NW Illinois News

City of Lanark City Council met Nov. 5.

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 Brad Knutti, Ethan Lartz, Justin Rausch, Lynn Collins and Haley Grim Mayor Mark Macomber was present and presiding.

Others present were: Talia Allen, Trevor Knutti, Clerk Marilyn Heller, Treasurer Deb Throop, Attorney Ed Mitchell and Chief Troy Randall.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE-was led by Alderperson Ethan Lartz.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES-MOTION-was made by Alderperson Brad Knutti and seconded by Alderperson Haley Grim to accept the minutes of the Oct. 15, 2024 meeting as presented with two corrections. Motion carried by 5 aye votes and 1 abstain. Aye votes: Alderpersons Brad Knutti, Haley Grim, Ethan Lartz, Mark Macomber, and Justin Rausch. Alderperson Lynn Collins abstained.

PUBLIC COMMENTS- None

457B ENROLLMENT – POSSIBLE ACTION – Talia Allen with Edward Jones was present to discuss information on the 457B options and her role. The council would like to include the cemetery on the next conversation and with a 457b representative. Tabled

DELINQUANT UTILITIES – POSSIBLE ACTION – Clerk handed out list of shut off letters sent out this month, no Action Taken.

CLEANING POSITION – POSSIBLE ACTION – The personnel committee held a meeting to interview the applicants for the cleaning position and is recommending hiring Courtney Sweitzer at $17 an hour. A Motion was made by Justin Rausch and seconded by Lynn Collins to hire Courtney Sweitzer to the cleaning position effective immediately. Motion carried by six aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Justin Rausch, Haley Grim, Lynn Collins, Ethan Lartz, Mark Macomber, and Brad Knutti.

PUMP PURCHASE – POSSIBLE ACTION – Tabled

WATER RATES – POSSIBLE ACTION – Water and sewer committee held a meeting and is recommending on February 1, 2025 raising water rates $2.50, sewer rates $5.00, and CIP $2.50. Starting February 1, 2025 to allow two months to send out notices. The garbage contract expires December 31, 2026, so no changes will need to be made at this time. The council is hoping to use the CIP funds to finish off street projects alongside the lead service line and meter projects. A Motion was made by Brad Knutti and seconded by Ethan Lartz to proceed with the recommended increases for water sewer and CIP affective February 1, 2025. Motion carried by six aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Brad Knutti, Ethan Lartz Justin Rausch, Haley Grim, Lynn Collins, and Mark Macomber.

TIF APPLICATION – POSSIBLE ACTION – The council went over the updated TIF application from M&W Enterprise Rentals LLC for the property located at 110 W. Locust Street. They decided to do one apartment at a time, totaling $63,000. A Motion was made by Mark Macomber and seconded by Brad Knutti to approve the TIF application for $18,500 to M&W enterprises. Motion carried by five aye votes and one nay vote. Aye votes: Alderpersons Brad Knutti, Haley Grim, Ethan Lartz, Mark Macomber, and Justin Rausch. Nay vote: Alderperson Lynn Collins.

STANDING COMMITTEES AND BOARDS-POSSIBLE ACTION- NONE

REPORTS-EMPLOYEES, ATTORNEY, CLERK, TREASURER, ALDERPERSONS AND MAYOR- Chief Troy Randall - presented a quote from axon enterprises for $14,623.20. He did get approved for a grant of $9411.60 leaving four payments of $1,302.90 each January. Clark will reach out to insurance for a possible additional grant. Troy confirmed that he can budget this purchase. A Motion was made by Lynn Collins and seconded by Brad Knutti to approve the Axon quote of four yearly payments of $1302.90 with possible additional insurance grants. Motion carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Lynn Collins, Brad Knutti, Ethan Lartz Justin Rausch, Haley Grim, and Mark Macomber. Attorney Ed Mitchell- he will file a lien for the delinquent mowings at Sue’s property totaling roughly $8,000.00. Ed then went over an error on the assessor’s map of the city lot lines by Mr. Meaders. He will notify them of the error and get it corrected. Treasure Deb Throop- auditor, Dan Rowe, will be at the next meeting to go over audit. Alderperson Haley Grim - commented on the great photo of Alderperson Brad and Mayor Mark helping with the water main break. Ethan Lartz – listed residents’ comments he noted while out petitioning: side street speeding on locust, cross bows being shot in town, skunks, street maintenance, more street lighting needed by new sub division, and more curbs. Alderperson Justin Rausch – asked or a follow up on Dietz corner curb and gutter as no deposit was made. ADA corner cost is roughly $25,000.00 to replace. Other cities don’t require residents to pay for replacing. Alderperson Lynn will look into Ord. 533. Alderperson Brad Knutti – complemented the maintenance crew for their work on the water main break and broken valve. Mayor Mark - was contacted by Toni McCombie to inform him that the Chesney money is coming for infrastructure improvements. The DCEO will be getting to Mark with the details.

ADJOURNMENT-MOTION-was made by Alderperson Brad Knutti and seconded by Alderperson Mark Macomber to adjourn at 8:10 p.m. Motion carried by 6 voiced aye votes.

https://lanarkil.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/City-Council-Meeting-Minutes-11052024.pdf