VILLAGE OF PORT BYRON
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
120 S. Main Street
Port Byron, Illinois 61275
OCTOBER 2, 2006
The Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. on October 2, 2006, by Mayor Mike Ferretti. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Roll Call #1: Present: Trustees Courtland Pieper, Jeanine Ingalls and Jerry Conner, Judy VanPaemel, Dennis Healy
Absent: Trustee Terry Sorensen
A quorum was declared
Also present: Janet Fletcher, Village Clerk; Kevin Farrell, EMC Representative; Nancy Searl, Deputy Clerk; Paul Garza, Police Officer; Scott Kammerman, Missman Stanley & Associates Engineer; and Graham Lee, Attorney.
GALLERY:
1. Mr. Chuck Oestreich addressed the board concerning bollards placed on the Great River Trail running through Port Byron. The bollards, which were placed to restrict motor vehicles from entering the bike path, are presenting a danger to bicyclists. Mr. Oestreich asked that the eight bollards within the village be removed. After reviewing the request, the board asked Kevin Farrell to remove the bollards at this time. The board also stated that it would address any problems which may arise in the future due to the removal of these bollards. It was also suggested that “no motor vehicle” signs be used to deter use of motorized vehicles on the bike path.
2. Ms Tammy Knapp, representing the Tug Committee, addressed the board regarding an invoice for barricades used on Route 84 during the Tug. Ms Knapp apologized for any confusion and stated that the Tug Committee didn’t refuse to pay the bill and are still willing to pay it. Trustee Pieper stated it was his understanding from the Tug Committee that they were not going to pay for the barricades since they did not request them. The village has paid the bill and board felt they would take the responsibility this year. In the future, any expenditure should be agreed upon before action is taken, and safety should be the utmost concern for all involved.
3. Mr. Larry DeBoard, a resident on Girard Street, stated there are still problems on his street and asked if the Neighborhood Watch signs had been ordered. Officer Garza stated that the signs are on order. Mayor Ferretti advised the gallery that the police department situation will be addressed as soon as possible and that more coverage for the area should be expected.
4. Angie Bruno asked that an extensive report on the well be given. Mayor Ferretti advised that the well situation would be addressed later in this meeting.
FINANCE - The preliminary audit report is in the office and may reviewed by the board
TIF DISCUSSION
1. Trustee VanPaemel said a report from the 9/19/06 TIF meeting will be available for review at the next board meeting (10/10/06).
2. The first annual TIF report is being completed by Kathy Orr.
3. A report regarding reimbursement to the school system from the TIF funds was presented by Trustee VanPaemel. She reported that the present 20% off-the-top amount is an illegal application of the TIF laws. She stated a process should be developed whereby a surplus is declared at the end of the year and the money sent back to the county for disbursement to the other taxing bodies within the area. At present Trustee VanPaemel is waiting for a call from Ken Williams to finalize this procedure for presentation to the board.
4. Beth Rueyl will be setting up a meeting with the board in the near future.
5. A bill from Kathy Orr for $330.00 was presented. This invoice covers professional services from 8/2/06 through 8/31/06.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. PUBLIC FINANCE COMMITTEE
1. Zoning – No report
2. Planning
a. The Planning Committee will be meeting this month to consider requests that have been received in regard to the RCO district by Mr. Richard P. Bowers, Jr. and Mr. Shawn VanDriessche.
b. A letter from Gena McCullough from Bi-State was presented by Bruce Petersen. The letter outlines the costs for a full comprehensive plan ($14,000 to $16,000) or a land use plan ($5,000 to $8,000) which would be completed by Bi-State staff. The board was asked to provide direction as to which plan, if any, they would support. Costs could be spread out over a period of three years. The board was asked to review the letter and determine a direction for the Planning Commission.
