At a recent meeting, the Ottawa City Council discussed ordinance concerns with a bed-and-breakfast.
Below are the minutes from this meeting, as provided by the council.
Ottawa, Illinois
August 25, 2016
Special meeting of the Council of the City of Ottawa, Illinois.
Present: Daniel F. Aussem, Tom Ganiere, Wayne A. Eichelkraut Jr., James J. Less
and Mayor Robert M. Eschbach.
Absent: None.
Commissioner Eichelkraut presented Resolution.
Moved by Commissioner Eichelkraut that a Resolution authorizing the execution of transit
service agreements between the City of Ottawa, the Illinois Valley Brain Injury Clubhouse,
and Society of St. Vincent DePaul St. Michael the Archangel Council, be received and
placed on file for public inspection.
Second by Ganiere.
Ayes: Aussem, Ganiere, Eichelkraut, Less, and Mayor Eschbach.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
A discussion was held regarding the Ottawa Scouting Museum. Mollie Perrot addressed
the Council about displaying the 1923 Fire Truck as an exhibit. The current location would
need an expansion. An architectural rendering was completed by George Cary per the
Mayor’s request. The museum opened in 1992 and in 1997 a 40 x 80 addition was added
to the North. Ms. Perrot is looking for history on the fire truck and for help altering the
current building along with financial help. Tom Ganiere added that the timing is good for
bonding and interest rates.
Don Harris discussed the underground storage tank at the Police and Fire Station and the
new requirements in place with the EPA. The City must have $20,000.00 is a separate
line item in reference to this UST. It was decided that a $20,000.00 certificate of deposit
would be opened to meet this requirement.
Commissioner Aussem presented Resolution.
Moved by Commissioner Aussem that a Resolution authorizing the execution of pipeline
crossing license agreements between the City of Ottawa and Illinois Railway LLC,
regarding the South side interceptor sanitary sewer project, which has been on file for
public inspection since August 16, 2016, be adopted.
Second by Ganiere.
Ayes: Aussem, Ganiere, Eichelkraut, Less, and Mayor Eschbach.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
Commissioner Aussem presented Resolution.
Moved by Commissioner Aussem that a Resolution authorizing the execution of an
engineering services agreement between the City of Ottawa and Renwick & Associates
Inc., regarding the James Court and Dairy Lane lift station eliminations, which has been
on file for public inspection since August 16, 2016, be adopted.
Second by Less.
Ayes: Aussem, Ganiere, Eichelkraut, Less, and Mayor Eschbach.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
Commissioner Aussem presented Resolution.
Moved by Commissioner Aussem that a Resolution authorizing the execution of a
standard agreement for management and supervision of the Water and Wastewater
Treatments Plants between the City of Ottawa and Total Environmental Service
Technologies Inc., be received and placed on file for public inspection.
Second by Eichelkraut.
Ayes: Aussem, Ganiere, Eichelkraut, Less, and Mayor Eschbach.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
Commissioner Eichelkraut complimented Commissioner Aussem on the Wastewater
Treatment Plant Flood Wall.
Council meeting minutes August 25, 2016 page 2
Commissioner Ganiere presented Resolution.
Moved by Commissioner Ganiere that a Resolution authorizing the execution of
cooperative agreements between the City of Ottawa and the Illinois Department of Natural
Resources, regarding excess property, which has been on file for public inspection since
August 16, 2016, be adopted.
Second by Eichelkraut.
Ayes: Aussem, Ganiere, Eichelkraut, Less, and Mayor Eschbach.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
Commissioner Less initiated a discussion regarding the Bed and Breakfast Ordinance and
license at 121 East Prospect Avenue. On Saturday, August 13, 2016, Commissioner Less
was out of town and received numerous complaints regarding the Bed and Breakfast
located at 121 East Prospect Avenue. The concern was parking at the event and he has
concerns with another event that is to be held this weekend on August 27, 2016. The new
event was originally advertised with a fee to attend and with alcohol. Commissioner Less
noted that the event is also advertised as “1st Annual” and since this isn’t in line with the
Ordinance, a suspension, revocation, or nonrenewal of the Bed and Breakfast license is
possible.
