City of Oglesby City Council met Aug. 21.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
A regular meeting of the Oglesby City Council was held on Monday, August 21, 2023. The meeting was called to order at 7:02 pm by Mayor Jason Curran.
PRESENT: Mayor Jason Curran, Commissioners Richard Baldridge, Terry Eutis, Gregory McDermott, Tony Stefanelli, City Clerk Becky Clinard and Attorney Pat Barry.
There was no public comment on agenda items.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY Eutis, SECONDED by Stefanelli to approve the minutes from the August 7, 2023, meeting. AYES: Baldridge, Eutis, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. NAYS: None MOTION CARRIED.
Mayor Curran then told the council that Attorney Barry had been asked to look into how long the city would have to keep the audio recording of the July 5, 2023, closed session if it was released as proposed by the council. Barry said he had forgotten to look into that, and that he did not have an answer for the council. He suggested that they table the item until he could get them the answer. Curran expressed concern that the city would be mandated to preserve the file forever, and he worried how that would be done. Eutis suggested that that could be accomplished by putting the recording on a SD card and taping it to the official minutes book. Stefanelli said he didn’t think it was a big deal or any more burdensome than keeping paper copies. He also noted that digital files are stored on the servers now. Stefanelli pushed for releasing the minutes because of the references in past meetings to the minutes and he felt that releasing the minutes would eliminate any confusion about who said what.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY Baldridge, SECONDED BY Stefanelli to release the audio recording of the July 5, 2023, executive session. AYES: Baldridge, Eutis, McDermott, Stefanelli. ABSTAIN: Curran MOTION CARRIED.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY Stefanelli, SECONDED BY McDermott to approve bills in the amount of $546,826.45 as presented for payment. AYES: Baldridge, Eutis, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran MOTION CARRIED.
Bills presented for payment: A&J Lawncare, $390.00; Airgas Usa, Llc, $319.90; Ambrose, Lori, $50.00; Anixter Inc, $2,034.00; Aplington, Kaufman, Mcclintock, Steele, $21,382.00; Benefit Planning Consultants, Inc, $304.50; Bhmg Engineers, $16,579.05; Bound Tree Medical Llc, $58.36; Card Service Center, $2,248.49; Card Service Center-Police, $1,881.29; Cintas First Aid & Safety, $131.16; City Of Oglesby, $136.25; Civic Systems, Llc, $900.00; Columbia Pipe & Supply Co, $225.38; Complete Integration & Service, $830.00; Connecting Point, $422.25; De Lage Landen Financial Services, $521.65; Debo Ace Hardware, $479.00; Emergency Medical Products Inc, $232.10; Fender Menders, $2,002.78; Grainco Fs Inc., $2,941.79; Grosenbach's Auto Repair, $55.00; Harvey, Patrick, $195.49; Hastings Air Energy Control, $101,630.00; Hawkins, Inc, $735.18; Heartland Bank Visa, $2,887.58; Hy-Vee, Inc, $78.79; I V Net Llp, $129.00; Il Department Of Innovation And Tech, $518.49; Il Valley Community College, $6,048.00; Il Valley Excavating, In, $248,027.00; Ileas, , $60.00; John Senica Jr., $193.74; John's Service & Sales, $342.47; Knoblauch Advertising, $255.45; Lasalle-Peru Hs #120, $13,918.01; Mautino Distributing Co Inc, $39.25; Maze Lumber, $51.54; Menards, $85.08; Mertel Gravel Co, $2,319.50; Mtco, $161.87; Northern Illinois Ambulance Bi, Inc, $2,415.17; Northwest Lineman College, $4,288.50; Nuftul, Scott, $70.00; Oglesby Grade School #125, $15,431.71; Osf Medical Group -- Occupational Health, $135.00; Ottosen Dinolfo, $2,447.50; P.F. Pettibone & Co., $961.50; Petersen, Paul, $30.00; Ro Pros, , $60.38; Ruppert Concrete, $3,100.00; Sbc Partners, $1,494.58; Smith's Sales And Service, $156.00; Springfield Electric Supply, $109.14; Sudaj, Nathan, $50.00; T.E.S.T Inc., $19,795.94; Teleflex, Llc., $194.50; Tesco-The Eastern Speciality Company, $4,000.00; Usa Bluebook, $250.68; Vision Metering, Llc, $945.00; Watts, Richard, $80.23; Western Aggregates Llc, $436.34; Wintroy Supply Llc, $2,687.50; Witmer Public Safety Group, $105.76 ---Electronic Fund Transfer And Auto Pay, $58, 826.45.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY Stefanelli, SECONDED BY Eutis to approve the August 4, 2023, payroll in the amount of $164,932.39. AYES: Baldridge, Eutis, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran MOTION CARRIED.
