NW Illinois News

City of Byron City Council met April 2.

Here are the minutes 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, Ron Boyer, Jessica Nehring, Michael Gyorkos. Six members present.

Aldermen Absent: Christy Hanlin

Alderman Nehring motioned to allow Alderman Hanlin to attend the meeting electronically. Motion seconded by Alderman Gyorkos.

Roll call vote: Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0. Seven 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

Engineer Jason Stoll

Citizens Laura Goding, Michelle Lorenz, Humberto

Santiago, Doug Wilken, Shannon Krueger

4. REVERENCE PERIOD – Led by Mayor Rickard.

5. APPROVAL/AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA – Mayor Rickard asked to add Extension of Liquor Operation Hours under the Mayor’s Report and Award Bid for 2025 Streets as item 18i (first read). Motion by Alderman Isaacs to approve, as amended, the April 2, 2025, agenda. Seconded by Alderman Nehring. Roll call vote: Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

6. MINUTES –

a. March 19, 2025 – City Council Regular Meeting Minutes –Motion by Alderman Gerdes to approve, as presented, the March 19, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting Minutes. Seconded by Alderman Fulrath. Roll call vote: Boyer, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

7. PUBLIC COMMENT – None

8. TREASURER’S REPORT – No report.

9. LIST OF BILLS – April 2, 2025 – Motion by Alderman Boyer to approve, as presented, the April 2, 2025, List of Bills in the amount of $278,448.55. Motion seconded by Alderman Gerdes. Roll call vote: Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

10. MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Rickard issued a proclamation declaring April as National Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month in Byron. Shannon Krueger from Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center accepted the proclamation and shared a message from Executive Director Jessica Cash. Administrator Brooks stated that our liquor ordinance allows an extension of hours during an outage, from 6am-1am to 5am-1am. Mayor Rickard would like to extend the hours for three weeks beginning April 15. There was no objection from council members.

11. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT – Administrator Brooks reported that he will be out of the office next week.

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

13. CITY ENGINEER’S REPORT – No report. All items are on the agenda.

14. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS REPORT –

a. Public Works Building Update – Director Vincer reported that work is continuing on the Public Works building. The contractor is approximately one month behind schedule due to wind and bad weather.

b. Wastewater Treatment Plant – No report.

c. Other – The chipper will be operating for branch pick up starting Friday and continuing every Friday through spring and summer as weather permits. There have been seven water main breaks this year.

15. POLICE CHIEF REPORT – Chief Boehle reported that the Police and Fire Departments will participate in Battle of the Badges, a blood drive, on April 10 from 11-5 pm in the Snyder Pharmacy parking lot. Chief is also participating in the Shining Star Jail and Bail fundraiser. Donations can be made online or at the Police station. All proceeds go to Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center.

16. COMMITTEE REPORTS –

a. Community Services – All items are on the agenda.

b. Public Safety – No report.

c. Administrative – No report.

17. CONTINUING BUSINESS

a. Resolution to Approve Entering into a Development Agreement for 221 N. Walnut St. – Administrator Brooks stated that demolition has already begun on the façade of this building. The development agreement has been signed by Mr. Miller. The city’s sidewalk work by DPI Construction will begin May 1. The Administrative Committee recommends council approval of the agreement. Roll call vote: Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Nehring, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

b. Paved Surface Ordinance – The Administrative Committee recommends council approval of the paved surface ordinance. Roll call vote: Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, NAY; Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 1; ABS, 0.

c. Ordinance to Provide Hearing Officer fee for Administrative Tow Hearings – Administrator Brooks stated that this ordinance sets an additional $150 fee if a hearing is requested for an Administrative Tow. The fee covers the cost of a hearing officer. The Public Safety Committee recommends council approval of this ordinance to provide a Hearing Officer fee. Roll call vote: Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

d. Ordinance Prohibiting the Consumption of Alcohol by Liquor License Holder Employees While Working – Administrator Brooks stated that this ordinance came out of the Public Safety Committee with a recommendation for passage. The ordinance also states that employees serving alcohol must be 21 years old. Roll call vote: Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

e. Ordinance Requiring BASSET training for Liquor License Holder Employees Serving Alcohol – The Public Safety Committee recommends council approval of the ordinance to require BASSET training for employees serving alcohol within 45 days of their date of hire. Roll call vote: Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

