City of Lockport Committee of the Whole met August 7

By Kristine Gonzales-Abella

Oct 15, 2019

City of Lockport Committee of the Whole met Aug. 7.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

PLEDGE TO THE FLAG – Mayor, Steve Streit

INVOCATION – Steve Bednarcik, Police Chaplain

ROLL CALL

PRESENT: Mayor, Steven Streit

Alderwoman, Renee Saban

Alderman, Larry Schreiber

Alderwoman, Christina Bergbower

Alderman, Mark R. Lobes

Alderman, Darren Deskin

Alderwoman, Joanne Bartelsen

Alderwoman, Catherine Perretta

ABSENT: Alderman, JR Gillogly

ALSO PRESENT: City Administrator, Ben Benson

City Attorney, Sonni Choi Williams

City Clerk, Kathy Gentile

Finance Director, Lisa Heglund

Deputy Chief, Richard Harang

Assistant to the City Administrator, Amanda Pazdan

PRESS PRESENT: Cathy Wilker, LCTV

Sarwat Ahman, Free Lance Reporter, Joliet Herald News

Jessie Malloy – Lockport Legend

LIAISON REPORTS:

1. Bartelsen: August 21 Beautification Awards – Submit nominations now. Up to 4 pictures, of businesses or homes.

2. Deskin: Most of the major construction in the City has been completed, before school started

3. Perretta: Successful 11th annual National Night Out on 8/6. Great turnout. Attendance was the largest than any prior year. 43 vendors, many of which provided raffle prizes.

ITEMS RECOMMENDED TO BE PLACED ON THE AGENDA FOR CONSENT OR ACTION AT THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING

CA-1. Bicycle Master Plan Status Update, JSD Professional Services Inc.

City Administrator, Ben Benson, introduced Lori Vierow, JSD professional services, who presented a preview of the Bike Master Plan Status. The City’s current plan was created in 2003. It is a solid plan, but with the changes thru the City, JSD is evaluating updates. Formal adoption scheduled for October 16.

DIRECTION: Information Only

CA-2. Agreement with BE SURE INC. for Law Enforcement Consultant Services in Lockport Schools and Throughout the Community via Lockport PD

City Administrator, Ben Benson, introduced Rich Wystocki, police officer for 30 years, and a member of the Auxiliary. CA-2 is a proposal to contract with Rich Wystocki and his company for speaking engagements, intended to ensure public safety and fight cybercrime. A grant will cover the cost of the speaking engagements. Rich Wystocki was present, and addressed the Council with additional details about the value and benefit of the speaking engagements, and raising awareness about cybercrime. JuvenileJustice.org is another site that helps raise awareness as well as providing a resource for Juvenile justice officers to educate kids and parents, on many topics including vaping, dabbing, and other topics.

DIRECTION: Add as an Action Item at the August 19 City Council Meeting.

CA-3. Bicycle Rental Station License Agreement with Canal Corridor Association Through its Contractor Zagster

City Administrator, Ben Benson, provided the Staff report on the Bicycle Rental Station. The system is operated by Zagster, a contractor of Canal Corridor Association. The Canal Corridor Association is a 501(c )3 organization. There is a grant available, which does require a match. The Lockport Women’s Club has generously offered to donate the match of $10,000 to cover a 2 year program. The proposed location is along the canal by Public Landing. Seeking consent on the agreement with Zagster. The City can finalize the location. The volume of activity will determine the future of the program after the initial 2 year pilot. Any users of the bicycles would be required to register, and pay $2.50 per hour. 5 bikes will be provided initially. Other municipalities include Morris, Channahon, LaSalle, and Utica. Discussion among the Council ensued related to the location of the bike rack.