NW Illinois News

City of Lanark City Council met Dec. 17.

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 7:00 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: Josh Willson, Trevor Knutti, Darin Stykel with Fehr Graham, Maintenance Manager Jason Avarado, Clerk Marilyn Heller, 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 Ethan Lartz to accept the minutes of the December 3, 2024 meeting as presented with two spelling corrections. Motin carried by 5 aye votes and 1 abstain vote. Aye votes: Alderpersons Brad Knutti, Ethan Lartz, Justin Rausch, Lynn Collins and Mark Macomber. Alderperson Haley Grim abstained.

PUBLIC COMMENTS- Property owner Josh Willson asked the council if he could reduce his duplex to one utility bill. After discussion, the council informed Josh that he would need to reduce his property to a single home with the county assessor’s office and post office. After that time the council could then make the adjustment. No action taken.

DELINQUANT UTILITIES – POSSIBLE ACTION – Clerk presented the updated shut off list for December 30, showing the partial payments and payments made in full. A motion was made by alderperson Brad Knutti and seconded by Alderperson Lynn Collins to approve the shut off list for December 30 with the exception of lines 4 and 15 and if PIF. Motion carried with 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Brad Knutti, Lynn Collins, Haley Grim, Ethan Lartz, Justin Rausch, and Mark Macomber.

457B RETIREMENT – POSSIBLE ACTION – Tabled

FEHR GRAHAM 2025 WATER MAIN IMPROVEMENTS CONTRACT – ACTION REQUIRED – As discussed at the previous meeting, Darin with Fehr Graham and Maintenance Manager Jason worked together to put a list of water mains and valves to replace with the Sorenson Funds. It was broken down into 3 project areas with a 4th project (valves) as an alternate. A Motion was made by Alderperson Brad Knutti and seconded by Alderperson Haley Grim to go forward with the Fehr Graham 2025 Water Main Improvements contract. Motin carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Brad Knutti, Haley Grim, Ethan Lartz, Justin Rausch, Lynn Collins and Mark Macomber.

MFT CONTRACT – POSSIBLE ACTION – Darren talked with Alderperson Brad to submit a MFT contract to commit $250,000 of MFT funds for street projects. The city currently has about $280,00.00 in MFT. Darin will be working with Jason to map out the streets in January. The city has $64,000 of RBI funds within the MFT funds that will need to be committed this year or the city will lose the funds. A Motion was made by alderperson Ethan Lartz and seconded by alderperson Justin Rausch to approve the MFT contract. Motion carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Ethan Lartz, Justin Rausch, Brad Knutti, Haley Grim, Lynn Collins, and Mark Macomber.

EMPLOYEE BONUSES – ACTION REQUIRED – Clerk presented the list of bonuses that were given out last year and the council updated new employees and removed old employees. The bonuses will be $300 for full-time managers, $200 for full-time employees, and $100 for part time employees. A Motion was made by alderperson Mark Macomber and seconded by alderperson Brad Knutti to approve the bonus list with the adjustments made during discussion. Motion carried with 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Mark Macomber, Brad Knutti, Haley Grim, Ethan Lartz, Justin Rausch, and Lynn Collins.

STANDING COMMITTEES AND BOARDS-POSSIBLE ACTION- Ordinance Committee would like to hold a meeting to discuss property owners’ responsibility of streets and sidewalks work when they are dug up for utility repairs. Darin will send the freeport ordinance on this. Streets and Property Committee would also like to hold a meeting with Darin to discuss streets chip and seal project. Council discussed if the city has the ability to add delinquent utility bills to property taxes at the end of the year to help deal with the constant shut off lists. Attorney advised that the city would not be able to this.

REPORTS-EMPLOYEES, ATTORNEY, CLERK, TREASURER, ALDERPERSONS AND MAYOR Maintenance Manager Jason Alvarado – the backflow from Dollar General had been turned in. Jason received a letter from the Illinois Association of Water Pollution Control Operators informing him that Lanark has been nominated for “Best Operated Wastewater Treatment Works Award”. Jason also thanked the council for the hams and bonuses from the maintenance department. Chief Troy Randall – Thanked the council for the bonuses and hams. He is working on the camara grant. Zack Plum will be graduating from the police academy this week and council asked for him to attend the next meeting. Attorney Ed Mitchelle – He has obtained the signatures needed for the TIF contract with custom BBQ. Clerk Marilyn Heller – Thanked the council for the bonus and ham. Mayor Mark Mcomber – shared that Librarian Janie is out for a while for medical reasons and J.L. is working on a long-term plan. City Christmas Party invitations will be going out this week.

ADJOURNMENT-MOTION-was made by Alderperson Mark Macomber and seconded by Alderperson Brad Knutti to adjourn at 8:06 p.m. Motion carried by 6 voiced aye votes.

https://lanarkil.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/12172024-City-Council-Meeting-Minutes.pdf