Illinois Valley Times

City of Oglesby City Council met Feb. 18

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The Oglesby City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Jason Curran at 6 p.m. on Monday, February 18, 2025.

A MOTION WAS MADE by Moyle, SECONDED by Stefanellii to move Item No. 14 on the agenda to after the executive session. AYES: Baldridge, Moyle, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran.

MOTION CARRIED.

Present: Commissioners Rich Baldridge, Hilary Moyle, Gregory McDermott, Tony Stefanelli and Mayor Curran. Attorney Pat Barry and City Clerk Becky Clinard were also present.

Public Comments

Austin Cullinan addressed the council and made a pitch for his appointment to the soon-to-be vacated commissioner seat. Cullinan said he believed he had strong qualifications for the position, noting his experience on the Oglesby Library Board and his experience in conflict resolution, saying that he believed those abilities would be “an asset.” Cullinan is a teacher in the Serena School district.

A MOTION WAS MADE BY Stefanelli, SECONDED BY McDermott, to approve the minutes from the February 3, 2025, regular meeting. AYES: Baldridge, Moyle, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. MOTION CARRIED.

A MOTION WAS MADE BY Baldridge, SECONDED BY Stefanelli, to approve the minutes from the January 6, and February 3, 2025, executive session meetings. AYES: Baldridge, Moyle, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. MOTION CARRIED.

A MOTION WAS MADE BY Stefanelli, SECONDED BY McDermott, to approve the bills presented for payment in the amount of $811,996.97. Stefanelli noted that bills were high because of the IMEA payment and various capital improvement projects. AYES: Baldridge, Moyle, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. MOTION CARRIED.

BILLS PRESENTED FOR PAYMENT: Altorfer Industries, Inc, $153.00; Bhmg Engineers, $7,572.56; Bound Tree Medical Llc, $167.24; Chamlin & Associates Inc, $199,195.71; Chard Snyder, $383.40; City Of Oglesby, $63.30; Connecting Point, $2,642.75; Core & Main, $14,003.50; De Lage Landen Financial Services, $408.24; Debo Ace Hardware, $1,121.87; Double M Trucking, $792.00; Ficek Electric, $93.00; First Impression, $1,268.25; FletcherReinhardt Co, $95,850.00; Freeman, Diane, $50.00; Grainger, $909.68; Hawkins, Inc, $388.00; Heartland Bank Visa, $4,531.10; Holcim-Mamr Inc., $935.15; Il Association Of Chiefs, -$30.00; Il Valley Association Of Chiefs, $30.00; Illinois Municipal Electric Agency, $407,431.61; Illinois Public Safety Agency Network, $3,906.00; Illinois Valley Regional Dispatch, $8,675.52; Jack's Gas & Service Inc, $150.00; Jim's Repair, $124.00; John's Service & Sales, $560.31; Kendrick Pest Control Inc., $260.00; Kotecki's, $250.00; Mautino Distributing Co Inc, $27.50; Menards, $59.45; Midwest Mailing & Shipping, $1,464.00; Mississippi Valley Pump, Inc, $8,780.00; Mtco, $174.87; Osf Healthcare System, $5.75; Osf Medical Group -- Occupational Health, $628.00; Ray O'herron Co. Inc., $234.65; Ro Pros, $24.40; Smart Source Llc, $3,534.64; Smith, Bailey, $50.00; Superior Lighting, $1,500.00; T & T Hydraulics, $374.43; T.E.S.T Inc., $23,585.01; Teleflex, Llc., $920.00; United States Postal Service, $484.13; Usa Bluebook, $336.73; Van De Hey, John, $207.12; Verizon, $166.02; Weiden, Laura, $50.00; Western Aggregates Llc, $454.08; White, Lauren, $50.00; Wright Excavating, $17,000.00; Total, $811,996.97

A MOTION WAS MADE BY Stefanelli, SECONDED BY Moyle, to approve the payroll for January 131, 2025, in the amount of $71,644.49. AYES: Baldridge, Moyle, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. MOTION CARRIED.

