City Council - Regular Meeting

Oh, thank you. Thank you for coming.

Appreciate it.

I'm glad to be here. What was your name again? Ann Kafer. Ann Kafer.

Thank you for being here.

I really appreciate it.

I'll get you right after we do payroll and everything. Our first item there under that. Why you ain't kidding on these updates? Jen, you talked to Pat today by chance.

He sent me an email a little bit ago about something else, but he didn't say it was going to be on or anything.

All right, everybody, I got 6pm. But there are attorney pull into the parking lot yet. Give him just a minute or two. I'm going to call them real quick just to make sure that. pat had a small emergency to attend to uh he is on his way he's actually just at the corner though so but it did delay him so well everybody's okay with waiting a couple minutes more is everybody good with that okay if you should give him a police escort into town or something like that

Okay.

All right, everybody. I think we're going to get started. I'd like to start the Oglesby City Council meeting. Roll call, please.

Baldrige. Here. Cullinan.

Here.

McDermott. Here. Moyle. Here. Curran.

Here. Please stand for the pledges. Okay. Mayor's report. A couple of regular items. First one is I just want to thank Austin. Central State had their kind of opening ceremonies there, and I had a family obligation this weekend, so Austin stepped up to represent the city of Oglesby, and I'm told he didn't duff a pitch into the dirt, so excellent. Thank you for that. That being on the same lines, Illinois Valley Baseball League's both Senior League and Junior League. They're both doing fantastic. Matter of fact, I'm told that Senior League had an extremely late night last night, defeating like a four-time champion that has given us problems in the past. Their next game is tomorrow at 2 p.m. And Junior League, believe it or not, is still going as well, and they are playing right now. So if you happen to be watching this at home and you're in Oglesby, I would recommend – You can always watch this later. I'd go down and check out the field at Oglesby and support our boys. The other two things, I kind of want to just make a brief mention. I've already talked about it publicly, but it wasn't in an official capacity. IVRD, for those that might have picked up what the news was talking about, Illinois Valley Regional Dispatch. There was this whole thing with Mendota's possibly considering leaving IVRD. There was a discussion in front of the county board. I want to thank John Duncan for speaking on behalf of IVRD. I think he did a great job. Some of the things he talked about. One of the things I had a conversation with Sheriff Dis was he actually offered Oglesby a similar deal. We didn't get as far as talking about numbers or anything, but he offered to be able to absorb Oglesby in those services as well. So I am extremely appreciative of Sheriff Dis to be able to do that. I think it opens up a bigger conversation that we talked about at the at the county board that I mean we went from nine PSAP centers down to three and every all these communities are saving an incredible amount of money maybe there's something more that can be further consolidation I don't know if we'll ever get down to one but maybe it's two or maybe there's a primary and a secondary if there's more ways to make more savings I think it's a worthwhile cause so I look forward to engaging in those discussions The last thing that happened at the thing there was the solar field next to the radio station came up as a topic. It did lose. I should say it got voted down. But I will say, without going into too many details, the main reason it passed at the At the zoning board is because a lot of the zoning board people realize that if if it meets the state's requirements The state's going to approve it regardless So I know that probably a lot of the board members were voting off of because they know the constituents weren't necessarily happy about it So I don't know how I'm just saying I don't think that one's probably a done deal yet We as the city we kind of remain neutral on it We know we don't have a dog in the fight, but just want to make everybody aware. So that being said I Before we move on to tonight's agenda, I want to set the stage for a couple discussions we're going to have. Tonight is probably going to be uncomfortable. I don't particularly enjoy having these conversations, but there are times when avoiding them only makes underlying problems worse, and they have been avoided for far too long. I wish we could do it all tonight and talk about some other major roadblocks that have come up with economic development, but unfortunately, one simply isn't ready yet. So that will be a large revelation at a future meeting, of which I'm hoping will be very, very soon. My responsibility isn't simply to preside over meetings. It's to make sure the public understands where the city stands, what challenges we're facing, and what decisions need to be made to keep the city government functioning. Tonight, you'll hear about staffing shortages, delayed services, and operational challenges that affect residents, services, businesses, and future development. I want to be clear about something. The focus of these discussions need to be about restoring the city's ability to serve the people who elected all of us. It may appear to be personal just because of the differences on opinion, but I can guarantee you, at least from my perspective, it will be about trying to get city services restored and functioning again by bringing these details into the public space. I myself am not immune to the frustration of dealing with differences of opinion. In fact, this is why I typed this out ahead of time, because the topic has gone on for so long, when I thought about what I'd say tonight, frequently swear words would come to my mind and I really need to avoid that. I do have great fear that at some point I'll likely lose that composure, but for tonight I'm going to stick with what I wrote to get my points out. So tonight I'm going to rely on documentation, timelines, actions taken, and facts. Residents deserve transparency and they deserve to understand not only what decisions are being made, but also the consequences when essential positions remain vacant through inaction. Every member of this council has the authority to agree or disagree with a recommendation. That is how representative government works. But every one of us also took the same oath of office. None of us took an oath to agree with each other. None of us took an oath to support every recommendation. We took an oath to faithfully perform the duties of the offices we were elected to serve. To me, faithfully performing those duties means that if one solution isn't acceptable, then we have a responsibility to work together to find another. My hope is that tonight we focus less on what we disagree about and more how we can move the city forward. That's all I have.

