City of Byron City Council met Nov. 16.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
1. CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Rickard called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Led by Mayor Rickard
3. ROLL CALL – Aldermen present: Todd Isaacs, Mittzi Fulrath, Cheryl Metz, Zeke Hobbie, Jessica Nehring, Michael Gyorkos. Six members present.
Aldermen Absent: Christy Hanlin, Emily Gerdes
PRESENT: Mayor John Rickard
City Clerk Caryn Huber
City Attorney Aaron Szeto
Dir. of Public Works Aaron Vincer
Engineer Jason Stoll
Police Chief Todd Murray
Citizens Bill Pirnat, Pam Kultgen, Brian Brooks, Nick Peterson
4. REVERENCE PERIOD – Mayor Rickard led the Council in prayer.
5. APPROVAL/AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA –Motion by Alderman Isaacs to approve, as presented, the November 16, 2022, agenda. Seconded by Alderman Fulrath. Roll call vote: Fulrath, AYE; Metz, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS 0.
6. MINUTES –
a. November 2, 2022 - City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Motion by Alderman Metz to approve, as presented, the November 2, 2022, City Council Regular Meeting Minutes. Seconded by Alderman Nehring. Roll call vote: Metz, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Fulrath, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS 0.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT – None
8. TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Huber stated that the October Treasurer’s Report is in Dropbox.
9. LIST OF BILLS – Alderman Isaacs asked about the coding for the island clean up by Feste and Co. Director Vincer stated that he will have the coding changed to 01-09. Alderman Isaacs also asked about the Core and Main charge for $10,500 for the pressure reducing valve. Director Vincer stated that this is for the valve at Byron Hills. It is installed and is working. Alderman Isaacs asked about the charge from Advanced Automation. Director Vincer stated that this was for a new computer and maintenance for the SCADA system. He is hoping to replace the system as part of next year’s budget. Alderman Fulrath motioned to approve the list of bills dated 11/16/22 in the amount of $337,777.93. Motion seconded by Alderman Hobbie. Roll call vote: Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Metz, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
10. MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Rickard reported that the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will be in Byron on Saturday, December 3 at 11:45am. The program runs from 12:00-12:30 pm. • The city Christmas party will be on December 13 at PrairieFire. • Mayor Rickard has received information from the High Speed Rail Alliance, and would like to join for $250. The council agreed. We would receive current information about high speed rail, and a membership strengthens the possibility of grant funding.
11. CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT – All items are on the agenda.
12. CITY ENGINEER’S REPORT – Most items are on the agenda. The Community Services Committee discussed the additional paving on Merchant St. that was previously approved by council. It is now too late in the year to pave. He will speak to the contractor to see if they will hold the price for next year.
13. DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REPORT – No report.
14. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – Director Vincer reported that salt trucks have been operating the last two days. • Electricians have been working at the sewer plant. • He has toured several sewer plants and has learned a lot about different equipment available. • The department has been doing lead service line inspections on homes built prior to 1986. Only one has been found. The project will be complete by the end of the year.
15. POLICE CHIEF REPORT – Chief Murray reported that Officer Henderson has returned after military training. He is catching up on his training here. • One officer is in the hiring process for the Rockford Police Department. • A new candidate will be attending the 16- week police training in January. • There was significant criminal damage to property at the schools involving juveniles. • Operation Santa is underway in partnership with Kiwanis. • People Helping People have bags available at City Hall for their holiday food drive. • The Public Safety committee discussed the possible purchase of FLOCK cameras. Clerk Huber will include the presentation on the City Council Dropbox.
16. COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Community Services – All items are on the agenda.
b. Public Safety – All items covered by Chief Murray.
c. Administrative – No report.
17. CONTINUING BUSINESS
a. Sunshine Park Purchase – Attorney Szeto spoke with the Attorney for Hairy Cow Brewery. He explained that the city would discuss street parking after Hairy Cow completes work. This avoids having any new work by the city being damaged or altered. Hairy Cow would be willing to stop discussing street parking in exchange for the city offering a longer lead time for starting his project. Both parties are willing to have ongoing discussions. Alderman Isaacs asked about the right of first refusal that was offered. Attorney Szeto explained that Hairy Cow would rather purchase the property outright. The 90 days is up tomorrow, and Attorney Szeto asked for a 30 day extension. Alderman Metz believes that we can get more specific when the design gets more detailed. The project, once complete, will be of benefit to the city. Alderman Isaacs is concerned about having adequate parking once the banquet hall and retail space are completed. Attorney Szeto replied that this will get flushed out once the engineering and design advances. Engineer Stoll believes on street parking will still be needed in addition to any parking lots he will include in the plans.
