Illinois Valley Times

City of Ottawa City Council met Sept. 6.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Regular meeting of the Council of the City of Ottawa, Illinois.

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, August 16, 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.

Mollie Perrot, of the Ottawa Scouting Museum, explained the proposed expansion. She wondered since it was a City building on City property if a lease agreement would be needed. She asked if the City would keep ownership of the land, be in charge of bid letting, oversee construction, and possibly help with funding and grant opportunities. She added that the museum has been open for 25 years for around 30 hours a week. Matt Skelly, Treasurer for the museum, noted that the museum is in good financial shape and still has a $100,000.00 endowment.

A public hearing was held next for a proposed alley vacation for a portion of the courtyard behind Tangled Roots Brewing Company. City Engineer Tom Duttlinger, explained that the project consists of Tangled Roots enclosing fermentation tanks, as they have had problems in the past with tanks freezing and lost product. The proposed vacated area is 1120 square feet and is worth $9.84 a square foot. With no one else commenting, the hearing was declared closed by the Mayor at 7:13 p.m.

Commissioner Eichelkraut presented Biweekly Salary Payroll.

Moved by Commissioner Eichelkraut that the Biweekly Salary Payroll of August 19, 2022, in the amount of $480,373.30, and the Biweekly Salary Payroll of September 2, 2022, in the amount of $471,451.61, both 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 September 7, 2022, showing expenses in the amount of $1,442,907.34, 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 an engagement letter with Brian Zabel & Associates P.C., for fiscal year 22 audit services, which has been on file for public inspection since August 16, 2022, be adopted.

Second by Ganiere.

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 transit service agreements between the City of Ottawa and multiple entities regarding transportation services through the administration of NCAT, be received and placed on file for public inspection.

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 approving and authorizing the execution of 3 employment agreements for appointed City Officials in Alicia Fuchs as Assistant Director of Transit, Paul Slack as Driver Supervisor, and Kathy Thompson as part time Reservation Specialist, be received and placed on file for public inspection.

Second by Ganiere.

Commissioner Eichelkraut said that since hours are expanding from 6a-6p, more personnel is needed. We also are in the process of getting 2 more buses.

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 termination of employee Michael McKenna as part time NCAT Bus Operator effective immediately, be adopted.

Second by Pearson.

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

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Commissioner Eichelkraut added that the last Music in the Street event is this Saturday, September 10, 2022, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.

Commissioner Ganiere presented Change Order.

Moved by Commissioner Ganiere that Change Order #2 from Vissering Construction Company in the decreased amount of $18,467.02 for the River Crossing sanitary lift station project, be accepted.

Second by Pearson.

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 standard rental service agreement between the City of Ottawa and Cintas, regarding shop towels, which has been on file for public inspection since August 16, 2022, be adopted.

Second by Ganiere.

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

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Commissioner Pearson awarded Bid.

Moved by Commissioner Pearson that the Bid received from Vissering Construction Company in the amount of $6,714,670.00 for the new outdoor swimming facility be accepted and paid for from the Bond proceeds.

Second by Eichelkraut.

Commissioner Ganiere felt that this will be a great amenity, but wondered about a new fire station. Mayor Aussem spoke with City Treasurer Don Harris and they discussed a south side fire station also. Commissioner Less still has his initial concerns and wished the pool would have gone to referendum. He understands that there could be staffing issues and operational challenges. Commissioner Eichelkraut felt that a City our size needs a pool.

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

Nays: Less. Motion carried.

Commissioner Pearson presented Quote.

Moved by Commissioner Pearson that the Quote received from Brandenburg Electronic Systems in the amount of $11,604.00 for additional cameras for the Police and Fire Stations, be approved and paid for from the General Corporate Fund.

Second by Eichelkraut.

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

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Commissioner Pearson presented Quotes.

Moved by Commissioner Pearson that the Quotes received from Pecover Decorating Services in the amount of $28,900.00 for the Thornton Park fencing and light poles, be approved and paid for from the Thornton Park Grant Fund.

Second by Ganiere.

Commissioner Less questioned roller painting the chain link fence and asked about a warranty. He asked City Engineer Tom Duttlinger about the other contractor, Peerless and wondered if the light fixtures were still broken.

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

Nays: Less. Motion carried.

Commissioner Pearson presented Resolution.

Moved by Commissioner Pearson that a Resolution authorizing a proposal for professional engineering services by Chamlin & Associates Inc. for an engineering and economic study of the Fox River Bridge, be received and placed on file for public inspection.

Second by Ganiere.

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

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Commissioner Pearson presented Resolution.

Moved by Commissioner Pearson that a Resolution authorizing the execution of a proposal for the fitness court installation by Engineered Installation Solutions, be received and placed on file for public inspection.

Second by Ganiere.

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 August 2022, be received and placed on file.

Second by Ganiere.

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 August 2022, be received and placed on file.

Second by Eichelkraut.

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

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Commissioner Less presented Quote.

Moved by Commissioner Less that the Quote received from Air One Equipment Inc. in the amount of $14,505.00 to purchase a super vac for the Fire Department, 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.

