NW Illinois News

City of Mt. Carroll City Council met Jan. 24.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Samantha Pidde rang the bell to announce the start of the meeting.

Mayor Carl Bates called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

Roll Call: Mayor Carl Bates, present, Alderman Jeff Elliott, present, Alderman Mike Risko, present, Alderman Paul Kaczmarski, present, Alderman Doug Bergren, present.

Alderman Kaczmarski led the Pledge of Allegiance.

In lieu of invocation, a moment of silence was held.

Alderman Risko made a motion to approve the minutes from the January 11, 2024 regular City Council meeting with the following updates: Correct the spelling of Mayor, change “Alderman absent” to “Alderman Risko, absent” and change Alderman Risko to absent in the vote of the approval of Accounts Payable. Alderman Elliott seconded the motion, all approved. Roll Call Vote: Alderman Risko, yes, Alderman Elliott, yes, Alderman Bergren, yes, Alderman Kaczmarski, yes. Vote: 4 yeses and 0 nos. Motion carried.

Alderman Kaczmarski made a motion to authorize the payments of claims payable in the amount of $176,340.64, Alderman Elliott seconded, all approved. Roll Call Vote: Alderman Kaczmarski, yes, Alderman Risko, yes, Alderman Elliott, yes, Alderman Bergren, yes. Vote: 4 yeses and 0 nos. Motion carried.

Mayor Bates reported the bank account balances were totaling $3,963,338.29 as of January 19, 2024.

Water/Sewer

Jonathan Armstrong, Utility Foreman, reported the loop at the Water Tower is now complete. He said a load cell for the scale at the wells was purchased in addition to a new chlorinator for well 2. The chlorinators have a 10 year lifespan and at least one each year will need to be replaced. Air dryer valves at the Plant were also replaced due to low pressure and the Water Tower will be scheduled to be painted in April.

Foreman Armstrong said the Phase 3 pre-bid meeting was held on February 22nd and went well. He said the quote to pave Mill Street will cost around $60,000 and would be a City expense. A discussion was held regarding a policy for septic hauler dumping at the Waste Water Treatment Plant. Attorney Zollinger suggested a policy for fees and violation of standards.

Davis Community Center

Davis Director Nancy Bandemer said they have received a warm welcome from surrounding communities. She said it is heartwarming to see the facilities being utilized. The attendance is exceeding expectations and the sense of community is live and well. Director Bandemer reported Group Fitness is planned for April, court schedules are coming soon, and the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be held on Saturday, February 3rd.

Finance

Recommendation to pay accounts payable for a total of $176,340.64.

OLD BUSINESS

1. Discussion and Possible Action for C-PACE Ordinance 01/01/2024: Alderman Bergren voiced his concern regarding the C-PACE program. He asked the City Attorney about property tax liens and if the loan follows the property. Attorney Zollinger responded yes, the loan stays with the property and the buyer would assume the responsibility. Mayor Bates said this ordinance would be a tool in the tool box for potential investors. A discussion was held regarding the risks and benefits to the ordinance. Alderman Risko made a motion to approve C-PACE Ordinance 01/01/2024, Alderman Kaczmarski seconded. Roll Call Vote: Alderman Risko, yes, Alderman Kaczmarski, yes, Alderman Bergren, no, Alderman Elliott, no, Mayor Bates, yes. Vote: 3 yeses and 2 nos. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Discussion and Possible Action Ordinance No. 2024-01-02: Alderman Elliott made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 2024-01-02 amending Title 8, Chapter 5 (Parking Regulations) of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Mount Carroll to establish a No Parking Zone on the West side of the 500 Block of North Clay Street, Alderman Kaczmarski seconded, all approved. Roll Call Vote: Alderman Elliott, yes, Alderman Kaczmarski, yes, Alderman Risko, yes, Alderman Bergren, yes. Vote: 4 yeses and 0 nos. Motion carried.

2. Discussion and Possible Action for Resolution No. R1-2024: Alderman Risko made a motion to approve Resolution No. R1-2024 Resolution supporting efforts to obtain a Federally or State funded feasibility study on the return of passenger rail service to Northwest Illinois and City of Mount Carroll, Alderman Kaczmarski seconded, all approved. Roll Call Vote: Alderman Risko, yes, Alderman Kaczmarski, yes, Alderman Bergren, yes, Alderman Elliott, yes. Vote: 4 yeses and 0 nos. Motion carried.

3. Discussion and Possible Action for a financial contribution to the Childcare Development Center at Shimer Square: Alderman Kaczmarski made a motion to table the discussion, Alderman Risko seconded, all approved. Roll Call Vote: Alderman Kaczmarski, yes, Alderman Risko, yes, Alderman Bergren, yes, Alderman Elliott, yes. Vote: 4 yeses and 0 nos. Motion carried.

Correspondence:

1. Thank you letter from the West Carroll Superintendent for the donation of $534,000 for the new 8- lane track facility.

General Audience:

MSA Phase 3 Update

Alderman Risko made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:02 p.m., Alderman Bergren seconded, all approved. Roll Call Vote: Alderman Risko, yes, Alderman Bergren, yes, Alderman Kaczmarski, yes, Alderman Elliott, yes. Vote: 4 yeses and 0 nos. Motion carried.

https://www.mtcarrollil.org/vertical/sites/%7BBF753C4F-C5AD-4CAB-8423-6FB6A24CA4F7%7D/uploads/Minutes_Meeting_1-24-24_pdf(1).pdf