NW Illinois News

City of Lanark City Council met Jan. 2.

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: Keenan Dickman, Rosemary Flikkema, Trevor Knutti, Maintenance Manager Jason Alvarado, Chief Troy Randall, and Clerk Marilyn Heller.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE-was led by Alderperson Brad Knutti.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES-MOTION-was made by Alderperson Kevin Barnes and seconded by Alderperson Brad Knutti to accept the minutes of the December 5th and 12th, 2024 meeting as presented. 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

STANDING COMMITTEES AND BOARDS-POSSIBLE ACTION- Park Board – Rosemary thanked and complemented Mayor Mark and Chief Troy Randall for being present at the lighted parade and lighting of the tree at the city park. She shared that Jen Sturtevant has resigned form the Park Board and Laura Snider would be interested in joining the board. Mayor Mark will make contact with her to confirm. Lastly, Celebrate Lanark wanted to start thinking about new light pole banners. This will need to be put off a year due to pole still needing to be replaced this spring.

ZONING BOARD/OFFICER – POSSIBLE ACTION – Tabled

CEMETERY BOARD MEMBER – POSSIBLE ACTION – Mayor Mark recommended Connie Lower to the cemetery board. A Motion was made by Alderperson Lynn Collins and seconded by Alderperson Brad Knutti to approve the appointment of Connie Lower to the Cemetery Board. Motion carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Kevin Barnes, Haley Grim, Ed Stern, Brad Knutti, Lynn Collins, and Mark Macomber.

PAID LEAVE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES – POSSIBLE ACTION – Personnel Committee met right before this meeting and will be working on revising paid time off for the next council meeting. Tabled

FULL TIME POLICE OFFICER – POSSIBLE ACTION – This was also discussed in the Personnel Committee meeting. Chief Randall is looking to send a potential candidate to the academy in May and to draft a commitment contract.

REPORTS-EMPLOYEES, ATTORNEY, CLERK, TREASURER, ALDERPERSONS AND MAYOR Alderperson Ed Stern – shared that Sue Appel submitted a TIF application and he inquired on the process. The council discussed the next steps as the application was sent to the TIF board. Maintenance Manger Jason - the red truck was sent in to get new lights on the top, he went with the lowest quote for about $800. Chief Randall – is going to start working on abandoned/blighted properties. Clerk Marilyn – 17 shut off letters were sent out this month and 4 properties form last month were shut off. The new key fob system for city hall is installed and fobs distributed. The front door is set to auto open and lock. The Heritage Center will be getting this program soon as well. Lastly, Clerk reminded council to send her the questions they have for IMRF and to RSVP to the Christmas Party. Alderperson Ed Stern – shared the Cemetery Board approved to get farm land got limed. Alderperson Brad – IEPA approved the city for the submittal and is moving forward, more info to come next week. Mayor Mark – Budget time is coming up. Rolling Hills would like to start a queen of hearts at Daves Place. Alderperson Haley gave some names for them to reach out to for questions. Rosemary asked if the property the school bought needs to be rezoned? Council shared that it does not need to be rezoned.

ADJOURNMENT-MOTION-was made by Alderperson Lynn Collins and seconded by Alderperson Brad Knutti to adjourn at 7:34 p.m. Motion carried by 6 voiced aye votes.

https://lanarkil.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/City-Council-Meeting-Minutes-01022024.pdf