Rock Island Today

City of Aledo City Council met Nov. 6.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council of the City of Aledo met in Regular Session in the Council Chambers at the Aledo City Hall building on November 06, 2023. MAYOR HAGLOCH called the meeting to order at 6:30 P.M. The roll was called, whereupon the following answered present:

Aldermen NOEL BUSH, BARRY COOPER, DENNIS DIXON, JAY DOHERTY, MARK FRIESE, CARMEN RUH, LINDA SARABASA, and ANDREW WEEKS. Mayor CHRISTOPHER HAGLOCH.

Also present was MICHAEL CHAUSSE, City Administrator, TREVOR FISK, Interim Chief of Police, JUSTIN BLASER, Director of Public Works & Utilities, and JAROD DALE, City Clerk.

The media was represented by John Hoscheidt, WRMJ.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

The meeting was opened in prayer by Police Officer Philip Pieper.

Public Comment: No Public Comment.

Communication & Correspondence: No Report.

Requests & Petitions: Special Event / Parade: Mercer County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1571 – Veterans Day Parade to be held November 11, 2023 at 10:45 a.m.

Special Event / Parade: Aledo Main Street Holly Days Electric Parade to be held December 1, 2023 beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Special Event / 5k Race/Walk: Holly Days Hot Chocolate Hustle to be held December 2, 2023 beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Public Works Activity Report:

• Streets: Daily checks, tasks, JULIE’s, and work orders continue. Tree trimming continues, remove flower basket liners, repair disturbed areas from water main break, ran vac truck, work on salt trucks, mow.

• Gas: Daily checks, tasks, JULIE’s, inspections and finals continue. Hydro ex research, continue OQ tests, test valves, install two new meters, sniff checks, calibrate CGI’s, repair six valves.

• Water: Daily checks, tasks, JULIE’s and work orders continue. The 6th & 6th Water tower was drained, cleaned and inspected last week. We will schedule the same work for the telemetry tower dependent on weather for the remainder of the year. Repair water main break on NE 3rd Ave & 6th St, read meters on 11/2, jet sewer on NW 3rd Ave, assist in completing SCADA upgrade project.

• Cemetery: Three (3) funerals occurred. Clean-up and mowing.

• DPW: Budget, start holiday decoration prep, attended the MCHS job fair, hydro excavator research, assist with water main break on 10/28, attended the monthly ILLOWA meeting, SE 2nd Ave public meeting prep, water plant tour with Administrator Chaussee and Jr High students.

Aledo Police Department Activity Report: CHIEF Fisk reported on October 25, 2023 Officers Wakeland and Williams attended the Career Show at the Mercer County High School with City Administrator Chausse and Public Works Director Blaser. The event allowed students to meet with various employers to seek information about different jobs. The event went well and the City of Aledo will be represented there again next year.

On October 31, 2023 Auxiliary Officer Ford along with Officers Pieper and Williams attended the Trunk or Treat event at the Aledo United Methodist Church. The event was well attended with no issues reported.

Administrative Report: ADMINISTRATOR Chausse reported on an overview of highlights of what the Administrator (and others) have worked on since the last council meeting:

• Contacted CivicPlus concerning billing and rectified an error. • Finalized the Solid Waste and Recycling contract with LRS.

• Consulted the attorney concerning contracts, topics from Police & Ordinance meeting and other issues.

• Had Wednesday weekly meeting with the department heads.

• Worked with Cindy Parchert, Finance Director to finalize the budget.

• Had a meeting with employees concerning holiday schedule & health insurance

• Worked on transition of employee health insurance with – Insurance consultant.

• Casey’s update- No new information.

• Attended the Police & Ordinance Committee meeting.

• Attended the Budget hearing.

• Prepared and served dinner to the council and others at budget hearing.

• Attended and was a presenter (with Justin Blaser, Dallas Wakeland & Christian Williams) at the Mercer County High School Career Show.

• Attended the Retired Teachers meeting and gave city update.

• Coordinated with the High School about using their auditorium for Nov. 7 public hearing.

• Attended the monthly Main Street Community Connections meeting & informed group about the public hearing for Nov. 7.

