McHenry Times

City of Marengo City Council met Oct. 12.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

CALL TO ORDER 

Mayor John Koziol called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM, and then led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL 

Present this evening are Mayor John Koziol; Aldermen Matt Keenum, Mike Miller, Mike DeSerto, Nicole DeBoer, Darin Mobley and Steve Mortensen, Also present are City Administrator Joshua Blakemore, Interim Chief of Police Paul Fritz, City Attorney David McArdle, Director of Public Works Dan Streit and Deputy Clerk Anna Leyrer. Alderman Dennis Hammortree and Finance Director Jennifer Snelten were absent.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

A resident offered thanks to the City for the fireworks on Saturday night.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES - September 28, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes Alderman Nicole DeBoer made a motion, seconded by Alderman Mike DeSerto, to approve the minutes from the Sept. 28, 2020 Regular meeting. The aldermen voted as follows:

Ayes: Keenum, Mortensen, DeBoer, Miller, DeSerto and Mobley

Nays:

Absent: Hammortree

The motion passed.

APPROVAL OF LIST OF BILLS 

Alderman Nicole DeBoer made a motion, seconded by Alderman Mike DeSerto, to approve the list of bills in the amount of $217,544.21. The aldermen voted as follows:

Ayes: Mortensen, DeBoer, Miller, Mobley, DeSerto and Keenum 

Nays:

Absent: Hammortree

The motion passed.

RECOMMENDATION BY MAYOR, and motion to appoint Mike Proffilt to fill a vacant Ward 4 Aldermanic seat, ending April 30, 2021, and oath of office.

Alderman Mike Miller made a motion, seconded by Alderman Steve Mortensen, to approve the appointment of Mike Proffitt to fill the vacant 4th Ward Aldermanic Seat, ending April 30, 2021. The aldermen voted as follows:

Aye: Mobley, DeSerto, DeBoer, Mortensen, Miller and Keenum 

Nay:

Absent: Hammortree 

The motion passed.

Attorney David McArdle read the oath of office to Mike Proffitt.

NEW BUSINESS

a. Motion to correct Ordinance 18-4-3, issuing a Special Use Permit to allow an indoor shooting range for 131 E. Prairie Sl., changing the hours of operation from Monday - Sunday 8 AM-8 PM to 9 AM to 9 PM Administrator Blakeinore reminded the Council that this request was made at the last meeting, and at that time, the Council was in agreement with the request for the change of hours.

Alderman Nicole DeBoer made a motion, seconded by Alderman Darin Mobley, to correct Ordinance 18 4-3, issuing a Special Use Permit to allow an indoor shooting range for 131 E. Prairie Street, changing the hours of operation from Monday - Sunday 8 AM to 8 PM, to 9 AM to 9 PM. The aldermen voted as follows:

Aye: Keenum, Mobley, DeSerto Miller, Proffitt, Mortensen and DeBoer

Nay:

Absent: Hammortree 

The motion passed.

b. Motion to Accept Proposal for 2019/2020 Liability and Casualty Insurance Program Administrator Blakemore reviewed the renewal on the liability and casualty insurance through Arthur J Gallagher. Deputy Clerk Leyrer noted that AJG had sent the total package out for bid, but none were competitive. The renewal of the coverage in the insurance package is $89,732- or an increase of approximately 8.4% from last year. The new policies will take effect on November 1, 2020.

Alderman Mike DeSerto made a motion, seconded by Alderman Nicole DeBoer, to accept the proposal for the 2020/2021 Liability and Casualty Insurance Program. The aldermen voted as follows:

Aye: Miller, DeSerto, DeBoer, Mortensen, Keenum, Proffitt and Mobley 

Nay: 

Absent: Hammortree 

The motion passed.

c. Motion to Approve an IDOT Resolution Authorizing the Use of Motor Fuel Tax Funds for Prospect Street - Phase 1 Engineering Dan Schug, with Baxter & Woodman, presented and reviewed the various resolutions necessary to apply for funds for the Prospect Street - Phase 1 Engineering. The first involves an authorization for the use of motor fuel tax funds for engineering costs. The second part involves the DOT preliminary engineering services agreement with a complete scope of services with Baxter & Woodman. The third resolution is for the ITEP Local Assurance Resolution (which is specifically used for sidewalk/bike path work).

