City of Byron Administrative Committee met May 17.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
Alderman Hanlin called the meeting to order at 5:16 pm.
1. ROLL CALL –
MEMBERS PRESENT: Alderman Christy Hanlin, Alderman Ron Boyer, Alderman Todd Isaacs, Alderman Jessica Nehring
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
OTHERS PRESENT: Clerk Caryn Huber, Attorney Aaron Szeto, Administrator Brian Brooks, Public Works Director Aaron Vincer, Alderman Mike Gyorkos (5:50pm)
Clerk Huber administered the oath of office to Alderman Ron Boyer.
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – MAY 17, 2023 –Alderman Nehring motioned to approve, as presented, the May 17, 2023, Administrative Committee meeting agenda. Motion seconded by Alderman Boyer. Roll call vote: Boyer, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Hanlin, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
3. PUBLIC COMMENT – None
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – MAY 3, 2023 – Alderman Isaacs motioned to approve, as presented, the May 3, 2023, Administrative Committee meeting minutes. Motion seconded by Alderman Hanlin. Roll call vote: Isaacs, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Boyer, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
5. PERU ST. ROW VACATION AND POSSIBLE SALE OF LAND TO HAIRY COW – No update.
6. AUDIT PROPOSALS – Administrator Brooks received proposals from Sikich and Lauterbach Amen to conduct the 2023-2024 audit. Both were comparable in price, but Sikich offered a three-year proposal that starts at $17,000 plus $1,000 for TIF and increases from there every year. Sikich is the current auditor for Davis Junction, Stillman Valley, Dixon and Belvidere, and all gave positive recommendations when asked about working with them. The lead auditor lives outside of Stillman Valley. Sikich can also meet the October completion timeline, which Lauterbach was not able to promise. Alderman Boyer motioned to recommend council approval to accept the three-year proposal from Sikich to conduct the City’s audit. Motion seconded by Alderman Nehring. Roll call vote: Nehring, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
7. BERGAGNA ALLEY VACATION REQUEST (ON THE EAST SIDE OF 113 E. 2ND ST) – This request has been withdrawn since the neighbors to the east are not in agreement with the vacation. The north alley had been vacated previously, however, it was discovered in the course of a conversation with the neighbors that they still use that portion of the alley and they were not told about the north alley request prior to the vacation.
8. RESOLUTION APPROVING INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH PARK DISTRICT – Administrator Brooks stated that this agreement shares equipment, services and personnel with the Park District when needed. Alderman Hanlin motioned to recommend council approval of the Resolution to approve an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Park District. Motion seconded by Alderman Isaacs. Roll call vote: Hanlin, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Nehring, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
9. ANNUAL EMPLOYEE WAGE INCREASE – Alderman Isaacs stated that on May 1, payroll is adjusted due to cost-of-living increases. In addition, there are step increases in place for different positions (either $.50 or $.75). The COLA increase this year is 4.98%. If approved tonight, the increases will go into effect with the first full pay period in May (which ends Saturday). Alderman Isaacs motioned to recommend council approval of the proposed annual employee wage increase. Motion seconded by Alderman Nehring. Roll call vote: Boyer, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Hanlin, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
10. 221 N. WALNUT ST. SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT – Item will be moved down on the agenda if there is time to begin discussion. Otherwise, it will be discussed at the Committee of the Whole meeting later this evening.
11. COMMUNITY ROOM USE AND FEE POLICY – Administrator Brooks stated that there was a question at the last council meeting regarding the use of the Community Room by Miracle Ear. This led to a review of the Community Room policies/charges and raised the question whether the City’s non-profit status would be jeopardized by charging commercial entities for use of the room. Regular uses of the room now include the seniors (charged $25/month), Chamber 1st Tuesday luncheons (no charge) and individuals (charged on a per event basis). A painting class uses the room and charges those who participate. All charges are listed on the application on Dropbox. If the City decides not to rent to commercial ventures, the Chamber would not be able to do so either. Attorney Szeto suggested that we may open up issues if we allow renting the room to non-profits but don’t allow for-profits. The room is not a revenue generator for the City, however, there are costs associated with the upkeep and the room is in need of repairs. The item will remain on the agenda for further discussion regarding fee structure.
12. BYRONFEST APPROVAL – The 2023 ByronFest proposal is in Dropbox. The layout and requests are the same as in previous years. Chief Murray stated that a refrigerated truck is usually positioned next to City Hall. He questioned whether this should be done this year due to the resurfacing of the parking lot last year. The changes that were made to the lot could also restrict the ability to get the reefer into place. Alderman Hanlin motioned to recommend council approval of the 2023 ByronFest proposal with the exception of the location of the reefer truck. Motion seconded by Alderman Isaacs. Roll call vote: Isaacs, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Boyer, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
13. TIF GRANT APPLICATION – Item will remain on agenda.
14. ELECTED OFFICIALS PAY – Item will remain on agenda.
15. CITY ADMINISTRATOR UPDATES – Report will be given at City Council Meeting.
a. Zoning Map –
b. Other -
16. ADJOURN – Alderman Isaacs motioned to adjourn the Administrative Committee meeting. Seconded by Alderman Hanlin. Roll call vote: Nehring, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.
Alderman Hanlin adjourned the meeting at 6:00 pm.
https://www.cityofbyron.com/sites/default/files/fileattachments/administrative_committee/meeting/4164/05-17-23_admin_comm_minutes-approved.pdf
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