NW Illinois News

City of Byron Administrative Committee met Sept. 18.

Here is the agenda provided by the committee:

Alderman Isaacs called the meeting to order at 5:17 pm.

1. ROLL CALL –

MEMBERS PRESENT: Alderman Todd Isaacs, Alderman Mittzi Fulrath, Alderman Ron Boyer

MEMBERS ABSENT: None

OTHERS PRESENT: Mayor John Rickard, Attorney Aaron Szeto, Clerk Caryn Huber, Administrator Brian Brooks

2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – September 18, 2024 – Alderman Isaacs motioned to approve, as presented, the September 18, 2024, Administrative Committee meeting agenda. Motion seconded by Alderman Boyer. Roll call vote: Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 3; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

3. PUBLIC COMMENT – None

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – August 21, 2024 – Regular Meeting - Alderman Boyer motioned to approve, as presented, the August 21, 2024, Administrative Committee Regular Meeting minutes. Motion seconded by Alderman Isaacs. Roll call vote: Boyer, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Fulrath, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 3; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

5. ORDINANCE VIOLATION PROSECUTION – Attorney Szeto explained that, prior to COVID, the city attorney had a “call” at the courthouse where they would prosecute traffic tickets, DUIs and other municipal ordinance violations (animals at large, smoking violations, curfew, etc). During COVID, the State’s Attorney’s office prosecuted the traffic and DUI cases (because they were State violations) but could not prosecute the municipal ordinance violations. We have implemented an Administrative Hearing Process to handle the types of ordinances that are fine only (junk and debris, grass, etc), but we have been unable to hear any other ordinance cases that used to be included during the “call”. At this point we have three options: 1) try to establish a “call” time again and have our attorney handle traffic, DUI and ordinance violations; 2) have the State’s Attorney’s office continue to prosecute traffic and DUI and try to establish a “call” time for our attorney for only those ordinance violations that can’t be handled in an administrative hearing; 3) establish an intergovernmental agreement with other communities where one prosecutor would have a “call” for several cities and towns in the area (provided the court could give us a call). The cost for the attorney and the cost for drafting the IGA would be split among those participating communities. Mayor Rickard will reach out to other mayors to see if they are interested in pursuing this.

6. 221 N. WALNUT ST. SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT TIF AGREEMENT – Administrator Brooks reported that two designs will go out to bid this week. One with an ADA ramp in front and one utilizing a lift for ADA accessibility. The bids will be back on October 2. A structural engineer has looked at the project and it is his opinion that the watermain break is not the primary cause of the issues at the building. His formal report is forthcoming. Mayor Rickard added that an item is on the council agenda to rescind the motion to pay 100% of the project from TIF funds. The motion was originally made under the assumption that the city was 100% responsible for the damage to the building. Rescinding the vote will allow us to take into account the new information on which to base the TIF agreement calculations.

10. CITY ADMINISTRATOR UPDATES – Administrator Brooks reported that he is reviewing our ordinance regarding prohibited parking, specifically prohibiting parking on any lawn or yard unless it is a paved surface. He is developing language that will better define what a “paved surface” is. A revision will be brought to this committee for review in October. It was brought to Administrator Brooks’ attention that an apartment owner is renting garage units as storage to non-residents of the building. He has contacted the owner to inform them that this is a zoning violation and is not allowed in residential districts. Alderman Boyer asked if we have plans to pour the sidewalk at Cox’s Roost now that they have completed work on the ramp. Administrator Brooks replied that Attorney Szeto is drafting an indemnity agreement and Director Vincer reported that Neil Wills will be doing the work soon.

11. ADJOURN – Alderman Boyer motioned to adjourn the Administrative Committee meeting. Seconded by Alderman Fulrath. Roll call vote: Isaacs, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 3; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

Alderman Isaacs adjourned the meeting at 5:54 pm.

https://www.cityofbyron.com/media/3946