City of Byron Community Services Committee met April 5.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
Alderman Fulrath called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm.
1. ROLL CALL:
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairman Alderman Mittzi Fulrath, Alderman Emily Gerdes, Alderman Mike Gyorkos, Alderman Zeke Hobbie
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Mayor John Rickard, Engineer Jason Stoll, Director Aaron Vincer
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – APRIL 5, 2023 – Alderman Gerdes motioned to approve, as presented, the April 5, 2023, Community Services Committee meeting agenda. Seconded by Alderman Gyorkos. Roll call vote: Gerdes, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Fulrath, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT – None
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – MARCH 1, 2023 REGULAR MEETING –Alderman Hobbie motioned to approve, as presented, the March 1, 2023, Community Services Committee meeting minutes. Seconded by Alderman Gerdes. Roll call vote: Gyorkos, AYE; Hobbie, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Gerdes, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
5. SAM’S DRIVE IN LIQUOR LICENSE/VIDEO GAMING – Alderman Fulrath asked Shirlee Aldrich not to attend the meeting in order for the committee to be able to have a frank discussion about her liquor license/video gaming request. Alderman Fulrath feels that we need the tax revenue. Because it is an existing business, she would be in favor of issuing a liquor license. She also has concerns about having an empty corner in town if the business is not able to sustain itself. Alderman Hobbie spoke with neighbors and relayed that they do not want “slot flags” lining the street, but do not have objections to the gaming. Alderman Gyorkos does not have any objections, as Sam’s Drive In has been such a staple in the community. Alderman Gerdes originally voted no, but after discussions with Shirlee Aldrich, she would rather not lose the business and has changed her opinion. Mayor Rickard does not want the slot signage either. Alderman Fulrath feels that Ms. Aldrich would be agreeable to city requests and ordinances. The item will be put on the City Council agenda for discussion. She will have to apply for building permits for any structural renovations planned. Alderman Hobbie motioned to recommend council approval to grant Sam’s Drive a liquor license in order for them to apply for gaming machines. Motion seconded by Alderman Gyorkos. Roll call vote: Hobbie, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
6. 2023 STREETS PROGRAM – BID AWARD – Engineer Stoll reported that one bid was received from Struck & Irwin for the slurry seal portion of the 2023 Streets Program. He stated that the bid was split into a base bid and alternate bid. The base bid includes Fawn Ridge and areas on the south side of town. The alternate bid includes slurry seal on Luther Dr. and Allison Ct. The base bid received was $84,536.12 and the alternate was $32,762.34. Total for both is $117,298.46 (12% above engineer’s estimate). Engineer Stoll recommended that the committee wait to take action on the slurry seal bid until we receive the rest of the street bids in May. Engineer Stoll apologized for a clerical error on the last summary sheet he distributed. A budget for Mineral St. was listed as $15,000 but should have been $150,000. Once all of the bids are back, council can review the street program and award those projects that they want to keep. Engineer Stoll suggested splitting Mineral St. and Fox Run Lane into base and alternate bids also. Alderman Fulrath expressed concern that funds allocated for streets are being tapped for other projects besides the streets program. Engineer Stoll stated that the committee approved street projects option 1 which came to $856,676. With the Mineral St. mistake, $135,000 is added for a total estimated cost of $991,676. If the committee would like to keep the cost near $856,000, he suggested looking at option 3, which would take out Allison Circle and Luther Dr. Alderman Gerdes stated that option 3 also removes Perene and Maple St. It was agreed that the committee will review and make a decision once all of the bids are received.
7. WATER/SEWER RATE REVIEW – No update.
8. FEHR GRAHAM BOAT LAUNCH ENGINEERING PROPOSAL – Engineer Stoll provided an estimate for the site beautification, engineering for the boat docks, construction engineering and permitting for the BAAD grant we recently received. Permits should be applied for soon to be able to get the boat docks in the water. Alderman Fulrath stated that the committee has already agreed to approve the proposal.
9. RAISE GRANT – The RAISE grant has been applied for to build a roundabout at Mill and Tower Rd. The grant should be awarded in Fall.
10. PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE –
a. Public Works Building Update – A basic design has been agreed on, and the cost estimate is being put together. Director Vincer stated that the intention is to take the down payment for the building out of street allocated funds. He does not know of any other revenue source that has sufficient funds for the down payment. An estimated $1.5 million would be financed. It is unclear if the building can be covered through the IEPA loan. Engineer Stoll stated that because we are using a design-build process, it is unlikely. Director Vincer hopes construction can begin next spring.
b. Wastewater Treatment Plant – Director Vincer, Engineer Stoll, Administrator Brooks and Mayor Rickard will be meeting with Fehr Graham Engineer Matt Johnson next week to review the plant tours and the equipment they would like to implement in the new plant.
c. Other – Director Vincer addressed the committee about the recent chlorine issue caused by a faulty piece of machinery. Dual contactors will be installed to make sure the chlorine pump shuts off when it needs to, and a flow meter will be installed downstream of the chlorine pump. This flow meter will alert the SCADA system and an alarm will be set off if the pump is not running but the chlorine pump is.
11. CITY ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE –
a. Comprehensive Plan – A RFP for the Comprehensive Plan has been released. b. Other - None
12. 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 6:30 pm. The next regular Community Services meeting is May 3, 2023, at 5:30pm.
https://www.cityofbyron.com/sites/default/files/fileattachments/community_services_committee/meeting/4111/04-05-23_csc_minutes-approved.pdf
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