NW Illinois News

City of Byron Community Services Committee met April 3.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Alderman Gerdes called the meeting to order at 5:41 pm.

1. ROLL CALL:

MEMBERS PRESENT: Alderman Emily Gerdes, Alderman Jessica Nehring, Alderman Mike Gyorkos

MEMBERS NOT PRESENT: Alderman Christy Hanlin

Alderman Gyorkos motioned to allow Alderman Christy Hanlin to participate by phone. Motion seconded by Alderman Nehring. Roll call vote: Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Gerdes, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 3; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

OTHERS PRESENT: Mayor John Rickard, Director Aaron Vincer, City Administrator Brian Brooks, City Attorney Aaron Szeto, City Clerk Caryn Huber, City Engineer Jason Stoll, Police Chief Jeremy Boehle, Alderman Todd Isaacs, Alderman Ron Boyer

2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – APRIL 3, 2024 – Director Vincer requested to have item #8, Change Order 1 for Watermain Replacement, removed from the agenda. Motion by Alderman Nehring to approve the agenda as amended. Seconded by Alderman Gyorkos. Roll call vote: Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Nehring, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

3. PUBLIC COMMENT – None

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – MARCH 6, 2024 REGULAR MEETING –Alderman Gyorkos motioned to approve, as presented, the March 6, 2024, Community Services Committee meeting minutes. Seconded by Alderman Nehring. Roll call vote: Hanlin, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

5. 221 N. WALNUT ST. SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT – Director Vincer reported that the city will move forward on replacing the sidewalk at 221 N. Walnut St. The handicap lift will be located at the back of the property. The front ramp will stay in the same position it is now. Design work is done, and the project will be going out for bid. Mr. Miller will contract work on the ramp and steps and will apply for TIF funds to fund the project.

6. MANHOLE REPLACEMENT PACKAGE BID AWARD – Engineer Stoll reported that bids have been received for the four manholes we are replacing as part of the 2024 Streets Program. Five bids were received, with DPI Construction from Pecatonica having the lowest bid of $82,639.64 (Engineer’s estimate was $100,000). He recommends awarding the contract to DPI Construction. Alderman Gyorkos motioned to recommend council approval to award the manhole bid to DPI Construction in the amount of $82,639.64. Motion seconded by Alderman Nehring. Roll call vote: Gerdes, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

7. STREET LIGHT REQUEST FOR 500 BLOCK OF W. 2nd ST. – Administrator Brooks stated that a streetlight has been requested by neighbors on the 500 block of W. 2nd St. Alderman Gerdes asked Chief Boehle to check on visibility on the block.

8. CHANGE ORDER 1 FOR WATERMAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT (ITEM REMOVED FROM AGENDA)

9. FEHR GRAHAM UTILITY PLAN PROPOSAL – Director Vincer stated that it would be helpful to have a plan that addresses utility infrastructure. This initial 5-year plan, overlayed with the streets plan, will allow us to make decisions that avoid unnecessary work and the possibility of digging up newly paved streets. Similar to the streets plan, Director Vincer would like a plan of what utilities need immediate attention. Administrator Brooks added that the plan will include an identification of what we have in the ground, its age and condition, and a priority list for replacement. Fehr Graham has proposed $15,000 for Phase 1, Water Planning, to be billed in FY 2023-2024, and $16,850 for Phase 2, Sanitary System Planning, to be billed in FY 2024-2025. The $15,000 this year would be taken out of the engineering line item. Motion by Alderman Nehring to recommend council approval of the Fehr Graham Infrastructure Assessment Proposal totaling $31,850 ($15,000 to be paid this fiscal year, and $16,850 to be paid next fiscal year) with a waiver of first read. Motion seconded by Alderman Gyorkos. Roll call vote: Roll call vote: Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Gerdes, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

10. PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE –

a. Public Works Building Update – Director Vincer displayed and discussed the plans for the new Public Works Building design. There is enough room for all the Public Works vehicles and storage for all their tools. The fuel islands at the current Public Works building will be moved to the new site. The plan leaves room for expansion by 50-60’ to the west, enough for 5-6 additional vehicles. An existing tree line and additional plantings will form a natural sight barrier for the surrounding homes. Administrator Brooks added that final plans are being drawn up now, and we should be going out for bid in 2-3 weeks.

b. Wastewater Treatment Plant – The design for the new wastewater treatment plant is nearing the 60% complete mark.

c. Other – None

11. CITY ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE – None

12. ADJOURN – Alderman Nehring motioned to adjourn the Community Services Committee meeting. Seconded by Alderman Gyorkos. Roll call vote: Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Nehring, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0. Alderman Gerdes adjourned the meeting at 6:20 pm. The next regular Community Services meeting is May 1, 2024, at 5:30pm.

https://www.cityofbyron.com/media/3471