NW Illinois News

City of Byron City Council met June 26.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Minutes Approved as Presented 7/17/24

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, Michael Gyorkos. Five members present.

Aldermen Absent: Christy Hanlin, Jessica Nehring

PRESENT: Mayor John Rickard

City Administrator Brian Brooks

City Clerk Caryn Huber

City Attorney Aaron Szeto

Police Rep. Spencer Morrissey

Citizens Charles Van Horn

Motion by Alderman Fulrath to allow Alderman Hanlin to participate by phone. Motion seconded by Alderman Gyorkos. Roll call vote: Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Boyer 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 Gerdes to approve, as presented, the June 26, 2024, agenda. Seconded by Alderman Isaacs. Roll call vote: Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

6. MINUTES –

a. June 5, 2024 – City Council Regular Meeting Minutes – Motion by Alderman Hanlin to approve, as presented, the June 5, 2024, City Council regular meeting minutes. Seconded by Alderman Gerdes. Roll call vote: Boyer, ABS; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 5; NAY, 0; ABS, 1.

7. PUBLIC COMMENT – None

8. TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Huber stated that the Treasurer’s Report for May is in Dropbox. She also reported that the mural is complete. The sign is on order and as soon as it is installed, a ribbon cutting will be coordinated with the Chamber of Commerce.

9. LIST OF BILLS –

a. June 19, 2024 – Motion by Alderman Isaacs to approve, as presented, the June 19, 2024, List of Bills in the amount of $45,975.97. Motion seconded by Alderman Fulrath. Roll call vote: Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0. b. June 26, 2024 – Alderman Isaacs asked about the $31,300.00 charge from Kelsey Excavating (plumbing and piping components for the Mill Rd. lift station) and $28,393.87 from Utility Service Co. (work on Acorn Rd. Tank and Well 3). Motion by Alderman Boyer to approve, as presented, the June 26, 2024, List of Bills in the amount of $204,075.02. Motion seconded by Alderman Isaacs. Roll call vote: Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

10. MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Rickard reported that Creston has joined Byron, Oregon, Mt. Morris, Polo, and Ogle County in the Ogle Co. Economic Development Corporation. Current private sector members include Comcast, Nicor and ComEd. The Executive Director is fielding inquiries to bring business into the county.

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 – City Administrator Brooks reported for Engineer Stoll. The manholes are complete and the areas will be patched before ByronFest. Fabric has been laid on the streets scheduled for maintenance. Slurry seal will be poured in a few weeks. HMA Overlay will begin in July/Aug. One of the boat docks is in, but the other is on hold until the river recedes and work can be completed on the anchoring block. Landscaping work at the boat launch should be completed next week. The materials for the shelter are backordered but expected in August.

14. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – City Administrator Brooks reported for Director Vincer.

a. Public Works Building Update – A bid opening was held for the work on the Public Works Building. It will be discussed further in the agenda.

b. Wastewater Treatment Plant – No update.

c. Other –More sludge hauling is anticipated in the Fall in anticipation of measuring elevations for the new treatment plant. The SCADA radio system replacement has begun. Well 5 repairs are nearing completion. Well 3 will be changed from liquid chlorine to sodium hypochlorite. The cost was higher than anticipated. One well will cost $49,000. Budgeted amount for all three wells is $60,000. Director Vincer is hoping to change at least one more this year if possible. If the budget does not allow, the other two wells will be converted next year. Spring clean-up day went well, but next year he will request more dumpsters as well as arrange for a Saturday pick up. A snowplow will be installed on the new truck in August. A request for a streetlight at 520 W. 2nd St. was sent to ComEd.

15. POLICE CHIEF REPORT – Officer Morrissey stated that the two candidates in training at the Academy are doing well.

16. COMMITTEE REPORTS –

a. Community Services – No report.

b. Public Works – No report.

c. Administrative – Alderman Isaacs reported that the Administrative Committee began discussions about the elimination of the grocery tax.

