NW Illinois News

City of Polo City Council met Sept. 15.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

1. Pledge of Allegiance. 

2. Call to order- Mayor Scholl called the meeting to order.

3. Mayor Scholl called roll call and the following members of the Council answered present: Alderman Rob Taylor, Alderman Larry Weaver, Alderman James Busser, and Alderman Joseph Kochsmeier. Absent: Alderman Thomas Bardell and Alderman Schoon.

4. Motion to approve the Consent Agenda  

Motion made by Alderman Kochsmeier seconded by Alderman Busser approve the following items on the Consent Agenda:

A. Minutes from the September 2, 2025 Public Hearing and Regular Council Meeting. B. List of Bills as amended. Alderman Taylor added a bill for Johnson Oil for $560.36 for the police department, Alderman Weaver added bills for ComEd for $10,348.31 for the water and sewer department, Alderman Kochsmeier added a bill for ComEd for $1,009.82 for the parks department, Alderman Kochsmeier added bills for Mahant Supermarket for $5,781.23, Ehrmann Gehlbach Badger and Considine for $1,100.88 for the administration department, Alderman Busser added bills for Johnson Oil for $458.77 and ComEd for $3,344.64 for the street department, Alderman Busser added a bill for Martin for $1,098.88 for the Motor Fuel Tax department.

C. Treasurer’s Report; this has been removed from the consent agenda.

Motion carried 4-0. Yes- Taylor, Weaver, Kochsmeier, Busser.

5. Mayor Scholl opened Public Comment and the following persons provided comments: Members of the public are welcome to speak at this time but are limited to only 3 minutes.  

6. Committee Reports 

➤Alderman Taylor- None.

➤Alderman Weaver- The guys are working on replacing some shut off valves that have been damaged. 

➤Alderman Bardell- None.

➤Alderman Schoon- Alderman Schoon and Mayor Scholl met with director of Ogle County Economic Development and took a look at the town to look at properties. They focused on dilapidated properties and buildings that have potential.

➤Alderman Busser- None.

➤Alderman Kochsmeier- None.

➤Police Chief Matt Coppotelli- None.

➤City Clerk Bartelt- None.

➤Public Works Director Kendall Kyker- None.

7. Items Removed from Consent Agenda 

The treasurer’s report has been removed from the consent agenda. 

8. Old Business- Discussion/Action Items 

9. New Business- Discussion/Action Items

A. Consideration & Possible Action on employee health, life, and dental insurance. 

Alderman Kochsmeier made a motion to go with Angle insurance with the employees paying 13% of the premium, seconded by Alderman Taylor. Motion carried 4-0. Yes- Weaver, Kochsmeier, Busser, Taylor.

Alderman Kochsmeier made a motion to grandfather current employees and spouses at this time, seconded by Alderman Taylor. Motion carried 4-0. Yes- Kochsmeier, Busser, Taylor. Weaver.

B. Consideration & Possible Action on hiring a part-time police officer, Juan Garduno.  Alderman Taylor made a motion to hire a part-time police officer, Juan Garduno, seconded by Alderman Weaver. Motion carried 4-0. Yes- Busser, Taylor, Weaver, Kochsmeier.

C. Consideration & Possible Action on bulk water rates.  

After some discussion, the council would like to have a $100 hook up fee every single time and $10 per 100 cubic feet. This would average about $250 for a semi load of water. Attorney Suits will draft an ordinance with that change for the council to approve.

D. Consideration & Possible Action on Police Chief Coppotelli’s Recommendation for Trick or Treat hours  on October 31st from 4:00pm to 7:00 pm. 

The consensus of the council is to allow this.

E. Consideration & Possible Action on purchasing a Flygt pump for the waste water treatment plant lift  station. 

Alderman Weaver stated that it is $24,000 for the pump and about $7,000 for labor. Alderman Busser made a motion to purchase the Flygt pump, seconded by Alderman Kochsmeier. Motion carried 4-0. Yes Taylor, Weaver, Kochsmeier, Busser.

10. Other Items for Discussion & Information 

Mayor Scholl mentioned to the council as a reminder to RSVP to the Annual Chamber dinner that will be on September 24th.

11. Adjournment 

Motion by Alderman Busser, second by Alderman Kochsmeier to adjourn from regular session at 7:21 p.m. Motion carried 4-0.

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/3619/Polo/6076172/10062025_Agenda_Packet-_website.pdf