• DPW and C.A. met with Kim Schafer, Executive Director of the MC Senior Citizens center and inspected issues with the attic of their building.

• Hosted with DPW, Mrs. Nelson’s JH Special Education Class and gave them a tour of water sites and of city hall.

• Had 2 conferences calls with T-Mobile discussing how they may be able to rectify communication issues (Frontier) with the water sites & offer the downtown internet.

Mayor’s Report: MAYOR Hagloch provided a reminder that the burning of leaves, grass and other vegetation is permitted so long as such materials are dry and do not produce a nuisance or a hazard, and shall only be permitted on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday only. Also, it unlawful for any person to burn any leaves or other vegetation upon any city street, city sidewalk or in that portion of the right-of-way three feet from the edge of the street pavement. All such fires shall be attended at all times by a person 18 years of age or older. Such fires shall be permitted during daylight hours only and shall not be placed within 20 feet of adjacent residences.

Committee Report: ALD. Bush reported an Ordinance & Police Committee was held on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at 6:00 o’clock p.m. in the City Council Chambers. The Committee discussed the hiring of a Community Service Officer and an Intergovernmental Agreement related to ordinance hearings between the village of Viola, IL and the village of New Windsor, IL. Also, the Committee discussed amendments to Title 12 of the City Code concerning general fine structures and Title 13 and Title 8 related to central park bandshell or pavilion system operator fees. The Committee held discussions related to the purchase of new body cameras and squad vehicle cameras, as well as receiving an update on current personnel statuses at the Aledo Police Department.

REGULAR COUNCIL SESSION

Following the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag,

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion was made by ALDERMAN DOHERTY and seconded by ALDERMAN SARABASA to approve the following consent agenda items:

• Approval of Minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 16, 2023. • Approval of Finance: Invoice Listing – AP20.

• Approval of a Special Event / Parade – Mercer County V.F.W. Post 1571 – Veterans Day Parade to be held November 11, 2023 beginning at 10:45 a.m.

• Approval of a Special Event / Parade – Aledo Main Street Holly Days Electric Parade to be held December 1, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.

• Approval of a Special Event / 5k Race/Walk – Aledo Main Street Holly Days Hot Chocolate Hustle to be held December 2, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.

• Approval of Approval of the Appointment of Philip Pieper as Sergeant in the Aledo Police Department effective November 6, 2023.

• Approval of the Appointment of Adam Baker as Lieutenant in the Aledo Police Department effective November 6, 2023.

• Approval of the Appointment of Quesean Ford as Community Services Officer effective November 6, 2023.

A Roll Call vote was recorded as follows:

YES: Bush, Cooper, Dixon, Doherty, Friese, Ruh, Sarabasa, and Weeks. NO: None. Motion carried. 8 yeas, 0 nays.

PUBLIC COMMENT: No Report.

ACTION ITEMS:

ORDINANCE NO. 21, SERIES OF 2023; AMENDING TITLE 1, CHAPTER 19 OF THE CITY CODE CREATING THE POSITION OF ASSISTANT CITY ADMINISTRATOR (FIRST READING):

A new section 1-19-9 of the Aledo City Code entitled “Assistant City Administrator” is hereby added as follows:

(a) Creation of Position. There is hereby created the position of Assistant City Administrator, an administrative position in the municipal government of the City. (b) Appointment & Dismissal. The assistant city administrator shall be appointed by the mayor, with the advice and consent of the City Council for a term no longer than the remainder of the term of the mayor who made the appointment, and may be removed therefrom by the Mayor by and with the consent of the City Council. (c) Powers and Duties. The Assistant City Administrator shall be responsible to the City Administrator and Mayor as the chief assistant for the administration of the City. In discharging his responsibility, the Assistant City Administrator shall have the following powers and duties:

1. Assist the City Administrator with special projects and daily operations as may be specified by the City Administrator or the City Council.

2. In the event of a vacancy, absence from office, or disability of the City Administrator, the Assistant City Administrator shall have all the powers and duties assigned to the City Administrator.