A MOTION WAS MADE By Stefanelli, SECONDED By McDermott to approve Ordinance No. 1280-021825, which adds the position of Zoning Administrator to Chapter 2 of the municipal code. Stefanelli said this was the final “clean up” item for the city’s building department, leaving his successor “with a clean slate.” AYES: Baldridge, Moyle, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. MOTION CARRIED.

A MOTION WAS MADE BY Stefanelli, SECONDED BY Moyle to approve the engagement letter with Hopkins and Associates for the 2025 audit. AYES: Baldridge, Moyle, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. MOTION CARRIED.

McDermott then told the council the engineering services agreement with Chamlin and Associates was “pretty standard.” The project must be completed by June 10, 2027, to meet the terms of the agreement with the EPA for storm sewer separation.

A MOTION WAS MADE BY McDermott, SECONDED BY Baldridge, to approve the engineering services agreement with Chamlin and Associates. AYES: Baldridge, Moyle, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. MOTION CARRIED.

McDermott then told the council that the EPA-mandated waste water treatment plant project had been split into two parts. Curran added that there was still time to look for ways to reduce the city’s cost of the project.

A MOTION WAS MADE BY McDermott, SECONDED BY Stefanelli, to solicit bids for Phase 1 of the Wast Water Treatment Plant. AYES: Baldridge, Moyle, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. MOTION CARRIED.

Stefanelli asked the council to renew the contract with Republic Services, saying that the company does a great job. He said the increase amounted to less than $1 a year. The council  comments echoed his sentiments about the service. Stefanelli thanked Jim Pozzi from Republic for his work on the contract.

A MOTION WAS MADE BY Stefanelli, SECONDED BY McDermott, to place the contract extension with Republic Services on file. AYES: Baldridge, Moyle, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. MOTION CARRIED.

A MOTION WAS MADE BY Moyle, SECONDED BY McDermott to approve Ordinance No. 1282-021825, which sets the wages and benefits for the Deputy Police Chief. AYES: Baldridge, Moyle, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. MOTION CARRIED.

A MOTION WAS MADE BY McDermott, SECONDED BY Stefanelli to approve Ordinance No. 1283-021825, which enters into an easement agreement with Robert and Kay Marincic for $25,000. The easement is needed for access to the waste water treatment plant improvements. AYES: Baldridge, Moyle, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. MOTION CARRIED.

A MOTION WAS MADE BY McDermott, SECONDED BY Baldridge to approve Ordinance No. 1284-021825, which enters into an easement agreement with Buzzi Unicem. The easement is needed for access to the waste water treatment plant improvements. AYES: Baldridge, Moyle, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. MOTION CARRIED.

Stefanelli then reminded the council that they had tasked the Plan Commission with holding informational meetings on the ballot question of whether the city should switch to a manager form or government. Stefanelli told the council that this was to keep the meetings unbiased. He said that questions had arose abut costs associated with the meeting and he wanted to address that. He said that the auditors had told the city that it wasn’t a problem if the amount spent exceeded the line item on the appropriations, as long as the total fund appropriation was not exceeded. He said that $3,447.66 had been spent so far and asked if the council wanted to set a budget to keep the process as unbiased as possible. Moyle said she had residents ask about the cost, and said she thought it was a good idea to have a budget. McDermott said he wasn’t as worried much about a budget as it was to ensure that there was no interference by the council.

“This needs to be unbiased.” Baldridge agreed. Curran said he initially had concerns about the cost, but said he couldn’t argue with the quality of the video. “It was very well done,” he said. Curran said that he felt it important to adhere to the line item appropriation, even if it wasn’t prohibited.

Stefanelli suggested that the council give the Plan Commission $7,000 to see the mission through. Moyle asked for a clarification of what the money already spent paid for. Stefanelli said that it included attorney fees, the two videos, staff time spent on preparing for the meetings, and printing a flier and postage.

