NW Illinois News

City of Lanark City Council met March 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 p.m. Roll call taken by Marilyn Heller, City Clerk, showed Alderpersons present were Brad Knutti, Ethan Lartz, Justin Rausch, Haley Grim and Lynn Collins. Mayor Mark Macomber was present and presiding.

Others present were: Lloyd and Ruth Bloedorm, Sarah Brennen, Denise Sorn, Jessica Gruendler, Dan Rusmisel, Maintenance Manager Jason Alvarado, Clerk Marilyn Heller, Treasurer Deb Throop, Attorney Ed Mitchell, and Chief Troy Randall

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE-was led by Treasurer Deb Throop.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES-MOTION-was made by Alderperson Brad Knutti and seconded by Alderperson Haley Grim to accept the minutes of the March 4, 2025 meeting as presented. Motion carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Brad Knutti, Haley Grim, Lynn Collins, Ethan Lartz, Justin Rausch, and Mark Macomber.

PUBLIC COMMENTS- Residents Lloyd and Ruth requested the council address their neighbor’s property. Chief Troy took information and will address.

DELINQUANT UTILITIES – POSSIBLE ACTION – Clerk presented the updated shut off list, noting that we received two partial payments. A Motion was made by Alderperson Brad Knutti and seconded by Alderperson Ethan Lartz to proceed with the shut off list on April 3rd as presented on lines 1 through 12 and 14. Motion carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Brad Knutti, Ethan Lartz, Haley Grim, Mark Macomber, Lynn Collins, and Justin Rausch.

457B RETIREMENT – POSSIBLE ACTION – The Personnel Committee held a meeting and presented their recommendation to the council for the 457b types of loans allowed questionnaire. A Motion was made by Alderperson Brad Knutti and seconded by Alderperson Lynn Collins to approve the type of loans and provisions as presented. Motion carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Brad Knutti, Lynn Collins, Ethan Lartz, Haley Grim, Mark Macomber, and Justin Rausch.

DIGGING PERMIT AND SEWER/WATER ORDINANCE – POSSIBLE ACITON – Alderperson Lynn and Attorney Ed Mitchell convened to review and implement the updates and changes to the current ordinance, as discussed during the previous meeting. They have prepared the revised ordinance for presentation. A Motion was made by Alderperson Mark Macomber and seconded by Alderperson Lynn Collins to approve ordinance # 1011 – An Ordinance Amending the Lanark City Code with Regard to Water and Sewer Services of the City of Lanark. Motion carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Mark Macomber, Lynn Collins, Justin Rausch, Ethan Lartz, Haley Grim, and Brad Knutti.

MULTIUSER METERS – POSSIBLE ACTION – Alderperson Brad Knutti will meet with Clerk on Thursday to discuss further. Tabled

DONATION REQUEST – POSSIBLE ACTION – A Motion was made by Alderperson Brad Knutti and seconded by Alderperson Justin Rausch to award $250 to the Eastland Post Prom. Motion carried by 5 aye votes and 1 nay vote. Aye votes: Alderpersons Brad Knutti, Justin Rausch, Haley Grim, Mark Macomber, and Ethan Lartz. Nay vote: Alderperson Lynn Collins.

TIF ORDINANCES – POSSIBLE ACTION – Attorney Ed Mitchell presented the ordinances for the two TIF applications that were approved by the Council at the previous meeting. A Motion was made by Alderperson Haley Grim and seconded by Alderperson Brad Knutti to approve Ordinance # 1012 – An Ordinance Approving and Authorizing the Execution of a Tax Increment Financing District Redevelopment Agreement between the City of Lanark and Sarah Brennan bda Hilldale Deli. Motion carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Haley Grim, Brad Knutti, Lynn Collins, Ethan Lartz, Mark Macomber, and Justin Rausch. A Motion was made by Alderperson Brad Knutti and seconded by Alderperson Haley Grim to approve Ordinance # 1013 – An Ordinance Approving and Authorizing the Execution of a Tax Increment Financing District Redevelopment Agreement between the City of Lanark and Brittney Welch bda Studio 99. Motion carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Brad Knutti, Haley Grim, Justin Rausch, Ethan Lartz, Mark Macomber, and Lynn Collins.

MOWING CONTRACT – POSSIBLE ACTION – Alderperson Ethan Lartz presented the updated mowing contract with Adrena Grant. A Motion was made by Alderperson Ethan Lartz and seconded by Alderperson brad Knutti to approve the mowing contract as submitted. Motion carried by 5 aye votes and 1 nay vote. Aye votes: Alderpersons Ethan Lartz, Brad Knutti, Justin Rausch, Mark Macomber, and Haley Grim. Nay vote: Alderperson Lynn Collins.

EMPLOYEE RAISES – POSSIBLE ACTION – The Personnel Committee held a meeting and presented their recommendations to the Council regarding employee salary increases, which include a 5% increase for full-time police officers, the maintenance department, and all other employees, as well as a rate increase to $30 per hour for all part-time police officers. A Motion was made by Alderperson Brad Knutti and seconded by Alderperson Justin Rausch to approve 5% increase for full-time police officers, the maintenance department, and all other employees, as well as a rate increase to $30 per hour for all part-time police officers, affective the first payroll in April 2025. Motion carried by 5 aye votes and 1 nay vote. Aye votes: Alderpersons Brad Knutti, Justin Rausch, Haley Grim, Mark Macomber, and Ethan Lartz. Nay vote : Alderperson Lynn Collins.