Motion was made by ALD. SARABASA and seconded by ALD. RUH to waive the 2nd reading for Ordinance 21, Series of 2023; Amending Title 1, Chapter 19 of the City Code creating the position Assistant City Administrator. A Roll call vote was recorded as follows:

YEAS: Cooper, Dixon, Doherty, Friese, Ruh, Sarabasa, Weeks, and Bush. NAYS: None. Motion carried. 8 yeas, 0 nays.

Motion was made by ALD. BUSH and seconded by ALD. COOPER to adopt Ordinance 21, Series of 2023; Amending Title 1, Chapter 19 of the City Code creating the position Assistant City Administrator. A Roll call vote was recorded as follows:

YEAS: Dixon, Doherty, Friese, Ruh, Sarabasa, Weeks, Bush, and Cooper. NAYS: None. Motion carried. 8 yeas, 0 nays.

ORDINANCE NO. 22, SERIES OF 2023; AMENDING TITLE 12 OF THE CITY CODE REGARDING GENERAL FINE STRUCTURE (FIRST READING):

Title 12, Chapter 1, Section 1 of the Aledo City Code entitled “General Fine Structure” is hereby amended as follows (additions are indicated by bold/underline and deletions by strikeout):

(A) Any person convicted of violating any of the provisions of this code shall be subject to a fine of not less than seventy-five dollars ($75.00) one hundred dollars ($100.00) and not more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00) for a first offense, unless otherwise specifically enumerated in this chapter.

Motion was made by ALD. FRIESE and seconded by ALD. BUSH to waive the 2nd reading for Ordinance 22, Series of 2023; Amending Title 12, Chapter 1, Section 1 of the City Code regarding the Fine Structure for Code Violations. A Roll call vote was recorded as follows:

YEAS: Doherty, Friese, Ruh, Sarabasa, Weeks, Bush, Cooper, and Dixon. NAYS: None. Motion carried. 8 yeas, 0 nays.

Motion was made by ALD. FRIESE and seconded by ALD. WEEKS to adopt Ordinance 22, Series of 2023; Amending Title 12, Chapter 1, Section 1 of the City Code regarding the Fine Structure for Code Violations. A Roll call vote was recorded as follows:

YEAS: Friese, Ruh, Sarabasa, Weeks, Bush, Cooper, Dixon, and Doherty. NAYS: None. Motion carried. 8 yeas, 0 nays.

ORDINANCE NO. 23, SERIES OF 2023; AMENDING TITLE 13, CHAPTER 1, SECTION 1 OF THE CITY CODE REGARDING SOUND SYSTEM OPERATOR FEES FOR CENTRAL PARK BANDSHELL OR PAVILION USE (FIRST READING):

ADMINISTRATOR Chausse reported the current fee structure for Central Park Bandshell or Pavilion system operator is set at $10.00 per hour. However, the City is paying $30.00 per hour and absorbing the $20.00 difference in cost. Amending the City Code would allow the City to correct this discrepancy.

A second reading to be held on Monday, November 16, 2023 at 6:30 o’clock p.m. in the City Council Chambers.

ORDINANCE NO. 24, SERIES OF 2023; AMENDING THE CITY OF ALEDO HOLIDAY SCHEDULE (FIRST READING):

The City’s Personnel Code to be amended to observe the federal and state adoption of Juneteenth holiday. It is the desire of the administration and the employees to observe this holiday. Therefore, to not add an additional holiday, it is the administration and employees request that Lincoln’s birthday (state holiday only) no longer be observed by the city and will now be an employee workday.

Motion was made by ALD. WEEKS and seconded by ALD. RUH to waive the 2nd reading for Ordinance 24, Series of 2023; Amending the City of Aledo Holiday Schedule. A Roll call vote was recorded as follows:

YEAS: Ruh, Sarabasa, Weeks, Bush, Cooper, Dixon, Doherty, and Friese. NAYS: None. Motion carried. 8 yeas, 0 nays.

