City of Oglesby City Council met Aug. 5.
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, CURRAN, EUTIS, MAYOR RIVARA, ATTORNEY BARRY AND CITY CLERK AMY EITUTIS. ABSENT: CULLINAN
A MOTION WAS MADE BY CURRAN, SECONDED BY ARGUBRIGHT to approve the regular meeting minutes from July 18, 2022. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CURRAN, RIVARA. NAYS: EUTIS ABSENT: CULLINAN. Mayor Rivara states the minutes reflect that he could support 50% of the funding for gaming funds to be spent on Walnut Street and states that he doesn’t hear that or possibly misspoke and cannot support that because gaming fees have to deposited into the general fund and to do anything else would have to come out of the hotel/motel tax or TIF funds and cannot commit the council to do so. Mayor Rivara states that on page 2, there is an error and the residents do not want an exit to the alley. Mayor Rivara states that on page 3, in regards to offering sewer credits and states that nothing was agreed to. Mayor Rivara states that on the last page the 50/50 was to be donated to CABO and it is to be donated to the Oglesby Way and that Bulldog’s sold tickets. After the noted corrections Mayor Rivara asks for a motion to approve the minutes. Commissioner Eutis questions with the corrections and states he does not agree with the Mayor because he recalls that Mayor agreeing with him stating he could support 50%. Commissioner Curran states he recalls 50% and remembers a discussion between the Council and Mayor Rivara states he did and cannot understand the audio.
Public comments on agenda items only: none
A MOTION WAS MADE BY ARGUBRIGHT, SECONDED BY CURRAN to approve bills as presented for payment. AYES: CURRAN, EUTIS, RIVARA. ABSTAIN: ARGUBRIGHT ABSENT: CULLINAN
ANIXTER INC $ 498.00, BARNES JACK $ 900.00, BENEFIT PLANNING CONSULTANTS $294.35, BHMG ENGINEERS $ 1,773.70, BOUND TREE MEDICAL LLC $ 182.86, BRUCH CHRISTOPHER $ 162.11, CARD SERVICE CENTER $ 2,197.85, CARD SERVICE CENTER -POLICE $ 746.61, CHAMLIN & ASSOCIATES INC $ 1,001.00, CIVICPLUS LLC $ 250.00, COLUMIBA PIPE & SUPPLY CO $ 873.58, COMPLETE INTEGRATION & SERVICE $ 2,525.00, CONNECTING POINT $ 1,136.75, CORE & MAIN $ 36,465.02, DE LAGE LANDEN FINANCIAL SERVICES $ 192.83, DE’VINE FLORAL DESIGNS & GIFTS $ 50.00, DOUBLE M TRUCKING $ 528.00, DUTTLINGER, EVAN $900.00, EDENS CATHIE $ 47.12, EMERGENCY MEDICAL PRODUCTS $ 78.42, FIRST IMPRESSION $ 1,532.05, FOX AMBER $ 50.00, GLOBE LIFE LIBERTY NATIONAL DIVISION $ 398.11, GONZALEZ JR VICTOR H $ 900.00, GROSENBACHS AUTO REPAIR $ 47.81, HALMS AUTO PARTS $ 254.95, HAWKINS INC $ 3,485.87, HAYSE DOUG $ 900.00, IL VALLEY CELLULAR $ 1,259.49, IL VALLEY REGIONAL DISPATCH $ 6,963.09, ILEAS $ 60.00, IV NET LLP $ 99.00, JOHNSON ANNA $ 300.00, KINCANNON MONICA $ 27.24, LANDCOMP LANDFILL $ 696.16, LASALLE OFFICE SUPPLY $ 40.58, MANDUJANO JAMES $ 900.00, MARGIS MICHAEL $ 900.00, MAUTINO DISTRIBUTING CO IN C $ 22.65, MENARDS $ 2,090.33, MERTEL GRAVEL CO $ 990.63, MOSBACH CARLEEN & ROBERTA $ 952.83, MTCO $ 148.87, MUNOZ PAUL $ 900.00, NIGHTHAWK TOTAL CONTROL $ 9,208.00, NORTHERN IL AMBULANCE BILLING $ 2,046.85, OPYD TROY $ 146.55, PATTERSON MARGEE $ 95.14, REED MELINDA $ 100.00, SBC PARTNERS $2,235.71, SHERWIN WILLIAMS CO $ 402.65, SLIMKO LEININGER RANDY $900.00, SMART SOURCE LLC $ 3,329.28, SMITHS SALES & SERVICE $ 232.00, SPRINGFIELD ELECTRIC SUPPLY $ 86.74, ST. MARGARETS HEALTH-PERU $ 600.55, STARVED ROCK COUNTRY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION $ 100.00, STD FARMS $ 999.57, T.E.S.T. INC $ 19,506.29, TRAQNOLOGY NORTH AMERICA $ 2,584.14, UNIVERSAL UTILITY SUPPLY $ 3,814.64,
USA BLUEBOOK $ 80.85, UTILITY EQUIPMENT CO $ 396.00, VALLE BRETT $900.00, VERIZON $ 108.03, WEBSTER ZOMYET $ 36.55, WESTERN AGGREGATES LLC $ 393.12 TOTALS: $ 123,925.52
A MOTION WAS MADE BY EUTIS, SECONDED BY CURRAN to table the introduction of Oglesby’s newest Police Officer, Wesley Budach. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CURRAN, EUTIS, RIVARA. ABSENT: CULLINAN
A MOTION WAS MADE BY ARGUBRIGHT, SECONDED BY CURRAN to approve the request from Holy Family School for the Holy Family Shuffle on October 1, 2022. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CURRAN, EUTIS, RIVARA. ABSENT: CULLINAN
The Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce has asked to remove item #9 from the agenda in regards to a donation request in the amount of $2500.00 for sponsorship of the National Walleye Tour. Commissioner Curran questions why? Mayor Rivara states there is a mix up regarding the amount of costs.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY CURRAN, SECONDED BY ARGUBRIGHT to seek bids for the construction of a city owned parking lot located at 246 East Walnut Street, Oglesby, Illinois. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CURRAN, EUTIS, RIVARA. ABSENT: CULLINAN. Mayor Rivara states the cost of the lot is $43, 995.00 and 74% of the funding would come from TIF funds and the rest would come from the general fund. Commissioner Argubright questions why all of the funds cannot come from the TIF. The City Clerk states she will get clarification on the matter.
