City of Oglesby City Council met Sept. 5.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
A regular meeting of the Oglesby City Council was held on Tuesday, September 5, 2023. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 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 McDermott to approve the minutes from the August 21, 2023, meeting. AYES: Baldridge, Eutis, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. NAYS: None MOTION CARRIED.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY Baldridge, SECONDED by Stefanelli to approve the executive session minutes from the August 21, 2023, meeting. AYES: Baldridge, Eutis, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. NAYS: None MOTION CARRIED.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY Stefanelli, SECONDED by Eutis to approve the bills presented for payment in the amount of $111,591.11. AYES: Baldridge, Eutis, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. NAYS: None MOTION CARRIED.
Stefanelli then brief the council on Ordinance No. 1234-090523, which increases the pay of the city treasurer from $120 a month to $300. Stefanelli noted that Paul Danekas, the treasurer, has taken on additional responsibilities since his appointment. “He’s got a lot of work on his plate, and he’s good at it,” said Stefanelli. Curran questioned when the last time the pay had been raised. The pay was last raised more than 15 years ago. Curran also noted that the treasurer’s pay was significantly lower than other appointed officials.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY Stefanelli, SECONDED BY McDermott to approve Ordinance No. 1234- 090523. AYES: Baldridge, Eutis, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. NAYS: None MOTION CARRIED.
Discussion then turned to Ordinance No. 1235-090523, which increases the maximum pay for part time employees from $17 an hour to $20 an hour. Curran told the council that the current rate was set in 2017 and with minimum wage increasing each year, the range had shortened significantly. The increase, he said, was needed to attract quality candidates.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY McDermott, SECONDED BY Baldridge, to approve Ordinance No;. 1235- 090523, which raises the maximum wage for parttime employees to $20 an hour. AYES: Baldridge, Eutis, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. NAYS: None MOTION CARRIED.
City Engineer Jim Clinard then briefed the council on the Clark and Hickory Street Culvert project. Clinard told the council that the city would be seeking bids for the project, but that the work wouldn’t start until after school was out. Clinard said the project is unusual in that the culverts are deep and the streets are narrow, so nighttime closures will be necessary. Clinard said residents will be notified well in advance and the plan is to provide some sort of shuttle service for residents. The streets will be closed on different nights, with Clark Street being first. Clinard told the council that both culverts are in “very, very” bad shape and that the Hickory culvert will require some even before the replacement project is done. When asked when the project would start, Clinard told the council that the work couldn’t start until May 26, and nighttime closures would not be until after June 3rd, when school ends. Curran asked what would happen if the culverts failed before then, Clinard said that the replacement culverts are special order and would not be available. Curran said that he had talked to Pohar about emergency access if Clark Street were to fail, but there wasn’t a plan in place for Hickory because there is no access.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY McDermott, SECONDED BY Stefanelli to seek bids for the Clark St. and Hickory Ave. culvert replacement project. AYES: Baldridge, Eutis, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. NAYS: None MOTION CARRIED.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY Eutis, SECONDED BY McDermott to approve the updated Illinois Valley Regional Dispatch intergovernmental agreement. Curran and Barry explained the minor changes to the agreement, noting that the fee would go from 3% to 4%; the fee could change in the future by a vote of the board; and changed the personnel from each community that makes up the board. Curran pointed out that the city is well represented on the board. AYES: Baldridge, Eutis, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. NAYS: None MOTION CARRIED.
OLD BUSINESS
A MOTION WAS MADE BY Baldridge, SECONDED BY Stefanelli, to table discussion on the sewer-check values. Curran said the ordinance prepared for the last council earmarked $4,000 per year for the 50/50 cost share project, with no more than $2,000 per resident. Eutis asked how the council would prioritize requests for assistance, to which Barry said that it would probably be best to do it on a first-come, first served basis. The previous ordinance was not included in the council meeting packets and the council requested more information before discussing it. AYES: Baldridge, Eutis, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. NAYS: None MOTION CARRIED.
The council then discussed updating the burn ban ordinance. Eutis said that he felt that given all the alternatives to burning the city has added over the years, “burn is not the best” way to deal with yard waste today. He felt that the council could put forth an ordinance that would represent “a happy medium” for those on both sides of the issue. After some discussion it was decided that Attorney Barry would draft an ordinance that banned any burning on Monday (including recreational fires); yard waste burning will be allowed Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and burn barrels would not be allowed.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY Eutis, SECONDED BY to have Attorney Barry draft an ordinance revising the burning of yard waste within the city. AYES: Baldridge, Eutis, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. NAYS: None MOTION CARRIED.