Motion was made by ALD. SARABASA and seconded by ALD. DIXON to adopt Ordinance 24, Series of 2023; Amending the City of Aledo Holiday Schedule as presented. A Roll call vote was recorded as follows:

YEAS: Sarabasa, Weeks, Bush, Cooper, Dixon, Doherty, Friese, and Ruh. NAYS: None. Motion carried. 8 yeas, 0 nays.

RESOLUTION NO. 27R, SERIES OF 2023; ACCEPTING PROPOSAL AND AWARDING A CONTRACT FOR SOLID WASTE & RECYCLING COLLECTION WITHIN THE CITY OF ALEDO TO LAKESHORE RECYCLING SYSTEMS, INC:

ADMINISTRATOR Chausse reported the current solid waste and recycling contract with LRS ends on December 31, 2023. An RFP was released at the beginning of October. Upon viewing the proposals, a contract was negotiated between LRS and the City. Highlights of the new contract are as follows:

1. All residents will receive a new 96-gallon cart for waste used for automated pick up. Residents who currently rent a cart will return it (or keep if desired for $5/month). There will be no more cart fee.

2. There will be no charge for the six (6) municipal sites.

3. Special events will remain at a flat $650 (30-yard dumpster). 

4. City will still provide two (2) clean up days – fall and spring.

5. Recycling will remain the same with households using current containers.

6. Extra Debris / Appliance stickers $10 must be prescheduled and prepaid.

Year 1 (1/1/24 – 12/31/24) - $17.95 per unit (monthly cost) $215.40 annual cost

Year 2 (1/1/25 – 12/31/25) - $18.48 per unit (monthly cost) $221.76 annual cost

Year 3 (1/1/26 – 12/31/26) - $19.03 per unit (monthly cost) $228.36 annual cost

Year 4 (1/1/27 – 12/31/27) - $19.60 per unit (monthly cost) $235.20 annual cost

Year 5 (1/1/28 – 12/31/28) - $20.18 per unit (monthly cost) $242.16 annual cost

There is an option of a 5-year extension of the contract in 2028.

Motion was made by ALD. FRIESE and seconded by ALD. DOHERTY to approve Resolution No. 27R, Series of 2023; Approving a Solid Waste and Recycling Contract with Lakeshore Recycling Systems, Inc. as presented. A Roll call vote was recorded as follows:

YEAS: Weeks, Bush, Cooper, Dixon, Doherty, Friese, Ruh, and Sarabasa. NAYS: None. Motion carried. 8 yeas, 0 nays.

RESOLUTION NO. 28R, SERIES OF 2023; APPROVING THE NETWORK EXPANSION OF OUTDOOR SPEAKERS FOR DOWNTOWN ALEDO IN THE AMOUNT OF $31,200.00:

Motion was made by ALD. COOPER and seconded by ALD. WEEKS to approve Resolution No. 28R, Series of 2023; Approving the Network Expansion of Outdoor Speakers for Downtown Aledo in the amount of $31,200.00 by AirNetix out of Smyrna, GA for Phase II (downtown main street) and Phase III (central park parking lot area). A Roll call vote was recorded as follows:

YEAS: Bush, Cooper, Dixon, Doherty, Friese, Ruh, Sarabasa, and Weeks. NAYS: None. Motion carried. 8 yeas, 0 nays.

RESOLUTION NO. 29R, SERIES OF 2023; RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 22R, SERIES OF 2023 REGARDING THE PURCHASE OF LOT 2 IN EAGLE POINT SUBDIVISION:

On September 5, 2023, the City Council of the City of Aledo adopted Resolution No. 22R, Series of 2023, which approved the execution of a Real Estate Purchase Agreement for the purchase of Lot 2 in Eagle Point Subdivision in the City of Aledo (the “Property”), which such Property was to be developed by the City for use as a neighborhood vehicle path for nearby development.

Thereafter, a citizen of Aledo expressed interest in the citizen, rather than the City, purchasing and developing the Property such that it could be used as a neighborhood vehicle path for nearby development.

