NW Illinois News

City of Byron City Council met June 5.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

1. CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Rickard called the meeting to order at 6:31 pm.

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Led by Mayor Rickard

3. ROLL CALL – Aldermen present: Todd Isaacs, Emily Gerdes, Mittzi Fulrath, Jessica Nehring, Michael Gyorkos. Five members present.

Aldermen Absent: Christy Hanlin, Ron Boyer

PRESENT: Mayor John Rickard

City Administrator Brian Brooks

City Clerk Caryn Huber

City Attorney Aaron Szeto

Public Works Dir. Aaron Vincer

Police Chief Jeremy Boehle

City Engineer Jason Stoll

Citizens Charles Van Horn, Sean Smith, Barb Dowd, Jerry Dowd

Motion by Alderman Gerdes to allow Alderman Hanlin to participate by phone. Motion seconded by Alderman Fulrath. Roll call vote: Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 5; NAY, 0; ABS, 0. Six members present.

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

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

6. MINUTES –

a. MAY 15, 2024 – City Council Regular Meeting Minutes – Alderman Fulrath requested an amendment to the minutes, stating that she was in attendance by phone, and Alderman Gerdes was present in person. Motion by Alderman Gyorkos to approve, as amended, the May 15, 2024, City Council regular meeting minutes. Seconded by Alderman Nehring. Roll call vote: Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

7. PUBLIC COMMENT – Barb Dowd addressed the council. She would like to see American flags on display in Byron on patriotic holidays, similar to Winnebago and Mt. Morris. She has priced the flags through Ace Hardware – 12) 3’x5’ flags are $635. This includes an 18” PVC Pipe that goes into the ground and is capped when not in use. She asked the city for a donation towards the flags. She has spoken with several business owners along Route 2 that have agreed to have the flags on their property. She would like to display them on Memorial Day, Flag Day, 4th of July, Labor Day and Veterans Day.

8. TREASURER’S REPORT – There is no Treasurer’s Report, but Treasurer Huber mentioned that priming has begun on the front of City Hall in preparation for the mural. We have received $4,750 in sponsorship. The city’s first newsletter will be sent out soon.

9. LIST OF BILLS – Alderman Isaacs asked about the charge from Ogle County. Chief Boehle said this is part of the LEAD program for police computers. Alderman Isaacs also asked about charges from CORD. Administrator Brooks stated this was for architect fees for the new Public Works building. Alderman Gerdes motioned to approve the List of Bills dated 06/05/24, in the amount of $148,145.59. Motion seconded by Alderman Fulrath. Roll call vote: Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Nehring, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS 0.

10. MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Rickard reported that he and Administrator Brooks met with the Region 1 Planning Council last week. There are three areas that Byron may want to be involved with: Council of Governments ($2,500/year), where city leaders meet to exchange ideas; transportation (no cost) and: landbank, where the planning council helps with blighted properties.

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

12. CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT – No report. All items are on the agenda.

13. CITY ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Stoll reported that work has started on the boat dock although the river water is still high. The contractor hopes to complete the sidewalk next week, weather permitting. Slurry seal should begin later this month. The manhole project is underway.

14. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS REPORT –

a. Public Works Building Update – None.

b. Wastewater Treatment Plant – No update.

c. Other –Ogle County is working wih the city on mosquito testing. They have placed several traps in town. Kade Politsch is going to be working part-time seasonal this summer. A new pump has been ordered for Well #5. It will be a submersible pump. There is no date yet for the Whitaker road chip seal. Crack sealing started early in preparation for the slurry seal application.

15. POLICE CHIEF REPORT –Chief Boehle has been getting good reports on the two candidates currently training at the academy.

16. COMMITTEE REPORTS –

a. Community Services – All items are on the agenda.

b. Public Works – No report.

c. Administrative – No report.

17. CONTINUING BUSINESS

a. 221 N. Walnut St. Sidewalk Replacement – The sidewalk has been removed. As the cement was removed, they observed more settling and voids than anticipated. The base under the cement is wet, but it is unclear if the water is coming from cracks above or from the water service coming into the building. Exploration has been ordered for the site so Director Vincer can determine if this service is dry. As far as design, Administrator Brooks stated that the most recent design featured a lift in the back of the building for ADA accessibility. A quote for the lift, however, is $85,000. An ADA accessible ramp in the front of the building would likely eliminate one parking space. Alderman Gerdes added that Mr. Miller was present at the committee meeting and stated that he is not in favor of losing any parking spaces. Discussion will continue.

b. 2024 Street Project Change Order – The Community Services Committee recommends council approval of a change order to the 2024 Streets program that will include Franklin St. north of 4th St. and Ashelford Ct. for a total of $46,125. Roll call vote: Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

c. Fehr Graham Engineering Services Agreement – The Community Services Committee recommends council approval of the Fehr Graham Engineering Services Agreement in the amount $28,200. They will provide the same services as last year. The fee has increased by $150/month. Roll call vote: Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

d. Ordinance Vacating Portion of Alley North of 319 N. Market St. – Administrator Brooks stated that a draft ordinance is included in Dropbox. We are waiting for a survey to be done. At the committee’s request, Administrator Brooks has a signed statement from Mr. Berg that he is not interested in any part of the property. No action is requested until the survey is complete.

e. Off-Highway Vehicle Ordinance – Chief Boehle and Administrator Brooks are reviewing the ordinance and will present it at the next Public Safety Committee meeting. f. Pedal Bus Ordinance – This ordinance will be reviewed by the Public Safety Committee.

18. NEW BUSINESS

a. Ordinance Authorizing Financing and Purchase of Public Works Vehicle – The Community Services Committee recommends bypassing first read and recommends council approval of the Ordinance Authorizing the financing and purchase of a new Public Works Vehicle - The cost of the truck is $72,630, with financing through Byron Bank at 4.25% (three annual payments). Director Vincer stated that vehicles have been paid through the Road and Bridge account, and the last payment for the street sweeper has been made. Roll call vote: Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

b. Byron Chamber of Commerce ByronFest Proposal – Byron Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sean Smith asked council for approval of this year’s festival on July 12, 13 and 14. Most of the layout and requests are the same as last year, however, in anticipation of the new Off-Highway Vehicle Ordinance, he is asking to use golf carts on the festival grounds and to put up parade “no parking” signs on the route starting on the Tuesday before the festival. Alderman Fulrath motioned to approve the ByronFest requests for 2024. Motion seconded by Alderman Nehring. Roll call vote: Fulrath, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

c. Resolution Approving Renewal of Membership in the Illinois Municipal League – Resolution is in Dropbox for first read.

d. Resolution Approving Attendance at the 2024 IML Conference – Resolution is in Dropbox for first read.

19. COUNCIL TALK – None

21. COMMUNICATION –

a. Regular City Council Meeting - Wednesday, June 19, 2024 – Cancelled

b. Byron City Council Special Meeting – Wednesday, June 26, 2024, 6:30 pm.

22. ADJOURN – Alderman Gerdes motioned to adjourn. Motion seconded by Alderman Nehring. Roll call vote: Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

Mayor Rickard adjourned the City Council meeting at 7:04 pm.

https://www.cityofbyron.com/media/3641