City of Oglesby City Council met May 2.
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 ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINANC. CURRAN, EUTIS, MAYOR RIVARA, ATTORNEY PATRICK BARRY AND CITY CLERK AMY EITUTIS.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY CURRAN, SECONDED BY ARGUBRIGHT to approve the regular meeting minutes from April 18, 2022. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, EUTIS, RIVARA.
Public comments on agenda items only:
A MOTION WAS MADE BY EUTIS, SECONDED BY ARGUBRIGHT to approve bills as presented for payment. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, EUTIS, RIVARA.
A presentation was given by Don Bixby from Chamlin & Associates in regards to proposed Waste Water Treatment Plant. Commissioner Argubright questions why plants are being toured? Commissioner Argubright feels the relationship between TEST and Chamlin & Associates is an issue. Commissioner Argubright asks what is being looked at when the tours are happening? Commissioner Argubright asks what the options are. Commissioner Curran discusses the different plant options and costs involved. Commissioners Curran & Argubright discusses the different building/use options. Commissioner Argubright has concerns that other options were not looked into. Commissioner Curran says to retrofit the existing WWTP is not an option. Attorney Barry said that is not an option, per the EPA. Commissioners Curran and Argubright discuss alternatives and options. Commissioner Curran points out that as soon as T.E.S.T Inc. took over the water department for the City of Oglesby and reports were sent in the City then became in violation. Don Bixby explains Chamlin is ready to move forward and costs will be between $13-$18 million and the plans will allow for expansion as well. Don Bix by explains that an excess flow/lagoon will be built once the old plant is demolished. Commissioner Curran points out the dead line the City has to secure funding and wants to ensure the city is ready. Commissioner Argubright questions what percentage of people received grant funding? Commissioner Argubright is not confident in the state of Illinois. Mayor Rivara states the City needs to be in a position to have the WWTP built. Commissioner Argubright questions the capacity and usage of the current plant in regards to the sewage that is being treated. Don Bixby gives details in regards to the questions and max flow. Commissioner Argubright asks about the GPD and the need to have a larger capacity. A discussion is held amongst the council members and Don Bixby. Commissioner Argubright questions the costs on the engineer’s estimate and asks about the different percentages of the phase of each build. Don Bixby states that is industry standard.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY CURRAN, SECONDED BY EUTIS to approve the Engineering Agreement for the Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP). AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, EUTIS, RIVARA. Commissioner Argubright states that six months ago the city should have looked at competing engineering bids. Commissioner Curran states there were two engineering firms and one is longer in business and states that the City of has to have a plan in place by June 2022 and some of the costs have already been incurred. Commissioner Curran said an engineering firm was needed to move forward.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY ARGUBRIGHT, SECONDED BY CURRAN to declare the week of May 21-27, 2022 as Safe Boating Week. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, EUTIS, RIVARA.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY EUTIS, SECONDED BY ARGUBRIGHT to approve 1192-050222 an Ordinance modifying the terms of employment for the Oglesby Assistant Chief of Police. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, EUTIS, RIVARA.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY CURRAN, SECONDED BY EUTIS to approve 1193-050222 an ordinance approving the final plat of the Curtin Subdivision in Oglesby, Illinois, Lasalle County. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, EUTIS, RIVARA.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY CURRAN, SECONDED BY CULLINAN to approve 050222R and 050222R1 Resolutions for Maintenance Under the Illinois Highway Code using Motor Fuel Funds. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, EUTIS, RIVARA. Commissioner Curran points out that there are two separate resolutions.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY EUTIS, SECONDED BY CURRAN to Approve 050222R1 Resolution of the City of Oglesby, Lasalle County, Illinois Authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to Execute an Intergovernmental Agreement Between the City of Oglesby, LaSalle County, Illinois and Illinois Valley Community College to Establish a School Resource Officer Program. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, EUTIS, RIVARA. Commissioner Argubright discusses the matter of rising health insurance. Commissioner Curran questions the concerns of health insurance and pension. Attorney Barry states the resolution is for “anticipated costs” and that it will be paid by the college.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY CURRAN, SECONDED BY EUTIS to approve the purchase of a new small bucket truck for the Oglesby Electric Department in the amount of $ 149,709.00. AYES: CULLINAN, CURRAN, EUTIS, RIVARA. NAYS: ARGUBRIGHT. Commissioner Curran states that Altec is authorized to work on City vehicles. Commissioner Curran states the bucket truck passed an inspection last year and had concerns about the inspection. Commissioner Argubright said the truck in question was replaced and notes that it was by the prior administration.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY EUTIS, SECONDED BY CURRAN to authorize Junk B Gone to clean up the property located at 314 California Avenue, Oglesby, Illinois. AYES; ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, EUTIS, RIVARA. Commissioner Eutis states the clean-up is for the outside property. Commissioner Argubright asks if he has liability insurance.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY EUTIS, SECONDED BY CURRAN to table the request for street closures submitted by Rich Baldridge for Bulldog’s Bar. Mayor Rivara reads a list of dates Bulldog’s bar has requested. Commissioner Eutis asks what past practice has been? Mayor Rivara states some closures have been allowed for Glen Avenue and even Walnut Street. Mayor Rivara has concerns about the amount of dates being requested. Mayor Rivara suggests tabling the matter and requests the bar owner get together. Commissioner Curran feels it would be good to come up with a number allowed and states there is a cost to the City involved. Mayor Rivara states he also has to consider the residents in the area and asks that everyone work together to make it a success. An audience member suggests giving Bulldog’s their first date and then meet again. Commissioner Eutis asks when the first event is scheduled? Mayor Rivara reads the dates again. Commissioner Eutis wants a discussion to be had. Commissioner Cullinan suggests notifying the bar owners about a meeting to be scheduled. Mayor Rivara sets the date of the next meeting to be Monday, May 9, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY ARGUBRIGHT, SECONDED BY CURRAN to make changes to the Façade Committee members. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, EUTIS, RIVARA.