Motion was made by ALD. DOHERTY and seconded by ALD. WEEKS to approve Resolution No. 29R, Series of 2023; Rescinding Resolution No. 22R, Series of 2023 Regarding the Purchase of Lot 2 in Eagle Point Subdivision to allow the said citizen to develop the property in lieu of the City undertaking such improvements. A Roll call vote was recorded as follows:

YEAS: Cooper, Dixon, Doherty, Friese, Ruh, Sarabasa, Weeks, and Bush. NAYS: None. Motion carried. 8 yeas, 0 nays.

RESOLUTION NO. 30R, SERIES OF 2023; APPROVING A PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR FEDERAL PARTICPATION FOR THE MULTI-USE PATH – SE 8TH AVENUE:

Motion was made by ALD. BUSH and seconded by ALD. FRIESE to approve Resolution No. 30R, Series of 2023; Approving a Preliminary Engineering Services Agreement for Federal Participation for the Multi-Use Path – SE 8th Avenue. A Roll call vote was recorded as follows:

YEAS: Dixon, Doherty, Friese, Ruh, Sarabasa, Weeks, Bush, and Cooper. NAYS: None. Motion carried. 8 yeas, 0 nays.

RESOLUTION NO. 31R, SERIES OF 2023; APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF VERMEER SOLUTIONS VX75-800 VACUUM EXCAVATOR IN THE AMOUNT OF $197,783.38:

Motion was made by ALD. WEEKS and seconded by ALD. FRIESE to approve Resolution No. 31R, Series of 2023; Approving the Purchase of Vermeer Solutions VX75-800 Vacuum Excavator in the amount of $197,783.38 from Vermeer Midwest, 1801 179th Street North, East Moline, IL., 61244, SN#1MVA230UEPG010117. A Roll call vote was recorded as follows:

YEAS: Doherty, Friese, Ruh, Sarabasa, Weeks, Bush, Cooper, and Dixon. NAYS: None. Motion carried. 8 yeas, 0 nays.

MOTION APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF JAROD DALE AS ASSISTANT CITY ADMINISTRATOR EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 6, 2023:

Upon the passage of Ordinance No. 22 previously in this meeting, the creation of the position of Assistant City Administrator was approved effective November 6, 2023. The city administrator has made his recommendation to the Mayor. The Mayor is requesting that Jarod Dale be appointed to the newly created position of Assistant City Administrator. A lifelong resident of Aledo, Mr. Dale has served the City of Aledo as City Clerk / Collector / Officer Manager since May 2009.

Motion was made by ALD. DIXON and seconded by ALD. DOHERTY to approve Resolution No. 31R, Series of 2023; Approving the Purchase of Vermeer Solutions VX75- 800 Vacuum Excavator in the amount of $197,783.38 from Vermeer Midwest, 1801 179th Street North, East Moline, IL., 61244, SN#1MVA230UEPG010117. A Roll call vote was recorded as follows:

YEAS: Doherty, Friese, Ruh, Sarabasa, Weeks, Bush, Cooper, Dixon, and Hagloch. NAYS: None. Motion carried. 9 yeas, 0 nays.

OLD BUSINESS: ALD. Sarabasa inquired on update on the old Casey’s General Store property located at 303 SW 3rd Street, Aledo. 

ADMINISTRATOR Chausse reported the realtor that reached out to the City to contact the new owner has done so but no additional details on future plans have been provided to date.

MAYOR Hagloch reported the closing date for the development of Dollar Tree in Eagle Point Subdivision continues to be moved back. The developer is working with corporate at Dollar Tree to slim down the design of the building for financial reasons. MAYOR noted a 50/50 chance on the project taking place at this time. No further details followed.

ADMINISTRATOR Chausse reported the three local operators have been reached out to with the owners of Bruce Spruce Lodge expressing a different approach or feelings on the issue as they had voiced last year. ADMINISTRATOR anticipates a discussion related to the implementation of a hotel / motel tax room renting tax in January or February, 2024.

NEW BUSINESS: No Report.

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, motion was made by ALDERMAN DIXON and seconded by ALDERMAN SARABASA that the meeting be adjourned. A Unanimous voice vote followed in agreement. Meeting was adjourned at 7:12 P.M.

https://www.aledoil.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11062023-385