NW Illinois News

City of Lanark City Council met Feb. 18.

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, and Lynn Collins. Alderperson Haley Grim was absent.

Mayor Mark Macomber was present and presiding.

Others present were: Clerk Marilyn Heller, Treasurer Deb Throop, Maintenance Manager Jason Alvarado, Attorney Ed Mitchell, Officer Zach Plum, and Chief Troy Randall.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE-was led by Chief Troy Randall.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES-MOTION-was made by Alderperson Brad Knutti and seconded by Alderperson Ethan Lartz to accept the minutes of the February 8, 2025meeting as presented with spelling corrections discussed. Motion carried by 5 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons

Mark Macomber, Brad Knutti, Justin Rausch, Ethan Lartz, and Lynn Collins. Alderperson Haley Grim was absent.

PUBLIC COMMENTS-None

DELINQUANT UTILITIES – POSSIBLE ACTION – Clerk presented updated shut off list for March 4, 2025, noting the partial and full payments received to date. A Motin was made by Alderperson Brad Knutti and seconded by Alderperson Ethan Lartz to move ahead with shut offs of lines 1 through 8, 14 and 15 if no payment is made before March 4, 2025. Motion carried by 5 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Brad Knutti, Ethan Lartz, Mark Macomber, Justin Rausch, and Lynn Collins. Alderperson Haley Grim was absent.

457B RETIREMENT – POSSIBLE ACTION – The Council discussed the authorized signatories for the 457(b) plan. The Empower representative recommended listing the Clerk as a signatory; however, the Council raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest, as the Clerk would be a beneficiary of the plan. A Motion was made by Alderperson Lynn Collins and seconded by Alderperson Mark Macomber that the authorize signers for the 457b plan be the mayor and chair of personnel committee. The Council requested to review the finalized plan document with the updated signatories at the next meeting for approval. Tabled.

DIGGING PERMIT AND SEWER/WATER ORDINANCE – POSSIBLE ACITON – Alderperson Lynn has been collaborating with Maintenance Manager Jason on this matter, and additional changes need to be made before it can be finalized including the incorporation of fees, fines, and the liabilities of both parties. Tabled for next meeting.

MULTIUSER METERS – POSSIBLE ACTION – Alderperson Brad has been in contact with the Broad Street apartment owners regarding the installation of a meter. Maintenance Manager Jason has arranged for Fishers to come out soon and will assess the necessary requirements, as licensed plumbers are required to install newly added meters. Alderperson Brad also provided an overview of the multi-user meter charges in surrounding towns. For reference, Mt. Carroll charges an additional $7.00 for water and sewer per separate unit, Polo charges an additional $16.00 for water and $17.00 for sewer per separate unit, and Foreston charges an additional $22.70 for water and $22.94 for sewer per separate unit. Alderperson Brad will put together a proposal for the next meeting.

STANDING COMMITTEES AND BOARDS-POSSIBLE ACTION- None

REPORTS-EMPLOYEES, ATTORNEY, CLERK, TREASURER, ALDERPERSONS AND MAYOR- Chief Troy Randall - Officer Zach will be on his own the first on next month. Maintenance Manager Jason Alvarado - Regarding the MFT Project on SW Lanark Ave, Fehr Graham recommends that boring be done in five sections to create a full profile. The cost for each section will be $1,240.00, totaling $6,200.00. The Council agreed that this is a necessary step for the project. Attorney Ed Mitchell – reported receiving a notice of tax sale. Clerk Marilyn - shared that we now have 187 people signed up on the mass texting. Alderperson Ethan Lartz – has been working on the mowing contract bid, which will be included on the agenda for the next meeting. Alderperson Brad Knutti – mentioned that he has received inquiries regarding abandoned properties on Westside, Pearl St, and E. Franklin and would like to work on these. Next meeting Agenda.

EXECUTIVE SESSION-EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION, REAL ESTATE-MOTION-was made by Alderperson Mark Macomber and seconded by Alderperson Justin Rausch to convene in Executive Session at 7:47 p.m. in order to discuss employment. Motion carried by 5 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Mark Macomber, Justin Rausch, Brad Knutti, Ethan Lartz, and Lynn Collins. Alderperson Haley Grim was absent.

REGULAR SESSION-MOTION-was made by Alderperson Lynn Collins and seconded by Alderperson Mark Macomber to reconvene into regular session at 8:05 p.m. Motion carried by 5 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Lynn Collins, Brad Knutti, Justin Rausch, Ethan Lartz, and Mark Macomber. Alderperson Haley Grim was absent.

ADJOURNMENT-MOTION-was made by Alderperson Lynn Collins and seconded by Alderperson Mark Macomber to adjourn at 8:05 p.m. Motion carried by 5 voiced aye votes.

https://lanarkil.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/02182025-City-Council-Meeting-Minutes.pdf