3. Ordinance – No report
4. Grants & Audits – No report
5. Personnel – No new report
B. PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
1. Police
a. September Police Report was presented and reviewed.
b. Mayor Ferretti stated that it is time to think about where the board stands in regard to the Port Byron Police Department. Mr. Robert Ellis was introduced by the Mayor. Mr. Ellis is interested in becoming Police Chief for the village. He stated he is a 28 year police department veteran, three years retired from full-time duty. Mr. Ellis also stated he is a disable veteran of the Viet Nam war. Mr. Ellis was asked if he would consider being named interim chief and he responded that he would not have a problem with that. Trustee Healy, Police Commissioner, will investigate further into Mr. Ellis’ qualifications and report back to the board in closed session regarding his findings, recommendations and type compensation to be offered.
c. The speed bumps are in place in The Heights.
d. Halloween hours will be set at the next meeting. A donation of $200 to be given to the Fire Association for their Halloween Party will be on the consent agenda at the next meeting.
2. FIRE
a. September 2006 report was reviewed.
b. Chief Poel reported that the firemen’s reimbursement will be made next month.
3. Ambulance - None
4. Public Health
a. Trustee Ingalls reported she has received a letter from Cowboy’s Reliable Recycling regarding recycling of computers, copiers, chain saws and other hazardous materials.
b. The deed process on the Wilson house was completed today as reported by Attorney Lee. Now the property may be made available for sale to be refurbished or torn down.
c. Building Inspector will be asked to find out the status of the burned-out house on Route 84 (Rod Sharp).
d. The SWAG funds are in and available for use. A report of what is purchased will be provided to the board.
e. Mayor Ferretti reported receiving a request to ban leaf burning in the village. The person making the request cited health problems and the lack of water for the request.
C. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE
1. EMC – The monthly report for August 2006 was presented and reviewed.
2. Water & Sewer
a. Trustee Pieper reported that Bi-State is helping to process the $100,000 Illinois Funds Grant.
b. The board is being asked to rescind the vote to award Valley Construction the contract for construction of a pump house on well #4. Trustee Pieper reported that the IEPA is not satisfied with the bid and the overage of costs.
c. Attorney Lee, reporting on the status of the well, stated that the well is drilled, but the amount of water produced is under question. The board has been in contact with the IEPA and action will be discussed in executive session later in this meeting regarding probable litigation.
d. Although a bid package is ready to be put out for testing the well, the board will determine the next steps to be taken.
3. Buildings & Grounds - An letter and invoice for 7 months mowing in the amount of $6,700 for the former Jensen railroad lease property will be sent to the BNSF Real Estate for payment.
4. Streets & Street Lights – The newly resurfaced streets will be striped by Bob’s Blacktop starting 10/3/06 at a cost of $1,200 to be paid from MFT funds.
5. Cemetery – No report
CORRESPONDENCE
Mayor Ferretti reported having the following information available for review by the board:
a. Bi-State Regional Commission breakfast on 10/25/06.
b. Illinois Municipal Treasurer’s Association Seminar November 12-16 in Urbana.
c. Request from Jim McDaniels, Township Chairman, to hold flue shot clinic in the village hall on November 15 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
d A Night to Honor Israel at Augustana College on 10/19/06.
e. A thank you was read from the Riverdale Education Foundation for the donation given them.
OLD BUSINESS - None
NEW BUSINESS - Mr. Tom Doyle of Happy Joe’s has purchased property in the village and is interested in getting a liquor license to sell beer and wine. Mayor Ferretti will determine the type licenses available and if an amended ordinance to increase the number of licenses will be required.
GALLERY – None
A5 8:15 p.m., Trustee Pieper moved, seconded by Trustee VanPaemel, that the committee of the whole meeting enter into Executive Session to review closed session minutes (5 ILCS 120 (2c)(16) and to discuss a probable litigation 5 ILCS 120/2(c)
ROLL CALL #2: Ayes: Ingalls, , Pieper, Conner, VanPaemel, Healy
Nays: None
Absent: Sorensen
At 8:45 p.m. the board reconvened into open session. Mayor Ferretti stated that in Executive Session the board considered several closed meeting minutes that will be opened to the public by vote at the next board meeting. Mayor Ferretti also stated that in regard to the well contract, Attorney Lee will send a letter to Meadow Equipment and to their bonding company stating they are in breach of contract and that ten days from the date of the notice termination of services will be in effect.
There being no further business, at 8:50 p.m. Trustee Conner moved, seconded by Trustee Ingalls to adjourn the board meeting.
Roll Call #3
Chairman declared motion carried.
_________________ ________________________
Approved (Date) Mayor Mike Ferretti
_________________________
Janet Fletcher, Village Clerk
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