Illinois Valley Times

City of Ottawa City Council met May 6

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Present: Mayor Robert Hasty, Commissioners Wayne E. 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 15, 2025, and the minutes of a special meeting held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, both 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.

Mayor Hasty presented Proclamation.

Moved by Mayor Hasty that a Proclamation proclaiming May 11, 2025, through May 17, 2025, as National Police Week in the City of Ottawa, be adopted.

Second by Ganiere.

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

Nays: None.

Service awards were presented by Chief Cheatham and Captain Booras to the Police Department employees that were present. Letters of accommodation were presented next to Corporal Adam Jobst, Officer Daniel Sovero, Captain Adam Wampler, Firefighter Nick Allegretti, Firefighter Alex Dunn, Firefighter Joe Ellena, Firefighter James McGuire, and Firefighter Reid Smith for their actions on March 31, 2025, who saved the life of resident, Tom Walsh.

Bob Roberts of 1600 W. Madison Street, asked about the last intersection of Madison Street to Thornton Park being made ADA compliant. Commissioner Pearson responded that she will look into getting it done. Melissa Sampson, a Canal Road resident, lives close to the proposed solar project. She is for the project but is concerned about her wellsbeing contaminated and she would like yearly water testing. Butch Ryan of Local 176, asked if the developer could be sent a letter to compel them to use local labor.

Commissioner Eichelkraut presented Biweekly Salary Payroll.

Moved by Commissioner Eichelkraut that the Biweekly Salary Payroll of April 25, 2025, in the amount of $642,282.79, 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 6, 2025, showing expenses in the amount of $648,445,05, be approved and warrants issued.

Second by Barron.

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

Nays: None.

Commissioner Eichelkraut presented Resolution.

Moved by Commissioner Eichelkraut that a Resolution approving and authorizing the execution of employment agreements for appointed NCAT personnel, be received and placed on file for public inspection.

Second by Ganiere.

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

Nays: None.

Commissioner Eichelkraut wished all the Moms a Happy Mother’s Day. 

Commissioner Ganiere presented Resolution.

Moved by Commissioner Ganiere that a Resolution authorizing the execution of an intergovernmental agreement for communication services between the City of Ottawa and the Village of Leland, for dispatching services, be received and placed on file for public inspection.

Second by Pearson.

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

Nays: None.

Commissioner Ganiere presented Resolution.

Moved by Commissioner Ganiere that a Resolution authorizing the execution of an agreement between the City of Ottawa and Flex Financial, a division of Stryker Sales LLC, for EMS equipment for the Fire Department, be received and placed on file for public inspection.

Second by Barron.

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

Nays: None.

Commissioner Ganiere presented Quote.

Moved by Commissioner Ganiere that the Quote received from Technimount System USA in the amount of $28,445.00, for the equipment for the Fire Department, be accepted, approved and pai for from the General Corporate Fund.

Second by Pearson.

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

Nays: None.

Commissioner Ganiere presented Resolution.

Moved by Commissioner Ganiere that a Resolution authorizing the execution of 2 amendments to the professional services agreements between the City of Ottawa and FGM Architects Inc., for the new Fire Stations, be received and placed on file for public inspection.

Second by Eichelkraut.

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

Nays: None.

Commissioner Ganiere presented Report of Police Chief.

Moved by Commissioner Ganiere that the Report of Police Chief, Michael J. Cheatham, of the month of April 2025, 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 R. Bressner, for the month of April 2025, be received and placed on file.

Second by Barron.

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

Nays: None.

Commissioner Ganiere echoed Commissioner Eichelkraut’s Happy Mother’s Day.

Commissioner Pearson awarded Low Bid.

Moved by Commissioner Pearson that the Low Bid from Ruiz Construction Company in the amount of $400,030.00 for the 2025 Curb Replacement Project, be accepted and paid for from the General Corporate Fund.

Second by Ganiere.

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

Nays: None.

Commissioner Pearson presented Resolution.

Moved by Commissioner Pearson that a Resolution authorizing the execution of an intergovernmental agreement between the City of Ottawa and the Illinois Department of Transportation, for the routine maintenance of State routes, be received and placed on file for public inspection.

Second by Eichelkraut.

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

Nays: None.

Commissioner Pearson presented Resolution.

Moved by Commissioner Pearson that a Resolution authorizing the execution of an engineering services agreement between the City of Ottawa and Renwick & Associates Inc., for the Motor Fuel Tax project, be received and placed on file for public inspection.

Second by Barron.

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

Nays: None.

Commissioner Pearson presented Resolution.

Moved by Commissioner Pearson that a Resolution appropriating $350,000.00 of Motor Fuel Tax Funds, be adopted.

Second by Ganiere.

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

Nays: None.

Commissioner Pearson continued the Happy Mother’s Day wishes.

Commissioner Barron awarded Bid.

Moved by Commissioner Barron that the Low Bid received from John Pohar & Sons Inc. in the amount of $2,001,788.00 for the Long Term Control Plan Element 8.2 for the Canal Street Storm Sewer, be approved and paid for from the CSO Fund.

Second by Pearson.

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

Nays: None.

Commissioner Barron presented Resolution.

Moved by Commissioner Barron that a Resolution authorizing the execution of maintenance agreements between the City of Ottawa and Altorfer Power Systems, for the Water Department generators, which has been on file for public inspection since April 15, 2025, be adopted.

Second by Ganiere.

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

Nays: None.

