Illinois Valley Times

City of Ottawa City Council met May 21

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 meeting.

Moved by Commissioner Eichelkraut that the minutes of a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Ottawa, Illinois, held on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, be approved as recorded in the permanent files of the City Clerk.

Second by Ganiere.

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

Nays: None.

The Mayor acknowledged a memo received from a resident regarding cats. He reminded that we do not have a Cat Ordinance, since we are nonhome rule. Judie McConville, who is Chair of the Ottawa Plan Commission, stated that the Plan Commission is in support of the Resolution in Opposition of OSF. Police Chief Brent Roalson, also endorsed the Resolution and added that his department handled 67 mental health issues calls at OSF in 2023. Fire Chief Brian Bressner read a prepared statement indicating that the Fire Department’s overtime would increase as they would not be able to handle all of OSF’s transfers that will happen with the change in services. Maeanne Stevens had questions about downsizing the hospital. With only 12 inpatient beds proposed and 26 for mental health issues, mental health would be utilizing 68% of the inpatient beds at all times. The current plan does not support the census numbers.

Commissioner Eichelkraut presented Biweekly Salary Payroll.

Moved by Commissioner Eichelkraut that the Biweekly Salary Payroll of

May 10, 2024, in the amount of $667,579.39, be approved and warrants issued.

Second by Pearson.

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 21, 2024, showing expenses in the amount of $975,634.68, be approved and warrants issued.

Second by Ganiere.

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

Nays: None.

Commissioner Eichelkraut presented Monthly Financial Report.

Moved by Commissioner Eichelkraut that the Monthly Financial Report of City Clerk,

Shelly L. Munks, 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 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, which has been on file for public inspection since May 7, 2024, be adopted.

Second by Barron.

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 transit service agreements between the City of Ottawa and multiple entities regarding transportation through the administration of 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 presented Ordinance.

Moved by Commissioner Eichelkraut that an Ordinance amending Section 4 of Ordinance #17-2024 of the City of Ottawa regarding compensation for all part time appointed NCAT bus operators, be passed and approved.

Second by Pearson.

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

Nays: None.

Commissioner Ganiere presented Tabled motion.

Moved by Commissioner Ganiere that the Tabled motion regarding the Resolution of Opposition to OSF Healthcare’s plan for OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa, IL, be returned to the table.

Second by Eichelkraut.

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

Nays: None.

Commissioner Ganiere said he is not opposed to a new hospital. He’s opposed to the services being offered at the proposed new hospital. He feels the needs for our region would not be met. The Citizens for Healthcare in Ottawa group had a booth at Kites in Flight and several people in attendance signed their petition. Commissioner Ganiere directed the City Clerk to file a certified copy of the Resolution with the Health Services Board. He also told the audience that Dr. Cruz was contacted after the public meeting and refused to meet with anyone like he had originally stated he would. Commissioner Eichelkraut added that he didn’t like the additional financial burden on the City and the citizens. He wanted OSF to come and talk to the Council. Commissioner Pearson agreed with everything that had been said so far and had nothing new to add. Commissioner Barron was out of town for the public meeting. As a 25 year Plan Commission member, he feels the proposal doesn’t fit our community. We will be building a second Wastewater Treatment Plant as we are planning for growth, so a 12 bed hospital does not serve our population. Mayor Hasty noted that we need med/surg beds. He used Dr. Cruz’s example of beds in Mendota and Kankakee that aren’t being used.

Commissioner Ganiere presented Resolution.

Moved by Commissioner Ganiere that a Resolution of Opposition be amended to publicly oppose OSF Healthcare’s plans regarding the services to be offered at the proposed new OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa, IL, be adopted.

Second by Eichelkraut.

Commissioner Barron explained that he would be abstaining due to the fact that he has a financial interest at OSF.

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

Nays: None. Barron abstained.

Commissioner Ganiere added that a radio station in Dekalb picked up our OSF story.

Commissioner Pearson awarded Bids.

Moved by Commissioner Pearson that the Low bids received for the Peck Park Improvement Project in the amount of $137,504.50 from Grand Rapids Enterprises for proposal A and in the amount of $57,888.00 from Ruiz Construction for proposal B, both be approved and paid for from the General Corporate Fund.

Second by Barron.

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

Nays: None.

Commissioner Pearson presented Quote.

Moved by Commissioner Pearson that the Quote received from Halm Electrical Contracting Inc. in the amount of $17,750.00 for the Peck Park splash pad electrical service, 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 Raynor Door Authority in the amount of $17,800.00 for the overhead door at the Wastewater Department’s sludge press building 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 Request.

