NW Illinois News

City of Byron Community Services Committee met Sept. 3.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Alderman Boyer called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm.

1. ROLL CALL:

MEMBERS PRESENT: Alderman Ron Boyer, Alderman Jessica Nehring, Alderman Herb Santiago

MEMBERS NOT PRESENT: Alderman Todd Isaacs

OTHERS PRESENT: Mayor John Rickard, City Administrator Patricia Diduch, City Attorney Aaron Szeto, City Clerk Caryn Huber, Police Chief Jeremy Boehle, Public Works Director Aaron Vincer, City Engineer Jason Stoll, Alderman Doug Wilken, Alderman Mike Gyorkos (5:48 pm arrival), Charles Van Horn

2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – SEPTEMBER 3, 2025 – Motion by Alderman Nehring to approve the September 3, 2025, agenda as presented. Seconded by Alderman Santiago. Roll call vote: Nehring, AYE; Santiago, AYE; Boyer, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 3; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

3. PUBLIC COMMENT – None

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – AUGUST 6, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes – Alderman Nehring motioned to approve, as presented, the August 6, 2025, Community Services Committee meeting minutes. Seconded by Alderman Boyer. Roll call vote: Santiago, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Nehring, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 3; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

5. APPROVAL TO BID WWTP – Engineer Stoll reported that they are still finalizing plans and coordinating electrical and mechanical operations. A coordination meeting with Engineer Stoll, Director Vincer, Administrator Diduch, and Engineer Matt Johnson and his team will be scheduled soon, and then final plans will be presented to council.

6. FEHR GRAHAM CHANGE ORDERS FOR ENGINEERING FEES FOR ADDITIONAL STREET WORK – Engineer Stoll stated that there are three change orders due to the change of scope on the 2025 Streets program. They include the addition of curb and gutter on Mineral St., the additional paving on Peru and Market Streets, and paving on East Mill Rd. The proposal is set up on a time and materials basis. Engineer Stoll detailed the proposal which includes extra time for Engineer Gene Stoll to be at the job site, as well as asphalt density testing, strength testing, courthouse research, and surveying. Alderman Boyer questioned the paving of Mill Rd. since we are applying for a TARP grant to resurface the road next year. Director Vincer anticipates that applying for the grant will take at least two years, and the road needs immediate attention. Alderman Santiago motioned to recommend council approval of the Fehr Graham proposal for additional services on the 2025 Streets program. Motion seconded by Alderman Nehring. Roll call vote: Boyer, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Santiago, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 3; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

7. WHITAKER RD. RESOLUTION FOR MAINTENANCE USING MFT FUNDS – Director Vincer stated this work has already been done. The County chip sealed Whitaker Rd. last year and this year, and should not have to chip seal again for seven years. This resolution is required by IDOT to use MFT funds for the project. Alderman Boyer motioned to bypass first read and recommend council approval of the Resolution for Maintenance using MFT Funds. Motion seconded by Alderman Nehring. Roll call vote: Nehring, AYE; Santiago, AYE; Boyer, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 3; NAY, 0; ABS, 0

8. FLOODING ON FRANKLIN ST. – Mayor Rickard received an email from a resident on Franklin St. regarding water pooling around their house and getting into the basement during heavy rains. Director Vincer explained that some of the water is coming from the street. This is a road we have re-surfaced, and it is very flat. The home sits lower than those around it, and there is a high spot on the side of the building that does not let water flow to the backyard. The best solution for the homeowner is to regrade the side yard between the driveway and the home and allow water to flow to the backyard where it is lower. Some of the material can then be brought to the front of the house where the low spot is and direct water away from the house. The homeowner asked about a missing piece of curb in front of the house. Director Vincer does not think that the curb is part of the problem, but he will replace it. In the future, as we increase the size of our storm sewer, issues like this will lessen.

9. BRIDGE LIGHTING – Mayor Rickard has contacted ComEd and is waiting for their reply.

10. PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE –

a. Public Works Building Update – Director Vincer reported that we are nearing substantial completion on the Public Works Building, and we should be able to start moving in during the next week or two. The TAS Committee discussed posting a Facebook video of the building. He offered to provide a tour to those interested.

b. Wastewater Treatment Plant – No update.

c. Other – Street work should begin on Mineral St. tomorrow. Several trees were removed on Mill Road and in Creekside (a tree was blocking the radio signal for our SCADA system). Director Vincer is speaking with IDOT about posting a “Trucks Entering and Leaving Highway” sign near the Public Works building. We will be disposing of the old fuel tanks from the Public Works building.

11. CITY ADMINISTRATOR UPDATE – Administrator Diduch stated that she posted an activity report on Dropbox. She had a meeting with the new owners of the Roger’s quarry, and we can anticipate a zoning request from them. She met with representatives from R-1 (Region 1 Planning Council) and she intends to make use of this resource. She is prioritizing email migration to cityofbyron.com. Administrator Diduch met with a local business owner regarding Sunshine Park.

12. ADJOURN - Alderman Nehring motioned to adjourn the Community Services Committee meeting. Seconded by Alderman Santiago. Roll call vote: Santiago, AYE; Boyer, AYE: Nehring, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 3; NAY, 0; ABS, 0. Alderman Boyer adjourned the meeting at 6:19 pm.

https://www.cityofbyron.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09032025-39