Kendall County Times

City of Plano City Council met Oct. 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The regular meeting of the Plano City Council was called to order on Monday, October 14, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., by Mayor Michael Rennels in the Council Room at City Hall. Mayor Rennels led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Roll Call:

Steve DeBolt Present

John Fawver Absent

Kathy Wickens Present

Jamal Williams Absent

Tommy Johns Present

Barb Nadeau Present

Scott Mulliner Present

Mark Swoboda Present

There was a quorum.

MINUTES:

A motion was made by Alderman DeBolt, seconded by Alderman Nadeau, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting on September 23, 2024. A unanimous “Aye” voice vote was heard. The motion passed. AGENDA:

A motion was made by Alderman Swoboda, seconded by Alderman DeBolt, to approve the agenda for the regular meeting of October 14, 2024. A unanimous “Aye” voice vote was heard. The motion passed. WARRANTS:

A motion was made by Alderman Wickens, seconded by Alderman Johns, to accept the report of the Finance Committee and that orders are drawn on the Treasury to pay per warrant list dated September 26, 2024 in the amount of $141,096.47.

Roll Call:

Voting “Aye”: Wickens, Johns, DeBolt, Mulliner, Nadeau, Swoboda

Voting “Nay”:

Absent: Fawver, Williams

Motion passed.

A motion was made by Alderman Wickens, seconded by Alderman Johns, to accept the report of the Finance Committee and that orders are drawn on the Treasury to pay per warrant list dated September 27, 2024 in the amount of $1,308.16.

Roll Call:

Voting “Aye”: Wickens, Johns, DeBolt, Mulliner, Nadeau, Swoboda

Voting “Nay”:

Absent: Fawver, Williams

Motion passed.

A motion was made by Alderman Wickens, seconded by Alderman Johns, to accept the report of the Finance Committee and that orders are drawn on the Treasury to pay per warrant list dated October 14, 2024 in the amount of $273,582.62.

Roll Call:

Voting “Aye”: Wickens, Johns, DeBolt, Mulliner, Nadeau, Swoboda

Voting “Nay”:

Absent: Fawver, Williams

Motion passed.

A motion was made by Alderman Wickens, seconded by Alderman Johns, to accept the report of the Finance Committee and that orders are drawn on the Treasury to pay per warrant list dated October 15, 2024 in the amount of $1,342.57.

Roll Call:

Voting “Aye”: Wickens, Johns, DeBolt, Mulliner, Nadeau, Swoboda

Voting “Nay”:

Absent: Fawver, Williams

Motion passed.

WAGE REPORT:

A motion was made by Alderman Wickens, seconded by Alderman Johns, to accept the report of the Finance Committee and that orders are drawn on the Treasury to pay the wage report dated September 2024 in the amount of $361,892.52.

Roll Call:

Voting “Aye”: Wickens, Johns, DeBolt, Mulliner, Nadeau, Swoboda

Voting “Nay”:

Absent: Fawver, Williams

Motion passed.

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS:

Guests and members of the press were welcomed by Mayor Rennels.

CITIZENS’ COMMENTS: none

MAYOR’S REPORT: Mayor Rennels

Mayor Rennels read a proclamation setting the Trick or Treat hours on October 31, 2024 from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

A motion was made by Alderman Wickens, seconded by Alderman Swoboda, to approve the appointment of James Roderick to the Plan Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals to complete a three-year term ending May, 2027. Jeff Sobotka said James is very eager to help the city. Mayor Rennels said James previously was the Mayor of Big Rock, and has done a lot of work with their Public Works projects. He said James is a professional woodworker who is familiar with construction work and reading plans, and has a well suited skillset for the Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals.

Roll Call:

Voting “Aye”: Wickens, Swoboda, DeBolt, Johns, Mulliner, Nadeau

Voting “Nay”:

Absent: Fawver, Williams

Motion passed.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT: Martin Shanahan Jr.

A motion was made by Alderman DeBolt, seconded by Alderman Mulliner, to approve hiring Leo Zuniga as a Maintenance Worker III in the Street Division of the City’s Public Works Department, at $20.00 an hour, with a start date of October 15, 2024. City Administrator Shanahan said Leo is very excited to start working, is a resident, and transferred his out-of-state CDL license to an in-state one. Roll Call:

Voting “Aye”: DeBolt, Mulliner, Johns, Nadeau, Swoboda, Wickens

Voting “Nay”:

Absent: Fawver, Williams

Motion passed.

