Illinois Valley Times

City of Ottawa City Council met May 7

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Present: Mayor Robert Hasty, Commissioners Wayne A. Eichelkraut Jr., Thomas G. Ganiere, Marla K. Pearson, and Brent F. Barron. 

Absent: None.  

Commissioner Eichelkraut presented minutes of previous meetings. 

Moved by Commissioner Eichelkraut that the minutes of a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Ottawa, Illinois, held on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, and the minutes of a  special meeting held on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, both be approved as recorded in the  permanent files of the City Clerk.  

Second by Pearson.  

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty.  

Nays: None. 

Mayor Hasty presented Proclamation.  

Moved by Mayor Hasty that a Proclamation naming May 12 through May 18, 2024, as National Police Week in the City of Ottawa, be adopted.  

Second by Ganiere.  

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty.  

Nays: None. 

Our sworn Police officers were acknowledged and received years of service pins.  

Dawn Trompeter, President of OSF, addressed the Council first on OSF’s plan for  expanding services. AJ Querciagrossa of OSF, spoke about our current hospital. He said  it has ongoing risks which include structural, mechanical, electrical, and security issues. Renovations would take over 10 years. He stated our region is over bedded and they  need to preserve and enhance. John Armstrong, of the Citizens for Healthcare in Ottawa  group, is a lifelong resident of Ottawa. He reminded that when OSF became a partner in  2012, the former hospital gave OSF the land, buildings, equipment, and $25,000,000.00  worth of assets. He questioned the reduction of services, hardship on employees, the  economic impact and the detriment on the future of Ottawa. Colleen Burns questioned  the small emergency room and small psych. She stated a lot of facts and had questions regarding the merger. Kevin Dale, the business agent for Local 393 asked the Council to table the Resolution. He was hopeful it could be worked out because a new hospital being built equates to jobs for our local laborers. Peg Reagan added that we need a hospital in Ottawa. Colleen Burns finished her prepared statement which included discussion about acute mental illness and ambulatory surgery.  

Commissioner Eichelkraut presented Biweekly Salary Payroll. 

Moved by Commissioner Eichelkraut that the Biweekly Salary Payroll of April 26, 2024, in the amount of $531,206.19, be approved and warrants issued. Second by Barron.  

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty.  

Nays: None. 

Commissioner Eichelkraut presented Bimonthly Expense Report.  

Moved by Commissioner Eichelkraut that the Bimonthly Expense Report dated May 7, 2024, showing expenses in the amount of $1,853,813.06, be approved and warrants issued.  

Second by Pearson.  

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty.  

Nays: None. 

Commissioner Eichelkraut presented Resolution.  

Moved by Commissioner Eichelkraut that a Resolution authorizing the execution of 2 engagement agreements with Wipfli LLP, for fiscal year 2024 audits for the City and NCAT, be received and placed on file for public inspection. 

Second by Ganiere.  

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty.  

Nays: None.

Commissioner Eichelkraut added that there are a lot of festivals and Music in the Park  dates coming up in the near future.  

Commissioner Ganiere presented Report of Police Chief.  

Moved by Commissioner Ganiere that the Report of Police Chief, Brent A. Roalson, for the month of April 2024, be received and placed on file.  

Second by Pearson.  

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty. 

Nays: None. 

Commissioner Ganiere presented Report of Fire Chief. 

Moved by Commissioner Ganiere that the Report of Fire Chief, Brian Bressner, for the  month of April 2024, be received and placed on file.  

Second by Barron.  

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty.  

Nays: None. 

Commissioner Ganiere presented Resolution.  

Moved by Commissioner Ganiere that a Resolution of Opposition to OSF Healthcare’s plan for OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa, be adopted.  

Second by Eichelkraut.  

A discussion ensued. Commissioner Eichelkraut indicted he had a lot more questions. August J. (AJ) Querciagrossa of OSF wanted to explain it and wanted both sides to be respectful. Commissioner Ganiere added that he wanted to keep an open mind but the  City received less than 2 hours notice of the new proposal and the community wants a new hospital not an OSF merger. He also said that he was willing to table the Resolution if these 2 requests could be met. One was for a public meeting in Ottawa at City Hall with  the full Council. This would have to happen this way for the Council to abide by the Open  

Meetings Act. And secondly, the meeting takes place in the next 2 weeks. Commissioner Ganiere then moved to table the Resolution until May 21, 2024. Second by Eichelkraut. 

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty.  

Nays: None. 

Commissioner Pearson presented Ordinance.  

Moved by Commissioner Pearson that an Ordinance authorizing the sale of multiple items  of personal property which includes vehicles and other equipment, be passed and approved.  

Second by Ganiere.  

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty.  

Nays: None. 

Commissioner Pearson presented Quote.  

Moved by Commissioner Pearson that the Quote received from Poligon Imagine Nation  LLC in the amount of $19,236.50, for Allen Park’s new shelter be approved and paid for from the General Corporate Fund.  

Second by Eichelkraut. 

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty.  

