NW Illinois News

City of Dixon City Council met Aug. 19.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Hughes at 5:30pm.

ROLL CALL

Councilman Oros, Venier, Bishop, Considine, and Mayor Hughes answered roll call. Absent: None.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/INVOCATION

The Pledge of Allegiance was cited. Invocation was given by Councilman Venier

PRESENTATION

Christy Campoll, from RLS & Associates presented on the Fixed Route Feasibility Study, examining the feasibility for a Fixed Route Bus Service in Dixon. Went over their findings, recommendations, trip generators, proposed routes, estimated operating costs, estimated capital costs, ridership projections, potential funding sources, discussion ensued.

VISITOR/PUBLIC COMMENT

Since there were 22 people signed up for visitor comments, the Mayor referenced the city ordinance for public comment, the time frame would be limited to three minutes each or if they are all here for the same topic there could be a designated spokesperson who could have up to twenty minutes. Some of the commentary he has heard, most are here regarding the topic of the unsewered feasibility or planning study that was done that included the Wildcat Subdivision. He addressed the topic regarding the multiple communications with people in the area and misunderstandings. He explained the reason for the study and processes that happen after a study. Stated that there is nothing planned to move forward with sewer in that area. Explained the process if a decision is made to move forward with having hearings and public input. Nothing has been done or is planned in that area.

Susan Buccola was named as the spokesperson for the group. Ms. Buccola stated that what she has heard tonight is different than what they have heard. She read a prepared statement regarding the unsewered grant, the public meeting, no notice of meeting, pre-annexation agreement of Wildcat Subdivision, IL EPA grant news release and grant guidelines, communications with city staff, the public notice, felt they were deceived and not notified correctly. Discussion ensued with City Staff, the Council, and the Public.

Riley Gobert with Sauk Valley Community College, would like to have Sauk Valley considered more into the fixed route feasibility study. The impact program in the next 4 years will see an increase of up to 1200 students, may be easier to add now.

Dan Long lives on Reynoldswood Road asking what the feasibility study looks like for over there, the City is absolutely on point and haven’t moved on to next phase or grant application. Wondered what the feasibility study said about Reynoldswood Road. Public Works Director/Assistant City Manager Heckman explained what may happen based on the results, the need of the Frog Hollow area. Have not proceeded to move forward as of yet.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Councilman Bishop moved that the minutes of the Regular Session Council Meeting of Monday, August 5, 2024; be accepted and placed on file. Seconded by Councilman Oros. Voting Yea: Councilman Oros, Venier, Bishop, Considine, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried

BREAK

Paused for a break to give the public an opportunity to leave without interrupting the meeting.

APPROVAL OF TOTAL LABOR AND OUTSIDE CLAIMS

Councilman Oros moved that the Total Labor and Outside Claims in the amount of $1,946,608.82 be approved and ordered paid. Seconded by Councilman Considine. Mayor Hughes noted larger expenses. Voting Yea: Councilman Oros, Venier, Bishop, Considine, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried

YEAT TO DATE FINANCIALS

Councilman Considine moved that the year-to-date Financial Summary through July 2024 be accepted. Seconded by Councilman Venier. Voting Yea: Councilman Oros, Venier, Bishop, Considine, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Building Department Permit List is on file.

Public Works Director/Assistant City Manager Heckman – there will be a street closure, beginning on Wednesday, of Bloody Gulch Road where Fulfs Lane intersects. East/West cannot flow through that area. Businesses on Fulfs Lane can be accessed through Walton Drive or Keul Road. Connection to the west side of the project can be accessed by College Avenue or South Lincoln Avenue. First phase should be wrapped up in mid-September, will finish things out further to the east on the intersection in the future.

CITY MANAGER REPORT

City Manager Langloss – Focus on properties and property maintenance, how to obtain voluntary compliance. Citation given, but if they come in compliance the fine is dismissed. Stressed the importance of keeping up our properties. There are habitual offenders who do not comply, we are going to take a different approach. Court processes can take up to a year, there are stricter rules already that we have not implemented, will be sending notice of the change to the habitual offenders. We ask people to take a look at their properties, assess their neighborhoods and their neighbors.