A MOTION IS MADE BY ARGUBRIGHT, SECONDED BY EUTIS to request the consideration of a text amendment from the Planning Commission. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, EUTIS, RIVARA. NAYS: CURRAN ABSENT: CULLINAN. Attorney Barry states the current municipal code does not allow for free standing signs. In order to entertain the request a text amendment would have to be done. Attorney Barry states the Council and/or Planning Commission are the only ones who can make the request. Attorney Barry suggests the Council should decide how to handle and that a publication notice would have to be done. Attorney Barry states a special use permit would have to be done. Attorney Barry recommends the text amendment be sent to the Planning Commission. Commissioner Curran asks about the roles of the Design and Review Board? Commissioner Argubright states that their role is mainly regarding building development. Attorney Barry states the Planning Commission is the only one that can make the text amendment request change. Commissioner Argubright suggests addressing all of the requests that have gone to the Planning Commission all at once. Attorney Barry states that is an option but it will take some time and will push things out to October as he is not here for the second meeting in September. The council agrees to move forward with the current request in order to avoid delays.
A MOTION IS MADE BY CURRAN, SECONDED BY EUTIS to table the discussion regarding the drainage issues at Heritage and Oakwood Avenues. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CURRAN, EUTIS, RIVARA. ABSENT: CULLINAN. A discussion is held in regards to the drainage issues at Heritage and Oakwood Avenues. Mayor Rivara reads an email from City Engineer Jim Clinard that discusses issues and estimates the costs to be approximately $17,000.00 plus utility relocation costs. Mayor Rivara states this has been an ongoing problem for years. Duane Staus, HOA President of Heritage Gardens addresses the council. Mr. Staus thanks the Mayor for speaking with him in regards to the issues with water/drainage and asks that the issue be taken care of. Mr. Staus states he does receive water in his basement. Mr. Staus when the flooding occurs water gets into the homes in the area. Mayor Rivara states this has been an issue for several years. Commissioner Curran questions if this has been an issue for several years (through multiple administrations)? Mr. Staus replies yes and that sump pumps cannot keep up. Commissioner Eutis sympathizes with the residents but has concerns about setting a precedent to other residents in regards to issues they may have also. Commissioner Eutis asks what they were to tell the next resident should one come in with an issue. Mr. Staus believes the fault lies with the City as he feels they would have been the ones to approve the building permits. Mr. Staus feels it is not the fault of the residents who purchased their home, but with the City. Commissioner Curran disagrees with Mr. Staus’s statement. Commissioner Curran believes everything that was approved was up to code at the time. Commissioner Curran states because there may have been a better way to do something doesn’t mean there was a party at fault. Mr. Staus is looking for a solution. Commissioner Curran reminds that last year he made a motion to have this issue looked in to. Commissioner Curran believes there at least four other areas of the city with there are issues. Commissioner Curran states there is some responsibility of the home owner. Mr. Tony Stefanelli thanks the Mayor and Commissioner Curran for coming out to look at the issues. Mr. Stefanelli feels a productive meeting and states the residents are asking for help and feels further discussion is needed and doesn’t feel it is asking for much. Mayor Rivara agrees there is a problem and that a solution has to be found. Mayor Rivara understands the concern of setting a precedent. Mr. Stefanelli feels that no one is finger pointing or bring out legal allegations and is just asking the Council for help with the issue. Mayor Rivara questions when the townhouses were built and states water was supposed to drain down. Mr. Scott Stavrakas addresses the council and states there have been extraordinary steps that the residents have taken to avoid the flooding issues. Mr. Stavrakas states their homes are sitting in a lake. Mr. Staus states the residents are not looking to have the City to pay all of the costs to remedy the issue. Mr. Staus states that if there is responsibility from the residents they will work with the City. Commissioner Curran states the City did pay engineering costs and a city employee also put a pump in place which helped the issue during the rain. Commissioner Curran is very concerned about setting precedent and gives examples of other