Nays: None. 

Commissioner Pearson presented Resolution. 

Moved by Commissioner Pearson that a Resolution appropriating $890,000.00 of Motor Fuel Tax Funds, be adopted.  

Second by Ganiere.  

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty.  

Nays: None. 

Commissioner Pearson presented Resolution.  

Moved by Commissioner Pearson that a Resolution requesting permission from the Illinois  Department of Transportation for a highway permit to allow work in the right of way on  Route 23, be adopted.  

Second by Barron.  

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty.  

Nays: None.

Commissioner Pearson awarded Bid. 

Moved by Commissioner Pearson that the Low Bid received from Ruiz Construction Company in the amount of $298,204.00 for the 2024 Curb Replacements, be approved and paid for from the General Corporate Fund.  

Second by Ganiere.  

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty.  

Nays: None. 

Commissioner Pearson presented Quote. 

Moved by Commissioner Pearson that the Quote received from Vissering Construction in  the amount of $953,266.00 for the Allen Park Improvement project, be approved and paid  for from Grant funds and the General Corporate Fund.  

Second by Eichelkraut. 

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty.  

Nays: None. 

Commissioner Pearson presented Request. 

Moved by Commissioner Pearson that the City Clerk be authorized to advertise for Bids  for the Peck Park Playground Improvements. Bids will be received until Tuesday,  May 21, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. 

Second by Barron. 

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty.  

Nays: None.  

Commissioner Barron presented Change Order. 

Moved by Commissioner Barron that Change Order #1 from Conley Excavating Inc. in the increased amount of $3,271.50 for the 2022 Watermain replacement project, be approved and paid for from the Water Fund.  

Second by Eichelkraut.  

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty. 

Nays: None.  

Commissioner Barron added that the watermain replacements have started on Elm Lane and Sanger Street. These west side replacements should be completed in a couple of  months.  

Mayor Hasty presented Report of Registrar. 

Moved by Mayor Hasty that the Report of Registrar, Shelly L. Munks, for the month of April 2024, be received and placed on file.  

Second by Ganiere. 

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty.  

Nays: None. 

Mayor Hasty presented Report of Parking Administration. 

Moved by Mayor Hasty that the Report of the Parking Administration Department showing  fines collected of $2,185.00, for the month of April 2024, be received and placed on file.  Second by Pearson.  

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty.  

Nays: None. 

Mayor Hasty presented Report of Building Official.  

Moved by Mayor Hasty that the Report of Building Official Mathew W. Stafford, for the month of April 2024, be received and placed on file.  

Second by Barron.  

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty.  

Nays: None.  

Mayor Hasty presented Ordinance. 

Moved by Mayor Hasty that an Ordinance amending Section 74-206 of the Municipal  Code of the City of Ottawa, LaSalle County, Illinois, regarding compensatory storage, be passed and approved.  

Second by Ganiere.

Commissioner Barron wondered if by changing our Ordinance, it changed the City’s flood  rating. Commissioner Eichelkraut noted that either way your insurance isn’t affected. Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty.  

Nays: None. 

Mayor Hasty presented Ordinance. 

Moved by Mayor Hasty that an Ordinance amending Section 2-71 of the Municipal Code  of the City of Ottawa, LaSalle County, Illinois, regarding salary increases for the Mayor and Commissioners, effective May 1, 2027, which has been on file for public inspection since April 16, 2024, be passed and approved.  

Second by Pearson.  

Ayes: Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty. 

Nays: Eichelkraut. 

Mayor Hasty presented Resolution.  

Moved by Mayor Hasty that a Resolution authorizing the execution of a grant agreement  between the City of Ottawa and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, for a Rebuild downtown and Main Streets Capital Grant for the amphitheater, be received and placed on file for public inspection.  

Second by Eichelkraut.  

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty.  

Nays: None.  

Mayor Hasty presented Resolution.  

Moved by Mayor Hasty that a Resolution authorizing the execution of a public art agreement between the City of Ottawa and Jeremy Johnson for a mural at 227-229 W. Main Street, be received and placed on file for public inspection.  

Second by Barron.  

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty.  

Nays: None. 

Mayor Hasty presented Resolution. 

Moved by Mayor Hasty that a Resolution approving and authorizing the execution of an  employment agreement for Amanda Lynch as Recreation Director, be received and placed on file for public inspection.  

Second by Pearson.  

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty.  

Nays: None. 

Mayor Hasty presented Resolution.  

Moved by Mayor Hasty that a Resolution authorizing the execution of a contract for sale agreement between the City of Ottawa and Simply Modern Homes LLC, for property located at 513 St. George Street, be received and placed on file for public inspection. Second by Ganiere. 

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty.  

Nays: None.  

Mayor Hasty presented Resolution.  

Moved by Mayor Hasty that a Resolution authorizing the execution of a contract for sale agreement between the City of Ottawa and Simply Modern Homes LLC, for property  located at 819 Canal Street, be received and placed on file for public inspection. Second by Pearson. 

