NW Illinois News

City of Byron Administrative Committee met Feb. 21.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Alderman Isaacs called the meeting to order at 5:15 pm.

1. ROLL CALL –

MEMBERS PRESENT: Alderman Todd Isaacs, Alderman Mittzi Fulrath

MEMBERS ABSENT: Alderman Boyer

Alderman Isaacs motioned to recess Administrative Committee until 6:00 pm in order to attend the Open Forum for Police Chief candidates. Motion seconded by Alderman Fulrath. Roll call vote: Fulrath, AYE; Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 2; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

Alderman Isaacs motioned to reconvene the Administrative Committee at 6:00 pm. Motion seconded by Alderman Fulrath. Roll call vote: Isaacs, AYE; Fulrath, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 2; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

OTHERS PRESENT: Clerk Caryn Huber, Administrator Brian Brooks, Attorney Aaron Szeto, Public Works Director Aaron Vincer, Alderman Mike Gyorkos, Alderman Emily Gerdes, Alderman Jessica Nehring, Bill Pirnat, Jordan Auker, Charles Van Horn, Gynelle Wig, Rylynne Wig.

2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – February 21, 2024 –Alderman Isaacs motioned to approve, as presented, the February 21, 2024, Administrative Committee meeting agenda. Motion seconded by Alderman Fulrath. Roll call vote: Fulrath, AYE; Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 2; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

3. PUBLIC COMMENT – None

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – January 17, 2024 –Alderman Fulrath was not in attendance at the last meeting. January 17 minutes will remain on the agenda for review at the March 20 meeting.

5. 2024 MURAL – Clerk Huber reported that she has been in touch with the artist, and he has begun design work.

6. REVIEW OF RAFFLE ORDINANCE – Jordan Auker, owner of the Neon Tiger Restaurant, was in attendance on behalf of Walter Lawson Parent’s Association. He requested two changes to the raffle ordinance. The first, item 5.52.020 C1 is to increase the maximum value of prizes from $10,000 to $1,000,000. The second, item 5.52.020 C3 is to increase the maximum number of days during which chances may be issued or sold from 180 days to 365 days. He would like to host a Queen of Hearts raffle benefiting Walter Lawson Children’s Home in Rockford. The raffle will be run by Walter Lawson Parent’s Association. An annual golf playday that they have previously run has been discontinued, and they are exploring ways to replace that income. Due to the nature of the raffle, it is possible that the prize money would be substantial, and the raffle could potentially last up to a year. Starting pot will be $5,000. The winner, if present, receives 70% of the winnings, and the organization receives 30%. The cost to enter the raffle is 5 tickets for $5.00. He hopes to have the drawings on Wednesdays. If the ticket purchaser is not present but wins the raffle, the split will be 40% to the winner/60% to the organization. Attorney Szeto stated that municipalities do have the ability to set the maximum amount and the number of days for raffles. The committee will survey similar raffles held in other communities and will continue discussion at the March meeting. Mr. Auker will forward the rules of the raffle for the committee to review.

7. BUDGET REVIEW– Administrator Brooks reviewed the budget to date. Most budget items should be at 75% at this time of the fiscal year. He pointed out that City Hall maintenance is at 102.6% due to elevator repairs. Planning and development general expenses are up due to engineering services. Administrator Brooks will begin to meet with department heads in preparation for the 2024-2025 budget. A special budget meeting will be scheduled for Wednesday, March 13 at 5:30pm for the Administrative Committee. All Aldermen are invited to attend.

8. 221 N. WALNUT ST. SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT TIF AGREEMENT – No updates.

9. CITY ADMINISTRATOR UPDATES – No updates.

10. ADJOURN – Alderman Fulrath motioned to adjourn the Administrative Committee meeting. Seconded by Alderman Isaacs. Roll call vote: Isaacs, AYE; Fulrath, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 2; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

Alderman Isaacs adjourned the meeting at 6:23 pm.

https://www.cityofbyron.com/media/3336