NW Illinois News

City of Byron Community Services Committee met June 1.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee

Alderman Fulrath called the meeting to order at 5:32 pm.

1. ROLL CALL:

MEMBERS PRESENT: Alderman Emily Gerdes, Alderman Mike Gyorkos, Alderman Zeke Hobbie, Chairman Alderman Mittzi Fulrath

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

OTHERS PRESENT: Engineer Jason Stoll, Director Aaron Vincer

2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – JUNE 1, 2022 –Alderman Gyorkos motioned to approve, as presented, the June 1, 2022, Community Services Committee meeting agenda. Seconded by Alderman Hobbie. Roll call vote: Gyorkos, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Gerdes, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

3. PUBLIC COMMENT – None

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – MAY 4, 2022 –Alderman Hobbie motioned to approve, as presented, the May 4, 2022, Community Services Committee meeting minutes. Seconded by Alderman Gerdes. Roll call vote: Hobbie, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

5. SEWER JETTER REPAIRS – Director Vincer does not yet have a quote on repairing the sewer jetter. He estimates it will be around $15,000. A new jetter runs $100,000. Stillman Valley continues to let us borrow their jetter when necessary. Alderman Gerdes asked if we have an intergovernmental agreement with Stillman. Director Vincer did not know, but will check into it.

6. FEHR GRAHAM ENGINEERING CONTRACT – Engineer Stoll presented the annual engineering contract. It is similar to last year in that it covers attendance at TAS and Council and committee meetings, cost estimates, city map updates, etc. The compensation is $2150/month, which is an increase of $100/month over last year. Engineer Stoll discussed the contract with Alderman Isaacs prior to budget approval. Alderman Gerdes motioned to recommend council approval of the Fehr Graham Engineering Contract at $2150/month. Motion seconded by Alderman Gyorkos. Roll call vote: Fulrath, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hobbie, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

7. CONSTELLATION SEWER LINE EXTENSION – Engineer Stoll reported that Constellation is ready to proceed on the sewer line project that will extend the line from their plant to our sewer plant. The line will then be available for other users to connect to. A meeting is scheduled for tomorrow. Director Vincer stated that Constellation will pay for the city to treat their wastewater, and it opens up many development possibilities. Also, if sewer is needed at some point in the Nordic Woods subdivision, the line will be available on the south side of the river. This is a $6 million project that will be funded by Constellation. 30-40 easements will need to be obtained along German Church Road. It is possible that three lift stations will be needed, and Constellation has agreed to fund maintenance and repairs.

8. SUNSHINE PARK PURCHASE – We are currently waiting for a market review of the August 2021 appraisal.

9. TARP GRANT-COLFAX STREET PROJECT – Engineer Stoll reported that the initial engineering work for IDOT has begun, which will include the limits of the project as well as some of the design elements.

10. WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT – Director Vincer reminded the committee that the timeline for the project has moved back in the hopes that costs will come down in the future. It also allows an extra year to collect capital. In the meantime, Director Vincer, Engineer Stoll and our wastewater operator, Steve Christiansen, will continue to look at equipment being used at other plants. Alderman Fulrath asked if there is any risk to infrastructure failure if we wait a year. Director Vincer did not believe there was a significant risk by waiting.

11. ROUTE 2 RECONSTRUCTION – Nothing new to report.

12. MILL ROAD REC PATH – Engineer Stoll reported that construction will begin next week. The road will be open to traffic as most work will be off road. Temporary stop signs will be put up at Old Hunter Run.

13. PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE – Director Vincer discussed the process for customers with unusually high water bills. The high usage could be due to a leak somewhere, such as a water softener, hose, or in most instances, the toilet. Once the leak is identified, they will review prior bills to find the average usage over the last year, and forgive the balance incurred as a result of the leak. They will also forgive six units of sewer. The city will only offer this one time per household, and it is up to the homeowner to fix the problem. With rates increasing, Director Vincer wanted the council to be informed in the event they receive phone calls from residents. • Director Vincer is reviewing several applications for part time summer help.

14. ADJOURN - Alderman Gerdes motioned to adjourn the Community Services Committee meeting. Seconded by Alderman Hobbie. Roll call vote: Gerdes, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Fulrath, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0. Alderman Fulrath adjourned the meeting at 6:18 pm. The next regular Community Services meeting is July 6, 2022.

https://www.cityofbyron.com/sites/default/files/fileattachments/community_services_committee/meeting/3973/06-01-22_csc_minutes-approved.pdf