NW Illinois News

City of Byron City Council met June 5.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Alderman Gerdes called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm.

1. ROLL CALL:

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

MEMBERS NOT PRESENT: Alderman Christy Hanlin

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

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, Brad Miller

2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – JUNE 5, 2024 – Motion by Alderman Gyorkos to approve the agenda as presented. Seconded by Alderman Nehring. 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 – MAY 1, 2024 REGULAR MEETING –Alderman Nehring motioned to approve, as presented, the May 1, 2024, Community Services Committee meeting minutes. Seconded by Alderman Gyorkos. 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 sidewalk at 221 N. Walnut St. 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. Building owner Brad Miller was present and stated that he is not in favor of losing a parking spot. Parking is difficult at the location, and he not only has the business, but he has four tenants above the store. Administrator Brooks will keep Mr. Miller updated as work continues.

6. 2024 STREET PROJECT CHANGE ORDER – Director Vincer stated that the extension of the paving on Franklin St. to add a section north of 4th St. was discussed at the last meeting. During the discussion, the condition of Ashelford Ct. was also discussed. The committee requested that a price be obtained to also add Ashelford Ct. The additional cost will be $46,125. The original streets quote was approximately $50,000 less than the engineer’s estimate. Adding the additional work would put us close to our original 2024 streets budget. Alderman Gyorkos motioned to recommend council approval to extend the paving of Franklin St. north of 4th St. and include Ashelford Ct. for a total of $46,125. 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. – No update.

8. ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING FINANCING AND PURCHASE OF PUBLIC WORKS VEHICLE – Administrator Brooks stated that we budgeted for a new Public Works truck. The department was having a difficult time locating the truck they wanted, which is a 3500. Director Vincer has been working with Autoland, and they were able to locate a truck in Kentucky. The truck being replaced is in bad condition and needs to be replaced as soon as possible. Because of the emergency replacement, the ordinance waives the bidding requirement. 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. Alderman Nehring motioned to waive first read and recommend council approval of the Ordinance Authorizing Financing and Purchase of the Public Works Vehicle. Motion seconded by Alderman Gerdes. Roll call vote: Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Gerdes, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

9. FEHR GRAHAM ENGINEERING SERVICES AGREEMENT – Administrator Brooks stated that a proposal for the 2024-2025 Fehr Graham engineering services contract is in Dropbox. The scope of services is the same as 2023-2024 with a monthly billing amount of $2,350/month, which is $150/month more than last year. Alderman Nehring motioned to recommend council approval of the Fehr Graham Engineering Services contract for 2024-2025. Motion seconded by Alderman Gerdes. Roll call vote: Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Nehring, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

10. SUNSHINE PARK – Administrator Brooks reported that Pete and Katrina Kirby have found an alternate location for their ice cream trailer. He asked committee members what they would like to do with Sunshine Park as far as selling it for development or updating it and continuing to operate it as a park. Director Vincer stated that there is nothing salvageable in the park now. Alderman Gerdes asked if there was any grant money available to fix it up. Engineer Stoll thought there might be some available with a 50/50 match, but also recommended discussing the subject with the Comprehensive Plan consultant. Director Vincer stated that we had left the parks business years ago and suggested talking to the Park District to gauge their interest. After discussion, the consensus of the committee was to explore the commercial interest in the property.

11. WELL 5 UPDATE – Well 5 experienced a critical failure a few weeks ago. It is the second failure in five years, and the pump needs to be replaced. A submersible pump has been ordered (the same type of pump that is being used in Well 3). Cost is $74,000 and delivery is two to four weeks out.

12. JULY MEETING DATES – The July 3 Community Services Committee meeting has been cancelled due to the July 4 holiday. After a brief discussion, the committee rescheduled the committee meeting to Tuesday, July 9 at 5:30 pm.

13. PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING SITE ACQUISITION – Administrator Brooks stated that the deed has been recorded and we are now the owners of the property at the Public Works Building Site.

14. PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE –

a. Public Works Building Update – Construction is out for bid with a June 21 bid opening.

b. Wastewater Treatment Plant –

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: Hanlin, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0. Alderman Gerdes adjourned the meeting at 6:22 pm.

https://www.cityofbyron.com/media/3671