NW Illinois News

City of Lanark City Council met Dec. 5.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER/ROLL CALL-Lanark City Council met in regular session at the Lanark City Hall at 7 p.m. Roll call taken by Marilyn Heller, City Clerk, showed Alderpersons present were Kevin Barnes, Lynn Collins, Brad Knutti, Haley Grim and Ed Stern. Mayor Mark Macomber was present and presiding.

Others present were: Chief Randell, Maintenance Manager

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE-was led by Attorney Ed Mitchell.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES-MOTION-was made by Alderperson Brad Knutti and seconded by Alderperson Lynn Collins to accept the minutes of the November 7 and 13, 2023 meeting as presented with the title corrections of the leader of the pledge of allegiance. Motion carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Kevin Barnes, Haley Grim, Ed Stern, Brad Knutti, Lynn Collins, and Mark Macomber.

PUBLIC COMMENTS- none

ZONING BOARD/OFFICER – POSSIBLE ACTION – Tabled

ILLINOIS FUNDS – ACTION REQUIRED – It was brought to Jodi’s attention that the names on this account needs to be updated in order to transfer funds. A Motion was made by Alderperson Haley Grim and second by Alderperson Brad Knutti to remove former Mayor Ken and former Treasurer Donalee from the IL Funds and add acting Mayor Mark and current Treasurer Jodi. Motion carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Kevin Barnes, Haley Grim, Ed Stern, Brad Knutti, Lynn Collins, and Mark Macomber.

IMRF – POSSIBLE ACTION – Jodi presented the survey back from IMRF showing the cost breakdown and explanations. She also handed out the list of surrounding municipalities that are in IMRF. After a discussion it was decided that Clerk would reach out and arrange a representative from IMRF to attend a council meeting to give an overview and take questions. Tabled

PAID LEAVE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES – POSSIBLE ACTION – The council decided to have a personnel meeting on 1-6-2024 at 6pm to discuss. Tabled

CHRISTMAS BONUSES – ACTION REQUIRED – A Motion was made by Alderperson Lynn Collins and seconded by Alderperson Brad Knutti to approve the Christmas Bonuses of $300 to Managers, $200 to Full time staff and $100 to part time city staff. Motion carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Kevin Barnes, Haley Grim, Ed Stern, Brad Knutti, Lynn Collins, and Mark Macomber.

WATER AND SEWER RATES – POSSIBLE ACTION – Clerk presented Profit VS. Loss from FY 2019 through current, Account types, and CIP Funds. Clerk also showed the council the yearly loss of income from the free 12th month for 11-month payment ($7048.00) and senior discounts ($12,672.00) totaling $21,720.00. Lastly the Clerk showed how a $10 bill increase would look for residents and would bring in $65,904.00 yearly. A Motion was made by Alderperson Brad Knutti and seconded by Alderperson Lynn Collins to eliminate the free months offered for an 11-month payment and increase the water rate $2.00, sewer rate $2.00 and CIP $1.00 effective January 1, 2024. Motion carried with 5 aye votes and 1 nay vote. Aye votes: Alderpersons Kevin Barnes, Haley Grim, Ed Stern, Brad Knutti, and Lynn Collins. Nay vote from Alderperson Mark Macomber. The council discussed changing the effective date to give the residents a month to prepare. A Motion was made by Alderperson Brad Knutti and seconded by Alderperson Lynn Collins to eliminate the free months offered for an 11-month payment and increase the water rate $2.00, sewer rate $2.00 and CIP $1.00 effective February 1, 2024. Motion carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Kevin Barnes, Haley Grim, Ed Stern, Brad Knutti, Lynn Collins, and Mark Macomber. After discussing further, the council decided that this needs to be effective in January. A Motion was made by Alderperson Brad Knutti and seconded by Alderperson Lynn Collins to eliminate the free months offered for an 11-month payment and increase the water rate $2.00, sewer rate $2.00 and CIP $1.00 effective January 1, 2024. Motion carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Kevin Barnes, Haley Grim, Ed Stern, Brad Knutti, Lynn Collins, and Mark Macomber.

Alderperson Brad made a resolution to have a special meeting on Dec. 12 to consider the ordinance to modify the utility rates passed tonight.

STANDING COMMITTEES AND BOARDS-POSSIBLE ACTION- None

REPORTS-EMPLOYEES, ATTORNEY, CLERK, TREASURER, ALDERPERSONS AND MAYOR Maintenance Manager Jason – the fire hydrant for the railroad is on hold and will be revisited in the spring due to being unable to isolate the water main. There were two water main breaks, Drew came in to help while on vacation out of town. Chief Troy Randall – is making progress with inoperable vehicles and Officer Craft called asking for a plaque for his 22 years of service with Lanark. The council was unable to help with the plaque. Alderperson Haley asked about the barn on Carroll St. and Randall stated he would look into it. Mayor Mark shared a complement of Troy from the park board for attending the lighting of the tree and lighted parade. Attorney Ed Mitchell – the easement he has been working on for the railroad is becoming very complicated trying to find who has the authority to sign it. Jason and Attorney Ed will talk with Darrin to see if he has delt with this before. Next, the sheriff attempted four times to serve Sue, with the blight house on Franklin, with no success. He had to ask the court for alternative service with these three; 1 first class mail, 1 first class certified returned receipt, and 1 posted on her door. Clerk Marilyn - sent our 16 shut off letters this month, received 4 FOIA requests and emailed Connie Marney with Toni McCombie for follow up of the Build IL Funds. Connie will get back to her as soon as she knows more. Lastly, she is working on planning the Christmas dinner at the Heritage Center on January 7, catered by Lessmans. Clerk will be accepting donations. Treasurer Jodi – filed all the reports required with the auditor and it will be published in the paper. Alderperson Lynn – Connie Lower would like to be appointed to the cemetery board as she now meets the residency requirements. To be on next meeting agenda. Alderperson Lynn then asked Jodi about the cemetery levy as they have not received it. Jodi will talk to Dan. The cemetery report will be on the Jan. 16th meeting agenda to discuss further and also discuss the property taxes for the farm land. Alderperson Haley – asked for an update on McCarthy Building. No update. Brad Knutti – shared there is a new Chamber President Devin Heeren. Mayor Mark – Merry Christmas!

ADJOURNMENT-MOTION-was made by Alderperson Brad Knutti and seconded by Alderperson Mark Macomber to adjourn at 8:36 p.m. Motion carried by 6 aye votes.

https://lanarkil.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/12052023-City-Council-Meeting-Minutes.pdf