18. NEW BUSINESS

a. Byron Chamber Byron Rocks Proposal – Byron Chamber Director Michelle Lorenz presented plans for Byron Rocks, a race scheduled for Saturday, May 3. She stated that volunteers are stationed at most intersections for safety during the race. She is requested that a small portion of 2nd Street be temporarily shut down at the race finish line to ensure the safety of the runners. Alderman Nehring motioned to bypass first read and approve the Byron Chamber of Commerce Byron Rocks event to be held Saturday, May 3, as proposed. Motion seconded by Alderman Gerdes. Roll call vote: Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

b. 2025-2026 Budget Ordinance - Administrator Brooks stated that the 2025-2026 budget ordinance is in Dropbox for first read. A public hearing is scheduled at 6:25pm, immediately before the next council meeting, on Wednesday, April 16.

c. Ordinance Changing Code Hearing Unit to 65 ILCS 5/1-2.1-1 – Attorney Szeto stated that we had previously adopted the code hearing unit 2.2 which restricted us in terms of what we could hear and enforce at an Administrative Hearing. Unit 2.1 is now allowed outside of home rule communities and gives us more freedom to prosecute and enforce offenses through the administrative hearing process. Alderman Gyorkos motioned to bypass first read and change from hearing unit 2.2 to 2.1. Motion seconded by Alderman Isaacs. Roll call vote: Boyer, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

d. Resolution Appropriating Funds for IDOT Improvement Project – Alderman Gerdes reported that the Community Services Committee recommends bypassing first read and approving the Resolution to appropriate $8,029 to the IDOT sidewalk and traffic light improvement project on IL Route 2 and IL Route 72 in Byron. Roll call vote: Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

e. Resolution Approving Plans for Traffic Signal and Sidewalk Improvement Project – Alderman Gerdes stated that IDOT plans to make the intersections ADA accessible. The project also includes changing the traffic lights to a camera system rather than a weighted system. The Community Services Committee recommends bypassing first read and approving the Resolution Approving IDOT Plans for Traffic Signal and Sidewalk Improvements. Roll Call: Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Nehring, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

f. Ordinance Approving IDOT Agreement – Alderman Gerdes reported that the Community Services Committee recommends bypassing first read and approving the Ordinance to approve the IDOT Agreement for sidewalk and traffic signal improvements on IL Route 2 and IL Route 72. Roll call vote: Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

g. Ordinance Authorizing the Disposal of Certain Personal Property Owned by the City – An ordinance is in Dropbox that authorizes the city to sell or dispose of a truck and tractor. The Community Services Committee recommends bypassing first read and approving the ordinance to sell or dispose of the two listed vehicles that are no longer needed by the city. Roll call vote: Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

h. Ordinance Prohibiting Permits & Licenses when Applicant Owes City – Administrator Brooks stated that this ordinance is not yet ready for review. Currently, the city has no mechanism to stop someone from getting a license or permit when they owe on their water bill. The ordinance would allow the city to collect any outstanding amounts due to the City before issuing a building permit or other license.

i. Award Bid for 2025 Streets Project – This is on the agenda for first read. Mayor Rickard stated that sealed bids were opened today for the HMA Overlay as part of the 2025 Streets Project. Low bid was Martin & Company for $537,647.78.

19. COUNCIL TALK – Alderman Boyer discussed the deteriorating sidewalks throughout the city. Currently, the city has $8,000 in the sidewalk budget. He asked if council could discuss the possibility of an expanded sidewalk repair program. It will be put on the next Community Services agenda.

20. Executive Session – Executive Session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(6) of the Open Meetings Act to discuss the setting of a price for sale or lease of property owned by the city and 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(21) Review of Closed Session Minutes – Alderman Fulrath motioned to go into Executive Session at 7:05pm. Motion seconded by Alderman Boyer. Roll call vote: Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

21. RECONVENE REGULAR SESSION – City Council reconvened at 7:29pm. Roll call: Isaacs, Gerdes, Fulrath, Boyer, Nehring, Gyorkos, Hanlin. Also present: Mayor Rickard, Clerk Huber, Administrator Brooks, Attorney Szeto, Attorney Goding.

22. ACTION COMING OUT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION –

a. Motion to Approve Executive Session Minutes – Alderman Fulrath motioned to approve Executive Session minutes from 12/6/23, 2/21/24, 3/6/24, 6/26/24 and 9/18/24. Motion seconded by Alderman Isaacs. Roll call vote: Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

b. Motion to Release Executive Session Minutes – Alderman Fulrath motioned to release the Executive Session minutes from 2/21/24 only. Motion seconded by Alderman Gerdes. Roll call vote: Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, ABS; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 1.

20. COMMUNICATION –

a. Public Hearing – Budget – Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 6:25pm

b. Regular City Council Meeting – Wednesday, April 16, 2025, 6:30 pm

22. ADJOURN – Alderman Fulrath motioned to adjourn. Motion seconded by Alderman Gerdes. Roll call vote: Boyer, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

Mayor Rickard adjourned the City Council meeting at 7:31 pm.

https://www.cityofbyron.com/media/4466