NW Illinois News

City of Rochelle City Council met Feb. 24.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

I. CALL TO ORDER: Pledge to the Flag and prayer were led by Mayor Bearrows.

II. ROLL CALL: Present were Councilors T. McDermott, Hayes, D. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey, Arteaga, Valdivieso, and Mayor John Bearrows. A quorum of seven were present. Also, present City manager Jeff Fiegenschuh and City Clerk Rose Huéramo.

III. PROCLAMATIONS, COMMENDATIONS, ETC: None.

IV. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS:

1. Mayor's Report: Thoughts and prayers to the Graber family following the loss of Sam Graber.

2. Council Members: None.

V. PUBLIC COMMENTARY: None.

VI. DISCUSSION ITEMS: None.

VII. BUSINESS ITEMS:

1. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS BY OMNIUS VOTE with Recommendations:

a) Approve City Council Meeting Minutes - 2/10/25

b) Approve Payroll - 1/20/2025-2/02/2025

c) Approve Payment Registers - 2/10/25, 2/13/25, 2/17/25

d) Accept & Place on File - January Financials

Motion made by Councilor Valdivieso, Seconded by Councilor D. McDermott, "I move consent agenda items (a) through (d) be approved by Omnibus vote as recommended." Voting Yea: T. McDermott, Hayes, D. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey, Arteaga, Valdivieso, and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 7-0.

2. A Motion to Authorize the City Manager to Obtain Proposals for a Passenger Bus. The City of Rochelle has had previous discussion about purchasing a 12-passenger shuttle bus for community events and tours. I would like City Council’s approval to seek at least three-4 competitive quotes for a 12passenger bus. If you approve, I will seek the quotes for a new and/or used bus that his handicapped assessable. Based on input from department directors, this vehicle will be used for the following activities -pop up events at local parks and department facilities -tours for ED visits, chamber functions and citizen’s academies -transporting staff to out of town events and trainings (tours of prairie state, IML and IMUA lobby events) -transporting residents during festivals (community fireworks, Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival, Events downtown with limited parking) -Warming space for residents and staff (if needed) The bus can and will be utilized multiple times annually. I will work with staff to obtain the most appropriate vehicle for usage. Based on previous research the following annual maintenance costs should be anticipated:

∙ Annual insurance premiums of $850-$1150 (all employees using and riding the bus will be covered under the city’s general liability insurance. Anyone not considered an employee will be required to sign a waiver and will be covered by the city’s general liability insurance.)

∙ Annual estimated fuels costs will be $2,800 based on a 30-gallon tanked filled twice per month at $3.00 per gallon. This will be split between department usage.

∙ Annual maintenance costs of $1,200 includes oil changes and basic maintenance.

∙ If approved the vehicle will be stored at 1030 S 7th.

∙ The city will utilize staff for usage during regular hours and will hire one or two part-time seasonal staff for potential after hours usage.

To this point total community contributions total $25,000. GREDO pledged $15,000 for a downpayment and LCIDA pledged $10,000. Remaining funds can be allocated as follows: $18,000 mayor/city council budget, $25,000 excess proceeds from 2024 auction & $7,000 RMU community relations. Any additional community contributions raised will cover dollars budgeted from city funds. Total cost is anticipated to be $80,000-$95,000. City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh was available for questions. Motion made by Councilor T. McDermott, Seconded by Councilor Shaw-Dickey, "I move Council Authorize the City Manager to Obtain Proposals for a Passenger bus be approved." Voting Yea: T. McDermott, Hayes, D. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey, Arteaga, Valdivieso, and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 7-0.

3. An Ordinance Waiving Competitive Bidding Requirements and Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Subsequent Small Municipal and County Government Enterprise Agreement with Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. The resolution seeks approval to renew the City of Rochelle’s ESRI Small Government Enterprise License for $87,900.00 over three years, billed annually at $29,300.00 This represents a $1,050 annual increase from the previous contract due to software updates and inflation. The renewal ensures continued access to ESRI’s industry leading geospatial software, essential for city operations, including mapping utilities, zoning, database management, public-facing applications, and exploring the newest in geospatial innovation to increase overall efficiency and promote the City’s strategic plans. ESRI’s software supports key city initiatives by enabling efficient management of spatial data and public communication tools, such as maps for events, road closures, utility projects, and asset management software such as VueWorks, OMS, and soon, Daupler. The license benefits all city departments and enhances transparency through publicly accessible GIS tools. Without this renewal, critical GIS functions would cease. The agreement also offers cost-efficiency by providing lower per-unit software costs, reduced administrative burden, and flexibility in software deployment. Approving this resolution locks in the current pricing for the next three years. Pat Brust, Director of Information Systems, and Casey Heuer, GIS Coordinator, were available for questions. Motion made by Councilor D. McDermott, Seconded by Councilor Arteaga, "I move Ordinance 2025-06, an Ordinance Waiving Competitive Bidding Requirements and Authorizing the City Manager to enter into a Subsequent Small Municipal and County Government Enterprise Agreement with Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc., be approved." Voting Yea: T. McDermott, Hayes, D. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey, Arteaga, Valdivieso, and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 7-0.

VIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION: At 6:53 PM. Motion made by Councilor T. McDermott, Seconded by Councilor Shaw-Dickey, "I move the Council recess into executive session to discuss the (appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance and/or dismissal) of specific employee(s), section (c) (1)." Voting Yea: T. McDermott, Hayes, D. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey, Arteaga, Valdivieso, and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 7-0.

At 7:47 PM. Motion made by Councilor D. McDermott, Seconded by Councilor Shaw-Dickey, "I move the Council return to open session." Voting Yea: T. McDermott, Hayes, D. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey, Arteaga, Valdivieso, and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 7-0.

IX. ADJOURNMENT: At 7:47 PM. Motion made by Councilor Valdivieso, Seconded by Councilor Arteaga, "I move the Council adjourn." Voting Yea: T. McDermott, Hayes, D. McDermott, Shaw-Dickey, Arteaga, Valdivieso, and Mayor Bearrows. Nays: None. Motion passed 7-0.

https://mccmeetings.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/rochelleil-pubu/MEET-Minutes-c0267f77f8eb4a66907f814e9b729536.pdf