City of Oglesby City Council met Aug. 1.
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, CULLINAN. CURRAN, EUTIS, MAYOR RIVARA, ATTORNEY BARRY AND CITY CLERK AMY EITUTIS.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY EUTIS SECONDED BY CURRAN to approve the regular meeting minutes from July 18, 2022. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, EUTIS, RIVARA.
Public comments on agenda items only: Greg Stein addresses the council with his suggestions for the parking located which will be located at 246 East Walnut Street, Oglesby Illinois. Mr. Stein gives his opinion as to where the proposed fence should be installed and gives examples of other parking lots that he has information on. Mr. Stein also discusses his concerns of water run off and sewer. Mr. Stein discusses his concerns and gives his opinions regarding the set back and fencing. (Drew Merriman speaks up from audience in regards to the time limit on speaking). Mr. Stein gives his opinion on Mr. Thompson’s property as well.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY ARGUBRIGHT, SECONDED BY CURRAN to approve bills as presented for payment. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, EUTIS, RIVARA.
AMEREN ILLINOIS $ 25.85, AMEREN ILLINOIS $ 182.31, AMEREN IP $ 760.83, AMERICAN EXPRESS $ 2.508.95, BOUND TREE MEDICAL LLC $ 15.92, BRADEN COUNSELING CENTER $ 400.00, CDS OFFICE TECHNOLOGIES $ 14,500.00, CHEMCO INDUSTRIES INC $ 1,904.11, CITY OF OGLESBY $ 19.85, COLUMBIA PIPE & SUPPLY $ 408.75, CONNECTING POINT $ 1,565.99, CORE & MAIN $ 386.28, DE LAGE LANDEN FINANCIAL SERVICES $ 3559.09, DRESBACH DISTRIBUTING $ 155.80, ECONO SIGNS LLC $ 298.87, EDENS, CATHIE $ 13.27, EMERGENCY MEDICAL PRODUCTS $ 664.07, ESSL TERRI $ 42.00, FASTENAL $ 84.25, FEECE OIL CO $ 2,305.57, FOSTER COACH SALES INC $ 88.09, GRAINCO FS INC $ 119.60, HALMS AUTO PARTS $ 99.96, HAWKINS INC $ 2,126.21, HR GREEN INC $ 711.00, IL MUNINIPAL LEAGUE $ 1,550.00, IL PUBLIC RISK FUND $ 5,511.00, IL STATE POLICE $ 60.00, IL VALLEY DOCUMENT DESTRUCTION LLC $ 367.20, IL VALLEY EXCAVATING INC $ 4,925.00, JACKS GAS & SERVICE $ 80.00, JOHNS SERVICE & SALES INC $ 5.99, KENDRICK PEST CONTROL INC $ 260.00, KLEIN THORPE & JENKINS $ 302.50, KNOAPP AUSTIN $ 150.68, LASALLE OFFICE SUPPLY $ 55.99, LP FOOTBALL MOMS CLUB $ 250.00, MCCONAGHIE JOSEPH $ 423.73, MENARDS $ 36.54, MERTEL GRAVEL CO $ 706.41, MICKELSON, CHERISE $ 50.00, MODERN MARKETING $ 246.56, PF PETTIBONE & CO $ 1,141.90, PEERLESS NETWORK INC $ 2,016.26, RES TRUCK REPAIR $ 62.61, REPUBLIC SERVICES $ 30,946.46, SPRINGFIELD ELECTRIC SUPPLY $ 228.93, ST. MARGARETS HEALTH-PERU $2.76, STANDARD INSURANCE LIFE $ 825.27, T.E.S.T. INC $ 729.15, TALLMAN EQUIPMENTS CO INC $ 1,353.10, TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT REVOLVING FUND $ 672.22, TELEFLEX LLC $ 1,305.50, TOWN & COUNTRY SERVICES $ 1,400.00, USPS $ 827.75, UNIVERSAL UTILITY SUPPLY $ 1,650.00, USA BLUEBOOK $ 735.36, VERIZON $ 189.00, WATER PRODUCTS COMPANY $ 8,629.00, WTH TECHNOLOGY INC $ 1,375.00 TOTALS; $ 102,687.89
A recognition of Police Officers Jack Barnes and Evan Duttlinger is given by Chief of Police Doug Hayse for their heroism on an event that occurred on December 29, 2020. Chief Hayse states the reason for the delay was waiting for the closure of the court case regarding the event. Chief Hayse reads a letter of special commendation to both Officers Barnes and Duttlinger. The letter gives details of the event. (applause from the attendees). Mayor Rivara thanks both Officers as well.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY CURRAN, SECONDED BY ARGUBRIGHT to approve a raffle license for Lasalle County Democrats. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, EUTIS, RIVARA.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY CURRAN, SECONDED BY CULLINAN to table 1189-071822 an Ordinance Amending Section 5.102.010 of the Municipal Code of the City of Oglesby Relating to Video Gaming Terminal Fees. AYES: Mayor Rivara states that over a 3-year period the fees will be raised to $250.00 per gaming machine. Commissioner Eutis wants a discussion on how the fees will be used and states he would like to see the Ordinance state that the money will be used for the beautification of the downtown area. Commissioner Eutis questions earmarking the money for a specific purpose. Commissioner Curran questions the specifics of the money and wants to be sure residents are aware of the fact that the city does use funds for beautification. Commissioner Cullinan agrees with giving back a little bit. Mayor Rivara asks if the business owners would oppose upgrading the parks with the money as an example and believes there a lot of good things the city council could do with the money. Commissioner Curran suggests that each year as the fees increase the money be used for beautification of the downtown business. Attorney Barry states the ordinance states it is just to increase the current fees and offers to create an additional ordinance detailing where gaming fee revenue is to be spent. Commissioner Eutis would like