Ottawa City Council met October 12.
Here is the minutes provided by the Council:
Special meeting of the Council of the City of Ottawa, Illinois.
Present: Daniel E. Aussem, Thomas G. Ganiere, Wayne A. Eichelkraut Jr. James J. Less, and Robert M. Eschbach
Absent: None.
Commissioner Eichelkraut addressed the Council about the pending insurance issue with Blue Cross Blue Shield and OSF. IIP was made aware of the situation a week ago. Commissioner Ganiere added that OSF will now cost more, but changing providers would cost us more too. Commissioner Aussem thinks it will work itself out. Our retirees switching to BCBS is still a possibility, but with the City, the County, and OHS all having BCBS, we are hopeful it will resolve itself. Eichelkraut added that he would like to give IIP notice and place a proposal with Jim Relyea on file on 10/17/17’s agenda.
Commissioner Aussem gave an update on the Route 71 sewer project. All of the easements are verbally in place. He would like to annex the two gas stations in first. He was also given the go ahead to hire two new employees, one for the Water Department and one for the Wastewater Department.
Mat Stafford, Code Enforcement Officer, gave an update on the Strike Team’s report. He needs direction as the high risk and dangerous trees have already been taken care of. Since the City doesn’t have a tree maintenance program, the ash trees were removed from the list and he is hopeful that the contractor will remove the remaining stumps. The City has received a $5,000.00 “Trees 4ever’ grant and in the Spring a $15,000.00 matching grant from the Morton Arborteum.
Dave Noble, City Engineer, addressed the expired Ottawa Centre TIF agreement. A home improvement store is not currently planned and the developer will not reach their total projected expenses. The Gailey Eye Clinic does not count, since it was a done deal. The original agreement was two phases. Phase one were the buildings south of Stevenson Road and Phase two was the home improvement area. The water main currently ends at Gailey Eye Clinic. Ottawa Centre’s last reimbursement will be this fall.
A discussion ensued regarding the inspections of water and sewer connections. Gary Scott, Public Works Director, was hopeful that our Plumbing Inspector, Al Stoudt, would be able to do these inspections. Unfortunately, Mr. Stoudt, is too busy. Dave Noble thinks we should hire another part time inspector. Commissioner Less thought we could split the City into two areas, north and south, and use in house Staff. Dan Aussem noted that with technology today, we should be able to just take a picture of the connection and have someone sign off on it. A question arose about who is going to inspect Al Stoudt’s personal jobs. Dave Noble added that we could always hire a firm like the County does.
Tami Huftel, City Planner, explained residential driveway width limits and asked for direction if someone wanted a three car garage. It was decided that we need a variance process added to our Code. Council was in support of this idea and an Ordinance amendment will be on the next agenda.
Mayor Eschbach discussed the I & M Canal re watering project. He has been on calls with IDNR. Originally the project was scheduled to be completed in multi phases, but now it appears a one year time line is the goal. He is lining up in kind services and volunteer efforts, as this project is a $1M project, if it was paid for in cash. Pipe needs to be bored under three railroad crossings. It was noted that IDNR does not have any provisions for railroad leases. U.S. Silica may allow us to tie into their electrical system. We need one mile of pipe for egress/ingress easement. One storm sewer will be need to be rerouted. Dave Noble added that we will need to go door to door to check basements for water. The Army National Guard from Homewood and Darien and some Marines from Battle Creek, MI, will be helping with the project in October, January and April.
Tami Huftel wondered if there were any comments or questions in reference to the Inn Ordinance. Commissioner Aussem does not feel that Inns are appropriate in A-1 zoning. He feels we had the same problems with the B & B Ordinance and that it would work in the downtown area. Tom Ganiere thought the parking requirements were a problem. Commissioner Eichelkraut does not want alcohol in family neighborhoods. Aussem thinks we are asking for trouble. Ganiere wondered why a operational business plan was needed. He noted that the guest room size of 10 x 10 was small for two people. He questioned what “parking (c) off onsite parking” meant in the proposed Ordinance. Tandem parking would be allowed. He feels outside events should be permitted. A person who illegally parks should also get at ticket and alcohol should be served only to guests and attendees. Eichelkraut does not want Inns in neighborhoods. He feels they should be on the main drag within a short walking distance of the downtown. An annual review process was explored. Eichelkraut would like a sign erected to initiate comments.
Fox River shoreline erosion was explained by the Mayor. We have been placing concrete on the former Gray property. Commissioner Less would like to see a copy of the permit. The Mayor noted that approximately ten feet of a former grassy area is now gone. Less added that the concrete on the East end of MHS’s football field and the edge of the docks has rebar and sanitary sewer pipes in it. Eichelkraut added that Shoreline’s permit is for 300 feet of their property. Noble said that our permit is for 1000 feet starting at the YMCA. Less again requested a copy of the permit and Noble said he will email it.
Impact fees for new home construction were discussed next. The Mayor was wondering if we should ease up on fees and if we could get feedback from developers. Ganiere noted that there are very few lots available. Lots that were once selling for $40K-$50K, are now $20K-$29K per lot. We need more rooftops in the City. Fees need to be revisited. Water and sewer connection fees need to reflect more of the actual cost. Aussem wondered if our building codes were too strict. Ganiere offered to speak with some developers. Less suggested suspending fees for six months.
Dave Noble added that the radiation cleanup is done on Canal Road. IEMA owns the property and is wondering if the City is interested in it. Comments regarding a possible location for a dog park were made.
Mayor Eschbach presented Resolution.
Moved by Mayor Eschbach that a Resolution authorizing the execution of an intergovernmental cooperation agreement between the City of Ottawa and the Ottawa YMCA, regarding flood mitigation assistance, which has been on file for public inspection since October 3, 2017, be adopted.
Second by Ganiere.
Ayes: Aussem, Ganiere, Eichelkraut, Less, and Mayor Eschbach.
Nays: None. Motion carried.
Mayor Eschbach presented Quote.
Moved by Mayor Eschbach that the Quote received from Fowler and Landers in the amount of $17,000.00 for the Canal Street North half of the 900 block Bike path, be accepted.
Second by Aussem.
Ayes: Aussem, Ganiere, Eichelkraut, and Mayor Eschbach.
Nays: Less. Motion carried.
Mayor Eschbach presented motion to adjourn.
Moved by Mayor Eschbach that this special meeting be adjourned.
Second by Less.
Ayes: Aussem, Ganiere, Eichelkraut, Less, and Mayor Eschbach.
Nays: None. Motion carried. Council adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
http://www.cityofottawa.org/document-library/city-council/minutes/2017-city-council-minutes-1/3128-10-12-2017-city-of-ottawa-special-meeting-minutes/file
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