Curran asked if there was any additional direction the council wanted to give them. Stefanelli  said he felt the council should steer clear of the Plan Commission’s handling of the meetings. “No one should be contacting them, bothering them. It’s theirs to see through.”

A MOTION WAS MADE BY Stefanelli, SECONDED BY McDermott to provide (the Plan Commission) with a budget retroactive to their first meeting expenses not to exceed $7,000 to proceed with the informational sessions on the city manager referendum.” AYES: Baldridge, Moyle, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. MOTION CARRIED.

The City then addressed a request by We Are Oglesby to sell raffle tickets at Summer Fun Fest. This request was precipitated by Attorney Barry’s opinion that the City is “forbidden” to sell raffle tickets. The City, which had sold the tickets in the past to help fund Summer Fun Fest, did not sell tickets in 2024. WAO would conduct a raffle to fund their many projects throughout the city. McDermott asked about the cost to WAO, which is $5 for a raffle license.

A MOTION WAS MADE BY Stefanelli, SECONDED BY Moyle to allow We Are Oglesby to sell raffle tickets at Summer Fun Fest. AYES: Baldridge, Moyle, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. MOTION CARRIED.

A MOTION WAS MADE BY Stefanelli, SECONDED BY Moyle to accept the resignation of Lauren Young from the Plan Commission. Curran said that Young cited a lack of time as the reason for her resignation. Curran encouraged anyone interested in the position to apply. AYES: Baldridge, Moyle, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. MOTION CARRIED.

Stefanelli then told the council that the next request completed a long list of goals he had as serving as Commissioner of Accounts and Finance. He asked the council to approve an update to the software the clerk’s office uses for utility billing, accounts payable, payroll, general ledger and community outreach.

A MOTION WAS MADE BY Stefanelli, SECONDED BY Moyle to approve the purchase of a software upgrade for the clerk’s office. AYES: Baldridge, Moyle, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. MOTION CARRIED.

Public Comments

Pat Rudinsky spoke about her findings on the switch to the manager form of government. She said she did not feel that it was made clear that a vote for the change was not advisory, but final. “It bothers me because the population doesn’t understand how serious this vote is,” Rudinsky said. “It’s big dollars …. Perhaps for something we don’t even need.” Rudinsky was not in favor of the initiative, saying the city’s size and budget didn’t warrant such a position. “The town is running fine now,” she said.

Curran pointed out that Rudinsky’s numbers on population were not accurate. 

Commissioners Reports:

❖ Commissioner Stefanelli, Accounts and Finance

• Congratulated the Oglesby Boys Basketball Team on a great season. “You made the city Proud.”

• Said that he’d recently taken a scolding from a local radio host after leaving a comment on the mayor’s Facebook page. Stefanelli said his comment wasn’t meant to take anything away from the boys’ accomplishments, rather it was to say that he wished the Mayor had shared the information about the city’s plans to escort the team out of town so that the council could have attended as a group in a united show of support.

• Read from a prepared statement, thanking the individuals who have supported him and trusted him by placing him in the position to serve the city. “In the end, it’s not about us, it’s about the City,” said Stefanelli. “It’s been an absolute honor to serve and I’m forever grateful to those who allowed me to do so,” Stefanelli said.

❖ Commissioner Hilary Moyle, Public Safety

• Congratulated the Oglesby Washington Bulldogs.

• Thanked the Police Department and Lori Ambrose for organizing the city escort.

• Introduced a new “First Responder Appreciation” collaboration with We Are Oglesby. Fire Chief Ron Popurella was the first to be honored.

• Thanked Commissioner Stefanelli for his service to the city.

•

❖ Commissioner Greg McDermott, Public Safety

• Congratulates the Oglesby Basketball team.

• Reminded residents about the Plan Commission meeting at 6 p.m. on February 19, 2025.

