NW Illinois News

City of Polo City Council met Feb. 5.

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 Keith Chesnut, Alderman Larry Weaver, Alderman Thomas Bardell, and Alderman Randy Schoon. Absent: Alderman Joseph Kochsmeier and Alderman James Busser.

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 January 15, 2024 Council Meeting.

B. Minutes from the January 15, 2024 Public Hearing.

Motion carried 4-0. Yes- Chesnut, Weaver, Bardell, 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- Alderman Weaver spoke to Mick Snook about some bad sections of sidewalk uptown. He would like to have these fixed and have them added to the next fiscal year budget. 

➤Alderman Bardell- Mayor Knapp got a hold of Mike from Clearview pools and he would be willing to paint the pool. Mayor Knapp took some pictures of the pool and sent them to two sandblasters. He is hoping to get the projects split in two so they can stay under $20,000 and not have to be bid out. 

➤Alderman Schoon- Alderman Schoon stated that the other towns in Ogle County have gone their own ways and no longer want to try to do a joint contract for sanitation services. He is wondering what the council would like to do with our sanitation services. Our contract is up in September 2024. City Clerk Bartelt stated that 3 years ago they asked for proposals in March to have the information for budget purposes. She can send out letters again asking for proposals. The consensus of the council would like to receive proposals from several companies. The pre-construction meeting for lead services was done very well. The PEDC would like to do a fundraiser with the proposed mural on a blanket. The artist is suggesting to wait until after the mural is painted. The PEDC would like the council to obtain a final drawing of the proposal mural from the artist prior to starting the mural. OECDC will be meeting tomorrow to hire their ED director. She will be brought around to each City Council meeting for the City’s in Ogle County. Alderman Schoon would like all the Council to write 5 attainable goals to help further growth in businesses or economic development in Polo.

➤Police Chief Matt Coppotelli- He is still working on some ordinance violations.

➤City Clerk Bartelt- Deputy Clerk Waszak and City Clerk Bartelt had a pre-audit meeting with Wipfli. Wipfli informed them that this is the last year in our agreed proposal. They also informed us that their service costs will be doubling. They didn’t know if the city was going to do new requests for proposals or if they would stay with Wipfli. City Clerk Bartelt asked the council what they would like to do. The consensus of the council is to go out for proposals.

➤Public Works Director Kendall Kyker- This summer the public works department will need a part time worker. He would also like to hire a part time guy for the street department. Consensus of the council is to advertise for 2 positions.

8. Items Removed from Consent Agenda

NONE

9. Old Business- Discussion/Action Items

10. New Business- Discussion/Action Items

A. Consideration & Possible Action on an asbestos agreement for 208 N. Congress Ave. Asbestos testing will be required in order to demolish the building.

Alderman Schoon stated that he does not think outfit that would take down the building to repurpose the bricks will be interested anymore. Apparently, if the bricks are left onsite then the company would have to pay prevailing wage. If they haul the bricks away, then they do not have to pay prevailing wage. Alderman Bardell made a motion to accept the bid not to exceed $1,080, seconded by Alderman Weaver. Motion carried 4-0. Yes- Weaver, Bardell, Schoon, Chesnut.

B. Consideration & Possible Action on the police department strategic plan.

Alderman Bardell made a motion to purchase CentralSquare in the amount of $22,247.59, seconded by Alderman Chesnut. Motion carried 4-0. Yes- Bardell, Schoon, Chesnut, Weaver.

11. Other Items for Discussion & Information

None.

12. Adjournment

Motion by Alderman Bardell, second by Alderman Weaver to adjourn from closed and regular session at 7:56 p.m. Motion carried 4-0.

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3619/Polo/4012601/02192024_Agenda_Packet-_website.pdf