NW Illinois News

City of Byron City Council met Sept. 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES

ITEP GRANT

1. CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Rickard called the meeting to order at 6:01 pm.

2. ROLL CALL – Aldermen present: Todd Isaacs, Emily Gerdes, Mittzi Fulrath, Ron Boyer, Jessica Nehring. Five members present.

Aldermen Absent: Christy Hanlin, Michael Gyorkos (arrived at meeting at 6:20 pm)

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

PRESENT: Mayor John Rickard

City Clerk Caryn Huber

City Attorney Aaron Szeto

City Administrator Brian Brooks

Public Works Dir. Aaron Vincer

City Engineer Jason Stoll

Citizens Mark Decker (Fehr Graham), Charles Van Horn

3. ITEP GRANT APPLICATION PRESENTATION – Engineer Jason Stoll stated that this grant is offered through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program or ITEP. The application will be similar to the application for the DCEO grant we applied for several years ago. This is the initial concept design, and they are looking for feedback from council members. Mark Decker of Fehr Graham presented the design concepts, which includes changing the street to a one way, going east to west, between Union and Walnut Streets; expansion of the pedestrian zone; stamped, colored concrete; raised concrete planters; benches; gateway arches and signage on both ends of the street; pedestrian connection mid-block; enhanced alleyways; enhanced lighting and suspended lights in the alleyways. We currently have a total of 56 parking spaces 9’ wide x 18’ deep with 4 ADA spaces. The new plan proposes a wider parking space (9’6” wide x 20’ deep) which would eliminate two parking spaces. Initial concerns and questions had to do with changing the bulbs on the lighting, particularly because we do not have a boom truck. Alderman Gerdes questioned the safety and maintenance of the stamped concrete. Engineer Decker said there are designs that are specifically used for streetscapes that should eliminate those concerns.

The grant limit is $3,000,000 with an 80%/20% split. Lighting is split 50/50, and we would need to pay for resurfacing of the street. Estimated cost of the project is: Grant $2,035,485.27; City $796.606.32; Total $2,832,091.59.

The anticipated schedule for the grant is as follows: Notification in 2025; Phase 1 Engineering 2025-2026; Phase II Engineering 2026-2027; Construction 2027-2028. If we receive the grant, we would need to enter into a Federal Engineering Agreement that would allow us to use grant funds to pay 80% of engineering fees. Alderman Fulrath asked if we would be allowed to change the plans once the grant is awarded. Engineer Stoll stated that we would be able to within certain parameters. Alderman Fulrath stated that the idea of a one-way street downtown is unpopular. Alderman Boyer asked about the engineering costs. Engineer Stoll stated that it is an estimate but is typically 25% of the engineering and construction engineering. Alderman Boyer added that he would be in favor of more traditional lighting, and he suggested adding handicapped parking spots in the middle of the street in addition to the ends of the street. Alderman Fulrath asked about ownership of the sidewalks and asked if TIF funds could be used for portions of the project. Administrator Brooks stated the entire project is TIF eligible. Engineer Stoll stated that the grant application is due on September 30, and asked council members to forward comments to Mayor Rickard or Administrator Brooks.

4. PUBLIC COMMENT – None

5. ADJOURN – Alderman Isaacs motioned to adjourn the Public Meeting at 6:30 pm. Motion seconded by Alderman Fulrath. Roll call vote: Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, ABS; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 1.

https://www.cityofbyron.com/media/3901