City of Byron Community Services Committee met Aug. 3.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
Alderman Fulrath called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm.
1. ROLL CALL:
MEMBERS PRESENT: Alderman Zeke Hobbie, Chairman Alderman Mittzi Fulrath, Alderman Emily Gerdes, Alderman Mike Gyorkos
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Mayor John Rickard, Engineer Jason Stoll, Director Aaron Vincer, Director Larry Hewitt
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – AUGUST 3, 2022 –Alderman Hobbie motioned to approve, as presented, the August 3, 2022, Community Services Committee meeting agenda. Seconded by Alderman Gerdes. Roll call vote: Fulrath, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hobbie, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT – None
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – JULY 6, 2022 –Alderman Gyorkos motioned to approve, as presented, the July 6, 2022, Community Services Committee meeting minutes. Seconded by Alderman Hobbie. Roll call vote: Gerdes, ABS; Gyorkos, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Fulrath, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 3; NAY, 0; ABS, 1.
5. RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF FURTHER NEGOTIATIONS OF MAINTENANCE OF IDOT PUMP STATION AND REC PATH – IDOT is asking for a resolution stating that the City is willing to continue discussions regarding maintenance of the new pump station and rec path after the Route 2 reconstruction is complete. Alderman Gyorkos motioned to recommend council approval of the resolution. Motion seconded by Alderman Gerdes. Roll call vote: Gyorkos, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Gerdes, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
6. SUNSHINE PARK PURCHASE – New documents were included in Dropbox. Alderman Fulrath and Alderman Gerdes would like additional time to examine the contract. No discussion was held.
7. WATER RATE-CPI INCREASE – Director Vincer stated that we currently have two water rate increases in place at this time. The first is a step increase over the next 10 years to fund the new water/sewer plant. In addition, we have a CPI increase. Every year, the water rate is increased at the same rate as the CPI. This year, the CPI is at 9%. Several years ago, an ordinance was passed that stated that water rates would only increase up to 5% and no less than 2% with the CPI. Because of this ordinance, water rates will increase by 5%. By adding this 5%, our water rate is more than our step increase. He asked the committee to keep in mind that construction costs have risen an average of 30-40%, and he questions whether the step scale is still valid. He recommended that the rates be re evaluated. The next step increase takes place in May. Alderman Hobbie asked how much, in dollars, the water rate will change with the CPI increase. Director Vincer replied that it adds $1.51 per unit. Engineer Matt Johnson will be contacted and discussions will continue in the coming months. Director Vincer also discussed the importance of having good engineering and quality parts when planning for the new sewer plant.
8. CONSTELLATION SEWER LINE EXTENSION –
a. Fehr Graham Engineering Agreement Approval – Fehr Graham will provide engineering services for the Constellation sewer line. All engineering fees will be paid by Constellation but billing will go through the city. Two documents need to be approved – the agreement for Fehr Graham to do the engineering, and an agreement for Constellation to reimburse the city for all engineering costs. Alderman Gyorkos motioned to table both items a. and b. There was no second, and the motion failed. Alderman Gerdes motioned to recommend council approval of the Fehr Graham engineering proposal at $580,000, pending approval of the Constellation Engineering Reimbursement agreement. Motion seconded by Alderman Hobbie. Roll call vote: Hobbie, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
b. Constellation Engineering Reimbursement Agreement Approval – This document was just received today. Attorney Szeto will review prior to bringing to council. Item was tabled at committee.
9. TARP GRANT-COLFAX STREET PROJECT – Engineer Stoll reported that plans for the TARP grant will be submitted to IDOT next week.
10. WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT – Nothing new to report.
11. ROUTE 2 RECONSTRUCTION – Nothing new to report.
12. MILL ROAD REC PATH – Engineer Stoll reported that the project is near completion. Paving of the intersections and striping of the rec path and intersections will be done next week.
13. PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE – Director Vincer stated that he appreciates Engineer Gene Stoll being on site during construction projects. Engineer Stoll reported that he has received many positive comments from residents about the rec path. • Director Vincer will observe 4th Street over the winter to see how the skip patch is holding up. Normally, chip seal will be put on as a final layer. He recommends that we wait to see what is needed over the next year. He hopes we can continue to be pro-active regarding the streets program. • The watermain under the train tracks should be finished next week.
14. ADJOURN - Alderman Hobbie motioned to adjourn the Community Services Committee meeting. Seconded by Alderman Gerdes. Roll call vote: Fulrath, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hobbie, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0. Alderman Fulrath adjourned the meeting at 6:14 pm. The next regular Community Services meeting is September 7, 2022.
https://www.cityofbyron.com/sites/default/files/fileattachments/community_services_committee/meeting/3979/08-03-22_csc_minutes-approved.pdf
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