City of Byron Community Services Committee met May 3.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
1. CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Rickard called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Led by Mayor Rickard
Alderman Gerdes motioned to allow Alderman Hanlin to participate by telephone. Motion seconded by Alderman Nehring. Roll call vote: Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
3. ROLL CALL – Aldermen present: Todd Isaacs, Emily Gerdes, Mittzi Fulrath, Jessica Nehring, Michael Gyorkos, Christy Hanlin (by phone). Six members present.
Aldermen Absent: Ron Boyer
PRESENT: Mayor John Rickard
City Clerk Caryn Huber
City Attorney Aaron Szeto
City Administrator Brian Brooks
Public Works Dir. Aaron Vincer
Police Chief Todd Murray
Engineer Jason Stoll
Citizens: Pam Kultgen, Bill Pirnat, Caitlin Vaughan, Herb Santiago, Natalie Christian, Amy King, Jeremy Boehle, Michael Curtis, Spencer Morrissey, Garrett Henderson, Tyler Hankins
4. REVERENCE PERIOD – Mayor Rickard led the Council in prayer.
5. APPROVAL/AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA –Motion by Alderman Fulrath to approve, as presented, the May 3, 2023, agenda. Seconded by Alderman Isaacs. Roll call vote: Fulrath, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS 0.
6. MINUTES –
a. April 19, 2023 – Public Hearing-Budget Minutes – Motion by Alderman Isaacs to approve, as presented, the April 19, 2023, Public Hearing-Budget Minutes. Seconded by Alderman Nehring. Roll call vote: Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS 0.
b. April 19, 2023 – City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Motion by Alderman Fulrath to approve, as presented, the April 19, 2023, City Council Regular Meeting Minutes. Seconded by Alderman Isaacs. Roll call vote: Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Nehring, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS. 0.
7. PUBLIC COMMENT – Pam Kultgen addressed the council. She had received a mailing and observed that representatives from Miracle Ear were set up in the Community Room and asked if they were being charged for the use of the room. Administrator Brooks explained that the Chamber of Commerce had approved the use of their conference room. The elevator was broken on Friday, however, and we allowed them to use the Community Room instead. The Chamber was unaware of the mailing or any previous arrangements made by prior administrations.
8. TREASURER’S REPORT –No report.
9. LIST OF BILLS – Alderman Isaacs asked about the $2,500 charge from Ehmens. Director Vincer explained that a homeowner on Merchant St. had to replace a sewer line. The water line also needed to be replaced at the main, and since the contractor was already there, Director Vincer asked them to do the work. Alderman Isaacs motioned to approve the List of Bills dated 05/03/23, in the amount of $76,420.445. Motion seconded by Alderman Gerdes. Roll call vote: Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
10. MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Rickard administered the oath of office to Alderman Gyorkos, Alderman Hanlin, and new Police Officer Tyler Hankins. • Alderman Isaacs motioned to approve the appointment of Ron Boyer to a two-year term as Alderman, Ward 1. Motion seconded by Alderman Gyorkos. Roll call vote: Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0. He will be sworn in at the next meeting. • Mayor Rickard stated that the Budget Officer position has been eliminated with the hiring of Administrator Brooks. He thanked Alderman Isaacs for his years of service in that role. • In Mayor Rickard’s absence at the next City Council meeting, a Mayor Pro Tem will need to be appointed. Alderman Fulrath has volunteered to serve as Mayor Pro Tem on May 17, and the Mayor submits her name for consideration. • Mayor Rickard stated that it has been several years since the committee assignments were made. He will be re-assigning committee members in the near future. He asked aldermen to inform him of any specific requests.
11. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT – Administrator Brooks reported that Proposals for the Comprehensive Plan are due Thursday, May 11. He hopes to have a recommendation for the Administrative Committee on May 17. • Beginning on May 17, the Administrative Committee will now meet on the third Wednesday of the month at 5:15 pm. • Two proposals for the 2023-2024 audit have been received. He expects one more and will have a recommendation for Council at the May 17 meeting. • Work on the next mural is continuing, and we hope to have a concept drawing to present at the next meeting. • Administrator Brooks stated that the City Council meeting schedule is currently presented in calendar year form. He asked if the council prefers that it be in fiscal year form. Attorney Szeto stated that the meetings need to be announced at the beginning of the calendar year.
12. CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT – All items are on the agenda.
13. CITY ENGINEER’S REPORT – All items are on the agenda.
14. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – Director Vincer reported that a meeting is scheduled for next week to continue discussions about the Public Works Building. He hopes to have preliminary cost figures after the meeting. • The department has been working on sewer cleaning, and meter reading and repairs. • Staff participated in public works training for several days last week. •The City Hall elevator is inspected and back in service.
15. POLICE CHIEF REPORT – Chief Murray reported that 79 UTV permit renewals and 8 new UTV permits have been issued this year to date.
16. COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Community Services – Alderman Fulrath reported that Director Vincer discussed the need for an additional public works employee. Since the position was accounted for in this year’s budget, the committee approved.
b. Public Safety – No report.
c. Administrative – All items are on the agenda.
