NW Illinois News

City of Byron Committee of the Whole met Nov. 6.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

CALL TO ORDER – Clerk Huber called the meeting to order at 6:15pm.

1. ROLL CALL – Aldermen present: Todd Isaacs, Emily Gerdes, Ron Boyer, Jessica Nehring, Michael Gyorkos. Five members present by roll call vote. Quorum established.

Aldermen Absent: Mittzi Fulrath, Christy Hanlin

Alderman Gerdes motioned to allow Alderman Hanlin to attend the meeting electronically. Motion seconded by Alderman Nehring. Roll call vote; Gerdes, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 5; NAY, 0; ABS, 0. Six members present.

PRESENT:

City Attorney Aaron Szeto

City Clerk Caryn Huber

City Administrator Brian Brooks

Dir. Of Public Works Aaron Vincer

Engineer Jason Stoll

Police Chief Jeremy Boehle

Citizens Brad Miller, Charles Van Horn, Bill Pirnat, Gary Treese, Brian Malone

Alderman Gerdes motioned to appoint Alderman Todd Isaacs as Temporary Chair in Mayor Rickard’s absence. Motion seconded by Alderman Boyer. Roll call vote: Gerdes, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, ABS. Motion passed: AYE, 5; NAY, 0; ABS, 1.

2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA –Motion by Alderman Nehring to approve, as presented, the November 6, 2024, Committee of the Whole Agenda. Motion seconded by Alderman Gerdes. Roll call vote: Boyer, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

3. PUBLIC COMMENT – None

4. 221 N. WALNUT ST. SIDEWALK AND RAMP REPLACEMENT – Administrator Brooks reviewed the project. Bids have been returned for the public portion of the project (the sidewalk and curb) and the private portion of the project (ramp and lift). These bids do not include work on the brick façade and reworking the front door to level the entry to the building. Mr. Miller was going to obtain pricing for these items. The initial brick façade work bid is $37,000, but additional bids will be sought. For purposes of advancing this project and knowing that the private portion of the project will be approximately $200,000 total, Administrator Brooks stated that the council needs to decide on the amount or percentage of a TIF grant they will award. Alderman Gerdes asked how long Mr. Miller has had his business in Byron. Mr. Miller stated he has been in business since 1996. He also confirmed that this would be his first TIF grant. Alderman Isaacs stated that this is one of the highest grants requested, and the council has historically awarded 75% of the amount of the project. The structural engineer’s report is inconclusive but indicates that improper fill is what led to the ramp pulling away from the building. The City’s water main break may have contributed to it. Alderman Isaacs believes that both the city and business owner contributed to the damage to the ramp and facade and is inclined to stay with the 75% award. Engineer Stoll added that Mr. Miller has offered to donate in-kind services as far as the electric work on the lift. Alderman Boyer suggested scheduling a special meeting to address this once all of the costs are received. Mr. Miller stated that he is not looking to make improvements to the front of the building, he is simply trying to bring the building back to its’ original state prior to the damage. If TIF grants have been awarded at 75% in the past for building improvements, a different formula should be used for repairs potentially caused by the city. Alderman Isaacs and Mr. Miller agreed that neither side has concrete evidence of what caused the damage. Alderman Isaacs asked Mr. Miller to consider what he would be willing to pay for. Mr. Miller will gather more information before another special meeting is scheduled.

5. FEHR GRAHAM PROPOSAL FOR CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, 221 N. WALNUT ST. SIDEWALK AND RAMP REPLACEMENT – No report.

6. ADJOURN – Alderman Boyer motioned to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Alderman Nehring. Roll call vote: Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Boyer, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

Alderman Isaacs adjourned the meeting at 6:37 pm.

https://www.cityofbyron.com/media/4066