CITY ATTORNEY’S REPORT: William Thomas

Ordinance #2024-32 An ordinance for SSA #6 special tax

A motion was made by Alderman Swoboda, seconded by Alderman Nadeau, to approve an ordinance providing for the City of Plano, Kendall County, Illinois, Special Service Area No. 6 special tax to be prepaid by the surrender of Series 2007 Bonds (hereinafter defined) secured by such special taxes; providing for additional procedures for prepayments in kind; providing for general authorization; authorizing the issuance of appropriate notices and the recording of a lien release; and addressing severability, conflicts and an effective date.

Attorney Thomas said this follows the process used for SSA #5 in 2018. He said this was a successful procedure to address the outstanding taxes so the property will be more desirable to develop. He said the city realizes the property is not marketable in the current condition, and Mayor Rennels said there is no financial obligation on the city. Alderman Wickens asked if the city could buy it. Attorney Thomas said the city is not in the real estate business and it needs a developer to develop it. Mayor Rennels said this would help the financial obligations to allow developers to be able to do something there.

Roll Call:

Voting “Aye”: Swoboda, Nadeau, DeBolt, Johns, Mulliner, Wickens

Voting “Nay”:

Absent: Fawver, Williams

Motion passed.

Ordinance #2024-33 An ordinance for special use at 120 W. Main Street

A motion was made by Alderman Mulliner, seconded by Alderman Nadeau, to approve an ordinance granting a special use for B-3 for above first floor residential Elizabeth Chapa, owner property address: 120 W. Main Street, Plano, Illinois, 60545.

Attorney Thomas said this special use application went through the Plan Commission with a positive recommendation. Alderman Nadeau asked if they were voting on granting the special use without looking at the plan/blueprints. Mayor Rennels said yes. Alderman DeBolt asked if they would look at parking later. Mayor Rennels said yes. Alderman Johns asked if there would be two floors for residential, and Mayor Rennels said yes and the first floor (basement) would be for business. Alderman Swoboda asked if there was the ability to do a future plan if the concept is approved, and Mayor Rennels said yes. Alderman Wickens asked if the top two floors would be apartments and the bottom floor is for nothing. Mayor Rennels said the first floor would be for business and the special use is for apartments above the business. Alderman Mulliner said the city center plan allows for residential above the first-floor business on Main Street. Roll Call:

Voting “Aye”: Mulliner, Nadeau, DeBolt, Johns, Swoboda, Wickens

Voting “Nay”:

Absent: Fawver, Williams

Motion passed.

Resolution #2024-25 A resolution for a contract with LAI LLC for a blower purchase A motion was made by Alderman Swoboda, seconded by Alderman DeBolt, to approve a resolution approving and authorizing payment to LAI LLC in an amount not to exceed $15,511.78 re: blower purchase. Attorney Thomas said there are two plus displacement blowers which are 20 years old, and have been rebuilt several times.

Roll Call:

Voting “Aye”: Swoboda, DeBolt, Johns, Mulliner, Nadeau, Wickens

Voting “Nay”:

Absent: Fawver, Williams

Motion passed.

Resolution #2024-26: Approve a resolution for a Façade Grant application

A motion was made by Alderman Nadeau, seconded by Alderman Johns, to approve a resolution approving a Façade Grant agreement, Nicole M. Lazar-Diaz (Possibilities Hair Salon), 12 E. Main Street, Plano, Illinois.

Attorney Thomas said this grant application provides assistance up to $5,000.00. He said the improvements were exterior painting and roof repairs. Alderman Mulliner is glad to see someone utilizing the program and it looks really nice.

Roll Call:

Voting “Aye”: Nadeau, Johns, DeBolt, Mulliner, Swoboda, Wickens

Voting “Nay”:

Absent: Fawver, Williams

Motion passed.

Resolution #2024-27: Approve a resolution for an agreement with HR Green

A motion was made by Alderman Swoboda, seconded by Alderman DeBolt, to approve a resolution approving and authorizing the execution of a professional services agreement with HR Green in an amount not to exceed forty-five thousand, four hundred thirty-six dollars and forty-one cents ($45,436.41) re: Eldamain Road off-site engineering for water main and sanitary sewer extensions and roadway expansion.

Attorney Thomas said these properties were annexed in April 2024, and purchased by Microsoft Corporation. He said off-site infrastructure for development is necessary for the property and the costs for development.

Roll Call:

Voting “Aye”: Swoboda, DeBolt, Johns, Mulliner, Nadeau, Wickens

Voting “Nay”:

Absent: Fawver, Williams

Motion passed.