Moved by Commissioner Pearson that the City Clerk be authorized to advertise for Bids for the City Hall Council Chambers replacement stairs project. Bids will be received until Friday, June 14, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.

Second by Barron.

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 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, which has been on file for public inspection since May 7, 2024, be adopted.

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, which has been on file for public inspection since May 7, 2024, be adopted.

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, which has been on file for public inspection since May 7, 2024, be adopted.

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, which has been on file for public inspection since May 7, 2024, be adopted.

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, which has been on file for public inspection since May 7, 2024, be adopted.

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, which has been on file for public inspection since May 7, 2024, be adopted.

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 contract for sale agreement between the City of Ottawa and Agustin Leon-Montes, for property located at 221 Deleon Street, which has been on file for public inspection since May 7, 2024, be adopted.

Second by Barron.

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, which has been on file for public inspection since May 7, 2024, be adopted.

Second by Pearson.

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

Nays: None.

Commissioner Ganiere was glad to see blighted properties being back on the tax rolls.

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, which has been on file for public inspection since May 7, 2024, be adopted.

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 settlement agreement between the City of Ottawa and AFSCME Local 2819, be received and placed on file for public inspection.

Second by Barron.

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

Nays: Pearson.

Mayor Hasty presented Resolution.

Moved by Mayor Hasty that a Resolution appointing Sue Vandervort to the Board of Directors of the Ottawa Visitors Center term to expire May 21, 2027, be adopted.

Second by Pearson.

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

Nays: Barron. 

Mayor Hasty presented Ordinance.

Moved by Mayor Hasty that an Ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of intergovernmental agreements between the City of Ottawa and Ottawa Township High School District #140, Wallace Community Consolidated School District #195, IVCC District #513, and LaSalle County, for the Ottawa I-80 North TIF District, be received and placed on file for public inspection.

Second by Eichelkraut.

Commissioner Barron asked if the State still had to pass it? He feels that LaSalle County did a disservice by holding us up for over a month. He is hoping that we make the veto session.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Hasty presented Ordinance.

Moved by Mayor Hasty that an Ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of intergovernmental agreements between the City of Ottawa and Ottawa Township High School District #140, Ottawa Elementary School District #141, Rutland Community Consolidated School District #230, IVCC District #513, and LaSalle County, for the Ottawa Route 6 East TIF District, 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 Ordinance.

Moved by Mayor Hasty that an Ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of intergovernmental agreements between the City of Ottawa and Ottawa Township High School District #140, Ottawa Elementary School District #141, Rutland Community Consolidated School District #230, IVCC District #513, and LaSalle County, for the Ottawa Canal TIF District, be received and placed on file for public inspection.

Second by Ganiere.

Mayor Hasty added that this TIF extension is very important for the amphitheater project, since the City portion will be paid for from the Canal TIF.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Hasty presented Ordinance.

Moved by Mayor Hasty that an Ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of intergovernmental agreements between the City of Ottawa and Ottawa Township High School District #140, Wallace Community Consolidated School District #195, IVCC District #513, and LaSalle County, for the Ottawa Dayton Industrial TIF District, 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 Report of Plan Commission.

Moved by Mayor Hasty that the Report of the Plan Commission meeting held on Monday, May 20, 2024, considering the approval of the Final Plat of Navvy Town at Heritage Harbor Ottawa Re subdivision No. 1 Planned Unit Development, be received and placed on file. Be it further moved, the Council concur with the recommendation of the Plan Commission and the Final Plat be approved 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 Proclamation.

Moved by Mayor Hasty that a Proclamation naming May 23 and May 24, 2024, as Poppy Days in the City of Ottawa, be adopted.

Second by Eichelkraut.

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

Nays: None.

Council meeting minutes May 21, 2024 page 6

Mayor Hasty presented Proclamation.

Moved by Mayor Hasty that a Proclamation naming May 19 through May 25, 2024, as National Public Works Week in the City of Ottawa, be adopted.

Second by Barron.

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

Nays: None.

The Mayor announced that there will be a public meeting on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. at City Hall in regards to the USEPA Brownsfield Assessment Grant.

Mayor Hasty presented motion to adjourn.

Moved by Mayor Hasty that this regular meeting be adjourned.

Second by Pearson.

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

Nays: None. Council adjourned at 7:44 p.m.

After a brief discussion, Jean Firlik said that Memorial Day Festivities will kick off at 9:30 a.m. at Fox River Bridge.

https://cityofottawa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/min05212024.pdf