Commissioner Barron presented Resolution.

Moved by Commissioner Barron that a Resolution authorizing the execution of an engineering construction services agreement between the City of Ottawa and Etscheid, Duttlinger & Associates Inc., for the 2025 Watermain replacements, be received and placed on file for public inspection.

Second by Pearson.

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

Nays: None.

Commissioner Barron added his Happy Mother’s Day.

Mayor Hasty presented Report of Registrar.

Moved by Mayor Hasty that the Report of Registrar, Shelly L. Roalson, for the month of April 2025, be received and placed on file.

Second by Pearson.

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 $2,900.00 for the month of April 2025, be received and placed on file.

Second by Ganiere.

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 2025, be received and placed on file.

Second by Barron.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Hasty presented Report of Sidewalk Program.

Moved by Mayor Hasty that the Report of the Sidewalk Program showing 4 participants in the amount of $4,103.25 for the month of April 2025, be approved and paid for from the General Corporate Fund.

Second by Pearson.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Hasty presented Resolution.

Moved by Mayor Hasty that a Resolution reappointing George Cary, Robert Eschbach, Earl Lecki, and Rich Menneke, all to the Historic Preservation Commission, terms to expire January 2028, 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 reappointing Keith Conrad and Dave Kistenfeger, terms to expire January 2026, and John Stone, term to expire January 2028, all to the Ottawa Port District Board, 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 administration authority for the Community Development Block Grant, Housing Rehabilitation Program, to NCICG, 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 administration authority for the Community Development Block Grant, Storm Sewer Improvement Program, to NCICG, 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 administration authority for the Community Development Block Grant, Shelter Grant, to NCICG, be adopted.

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 Chapter 102, Section 40 and adding Division 6 in Article II of Chapter 102 of the Municipal Code of the City of Ottawa, LaSalle County, Illinois, regarding golf cart operations on the roadways in Heritage Harbor, be passed and approved.

Second by Ganiere.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Hasty presented Ordinance.

Moved by Mayor Hasty that an Ordinance establishing a one time bonus for Alaina Iverson, 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 Ordinance.

Moved by Mayor Hasty that an Ordinance amending Chapter 14, Article V of the Municipal Code of the City of Ottawa, LaSalle County, Illinois, by the removal of automatic musical instruments, be passed and approved.

Second by Eichelkraut.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Hasty presented Request.

Moved by Mayor Hasty that the Request for a fundraiser from the Illinois Valley Building Trades Council for its annual Dollars against Diabetes, Dad’s Day, for Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at the intersection of Norris Drive and Columbus Street, be approved.

Second by Pearson.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Hasty presented Request.

Moved by Mayor Hasty that the Request for a fundraiser from the Ottawa Downtown Association to collect donations for the fireworks on Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the intersection of Norris Drive and Columbus Street, be approved.

Second by Eichelkraut.

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, April 28, 2025, considering the conditional use permit request from PADS for a homeless shelter at 201 E. Jackson Street, be received and placed on file. Be it further moved, the Council concur with the recommendations of the Plan Commission and the conditional use permit be granted with the following 5 conditions…1. shelter operations be confined to the second floor with no occupancy permitted in the flood prone lower levels, 2. The facility be operated in accordance with a management plan submitted by PADS, 3. No modifications be made without City review and approval, 4. emergency evacuation and flood response protocols be submitted and approved by the City’s Emergency Management and Fire Departments, and 5. PADS designates a neighborhood liaison to respond to questions or concerns from residents and businesses and the follow up Ordinance be passed and approved.

Second by Barron.

Commissioner Barron asked if this was a temporary use. It will be for 14 months to 2 years depending on construction time for the new shelter.

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 meetings held on Monday, March 24, 2025, and Monday, April 28, 2025, considering the conditional use permit request from Sunvest Solar LLC to construct a large scale solar energy system at Canal Road and ADM’s entrance, be received and placed on file. Be it further moved, the Council concur with the recommendations of the Plan Commission and the conditional use permit be granted and the follow up Ordinance be passed and approved.

Second by Barron.

Commissioner Eichelkraut then moved to table this to check on distances from houses and local labor use.

Second by Barron.

Commissioner Ganiere wondered if conditions could be put on the project by the Council.

Christian Cantlin reminded that the Council has 60 days to take action after the Plan Commission’s recommendation.

Commissioner Eichelkraut then amended his motion to refer the matter back to the Plan Commission to check on setback footage and the use of local labor.

Second by Barron.

Commissioner Pearson commented that there is not a lot of data on solar energy systems. She was wondering about well contamination and water testing.

Mayor Hasty was curious if the company recycles the materials at the end of the life of the project. Commissioner Eichelkraut commented about weeds and trees growing up between the panels.

Bill French, of Sunvest Solar, added that the company has a decommissioning plan and recycling already in place. The panels are made from steel and no concrete is used, so groundwater is not an issue. He noted that they are following the City’s Ordinance and the property is zoned industrial. Mayor Hasty added that they would be a good neighbor. Mr. French noted that the parcel is 67 acres with 18 acres being developed.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Hasty presented Proclamation.

Moved by Mayor Hasty that a Proclamation declaring the month of May as Motorcycle Awareness Month in the City of Ottawa, be adopted.

Second by Eichelkraut.

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

Nays: None.

Mayor Hasty wished everyone a Happy Mother’s Day and reminded of the marathon this weekend.

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 7:54 p.m.

https://cityofottawa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/min05062025.pdf