CITY CLERK’S REPORT: Carin Martin, Deputy Clerk-nothing

CITY TREASURER’S REPORT: Zoila Gomez-absent City Administrator Shanahan reported The August 2024 Treasurer’s report for all funds is in the amount of $13,734,156.37. The total disbursements for August 2024 were in the amount of $672,240.09.

The August 2024 revenue and expenditure report was attached.

POLICE CHIEF’S REPORT: Norm Allison

Chief Allison said they have implemented an Employee of the Quarter, and will notify on social media this week after notifying the employee first. He also expressed his appreciation to the Council, Mayor, and City Administrator for their support and unification with the tragedy of September 27th.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT: D. Boyer, J. Beyer-absent, K. Tisberger

Karl gave an update for his department. He said the sidewalk project is underway with forming and pouring happening tomorrow. He gave a reminder for people to be cognizant of the last brush pick-up and then leaf pick-up beginning so there is no parking in front of piles. If there are, the piles will not be able to be picked up.

Karl said there is a quote attached from Steve Piper & Sons, Inc. for removal of two walnut trees. This is not a budgeted item so they would have to come up with funding. Mayor Rennels asked about the second tree. Karl said one has limbs that overhang the roof and litters the sidewalk. Alderman DeBolt said the residents have had two broken windshields, damage to their front door and a section of the roof damaged from falling walnuts. Alderman Wickens said a child has been hit on the head too. Alderman Swoboda said he read the minutes from the last meeting’s discussion, and could the city allow removal but the homeowner do it themselves. Mayor Rennels said the city had an arborist look at the trees. Karl said to remove the tree limbs could kill the tree and it would look awful. The city can either remove the trees or continue having problems each year.

Alderman Nadeau asked if there was a timeline for this. Karl said the quote is likely good for 30 days. Alderman Johns asked if there were any other bids received for this work. Karl said no and that Steve Piper & Sons, Inc. were the low biddersfrom the Depot work. Alderman Mulliner is concerned about other walnut trees in parkways in town and this would be setting a precedent. Mayor Rennels said this is a public safety issue for residents. Alderman Swoboda asked if it was possible to have the residents remove the trees because others in town would want their trees taken down creating an expense for the city. Alderman Nadeau said she drove by to look at this issue. She said there are trees in easements all over town, and this may open Pandora’s box. Mayor Rennels said this is a public safety issue here. Alderman Mulliner said this is a safety issue but other trees pose the same issue but the residents have not complained to the city about it. Some Aldermen asked for time to look at thisissue and think about it before voting. Alderman DeBoltsaid if they wait, they will be dealing with this same issue again next year.

Aldermen will have time to look at the trees, and vote on this issue at the October 28, 2024 Council meeting.

DIRECTOR OF BUILDING, PLANNING & ZONING’S REPORT: Jeff Sobotka

Jeff gave an update on the comprehensive plan. He said Teska has been making their way through town interviewing various people. There are cards that were developed inviting input and public comment on the city.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

ADMINISTRATIVE/HEALTH & SAFETY: Alderman Mulliner

Alderman Mulliner said this committee met on October 3, 2024 to discuss the Police Department amended budget. He said they have done a great job with the budget.

BUILDINGS, GROUNDS AND ZONING: Alderman Williams-absent

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: Alderman Fawver-absent

FINANCE: Alderman Wickens

Alderman Wickens called a meeting for October 28, 2024 at 5:15 p.m.

PARKS: Alderman Johns

Alderman Johns said the Splash Pad was closed today. He said the Ray Niles Park will be having the concrete curb put in to hold the rubber mulch in it.

PERSONNEL & INSURANCE: Alderman Swoboda-nothing

SPECIAL EVENTS: Alderman Nadeau-nothing

STREETS & UTILITIES: Alderman DeBolt

Alderman DeBolt said they have talked about the walnut tree issue tonight.

CITIZENS’ COMMENTS:

Matt Jackson has concerns regarding the walnut tree issue. He said black walnut trees are good for furniture and building. He said he’s never had a windshield broken by them, but they are messy and the trees were there when the house was bought. Matt asked if there were multiple quotes received or only one. He hopes there will be competitive bidding.

CLOSED SESSION: none

ADJOURNMENT:

A motion was made by Alderman Swoboda, seconded by Alderman DeBolt, to adjourn. A unanimous “Aye” voice vote was heard. The motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.

https://www.cityofplanoil.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10142024-2061