The council then heard a presentation from CINTAS, on their supply restocking service.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY Stefanelli, SECONDED BY Eutis to approve and place on file the Design Review Board recommendation on Dave Weiden’s (Cortileno’s) plans to build a band shelter on the lot adjacent to his business. AYES: Eutis, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran ABSTAIN: Baldridge. MOTION CARRIED.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY Eutis, SECONDED BY McDermott to approve Ordinance No. 1231-082123, which sets the salary and wages for the position of administrative assistance for the police department. This is a new position and will receive the same wages and benefits of the FOP contract. Lori Ambrose, who had been doing the job parttime, will move to fulltime. Her pay will be $19 and hour and incrementally increase to $22/hour at the one-year mark. AYES: Baldridge, Eutis, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran MOTION CARRIED.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY Stefanelli, SECONDED BY Eutis to approve Ordinance No. 1232-082123, which allows additional employees to work more than 1,000 hours a year, making them eligible for IMRF benefits. Eutis explained that this was necessary to staff the ambulance 24/7 and lessen the burden on the director. Eutis said the new ordinance took a lot of “fluff” out of the previous ordinance. AYES: Baldridge, Eutis, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran MOTION CARRIED.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY Stefanelli, SECONDED BY Eutis to approve Ordinance No. 1233-082123, which sets who is allowed to add items to the agenda. Curran said he didn’t think the ordinance was necessary, as he felt it was the mayor’s responsibility to ensure that the language on the agenda was clear and concise and that he had never denied anyone the right to place something on the agenda. Eutis said he respectfully disagreed. Curran said he feared that items would be placed on the agenda for a vote without the public having an opportunity to comment on them.. AYES: Baldridge, Eutis, McDermott, Stefanelli. NAYS: Curran MOTION CARRIED.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY Stefanelli, SECONDED BY McDermott to go out to bids for the Clark Street Sanitary System Separation project. The first $200,000 of the cost will be paid for with ARPA grant monies. AYES: Baldridge, Eutis, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran MOTION CARRIED.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY Baldridge, SECONDED BY McDermott to approve the request from the Oglesby Knights of Columbus for a tag day. Curran explained that while tag days are normally approved in April, the KC’s don’t have a date until later in the year for the nationwide event. AYES: Baldridge, Eutis, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran MOTION CARRIED.
Attorney Barry then told the council that his research into the question of whether the council could deny a solicitor’s permit found that the council could deny a permit, but he cautioned them against picking and choosing which ones to deny or approve. The council had expressed reluctance to approve permits, as they felt that residents didn’t want people knocking on their doors.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY McDermott, SECONDED BY Stefanelli to deny solicitor permits to SunRunner solar company and Johnathon Hancock, educational products. AYES: Baldridge, Eutis, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran MOTION CARRIED.
Old Business:
Curran told the council that two items he’d wanted to discuss under this topic did not make it to the agenda: the burn ban and sewer check valves. He will bring those topics to the next meeting.
