NW Illinois News

City of Lanark City Council met June 17.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER/ROLL CALL-Lanark City Council met in a regular session at the Lanark City Hall at 7:00 p.m. Roll call taken by Marilyn Heller, City Clerk, showed Alderpersons present were Brad Knutti, Ethan Lartz, Justin Rausch, Mark Macomber, Alisha Metz, and Jim Plock.

Mayor Jeri Rogan was present and presiding.

Others present were: Eric LaRue, Sheila Haas, Bentley Haas, Jill Luning, Nino Novakovic, Dan Lamoreux, James and Lana Eckburg, Joseph Polizzi, Attorney Ed Mitchell, Clerk Marilyn Heller, Treasurer Deb Throop, Maintenance Manager Jason Alvarado, Officer Zach Plum, and Chief Troy Randall.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE- was led by Clerk Marilyn Heller.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES- tabled – A Motion was made by Alderperson Brad Knutti and seconded by Alderperson Ethan Lartz to accept the minutes of the May 20 and June 3, 2025, meetings as presented. Motion carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes; Alderpersons Brad Knutti, Ethan Lartz, Justin Rausch, Mark Macomber, Alisha Metz, and Jim Plock.

PUBLIC COMMENTS- Jill Luning and Nino Novakovic, with Crooked Roof, are considering converting a building into two residential units and using the back for storage. Questions arose about whether current industrial zoning allows for residential use on the main floor. The ordinance committee will review zoning rules and sidewalk conditions in the area. Additionally, the sidewalk and curb near the property are badly damaged and not ADA-compliant. Repairs may be coordinated with upcoming street improvements and will consult with Jason on zoning verbiage and sidewalks/curbs in disrepair.

Joseph Polizzi is in severe financial and health hardship. His garage collapsed, and he cannot afford cleanup or repairs. He gave verbal permission to seek volunteers and funding for cleanup, calling it a “blessing.” Sheila with Law Excavating offered to visit and assist with equipment and cleanup as they are remodeling nearby and have access to necessary tools.

DELINQUENT UTILITIES – POSSIBLE ACTION –Clerk presented the updated list of delinquent utilities and payment plans. A Motion was made by Alderperson Brad Knutti and seconded by Alderperson Mark Macomber to move ahead with the shut offs on lines 1 through 10 on 7/1/25 and 11 through 13 on 6/21/25 if no payments are made. Motion carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Brad Knutti, Mark Macomber, Ethan Lartz, Justin Rausch, Alisha Metz, and Jim Plock.

ABANDON / BLIGHTED PROPERTIES – POSSIBLE ATION – Clerk created a spreadsheet to track the status of abandoned or problematic properties.

507 E Franklin Street: Chief Troy was informed that Wells Fargo legal complications prevent action due to mortgage status. 524 East Pearl Street: Owner was contacted by mail, received notice, and met with officials. A 14-day compliance window was given. 410 North Broad: Collapsed Garage – owner was present and discussed volunteers helping clean up yard. Law Escavating offered to go inspect the property and volunteered to help with the clean-up. 203 E. Franklin: A legal hearing occurred, and the city received court authorization to clean up the property. Work will include leveling, dirt fill, and reseeding. 426 W. Carroll: building permit expires July ’25. Financial hardship cited. Discussion around limiting the number of consecutive permits without visible progress. Suggestions included escalating permit costs or mandating teardown if no future action occurs. 304 E Prairie: Concerns about residential areas being used for auto repair, especially in yards, with potential zoning violations. 321 N Argyle: One camper was removed from a problematic property and the chief is unsure if remaining campers are being lived in or used for storage. 217 School St, 604 E. Franklin, 302 S.E. Lanark Ave, 328 W. Locust, and 316 E. Carroll, have various issues including grass overgrowth, debris, or zoning conflicts. The council directed the chief to enforce clean-up deadlines, and the council will explore better definitions of "nuisance" in local ordinances.

APPROPRIATIONS – POSSIBLE ACTION – Attorney Ed Mitchell went over the appropriations ordinance he put together. Some confusion exists around a $310,000 line item in the CIP, but only $9,000 was appropriated. Officials mentioned the possibility of using supplemental appropriations if additional funds are needed. The library funds were slightly increased, roughly 10% over last year, to accommodate rising operational costs. A Motion was made by Alderperson Ethan Lartz and seconded by Alderperson Brad Knutti to approve Ordinance 1015 – Appropriation ordinance for the Fiscal Year Beginning April 1, 2025, and Ending March 31, 2026. Motion carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Ethan Lartz, Brad Knutti, Alisha Metz, Jim Plock, Mark Macomber and Justin Rausch.

WATERMAIN IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT – POSSIBLE ACTION – Bid opening occurred on June 12th. Bids received: Official Excavating: $1,365,223.38, Law Excavating: $1,352,304.44, and Martin Brothers: $1,564,920.49. Some documents were missing from Law Excavating's bid. They were given 10 days to provide them (deadline: Saturday). If completed, this will be reviewed at the July 1st council meeting. Tabled.