COUNCIL REPORTS

Mayor Hughes – Recognized John Groshans 14 years of service on the riverfront and the whole community. Comprehensive Plan is kicking off, surveys to be done, different input that can be provided, visioning meeting for the general public on Wednesday night at the Loveland Community Building, joint Council and Plan Commission meeting in which the public is invited but will not be conducive to have a facebook live system. Venetian night, great weather and turnout. Dement Town Music Fest will be on September 9th.

Councilman Bishop – Comprehensive Plan is a big thing that we want input on from the citizens. Survey and the community meeting on Wednesday night.

Councilman Considine – None

Councilman Oros – Echoed comments regarding the Comprehensive Plan. Looking at the vision we want Dixon to look like, asked for public feedback taking the survey, attending the meeting, helps is to continue to formulate the direction. Referred to the riverfront vision and moving into the 4th phase of the plan. Please take the time to put out some input.

Councilman Venier – None

BOARDS & COMMISSIONS REPORTS

On File: Veterans Memorial Park Meeting Minutes

ORD 3408 – AMENDING TITLE 3, CHAPTER 3, SECTION 3-3-4 OF THE CITY CODE OF DIXON, ILLINOIS RELATING TO THROWING ASHES OR DEBRIS

Councilman Venier moved to approve the ordinance amending Title 3, Chapter 3, Section 3-3-4 of the City Code of Dixon, Illinois relating to throwing ashes and debris. Seconded by Councilman Bishop. Building Official Shipman explained the request. Voting Yea: Councilman Oros, Venier, Bishop, Considine, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried

ORD 3409 – AUTHORIZE THE SALE OF CERTAIN PERSONAL PROPERTY OWNED BY THE CITY OF DIXON – COMPUTING DEVICES

Councilman Bishop moved to authorize the sale of personal property owned by the City of Dixon – computing devices. Seconded by Councilman Considine. IT Manager Philhower explained the request. Voting Yea: Councilman Oros, Venier, Bishop, Considine, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried

RES 3153-24 – RESOLUTION AMENDING 2024-2025 BUDGET – CEMETERY

Councilman Oros moved to approve the FY24/25 budget resolution with respect to the Cemetery Budget. Seconded by Councilman Considine. Finance Director Leslie explained the request. Voting Yea: Councilman Oros, Venier, Bishop, Considine, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried

RES 3154-24 – RE-APPOINTMENTS TO THE DIXON CITY PLAN COMMISSION

Councilman Considine moved to re-appointment Thomas Whitcombe and Daniel Reglin to the City of Dixon Plan Commission for a term commencing September 1, 2024 and ending August 31, 2028; or until their successors are duly appointed and qualified. Seconded by Councilman Venier. Mayor Hughes explained the request. Voting Yea: Councilman Oros, Venier, Bishop, Considine, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried

APPROVAL TO WAIVE THE FORMAL BIDDING PROCESS FOR WELL #8 REHABILITATION

Councilman Venier moved to waive the formal bidding process for work related to the rehabilitation of Well 8. Seconded by Councilman Bishop. Water Manager Huyett explained the request, discussion ensued. Voting Yea: Councilman Oros, Venier, Bishop, Considine, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried

APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DIXON AND WATER WELL SOLUTIONS WITH RESPECT TO WELL #8 REHAB

Councilman Venier moved to approve the agreement from Water Well Solutions for the rehabilitation of Well #8. Seconded by Councilman Considine. Voting Yea: Councilman Oros, Venier, Bishop, Considine, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried

APPROVAL OF A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF DIXON AND WILLETT HOFMANN AND ASSOCIATES WITH RESPECT TO THE DIXON PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING FIRE DEPARTMENT SECOND FLOOR EXPANSION

Councilman Bishop moved to approve the agreement with Willett Hofmann and Associates for professional services related the PSB second floor expansion. Seconded by Councilman Venier. Building Official Shipman explained the request, discussion ensued. Voting Yea: Councilman Oros, Venier, Bishop, Considine, and Mayor Hughes. Voting Nay: None. Motion Carried

ADJOURMENT

Mayor Hughes declared the meeting adjourned.

The meeting adjourned at 6:53pm. .

https://www.dixongov.com/documents/agendas-docs/city-council-agendas/2024-city-council-agendas/09-03-24-council-meeting-agenda-packet/?layout=default