City of Lockport Committee of the Whole met Feb. 1.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
REGULAR MEETING of the Committee of the Whole of the City of Lockport, Illinois was held on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 in the Board Room, 3rd Floor, of the Central Square Building, 222 E. Ninth Street, Lockport, Illinois. Mayor Steve Streit called the Meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
INVOCATION – Pastor Lou Wold, Cross Point Church
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Mayor, Steve Streit
Alderwoman, Renee Saban
Alderwoman, Joanne Bartelsen
Alderwoman, Christine Bergbower
Alderman, JR Gillogly
Alderman, Patrick McDonald
Alderman, Matt Kairis
Alderwoman, Karen Kostecki
ABSENT: Alderman, Mark Lobes
ALSO PRESENT: City Clerk, Kathy Gentile
City Administrator, Ben Benson
City Attorney, Sonni Choi Williams
Director of Public Works, Brent Cann
Director of Community & Economic Development, Lance Thies
Chief of Police, Richard Harang
PRESS: Cathy Wilker, LCTV
LIAISON’S REPORT
1. Bartelsen – Beautification Awards Incentives – seeking nominations for neighbors for recognition for seasonal and holiday yard decorations. For future contests, there will be 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prices, each with a monetary award. The Beautification Committee will conduct the judging.
2. Benson – IL171 and New Avenue Phase 1 Study – Open House Public Meeting – March 2, 4-6 pm, Lockport City Hall
MAYOR’S REPORT
1. Streit – provided an update to Council regarding the world’s largest hockey stick and the friendly competition with Canada, who currently owns the title of the largest hockey stick
ITEMS RECOMMENDED TO BE PLACED ON THE AGENDA FOR CONSENT OR ACTION AT THE NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CA-1. Acceptance and Approval of an Agreement for Rail Road Crossing Lease with BNSF at the Star Innovation District (Chevron) Business Park
Ben Benson, City Administrator, presented the Staff report for the agreement for the lease with BNSF. Seeking approval for the resolution to approve the agreement. The crossing is in a fenced-in area, on private property. The cost is approximately $7,000 over a 25 year term. This improvement will provide a step forward for Lockport to obtain a quiet zone. Obtaining quiet zone designation requires Federal approval. By the end of this week, the City should receive bids for maintenance work to be done on the crossing.
DIRECTION: Add as an Action Item to the Agenda for the February 15 City Council Meeting
PW-1. An Intergovernmental Agreement Between Lockport Township Road District, Homer Township Road District and the City of Lockport for Cost Sharing on Improvements to the Smith Road Bridge Over Long Run Creek
Ben Benson, City Administrator, presented the Staff report on the IGA with Lockport Township Road District and Homer Township Road District. The bridge on Smith Road has been downgraded, which prevents trucks and large vehicles from being able to safely cross over the bridge. Due to the safety concerns, recommending a 3 party, 80/20 cost sharing project, which would result in a cost of $175,000 for each party.
Discussion among the Council ensued regarding the Road and Bridge fund.
DIRECTION: Add to the Consent Agenda for the February 15 City Council Meeting NEW BUSINESS
1. Kairis – requested an update on the Bettenhausen project. Director of Community & Economic Director, Lance Thies, provided the update, and that the project is expected to be completed by early 2024.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION TO ADJOURN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING, AT 7:17 pm. MOTION BY BARTELSEN, SECONDED BY SABAN. MOTION PASSED BY VOICE VOTE.
https://lockport.granicus.com/DocumentViewer.php?file=lockport_ee0c2e1ddb2858e27f6db9c60975d97c.pdf&view=1
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