City of Byron City Council met Jan. 4.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
1. CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Rickard called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Led by Mayor Rickard
3. ROLL CALL – Aldermen present: Todd Isaacs, Emily Gerdes, Mittzi Fulrath, Zeke Hobbie, Jessica Nehring, Michael Gyorkos, Christy Hanlin. Seven members present.
Aldermen Absent: None
PRESENT: Mayor John Rickard
City Clerk Caryn Huber
City Attorney Aaron Szeto
Dir. of Public Works Aaron Vincer
Dir. of Econ. Dev. Larry Hewitt
Police Chief Todd Murray
Engineer Jason Stoll
Citizens Bill Pirnat, Pam Kultgen, Brian Brooks
4. REVERENCE PERIOD – Mayor Rickard led the Council in prayer.
5. APPROVAL/AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA –Mayor Rickard asked to add Ordinance providing for the issue of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2023, as item 18c. under New Business. Motion by Alderman Hanlin to approve, as amended, the January 4, 2023, agenda. Seconded by Alderman Nehring. Roll call vote: Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS 0.
6. MINUTES –
a. December 7, 2022 – Public Hearing Minutes - Motion by Alderman Hanlin to approve, as presented, the December 7, 2022, Public Hearing Minutes. Seconded by Alderman Gerdes. Roll call vote: Fulrath, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS 0.
b. December 7, 2022 – City Council Regular Meeting Minutes – Motion by Alderman Hanlin to approve, as presented, the December 7, 2022 City Council Regular Meeting Minutes. Seconded by Alderman Nehring. Roll call vote: Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS 0.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT – None
8. TREASURER’S REPORT – No report.
9. LIST OF BILLS – Mayor Rickard noted there are two sets of bills. The checks for Fehr Graham for work on the Constellation Sewer Line have been pulled. They will be issued when Constellation pays the city invoices for the work.
a. December 21, 2022 – Alderman Issacs asked about the check to James Troutman. Director Hewitt said this is a TIF payment for McDonalds. Alderman Isaacs noted that the Fehr Graham check totaled $236,194.00 and $222,500 was for the Constellation work. He questioned whether the check should be voided in order to pay them for other engineering work. Engineer Stoll stated that it was fine to leave the check as is for now. It is hoped that the city will receive the Constellation payment soon and the check can be released. Alderman Hanlin motioned to approve the list of bills dated 12/21/22. Motion seconded by Alderman Hobbie. Roll call vote: Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Hobbie, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
b. January 4, 2023 – Alderman Hobbie asked Chief Murray about charges to Buss Boyz Customs. This is for squad car upfitting for three cars. Alderman Hanlin motioned to approve the list of bills dated 1/4/23, in the amount of $306,222.91. Motion seconded by Alderman Gyorkos. Roll call vote: Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
10. MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Rickard reported that the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has approved the city’s grant application for $200,000 to make improvements to the boat dock. This will likely be a spring/summer 2024 project. • Public Works will be hiring two new snowplow drivers. They are Austin Yuill and Dan Newhausen. This will not add more payroll hours, but will add to the pool of people available for snowplowing.
a. Confirmation of City Administrator – The city began a search for a City Administrator in November. 15 applications were received and four people were interviewed by the Mayor and Aldermen Hobbie, Hanlin and Fulrath. Brian Brooks was offered and accepted the position. He served as Byron City Administrator from 1994-2000. Pending council approval, his start date is January 9. Alderman Fulrath motioned to confirm Brian Brooks as City Administrator. Motion seconded by Alderman Gerdes. Roll call vote: Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS, 0. Brian thanked the mayor and council for the opportunity and stated he looks forward to beginning working.
11. CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT – All items are on the agenda.
12. CITY ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Stoll stated that a RAISE grant is available for federal infrastructure, and suggested the city consider applying for funds for the roundabout at Mill and Tower Roads. Applications are due February 23. A benefit/cost analysis is required as part of the application. The analysis is costly, however, a fatality occurred at this intersection, and that will be considered as part of the application evaluation. Engineer Stoll will prepare a proposal for the application.
13. DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REPORT – Cox’s Roost has completed work on the new foundation. • The new owner of the Spahn and Rose property is hoping to split the property and sell the main building. • The Chamber of Commerce is hiring a new director. Clerk Huber has been filling in as city representative on the Chamber board, however, Administrator Brooks may want to consider filling this role. Director Hewitt stated it may also be a good time to reconfigure the layout of the second floor of city hall and reevaluate the space allocated to the Chamber.
14. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – Director Vincer reported that repairs to the snowplows have been needed. He added that the addition of two new snowplow drivers is not to add to the payroll, but to add to the number of drivers available. • The street sweeper has been operating for two days this week, taking advantage of the warmer January weather. • Whitaker Road will be graded. • Director Vincer is starting work on a utilities plan.
15. POLICE CHIEF REPORT – Chief Murray reported that several car burglaries have occurred. All vehicles were unlocked. He urged residents to keep vehicles locked and remove valuables. • Officer Hankins will begin the 16-week academy on Sunday. • The property at 412 E. 2nd St. should soon belong to the city. A judicial deed is expected by the end of the month. The property has been vacant for years. • The portions of the Safety Act relating to bonds have been ruled unconstitutional.
16. COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Community Services – The committee is hoping to approve the contract for the public works building. First read is tonight. Director Vincer asked to schedule a special Community Services meeting for January 18 for second read and approval of the contract.
b. Public Safety – No report.
c. Administrative – All items are on the agenda.
17. CONTINUING BUSINESS
a. Sunshine Park Purchase – Discussions are continuing. Attorney Szeto has a meeting scheduled with the HCB attorney on Friday.
b. Wastewater Treatment Plant – Nothing new to report.
c. TARP Grant-Colfax St. – Engineer Stoll reported that the bid date for this project is January 27 at 11am. It will be ready for council review in February.
d. Constellation Sewer Extension – Engineer Stoll reported that there is no further update than the report given at committee earlier.
e. Water/Sewer Rate Review – Nothing new to report.
f. Comprehensive Plan – An RFP is being written.
g. Sale of Surplus Property – Detention Pond – Attorney Szeto is preparing the paperwork.
h. Public Works Building Contract Approval – A draft contract is in Dropbox. Attorney Szeto made several changes that were approved by Cord. One item that they did not agree with was the City’s proposal to change the design services fee from 7.5% to 7% if the cost of the project exceeded $2.5 million.
i. 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.
18. NEW BUSINESS –
a. Ordinance Abating Tax Levy on G.O. Bonds Series 2014A – Alderman Isaacs motioned to bypass 1st read on the Ordinance Abating Tax Levy on G.O. Bonds Series 2014A. Motion seconded by Alderman Nehring. Roll call vote: Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS, 0. The Administrative Committee recommends council approval of the Ordinance Abating Tax Levy on G.O. Bonds Series 2014A. Roll call vote: Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
b. Ordinance Abating Tax Levy on G.O. Bonds Series 2014B – Alderman Isaacs motioned to bypass 1st read on the Ordinance Abating Tax Levy on G.O. Bonds Series 2014B. Motion seconded by Alderman Hanlin. Roll call vote: Fulrath, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS, 0. The Administrative Committee recommends council approval of the Ordinance Abating Tax Levy on G.O. Bonds Series 2014B. Roll call vote: Hobbie, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
c. An Ordinance providing for the issue of an amount not to exceed $395,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2023, for the purpose of financing certain capital expenditures in and for the City, providing for the levy of a direct annual tax sufficient to pay the principal and interest on said bonds. - Alderman Hanlin stated that the Administrative Committee recommends council approval of the bond issue. This is on the agenda for first read. A vote will be taken at the next council meeting.
19. COUNCIL TALK – Mayor Rickard asked the council if they were comfortable removing the plastic partitions placed between seats during COVID. They responded yes, and the partitions will be removed. • Alderman Hanlin asked if we could advise residents that even though Moring Disposal has been sold, there will not be any changes to fees or service. Jim Pozzi is the new Municipal Services Manager. Clerk Huber will forward contact information to aldermen, however, concerns should be directed to the Forreston office as usual.
20. COMMUNICATION –
a. Regular City Council Meeting – Wednesday, January 18, 6:30 pm.
21. ADJOURN – Alderman Isaacs motioned to adjourn. Motion seconded by Alderman Fulrath. Roll call vote: Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Hobbie, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
Mayor Rickard adjourned the City Council meeting at 7:02 pm.
https://www.cityofbyron.com/sites/default/files/fileattachments/city_council/meeting/4093/minutes_-_2023-01-04.pdf
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