NW Illinois News

City of Byron City Council met April 3.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

1. CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Rickard called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.

2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Led by Mayor Rickard

3. ROLL CALL – Aldermen present: Todd Isaacs, Emily Gerdes, Mittzi Fulrath, Ron Boyer, Jessica Nehring, Michael Gyorkos. Six members present.

Aldermen Absent: Christy Hanlin

PRESENT: Mayor John Rickard

City Administrator Brian Brooks

City Clerk Caryn Huber

City Attorney Aaron Szeto

Public Works Dir. Aaron Vincer

Police Chief Jeremy Boehle

City Engineer Jason Stoll

Citizens Charles Van Horn, Emily Porter, Sean Smith,

Jessica Cash, Herb Santiago

Motion by Alderman Nehring to allow Alderman Hanlin to participate by phone. Motion seconded by Alderman Isaacs. Roll call vote: Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY, 0; ABS, 0. Seven members present.

4. REVERENCE PERIOD – Mayor Rickard led the Council in prayer.

5. APPROVAL/AMENDMENTS TO AGENDA – Mayor Rickard asked to have item 18d., Change Order 1 for Watermain Replacement Project, removed from the agenda, and in its place, add Electrical Municipal Aggregation Resolution. Motion by Alderman Isaacs to approve, as amended, the April 3, 2024, agenda. Seconded by Alderman Boyer. Roll call vote: Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

6. MINUTES –

a. March 20, 2024 – City Council Regular Meeting Minutes – Motion by Alderman Fulrath to approve, as presented, the March 20, 2024, City Council Regular Meeting Minutes. Seconded by Alderman Boyer. Roll call vote: Boyer, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

7. PUBLIC COMMENT – Emily Porter, Executive Director of the Byron Public Library, addressed the council. The Library has completed work identified in the 2017 strategic plan, and they are now distributing a Strategic Planning Survey 2024. She invited council members to fill out the survey. They will collect them for another week.

8. TREASURER’S REPORT – No report. Treasurer Huber reminded Aldermen to fill out their Statements of Economic Interest. They are due in the County Clerk’s office by May 1.

9. LIST OF BILLS –Alderman Isaacs motioned to approve the List of Bills dated 04/03/24, in the amount of $75,781.67. Motion seconded by Alderman Fulrath. Roll call vote: Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS 0.

10. MAYOR’S REPORT – Mayor Rickard issued a Proclamation on behalf of Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center, naming April 2024 as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Director Jessica Cash thanked the City of Byron for their recognition and partnership.

11. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT – Administrator Brooks updated the council regarding the ongoing discussions of forming a Business District as an alternate source of revenue. Attorney Szeto has prepared an RFP which will be sent out in the next month. After the proposals are received, Council will discuss if it makes sense to proceed.

12. CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT – No report. All items are on the agenda.

13. CITY ENGINEER’S REPORT – Engineer Stoll reported that contracts have been executed with Struck & Irwin and Rock Road Companies. Struck & Irwin is expected to begin slurry seal in June, and Rock Road will begin after manholes are replaced, most likely after ByronFest. Work at the Boat Dock, particularly the shoreline work, may be affected due to the amount of rain we have received.

14. DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS REPORT –

a. Public Works Building Update – The Community Services Committee reviewed the designs for the new public works building earlier tonight.

b. Wastewater Treatment Plant – Design is nearing the 60% completion mark.

c. Other – The department has been performing JULIEs as part of the Frontier job. New carpet has been laid in the first-floor office at City Hall. The main sewer clean-out needed to be accessed under the old carpeting. The main clean-out is now more accessible. Bids should be back for the chip sealing of Whitaker Rd. by the next meeting. The Source Water Protection Report is ready to be sent to the EPA. All generators are up and running at the three lift stations and at city hall. No plows or salt were needed during the most recent snowstorm.

15. POLICE CHIEF REPORT – No report. All items are on the agenda.

16. COMMITTEE REPORTS –

a. Community Services – Alderman Gerdes reported that the committee discussed the possible addition of a streetlight on the 500 block of W. Second St. that neighbors are requesting. She asked Chief Boehle to assess the lighting in that area.

b. Public Safety – No report.

c. Administrative – No report.