areas in town where there are issues and that residents will come forward. Mr. Staus states that the City has already attempted to fix the issue. City Engineer Jim Clinard states McPhedran Lake was not built to solve the water issues. McPhedran Lake was not created to solve drainage issues on Heritage or Oakwood Avenues Clinard states. Mayor Rivara questions where the water drains from, Clinard responds in back of the Wire Mesh Corporation. Jim Clinard states the major issue is that two homes were built on the drainage swail and the drain swail has never been rerouted around those homes. Mr. Stefanelli questions if it is the resident’s fault to which Mr. Clinard replies it is the contractor who built the homes fault. Mr. Stefanelli questions if it the fault of the City or whoever inspected it? Jim Clinard states the City does not inspect grading and landscaping. Mr. Stefanelli states a solution has to reached. Mayor Rivara suggests tabling the matter and talking with the Commissioners about the matter. Commissioner Curran opposes that and prefers to talk openly about the issue. Commissioner Curran states he felt railroaded by the residents and he has to think about all of the other residents. Mr. Stefanelli states nothing was indicated by Commissioner Curran, Curran corrects and states he felt he was the only one concerned about the costs of fixing the issue. Mr. Stefanelli states the residents are not opposed to putting money forward to helping with the issue. Commissioner Eutis appreciates the way it is being handled. Commissioner Curran stated previous council did not bring the matter up for action and the current administration has taken some action to address the matter. Mr. Staus questions the quotes that were mentioned to which Commissioner Curran gives explanation and reminds that some utilities have not been located and will have to be figured into the costs. Mayor Rivara states there are a number of ways to handle the matter and wants to come up with a plan to resolve the issue. Mayor Rivara states that re-routing the electric is not a problem. Mayor Rivara prefers to table the issue and Mr. Stefanelli agrees there are unknown costs.
A MOTION IS MADE BY CURRAN, SECONDED BY ARGUBRIGHT to place on file the quote for well pump repair from Great Lakes Water Resource Group. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CURRAN, EUTIS, RIVARA. ABSENT: CULLINAN. Commissioner Curran states there are four different quotes regarding the well 3 repair and that the quotes are not 100% apples-to-apples. Commissioner Curran is recommending going with the quote from Great Lakes Water Resource Group. Mayor Rivara states costs will not be known under the pump is pulled.
Old Business: Mayor Rivara discusses the option of purchasing a meter to allow for resident’s to track credit for water use (sod watering, car wash, etc…) Commissioner Curran states an ordinance is in place that will allow for an outflow meter at the cost of $ 20,000.00 and states there is an option for a mag meter at the cost of $12,000.00. The mobile spicket meter costs appx. $275.00 and doesn’t feel the council wants to go this route and states the savings is not worth it. Commissioner Curran states he is considering a policy that will allow for sod installation credits. Commissioner Eutis discusses re-seeding lawns and options. Commissioner Curran he is in favor of finding ways to save the residents money and offers to come up with a policy.
Public Comments: none
Commissioner Reports:
Argubright: none
Eutis: none
Cullinan: absent
Curran: next Tuesday replacement of isolation valves on Walnut Street and residents should not see any impact.
Mayor’s: report the 50/50 raffle was $670.00 and the Oglesby Way will receive the city’s portion of the winnings and Police Chief Doug Hayse was the winner of the drawing. We Are Oglesby flyer is read by Mayor Rivara who encourages residents and business owners to attend the upcoming meeting and states they deserve support.
Mayor Rivara discusses the inflation Reduction Act and states it will benefit Oglesby. IDOT has filed a charging station program and states Oglesby has been listed as a potential site and that the city will do everything to get it here. Mayor Rivara states the stations have to be located 1 mile from the interstate.
Thanks everyone who helped make the Car Show/Food Truck Festival a success and hopes to make it an annual event.
Mayor Rivara reminds residents that August 18, 2022 will be known as “Sunny Jim” Bottomley Day. Mayor Rivara gives a history on Mr. Bottomley.
Mayor Rivara states a comparison was done from Ameren, ComEd and Oglesby and gives details on each of the bills and how the City of compares.
A MOTION TO ADJOURN WAS MADE BY ARGUBRIGHT SECONDED BY CURRAN. AYES: ARGUBRIGHT, CURRAN, EUTIS, RIVARA. ABSENT: CULLINAN
https://oglesby.il.us/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/August-15-2022-meeting-minutes.pdf
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