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty.  

Nays: None.  

Mayor Hasty presented Resolution.  

Moved by Mayor Hasty that a Resolution authorizing the execution of a contract for sale agreement between the City of Ottawa and Agustin Leon-Montes, for property located at  230 Anita Drive, be received and placed on file for public inspection. Second by Pearson.  

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty. 

Nays: None.

Mayor Hasty presented Resolution.  

Moved by Mayor Hasty that a Resolution authorizing the execution of a contract for sale agreement between the City of Ottawa and Agustin Leon-Montes, for property located at  221 Deleon Street, be received and placed on file for public inspection. Second by Pearson.  

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty.  

Nays: None. 

Mayor Hasty presented Resolution.  

Moved by Mayor Hasty that a Resolution authorizing the execution of a contract for sale agreement between the City of Ottawa and Aretha Denise Ashley, for property located at 1924 Pratt Lane, be received and placed on file for public inspection. Second by Pearson.  

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty.  

Nays: None. 

Mayor Hasty presented Resolution.  

Moved by Mayor Hasty that a Resolution authorizing the execution of a fireworks display agreement between the City of Ottawa and J & M Displays Inc., for the 4th of July, be received and placed on file for public inspection. 

Second by Eichelkraut.  

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty.  

Nays: None. 

Mayor Hasty presented Report of Zoning Board of Appeals. 

Moved by Mayor Hasty that the Report of the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting held on  Thursday, April 18, 2024, considering the variance requests from Dennis & Nancy Murry  for property located at 1459 Birchlawn Place, be received and placed on file. Be it further moved, the Council concur with the recommendations of the Zoning Board of Appeals and  the variance requests to allow a side yard setback from 5 feet to 2 feet and all accessory structures to exceed 50% of the size of the principal structure to construct a detached garage be granted, and the follow up Ordinance be passed and approved. Second by Ganiere. 

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

Nays: Barron.  

Mayor Hasty presented Report of Zoning Board of Appeals. 

Moved by Mayor Hasty that the Report of the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting held on Thursday, April 18, 2024, considering the variance requests from Kim Mason for property  located at 977 Bergen Avenue, be received and placed on file. Be it further moved, the Council concur with the recommendations of the Zoning Board of Appeals and the variance requests to allow a side yard setback from 5 feet to 2.25 feet and all accessory structures to exceed 50% of the size of the principal structure to construct a detached garage and sunroom be granted, and the follow up Ordinance be passed and approved. Second by Eichelkraut.  

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

Nays: Barron.  

Mayor Hasty presented Report of Zoning Board of Appeals. 

Moved by Mayor Hasty that the Report of the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting held on Thursday, April 18, 2024, considering the Sign Ordinance variance requests from Robinson Outdoor LLC for property located at 102 W. Norris Drive, be received and placed on file. Be it further moved, the Council concur with the recommendations of the  Zoning Board of Appeals and the Sign Ordinance variance requests be denied, and the follow up Ordinance be passed and approved. 

Second by Eichelkraut.  

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty.  

Nays: None.

Mayor Hasty presented Report of Zoning Board of Appeals. 

Moved by Mayor Hasty that the Report of the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting held on Thursday, April 18, 2024, considering the Fence Ordinance variance requests from Michael & Morgan Cuchiara for property located at 1200 State Street, be received and  placed on file. Be it further moved, the Council concur with the recommendations of the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Fence Ordinance variance requests be denied, and the  follow up Ordinance be passed and approved. 

Second by Ganiere.  

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty.  

Nays: None.  

Mayor Hasty presented motion to recess. 

Moved by Mayor Hasty that this Council recess into Closed Session to discuss a matter of personnel. 

Second by Ganiere. 

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty.  

Nays: None. Council recessed at 7:55 p.m.  

Mayor Hasty presented motion to reconvene.  

Moved by Mayor Hasty that this Council reconvene from Closed Session. Second by Ganiere. 

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty.  

Nays: None. 

Commissioner Eichelkraut presented motion. 

Moved by Commissioner Eichelkraut that the Step III AFSCME grievance be remedied by Aron Moore receiving one day of comp time back. 

Second Barron.  

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Barron and Mayor Hasty.  

Nays: Ganiere and Pearson.  

Mayor Hasty presented motion to recess 

Moved by Mayor Hasty that this Council recess back into Closed Session to discuss a matter of personnel.

Second by Eichelkraut.  

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty.  

Nays: None. 

Commissioner Ganiere presented motion to reconvene. 

Moved by Commissioner Ganiere that this Council reconvene from Closed Session. Second by Pearson.  

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty.  

Nays: None. 

Commissioner Ganiere presented motion to adjourn. 

Moved by Commissioner Ganiere that this regular meeting be adjourned. Second by Pearson. 

Ayes: Eichelkraut, Ganiere, Pearson, Barron and Mayor Hasty.  

Nays: None. Council adjourned at 9:20 p.m. 

https://cityofottawa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/min05072024.pdf