City of Dixon City Council met Nov. 7.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by the Mayor Arellano at 5:30pm.
ROLL CALL
Councilman Venier, Bishop, Oros, and Mayor Arellano answered roll call. Absent: Councilman Considine
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/INVOCATION
The Pledge of Allegiance was cited. Invocation was given by Councilman Venier.
PUBLIC HEARING
EPA BROWNFIELDS CLEANUP GRANT PROPOSAL
Public Works Director/Assistant City Manager Heckman gave a brief introduction of the grant application process, and introduced Ross Grimes of Fehr Graham and Associates. Mayor Arellano opened the Public Hearing at 5:33pm.
Ross Grimes of Fehr Graham and Associates presented on the results of our previous grant application, background on the cleanup grant for the DIMCO site, then next steps, analysis of Brownfield cleanup alternatives, cleanup grant funding options, subject site, environmental challenges with the ground and buildings on site, alternatives to clean up, available funding, and the Brownfield cleanup grant.
Questions from the Council:
Q- What did we learn during the review process and how will this year be different?
A- Weren’t significant changes, the review said it was a good application and we need to apply again, and what adjustments needed and how reviewed.
Q-With the Feds spending so much more will it make it an easier competition?
A- Seems moneys are available and amounts are significantly higher than past years, 25 grants awarded this year.
Q- Do you have to have won an assessment grant to move on to a cleanup grant?
A- Do not.
Q- Does it help that we won one?
A- It starts to show a mature brownfield program and you can manage the grants and assess and provide opportunities for cleanup dollars, think it always helps. Part of the narrative, and all of the work already done and the ITEP grant and progression.
Q- Limited removal options, go through the recommendation again?
A- Stained Soils, areas that do not have barriers, options that can be done and the intrusively of the options
Q- Work that the USEPA has done prior, are these new discoveries?
A- Different requirements for the Federal USEPA and the IL EPA. Illinois has a much more stringent level for cleanup. Explained the difference between them. It differs from state to state.
Q- How much soil is going on top of a barrier like that?
A- Went to IL EPA first before the USEPA started to install to make sure it is the correct level of clean soil, 18” is the requirement, but the USEPA put in two feet.
Q- Down the road if someone wants to build something where the barriers are
A- There are areas that are off limits, where the barrier is installed, equivalent to parking lots, sidewalks, building foundations.
Q- What the USEPA has done was to protect the waterway?
A- Taken the initial step to protect human health and the environment. How far they went for the City of Dixon is unprecedented with installations and remediation of sentiments in the river. Protective of both human health and the environment.
Public Comment: None.
Mayor Arellano closed the Public Hearing at 5:52pm.
Discussion ensued regarding the projects, Project Rock, Viaduct Point, potential development in the future as well as the brownfields grant, and how this fits in the mix of the timeline and how impacts the other projects. This area is in the center of those projects, and the riverfront master plan to redevelop and return to the community.
WORK SESSION
FY2022 AUDIT PRESENTATION
Finance Director Fredericks introduced the auditors, Anthony and Lindsey from Sikick LLP. Anthony presented the results with four reports fiscal year ending April 30, 2022: Auditor’s Communication to the City Council, Annual Financial Report, Single Audit Report and Report on Compliance with Public Act 85-1142. He gave an overview of the reports. These reports will be available on the City’s website and at the Library.
VISITOR/PUBLIC COMMENT
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Councilman Bishop moved that the minutes of the Regular Session Meeting of Monday, October 17, 2022; be accepted and placed on file. Seconded by Councilman Oros. Voting Yea: Councilman Venier, Bishop, Oros, and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried
APPROVAL OF TOTAL LABOR AND OUTSIDE CLAIMS
Councilman Oros moved that the Total Labor and Outside Claims in the amount of $745,593.28 be approved and ordered paid. Seconded by Councilman Venier. Voting Yea: Councilman Venier, Bishop, Oros, and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
None
CITY MANAGER REPORT
City Manager Langloss gave an update on the Pension Bond, Fire Department presentation on the thermal imaging drone at Sewer Equipment, thanked Sewer Equipment for their donation towards the purchase of the drone, IPELRA Conference, union negotiations with all four unions this year, and will be scheduling an executive session regarding negotiation to get the Council’s direction.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Mayor Arellano – Voted for Douglas Kreger for the Fire Pension Fund for the new consolidation; Certified local government; tomorrow is the general election day, please go out and vote; Illinois Mayor’s Association meeting November 17th; thanked Sewer Equipment Company for their donation and support to our Fire Department.
