NW Illinois News

City of Byron City Council met July. 16.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Alderman Fulrath called the meeting to order at 5:15 pm.

1. ROLL CALL –

MEMBERS PRESENT: Alderman Mittzi Fulrath, Alderman Doug Wilken, Alderman Jessica Nehring

MEMBERS ABSENT: Alderman Christy Hanlin

Alderman Nehring motioned to allow Alderman Hanlin to attend the meeting electronically. Motion seconded by Alderman Fulrath. Roll call vote: Wilken, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Fulrath, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 3; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

OTHERS PRESENT: Mayor John Rickard, Attorney Aaron Szeto, Clerk Caryn Huber, Administrator Brian Brooks, Police Chief Jeremy Boehle, Todd Isaacs, Herb Santiago

2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Alderman Nehring motioned to approve, as presented, the July 16, 2025, Administrative Committee meeting agenda. Motion seconded by Alderman Wilken. Roll call vote: Nehring, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Wilken, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

3. PUBLIC COMMENT – None

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – June 18, 2025 – Regular Meeting – Alderman Wilken motioned to approve, as presented, the June 18, 2025, Administrative Committee Regular Meeting minutes. Motion seconded by Alderman Nehring. Roll call vote: Hanlin, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Wilken, AYE; Nehring, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

5. ORDINANCE IMPLEMENTING A MUNICIPAL GROCERY RETAILERS’ OCCUPATION TAX – At the June Administrative Committee meeting, the committee was not opposed to proceeding with the ordinance to enact the grocery tax. An ordinance has been drafted for consideration. Alderman Fulrath opened the topic for more discussion and asked if the tax could be enacted at any time. Attorney Szeto explained that if the ordinance is not filed with the Department of Revenue before October 1, the next opportunity to collect the tax would be July. Alderman Fulrath asked if we would need to go to referendum if we don’t choose to enact the tax now. Attorney Szeto stated there is nothing to suggest that at this time. Many communities in the area are putting the grocery tax into place on January 1. No recommendation was made by the Committee regarding the ordinance.

6. ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING PROCESS – Attorney Szeto is in the process of drafting an ordinance that will list the most common offenses that will be handled by the Administrative Hearing process.

7. FLAG PROGRAM – Alderman Fulrath will begin contacting organizations (VFW, American Legion) for support for the program to place flags along Route 2 from Union to Colfax St. She has seen flags with tags on them in memory of a loved one.

8. CITY ADMINISTRATOR UPDATES - None

9. ADJOURN – Alderman Nehring motioned to adjourn the Administrative Committee meeting. Seconded by Alderman Wilken. Roll call vote: Fulrath, AYE: Wilken, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Hanlin, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

Alderman Fulrath adjourned the meeting at 5:24 pm.

https://www.cityofbyron.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07162025-37