City of Byron Administrative Committee met March 2.
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 Cheryl Metz, Alderman Todd Isaacs, Alderman Jessica Nehring
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Clerk Caryn Huber, Attorney Aaron Szeto, Economic Development Director Larry Hewitt, Police Chief Todd Murray (5:35pm arrival)
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – MARCH 2, 2022 – Director Hewitt asked to have garbage contract added to the agenda. Alderman Isaacs motioned to approve, as amended, the March 2, 2022, 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.
Alderman Isaacs reported that the Mayor has received a request from a disposal company asking to bid our garbage contract. Alderman Isaacs asked Director Hewitt to contact Moring Disposal and schedule them to speak to the committee regarding any proposals to lengthen their contract. Their original contract was ten years, with an additional year added. The contract ends in September. Alderman Hanlin does not want Moring to ask council for more money when fuel costs raise, like they have done in the past. Director Hewitt suggested the possibility of adding an escalation or CPI clause.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT – None
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – FEBRUARY 2, 2022 – Alderman Metz motioned to approve, as presented, the February 2, 2022, Administrative Committee meeting minutes. Seconded by Alderman Nehring. Roll call vote: Isaacs, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Metz, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
5. CONTAGIOUS AND EMERGING DISEASES POLICY – This document replaces the COVID policy that was voted down at the last council meeting. This document specifies that all employees use PTO time if they are sick. In order to incentivize certain vaccinations, $50 will be awarded if an employee has received the flu, pneumonia, shingles, COVID, or future emerging contagious disease vaccines. Alderman Metz asked about the shingles and pneumonia vaccines, which are only recommended after a certain age. Attorney Szeto suggested abiding by current health guidelines. The previous policy met with opposition since it singled out COVID, and Alderman Hanlin feels that the broader policy will still incentivize vaccinations without singling out COVID. Clerk Huber asked if every shot or every vaccine series (such as shingles which is a series of two shots) will be awarded the incentive. After discussion, the committee decided that the series will count as being fully vaccinated for that particular disease. Alderman Isaacs motioned to approve the Contagious and Emerging Diseases Policy as presented. Motion seconded by Alderman Hanlin. Roll call vote: Nehring, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Metz, AYE; Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
6. UTV ORDINANCE – Chief Murray reported that the stickers are being printed. Item is being left on the agenda in case there are amendments to the ordinance prior to implementing the program. Alderman Hanlin asked if any signage was needed. Chief Murray replied that there are no specified routes, but the UTVs can only travel on certain roads due to the speed limit. Anyone applying for a sticker will receive a copy of the ordinance that specifies the regulations for UTVs.
7. BOND REFINANCING – Attorney Szeto reported that the TAS committee met with a representative from Bernardi Securities. The council may want to consider refinancing our bonds in the near future since our current interest rates are 4.03% and 4.11%. Rates now are at 1.97 to 2%. The bonds are not callable yet, and therefore we would be paying a penalty of negative arbitrage. Attorney Szeto said the next decision would be to decide which company to use (First Midstate or Bernardi). Fees also need to be considered. First Midstate fees have been as high as 5%, and Bernardi’s are typically around 2%. Bernardi has also done more bond issuances across the state. Alderman Isaacs will review the information and discussion will continue. We can pass a resolution that would enable us to act quickly should the point arise when our advisors are indicating that the time is right to lock in an interest rate. The resolution would set interest rate parameters and would be good for two years. Attorney Szeto added that he has worked with Bernardi and has no issue with them. On the current $3 million Headworks bond, we could potentially save approximately $230,000 if we act now. Savings could be greater if we wait until the bond is callable in February 2023.
8. CITY HALL PARKING LOT – Director Hewitt reported that surveying has been done and bid documents should be available in a month. The project may have to wait until after ByronFest. Constellation has committed to paying for half of the cost of the charging stations ($7,500). They have asked that their logo be included with the city logo on the charging stations. Alderman Hanlin asked who will be charged for the electric usage. Director Hewitt will discuss with Constellation. We may need a separate meter. Alderman Isaacs suggested adding a list of our restaurants for patrons to visit while charging their vehicles. Chief Murray added that electric vehicles are fast and may someday be considered for use as patrol cars.
9. ADJOURN – Alderman Nehring motioned to adjourn the Administrative Committee meeting. Seconded by Alderman Isaacs. Roll call vote: Hanlin, AYE; Metz, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Nehring, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
Alderman Hanlin adjourned the meeting at 6:00 pm.
https://www.cityofbyron.com/sites/default/files/fileattachments/administrative_committee/meeting/3996/03-02-22_admin_comm_minutes-approved.pdf
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