City of Byron City Council met March 16.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
1. CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Rickard called the meeting to order at 6:31 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 Bill Pirnat, Pam Kultgen
4. REVERENCE PERIOD – Mayor Rickard led the Council in prayer.
5. APPROVAL/AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA – Motion by Alderman Isaacs to approve, as presented, the March 16, 2022, agenda. Seconded by Alderman Hanlin. 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. March 2, 2022 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Motion by Alderman Hanlin to approve, as presented, the March 2, 2022, City Council Regular Meeting Minutes. Seconded by Alderman Nehring. 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.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT – None
8. TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Huber stated that the Treasurer’s Report for the month of February is in Dropbox. She added that five CDs matured over the last two weeks, and they were renewed for 91 days each. She is renewing for shorter terms in hopes that the interest rate will rise.
9. LIST OF BILLS – Alderman Metz asked what LOCIS was, and Director Vincer explained it is the financial software that we use for billing, accounts receivable and payable, etc. Alderman Isaacs asked about the $3,700 charge for an electric pump. Director Vincer said that it was the cost of a rebuilt sewer pump. A brand new pump would cost much more. Motion by Alderman Metz to approve the list of bills dated March 16, 2022, in the amount of $89,860.87. Seconded by Alderman Hanlin. 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.
10. MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Rickard reported that he received a call from Adam Kinzinger’s office notifying him that the city was awarded a grant in the amount of $2 million to replace 25 blocks of deteriorating watermain (increasing size from 4 to 8”), 160 water connections and 17 fire hydrants. Alderman Isaacs said that this was not accounted for in the budget so once we receive the money, the budget will need to be adjusted accordingly. Alderman Hobbie asked if this will affect our current streets plan. Engineer Stoll replied that it will, but the cost of the roadway resurfacing and repairs should be reimbursed by the grant.
11. CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT – No report. All items are on the agenda.
12. CITY ENGINEER’S REPORT –Engineer Stoll reported that 2022 street project bids for maintenance (slurry seal, chip seal) are out for bid. He should have them to review at the April Community Services Committee meeting. All other items are on the agenda.
13. DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REPORT – Director Hewitt reported that permit applications are starting to come in again now that the weather is warming up. • Spahn and Rose is under contract to purchase. The prospective owner plans to use the property for storage units and multiple use. Potential tenants that have shown interest in renting space are a workout facility, carpenter and boat mechanic.
14. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – Director Vincer showed council members a map of where the 4” watermain is located throughout the older part of town. Increasing the size will increase the quality of the water and fire flow (which should lower the ISO and could decrease home insurance rates). The grant will also allow the replacement of any lead services. Watermain on 2nd St., from Washington St. to Colfax, is currently 6” but has a lot of corrosion. Engineer Stoll said the grant application was not specific as to where the watermain would be replaced. This will be a 2023 project. • Lighting will be replaced in City Hall starting March 24. • A food processing plant in Lena is bringing their wastewater to the treatment plant and they are treating it for $2,000/load ($.04/gallon). Director Vincer anticipates treating 15-20 loads total. • Director Vincer said there has been a good response for the utility billing/accounts payable position. He has approximately 20 applicants so far.
15. POLICE CHIEF REPORT – Chief Murray covered much of his report at the Public Safety Committee meeting. Sergeant Brechon’s last day will be April 17. Chief Murray has been in touch with the Sheriff, and he has said they will cover any hours that are not covered as a result of being short-staffed. Alderman Hanlin asked if he was allowing any vacations, and Chief Murray said he was because they were planned well in advance. A new officer will be graduating the academy on April 21 and he hopes to be able to have him patrol alone as soon as possible. Another officer will begin training in May, but Chief Murray hopes to have him hired prior to training to start getting acclimated to the department.
16. COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Community Services – No report.
b. Public Safety – Alderman Hobbie reported that most items are later on the agenda. He added that we are still due to receive a squad car soon, even though orders for newer models have been cancelled with the dealer.
c. Administrative – No report.
17. CONTINUING BUSINESS
a. Mill Road Rec Path – Engineer Stoll reported that bids should go out next week. b. Wastewater Treatment Plant – Fehr Graham Agreement – Director Vincer reported that a tour of the treatment plant in South Beloit is planned for mid-April. A kick off meeting will be scheduled shortly after that.
c. City Hall Parking Lot – Engineer Stoll reported that the design is being worked on and bids should be back by May.
d. UTV Ordinance – UTV stickers will be available April 1, and will be good until April 30, 2023. Information concerning the UTV rules and regulations will be given to each applicant.
e. Surf Broadband – Surf Broadband is currently reviewing our proposed changes to the contract. Attorney Szeto will follow up with them.
f. Leaf Burning Ordinance – The proposed amendment to the leaf burning ordinance allows for city council to temporarily amend burning dates if necessary. The Administrative Committee will review the ordinance in April.
g. Sunshine Park Purchase – Hairy Cow Brewery has made an offer on the Sunshine Park property. A meeting is scheduled with them for next week to discuss their plans for the property.
h. Intergovernmental Agreement-EOC – Alderman Hobbie reported that the Public Safety Committee recommends council approval to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Fire Department which allows the Emergency Operations Center to be moved to the Fire Station if necessary in the event of an emergency. 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.
