Illinois Valley Times

City of Ottawa City Council met Aug. 2.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Present: Wayne A. Eichelkraut Jr., Thomas G. Ganiere, Marla K. Pearson, James J. Less, and Mayor Daniel F. Aussem.

Absent: None.

Commissioner Eichelkraut presented minutes of previous meeting.

Moved by Commissioner Eichelkraut that the minutes of a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Ottawa, Illinois, held on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, be approved as recorded in the permanent files of the City Clerk.

Second by Pearson.

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Less and Mayor Aussem.

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Samantha and Chuck Laury of 810 Green Street expressed their concerns about speeding and traffic along Green Street and children playing outside. They asked if sidewalk on the West side of the street could be included in the construction. City Engineer, Tom Duttlinger, responded that a multi use path is planned from Chapel Street to the Canal trail. Cindy Callahan, another East side resident, wondered about placing a stop sign at the intersection of Pearl Street at Green Street.

Vicky Stacy of the Tree Board, commented on the trees that were cut downtown and on Boyce Memorial Drive. Christine Frangoulis commented on the trees being sprayed with herbicide at Fox River Park and by Shoreline Boat Club. Both ladies read prepared statements and gave the Council handouts which included pictures.

Bob Eschbach also commented on the trees and then asked about the Court Street sidewalk project and losing 26 parking spaces downtown. Commissioner Pearson added that the utility and landscaping plans were not completed yet. Mayor Aussem added that Court Street will be comparable to what CL Enterprises had planned for Jackson Street a few years ago.

Commissioner Eichelkraut presented Biweekly Salary Payroll.

Moved by Commissioner Eichelkraut that the Biweekly Salary Payroll of July 22, 2022, in the amount of $525,459.01, be approved and warrants issued.

Second by Ganiere.

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Less and Mayor Aussem.

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Commissioner Eichelkraut presented Monthly Expense Report.

Moved by Commissioner Eichelkraut that the Monthly Expense Report dated August 2, 2022, showing expenses in the amount of $1,317,071.87, be approved and warrants issued.

Second by Pearson.

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Less and Mayor Aussem.

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Commissioner Eichelkraut presented Resolution.

Moved by Commissioner Eichelkraut that a Resolution authorizing the execution of a vehicle lease agreement between the City of Ottawa and St. Margaret’s Health, regarding leasing 3 buses, which has been on file for public inspection since July 19, 2022, be adopted.

Second by Ganiere.

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Less and Mayor Aussem.

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Commissioner Eichelkraut presented Ordinance.

Moved by Commissioner Eichelkraut that an Ordinance authorizing and providing for the issue of not to exceed $5,175,000.00 General Obligation Bonds (alternate revenue source) Series 2022A, of the City of Ottawa, LaSalle County, Illinois, for the purpose of paying the costs of a new swimming pool in and for the City, prescribing the details of said bonds, providing for the pledge of certain revenues to the payment of principal and interest on said bonds and the levy of taxes to pay such principal and interest if the pledged revenues are insufficient to make such payment and authorizing sale of said bonds to Bernardi Securities Inc., which has been on file for public inspection since July 19, 2022, be passed and approved.

Second by Pearson.

John Vezzetti, of Bernardi Securities, gave a brief explanation of the bonds and their projects and noted that interest rates are low. Commissioner Eichelkraut commented that we have 24 months to actually close on the bonds. Commissioner Less added that if we are using cannabis tax revenues as the payback, it will take 15 years of payments to pay off the bonds. Vezzetti added that the bonds are for 20 years and do allow an early redemption. Cannabis and income tax revenues were both pledged as options for repayment. Commissioner Eichelkraut said that video gaming tax income was also a possibility.

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, and Mayor Aussem.

Nays: Less. Motion carried.

Commissioner Eichelkraut presented Ordinance.

Moved by Commissioner Eichelkraut that an Ordinance authorizing and providing for the issue of not to exceed $1,550,000.00 General Obligation Bonds (alternate revenue source) Series 2022B, of the City of Ottawa, LaSalle County, Illinois, for the purpose of paying the costs of capital improvements and equipment acquisition for the City’s Fire Department, prescribing the details of said bonds, providing for the pledge of certain revenues to the payment of principal and interest on said bonds and the levy of taxes to pay such principal and interest if the pledged revenues are insufficient to make such payment and authorizing sale of said bonds to Bernardi Securities Inc., which has been on file for public inspection since July 19, 2022, be passed and approved.

Second by Ganiere.

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Less and Mayor Aussem.

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Commissioner Eichelkraut presented Ordinance.