17. CONTINUING BUSINESS

a. 221 N. Walnut St. Sidewalk Replacement – A design has been agreed upon that keeps the ramp in front of the building. Part of the ramp will sit on the City ROW. The plan also keeps the two parking places in front of the building and keeps IDOT’s requirement of 13’ for trucks. The railing along the alley by the apartment door will be removable so tenants can easily move furniture in and out. We will be sending this project out to bid in two parts. The sidewalk portion of the bid will be the responsibility of the city, and the ramp portion of the bid will be Mr. Miller’s responsibility, with the city reimbursing him through a TIF agreement.

b. Ordinance Vacating Portion of Alley North of 319 N. Market St. –We are waiting for a survey to be done. No action is requested until the survey is complete.

c. Ordinance Amending UTV Chapter to Include Alternate Categories of Vehicles – Chief Boehle and Administrator Brooks have reviewed the ordinance, and it was brought before the Public Safety Committee. Our UTV Ordinance currently does not allow for low-speed vehicles that are licensed by the state. The amendment to the ordinance brings us compliant with state law and gives us the ability to license ATVs and low speed vehicles. The Public Safety Committee recommends council approval of the Ordinance Amending the UTV Chapter to Include Alternate Categories of Vehicles. Roll call vote: Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

d. Pedal Bus Ordinance – The Public Safety Committee approved the concept of a Pedal Bus operating in Byron and asked Administrator Brooks and Attorney Szeto to proceed with the writing of an ordinance. The ordinance in Dropbox is based upon Champaign IL and Winnebago IL ordinances. Administrator Brooks reviewed the ordinance with council members, pointing out that the ordinance does not allow for the serving of alcohol. This will be handled through a separate BYOB license. Discussion was held regarding if all passengers need to be 21 to allow alcohol on the pedal bus. All drivers will be Basset trained. Administrator Brooks stated that the other ordinances are written to require the driver of the pedal bus to pour all drinks into plastic cups for the passengers. This allows the driver to know how much each passenger is consuming. Alderman Gyorkos motioned to approve the Pedal Bus Ordinance but not allow any liquor. Motion seconded by Alderman Fulrath. Administrator Brooks added that the pedal bus would be allowed on Byron School District and Park District parking lots under the same parameters as the UTV Ordinance, however, alcohol is not allowed at either location. He will change the ordinance to reflect that. Amended motion by Alderman Gyorkos to bypass first read and approve the pedal bus ordinance as revised. Motion seconded by Alderman Fulrath. Roll call vote: Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

e. Resolution Approving Renewal of Membership in the Illinois Municipal League - Alderman Isaacs motioned to approve the Resolution Approving Renewal of Membership in the Illinois Municipal League. Motion seconded by Alderman Gerdes. Roll call vote: Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE, Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

f. Resolution Approving Attendance at the 2024 IML Conference – Alderman Fulrath motioned to approve the Resolution Approving Attendance at the 2024 IML Conference. Motion seconded by Alderman Boyer. Roll call vote: Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE, Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

18. NEW BUSINESS

a. IPWMAN Ordinance – Clerk Huber reported that city council had previously approved membership in the IPWMAN. Clerk Huber had sent in our application and fee, along with minutes from the meeting where the membership was approved. The association has asked for approval through ordinance. Alderman Gerdes motioned to waive first read and approve the Ordinance Authorizing Execution of the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network Agreement. Motion seconded by Alderman Fulrath. Roll call vote: Boyer, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE, Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

b. Boat Launch Construction Change Order – No report.

c. DPI Manhole Payment – Administrator Brooks stated the majority of the manhole work has been completed and the Engineer’s Payment Estimate 1 for $65,078.71 is in Dropbox. No action taken.

d. Public Works Building Bid Awards – Administrator Brooks stated that there was a bid opening on Friday. Even though he does not have final bid results yet, the figures were looking to be near our budget range.

19. COUNCIL TALK – None

20. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Alderman Isaacs motioned to go into Executive Session pursuant to 5ILCS 120/2 (c)(6) of the Open Meetings Act at to discuss the setting of a price for sale or lease of property owned by the city at 7:36 pm. Motion seconded by Alderman Boyer. Roll call vote: Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE, Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

City Council returned to open session at 8:09 pm. Aldermen present: Mittzi Fulrath, Ron Boyer, Mike Gyorkos, Christy Hanlin, Todd Isaacs, Emily Gerdes. Others present: Mayor John Rickard, Attorney Aaron Szeto, City Administrator Brian Brooks, City Clerk Caryn Huber.

No action was taken in Executive Session.

21. COMMUNICATION –

a. Regular City Council Meeting - Wednesday, July 3, 2024 – CANCELLED b. Regular City Council Meeting – Wednesday, July 17, 2024, 6:30pm

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 8:09 pm.

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