Commissioners Ganiere and Eichelkraut are in 100% agreement with Commissioner Less’
assessment and both also noticed that the operator had placed “no parking” signs on City
property. The operator is an employee of the bed and breakfast and cannot host a party
there. Commissioner Aussem added that when we changed the ordinance from owner to
operator, we swayed too far away from the intent. The proposed event is outside of the
Ordinance. Ganiere replied that the event isn’t sanctioned, send a letter. Mayor
Eschbach talked with the operator and the property owner. He agreed that they are
pushing the envelope and that had agreed to no more special events or weddings on the
Bed and Breakfast property, but he would like to allow this final event. The Mayor asked
Corporation Counsel if the owner could or could not have a reception for his/her daughter
on the property. Keith Leigh, Corporation Counsel, replied that under the current
ordinance, bed and breakfasts shall not be used for private receptions or meetings or
events. The rooms are limited as are nights and stays. Breakfast is the only meal allowed
and large parties are not. Commissioner Less wants to issue a letter. Police Chief, Brent
Roalson, needs direction. Commissioner Aussem would like the operator to be notified to
relocate the event. It was decided that Corporation Counsel would hand deliver a letter on
Friday, August 26th
.
Dave Noble, City Engineer, advised the Council that the excavation on Canal Road is
complete and the land is radiation free.
Mayor Eschbach presented Resolution.
Moved by Mayor Eschbach that a Resolution authorizing the execution of a sale of public
property agreement between the City of Ottawa and Jeremy West, for property located at
528 East Marquette Street, which has been on file for public inspection since
August 16, 2016, be adopted.
Second by Aussem.
Ayes: Aussem, Ganiere, Eichelkraut, Less, and Mayor Eschbach.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
Mayor Eschbach presented Resolution.
Moved by Mayor Eschbach that a Resolution authorizing the execution of a sale of public
property agreement between the City of Ottawa and KPON Properties LLC, for property
located at 511 Armstrong Street, which has been on file for public inspection since
August 16, 2016, be adopted.
Second by Eichelkraut.
Ayes: Aussem, Ganiere, Eichelkraut, Less, and Mayor Eschbach.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
Council meeting minutes August 25, 2016 page 3
Mayor Eschbach presented Resolution.
Moved by Mayor Eschbach that a Resolution authorizing the execution of a sale of public
property agreement between the City of Ottawa and Jeremy West, for property located at
519 Marcy Street, which has been on file for public inspection since August 16, 2016, be
adopted.
Second by Less.
Ayes: Aussem, Ganiere, Eichelkraut, Less, and Mayor Eschbach.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
Mayor Eschbach presented Resolution.
Moved by Mayor Eschbach that a Resolution authorizing the execution of a sale of public
property agreement between the City of Ottawa and Cl Real Estate LLC, for property
located at 112 West Madison Street, be received and placed on file for public inspection.
Second by Eichelkraut.
Ayes: Aussem, Ganiere, Eichelkraut, Less, and Mayor Eschbach.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
Mayor Eschbach presented Resolution.
Moved by Mayor Eschbach that a Resolution authorizing the execution of a license
agreement between the City of Ottawa and Unite Private Networks LLC, which has been
on file for public inspection since August 16, 2016, be adopted.
Second by Ganiere.
Ayes: Aussem, Ganiere, Eichelkraut, Less, and Mayor Eschbach.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
Mayor Eschbach presented Request.
Moved by Mayor Eschbach that the Request for a variance from the Fence Ordinance
from Lyle Heusner for property located at 844 Kimberly Lane, be received and referred to
the Zoning Board of Appeals for review and recommendation.
Second by Less.
Ayes: Aussem, Ganiere, Eichelkraut, Less, and Mayor Eschbach.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
Mayor Eschbach presented motion to adjourn.
Moved by Mayor Eschbach that this special meeting be adjourned.
Second by Aussem.
Ayes: Aussem, Ganiere, Eichelkraut, Less, and Mayor Eschbach.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
Council adjourned at 7:13 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Shelly L. Munks, City Clerk
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