to approve the proposed ordinance to have to added verbiage of where the funds would go. Commissioner Eutis would approve the proposed ordinance as long as the verbiage of “earmarking the money for the beautification of downtown.” Attorney Barry states that some of the people paying the fees are not located in the downtown area and feels a different ordinance should be drafted. Commissioner Curran asks if making it less specific would be better to which Attorney Barry states no. Commissioner Argubright states the ordinance could be tabled to included the added verbiage. Commissioner Eutis states he felt he was transparent in his opinions. Mayor Rivara states he is not opposed to the idea but questions whether the bars would be opposed to other uses for the funds? Mayor Rivara suggests passing the ordinance with the intention of sitting down with the business owners yearly and hearing their suggestions where the money should go. Commissioner Eutis states he cannot support that idea/motion. Commissioner Argubright states next year is an election year. Commissioner Curran questions if adding verbiage to the proposed ordinance can be done? Commissioner Curran gives examples of the fee increases. Commissioner Eutis proposes that 75% of the funds should be committed and that written into the ordinance. Commissioner Eutis rescinds his previous motion. Attorney Barry states he needs to know the specific % so he can write the ordinance. Mayor Rivara states he can support 50% of the funds. Attorney Barry suggests tabling the ordinance until the council can agree on an amount or percentage. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, EUTIS, RIVARA.
THE CITY COUNCIL AGREES to let the property located at 663 North Columbia Avenue, Oglesby Illinois go to auction. Attorney Barry states the taxes on the property were not sold and defaulted to Lasalle County. Attorney Barry states the county’s petition for tax deed was up on 07/19/2022. Once the county acquires the property it can be sold to the City of Oglesby for $750.00. Once the city owns the property they can do as they choose with it. Individual buyers cannot purchase the property from the county for $750.00. If the city chooses not to acquire the property it will go to auction in October 2022. Mayor Rivara states the city will incur costs should they buy it from the County. Mayor Rivara states there has been interest in the property and believes the best thing the city can do is let the property go to auction and hope someone buys it and cleans it up. Mayor Rivara discusses a property ono East Florence Street that has been cleaned up and also one located at South Columbia he his hoping gets cleaned up. Attorney Barry states he received the Order on the South Columbia property today from Mr. Butkus and that will deed the front parcel to the city and Mr. Butkus has until October to clean up the back property. If not, the property will belong to the city. Commissioner Argubright questions what will happen to the house at 663 N. Columbia if it is not sold at auction? Attorney Barry states he will find out the answer to that question. Attorney Barry believes the county could still sell it but believes it may increase after October.
A MOTION IS MADE BY ARGUBRIGHT, SECONDED BY EUTIS to approve the design for the new parking lot located at 246 East Walnut Street, Oglesby Illinois which will not allow for an exit to the North (alley). AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, EUTIS, RIVARA. Mayor Rivara states he has talked to residents and they do want an exit to the alley. Commissioner Curran discusses houses that are near the area of the proposed parking lot. Mr. Thompson speaks up and states he does not want to trade any of his property on the East side and that he disagrees with the driveway along side his property and will move his pool if he has to and opposes an exit to the North. Mayor Rivara states the city would be losing 4 parking spaces if there is not exit to the North. Commissioner Curran questions if it is worth losing 4 spaces over reminds that Dollar General has a parking lot that exits to an alley. Commissioner Argubright has a hard time losing 25% of the parking spots. Commissioner Curran states that there was an option for someone to purchase the land and that didn’t happen. Commissioner Eutis agrees that 25% of the stalls is a lot to lose but is torn on his decision. Commissioner Curran reminds a traffic study was done and the amount of traffic was very low. Commissioner Curran discusses the proposed lot and is corrected by City Engineer Jim Clinard. Jim Clinard states he shared an alternate design with Mayor Rivara and gives explanation of the design. Commissioner Curran questions the original plan with existing to the North and Jim Clinard states it is not possible to exit to the North without purchasing additional land. Commissioner Curran states that changes things. Commissioner Argubright questions if a fence will be in place? Jim Clinard states a six-foot fence will help with headlights in the parking lot.
