City of Byron City Council met May 18.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
Minutes Approved as Presented 6/1/22
1. CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Rickard called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Led by Mayor Rickard
3. ROLL CALL – Aldermen present: Todd Isaacs, Emily Gerdes, Cheryl Metz, Jessica Nehring, Michael Gyorkos, Christy Hanlin. Six members present. Quorum established. Aldermen Absent: Mittzi Fulrath, Zeke Hobbie
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, Derek Humphrey (Midwest Disposal), Brad Cox (Spanky’s), Rick Roberson (Roberson Construction)
4. REVERENCE PERIOD – Mayor Rickard led the Council in prayer.
5. APPROVAL/AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA – Motion by Alderman Gerdes to approve, as presented, the May 18, 2022, agenda. Seconded by Alderman Hanlin. Roll call vote: Gerdes, AYE; Metz, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS 0.
6. MINUTES –
a. May 4, 2022 - City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Motion by Alderman Isaacs to approve, as presented, the May 4, 2022, City Council Regular Meeting Minutes. Seconded by Alderman Gerdes. Roll call vote: Metz, ABS; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 5; NAY, 0; ABS 1.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT – None
8. TREASURER’S REPORT –Treasurer Huber stated that the April 2022 Treasurer’s Report is in Dropbox.
9. LIST OF BILLS – Alderman Gyorkos asked about the $12,880.00 charge from Rock River Outdoor Equipment. Director Vincer stated that this was for the purchase of new zero turn lawn mower that was discussed at council last week. Alderman Isaacs asked about the Fehr-Graham charge for $12,000. Engineer Stoll stated that the charge was for bid documents and other work for 2022 street projects. It is a portion of the $60,000 engineering total for the street projects. Alderman Metz asked when Lisa Frost will begin work on the mural (there is a check request for $2,500 for her deposit). Clerk Huber stated that she will begin mid-June. We are having the wall power washed, tuck pointed and painted prior to her starting. Alderman Isaacs asked if the mural would be done by ByronFest. Clerk Huber said that the plan is to have the work completed by then. Alderman Hanlin motioned to approve the list of bills dated May 18, 2022, in the amount of $144,617.61. Motion seconded by Alderman Metz. Roll call vote: Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Metz, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS 0.
10. MAYOR’S REPORT – No report.
11. CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT – No report. All items are on the agenda.
12. CITY ENGINEER’S REPORT – Most items are on the agenda. Work on Colfax St. (TARP Grant) will begin shortly.
13. DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REPORT – Director Hewitt reported that he, Mayor Rickard and Director Vincer had a meeting this week with Morton Buildings regarding the new public works building. • The Dollar General property is being cleaned up after receiving notices of violation. • Windows have been ordered for city hall. • Director Hewitt spoke with Ken Mrozek about the value of the Sunshine Park land. Even though the appraisal was completed in August of 2021, there is a small market adjustment that can be applied. Ken will prepare a summary letter. Attorney Szeto is waiting for a definite price before presenting a contract or redevelopment agreement. • Spanky’s has plans in review to build a two story addition in back of the building. There have been no issues with the alley being blocked.
14. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – Acorn Tower will be painted this year as part of our maintenance service agreement. Director Vincer is trying to locate a pressure tank to replace the tower while it is being painted. • Blacktop patching will start tomorrow. The plant in town is now open. • A bill for $914.00 from Engel Electric was received for work to repair the electric at well #3. A squirrel had caused damage to the transformer. There was a surge protector at the well. • Director Vincer is waiting to hear about repairs on the broken sewer jetter. • Angie Insko has begun training with Deb Johnson, who will be retiring at the end of the year. • Crack sealing will be done in late July. Material has been ordered. • A new roof will be put on well #3. The project was budgeted for this year.
15. POLICE CHIEF REPORT – Chief Murray reported that two out of three squad cars ordered have been received. They will replace a 10 year old car with 90,000 miles on it, and a 9 year old car with 78,000 miles and a bad transmission. The new vehicles still need to be outfitted. • 75 UTV stickers have been distributed, and Chief has ordered an additional 100. • Officer Curtis is two weeks into his 14 week training. Office Woolbright is field training and is doing well. • Amy King has started training with Michelle Wills, who will be retiring at the end of the month. • Alderman Isaacs asked if the old squad cars will be traded. Chief Murray will declare excess and will be sold to a dealer, if possible.
16. COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Community Services – No report.
b. Public Safety – Items covered in Chief Murray’s report.
c. Administrative – No report.
17. CONTINUING BUSINESS
a. Mill Road Rec Path – Engineer Stoll is waiting for a schedule from the contractor. He anticipates work will begin soon. Stop signs will be placed at Old Hunter Run (temporary at first, and then permanent).
b. Wastewater Treatment Plant – A design kick off meeting was held last week with Mayor Rickard, Engineer Stoll, Director Vincer, Steve and Chris from TEST, and Matt Johnson (head designer of the project). A detailed report will be provided soon. Director Vincer added that they discussed extending the start of construction due to the high price of construction materials right now.
c. City Hall Parking Lot – A meeting will be scheduled with Stenstrom. The project will begin after ByronFest.
d. UTV Ordinance – Nothing new to report.
e. Sunshine Park Purchase – Item covered in Director Hewitt’s report.
f. Bond Refinancing/Ordinance – Item is in committee. The council has chosen Bernardi as our bond company. Attorney Szeto will review the ordinance they provided.
18. NEW BUSINESS
a. Fehr Graham Engineering Contract – The new annual agreement is in Dropbox. There is an increase from last year, however, it is less than the amount budgeted for this year. It will be discussed at the Administrative Committee in June.
b. Declare Excess Equipment-Mower – Ordinance will go to committee in June.
19. COUNCIL TALK – Alderman Hanlin asked the status of electric aggregation. Mayor Rickard reported that we have not heard anything. • Alderman Hanlin asked about the PSN $3.99 charge to pay city water bills online. She asked if there was any way to reduce this charge.
20. COMMUNICATION –
a. Regular City Council Meeting – Wednesday, June 1, 2022, 6:30 pm
21. ADJOURN – Alderman Gyorkos motioned to adjourn. Motion seconded by Alderman Hanlin. Roll call vote: Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Metz, AYE; Nehring, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
Mayor Rickard adjourned the City Council meeting at 6:58 pm.
https://www.cityofbyron.com/sites/default/files/fileattachments/city_council/meeting/3911/minutes_-_2022-05-18-approved.pdf
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