18. NEW BUSINESS
a. Resolution Approving Estimate for Purchase of Electric Generators – The total bid for four generators (City Hall and three lift stations) is $265,000. A $100,000 deposit is required. There is a nine month lead time. The cost of running gas lines is not included in the quote. Alderman Isaacs asked if we could wait until May 1 to issue the deposit check. Alderman Isaacs motioned to approve the purchase of the generators for $265,831.38, and issue a deposit check after May 4. Motion seconded by Alderman Hanlin. 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. Attorney Szeto added that an Addendum to the Estimate is included to be used as a contract with the generator company.
b. Crossing Guard Salary – Will be discussed by the Public Safety Committee at its next meeting.
c. Part Time Police Officer Salary – Alderman Hobbie stated that the current pay for part time police officers is $20/hour. The Public Safety Committee recommends council approval to increase the part time police officer hourly wage to $28/hour in order to attract more officers. Roll call vote: Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, NAY; Metz, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 1; ABS, 0.
d. Waive Bidding Requirements For Emergency Repair of Watermain Under Railroad Tracks – Public Works has asked to waive bidding requirements to replace the watermain under the railroad tracks. Director Vincer explained that because the watermain is shut off, there are two dead end watermains going to both schools. In order to avoid water being cut off to the schools, Director Vincer hopes to waive the bidding requirements and start the project as soon as possible. Martin & Co. bid the project at $118,177.00, and Kelsey Excavating bid $85,577.00. Engineer Stoll recommends awarding the project to Kelsey Excavating. Alderman Hobbie motioned to waive the formal bidding process and to award the watermain repair under the railroad tracks to Kelsey Excavating in the amount of $85,577.00. Motion seconded by Alderman Gyorkos. 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. Engineer Stoll added that they have applied for a permit from the railroad, as well as an emergency permit from EPA. Work will begin once these permits are issued.
e. 2022-2023 Budget Approval – Mayor Rickard reported that the Committee of the Whole met earlier this evening to discuss the budget. The budget has to be passed by April 20, after a public hearing. Alderman Isaacs will prepare the budget ordinance and have it ready for first read on April 6.
f. Early Refinance of a Bond Issue – Mayor Rickard said an ordinance from the bond company is in Dropbox. Attorney Szeto will review and discussion will continue.
g. Explore 610 – Clerk Huber discussed an event entitled Exploring 610, to be held in conjunction with Davis Junction and Stillman Valley. Events would center around the date of June 10, and businesses will be asked if they want to participate by providing a special, discount, or activity on that date. Stillman Valley will be having community garage sales on June 2-4. Davis Junction will hold their garage sales from June 10-12, as a part of Exploring 610, and she proposes that Byron do the same. Participants and activities would be publicized on the three town’s social media and websites. In addition, banners would be placed in the three communities. Each community would contribute to the cost of the banners, and Clerk Huber does not expect the cost to Byron to be any more than $100. Clerk Huber added that this was an event that we attempted to start in 2020, but it had to be canceled due to COVID. Alderman Gerdes motioned to support Exploring 610, and the purchase of banners, not to exceed $100. Motion seconded by Alderman Nehring. 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.
19. COUNCIL TALK – Alderman Hobbie has had several residents in Rose Meadows and Fawn Ridge complain about yellow, murky water. Director Vincer explained that it is possible that certain valves being closed due a broken watermain could have caused the problem. Running the water should clear it. • Alderman Metz reported that there is a problem in Ward 1 with curbs. Recent snowplowing has caused large pieces of asphalt to be torn out. There are also areas where the streets and curb are sinking. She anticipates that residents may appear before council at some point. The streets plan will include resurfacing but not curbing. Engineer Stoll said there is not enough money to address curb and gutter at this time (current price is $60/ft), however, they will resurface to smooth out the ride.
20. COMMUNICATION –
a. Regular City Council Meeting – Wednesday, April 6, 2022, 6:30 pm
21. ADJOURN – Alderman Metz motioned to adjourn. Seconded by Alderman Gyorkos. 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.
Mayor Rickard adjourned the City Council meeting at 7:21 pm.
https://www.cityofbyron.com/sites/default/files/fileattachments/city_council/meeting/3899/minutes_-_2022-03-16-approved.pdf
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