Councilman Venier – Thank you and congratulations to Dixon Chamber and Main Street for their Scarecrow Festival, Treat Street and Ultimate Tailgate event, and Sister Cities group that had 22 people make the trip to Germany, Theatre had over 600 people for the Beatles Tribute Band, pre and post show Dixon was a buzz. Thanks to those groups. Spoke on the project to spruce up the chambers, presented a plan.
Councilman Oros – She was asked to join a group of Dixon Community Leaders to bring some Ukrainian refuges to Dixon, two families are arriving on November 22, donation link to raise $21,000 to help with households and needs, there is a Facebook page – Welcoming Ukrainians to Dixon, Sauk Valley Bank and Midland States Bank have donation accounts.
Councilman Bishop – Veterans Day is this week, be aware of those who have served for us. Appreciates all the Veterans.
Councilman Considine – None.
BOARDS & COMMISSION REPORTS
On File: Building Department Permit Report
VISITORS/PUBLIC COMMENT
None
ORD# 3327 –AUTHORIZING AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE MUTUAL AID BOX ALARM SYSTEM
(MABAS MASTER AGREEMENT 2022)
Councilman Venier moved to approve the ordinance authorizing an intergovernmental agreement for the participation in the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS Master Agreement 2022). Seconded by Councilman Bishop. Fire Chief Buskohl explained the request, and discussion ensued. Voting Yea: Councilman Venier, Bishop, Oros, and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried
Fire Chief Buskohl commented that he appreciates the support from Mayor and Danny for coming out to the presentation at Sewer Equipment, but also wanted to recognize all of the other businesses and organizations that did donate to the drone program, too many to mention. They did not expect to cover the cost, but Sewer Equipment did. We did get other donations that for the department to be able to maintain the program for years to come. The licensing the pilots, replacement equipment, accessories, etc. It was really a community effort and appreciates the kind donations from everybody.
ORD #3328 – AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE RMA MINIMUM/MAXIMUM CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
Councilman Bishop moved to approve the ordinance authorizing the execution of the RMA Minimum/Maximum Contribution Agreement. Seconded by Councilman Venier. Finance Director Fredericks explained the request. Voting Yea: Councilman Venier, Bishop, Oros, and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried
ORD# 3329 – AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF 421 N. LINCOLN AVENUE FROM KRISTOPHER D. BRANTLEY IN CONNECTION WITH VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK PROJECT
Mayor Arellano and Attorney LeSage explained the request, discussion ensued. Councilman Oros moved to approve the ordinance authorizing the purchase of 421 N. Lincoln Avenue from Kristopher D. Brantley in connection with Veterans Memorial Park Project. Seconded by
Councilman Venier. Voting Yea: Councilman Venier, Bishop, Oros, and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried
ORD# 3330 – AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF CERTAIN PERSONAL PROPERTY OWNED BY THE CITY OF DIXON – COMPUTING DEVICES
Councilman Venier moved to authorize the disposal of personal property-computing devices. Seconded by Councilman Bishop. Voting Yea: Councilman Venier, Bishop, Oros, and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried
RES# 3034-22 – APPOINTMENTS TO THE DIXON PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Mayor Arellano explained the request. Councilman Bishop moved to approve the resolution confirming the appointment of Nicole Graff and Nicholas Haws to the Dixon Library Board for a term commencing November 7, 2022 and ending June 30, 2025, or until their successors are duly appointed and qualified. Seconded by Councilman Oros. Councilman Venier thanked Carol Linkowski for her years of service. Voting Yea: Councilman Venier, Bishop, Oros, and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried
RES# 3035-22 – AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN THE LOAN APPLICATION FORMS AND DOCUMENTS FOR THE PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY LOAN PROGRAM
