NW Illinois News

City of Byron Administrative Committee met Aug. 20.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

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 Wilken. Roll call vote: Wilken, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Fulrath, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 3; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

OTHERS PRESENT: Mayor John Rickard, Attorney Laura Goding, Clerk Caryn Huber, Administrator Brian Brooks, Police Chief Jeremy Boehle, Public Works Director Aaron Vincer, Alderman Todd Isaacs, Alderman Herb Santiago, Alderman Ron Boyer, Alderman Mike Gyorkos, Chad Nelson, Kathy Mrozek, Charles Van Horn, Gary Treese, Chris Logston

2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Alderman Nehring motioned to approve, as presented, the August 20, 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 – July 16, 2025 – Regular Meeting – Alderman Wilken motioned to approve, as presented, the July 16, 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. BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD HEALTH INSURANCE RENEWAL – Chad Nelson from Coyle Kiley was in attendance. The Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance rates beginning October 1, 2025, are 6.31% lower than the previous year for the same plan. Alderman Nehring motioned to recommend council approval of the Blue Cross Blue Shield renewal beginning October 1, 2025. Motion seconded by Alderman Wilken. Roll call vote: Fulrath, AYE; Wilken, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

6. OTHER HEALTH-RELATED INSURANCE RENEWALS – Administrator Brooks stated that the city also received quotes on ancillary coverages such as dental, vision, life and short-term disability. Chad Nelson reported that eight companies were reviewed. Mutual of Omaha quotes came in at 8.4% lower than our present companies, however, the dental insurance only has a few local dentists. Most of the current dentists that employees use would be out of network and end up costing more than the savings. The recommendation from staff is to maintain our current carriers for the coming year. Alderman Wilken motioned to recommend to council that we waive first read and maintain our current carriers for this year. Motion seconded by Alderman Nehring. Roll call vote: Wilken, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Fulrath, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 4; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

7. TIF APPLICATION – MROZEK – Administrator Brooks stated that he received a TIF grant application from Ken and Kathy Mrozek in the amount of $21,040.90 for façade improvements at 124 and 126 W. 2nd St. Other than the grant awarded to Brad Miller for Kobel’s, we have not awarded any other TIF grants this year. The budget for grants is $50,000. Kathy Mrozek was in attendance and explained that the work includes exterior painting and the replacement of two doors and cracked windows. Alderman Isaacs asked if more than one quote was received. Ms. Mrozek stated that they received quotes from Dixon Glass and Cardinal Glass. The wood doors will be replaced with glass doors. Three painting quotes were received. The committee is in favor of drafting a TIF agreement and proceeding with the application.

8. ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR FINE SCHEDULE AS PART OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING PROCESS – Chief Boehle reported that this ordinance is part of the process to handle ordinance violations via Administrative Hearings instead of through the court. One of the ordinances allows us to attach the fine schedule that may be changed from time to time, and another ordinance that amends the previous ordinances referring to the fine schedule for violations. The next step in the process will be to set the fines and enter them on the schedule. Administrator Brooks added that further research will be done since another law was just passed that gives municipalities more authority with administrative hearings.

9. FLAG PROGRAM – No updates.

10. CITY ADMINISTRATOR UPDATES – No report.

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

Alderman Fulrath adjourned the meeting at 5:38 pm.

https://www.cityofbyron.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08202025-33