk Sue Messer and City Attorney Dominick Lanzito.
III. PROCLAMATIONS, COMMENDATIONS, ETC:
IV. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS:
1. Mayor's Report
2. Council Members
3. Employee Intro - Candice Jackson will be presented at the next Council meeting.
4. New Employee Intro - Casey Heuer took the GIS position.
V. PUBLIC COMMENTARY: John Dobbs spoke regarding to the City's solar power of a 4% limit.
VI. BUSINESS ITEMS:
1. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS BY OMNIUS VOTE with Recommendations:
a) Approve Minutes of City Council Meeting - 09/27/2021
b) Approve Bills 09/21/21-0927/21 and 09/28/21-10/04/21
c) Approve Payroll - 09/20/21-10/03/21
d) Accept and Place on File Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes - 09/07/21
e) Approve Special Event Request - Museum Hobo Event at Railfan Park - 10/23/21
Motion made by Councilor D. McDermott, Seconded by Councilor Hayes, “I move consent agenda items (a) through (e) be approved by Omnibus vote as recommended.” Voting Yea: Councilor T. McDermott, Hayes, D. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey, Arteaga, and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 6-0.
Motion made by Councilor D. McDermott and seconded by Councilor Shaw-Dickey, “I move item #9 be moved ahead of item #2.” Voting Yea: T. McDermott, Hayes, D. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey, Arteaga, and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 6-0.
2. Ordinance to Rezone- 300 Steward Road- Jim Planey- Hub City Development, LLC. The subject property was annexed into the City of Rochelle in 2010 with an I-1 Light Industry zoning classification. In 2018, the developer rezoned the property to a B-2 Commercial Highway because he felt it created a better market for a project compatible with the Loves Travel Stop, which is adjacent to the west. As of today, no project has developed on this property. Due to the recent updated zoning codes, a warehouse is no longer allowed with a special use in a B-2 zoning district. This eliminates potential developments on this property. The petitioner is requesting to amend the zoning map for 300 Steward Road from a B-2, Commercial Highway to an I-1, Light Industry. The property is surrounded by B-2 Commercial Highway on the west, agricultural on the south, Illinois Tollway I-88 on the north, and Residential Single Family on the east. At the October 4, 2021, Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted 6 to 0 to approve the proposed Rezoning from B-2 to I-1, Light Industrial. Community Developer Michelle Pease was available for questions. Developer Jim Planey provided comments related to this item. Motion made by Councilor T. McDermott, Seconded by Councilor Arteaga, “I move Ordinance 21-5293, an Ordinance Re-zoning Property Located at 300 Steward Road, Hub City Development, LLC, be approved.” Voting Yea: T. McDermott, Hayes, D. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey, and Arteaga. Nays: None. Abstain: Mayor Bearrows. Motion passed 5-1 Abstain.
3. Ordinance approving TIF Redevelopment Agreement with Kennay Farms for Solar Project. The City would like to enter into an agreement with Kennay Farms Distillery for the installation of solar panels on the roof of the Rick House. The total project cost is approximately $260,000. The agreement will entail RMU/Downtown TIF to commit $90,000 for the project spread over a 3-year period. The first installment of $30,000 will be paid in December 2022 (with successful installation) and two equal installments of $30,000 in December of 2023 and 2024. This project is not net metered. Any additional power produced will go back onto RMU’s grid at no cost. RMU will recover its investment amount within approximately 10 years with an average annual saving of $9,000 produced by the solar panels. This is based on currently rates, usage and production of the solar power. The solar panels have a life expectancy 25 years, thus we expect to receive these saving for the entirety of this time frame. The agreement requires Kennay Farms to be responsible for all maintenance and snow removal of the array. These figures were determined by calculations from PVWatts.nrel.gov and current billing for the distillery. Jeff Fiegenschuh was available for questions. Motion made by Councilor T. McDermott, Seconded by Councilor Arteaga, “I move Ordinance 21-5294, an Ordinance Approving a Redevelopment Agreement with Kennay Farms, LLC for Solar Project, be approved.” Voting Yea: T. McDermott, Hayes, D. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey, Arteaga, and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 6-0.