Renovation of City Hall was the next topic of discussion, with Baldridge telling the council that the quote from a local carpenter was $34,000 for renovating the council chamber area. Baldridge and Stefanelli agreed that the current setup doesn’t look professional. Baldridge balked at the price, saying he felt the city should get the best bang for the buck with taxpayer money and noted that state statute requires that city officials have an office at city hall. He suggested that the council create offices downstairs,
Curran said he felt the clerk needed a bigger space to allow for private conversation. He also said that when he was commissioner, he had looked into an office downstairs, but found the office space downstairs to be like “working in a broom closet.” Barry noted that the offices downstairs would not be accessible, at which time Stefanelli (as the “code guy”) jumped in, saying that he agreed that the city should look into upgrading the council chambers and add an upstairs conference room.
Stefanelli pointed to the recent small changes like adding a smart tv for presentations – but said he felt the city could do better. He offered to work with Baldridge to put together a budget to make the needed improvements. He said the city will have to figure in the ADA requirements– “I do think we need a conference room upstairs,” Stefanelli said.
Curran said that the council kiosk he had found online was $32,000 and it would require someone to install it, so he did not feel the $34,000 was out of line. Eutis was not in favor of a “kit,” saying that he thought the city should invest in something that looks good and professional.
“A lot of things need to be addressed, the clerk needs a bigger office, that room (mayor’s office) needs to be soundproofed, we need to update the technology in there and downstairs. “ Baldridge said he felt that the council should come up with an overall plan, rather than just making changes at will.
Stefanelli reminded Baldridge that he didn’t need council approval to spend up to $20,000; but Baldridge said he wanted to get everyone’s opinions before making any changes. Curran said if the plan was to remove walls, etc., the city should bring in an architect. Stefanelli suggested that the city engineer could probably offer some insight into which walls could be moved, etc. Baldridge said he would gather more information and get back to the council.
NEW BUSINESS
Baldridge then introduced Joshua XXXXX, from Adventure E-Bike, who is looking to put an E-Bike rental location in Oglesby. Baldridge first thanked him for donating an E-bike to the city for the police department. Curran told the council that he liked the idea as it reinforced the mission to make Oglesby the area’s “outdoor adventure center” and encouraged Joshua to let the city know what the next steps would be to move the idea forward. The mayor and council were receptive to an agreement, but Curran noted that more details were needed.
Eutis said that the city is having a hard time enforcing the abandoned vehicle ordinance on private property. Eutis looks to amend the ordinance to allow the city to remove the vehicles from private property if the owner does not do so after being cited. Chief Margis spoke about the problems his department has in enforcing the ordinance when the vehicle is parked on private property.
At this point, Baldridge pressed for action on the E-Bike lease. Curran asked for more information, saying that the council needed to have the specifics before taking action. Baldridge clarified his point, saying that he sought some show of support for moving the project forward, not just letting it die.
Eutis said he would go on record in support of the project. Stefanelli said he would be happy to help with a contract. Barry asked the vendor if he would share a copy of the IDNT lease agreement with him, so that he could draft a copy for the city.
After discussion about what the council could do, A MOTION WAS MADE BY Eutis, SECONDED BY Baldridge, to have Attorney Barry amend Section 8.44 of the Oglesby Municipal Code to allow for the removal of abandoned vehicles on private property. AYES: Baldridge, Eutis, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. NAYS: None MOTION CARRIED.
Baldridge then pressed again for some show of support for moving forward with a lease agreement with Adventure E-Bike. Barry told Baldridge that he could make a motion to approve pursuing a lease agreement with Adventure E-Bikes, but noted that until the specific terms were agreed to, the vote would only be a show of council support. With that, A MOTION WAS MADE BY Baldridge, SECONDED BY McDermott to pursue a lease agreement with Adventure E-Bike. AYES: Baldridge, Eutis, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. NAYS: None MOTION CARRIED.
Curran then expressed his concern that “numerous residents” have contacted him about their inability to contact some commissioners. The website contact information lists the city hall phone number for a couple of the commissioners. Those commissioners have opted to have calls go to the city clerk’s office, who then contact the commissioner with the information. Curran said he did not agree with that. “My opinion is that if you are an elected official you should have a city-issued cellphone.”
Baldridge questioned Curran about whether he’d contacted the commissioners with that information. Curran said he’d only forwarded information about one call. Baldridge said that if Curran felt strongly enough to bring it up at a public meeting, he should have notified the commissioners. Eutis then spoke, saying that he was one of the commissioners who was having calls go to City Hall now, because he wanted to take advantage of a new service that will be offered by a new cellphone provider in the very near future. The service allows commissioners to have a phone number that is forwarded to their personal phone. Eutis said he carries two cellphones now as it is, and does not want a third phone. He handed in the older city-issued phone and is waiting for the new provider to provide that service.
