NW Illinois News

City of Lanark City Council met April 15.

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: Jerene Rogan, Dan Kruse, Attorney Ed Mitchell, Maintenance Manager Jason Alvarado, Clerk Marilyn Heller, Treasurer Deb Throop, and Chief Troy Randall.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE-was led by Alderperson Ethan Lartz.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES-MOTION-was made by Alderperson Lynn Collins and seconded by Alderperson Haley to accept the minutes of the April 1, 2025, meeting as presented. Motion carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Lynn Collins, Haley Grim, Mark Macomber, Ethan Lartz, Justin Rausch, and Brad Knutti.

PUBLIC COMMENTS- Resident Dan Kruse addressed the Council regarding a personnel-related concern involving police matters dating back to 2020. Council agreed the matter should be referred to the Personnel Committee following legal review with Attorney Ed Mitchell.

DELINQUANT UTILITIES – POSSIBLE ACTION – The Clerk presented the updated water shut-off list, identifying accounts listed as Lines 1 through 6 as requiring payment or customer contact. A Motion was made by Alderperson Mark Macomber and Seconded by Alderperson Brad Knutti to proceed with shut offs of lines 1 through 6 on 5/1. Motion carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Lynn Collins, Haley Grim, Mark Macomber, Ethan Lartz, Justin Rausch, and Brad Knutti. Additionally, the Council discussed a property on East Prairie where the water service had been disconnected in January due to delinquency. It was reported that the occupant(s) had unlawfully restored service. In response, the maintenance manager re-disconnected the water service and installed a lock on the shut-off valve to prevent further unauthorized access. The Council discussed the incident in the context of theft of service and the appropriate measures moving forward.

MULTIUSER METERS – POSSIBLE ACTION – Alderperson Brad Knutti presented a proposal to implement additional charges of $17 per unit for water and $18 per unit for sewer, Capital Improvement Program (CIP), and garbage services. The Council engaged in discussion regarding the potential impact of the proposed changes and expressed interest in ensuring that the new rate structure would closely resemble the current flat-rate billing system in terms of overall cost to residents. To aid in further evaluation, the Clerk will distribute the estimated billing information she compiled based on average usage figures. Further discussion on the proposal was tabled pending review of the provided data. Tabled

Lastly, Maintenance Manager Jason is looking for directions as far as installing a pit for a meter at the apartments on South Broad.

ABANDON / DELINQUANT PROPERTIES – POSSIBLE ATION – The Council discussed ongoing issues with delinquent and abandoned properties. The property on Westside Ave. requires photos for enforcement, Chief Troy and Attorney Ed will continue to work on this. Council members discussed the other 2 properties of interest, including one on East Pearl and another across from Little Sprouts on E. Franklin. Chief Troy is in the process of documenting these properties for follow-up with Attorney Ed Mitchell. Tabled

DONATION REQUEST – POSSIBLE ACTION - A prior donation request from the local fire department related to a benefit at the fish fry was brought up. It was determined that no formal application was submitted. The council agreed that the matter is closed unless a new request is formally submitted.

CHIP AND SEAL PROJECT – POSSIBLE ACTION – Council discussed the scope of the upcoming chip and seal project. Due to substandard base conditions on West Lanark Avenue, the plan was revised to exclude that portion and just include East Lanark Avenue and East/West Carroll Streets. A Motion was made by Alderperson Lynn Collins and seconded by Alderperson Ethan Lartz to approve the chip and seal project to include East Lanark Avenue, East Carroll, and West Carroll. Motion carried by 4 aye votes and 2 nay votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Lynn Collins, Haley Grim, Ethan Lartz, and Brad Knutti. Nay votes: Alderpersons Justin Rausch and Mark Macomber.

STREET CIP – POSSIBLE ACTION – Council held a preliminary discussion regarding long-term street project funding. Topics included potential implementation of a 1% sales tax or an additional CIP charge on utility bills. The Council agreed this discussion should be moved to committee. It was also suggested that there should be a campaign on raising funds so there is public outreach and transparency. This should also include internal budget cuts to demonstrate fiscal responsibility. A suggestion was made to form a committee that includes both council members and community members for broader input.

STANDING COMMITTEES AND BOARDS-POSSIBLE ACTION- The Council briefly discussed committee assignments. Updates will be finalized following the swearing-in of newly elected officials.

REPORTS-EMPLOYEES, ATTORNEY, CLERK, TREASURER, ALDERPERSONS AND MAYOR- Chief Troy Randall - Finalizing the Taser grant. Five cartridges are on order and expected by week’s end. Maintenance Manager Jason Alvarado - Park bathrooms have been opened. A hazardous tree in the park was identified and tree removal services are being coordinated. Additional investigation into lead service lines is ongoing. Maintenance on Will Street was discussed; work will begin soon. Attorney Ed Mitchell - Election certifications are pending. The swearing-in of elected officials is scheduled for the next council meeting. Discussion was held regarding the legality of an alderperson serving concurrently as mayor. Legal review confirmed that all procedures followed were in compliance with state law. No violation occurred. Annexation request from a property owner on E. Locust Road was received. The city attorney will coordinate with the property owner to proceed with the process. Treasurer Deb Throop Proposed a budget committee meeting for next Tuesday at 6:00 PM. Council agreed. Alderperson Haley Grim - Expressed appreciation for her time on the council. Alderperson Ethan Lartz- Community Project Committee meeting scheduled for April 28 at 6:00 PM. Alderperson Brad Knutti: Thanked Haley and Lynn for their time on the council.

ADJOURNMENT-MOTION-was made by Alderperson Brad Knutti and seconded by Alderperson Lynn Collins to adjourn at 8:01 p.m. Motion carried by 6 voiced aye votes.

https://lanarkil.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/04152025-City-Council-Meeting-Minutes.pdf