NW Illinois News

City of Byron City Council met Feb. 5.

Here is the agenda provided by the council:

1. CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Rickard called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Led by Mayor Rickard

3. ROLL CALL – Aldermen present: Todd Isaacs, Emily Gerdes, Mittzi Fulrath, Jessica Nehring, Michael Gyorkos. Five members present.

Aldermen Absent: Ron Boyer, Christy Hanlin

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

PRESENT: Mayor John Rickard

City Attorney Aaron Szeto

City Clerk Caryn Huber

City Administrator Brian Brooks

Public Works Dir. Aaron Vincer

Police Chief Jeremy Boehle

City Engineer Jason Stoll

Citizens Mike Traum, Kelly Neslund

4. REVERENCE PERIOD – Led by Mayor Rickard.

5. APPROVAL/AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA –Motion by Alderman Fulrath to approve, as presented, the February 5, 2025, agenda. Seconded by Alderman Isaacs. Roll call vote: Fulrath, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

6. MINUTES –

a. January 22, 2025 – City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Motion by Alderman Gyorkos to approve, as presented, the January 22, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting Minutes. Seconded by Alderman Fulrath. Roll call vote: Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

b. January 29, 2025 – Committee of the Whole Special Meeting Minutes – Motion by Alderman Isaacs to approve, as presented, the January 29, 2025 Committee of the Whole Special Meeting Minutes. Seconded by Alderman Nehring. Roll call vote: Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, ABS; Fulrath, AYE; Nehring, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 5; NAY, 0; ABS, 1.

7. PUBLIC COMMENT – None

8. TREASURER’S REPORT – No report.

9. LIST OF BILLS – FEBRUARY 5, 2025 – Alderman Isaacs asked about the $6,704.84 charge from Core & Main. Director Vincer stated that this was for water meters and metering equipment. Motion by Alderman Fulrath to approve, as presented, the February 5, 2025, List of Bills in the amount of $226,184.66. Motion seconded by Alderman Isaacs. Roll call vote: Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

10. MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Rickard reported that the Ogle County Economic Development Corporation will not be renewing the contract of the Executive Director. The organization is searching for a new candidate for the position.

11. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT – No report. All items are on the agenda.

12. CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT – No report. All items are on the agenda.

13. CITY ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Stoll stated that they are working on engineering for the 2025 Streets Program and manhole replacement and rehabilitation. He anticipates having plans available on February 19 and bids in March.

14. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS REPORT –

a. Public Works Building Update – Director Vincer reported that work at the new Public Works Building is going well.

b. Wastewater Treatment Plant – Meetings are continuing regarding individual parts and equipment for the new wastewater treatment plant.

c. Other – None

15. POLICE CHIEF REPORT – A new key card system is being installed in City Hall and should be completed by next week.

16. COMMITTEE REPORTS –

a. Community Services – No report. All items are on the agenda.

b. Public Safety – No report.

c. Administrative – No report.

17. CONTINUING BUSINESS

18. NEW BUSINESS

a. Byron Streets 2024 – Rock Road Pay Estimate 2-Final Payment – Alderman Gerdes reported that this came out of committee with a recommendation to approve. Tonight’s read is a first read, and it will be on the February 19 agenda for action once additional paperwork is received.

b. Fehr Graham Proposal for Engineering Services-Project Plan, Lead Service Line Replacement – Engineer Stoll stated that this proposal was presented at Committee. It is for $15,000 to pursue grant and loan funding to replace lead services. The Community Services committee recommended that council waive first read and approve the Fehr Graham Proposal for Engineering services for Lead Service Line Replacement. Roll call vote: Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

c. 221 N. Walnut St. TIF Agreement – Administrator Brooks reported that the TIF Agreement is being drafted and will be sent to Mr. Miller for review. He hopes to present it to the Administrative Committee and Council on February 19.

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Byron City Council Wednesday, February 5, 2025 Page #2

d. Unsewered Communities Planning Grant Program – Engineer Stoll reported that a $30,000 grant is available to study the sanitary sewer collection system for capacity as we look to bring in new development both in town and in areas outside of town that currently do not have sewers. Fehr Graham is willing to put together the application at no charge to the city. Mayor Rickard added that there is no need for action since there is no cost to the city.

e. Byron Firefighter’s Association Request for Street Closure – Mike Traum from the Fire Department asked for the City’s permission to close several streets (portions of 2nd St. and Washington St.) for their Carnival on Memorial Day weekend. These are the same street closures as in previous years. Alderman Isaacs motioned to waive first read and approve the street closures as requested. Motion seconded by Alderman Gerdes. Roll call vote: Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

19. COUNCIL TALK – Mayor Rickard reported that he received a letter from School Superintendent Buster Barton expressing his appreciation for how well Officer Morrissey and Chief Boehle handled a recent incident at the school.

20. COMMUNICATION –

a. Regular City Council Meeting – Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 6:30 pm

22. ADJOURN – Alderman Gerdes motioned to adjourn. Motion seconded by Alderman Isaacs. Roll call vote: Fulrath, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

Mayor Rickard adjourned the City Council meeting at 7:07 pm.

https://www.cityofbyron.com/media/4351