Ottawa City Council met Monday, Jan. 30.
The Ottawa City Council includes the mayor, the city clerk and four commissioners. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at city hall, 301 W. Madison St.
Here are the minutes as provided by Ottawa:
Ottawa, Illinois January 30, 2017
Special meeting of the Council of the City of Ottawa, Illinois.
Present: Daniel F. Aussem, Thomas G. Ganiere, James J. Less, Wayne A. Eichelkraut Jr. and Robert M Eschbach Absent: None.
Commissioner Less presented Resolution. Moved by Commissioner Less that a Resolution authorizing the execution of an agreement between the City of Ottawa and Braniff Communications Inc., for the City’s warning sirens, which has been on file for public inspection since January 17, 2017, be adopted. Second by Ganiere. Ayes: Aussem, Ganiere, Eichelkraut, Less, and Mayor Eschbach. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Mayor Eschbach presented Resolution. Moved by Mayor Eschbach that a Resolution authorizing a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Ottawa and the Police Benevolent Labor Committee, which has been on file for public inspection since January 17, 2017, be adopted. Second by Ganiere. Ayes: Aussem, Ganiere, Eichelkraut, Less, and Mayor Eschbach. Nays: None. Motion carried.
The Mayor addressed the Council about joining a newly formed Small Business Development Center. Scott Wrighton from the City of Streator met with the Mayor and asked that Ottawa be one of the 5 communities that contribute $10,000.00. The group has received a $80,000.00 grant and is looking to have a $180-200K budget with the balance being paid by other cities and/or municipalities. The Mayor asked if the rest of the Council is willing to make a commitment. The consensus was yes and the Clerk was directed to place the request on the February 7, 2017, agenda.
The Mayor gave a short update on the Reddick Mansion proposal which includes ownership being transferred to the association. Items discussed at a meeting with the Mayor and Commissioner Less included size of project, how long until completed and dollar amount. Exhibit A of the proposed agreement shows the project at 700K with 50% completed in 2 years with the remainder in 4 or 5 years. The City’s contribution would be $35,000.00 a year for years 2-11 with annual updates. Lorraine McAllister, of the RMA, added that a contractor came on Monday and was there for 5 hours. All parties agree that work should start on the East side of the building. Commissioner Ganiere asked about a public bid spec sheet. The arbitration provision will also be removed and replaced with mediation. Item #9 of the agreement relates to the grounds being used for a public purpose. This would be allowed for weddings etc. Attorney Jim Reilly asked for clarification if the 350K was for the 10 year time period, if the sale was dependent on bids and if an appraisal existed. The Mayor explained the bidding process. McAllister added that the agreement needed a covenant with added language. The Mayor noted that this agreement will be on the February 7, 2017, agenda.
A discussion was held regarding Doug Fredin and Briarcrest Subdivision. Mr. Fredin owes the City around $65,000.00 for the cost of McKinley Road improvements and the consensus was that building permits would be not issued until this debt is paid. Commissioner Ganiere would rather allow him to build the next portion of townhouses because that would give him the ability to pay. The Mayor noted that the City isn’t a bank and future developments would need a bond. Commissioner Eichelkraut agreed and added that he has had enough time to pay his debt, that is owed to the City.
Mayor Eschbach reminded the Council that City funds cannot be used towards the promotion of home rule. He would like to create a simple pamphlet. Since the public fear is usually a tax increase, Commissioner Ganiere suggested limiting ourselves for property tax increases by passing something that is binding on the Council similar to the 5% that is already in place per State statue. Hopefully this would alleviate public concerns.
A discussion was held regarding the proposed LTE network, which would provide an economical internet service to our citizens. Commissioner Eichelkraut added that the original $350,000.00 investment was due to items we, the City, wanted. Chief Roalson explained that we could have cameras in every park, eliminate current cell services, and complete the next step of the iFiber project. Commissioner Ganiere asked what our savings would be. Roalson replied that we would save over $12,000.00 annually by getting away from the T1 line. Eichelkraut suggested that we use the Enterprise Zone Fund to fund the project.
Mayor Eschbach added that he met with Carol Alcorn and Bob Highland regarding the PADS lease. The current lease expires in 2018 and they are requesting a 10 year renewal with access to the old Feed ‘n Seed store area for storage. He also met with the Editor of the Times. The Times is requesting courtyard parking behind their building for their delivery truck. It was noted that Tangled Roots uses the courtyard behind their building also. The Mayor suggested that we amend the Ordinance and charge the $100.00 annually.
Mayor Eschbach presented Request. Moved by Mayor Eschbach that the Request for a variance from Jessica Dunham for property located at 428 East Marquette Street, be received and referred to the Zoning Board of Appeals for review and recommendation. Second by Ganiere. Ayes: Aussem, Ganiere, Eichelkraut, Less, and Mayor Eschbach. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Mayor Eschbach presented Report of the Plan Commission. Moved by Mayor Eschbach that the Report of the Plan Commission meeting held on Monday, January 30, 2017, considering the Preliminary and Final Plat for H & R Subdivision, be received and placed on file. Be it further moved, the Council concur with the recommendation of the Plan Commission and the Preliminary and Final Plats, be approved. Second by Aussem. Ayes: Aussem, Ganiere, Eichelkraut, Less, and Mayor Eschbach. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Commissioner Eichelkraut presented motion to recess. Moved by Commissioner Eichelkraut that this Council recess into Closed Session to discuss a matter of personnel. Second by Mayor Eschbach. Ayes: Aussem, Ganiere, Eichelkraut, Less, and Mayor Eschbach. Nays: None. Motion carried. Council recessed at 7:47 p.m.
Mayor Eschbach presented motion to reconvene. Moved by Mayor Eschbach that this Council reconvene from Closed Session. 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 Less. Ayes: Aussem, Ganiere, Less, and Mayor Eschbach. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Council adjourned at 8:07 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Shelly L. Munks, City Clerk
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