Stefanelli said that he gave his phone to the city building inspector to use and had no desire to “waste money” by having the city purchase another phone. Stefanelli said he works out of the clerk’s office and is contacted in “real time,” when a resident calls the office. Stefanelli said that Curran’s claim that “numerous” residents have complained “just doesn’t add up.” “All the business in the clerk’s office is done during office hours,” Stefanelli said. “I don’t think anybody needs to call me at 7 at night” to discuss city business. “I’m all about saving the city money.”
Curran said he didn’t think a couple of cell phones would impact the city’s $18 million budget. Curran said that the change to who can put things on the agenda was one reason he thought commissioners should have to have city cellphones is so that residents who see something on the agenda on Friday have the opportunity to express their opinion to commissioners before the meeting on Monday. Stefanelli said there was a simple fix to that – the council had agreed earlier that items for the agenda were to be communicated to the clerk before Wednesday.
The discussion ended when Curran acknowledged that the others were not onboard with requiring every one to have a city cell phone.
Stefanelli then told the council about his conversations with Jim Pozzi from Republic Services. Stefanelli is looking at scheduling an electronics recycling event next spring. He asked for the council’s approval to move forward with plans, noting that it would require staff there to accept the items. Curran was not sure how often the city should be hosting those type of events. He wasn’t sure when the last one was held, but thought maybe 2 or 3 years ago. Stefanelli said the city would require a city utility bill and a drivers license to ensure only city residents participated. Eutis said he agreed with the requirements, in order to limit the service to City of Oglesby residents. Baldridge asked if the city could limit the number of containers the city would fill, to keep costs in line.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY Stefanelli, SECONDED BY Baldridge to sponsor a city-wide electronic recycling event in the spring of 2024. AYES: Baldridge, Eutis, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. NAYS: None MOTION CARRIED.
Curran then said he wanted to discuss an item that was on the agenda emailed to the council at 12:01 pm Friday, but had been subsequently removed. Baldridge then called for a “Point of Order,” saying that he had pulled the item from the agenda (which he had requested to be on the agenda) because he wasn’t prepared to discuss it. Baldridge said that Curran hadn’t allowed discussion on another topic at a previous meeting because it wasn’t on the agenda, therefore, the council could not discuss that topic. “I don’t think that’s how it works,” Curran said. “Read up on it, then,” Baldridge answered.
There was no public comment.
COMMISSIONER UPDATES:
Tony Stefanelli, Accounts and Finance
❖ Announced that the demolition process was underway at the former Cindy’s on I-39.
❖ He said he hoped she was able to rebuild
❖ Will have something on the electronic tablets at the next meeting.
Terry Eutis, Public Health and Safety
❖ Told the council that he will meet with Cintas on Wednesday, Sept. 6
Gregory McDermott, Streets, Water and Sewer
❖ Asked citizens to complete the lead pipe and cross connection surveys to help make Oglesby better.
❖ Announced hydrant flushing will be Oct. 2 – 6
❖ Announced that branch chipping will be Oct. 16 – 20.
❖ Leaf vacuuming will begin on Oct. 3 and run through Nov. 17
Richard Baldridge, Electric and Public Property
❖ Thanked Chief Margis for contacting Elite Seamless Gutter on the city’s behalf. Elite installed a much-needed 104’ gutter on the LeHigh Shelter at no charge to the city.
❖ Again, thanked Adventure E-Bike Rentals for donating the bike to Officer Budach.
MAYOR’S REPORT
Mayor Curran:
❖ Said that he met with Surf Internet today to recognize the first homeowner in Oglesby that signed up. Bob Meredith was presented with a plaque.
❖ Surf also surprised the City with an award for being first multi-gig city in Illinois.
❖ Said residents with concerns about work done by Surf internet can reach out to Surf via a link on the city’s Facebook page.
❖ Announced Boots, Brews and BBQ is Sept. 16th
❖ Thanked LaSalle County Cruisers for their participation at Eats in the Streets
A MOTION WAS MADE BY Stefanelli, SECONDED BY McDermott to enter into closed session at 8:06 for the purpose of discussing “the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of a specific employee or legal counsel for the public and pending litigation against or on behalf of the public body.” AYES: Baldridge, Eutis, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. NAYS: None MOTION CARRIED.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY Eutis, SECONDED BY Stefanelli to resume the regular city council meeting at 8:59 p.m. AYES: : Baldridge, Eutis, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. NAYS: None MOTION CARRIED.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY Stefanelli, SECONDED BY Baldridge to adjourn at 9 p.m. AYES: Baldridge, Eutis, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. NAYS: None MOTION CARRIED.
https://oglesby.il.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/090523minutes.pdf
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