City Council

TOWN OF CICERO TOWN COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, JULY 20, 2021 at 7:00 PM Call to Order: President Strong called the meeting to order and lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Ms. Gary gave the prayer. Mr. Strong called for roll call. Members of the Cicero Town Council were present or absent as follows: Present: Chad Amos Absent: Chad Blueher Jerry Cook Chris Lutz Dan Strong Declare a Quorum Present: President Strong declared a quorum present. Others Present: Rhonda Gary, Clerk Treasurer Jeff Rednour, Police Chief Lance Overholser, Fire Chief Cicero/Jackson Township Plan Commission Director Terry Cooper, Street & Utilities Director Jim Hunter, Parks Superintendent Aaron Culp, Town Attorney Keith Bryant, Town Engineer Bruce Freeman, Storm Water Management Board President Approval of Agenda: Mr. Cook made a motion to approve the agenda. Mr. Blueher seconded, motion passed. Approval of Prior Minutes: Town Council Meeting Minutes, July 6, 2021, 7:00 PM Mr. Lutz made a motion to approve the minutes listed above. Mr. Amos seconded, motion passed. Approval of Claims: Mr. Amos made a motion to approve the claims dated 7/6/21. Mr. Blueher seconded, motion passed. Council Committee Reports: 1. OTC Report – a. Fall Festival – Ms. Holt stated that this will be held on 9/18/21 from 4:00-8:00 PM. She stated that they have partnered with FFA and the football team for the fish fry. They will have train rides, cornhole, a DJ, street dance, etc. Superintendent Hunter and Chief Rednour had no issues. Chief Rednour will ask the county for use of their signs. In the end, Mr. Amos made a motion to allow OTC to proceed and to close Jackson Street 4:00-8:00 PM. Mr. Cook seconded, motion passed. 1  b. Patio – Ms. Holt distributed a revised handout of the patio area that she previously brought before the board. There was more discussion concerning the changes. Ms. Holt also stated that they hope to incorporate a ribbon cutting ceremony with the fall festival for the patio. Afterwards, Mr. Amos made a motion for OTC to move forward with their project. Mr. Lutz seconded, motion passed. 2. EDC Report – Mr. Amos stated that they plan to meet on 8/4/21 at 6:00 PM. He also informed the council that Ms. Baker has tendered her resignation and asked that if anyone knows someone who would like to join their team to contact Joe Cox. 3. SWU Management Board Report – President Freeman had no new info to pass on to the council. Legal Counsel Report – a. Water/Sewer Main Extension Contract – Mr. Culp presented the contract and stated that he is looking for approval tonight. After much discussion, Mr. Amos made a motion to approve the contract. Mr. Cook seconded, motion passed 3-2 with Mr. Lutz and Mr. Blueher voting nay. b. Utility Changes – Mr. Culp asked the council’s blessing to work with Barnes and Thornburg to prepare an ordinance to recoup costs. The council gave their blessing. Cicero/Jackson Township Plan Commission Report – President Strong stated that Mr. Taylor has resigned and that he is the interim plan director at this time. Town Engineer Report – Keith Bryant – 1. Tamarack – Mr. Bryant stated that they have mailed out a punch list for Sections 1 and 2. They have also prepared and emailed a prelim on Section 3. Construction continues on Section 4. 2. Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant – Mr. Bryant said that they have identified a second wellsite for drilling, and Aaron is preparing an agreement for the test wells. Mr. Bryant also stated that he has been working with President Strong, Ms. Kmicikewycz and Ms. Henderson and has submitted the SWIF Grant. The application has been submitted for Round 1. Manufacturer provided sludge dewatering equipment would occur in the future. President Strong inquired about the test on the sludge and asked Mr. Bryant to let the council know. Mr. Bryant agreed. Design would take 8-12 months once it began. 3. Auburn Estates – Mr. Bryant related that the contractor has worked on sanitary and storm sewers. They continue to work on drainage and earthwork. Old Business: There was none. New Business: 1. Veteran Banners – Mr. Brown and Mr. Robbins were present to ask permission to attach banners for veterans of the community to the lampposts on the causeway. After a lengthy discussion regarding location, design, nuts and bolts, responsibility, concerns for the future or optional use of the lampposts at a later time, council’s consensus was to allow for the banners. Miscellaneous: President Strong asked the members of the council to decide on a date for an executive session. They decided that it will be held on 8/12/21 at 5:30 PM. 2 Comments by Citizens: a. Ms. Brockhoff inquired about estimates for the pool. President Strong told her that he has not heard anything yet. Ms. Brockhoff asked if there is something she could do to help. She stated that she is willing and offered assistance concerning the pool, ie making phone calls, show up for an estimate or whatever is needed. President Strong thanked her and told her that he will be in contact for her assistance. Ms. Giesler is also willing to offer her assistance. The council did not have any objections to Ms. Giesler working on the pool; however, Mr. Lutz asked that Superintendent Hunter is included in her efforts. b. Mr. Kelso told the council that they should consider microphones so the crowd can hear all of the discussion. President Strong thanked him for his input. Mr. Lutz offered that the council has only been using Red Bridge Community Building since COVID-19 and not sure yet what the future holds. Motion to Adjourn: Mr. Cook made the motion. Mr. Blueher seconded, motion passed. Signatures on Official Documents! Signatures of Cicero Town Council __________________________ Dan Strong, President __________________________ Chad B. Amos __________________________ Chad M. Blueher __________________________ Jerry G. Cook __________________________ Christopher J. Lutz Attested: __________________________ Rhonda Gary, Clerk Treasurer The Next Cicero Town Council Meeting will be on August 3, 2021, at 7:00 PM at Red Bridge Community Building. 3