Alderman Nicole DeBoer made a motion, seconded by Alderman Matt Keenum, to approve an IDOT Resolution authorizing the use of Motor Fuel Tax Funds for Prospect Street – Phase 1 Engineering. The aldermen voted as follows:

Aye: DeSerto, DeBoer, Mobley, Miller, Mortensen, Keenum and Proffitt

Nay:

Absent: Hammortree 

The motion passed.

d. Motion to Approve an Agreement with Baxter & Woodman for Phase 1 Engineering Services for Prospect Street Reconstruction Project, in an amount not to exceed $140,000

Alderman Matt Keenum made a motion, seconded by Alderman Nicole De Boer, to approve an agreement with Baxter & Woodman for Phase 1 Engineering Services for Prospect Street Reconstruction Project, in an amount not to exceed $140,000. The aldermen voted as follows:

Aye: DeBoer, Keenum, Mortensen, DeSerto, Miller, Proffitt and Mobley 

Nay:

Absent: Hammortree 

The motion passed.

e. Motion to Approve an Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program Local Assurance Resolution in Support of a ITEP Application for the Prospect Street Reconstruction Project

Alderman Nicole DeBoer made a motion, seconded by Alderman Darin Mobley, to approve an Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program Local Assurance Resolution in Support of a ITEP Application for the Prospect Street Reconstruction Project. The aldermen voted as follows:

Aye: DeSerto, Keenum, Mobley, Proffitt, DeBoer, Miller and Mortensen 

Nay: 

Absent: Hammortree 

The motion passed.

f. Discussion and Direction on Draft Map of Marengo Properties for inclusion in Potential Enterprise Zone Administrator Blakemore reviewed the amended draft map with the Council, and it was decided that the map looks good at this time.

g. Motion to approve an employment policy regarding uniform allowance for public works employees Director of Public Works Dan Streit discussed the proposed change in the uniform allowance for the public works employees. The change has a potential savings to the City of approximately $4,250 annually. He has discussed this with the employees and all seem to be in favor of the change, and the Teamsters Union has agreed to this interim policy change for the remainder of the current fiscal year,

Alderman Nicole DeBoer made a motion, seconded by Alderman Darin Mobley, to approve an employment policy regarding uniform allowance for public works employees. The aldermen voted as follows:

Aye: Mobley, Proffitt, DeSerto, DeBoer, Mortensen, Miller and Keenum 

Nay:

Absent: Hammortree 

The motion passed.

MAYOR'S STATEMENT AND REPORT 

Mayor Koziol was appreciative of the kind words from the public regarding the fireworks this year. Next week, the City will be meeting with UniCarriers, MDC and the high school to discuss the storm water project. DS will be having a ribbon cutting ceremony on the 17th of October, and following a tour this evening, everyone agreed that they have done a great job. Halloween is a go for this year, and Chief Fritz will provide additional information in his report.

DEPARTMENT HEAD AND STAFF REPORTS 

Director of Public Works Dan Streit was happy to report that the hydrant flushing was completed last Friday. Brush pick-up is scheduled for the first Monday of November. The fire alarm inspection at D5 was done today and all appears to be in order. The sprinkler inspection is tomorrow, and the completed building inspection should be on Wednesday.

Interim Chief of Police Paul Fritz advised that the list for patrolmen was completed and the top 3 candidates are currently getting a background check completed. There is a tentative January academy date scheduled. October 20th, officers will be heading to the Boone County Range for rifles, as there is a requirement of 100 yards, and the largest that D5 can do is 28 yards. The department is being required to do scenario based training, and in working with the workman's comp carrier, they are able to provide Marengo with a 'Shoot/Don't Shoot simulator who will be coming to Marengo November 23rd and 24th to meet the next State mandate, Halloween hours this year, as it falls on Saturday, will be from 3 pm to 7 pm. CDC shortened rules are on the City's website.

City Administrator Joshua Blakemore expressed his appreciation as well for the fireworks. He offered congratulations to D5. He welcomed Alderman Mike Proffitt to the Council and look forward to meeting with him to go over current projects. Documentation has been submitted regarding the reimbursement of expenses directly related to the COV-ID 19 situation, and are waiting to hear back, On Saturday the 17th of October, there will be a 'Shred Day' in the City parking lot from 9 am to 11:30 am. The City has received applications and checks for building permits from 300 West for the properties on Ritz Road and Railroad Street. Joyce Nardulli is keeping in contact with the State regarding the grant money, funding for which is made through gaming receipts. Mayor Koziol and Administrator Blakemore will be meeting with representatives from McHenry County Economic Development Corporation and McHenry County next week to work on improving communication between the entities,

City Attorney David McArdle advised that the Council would not be going into Executive Session this evening.

City Clerk Connie Boxleitner reminded the public that petitions to run for the various offices in the City of Marengo are available in her office.

REPORTS AND STATEMENTS FROM CITY COUNCIL 

None

ADJOURNMENT Alderman Nicole DeBoer made a motion at 8:15 PM, seconded by Alderman Mike DeSerto, to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed with a voice vote.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/19xO1CktZ2k2iMd84jhoNoCqkkwuS5Mt5bwx-0rUhSKk/edit