Commissioner Less presented Proposal.

Moved by Commissioner Less that the Proposal received from AEC Fire Safety Security in the amount of $57,669.00 to purchase rescue tools for the Fire Department, be approved and paid for from the General Corporate Fund.

Second by Eichelkraut.

Commissioner Eichelkraut asked if the additional power cot was ordered. Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Less and Mayor Aussem.

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Commissioner Less presented Resolution.

Moved by Commissioner Less that a Resolution authorizing ratifying an intergovernmental agreement between the City of Ottawa and the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, regarding supplement ambulance rates, be received and placed on file for public inspection.

Second by Pearson.

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

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Commissioner Less presented Resolution.

Moved by Commissioner Less that a Resolution authorizing the execution of a maintenance agreement between the City of Ottawa and SEPS Inc., for an uninterrupted power supply for the Police Department, Fire Department, and central dispatching be received and placed on file for public inspection.

Second by Eichelkraut.

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

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Commissioner Less then expressed his disappointment with the Court Street project. He felt a public meeting should have been held to address parking concerns. In July letters were sent out, but felt more input was needed. The contract was awarded in May under the curb replacement program. He added that usually the program is only curb replacements throughout the City, and does not include a 26 foot sidewalk. The Mayor added that the landscaping was not done.

Mayor Aussem presented Report of Registrar.

Moved by Mayor Aussem that the Report of Registrar, Shelly L. Munks, for the month of August 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 $3,135.00 for the month of August 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 Building Official.

Moved by Mayor Aussem that the Report of Building Official, Mathew W. Stafford, for the month of August 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 Sidewalk Program.

Moved by Mayor Aussem that the Report of the Sidewalk Program showing 1 participant in the amount of $350.00 for the month of August 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 appointing Heather Johnson, term to expire July 2024, to the Civil Service Commission, be adopted.

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 appointing Robin Wilson and Dan Eilts, terms to expire September 2024, to the Special Events Committee, be adopted.

Second by Eichelkraut.

Commissioner Eichelkraut thanked the Special Events Committee for their hard work and added that they are helping with the Scarecrow Parade on Sunday, September 25, 2022.

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 lease agreement between the City of Ottawa and the Nell’s Foundation, be received and placed on file for public inspection.

Second by Ganiere.

Mayor Aussem added that this agreement is close to the Dayton Bluffs agreement.

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 Mayor to execute engagement agreements between the City of Ottawa and I/O Solutions, for police and fire entry level testing, 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 an agreement for production services between the City of Ottawa and Floret Events LLC, for the 2022 Chris Kringle Market, 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 Report of Zoning Board of Appeals.

Moved by Mayor Aussem that the Report of the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting held on Thursday, August 18, 2022, considering a variance from the Fence Ordinance from Stephanie Wheeler for property located at 1236 Bergen Avenue, be received and placed on file. Be it further moved, the Council concur with the recommendation of the Zoning Board of Appeals and the variance be granted permitting a 6 foot vinyl privacy fence without 50% transparency in the front yard on the existing footprint of the current fence 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 Report of Plan Commission.

Moved by Mayor Aussem that the Report of the Plan Commission meeting held on Monday, August 22, 2022, considering a conditional use permit request from Carder Development LLC and Keep Rentals LLC for a self storage facility for property located at 205 W. Etna Road, 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 subject to the prohibition of flammable, odorous, noxious, corrosive, hazardous, or pollutant materials and the follow up Ordinance be passed and approved.

Second by Less.

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

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Mayor Aussem presented Bids.

Moved by Mayor Aussem that the Bids received on the 5 vacant parcels all be referred to Staff for review and recommendation.

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 an agreement for purchase and sale of municipal real estate between the City of Ottawa and Illinois Valley Public Action to Deliver Shelter for property located at 1120 Canal Street, 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 motion to recess.

Moved by Mayor Aussem that this Council recess into Closed Session to discuss matters of personnel, collective bargaining, the purchase or lease of real estate, and the sale or lease of real estate.

Second by Eichelkraut.

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

Nays: None. Motion carried. Council recessed at 7:50 p.m.

Mayor Aussem presented motion to reconvene.

Moved by Mayor Aussem that this Council reconvene from Closed Session.

Second by Less.

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

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Mayor Aussem presented Step III AFSCME grievance.

Moved by Mayor Aussem that the Step III AFSCME grievance involving Aron Moore and Josh Moore be remedied with 9/10 of an hour at half time for these two employees.

Second by Less.

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

Nays: None. Motion carried.

Mayor Aussem presented Step III AFSCME grievance.

Moved by Mayor Aussem that the Step III AFSCME grievance filed by Jacob Ewers for contracting out snow removal to Ruiz Construction, be denied.

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 Ganiere.

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

Nays: None. Motion carried. Council adjourned at 9:27 p.m.

https://cityofottawa.org/wp-content/uploads/Government/City_Council_Minutes_Agendas/2022_City_Council_Minutes/min09062022.pdf