Commissioner Eutis holds a discussion on lateral transfers for the Oglesby Police Department. Commissioner Eutis explains how the procedure works. Commissioner Eutis is in favor as the City would not be required to pay for training. Commissioner Eutis states he will need the Council’s blessing and will also need to meet with the FOP as well. Commissioner Argubright questions preference points and Commissioner Eutis believes it is only if a candidate has military experience. Commissioner Curran asks what the negative would be? Commissioner Eutis does not believe there is a negative aspect. Commissioner Eutits discusses the Police Pension in regards to lateral transfers. Commissioner Eutis states he will move forward with the matter.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY CURRAN, SECONDED BY EUTIS to approve May 9, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. as a Special Meeting. AYES: CULLINAN, CURRAN, EUTIS, RIVARA. ABSTAIN: ARGUBRIGHT
Old Business: none
Public Comments: Greg Stein asks if May 9, 2022 is a working meeting? Commissioner Curran states it is. Greg Stein questions what will be on the agenda. Greg Stein states he objects to the number of dates requested by Bulldog’s Bar in regards to the street closures. Greg Stein show Commissioner Curran a picture of the property located at 314 California Avenue and questions if that is where the new WWTP will go and if the property has to be rezoned? Attorney Barry states the City does not have to rezone property for its own use.
Rich Baldridge asks what the costs are to the city in regards to closing the streets? Rich Baldrige states the City had paid $25,000.00 to have someone walk through downtown and offer suggestions as to what to do in the downtown area. Mr. Baldridge states he believes none of the suggestions are being done. Mr. Baldridge asks what the problem is with asking to close the streets? Commissioner Cullinan doesn’t believe there is a problem. Commissioner Curran states the $25,000.00 that was spent by the previous council. Commissioner Curran also states that plans for the development of Senica Square were changed also due to costs. Commissioner Curran states it has been developed at a lower costs to the City and is hopeful to see events being held there. Commissioner Curran discusses the previous street closure request that was submitted by Bulldog’s Bar in that Walnut Street was originally requested to be closed. Rich Baldridge states the name of the street was a mistake. Commissioner Curran mentions the concerns for residents located in the area and continues to discuss the possibilities of other business owners requests and states he wishes to be fair for everyone.
JC Phillips addresses municipal code 9.16.010. in regards to the meaning of the code. JC Phillips and states a quote from Mayor Rivara at a previous meeting. JC Phillips what is wrong an impersonator? JC Phillips gives his opinions on the municipal code.
Lori Siensa questions how close the new WWTP building will be to her property? Commissioner Curran explains the design (although not complete yet) of the new WWTP. Ms. Siensa questions what will be done with the house located on the property? Ms. Siensa states that there are people and animals entering the property. Commissioner Curran states the city just acquired the property and Mayor Rivara states the city will handle getting the property cleaned up. Ms. Siensa asks for a copy of the plans for the WWTP once they are finalized. Ms. Siensa asks if the road surrounding the WWTP will be closed to which Commissioner Curran states not permanently but possibly during construction.
Commissioner Reports:
Argubright: none
Eutis: The Fire Department had 11 responses. The Ambulance Department had 66 calls. The City bills referenced the Pork Chop dinner and the misprint of the cost and stated the correct cost should be $14.00. On May 5, 2022 the Fire Department is hosting a MABAS training at the Canoe Landing and advises residents not to be alarmed. Donations have been requested for the Fire Department for the purchase of a thermal imaging camera. To date, Green Thumb Industries has donated $1000.00, a grant in the amount of $3370.00 has been awarded for the IPRF and $100.00 was also donated by Zamin Insurance. Commissioner Eutis states the costs of one camera is appx. $8000.00. Commissioner Eutis asks to have an appropriation to be added to the Ambulance Department for part time clothing. Currently the Ambulance Director is providing clothing out of her personal $300.00 clothing allowance and also paying for clothing out of pocket as well. Commissioner Curran asks how the Fire Department clothing is allotted? Commissioner Eutis feels $1000.00 would be enough. Mayor Rivara states the city will get it taken care of. Commissioner Eutis state the mold has been remediated from the Police Department.
Cullinan: none
Curran: reminds residents of available pool credit and tells residents to call City Hall. May 31, 2022 hydrant flushing will be occurring. Branch chipping is also happening currently (05/02/-05/06/22). The city was awarded the Safe Route to Schools grant
Mayor’s report volunteers are needed for Summer Fun Fest, 50/50 tickets are available. A contractor for the solar project has been awarded and work should begin in a few months. Discusses the increase in costs and states the city is in a good position and also discussion about load shedding. Mayor Rivara discusses the cost increase of kilowatts. Addresses a concern from a resident about the water quality. Encourages people to support the Ambualance Dinner on 06/06/2022.
A MOTION TO ADJOURN REGULAR SESSION WAS MADE BY ARGUBRIGHT, SECONDED BY CURRAN. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, EUTIS, RIVARA.
http://www.oglesby.il.us/newsite/regular-meeting-minutes-05-02-2022/
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