Mayor Rivara states he was asked by a resident about offering a sewer credit for sod installation. Commissioner Curran states that around June 2020 a discussion was held about sewer credits. Commissioner Curran states every year a pool credit is issued to residents and that when a resident has a running toilet a credit is given for that as well. Commissioner Curran states there was a discussion about using a mobile device that could be used. Commissioner Curran does not think it’s a good idea to have a mobile water meter. Commissioner Curran feels a permanent one that goes underground that residents would have to be purchased would be better. Commissioner Eutis questions the cost ($1,500) Mayor Rivara acknowledges that Drew Merriman has his hand up and tells him he can speak during public comments. Mr. Merriman speaks…and voices his opinion. Commissioner Curran states he would be concerned about a mobile device and suggests an outflow sewer meter. Commissioner Eutis states he is familiar and gives an explanation as to how it works. For example, a deposit is paid and readings are taking before and after use. Commissioner Curran questions what it would be used for? Commissioner Curran states pool credits are given to residents through City Hall when a resident calls in. Commissioner Eutis is not certain this issue is something the City should get involved in. Mayor Rivara states a resident questioned why it is done for residents with pools vs. a resident who is putting in sod. Commissioner Curran feels it would create more work in the office. Mayor Rivara said if someone can come up with a plan, he is in favor of it. Commissioner Argubright feels the resident should by the meter. Commissioner Curran he will look into the matter.
Commissioner Curran states he has several quotes in regards to the well pump but they are not “apples to apples.” Commissioner Eutis questions the types of pumps being looked at. Commissioner Curran states submersible pumps are what is being looked at. Mayor Rivara questions the pump quotes that are between $80,000-$180,000. Lance Greathouse speaks up from the audience and states there is not a way to know exactly what costs will be.
Old Business: none
Public Comments: Greg Stein speaks up in regards to the proposed parking lot. Mr. Stein questions the exiting to the North. Mr. Stein questions Jim Clinard in regards to where the drainage will go in regards to the proposed parking lot. Jim Clinard states the alley is four feet lower than the parking lot. Mr. Stein states if Mr. Thompson were to file a lawsuit for harm done because the City would not sell him the north end of the property he would support it. Mr. Stein states Mr. Thompson tried to acquire property and the city squashed it.
Drew Merriman addresses the council and states he spoke with the former owner of MJ’s Pub and states that she “was paying double” for electrical. Drew Merriman questions businesses that have left Oglesby and encourages the Mayor to promote the town.
Drew Merriman addresses the issue of not charging for sewer in June, July and August. Merriman states the town is full of cowards.
Commissioner Reports:
Argubright: none
Eutis: reminds of the First Responder Night on 08/02/2022 from 3:00-7:00 p.m.
Cullinan: none.
Curran: valves that were previously approved for $131,409.00 will not cost as much. Employees were able to discover that one less valve will be needed. An additional 8” valve was also discovered. The savings will be $37,575.00
Mayor’s report: The city’s portion of the 50/50 tickets from the Food Truck Festival will be donated to CABO (or whatever the new name is Mayor Rivara states). There are currently six businesses who have sponsored car show trophies. They are: Claudette’s, Illini State Bank, Mercers Rooftop, KC Advertising, Mueller-Prey Funeral Home and Perona-Peterlin Law Office. Mayor Rivara would like to see four more sponsors.
Thanks the following businesses for their donation to the Oglesby Fire Department for the purchase of a Thermal Imaging Camera: Love’s Truck Stop, Illini State Bank, Zamin Insurance, GTI, American Legion, John Pini Insurance, Eureka Savings Bank, Stevenson Service, BHMG Engineers, TEST Inc. and Wire Mesh. The total of $8,095 that was received is enough to purchase one camera.
An ice cream social will be held at the Dickinson House on August 2nd and 9th at 6:00 p.m. with the band starting at 7:00 p.m.
August 13, 2022 will be the Food Truck Festival and car show. Walnut Street will be closed down beginning at 4:00 p.m. Alcohol will be allowed in the area (no glass).
An after hours will be held in Senica Square on August 23, 2022 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Approximately 20 business vendors will be there.
Suggests a meeting be held with the Planning Commission to revise the ordinance that generators need to be permitted and inspected.
August 18, 2022 will be dedicated as “Sunny Jim Bottomley” Day in Oglesby.
Mayor Rivara states the Commissioner Eutis recommends 75% of the funds be put back into the downtown from gaming fees and he would like to see what else can be done.
A MOTION TO ADJOURN WAS MADE BY ARGUBRIGHT SECONDED BY CURRAN.
AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CULLINAN, CURRAN, EUTIS, RIVARA.
http://www.oglesby.il.us/newsite/regular-meeting-minutes-august-1-2022/
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