Moved by Commissioner Eichelkraut that an Ordinance authorizing and providing for the issue of not to exceed $1,175,000.00 General Obligation Bonds (alternate revenue source) Series 2022C, of the City of Ottawa, LaSalle County, Illinois, for the purpose of refunding certain outstanding obligations of the City which financed waterworks and sewerage system improvements and for the payment of the expenses incident thereto, providing for the levy and collection of a direct annual tax sufficient for the payment of the principal of an interest on said bonds, providing for the collection, segregation, and distribution of the revenues of the waterworks and sewerage system operated by the City, and authorizing sale of said bonds to Bernardi Securities Inc., which has been on file for public inspection since July 19, 2022, be passed and approved.

Second by Pearson.

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Less and Mayor Aussem.

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Commissioner Ganiere awarded Bid.

Moved by Commissioner Ganiere that the Low Bid received from Grand Rapids Enterprises Inc. in the amount of $69,702.00 for the 2022 LaSalle Street watermain replacement project, be accepted and paid for from the Water Fund. Second by Pearson.

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Less and Mayor Aussem.

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Commissioner Ganiere awarded Bid.

Moved by Commissioner Ganiere that the Low Bid received from Fischer Excavating Inc. in the amount of $1,210,724.00 for the Long Term Control Plan Element 8.2 project, be accepted and paid for from the CSO Fund.

Second by Eichelkraut.

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Less and Mayor Aussem.

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Commissioner Pearson presented Resolution.

Moved by Commissioner Pearson that a Resolution authorizing execution of a proposal for an Allen Park schematic design and OSLAD grant application by Hitchcock Design group, which has been on file for public inspection since July 19, 2022, be adopted.

Second by Less.

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Less and Mayor Aussem.

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Commissioner Pearson presented Request.

Moved by Commissioner Pearson that the City Clerk be authorized to advertise for Bids for the outdoor swimming facility. Bids will be received until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 30, 2022.

Second by Ganiere.

Commissioner Eichelkraut asked if minor changes were made to the plan. City Engineer Tom Duttlinger replied yes. Commissioner Less asked if the demolition of the current pool was included in this Bid. The answer was yes and the Mayor added that the completion date is May 15, 2023. Less asked if we received for an OSLAD grant extension. Commissioner Pearson said we have one until December.

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, and Mayor Aussem.

Nays: Less. Motion carried.

Commissioner Pearson presented Quote.

Moved by Commissioner Pearson that the Quote received from US Tennis Court Construction in the amount of $31,000.00 for the Thornton Park project, be accepted and paid for from the Thornton Park Fund.

Second by Eichelkraut.

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Less and Mayor Aussem.

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Commissioner Pearson presented Quote.

Moved by Commissioner Pearson that the Quote received from Peerless Fence in the amount of $16,193.00 for the Thornton Park project, be accepted and paid for from the Thornton Park Fund.

Second by Less.

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Less and Mayor Aussem.

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Commissioner Pearson presented Quote.

Moved by Commissioner Pearson that the Quote received from Evans & Sons Blacktop Inc. in the amount of $101,398.00 for the Thornton Park project, be accepted and paid for from the Thornton Park Fund.

Second by Eichelkraut.

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Less and Mayor Aussem.

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Commissioner Pearson presented Quote.

Moved by Commissioner Pearson that the Quote received from National Fitness Campaign in the amount of $92,350.00 for the outdoor fitness court, be accepted and paid for from the General Corporate Fund.

Second by Ganiere.

Commissioner Pearson commented that due to pool construction, Lincoln Douglas Park was ruled out as a location for the fitness course. Eastside Park was also eliminated. The fitness course will be placed in Kiwanis Park.

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Less and Mayor Aussem.

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Commissioner Less presented Report of Police Chief.

Moved by Commissioner Less that the Report of Police Chief, Brent A. Roalson, for the month of July 2022, be received and placed on file.

Second by Pearson.

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Less and Mayor Aussem.

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Commissioner Less presented Report of Fire Chief.

Moved by Commissioner Less that the Report of Fire Chief, Brian Bressner, for the month of July 2022, be received and placed on file.

Second by Eichelkraut.

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Less and Mayor Aussem.

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Mayor Aussem presented Report of Registrar.

Moved by Mayor Aussem that the Report of Registrar, Shelly L. Munks, for the month of July 2022, be received and placed on file.

Second by Pearson.

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Less and Mayor Aussem.

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Mayor Aussem presented Report of Parking Administration.

Moved by Mayor Aussem that the Report of the Parking Administration Department showing fines collected of $1,730.00 for the month of July 2022, be received and placed on file.

Second by Less.

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Less and Mayor Aussem.

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Mayor Aussem presented Report of Building Official.

Moved by Mayor Aussem that the Report of Building Official Mathew W, Stafford, for the month of July 2022, be received and placed on file.

