NW Illinois News

City of Polo City Council met Jan. 2.

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 Schoon, second by Alderman Chesnut to approve the following items on the Consent Agenda:

A. Minutes from the December 18, 2023 Council Meeting as amended.

B. Resolution 24-01, Release of Closed Session Minutes

C. Resolution 24-02, Authorizing the Destruction of Audio Recordings of the Closed Session Minutes

D. Resolution 24-03, Polo School Choice Week

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.

The City of Polo received a letter from Ogle County Chairman John Finfrock regarding an influx of nuisance complaints within our city limits regarding vermin. They are encouraging the city to update our ordinances to include vermin. The city will work on updating our ordinances to include vermin.

7. Committee Reports

➢ Alderman Chesnut- Our police department has been busy. They are doing a great job.

➢ Alderman Weaver- None.

➢ Alderman Bardell- None.

➢ Alderman Kochsmeier- Touched based with First State Bank on updating the City’s CD’s. The bank is working on it.

➢ Alderman Busser- None.

➢ Alderman Schoon- None.

➢ Police Chief Tim Rockwood- None.

➢ City Clerk Bartelt- None.

➢ Public Works Director Kendall Kyker- None.

8. Items Removed from Consent Agenda

NONE

9. Old Business- Discussion/Action Items

A. Consideration & Possible Action on pay request #12 (FINAL) for Martin & Co., Change Order #8 and Willett Hofmann & Associates invoice.

Alderman Schoon called Jerry Martin and explained the City’s thoughts regarding the disruption when there was a hole in the highway for over a week. They had a really nice discussion. He hoped that Martin bids on the lead service replacement. They upped their discount from $2,000 to $5,000. Alderman Schoon made a motion to approve pay request #12 for Martin & Co, change order #8 and Willett Hofmann & Associates invoice, seconded by Alderman Busser.

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

10. New Business- Discussion/Action Items

A. Consideration & Possible Action on ordinance 24-01, an ordinance amending §31.191 limitations on purchases. (first reading)

The Polo City Council accepted the first reading of ordinance 24-01.

11. Other Items for Discussion & Information

Oath of Office: Chief of Police

Mayor Knapp thanked Judge Anthony Peska for swearing in our new Police Chief.

At this time, Judge Peska gave the oath of office to City of Polo Police Chief, Matthew Coppotelli.

Motion made by Alderman Bardell to go into closed session at 7:11PM, seconded by Alderman Schoon.

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

12. Adjournment

Motion by Alderman Bardell, second by Alderman Busser to adjourn from closed and regular session at 7:37 p.m. Motion carried 6-0.

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3619/Polo/3961862/01022024_Minutes_of_the_Polo_City_Council.pdf