ABANDON / DELINQUANT PROPERTIES – POSSIBLE ATION – The Council reviewed the three properties previously discussed at the last meeting, in consultation with Chief Randall. Chief Randall is awaiting responses from the three property owners. The Council then discussed potential next steps for condemning the abandoned property on Westside Avenue with Attorney Ed Mitchell. A Motion was made by Alderperson Ethan Lartz and seconded by Alderperson Brad Knutti to proceed with the process to condemn the abandon property on Westside Ave. Motion carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Ethan Lartz, Brad Knutti, Lynn Collins, Mark Macomber, Haley Grim, and Justin Rausch.

LUCAS GROUP ENGAGEMENT LETTER – POSSIBLE ACTION – Treasurer Deb presented the engagement letter from Lucas Group for the FY 2025 city audit. A Motion was made by Alderperson Lynn Collins and seconded by Alderperson Mark Macomber to accept the proposed engagement letter presented by Lucas Group dated Feb. 22, 2025 to perform the audit for the city of Lanark for the fiscal year 2025. Motion carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Lynn Collins, Mark Macomber, Ethan Lartz, Justin Rausch, Haley Grim, and Brad Knutti.

ARBOR DAY PROCLAMATION – POSSIBLE ACTION – A Motion was made by Alderperson Lynn Collins and seconded by Alderperson Mark Macomber to pass the Arbor Day Proclamation dated for April 25, 2025 and to be signed by Mayor Mark Macomber. Motion carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Lynn Collins, Mark Macomber, Ethan Lartz, Justin Rausch, Haley Grim, and Brad Knutti.

NATURAL GAS AGREEMENT – POSSIBLE ACTION – more information needed so will need to be tabled for next meeting. Tabled

STANDING COMMITTEES AND BOARDS-POSSIBLE ACTION- Streets and Property Committee - the boring has been done on Westside Ave so we should get the results soon.

REPORTS-EMPLOYEES, ATTORNEY, CLERK, TREASURER, ALDERPERSONS AND MAYOR- Chief Troy Randall – asked if Officer Plum could get his own department cell phone as he has been using his personal phone. Council agreed that he should have a department phone. Maintenance Manager Jason shared that the entire maintenance crew will be attending the J & R Expo tomorrow for training. He also mentioned that F.S. can accept batteries, which are picked up every other Tuesday. Jason reviewed their specific requirements for the city to drop off batteries and will work on getting a collection box set up. Additionally, the handicap parking sign approved at the previous meeting has been installed. Jason is collaborating with Brinkmeier to install water meters at seven more businesses, including the post office, FHN, feed mill, Hair Salon on S. Broad, Special Touch, and both F.S. locations. The installation cost will range from $80 to $800 per location. Lastly, Jason addressed the dim plaza lights, and the Council requested that he obtain quotes for replacements. Jason also noted that he will be on vacation next Wednesday through the following Thursday. Attorney Ed Mitchell – received a stack of yellow forms he will file at the courthouse. Clerk Marilyn – informed the Council that she will be on vacation all of next week, returning on the 30th. She also received a letter from Eastland High School inquiring about volunteer opportunities for students. The Council suggested that hydrant painting could be a potential project. Additionally, Clerk Marilyn reminded the Council that they should have received an email from neogov.com to set up accounts. This platform will be used for conducting the annual sexual harassment training moving forward. She advised all members to set up their accounts and complete the training. City Hall experienced issues with the server, which have since been resolved. However, we are considering removing the server, as it is no longer necessary with the use of iCloud. There are still ongoing issues related to the website and email domain that are still being addressed. Lastly, clerk received complaints of the F.S. property on the 300 block of E. Carroll St. Council will discuss with them cleaning it up. Alderperson Ethan Lartz – is holding a Community Project Committee Meeting next week. Alderperson Brad Knutti- recognized the Maintenance Crew for their dedicated efforts in repairing a water main break live. Alderperson Haley Grim requested that the Maintenance Crew cold patch the potholes on West Claremont Street when they begin that project.

EXECUTIVE SESSION-EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION, REAL ESTATE-MOTION-was made by Alderperson Mark Macomber and seconded by Alderperson Lynn Collins to convene in Executive Session at 7:54 p.m. in order to discuss litigation. Motion carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Mark Macomber, Lynn Collins, Ethan Lartz, Brad Knutti, Haley Grim, and Justin Rausch.

REGULAR SESSION-MOTION-was made by Alderperson Mark Macomber and seconded by Alderperson Haley Grim to reconvene into regular session at 8:09 p.m. Motion carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Mark Macomber, Haley Grim, Ethan Lartz, Brad Knutti, Lynn Collins, and Justin Rausch.

ADJOURNMENT-MOTION-was made by Alderperson Juston Rausch and seconded by Alderperson Mark Macomber to adjourn at 8:10 p.m. Motion carried by 6 voiced aye votes.

https://lanarkil.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/03182025City-Council-Meeting-Minutes.pdf