NW Illinois News

City of Byron City Council met March 6.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

1. CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Rickard called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Led by Mayor Rickard

3. ROLL CALL – Aldermen present: Todd Isaacs, Emily Gerdes, Mittzi Fulrath, Ron Boyer, Jessica Nehring, Michael Gyorkos, Christy Hanlin. Seven members present.

Aldermen Absent: None

PRESENT: Mayor John Rickard

City Administrator Brian Brooks

City Clerk Caryn Huber

City Attorney Aaron Szeto

Public Works Dir. Aaron Vincer

Police Chief Todd Murray

City Engineer Jason Stoll

Citizens Bill Pirnat, Jeremy Boehle, Charles Van Horn, Eric Miller, Brian Malone, Michelle Murray, Jim Wilcox, Amy King, Spencer Morrissey, Herb Santiago, Morgan and Michael Ashworth, Tyler Hankins, Garret Henderson, Carrie, Blaike and Logan Boehle, Lisa and David Boehle, Dan and Sandra Boehle, Evan and Priscilla Ruggeberg, Heather, Greg and Abby Bennett, Joni Camling, Scott Randels, Andy Politsch, Paul Brantner, Angela Loehner, Alex Gourley, Tyler Schlaf, Vito Iozzo, Deborah Kjenner, Mary Bukoski

4. REVERENCE PERIOD – Mayor Rickard led the Council in prayer.

5. APPROVAL/AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA – Motion by Alderman Hanlin to approve, as presented, the March 6, 2024, agenda. Seconded by Alderman Gerdes. Roll call vote: Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

6. MINUTES –

a. February 21, 2024 – City Council Regular Meeting Minutes – Motion by Alderman Hanlin to approve, as presented, the February 21, 2024, City Council Regular Meeting Minutes. Seconded by Alderman Fulrath. Roll call vote: Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

7. PUBLIC COMMENT – Deborah Kjenner addressed the Council. Recently, there was a 2-3” sewer backup into her basement. She contacted Public Works Director Aaron Vincer, and he called LDR to begin cleanup. LDR did the cleanup, but she still has floors and walls ripped out, as well as damage to her new washing machine. There are two bedrooms in the basement. She contacted her insurance company, and the City’s insurance company also visited her home. It is unclear what the next steps will be in this process. Mayor Rickard stated that the City will pay the LDR bill and wait to hear from the insurance adjustor.

8. TREASURER’S REPORT – No report.

9. LIST OF BILLS – Alderman Isaacs asked about the $2,803.19 bill from Central Square. Chief Murray stated that this charge is for the report management system in the squad cars and at the station. Alderman Isaacs motioned to approve the List of Bills dated 03/06/24, in the amount of $102,597.39. Motion seconded by Alderman Hanlin. Roll call vote: Boyer, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS 0.

10. MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Rickard reported that Governor Pritzker is proposing eliminating the grocery tax, which totals, for Byron, between $134,000 and $180,000 annually. He has asked Attorney Szeto to prepare a Resolution to send to our State Senators and Representatives opposing the proposal.

Mayor Rickard recognized Police Chief Todd Murray for his 24 years of service to the Byron Police Department. Chief Murray, who retires at the end of this week, was presented with a plaque thanking him for his service.

11. EXECUTIVE SESSION –

Executive Session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(1) of the Open Meetings Act to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees. Alderman Boyer motioned to go into Executive Session at 6:39pm. Motion seconded by Alderman Hanlin. Roll call vote: Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS 0.

The City Council meeting reconvened at 6:57pm. Roll call: Todd Isaacs, Emily Gerdes, Mittzi Fulrath, Ron Boyer, Jessica Nehring, Michael Gyorkos, Christy Hanlin. Mayor Rickard stated there was no action taken in Executive Session.

12. APPROVAL OF POLICE CHIEF APPOINTMENT AND EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT – Alderman Gyorkos motioned to approve the Mayor’s appointment of Jeremy Boehle as Police Chief and accept his employment contract as presented. Motion seconded by Alderman Fulrath. Roll call vote: Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

Mayor Rickard administered the Oath of Office to Police Chief Jeremy Boehle. Effective 3-9-24.

13. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT – No report. All items are on the agenda.

14. CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT – No report. Attorney Szeto introduced Attorney Eric Miller, who will be covering for him at the next meeting.

15. CITY ENGINEER’S REPORT - No report. All items are on the agenda.

16. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS REPORT –

a. Public Works Building Update – Director Vincer hopes to have plans to review at the next meeting.

b. Wastewater Treatment Plant – No updates.

c. Other – None.

17. POLICE CHIEF REPORT – Chief Boehle thanked the Mayor and City Council for the opportunity to serve the City of Byron as Police Chief.

18. COMMITTEE REPORTS –

a. Community Services – No report. All items are on the agenda.

b. Public Safety – No report.

c. Administrative – No report.

19. CONTINUING BUSINESS

a. 221 N. Walnut St. Sidewalk Replacement – Aldermen Gerdes reported that we are waiting for the building owner to finalize plans with his contractor. We are asking for plans by April so sidewalk work can begin.

20. NEW BUSINESS –

a. 2024 Street Improvement Bid Packages

i. HMA Street Resurfacing – Alderman Gerdes stated that the Community Services Committee recommends Council approval to waive first read and award the HMA Street Resurfacing bid to Rock Road Companies, Inc. for $387,651.93. Roll call vote: Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

ii. Slurry Seal Application – Alderman Gerdes stated that the Community Services Committee recommends Council approval to waive first read and award the Slurry Seal bid to Struck & Irwin Paving, Inc. for $171,084.94. Roll call vote: Boyer, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

b. Water/Sewer Rate Ordinance – Alderman Gerdes stated that the Community Services Committee recommends Council approval of the Water/Sewer Rate Ordinance as presented. A vote will be taken at the next Council meeting.

21. COUNCIL TALK – Alderman Hanlin has received complaints about trucks for sale being parked on Route 2 in the empty lot across from the Catholic church. She also has received calls regarding garbage and the exposed dumpster on the side of Dollar General. Mayor Rickard will investigate both items.

21. COMMUNICATION –

a. Regular City Council Meeting – Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at 6:30 pm.

22. ADJOURN – Alderman Gerdes motioned to adjourn. Motion seconded by Alderman Fulrath. Roll call vote: Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

Mayor Rickard adjourned the City Council meeting at 7:11 pm.

https://www.cityofbyron.com/media/3361