Alderman Fulrath believes that a 60 day extension is better, but would prefer receiving a timeline of how soon certain milestones will be met.
b. Wastewater Treatment Plant – Nothing new to report.
c. TARP Grant-Colfax St. – Engineer Stoll reported that plans have been approved by IDOT, and a bid date has been set for the end of January.
d. Constellation Sewer Extension – Engineer Stoll reported that a first report will be made at the December 7 committee meeting.
e. Water/Sewer Rate Review – Nothing new to report.
f. Moring Waste Disposal – Resident Fees – An ordinance is in Dropbox which lowers the garbage rate by approximately $2.00. This is due to reduced contract fees from Moring. Alderman Metz addressed the fact that the prices listed on the ordinance are different than what is being charged currently. Attorney Szeto said that the garbage rates have been changed several times between 2014, the last time the ordinance was changed, and now. The ordinance was not changed to reflect the price structure through several rate changes. He reminded the council that the ordinance will need to be updated every time the rate changes (September). The Administrative Committee recommends council approval on the ordinance to amend waste and refuse fees. Roll call vote: Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Metz, AYE; Hobbie, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
g. Comprehensive Plan – No report.
h. Sale of Surplus Property – Detention Pond – Attorney Szeto is preparing the paperwork.
i. Purchasing Property for Public Works Building – Director Vincer reported that the next Forest Preserve Board meeting is Monday. A proposal to accept a donation of land from the Forest Preserve is in Dropbox.
j. RFP-Public Works Building – Director Vincer reported that we received two proposals, one from Morton Buildings, and one from Larson & Darby. Engineer Stoll, Director Vincer, and two members of the Community Services Department will meet with these two contractors and present a recommendation to council.
k. Tax Levy – Alderman Isaacs reported that the tax levy needs to be submitted by the end of December. Since we typically only have one meeting in December, his proposed levy is in Dropbox for first read. The tax rate has decreased from .858 to .828, but with the 6% increase in our assessed value (excluding TIF), we will be collecting more money. This does not include our two-year bond. We are at a 2.4% increase. Because we are staying under 5%, there is no need for a hearing.
l. Bergagna Alley Vacation – 113 E. 2nd St. North Side Alley – Fehr Graham will prepare the vacation plat and Attorney Szeto will prepare the necessary vacation ordinance.
m. Head Zoning Variance – The Zoning Board met to discuss a zoning variance for Chris Head at 1114 W. 2nd St. His property currently has a one car garage. He is asking to add an addition to the garage and is asking for a 3’ setback instead of the required 10’. The Zoning Board voted in favor of the variance. The Community Services Committee is in favor of the variance as well. Alderman Fulrath motioned to approve the ordinance to reduce the side yard setback from 10 ft. to 3 ft. at 1114 W. 2nd St. Motion seconded by Alderman Metz. Roll call vote: Gyorkos, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Metz, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
18. NEW BUSINESS
a. Byron Chamber-Miracle on 2nd St. – Nick Peterson, Office Manager for the Chamber of Commerce, discussed Miracle on 2nd St. on December 2 from 6-8:30 pm. There are no changes from last year. For the safety of guests, they are asking for the city to barricade the 100 and 200 blocks of W. 2nd St. 2nd St. would also be barricaded at Walnut St. Alderman Isaacs motioned to approve the December 2nd Miracle on 2nd St. event, including requested street barricades. Motion seconded by Alderman Gyorkos. Roll call vote: Isaacs, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Metz, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
19. COUNCIL TALK – Alderman Metz thanked everyone for the opportunity to serve as Alderman. She appreciates the professionalism of the council and staff and appreciates the extra lengths people go to do what is best for the city. She has enjoyed the experience, and the mayor thanked her for her service to the council.
20. COMMUNICATION –
a. Public Hearing-GO Bonds – Wednesday, December 7, 6:25 pm.
b. Regular City Council Meeting – Wednesday, December 7, 6:30 pm.
21. ADJOURN – Alderman Fulrath motioned to adjourn. Motion seconded by Alderman Metz. Roll call vote: Fulrath, AYE; Metz, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
Mayor Rickard adjourned the City Council meeting at 7:18 pm.
https://www.cityofbyron.com/sites/default/files/fileattachments/city_council/meeting/3951/minutes_-_2022-11-16-approved.pdf
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