NW Illinois News

City of Lanark City Council met Feb. 20.

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: Don Smith, Jordan Smith, Arianna Bush, Deyanise Nieves, Kyle Martz, Randy Beverly, Lynn Landherr, Marissa Giedd, Chief Troy Randall, Attorney Ed Mitchell and Clerk Marilyn Heller.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE-was led by Alderperson Arianna Bush and Deyanise Nieves.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES-MOTION-was made by Alderperson Mark Macomber and seconded by Alderperson Brad Knutti to accept the minutes of the February 6, 2024 meeting as presented. Motion carried by 5 aye votes and 1 abstain. Aye votes: Alderpersons Kevin Barnes, Ed Stern, Brad Knutti, Lynn Collins, and Mark Macomber. Abstain vote: Alderperson Haley Grim.

PUBLIC COMMENTS- None

DONATION REQUESTS- Possible Action – Arianna Bush and Deyanise Nieves representing the Eastland Music Boosters requested a donation form the city of Lanark for the 2024 New Orleans Band Trip. They shared the 35 students attending are responsible for coving the cost of $1143.00 per student. The donation would help lower the cost for the students and help pay for uniforms, food, and travel expenses. A Motion was made by Alderperson Haley Grim and seconded by Alderperson Brad Knutti to approve $250.00 donation to the Eastland Music Boosters for the 2024 Band Trip. Motion carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Kevin Barnes, Haley Grim, Ed Stern, Brad Knutti, Lynn Collins, and Mark Macomber. Kyle Martz with the LCC requested a donation like pervious years for the Old Settlers Day for June 28, 29, and 30, 2024. The council stated that prof of insurance will be necessary to obtain the license. A Motion was made by Alderperson Haley Grim and seconded by Alderperson Brad Knutti to approve a liquor licensing to the LCC for OSD dated June 28, 29, and 30, 2024 and waive the fee. Motion carried by 5 aye votes and 1 abstain. Aye votes: Alderpersons Haley Grim, Ed Stern, Brad Knutti, Lynn Collins, and Mark Macomber. Abstain vote: Alderperson Kevin Barnes. A Motin was made by Alderperson Haley Grim and seconded by Alderperson Brad Knutti to approve the donation of $3,500.00 to the LCC for OSD dated June 28, 29, and 30, 2024. Motion carried by 4 aye votes and 2 abstain. Aye votes: Alderpersons Ed Stern, Brad Knutti, Haley Grim, and Mark Macomber. Abstain vote: Alderperson Kevin Barnes and Lynn Collins.

Marrissa Giedd with Old Settlers Day requested a donation like previous years to help cover the costs for OSD activities. A Motion was made by Alderperson Lynn Collins and seconded by Alderperson Haley Grim to approve $3,500.00 to OSD dated June 28, 29, and 30, 2024. Motion carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Kevin Barnes, Haley Grim, Ed Stern, Brad Knutti, Lynn Collins, and Mark Macomber.

The Lanark Community Club requested a donation of $100.00 like previous years to the Say No to Snow 5K 2024. A Motion was made by Alderperson Haley Grim and seconded by Alderperson Mark Macomber to approve the $100 donation to the Say No to Snow 5K. Motion carried by 4 aye votes and 2 abstain. Aye votes: Alderpersons Ed Stern, Brad Knutti, Haley Grim, and Mark Macomber. Abstain vote: Alderperson Kevin Barnes and Lynn Collins.

BUILDING PERMIT – Possible Action – Don and Jordan Smith presented their plans to open a coffee shop at 127 E Locust. They presented the floor/site plan and mentioned items for the menu, to include coffees, family recipe butter tarts, and Canadian bacon sandwiches. This property is zoned commercial use so the next step for owner is to apply for a building permit and the clerk will confirm with owner if this property is in the TIF district. They discussed the use of the alley for a drive through window on the north side of the building and if it became an issue, he will close the window. No Action Taken.

IMRF – Possible Action – Alderperson Lynn contacted Adam Ludwig for more retirement options and he advised her to reach out to a representative in Rockford. She is waiting to hear from Maintenance manager Jason as to how many employees are interested in a new retirement fund before getting more information. A Motion was made by Alderperson Lynn Collins and seconded by Alderperson Brad Knutti to remove IMRF as a retirement option. Motion carried by 5 aye votes and 1 abstain. Aye votes: Alderpersons Kevin Barnes, Ed Stern, Brad Knutti, Lynn Collins, and Mark Macomber. Abstain vote: Alderperson Haley Grim.

ZONING BOARD/ OFFICER – Possible Action – Alderperson Lynn presented the proposed updates/changes to the zoning officer ordinance 10-13-1/8 that were where discussed at the streets and property/ordinance committee meeting on 2-13-2024. The changes would split the zoning officer duties between the clerk and police chief. Alderperson Lynn will type up the new ordinance with changes discussed and present at next meeting as a new agenda item, Zoning Ordinance.

ANNUAL MOWING CONTRACT FOR 2024 – Possible Action – A Motion was made by Alderperson Brad Knutti and seconded by Alderperson Lynn Collins to pass the Annual Mowing Contract 2024/2025 as presented. Motion carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Kevin Barnes, Haley Grim, Ed Stern, Brad Knutti, Lynn Collins, and Mark Macomber.

STANDING COMMITTEES AND BOARDS-POSSIBLE ACTION- None

REPORTS-EMPLOYEES, ATTORNEY, CLERK, TREASURER, ALDERPERSONS AND MAYOR- Chief Randall – has been working on the budget. Attorney Ed Mitchell – received the levy verification form and he will get that filed. He updated the council on Sue’s property, an amendment would need to be made if the city would like to use a contractor to clean up the property. Clerk Marilyn – shared that 13 shut off letters were sent out this and commented of the up tick of new properties on the shut off list. Commented of how great training with Deb has been and feels she is catching on quickly. Treasurer Deb – shared she trained with Erica today and has an appointment with Clerk Book to close the months of Dec. Mayor Mark will talk with Jodi and Erica for payment for training and schedule. Alderperson Ed – shared that he and Kevin have been on the council for 10 months now. Alderperson Kevin – shared a praise he received from a resident about Chief Randall. Alderperson Haley – meet with Jodi to discuss the cemetery tax disbursement of $3,500, she shared our records show that historically this has never been reimbursed to the cemetery. They discussed that the possible reasons the city would absorb this payment was due to cemetery cost the city pays cover like audit, liability insurance, employee disability, etc. Haley then asked for an update on the McCarthy buildings. Clerk was contacted by owner to confirm the water was shut off and she will be billing for on the cornerstone for the shut off.

ADJOURNMENT-MOTION-was made by Alderperson Brad Knutti and seconded by Alderperson mark Macomber to adjourn at 8:55 p.m. Motion carried by 6 aye votes.

https://lanarkil.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/City-Council-Meeting-Minutes-02202024.pdf