NW Illinois News

City of Polo City Council met Nov. 6.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

1. Invocation.

2. Pledge of Allegiance.

3. Call to order- Mayor Knapp called the meeting to order.

4. Mayor Knapp called roll call and the following members of the Council answered present: Alderman Thomas Bardell, Alderman Larry Weaver, Alderman Keith Chesnut, Alderman Joseph Kochsmeier, Alderman Busser, and Alderman Randy Schoon.

Absent: None.

5. Motion to approve the Consent Agenda

Motion made by Alderman Bardell, second by Alderman Chesnut to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda:

A. Minutes from the October 16, 2023 Council Meeting.

Motion carried 6-0. Yes- Chesnut, Weaver, Bardell, Kochsmeier, Busser, Schoon.

6. Mayor Knapp opened Public Comment and the following persons provided comments: Members of the public are welcome to speak at this time but are limited to only 3 minutes.

7. Committee Reports

➢Alderman Chesnut- None.

➢Alderman Weaver- Building permits were given out for a wheelchair ramp and an electrical service.

➢Alderman Bardell- None.

➢Alderman Kochsmeier- None.

➢Alderman Busser- None.

➢Alderman Schoon- The new well is in the process of being drilled. They are currently at 1,073 feet in the ground.

➢Police Chief Tim Rockwood- The ad for chief position has been approved and will be posted soon. Police Chief Rockwood is working with the guys to get the open shifts covered. Business checks have been started again and they are being well received.

➢City Clerk Bartelt- The electric vehicle charging station will be installed on 11/13. The City of Polo is one of 25 finalists for a dog park grant. We have been invited to the EV Award Ceremony on Thursday December 7th. Anyone from the Polo City Council is invited. If you would like to attend, please let City Clerk Bartelt know.

➢Public Works Director Kendall Kyker- None.

8. Items Removed from Consent Agenda

NONE

9. Old Business- Discussion/Action Items

A. Consideration & Possible Action on ordinance 23-12, an ordinance abating the tax heretofore levied for the year 2023 to pay debt service on $650,000 General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source), Series 2022, of the City of Polo, Ogle County, Illinois. (second reading)

Alderman Schoon made a motion to approve ordinance 23-12, seconded by Alderman Busser. Motion carried 6-0. Yes- Chesnut, Weaver, Bardell, Kochsmeier, Busser, Schoon.

10. New Business- Discussion/Action Items

A. Consideration & Possible Action on pay request #2 for contract No. 1 for Municipal Well and Pump and Willett Hofmann & Associates Engineering Invoice.

Alderman Schoon made a motion to approve pay request #2 for contract No. 1 for Municipal Well and Pump and Willett Hofmann & Associates Engineering invoice, seconded by Alderman Busser. Motion carried 6-0. Yes- Weaver, Bardell, Kochsmeier, Busser, Schoon, Chesnut.

B. Consideration & Possible Action on the City's Workman's Compensation, Auto Liability & Comprehensive General Liability, Portable Equipment, and Auto Physical damage & Property Damage Insurance Coverage.

Alderman Kochsmeier made a motion to go with option #1 to receive the 1% discount in the amount of 64,891.07, seconded by Alderman Bardell. Motion carried 6-0. Yes- Bardell, Kochsmeier, Busser, Schoon, Chesnut, Weaver.

C. Consideration & Possible Action on Ordinance 23-14, the 2023 Tax Levy. (First Reading) The Polo City Council accepted the first reading of ordinance 23-14.

D. Consideration & Possible Action on Resolution 23-07, a Resolution for a temporary closure of IL Route 26 for a parade of lights for the Polo Christmas Festival on 12/02/2023.

Alderman Busser made a motion to approve resolution 23-07, seconded by Alderman Bardell. Motion carried 6-0. Yes- Kochsmeier, Busser, Schoon, Chesnut, Weaver, Bardell.

11. Other Items for Discussion & Information

Alderman Schoon mentioned that the city has officially purchased Congress School. He would like everyone to think about what they would like to do with the building. It will be on the agenda for the next meeting.

The business development district committee is trying to cut down the cost on the shelters for the empty lot next to Shell. Alderman Schoon is talking with Polygon about getting a new quote without the polycarbonate windscreens.

Alderman Schoon took the pictures of our current playground equipment. He will be meeting with Ellen Blokus to work on getting grants for playground equipment for the city.

12. Adjournment

Motion by Alderman Schoon, second by Alderman Bardell to adjourn from regular session at 7:19 p.m. Motion carried 6-0.

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3619/Polo/3739692/11062023_Minutes_of_the_Regular_City_Council_Meeting.pdf