17. CONTINUING BUSINESS

a. 221 N. Walnut St. Sidewalk Replacement – The City will be fixing the sidewalks, and Mr. Miller is ready to proceed with work on the ramp and stairs. The projects will be bid at the same time. An ADA compliant ramp will be located at the back of the building.

b. 2024-2025 Budget Ordinance – A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for Wednesday, April 17 at 6:25pm.

c. Budget Adjustments Ordinance – Administrator Brooks stated that this ordinance will be finalized once this round of bills is paid. It will cover any line items that need to be adjusted in the 2023-2024 budget. Alderman Isaacs added that the budget has to be passed at the next meeting and encouraged anyone with questions to contact Administrator Brooks prior to that.

d. Manhole Replacement Package Bid Award – Five bids were received. The Engineer’s estimate was $100,000 for the replacement of four manholes. Alderman Gerdes reported that the Community Services Committee recommends council approval to award the Manhole Replacement Package bid to DPI Construction for $82,639.64. Roll call vote: Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Nehring, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

e. 2024 Mural – Clerk Huber reported that she passed along the council’s suggestions to the artist, and he adjusted the design to soften the yellow triangle and make a few other small changes. Once the design is finalized, we will arrange primer painting and send sponsor letters. Funding for the project is covered by sponsorships and the use of TIF funds for downtown revitalization. Alderman Isaacs motioned to approve the design and move forward with the mural. Motion seconded by Alderman Fulrath. Roll call vote: Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, NAY. Motion passed: AYE, 6; NAY,1; ABS, 0.

f. Resolution Opposing Elimination of the 1% Grocery Tax – A resolution opposing Governor Pritzker’s proposed elimination of the 1% grocery tax is in Dropbox. Alderman Fulrath motioned for passage of the resolution opposing the elimination of the 1% grocery tax. Motion seconded by Alderman Gerdes. Roll call vote: Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS, 0. Mayor Rickard added that this resolution will be communicated to our legislators.

g. Amendment to UTV Ordinance to Allow Access to School Parking Lots – Administrator Brooks and Chief Boehle expressed the council’s concerns and questions regarding the ordinance to Superintendent Barton. They have not received a revised ordinance.

18. NEW BUSINESS –

a. Raffle Ordinance – Administrator Brooks stated that Attorney Szeto is reviewing and confirming the ordinance will meet the State statute. The committee will review the ordinance at their next meeting.

b. Byron Chamber of Commerce Byron Rocks 5k and 10K Event Requests – Sean Smith, Director of the Byron Chamber of Commerce, discussed the 5K and 10K Byron Rocks event to be held on May 11. The event will be run similar to last year, however, the event will begin at 8am instead of 10am, causing set-up to begin earlier. Signs along the route will be put up the day before. He asked for barricades to be put up at the City Hall parking lot from 2am to 11am. There will be no alcohol served at the event this year. The proposal was presented as first read.

c. Fehr Graham Utility Plan Proposal – Director Vincer stated that Fehr Graham has given us a proposal for a Utility Plan. The plan would integrate planning for water and sewer upgrades with the street program. It will identify what utilities are underground, what their age and condition is, and what utility work needs to be prioritized. Fehr Graham has proposed $15,000 for Phase 1, Water Planning, to be billed in FY 2023-2024, and $16,850 for Phase 2, Sanitary System Planning, to be billed in FY 2024-2025. The Community Services Committee recommends council approval to bypass first read and approve the Fehr Graham Utility Plan Proposal in the amount of $16,850. Roll call vote: Isaacs, AYE; Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

d. Electrical Municipal Aggregation Resolution – Administrator Brooks stated that our current electrical aggregation expires in September. A resolution is in Dropbox that authorizes Mayor Rickard or Administrator Brooks to seek bids and negotiate and enter into a wholesale electricity supply contract for the City. The resolution is presented as first read.

19. COUNCIL TALK – Alderman Boyer asked about the cars for sale in the vacant lot on Route 2. Chief Boehle has been working on the issue.

21. COMMUNICATION –

a. Public Hearing – Budget – Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at 6:25 pm.

b. Regular City Council Meeting – Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at 6:30 pm.

22. ADJOURN – Alderman Isaacs motioned to adjourn. Motion seconded by Alderman Gyorkos. Roll call vote: Gerdes, AYE; Fulrath, AYE; Boyer, AYE; Nehring, AYE; Gyorkos, AYE; Hanlin, AYE; Isaacs, AYE. Motion passed: AYE, 7; NAY, 0; ABS, 0.

Mayor Rickard adjourned the City Council meeting at 7:03 pm.

https://www.cityofbyron.com/media/3456