Second by Eichelkraut.

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Less and Mayor Aussem.

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Mayor Aussem presented Report of Sidewalk Program.

Moved by Mayor Aussem that the Report of the Sidewalk program showing 3 participants in the amount of $765.00 for the month of July 2022, be approved and paid for from the General Corporate Fund.

Second by Ganiere.

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Less and Mayor Aussem.

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Mayor Aussem presented Resolution.

Moved by Mayor Aussem that a Resolution authorizing the execution of an ACA service agreement and renewal contract between the City of Ottawa and Medcom Benefit Solutions, regarding 2022 ACA reporting, which has been on file for public inspection since July 19, 2022, be adopted.

Second by Eichelkraut.

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Less and Mayor Aussem.

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Mayor Aussem presented Resolution.

Moved by Mayor Aussem that a Resolution authorizing the execution of license agreement #5483 with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, regarding the I & M Canal and a sewer line, be received and placed on file for public inspection.

Second by Pearson.

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Less and Mayor Aussem.

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Mayor Aussem presented Resolution.

Moved by Mayor Aussem that a Resolution authorizing the execution of a contract addendum to supplement billing between the City of Ottawa and Municode, be received and placed on file for public inspection.

Second by Ganiere.

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Less and Mayor Aussem.

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Mayor Aussem presented Report of Zoning Board of Appeals.

Moved by Mayor Aussem that the Report of the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting held on Thursday, July 21, 2022, considering a side yard setback variance request to construct an accessory structure from Joseph Brewer for property located at 1800 Poplar Street, be received and placed on file. Be it further moved, the Council concur with the recommendation of the Zoning Board of Appeals and the side yard setback variance to 10 feet from the South property line be granted and the follow up Ordinance be passed and approved.

Second by Eichelkraut.

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Less and Mayor Aussem.

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Mayor Aussem presented Report of Plan Commission.

Moved by Mayor Aussem that the Report of the Plan Commission meeting held on Monday, July 25, 2022, considering a request for a storage and warehousing facility as a conditional use permit from McKinley Investors Limited Partnership for property located at 1590 First Avenue, be received and placed on file. Be it further moved, the Council concur with the recommendation of the Plan Commission and the conditional use permit be granted with the following conditions; 1. Business hours are 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. 2. Truck traffic is directed to use IL Route 23. 3. No overnight truck parking. 4. Storage of certain chemicals only. 5. No sea container storage. 6. No truck idling. And 7. Screening on the East side of the building within 2 years and the follow up Ordinance be passed and approved.

Second by Eichelkraut.

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Less and Mayor Aussem.

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Mayor Aussem presented Report of Plan Commission.

Moved by Mayor Aussem that the Report of the Plan Commission meeting held on Monday, July 25, 2022, considering the Final Plat of Harbor Village Unit 1 at Heritage Harbor Planned Unit Development, be received and placed on file. Be it further moved, the Council concur with the recommendation of the Plan Commission and the Final Plat be approved and the follow up Ordinance be passed and approved.

Second by Pearson.

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Less and Mayor Aussem.

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Mayor Aussem presented Request.

Moved by Mayor Aussem that the Request for a fundraiser from the Knights of Columbus to hold their annual Tootsie Roll Fundraiser on Friday, September 16, and Saturday, September 17, 2022, at the intersection of Route 6 and Route 23 be approved and the City Departments involved be notified of the event.

Second by Eichelkraut.

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Less and Mayor Aussem.

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Mayor Aussem presented Resolution.

Moved by Mayor Aussem that a Resolution authorizing the execution of an electric service agreement between the City of Ottawa and Illinois Power Marketing d/b/a Homefield Energy, be received and placed on file for public inspection.

Second by Eichelkraut.

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Less and Mayor Aussem.

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Mayor Aussem presented Resolution.

Moved by Mayor Aussen that a Resolution authorizing the execution of an engagement agreement between the City of Ottawa and I/O Solutions, regarding entry level police officer testing, be received and placed on file for public inspection.

Second by Less.

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Less and Mayor Aussem.

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Mayor Aussem presented Resolution.

Moved by Mayor Aussem authorizing the execution of an employment agreement for an appointed City Official in Kyle Booras as Police Captain, effective September 1, 2022, be received and placed on file for public inspection.

Second by Pearson.

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Less and Mayor Aussem.

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Mayor Aussem presented motion to adjourn.

Moved by Mayor Aussem that this regular meeting be adjourned.

Second by Less

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Less and Mayor Aussem.

Nays: None. Motion carried. Council adjourned at 7:55 p.m.

https://cityofottawa.org/wp-content/uploads/Government/City_Council_Minutes_Agendas/2022_City_Council_Minutes/min08022022.pdf