4. Proposal to Provide Professional Audit Services - Sikich LLP. Sikich has provided professional audit services to the City of Rochelle, Rochelle Municipal Utilities, Tax Increment Financing Districts, and the Police and Fire Pension Funds since 2010. Due to the ERP conversion in 2022, staff has requested a re appointment of their services. Their proposal for services for 2021 and 2022 includes increases of 1.9% ($1,315) and 2% ($1,425) respectively. Sikich regularly rotates staff for independent review of the City’s financial information. The City will perform an RFQ for Auditing Services in 2023. Finance Director Chris Cardott was available for questions. Motion made by Councilor D. McDermott, Seconded by Councilor Shaw Dickey, “I move Resolution R21-47, a Resolution Authorizing the Retention of Sikich LLP for Independent Auditing Services for the City of Rochelle, be approved.” Voting Yea: T. McDermott, Hayes, D. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey, Arteaga, and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 6-0.
5. Resolution Approving Policies and Procedures for Updating Disclosures. On January 14, 2019, City Council approved Policies and Procedures for Preparing and Updating Bond Disclosures. During the recent bond issue, bond counsel reviewed our policy and recommended adding in section (d) which discusses the procedures for reportable events. Chris Cardott was available for questions. Motion made by Councilor Arteaga, Seconded by Councilor Shaw-Dickey, “I move Resolution R21-48, a Resolution Approving Policies and Procedures for Updating Disclosures, be approved.” Voting Yea: T. McDermott, Hayes, D. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey, Arteaga, and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 6-0.
6. Ordinance authorizing a water utility credit program for participating testing sites. In compliance with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and the Illinois Pollution Control Board under the Administrative code Title 35, Subtitle F: Public Water Supply we must sample and monitor the water supply to provide safe drinking water. The water department conducts daily testing at 30 different locations throughout the year. The locations include residential and commercial customers that for a month their water get tested daily 4 times a year. The proposed $100 water utility credit program will be a way to compensate for the use of their water. The annual $100 credit will be processed for each participant at the end of year, and it will be included in the December RMU bill. Jeff Fiegenschuh was available for questions. Motion made by Councilor Hayes, Seconded by Councilor T. McDermott, “I move we amend Ordinance 21-5296, to authorize for credit and let the Utility staff decide how to disclose credit in the most economical and ethical method.” Voting Yea: T. McDermott, Hayes, D. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey, Arteaga, and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 6-0. Motion made by Councilor D. McDermott, Seconded by Councilor Hayes, “I move Ordinance 21-5296, an Ordinance as amended Authorizing a Water Utility Credit Program for Participating Testing Sites, be approved.” Voting Yea: Councilor T. McDermott, Councilor Hayes, Councilor D. McDermott, Councilor Shaw-Dickey, Councilor Arteaga, Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 6-0.
7. Ordinance Waiving Competitive Bidding Requirement and Awarding Altec Industries, Inc, the Purchase Order for a Bucket Truck. The Electric department received a quote for a new bucket truck under the Sourcewell procurement program. The new bucket truck will replace a 2011 unit. The life expectancy of bucket trucks is about 10 years. Due to supply shortages across all industries, the bucket truck has a 660-day delivery time. The unit is included in the 2022 budget however we would like to order the truck in 2021 to get ahead of the delay time. The unit will be delivered approximately in the spring 2023 and payment will be due upon delivery. Director of Electric Operations Blake Toliver was available for questions. Motion made by Councilor D. McDermott, Seconded by Councilor Arteaga, “I move Ordinance 21-5297, an Ordinance Waiving Competitive Bidding Requirement and Awarding Altec Industries, Inc. the Purchase Order for a Bucket Truck.” Voting Yea: T. McDermott, Hayes, D. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey, Arteaga, and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 6-0.