Councilman Venier moved to approve the resolution authorizing the City Manager to sign all Public Water Supply Loan Application documents and forms. Seconded by Councilman Bishop. Public Works Director/Assistant Manager Heckman explained the request. Voting Yea: Councilman Venier, Bishop, Oros, and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried
APPROVAL OF THE FY2022 AUDIT FROM SIKICH LLP
Councilman Bishop moved to approve the FY2022 Audited Financial Statement from Sikich LLP. Seconded by Councilman Oros. The audit documents will be posted on the City’s website. Voting Yea: Councilman Venier, Bishop, Oros, and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried
PLACE ON FILE THE 2022 TAX LEVY ORDINANCE
Councilman Oros moved that an ordinance for the levy of taxes for the corporate purposes of the City of Dixon, Lee County, Illinois for the calendar year 2022 be placed on file. Seconded by
Councilman Venier. Finance Director Fredericks explained the request, discussion ensued. Voting Yea: Councilman Venier, Bishop, Oros, and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried
APPROVAL OF THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE CITY OF DIXON AND COMMONWEALTH EDISON COMPANY AND AZAVAR AUDIT SOLUTIONS INC
Councilman Venier moved to approve the settlement agreement between the City of Dixon and Commonwealth Edison Company and Azavar Audit Solutions, Inc. Seconded by Councilman Bishop. Voting Yea: Councilman Venier, Bishop, Oros, and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried
REFER PETITION FOR SPECIAL USE AT 925 MONROE AVENUE TO THE PLAN COMMISSION
Councilman Bishop moved to refer the petition for special use as stated in City of Dixon Zoning Ordinance to the Plan Commission. Seconded by Councilman Oros. Voting Yea: Councilman Venier, Bishop, Oros, and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried
REFER PETITION FOR ZONING VARIANCE AT 925 MONROE AVENUE TO THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Councilman Oros moved to refer the petition for variance of the City of Dixon Zoning Ordinance to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Seconded by Councilman Venier. Voting Yea: Councilman Venier, Bishop, Oros, and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried
APPROVE RELEASE OF CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
BECAUSE THE NEED FOR CONFIDENTIALITY NO LONGER EXISTS WITH RESPECT TO THE FOLLOWING CLOSED SESSIONS OF THE CITY COUNCIL: JUNE 7, 2021 (PARTIAL), JUNE 21,2021, JULY 6, 2021, AUGUST 16, 2021, NOVEMBER 1, 2021, NOVEMBER 15, 2021 (PARTIAL), MARCH 21, 2022, APRIL 4, 2022.
Councilman Venier moved to Approve Release of Closed Session Minutes because the need for confidentiality no longer exists, with respect to the following Closed Sessions of the City Council: June 7, 2021 (partial), June 21,2021, July 6, 2021, August 16, 2021, November 1, 2021, November 15, 2021 (partial), March 21, 2022, April 4, 2022. Seconded by Councilman Bishop. Voting Yea: Councilman Venier, Bishop, Oros, and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried
NOT RELEASE CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
BECAUSE THE NEED FOR CONFIDENTIALITY STILL EXISTS WITH RESPECT TO THE FOLLOWING CLOSED SESSIONS OF THE CITY COUNCIL: JUNE 7, 2021 (PARTIAL), NOVEMBER 15, 2021 (PARTIAL) DECEMBER 6, 2021, MARCH 7, 2022
Councilman Bishop moved to Not Release Closed Session Minutes Because the Need for Confidentiality Still Exists with Respect to the Following Closed Sessions of the City Council: June 7, 2021 (partial), November 15, 2021 (partial) December 6, 2021, March 7, 2022. Seconded by Councilman Venier. Mayor Arellano explained the request. Voting Yea: Councilman Venier, Bishop, Oros, and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried
ADJOURMENT
Councilman Venier moved that the Regular Council Meeting of Monday, November 7, 2022 be adjourned to meet in Regular Session on Monday, November 21, 2022, at 5:30pm in the Council Chambers at the City Hall. Seconded by Councilman Bishop. Voting Yea: Councilman Venier, Bishop, Oros, and Mayor Arellano. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried
The meeting adjourned at 7:08pm.
https://www.dixongov.com/index.php?option=com_docman&view=download&alias=3315-11-07-22-council-meeting-minutes&Itemid=1086
Alerts Sign-up