17. CONTINUING BUSINESS
a. Certification of Revenues – Administrator Brooks stated that this is a record of the estimated revenues as entered in the 2023-2024 budget. It is a required statement that will be filed with the County. The Administrative Committee recommends council approval of the 2023-2024 Certification of Revenues. Roll call vote: Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
b. Fehr Graham Proposal for Mussel Survey – Alderman Fulrath reported that the committee has asked Engineer Stoll to secure a second bid.
c. 2023 Streets Program – Bid Award – Alderman Fulrath reported that the Community Services Committee recommends awarding both the base and alternate bids to Struck & Irwin for slurry seal at $117,298, and the base and alternate bid one to Rock Road Companies for $226,696. Total for both projects is $343,994. Roll call vote: Fulrath, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
d. Sam’s Drive In Liquor License/Video Gaming – Alderman Fulrath stated that the Community Services Committee recommends City Council approval of the Sam’s Drive In request for a liquor license. Alderman Isaacs expressed concern that at least two additional establishments will also be adding video gaming. He feels that Sam’s location will be more of a “parlor” atmosphere and stated that the council has voted against those in the past. He is concerned that more locations (grocery stores, nail salons, etc) will attempt to add the machines. Alderman Gerdes had several residents contact her expressing concern that other businesses could also attempt to add the machines. Some residents expressed concern about the proximity to the United Church (although legally, it is far enough away from the church). Alderman Fulrath understands the concerns; however, the city council does have the right to refuse requests for liquor licenses and has already done so for several businesses requesting video gaming. She is more likely to agree with an established business making the request. Alderman Gerdes fears Sam’s Drive In will be turned into more of a traditional gambling parlor. Alderman Isaacs hesitates to approve liquor licenses for establishments that are not already a bar. Administrator Brooks reminded council that a liquor license application has not been filed. Chief Murray added that an individual license holder needs to reside in Marion, Rockvale or Byron Township. Since Ms. Aldrich lives outside these areas, the application will need to be made in the name of a corporation or LLC. Attorney Szeto stated that a motion can be made in support of an application, if submitted. Alderman Fulrath motioned in support of an application for a liquor license for Sam’s Drive In. Motion seconded by Alderman Nehring. Roll call vote: Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, NAY; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, NAY; Gerdes, NAY; Fulrath, AYE. Vote: AYE, 3; NAY, 3; ABS, 0. With a tie vote, the Mayor is asked to vote. Mayor Rickard: NAY. Motion failed. There will be no support for a liquor license application for Sam’s Drive In.
e. Peru St. ROW Vacation and Possible Land Sale – Administrator Brooks spoke with Todd McLester at Hairy Cow Brewery. They had requested to purchase an additional acre of Sunshine Park to build a parking lot. The committee only wanted to sell enough property for the parking lot and Fehr Graham had submitted a drawing showing that approximately an additional ¼ acre would be needed for a 29 car parking lot. Mr. McLester stated that he would also like to put a building up on the site. Administrator Brooks asked him to submit a concept drawing for committee review.
f. Resolution Approving Intergovernmental Agreement with Park District – Administrator Brooks stated that a revised version of the agreement is on Dropbox. The resolution gives the Mayor the authorization to sign the agreement. It is listed on the agenda for first read.
18. NEW BUSINESS –
a. Bergagna Alley Vacation Request – Mr. Bergagna has submitted a request for alley vacation for the north south alley on the east side of his building. We had already approved an alley vacation on the north side of his building. The committee has asked for written consent from the adjoining homeowner to allow him to purchase the entire alley.
b. Ordinance to Dispose of Squad Car – Attorney Szeto stated that the Police Department has been unable to sell an old vehicle. This ordinance allows the Police Department to declare the vehicle excess property and donate it to the fire department to be used for training. By voice vote, the City Council agreed to bypass first read. The Administrative Committee recommends Council approval of the Ordinance to Dispose of a Squad Car. Roll call: Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Nehring, AYE. Motion Passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
c. 221 N. Walnut St. Sidewalk Replacement – Item is still in committee. Administrator Brooks stated that the sidewalk will be blocked off. Both committees should be involved in the decision. Alderman Isaacs suggested that the item be discussed as a Committee of the Whole. Committee of the Whole will be scheduled for May 17 at 6:15pm.
d. Employee Wage Increase – Alderman Isaacs stated that this year’s COLA increase will be 4.98%. Council had also approved a step increase within the last year. This year’s increase is $.50. The increase does not include Police – they are in FOP negotiations starting next week.
19. COUNCIL TALK – Alderman Gerdes asked about the burnt house on 3rd St. Chief Murray replied that a meeting is scheduled within the next several weeks with ComEd, the three insurance companies, the Fire Department and State Fire Marshall’s office. He will update the council after that meeting.
20. COMMUNICATION –
a. Regular City Council Meeting – Wednesday, May 17, 6:30 pm.
21. ADJOURN – Alderman Isaacs motioned to adjourn. Motion seconded by Alderman Fulrath. Roll call vote: Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
Mayor Rickard adjourned the City Council meeting at 7:19 pm.
https://www.cityofbyron.com/sites/default/files/fileattachments/city_council/meeting/4116/minutes_-_2023-05-03-approved.pdf
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