City of Oglesby City Council met April 4.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
A REGULAR MEETING OF THE OGLESBY CITY COUNCIL WAS HELD AT CITY HALL. THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER AT 7:00 P.M.
PRESENT: COMMISSIONERS CURRAN, EUTIS, MAYOR RIVARA, ATTORNEY PATRICK BARRY AND CITY CLERK AMY EITUTIS. ABSENT: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN
A MOTION WAS MADE BY CURRAN, SECONDED BY EUTIS to approve the regular meeting minutes from March 21, 2022. AYES: CURRAN, EUTIS, RIVARA. ABSENT: CULLINAN, ARGUBRIGHT
Public comments on agenda items only: Lisa Carrico addresses the Council with her concerns regarding the proposed ordinances 1189-040422 and 1190-040422. Ms. Carrico provides information in regards to the gaming terminals, fees and revenues. Ms. Carrico asks the Council to take into consideration the small business owners.
Ms. Carrico expresses her opinion about the proposed change in Ordinance 1190-040422 and asks the council to think about her concerns before they vote.
Rich Baldridge addresses the Council with his concerns regarding the proposed gaming terminal increase. Mr. Baldridge questions why the increase is necessary and what it will go towards and states he is opposed to it?
Mayor Rivara states what the total net terminal income was for the city.
There are comments from the audience. A resident comment about the water rate increase. Mayor Rivara responds by explaining why the water rate increases were necessary.
Commissioner Curran discusses the recent purchase of property that will be the future site of the new Waste Water Treatment Plant. Commissioner Curran hope is to get a grant for all or most of the new Waste Water Treatment Plant and by doing so the City may be able to redo the water rates. Commissioner Curran states the small business electric rate was cut by 15% recently.
Rich Baldridge questions the increase in the sewer rates. Commissioner Curran responds that there are metering options for businesses and also pool credits available to the residents.
Rich Baldridge questions why the rates are being considered to be raised? Attorney Barry states the change for the increase went into effect last year.
Kathy Fredrick questions the Council in regards to what it costs the city for businesses to have gaming machines? Ms. Fredrick states her opinions on the potential gaming fee increase.
Dave Weiden comments in regards to raising the gaming fees and offering lower electric rates; specifically offering the rates the “west end” receives. Commissioner Curran explains the differences in the rates between the businesses and why there are differences. Commissioner Curran explains the incentive program is offered through the IMEA not the City. Mayor Rivara states that GTI is paying up front for future expansion and infrastructure.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY CURRAN, SECONDED BY EUTIS to approve bills as presented for payment. AYES: CURRAN, EUTIS, RIVARA. ABSENT: CULLINAN, ARGUBRIGHT
A MOTION WAS MADE BY CURRAN, SECONDED BY EUTIS to table 1189-040422 an Ordinance Amending Section 5.102.010 of the Municipal Code of the City of Oglesby Relating to Video Gaming Terminal Fees. AYES: CURRAN, EUTIS, RIVARA. ABSENT: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN.
Commissioner Eutis asks if the City can differentiate amongst the businesses to which the city attorney states you cannot because of the way the state statue was written. Commissioner Curran questions if the gaming fees can be waived/reduced? Attorney Barry states the City can do as they choose and explained that the statute changed allowing for rate increases.
Comments are made from residents.
Commissioner Eutis questions the figures of the gaming revenue. Comments are made from the residents. Commissioner Curran suggests discussing the matter when the full board is in attendance.
A question is asked about the letters that went out to the business owners. Comments are made from residents. Mayor Rivara states that he agrees that gaming machines are keeping some businesses open.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY EUTIS, SECONDED BY CURRAN to table 1190-040422 an Ordinance Amending Section 5.92.030 of the Municipal Code of the City of Oglesby Relating to Adult Uses. AYES: CURRAN, EUTIS, RIVARA. ABSENT: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN. Commissioner Curran states that changes need to be made to the ordinance before it can be approved. Commissioner Curran gives his opinion on small events that are being held by small business owners within the City. Mayor Rivara states that the ordinance needs to be reworked and makes his positions clear that he is “opposed to this type of entertainment on Walnut Street in Oglesby.” Commissioner Curran asks if other cities have similar ordinances to which Attorney Barry states there are. Mayor Rivara feels there needs to be clear rules.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY CURRAN, SECONDED BY EUTIS to place on file the bid from J. F. Electric for Clark Street 15KV underground distribution upgrades. AYES: CURRAN, EUTIS, RIVARA. ABSENT: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN. Commissioner Curran states that two bids were submitted in the amount of $516,504.00 and $289,398.00. Commissioner Curran also gives a brief explanation about the project.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY CURRAN, SECONDED BY EUTIS to proclaim April 10-16th, 2022 as National Public Safety Telecommunicator’s Week. AYES: CURRAN, EUTIS, RIVARA. ABSENT: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY EUTIS, SECONDED BY CURRAN to appoint Rick Rigazio to the Ambulance Board. AYES: CURRAN, EUTIS, RIVARA. ABSENT: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN.
Old Business: none.
Public Comments: none
Commissioner Reports:
Argubright: absent
Eutis: Fire Department had 13 responses, 3 motor vehicle crashes, 2 brush fires, 1 mutual aid call, 1 state park rescue, 3 assists to other agencies, 2 gas leaks and 1 power line down
Cullinan: absent
Curran: In the next week there will be discussion of the recent land purchased for the future waste water treatment plant. Branch chipping will be May 2-6, 2022. Hydrant flushing will occur a date has not been set yet.
Mayor’s report advises there is a scam from Smart Energy happening and it has been reported to the IMEA. Thanks Dave Torres with his help for the grant from Lasalle County that the City of Oglesby has applied for in the amount of $318,000.00. The City has asked for a seat at the table with the IDNR for the future land development. Mayor Rivara asks the council to begin to take action for abandoned properties. The council decided to not enter into closed session since there are two Commissioners absent.
A MOTION TO ADJOURN WAS MADE BY EUTIS, SECONDED BY CURRAN to adjourn regular session. AYES: CURRAN, EUTIS, RIVARA. ABSENT: CULLINAN, ARGUBRIGHT
http://www.oglesby.il.us/newsite/regular-meeting-minutes-april-4-2022/
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