New Business:
Stefanelli told the council about his hope to begin providing board packets digitally to save resources and manpower. He shared costs of Ipads for the council and explained how the process would work. Eutis said he liked the idea, especially since it would allow him and others to have everything on one device. Stefanelli asked the council to consider the proposal and he would ask for their input at the next meeting.
The council then discussed the need to revise the parttime wage ordinance. The ordinance sets the maximum amount paid to a parttime employee at $17/hour. With the increase in minimum wage and the increased competition to attract qualified employees, the council felt that the rate needed to be increased. “You get what you pay for,” said Stefanelli.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY McDermott, SECONDED BY Baldridge to instruct Attorney Barry to draft a new wage ordinance with the maximum rate at $20/hour for parttime employees. AYES: Baldridge, Eutis, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran MOTION CARRIED.
Summer Fun Fest Update:
Stefanelli then shared the Summer fun Fest financial report with the council. The fest ended up with a $14,882.71 profit – but Stefanelli noted that it was “going to take a little work” to get back to the levels in 2012, 2013, 2014 …. He told the council that the clerk’s office had met and conducted a post-event review and also discussed how to increase profit and provide a better experience for those who attend.
Eutis shared his department’s suggestions and concerns: notably, adding a fire engine and crew on standby at the festival in order to be able to assist in any emergencies. He also said that a dedicated ambulance crew was a necessity. This year, because of staff shortages and the current longer drive times to Ottawa, the crew was sometimes pulled away from the festival. Eutis also addressed some parking concerns, noting that adding Row numbers would help people find their cars more easily. And, his departments felt that having an incident action plan was needed.
Curran said that the city is always looking for ways to improve the festival.
Public Comments:
Drew Merriman said the Senica Square area was “just a zoo,” during the car show on August 19th, noting that unattended children were running and riding their bikes, posing a danger to others. Merriman also said he would like to see more city events held at Senica Square.
Commissioner Reports:
Tony Stefanelli, Commissioner of Finance:
• Gave a short presentation on the importance of building permits and explained the process.
• Announced that Jacqueline Smith would be joining the city clerk’s office staff as a part-time employee. Smith previously worked in the office and will assist in event planning, marketing, and working with the council.
Greg McDermott, Commissioner of Streets, Water & Waste Water
• Told the council about a survey required by the EPA
Richard Baldridge, Commissioner of Public Property
• Talked about the First Responders Night Out and the car show
• Updated the council on the disc golf course, saying he couldn’t wait to share “the beautiful views” with the public.
• Said the electric department has been trimming limbs from power lines.
• Thanked everyone for their efforts on the downtown car show.
Terry Eutis, Commissioner of Public Health and Safety
Eutis had nothing to report
Mayor’s Report:
• Reported on the Car Show and Eats in the Streets, saying that he felt the city had addressed concerns from last year’s first-time event and that it was a successful event.
• Announced Boots and Brews is back on Sept. 16
• Said cooling centers would continue to be open during the extreme heat
• City emails are “up and running” and now work will focus on moving the website to the .gov domain
• Told the council about a developer’s plans to renovate the Dalhgren’s property
A MOTION WAS MADE BY McDermott, SECONDED BY Baldridge at 8:25 p.m. to enter into executive session to discuss “The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of a specific employee or legal counsel for the public body; The purchase or lease of property by the public body; and pending litigation against or on behalf of the public body.” Curran told the audience that the purpose was to update the council on certain matters and that there would not be any action taken after executive session. AYES: Baldridge, Eutis, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. MOTION CARRIED.
The council then exits the council chambers for executive session.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY Stefanelli, SECONDED BY Baldridge to resume the regular meeting of the Oglesby City Council AT 9:20 p.m. AYES: Baldridge, Eutis, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. MEETING RESUMED.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY Stefanelli, SECONDED BY Baldridge to adjourn the regular meeting of the Oglesby City Council AT 9:30 p.m. AYES: Baldridge, Eutis, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. MEETING ADJOURNED.
https://oglesby.il.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/082123EXECSESSIONMINUTES.pdf
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