City of Lockport Committee of the Whole met February 7.

By Lhalie Castillo

Apr 6, 2018

Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:

Mayor Steve Streit called the Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Pledge To The Flag – Mayor Steve Streit

Invocation – Steve Bednarcik, Police Chaplain

Roll Call:

Present: Mayor, Steve Streit

City Clerk, Kathleen Gentile

Alderwoman, Renee Saban

Alderman, Jason Vandermeer

Alderman, Darren Deskin

Alderwoman, Catherine Perretta

Alderman, Jim Petrakos

Absent: Alderwoman, Christina Bergbower

Alderman, JR Gillogly

Alderwoman, Joanne Bartelsen

Also Present: City Administrator, Ben Benson

Chief of Police, Terry Lemming

Finance Director, Lisa Heglund

Director of Community & Economic Development, Pamela Hirth

City Attorney, Sonni Choi Williams

LTHS Intern, Andrew Smigelski

Press Present: Cathy Wilker, LCTV

John Maholy, Lockport Legend

Mayor’s Report

Liaison’s Reports:

1. Alderwoman, Renee Saban, provided an update on Lockport Live. Meetings have taken place, and a plan is in-process with the combined efforts of the Chamber, MainStreet and the City. The result will provide additional lighting, and signs for traffic and parking.

2. Alderman, Jim Petrakos, provided an update from the Plan & Zoning projects. The Development Code updates have been completed. The Building Code will be reviewed and completed next.

3. Alderwoman Perretta, informed the Council of upcoming activities and event throughout Lockport. Lots of events happening in the coming weeks:

a. 2/24: St. Dennis Casino night fundraiser

b. 2/10: Lions Club Spaghetti Dinner

c. 3/3: Taft School – fundraiser

4. Mayor Streit informed the Council that the Roxy will be hosting their grand-opening on Wednesday, February 21, 5-8 pm.

Staff Reports

Position Vacancy/Part-time position of Community Service Officer-

Chief of Police, Terry Lemming, and City Administrator, Ben Benson, presented details about two positions, one of which was vacated by a recent graduate. Seeking approval to post for a community service officer position.

Action: Add to Consent Agenda for February 21 City Council meeting.

Position Vacancy/Utility Billing Clerk-

City Administrator, Ben Benson, presented details about the need to post for a role that would report to the Finance Director. Seeking approval to post for a utility billing clerk position.

Action: Add to Consent Agenda for February 21 City Council meeting.

Reappointments to Committees-

City Administrator, Ben Benson, presented details about extensions to committee appointments for Lisa Heglund, to the Police Pension Board, and John “Jack” Miller, as Police Commissioner. Seeking approval to extend both terms to April, 2020.

Action: Add to Consent Agenda for February 21 City Council meeting.

CIP – Expansion of Capital Improvement Plan-

City Administrator, Ben Benson, presented the funding options on the 10-year project for water and roadway improvements. Review and edit of cost escalators. By combining projects and adding efficiencies, introduces a net savings of over $4M. Recommending 5 cent gas tax over the 10 year period, and a water rate increase.

Finance Director, Lisa Heglund, shared the report on municipal comparisons on funding sources and quantifying revenue options. The presentation included calculations and projections of the recommended surcharges.

Mayor Steve Streit address the Council. The plan, as presented in the Staff Report, addresses the CIP A list items. Any revenue from funding sources will not address any CIP B list items. All these options are presented are necessary for the City to obtain a bond to cover the City project expenses.

A discussion among the Council ensued. The Council discussed the mechanics of obtaining a bond, and how bonds are leveraged to fund projects, and the potential impact of changes in Federal funding, iDOT grants. Discussion on potential future ordinance to capture benefit from diesel fuel sales. The Council discussed the possibility of pursuing the plan, as presented by Staff, for now, and in the future revisit additional funding sources if needed.

Action: At the recommendation of Council, Staff will present a modified CIP Funding plan at the February 21 Committee of the Whole Meeting.

Vehicle Purchase/Resolution No. 18-006-

Chief of Police, Terry Lemming, presented request for authorization to purchase two regular, non-police Taurus vehicles. Several bids were reviewed. Low bid has been presented for approval by Council.