NW Illinois News

City of Lanark City Council met Sept. 3.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER/ROLL CALL-Lanark City Council met in regular session at the Lanark City Hall at 7 p.m. Roll call taken by Marilyn Heller, City Clerk, showed Alderpersons present were Bryan Hardacre, Brad Knutti, Ed Stern, Haley Grim, and Lynn Collins. Mayor Mark Macomber was present and presiding.

Others present were: Trevor Knutti, Sue Walker, Maggie Friedenbach, Leslie Lytwyn, Renee Cain, Brian Wurster, Nick Mosca, Lee Reese, Freddie Preston, James and Lana Eckburg, Ethan Latz, Clerk Marilyn Heller, Treasurer Deb Throop, Attorney Ed Mitchell and Chief Troy Randall.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE-was led by Attorney Ed Mitchell.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES-MOTION-was made by Alderperson Lynn Collins and seconded by Alderperson Brad Knutti to accept the minutes of the August 20, 2024 meeting as presented. Motion carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Ed Stern, Lynn Collins, Haley Grim, Brad Knutti, Mark Macomber, and Bryan Hardacre.

PUBLIC COMMENTS- Lee Reese with the Lanark Farmers Market shared that they are a part of the Cornucopia Community Development Northwest Illinois and is a 501c3. She will get a copy of the certificate of liability to the city clerk. Back in June 2023 Lee asked the city for permission to apply for a $5,000 grant for a feasibility study on the empty lot. She did not hear back and is now asking again to apply for the grant. She then handed out information on the two grants available and shared the benefits of putting in a shelter. She also went over the issues and hardships of the current process with taking down and putting up shade. The Economic Development Committee will hold a meeting to discuss the feasibility study before the next council meeting for a recommendation. There are also nails in the gravel causing flats tires on trailers and bowing boards and peeling picnic tables. Alderperson Brad will discuss these issues with Maintenance Manger Jason.

NORTHERN ILLINOIS PREVENTION OF CAT OVERPOPULATION (NIPCO) – POSSIBLE ACTION - Leslie Lytwyn with NIPCO gave a presentation explaining NIPCOs purpose and process for spay and neutering stray and feral cats in this area. Noting that all NIPCO traps are marked and never left overnight. Their goals are to also educate and connecting residents with the proper resources. They do have a couple of volunteers ready to represent Lanark and already have an account set up for funding. They are asking for the council to change the city ordinance to allow NIPCO to trap the cats for spay or neuter. A Motion was made by Alderperson Brad Knutti and seconded by Alderperson Haley Grim to rewrite the city ordinance to allow NIPCO to proceed with legal trapping for the TNR program. Motion carried by 5 aye votes and 1 nay vote. Aye votes: Alderpersons Ed Stern, Haley Grim, Brad Knutti, Mark Macomber, and Bryan Hardacre. Nay vote; Alderperson Lynn Collins.

ANIMAL FEEDING – POSSIBLE ACTION – The council discussed the current ordinance fees of $50 for the first time and the process for nonpayment. The council discussed this seriousness of over night feeding drawing in the other animals and advising Chief Randall to start fining at that time. Ordinance Committee will hold a meeting to discuss further before the next council meeting.

DELINQUANT UTILITIES – POSSIBLE CTION – Clerk presented the shut off list for Oct. 3, 2024. No action taken.

TIF APPLICATION – POSSIBLE ACTION – Brian Wurster with M & W Enterprise went over his TIF application for 110 W. Locust property consisting of 3 apartments. They would like to renovate to be elderly apartments. After discussing further with council, the applicant wanted to make adjustments to do one apartment at a time. Tabled for next meeting.

SEWER LICENSE CONTRACT – POSSIBLE ACTION – Clerk presented the updated contract with Rob Knopp as just the city waste water operator as he is no longer the water operator and also shows the agreed price of $300.00 a month. A Motion was made by Alderperson Lynn Collins and seconded by Alderperson Brad Knutti to approve the Certified wastewater System Operator Contract dated August 28, 2024. Motion carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Ed Stern, Lynn Collins, Haley Grim, Brad Knutti, Mark Macomber, and Bryan Hardacre.

Alderperson Haley asked to have petition information posted on Facebook.

STANDING COMMITTEES AND BOARDS-POSSIBLE ACTION- None

REPORTS-EMPLOYEES, ATTORNEY, CLERK, TREASURER, ALDERPERSONS AND MAYOR- Chief Troy Randall – shared that Zach has started at the police academy and the body cameras will be $1,000 less then quoted due to taxes removed. Alderperson Lynn – thanked and complemented Manager Jason, Attorney Ed, and Chief Troy for their work on the delinquent yard at franklin property. Alderperson Haley Grim – received a call about a garage that was blow down in storm and Chief Troy will look into. Alderperson Brad Knutti – asked to get more no dogs signs for the park. Council agreed so Alderperson Brad will talk to Maintenance Manager Jason to order.

ADJOURNMENT-MOTION-was made by Alderperson Lynn Collins and seconded by Alderperson Brad Knutti to adjourn at 7:57 p.m. Motion carried by 6 aye voiced votes.

https://lanarkil.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/City-Council-Meeting-Minutes-09032024.pdf