NW Illinois News

City of Lanark City Council met Aug. 5.

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 7:00 p.m. Roll call taken by Deb Throop, Treasurer, showed Alderpersons present were Brad Knutti, Mark Macomber, Justin Rausch, Alisha Metz, and Jim Plock. Alderperson Ethan Lartz was absent.

Mayor Jerene Rogan was present and presiding.

Others present were: Anthony Burkholder, Mike Mudge with Rock River Energy, Matt Strohecker, Andrew Hartman, Attorney Ed Mitchell, Treasurer Deb Throop, Chief Troy Randall, and Officer Zach Plum.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE- was led by Alderperson Mark Maomcber.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES-MOTION-was made by Alderperson Mark Macomber and seconded by Alderperson Justin Rausch to accept the minutes of the June 16, 2025 meeting as presented. Motion carried by 4 aye votes and 1 abstain. Aye votes; Alderpersons Mark Macomber, Justin Rausch, Alisha Metz, and Jim Plock. Alderperson Brad Knutti abstained, and Alderperson Ethan Lartz was absent.

PUBLIC COMMENTS- Anthony Burkholder – The building at 106 E. Pearl sits lower than the surrounding streets, causing significant drainage issues, especially from runoff along School Drive. To address this, the owners plan to regrade the property, install a retaining wall, and replace the sidewalk and curb on Pearl Street. They are requesting city support, mainly for sidewalk and curb work, while the council would like to continue discussion about engineering requirements and maintenance responsibilities on School Dr. to be added to next meeting agenda.

LIBRARY REPORT – POSSIBLE ACTION – the microfiche reader is being relocated to historical society, but the historical desk will remain due to its significance; possible relocation to the Heritage Center is being considered. They will also be hosting a book sale in mid-August at the Heritage Center. The board was not able to attend so the report is Tabled

SOLAR CREDITS – POSSIBLE ACTION – Mike Mudge with Rock River Energy came to propose a Community Solar Program for the city. He shared that it would allow the city to receive energy bill credits with no upfront cost as it is from existing solar fields. A 20-year term contract, the estimated savings could reach $94,000, depending on future ComEd rate increases. The solar credits would apply to city facilities like water and sewer accounts. The council was informed of recent state policy changes that now allow participation in both community solar and third-party energy suppliers. The urgency stems from limited availability in current solar fields, and early commitment ensures participation. A Motion was made by Alderperson Brad Knutti and seconded by Alderperson Mark Macomber to authorize the mayor to sign the necessary subscription agreements. Motion carried by 4 aye votes and 1 abstain. Aye votes; Alderpersons Mark Macomber, Brad Knutti, Alisha Metz, and Jim Plock. Alderperson Justin Rausch abstained, and Alderperson Ethan Lartz was absent.

DELINQUENT UTILITIES – POSSIBLE ACTION - A shut-off list was prepared for September 1. No motion was needed at this time.

ABANDONED/BLIGHTED PORPERTIES – POSSIBLE ACTION – 315 W. Claremont – new occupants with kids living in the property without water or electric and neighbors are complaining. The Ordinance Committee held a meeting to discuss strengthening the city’s enforcement measures around property code violations, particularly those involving unkempt or neglected properties. The current penalties—such as fines ranging from $5 to $500—lack sufficient deterrent power. The committee generally agreed that violators should receive a written warning with a 14-day window to correct the issue, followed by escalating fines and enforcement if no action is taken. They also explored legal options, such as imposing liens on properties and potentially foreclosing on repeat offenders. The council touched on real cases where properties were transferred without addressing existing liens, and the need to clarify what legal actions are permissible. Attorney Ed Mitchell is going to look over the committees’ proposed changes to the ordinance.

CITY WEBSITE – POSSIBLE ACTION – Alderperson Alisha will schedule a 30-minute presentation with the two companies before upcoming meetings. Tabled

TRUTH IN TAXATION – POSSIBLE ACTION - 105% levy threshold discussed. Going above would require a Truth in Taxation hearing. The calculated cap is $289,818; the board agreed to stay under that amount. A Motion was made by Alderperson Mark Macomber and seconded by Alderperson Brad Knutti to levy $287,000: $251,000 for the corporation and $36,000 for the library. Motion carried by 5 aye votes. Aye votes; Alderpersons Mark Macomber, Brad Knutti, Justin Rausch, Alisha Metz, and Jim Plock. Alderperson Ethan Lartz was absent.

STANDING COMMITTEES AND BOARDS-POSSIBLE ACTION- Economic Development - Materials for the Gaga pit have been delivered. Discussion about coordinating with LCC and setting a future meeting to continue progress on local projects, including landscaping and tree planning. Rosemary completed documentation related to the park bathroom project; a review and handoff were noted. Water & Sewer - Water/sewer project starting Friday with equipment delivery and barricade setup, notices to be distributed to residents on Pearl Street regarding construction. Efforts will be made to cover trenches nightly for resident access, progressing one block west at a time. Strict oversight emphasized by Fair Graham; penalties will apply for non-compliance. Streets and Property - Carroll Street project has commenced. Council discussed SURF's permitting delays; approval withheld until correct documentation is submitted. Personnel - Cleaning services are satisfactory; park bathrooms are well-maintained. No additional personnel issues reported.

REPORTS-EMPLOYEES, ATTORNEY, CLERK, TREASURER, ALDERPERSONS AND MAYOR- Chief Troy- Officer Zach was publicly commended for his quick response to a theft case involving a stolen purse from Shell station. There was unconfirmed break-in at Rolling Hills, evidence of tampering noted, though cameras may have been non-functional or fake. No suspects currently but investigation continuing. Radar Speed Trailer is currently on loan to the Sheriff’s Department for fair week. Expected back in time for school reopening to assist with traffic control. Alderperson Brad - 328 W. Locust: Ongoing complaints about a resident (Doug) accumulating debris, vehicles, and motorcycles. Multiple neighbors’ complaints noted; investigation pending. Alderperson Justin Rausch - Old Ready-Mix Lot (North Broad): Several unregistered vans accumulating on site. The council discussed whether vehicles are licensed and possible action if they are not. Additional concern raised about unregistered or abandoned vehicles, including a fenced-in backyard containing old trucks.

ADJOURNMENT-MOTION- was made by Alderperson Brad Knutti and seconded by Alderperson Mark Macomber to adjourn at 8:32 p.m. Motion carried by 5 voiced aye votes.

https://lanarkil.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/08052025-City-Council-Meeting-Minutes.pdf