NW Illinois News

City of Byron City Council met March 19.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Minutes Approved as Presented 4/2/25

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, Ron Boyer, Michael Gyorkos. Five members present.

Aldermen Absent: Jessica Nehring, Christy Hanlin

Alderman Gerdes motioned to allow Alderman Hanlin to attend the meeting electronically. Motion seconded by Alderman Fulrath. Roll call vote: Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, 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

Citizens Laura Goding, Charles Van Horn, Kelly Neslund

4. REVERENCE PERIOD – Led by Mayor Rickard.

5. APPROVAL/AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA –Motion by Alderman Isaacs to approve, as presented, the March 19, 2025, agenda. Seconded by Alderman Fulrath. Roll call vote: Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

6. MINUTES –

a. March 5, 2025 – City Council Regular Meeting Minutes - Motion by Alderman Boyer to approve, as presented, the March 5, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting Minutes. Seconded by Alderman Gyorkos. Roll call vote: Boyer, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, ABS; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 5; NAY, 0; ABS, 1.

7. PUBLIC COMMENT – None

8. TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer Huber noted that the Treasurer’s Report for February 2025 is in Dropbox.

9. LIST OF BILLS – MARCH 19, 2025 – Motion by Alderman Gyorkos to approve, as presented, the March 19, 2025, List of Bills in the amount of $126,554.29. Motion seconded by Alderman Boyer. Roll call vote: Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

10. MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Rickard recommended the appointment of Michelle Lorenz to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Alderman Fulrath motioned to approve the appointment of Ms. Lorenz to the ZBA. Motion seconded by Alderman Isaacs. Roll call vote: Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

Mayor Rickard is still looking for two additional members to fill vacancies on the Zoning Board of Appeals.

11. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT – Administrator Brooks stated that we received our $200,000 BAAD grant funds for work on the boat dock. Elected officials have received an invitation to the Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner. The city will be purchasing a table. Contact Administrator Brooks if interested in attending.

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

13. CITY ENGINEER’S REPORT – No report.

14. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS REPORT –

a. Public Works Building Update – Director Vincer reported that work is continuing on the Public Works building.

b. Wastewater Treatment Plant – No report.

c. Other – Bids will be out next week for the 2025 Streets Program.

15. POLICE CHIEF REPORT – Chief Boehle reported that SRO Morrissey participated in the Special Olympics Polar Plunge. The event raised over $11,000.

16. COMMITTEE REPORTS –

a. Community Services – No report.

b. Public Safety – Administrator Brooks reported that there are several items on the agenda that have come out of committee with recommendations.

c. Administrative – Alderman Isaacs reported that the committee met tonight and approved several sets of Executive Session minutes. All other items are on the agenda.

17. CONTINUING BUSINESS

a. 221 N. Walnut St. TIF Agreement – Mr. Miller is reviewing the agreement. b. Mural – Clerk Huber reported that there are two mural revisions in Dropbox. These are revisions that were made based on comments from Council at the last meeting. Once Council approves the design, we will move forward with discussing the design with the building owner. The Administrative Committee is recommending council approval for the mural design with “Community and Connection” placed toward the bottom of the mural. Roll call vote: Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Gyorkos, NAY; Hanlin, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 5; NAY, 1; ABS, 0.

18. NEW BUSINESS

a. Paved Surface Ordinance – Alderman Isaacs stated that the Administrative Committee recommends council approval of the revised paved surface ordinance, which states that existing gravel surfaces will be grandfathered in. All new paved surfaces must be asphalt or concrete. Ordinance is on the agenda for first read.

b. Ordinance to Provide Hearing Officer Fee for Administrative Tow Hearings -Administrator Brooks stated that the Public Safety Committee recommends passage of this ordinance which imposes a fee of $150 if an Administrative Hearing is requested. The fee covers the cost of the hearing officer. Ordinance is on the agenda for first read.

c. Ordinance Prohibiting the Consumption of Alcohol by Liquor License Holder Employees While Working – Chief Boehle stated that some establishments allow their employees to drink while working and some do not. This ordinance prohibits the consumption of alcohol and THC products by employees on duty. The ordinance also requires that all employees serving alcohol be 21. Alderman Gerdes asked what the penalties are for ordinance infractions. Chief Boehle stated that it is a violation against their liquor license and could potentially result in the suspension or revoking of their liquor license. The Public Safety Committee recommends passage of this ordinance. It is on tonight’s agenda for first read.

d. Ordinance Requiring BASSET training for Liquor License Holder Employees Serving Alcohol – Chief Boehle stated that this ordinance requires all employees of an establishment that serves alcohol be BASSET trained. The training must be completed within 45 days of hiring unless an extension is applied for through the liquor commissioner. Attorney Szeto added that the ordinance also takes into consideration festivals and one day events, which will require at least one BASSET trained individual to oversee the volunteers. Administrator Brooks added that the Chamber has been advised so they can be prepared for ByronFest. They were asked to pass this information on to the Lion’s Club which runs one of the beer gardens for the Chamber. Chief Boehle also noted that the hired security at ByronFest is BASSET trained. The Public Safety Committee recommends passage of this ordinance. It is on tonight’s agenda for first read.

19. COUNCIL TALK – None.

20. COMMUNICATION –

a. Regular City Council Meeting – Wednesday, April 2, 2025, 6:30 pm

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

Mayor Rickard adjourned the City Council meeting at 6:48 pm.

https://www.cityofbyron.com/media/4441