8. Ordinance Accepting and Approving the Proposal of Engel Electric. for the 120/208 V Secondary Feeder Pursuant to the Request for Proposal. A request for proposal was released September 20, 2021 for the 120/208V secondary feeder replacement located at 1133 N 7th Street. One bid was received and opened October 4th 2021. Engle Electric was the sole bidder and quoted the amount of $ 71,983.00 for the 120/208V secondary feeder according to specifications. The hotel is the last property to be converted in phase 2 of the 5kv conversion. This will significantly improve the reliability of the electric service since the current transformer was manufactured 1964. The new service will be connected to the Twombly substation. Blake Toliver was available for questions. Motion made by Councilor T. McDermott, Seconded by Councilor D. McDermott, “I move Ordinance 21-5298, an Ordinance Accepting and Approving the Proposal of Engle Electric. for the 120/208 V Secondary Feeder Pursuant to the Request for Proposal at a cost of $71,983, be approved.” Voting Yea: T. McDermott, Hayes, D. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey, Arteaga, and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 6-0.
9. A Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Intergovernmental Agreement for School Resource Officer Between the Board of Education of Rochelle Elementary District #231 and the City of Rochelle. The proposed intergovernmental agreement between the Board of Education of Rochelle Elementary School District 231 and the City of Rochelle would serve to extend the School Resource Officer position at the Middle School. This extension, if approved, would keep an officer at the school until September 1st, 2024. An additional three-year term beyond that date can be mutually agreed upon. The Board of Education agrees to pay 33% of the S.R.O.’s total compensation including salary, overtime, benefits, and pension payments. Officer Jim Jakymiw presented to Council, Jeff read statement from School Superintendent Jason Harper and Chief Higby was available for questions. Motion made by Councilor Shaw-Dickey, Seconded by Councilor Hayes, “I move Resolution R21-49, a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute an Intergovernmental Agreement for School Resource Officer Between the Board of Education of Rochelle Elementary District #231 and the City of Rochelle, be approved.” Voting Yea: T. McDermott, Hayes, D. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey, Arteaga, and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed: 6-0.
10. Resolution Regarding the Release of Executive Session Minutes. The Mayor and Council went into executive session on October 12, 2021, for the semi-annual review of the executive session minutes as mandated per the Open Meetings Act, Section (c) (21). Following review and discussion the council recommended that 0 executive session minutes be released, and 54 executive session minutes remain confidential at this time due to content. The minutes being released are identified on Exhibit A and the minutes remaining confidential are identified on Exhibit B of the Resolution Regarding the Release of Executive Session Minutes. Motion made by Councilor Hayes, Seconded by Councilor T. McDermott, “I move Resolution R21-50, a Resolution Regarding the Release of Executive Session Minutes, be approved.” Voting Yea: T. McDermott, Hayes, D. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey, Arteaga, and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 6-0.
VII. DISCUSSION ITEMS: None.
VIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION: At 7:24 PM. Motion made Councilor D. McDermott and seconded by Councilor Hayes, “I move Council recess into executive session to discuss setting of a price for sale or lease of property owned by the City. Section (c) (6).” Voting Yea: T. McDermott, Hayes, D. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey, Arteaga, and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 6-0.
At 7:41 PM. Motion made by Councilor Arteaga and seconded by Councilor D. McDermott, “I move the Council return to open session.” Voting Yea: T. McDermott, Hayes, D. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey, Arteaga, and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 6-0.
IX. ADJOURNMENT: At 7:42 PM. Motion made by Councilor D. McDermott, Seconded by Councilor Shaw Dickey, “I move the Council adjourn.” Voting Yea: T. McDermott, Hayes, D. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey, Arteaga, and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 6-0.
https://mccmeetings.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/rochelleil-pubu/MEET-Minutes-9eb30825593f4e698c95d6a28a936851.pdf
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