PROPERTY ANNEXATION – POSSIBLE ACTION – Robert and Patsy Benell at 24993 Locust Rd. requested annexation of their property into the city. Property must be contiguous (touching city limits). Owners must file a petition; if all voters on the property agree (which they do), the city can pass an ordinance for an annexation. Required filings go to the county and circuit clerks, with notifications to other government entities afterward. The Bennell’s already receive city water and sewer services, so no new infrastructure costs are expected. While annexation means paying city and library property taxes, they will benefit from lower utility rates. A Motion was made by Alderperson Brad Knutti and seconded by Alderperson Justin Rausch to approve Ordinance 1016 – an Ordinance to Annex Certain Real Estate to the City of Lanark. Motion carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Brad Knutti, Justin Rausch, Alisha Metz, Jim Plock, Ethan Lartz, and Mark Macomber.

CITY BOARDS APPOINTMENTS – POSSIBLE ACTION - Tabled

CITY EMPTY LOTS – POSSIBLE ACTION – Paving Bids: Two bids received: Erickson ($27,000+) and Helm ($28,000). Helm inspected the lot and found a solid gravel base up to 15–16 inches deep, indicating strong ground conditions. A reflective cool coating used in hot climates (e.g., Arizona) could reduce heat and extend asphalt life. The proposed building would be 30' x 60', likely needing posts every 8 feet, implying many deep holes. Next Steps: Talk to the contractor to assess post placement feasibility and whether additional soil testing is needed and final paving decision hinges on confirming post installation viability. Tabled

SURF FIBER INTERNET – POSSIBLE ACTION – SURF Internet is proposing to install fiber infrastructure in the city. They seek permit approval and general support. Service will be high speed, low-cost, no hidden fees, and fiber will run to each home. SURF will coordinate with city projects (e.g., water lines) to avoid conflicts. city asked that utility boxes be landscaped to reduce visual impact. URF will also provide public information booths to explain services to residents. A Motin was made by Alderperson Brad Knutti and seconded by Alderperson Ethan Lartz to grant SURF permission to proceed with planning and permit applications. Motion carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Brad Knutti, Ethan Lartz, Justin Rausch, Alisha Metz, Jim Plock, and Mark Macomber.

POSTAGE METER – POSSIBLE ACTION – The city clerk requested a postage meter for water billing (~700 envelopes/month). Two quotes received: $280/month for 5 years (non-local company) and 51.95/month for 36 months (SPM, local vendor). Additional costs: postage, ink, and maintenance. A Motin was made by Adperson Mark Macomber and seconded by Alderperson Brad Knutti to proceed with the quote received from SBM. Motion carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Mark Macomber, Brad Knutti, Jim Plock, Ethan Lartz, Justin Rausch and Alisha Metz.

CITY WEB SITE – POSSIBLE ACTION - The city’s website is currently offline due to expired hosting. Discussion on r e-upping existing service (no webmaster) or revamping with a new provider and web manager. Alderperson Alicia is leading efforts to gather redesign quotes. A Motion was made by Alderperson Brad Knutti and seconded by Alderperson Ethan Lartz to renew the current hosting to restore the site quickly. Motion carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Brad Knutti, Ethan Lartz, Jim Plock, Justin Rausch, Mark Macomber, and Alisha Metz. Meanwhile, new website provider options will continue to be explored.

STANDING COMMITTEES AND BOARDS-POSSIBLE ACTION- Streets and Property – A committee meeting is planned in the coming months to discuss 1% funding usage, including updates related to the city park. Agenda is being prepared. Economic Development – A meeting will be scheduled once responses come in regarding park-related proposals.

REPORTS-EMPLOYEES, ATTORNEY, CLERK, TREASURER, ALDERPERSONS AND MAYOR Maintenance Manager Jason Alvarado – reported on work completed during his vacation—all but two tasks were completed, and those were delayed only due to added concrete work. He praised the crew for an excellent job.

EXECUTIVE SESSION-EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION, REAL ESTATE- A MOTION-was made by Alderperson Justin Rausch and seconded by Alderperson Brad Knutti to convene in Executive Session at 8:08 p.m. to discuss employment and litigation matters. Motion carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Justin Rausch, Brad Knutti, Jim Plock, Mark Macomber, Ethan Lartz, and Alisha Metz.

REGULAR SESSION-MOTION-was made by Alderperson Brad Knutti and seconded by Alderperson Mark Macomber to reconvene into regular session at 8:42 p.m. Motion carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Brad Knutti, Mark Macomber, Jim Plock, Justin Rausch, Alisha Metz and Ethan Lartz.

CUSTODIAN POSITION – POSSIBEL ACTION – A Motion was made by Alderperson Justin Rausch and seconded by Alderperson Brad Knutti to hire Dana Foltz to the custodian position. Motion carried by 6 aye votes. Aye votes: Alderpersons Justin Rausch, Brad Knutti, Jim Plock, Alisha Metz, Mark Macomber, and Ethan Lartz.

ADJOURNMENT-MOTION- A motion to adjourn was made by Alderperson Ethan Lartz and seconded by Alderperson Mark Macomber at 8:49 p.m. The motion carried unanimously with six votes voiced in favor.

https://lanarkil.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/06172025-City-Council-Meeting-Minutes.pdf