• Announced he is currently talked to the Lt. Governor about the city’s need for assistance with the funding of the new waste water treatment plant.

• Said he had put in requests for congressional funding for two projects, the I39 overpass and water mains in the Alice and Park street areas.

❖ Commissioner Richard Baldridge, Public Property and Electric

• Mentioned several new businesses who have either recently opened or expanded into new quarters and wished them well.

• Acknowledged the success of the Oglesby Bulldogs basketball and volleyball teams and the fans, parents, and coaches who have supported them.

• Thanked Commissioner Stefanelli for “huge positive impact” he has made on the council. Baldridge said Stefanelli “held things together,” and noted that his absence would be felt.

Mayor’s Report:

• Congratulated the Oglesby Boys Basketball team and announced the last game would be Thursday. They will once again be escorted out of town to show support.

• Plan Commission meeting will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, Feb. 19th.

• Talked about the city’s warming center

• Welcomed Two Brothers to the city.

• Thanked Commissioner Stefanelli for his service to the city, calling him “one of the most skilled communicators,” he has known.

Curran then asked for a motion to go into executive session, noting that there were several reasons to go into executive session, so he would like to split them into two parts so that action could be taken.

A MOTION WAS MADE BY Baldridge, SECONDED BY McDermott to enter into executive session at 6:59 p.m.to discuss “The selection of a person to fill a public office, as defined in the OMA, including a vacancy in a public office, when the public body is given the power to appoint under law or ordinance, or the discipline, performance or removal of the occupant of a public office, when the public body is given power to remove the occupant under law or ordinance. 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(3) AYES: Baldridge, Moyle, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. MOTION CARRIED

The council reentered into regular session at 7:30 p.m.

Rollcall: Commissioners Rich Baldridge, Hilary Moyle, Gregory McDermott, Tony Stefanelli and Mayor Curran. Attorney Pat Barry and City Clerk Becky Clinard were also present.

A MOTION WAS MADE BY Moyle, SECONDED BY Moyle to accept the resignation of Accounts and Finance Commissioner Tony Stefanelli effective February 24th, 2025. AYES: Baldridge, Moyle, McDermott, Curran. ABSTAIN: Stefanelli. MOTION CARRIED.

The council thanked the applicants, Curran went further saying that he felt there was an “incredible stark difference between the qualifications of the two individuals” Curran said that he felt that the decision on who was to become commissioner had already been decided.” A MOTION WAS MADE BY Baldridge, SECONDED BY McDermott to appoint Austin Cullinan to the position of Accounts and Finance Commissioner. AYES: Baldridge, Moyle, McDermott, ABSTAIN: Stefanelli, NO: Curran. MOTION CARRIED.

A MOTION WAS MADE BY McDermott, SECONDED BY Baldridge to enter into executive session at 7:34 to discuss “the operation by a municipality of a municipal utility or the operation of a municipal power agency or municipal natural gas agency when the discussion involves (i) contracts relating to the purchase, sale, or delivery of electricity or natural gas … 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(23) and “the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or  dismissal of specific employees….” 5 ILCS 120/(2c) AYES: Moyle, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. Nays: Baldridge. MOTION CARRIED.

The council reentered into regular session at 8:37 p.m.

Rollcall: Commissioners Rich Baldridge, Hilary Moyle, Gregory McDermott, Tony Stefanelli and Mayor Curran. Attorney Pat Barry and City Clerk Becky Clinard were also present.

A MOTION WAS MADE BY Baldridge, SECONDED By Moyle to table the event coordinator position. AYES: Baldridge, McDermott, Moyle, Stefanelli, Curran. MOTION CARRIED

A MOTION WAS MADE BY Stefanelli, SECONDED BY McDermott to adjourn at 8:40 p.m. AYES: Baldridge, Moyle, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. MEETING ADJOURNED.

https://aedhhl.infiniteuploads.cloud/2025/03/5.-021825Minutes.pdf