Okay.

Next item is number five, public comment on agenda items only.

Okay. I'm gonna walk right into what you just said. Good evening, I'm Kathy Noblock. Is this on, can you hear me?

Is it pulled forward to you? There's a little button, there's a little button. Okay.

Can you hear me?

Yes, ma'am. Because this is an issue I care about, I'm gonna read my prepared comments and questions so I can remain focused, respectful, and clear.

Thank you.

I'm here tonight regarding the zoning administrator position. Earlier this year, back in January, February, this committee discussed the importance of filling this position, identified it as a priority. Six months later, you finally went out for applications. You received what appears to be a very qualified candidate. In fact, the city has leaned on this individual for guidance and his expertise for the last three years. Zoning isn't about creating unnecessary regulations. It's about protecting property values, encouraging responsible development, attracting new businesses, and ensuring our community continues to grow in a thoughtful and orderly way. Without zoning, the quality and the appearance of our city can decline over time. At the last meeting and many other meetings, and one tonight, the word transparency was mentioned many times. Transparency isn't just talking about it. It's being willing to explain your decisions to the people you represent. That's why I'm here tonight. I believe the residents of Oglesby deserve to understand the reasoning behind decisions involved in positions that the city itself identified as a priority. For those who voted against hiring the candidate, could you please explain your reasoning? But before we go there, I want to point out strong leadership means surrounding yourself with qualified professionals who know their jobs and can help the city succeed. Hiring capable people doesn't diminish your elected positions. It strengthens your organization and reflects well on leadership making those decisions. With that said, I want to ask each one of you why and explain to me why you voted no to hire this individual. And I'm gonna start with you, Greg, because that is basically your department. Yes.

So you're aware, just so you're aware, it is public comment, not public Q&A. So if they want to respond, they can, but nobody's required to see your way.

Would you like to respond?

If I may, yes. My reasoning was because the ordinance for the administrator, the zoning administrator needs to be clarified in detail what the job pertains to. Which it is not.

Okay.

And even today, that's not been done. The questions I've asked, the statements I've made, have received zero.

And who are these questions meant to?

Huh?

Who are you referring to? The city council itself?

The ordinance? The ordinance is what I was pertaining to. I asked for certain clarification and never got it. I asked for certain things to be put in. Never got anything back. And that's the truth.

Rich, is there a reason why you voted no?

I have no comment at this time. Thank you.

I feel like we need to really watch how many people we're hiring in the city in all aspects we have a lot of infrastructure concerns our streets we if we would have been responsible maybe in the past we would have had more money for the wastewater treatment plant I believe we have people capable to do the job that already are on the staff

well I voted in favor of Jim so the one thing that I will note though is this council back in 2025 did vote specifically on the language of the zoning administrator ordinance that exists now that Commissioner McDermott takes exception to I guess my question would be Commissioner McDermott Did you vote no on that, or did you vote yes on that? And if you voted yes on it, why did you vote yes on it if you have such a problem with the wording?

This is public comment. This is public comment, and I think I answered my question to her.

I think it's a fair question.

Yep. Let's save that for the- But I'll answer that later if you'd like. Yep. No, no. We'll save that for the discussion item. Okay.

Well, my final comment is that it's disappointing to say this, but from what residents have witnessed at these meetings, it often appears that personal disagreements in politics are getting in the way moving Oglesby forward. The people of Oglesby elected you to work together. We need leaders who are willing to put the city's best interests ahead of personal differences and focus on growth, progress, and making Oglesby a better place to live and do business.

Thank you, ma'am. Thank you, Kathy. Thank you. Are there any other public comments on agenda items only? Seeing that there's none, we'll move on. Number six, approval of minutes from the, I think there was a minor error here, approval of minutes from the July 6th, 2026 regular meeting. If there's no additions or corrections, can I get a motion to approve the minutes?

I will motion that we approve the minutes from the July 6th, 2026 regular meeting.

I'll second.

Roll call, please.

Baldrige.

Aye.

Cullinan. Aye. McDermott.

Aye.

Moyle? Aye. Curran?

Aye. Number seven, approve bills presented for payment in the amount of $664,771.02. If there's no additions, corrections, or modifications to the bills, can I get a motion to pay the bills?

I will motion we approve bills presented for payment in the amount of $664,771.02.

second roll call please Baldrige Cullinan aye McDermott aye Moyle aye Curran aye number eight approved payroll for eighty six thousand eight hundred and eighty six dollars and ten cents if there's no additions corrections or modifications of the payroll can I get a motion for payment I will motion that we approve payroll in the amount of eighty six thousand eight hundred eighty six dollars and ten cents

I'll second that motion. Roll call, please.

Baldrige? Aye. Cullinan?

Aye.

McDermott?

Aye.

Moyle? Aye. Curran?

Aye. Number nine, old business. A, Hope Week report. Curran, I believe we have Ann Kafer here. Thank you much for everything that you guys do, and she wanted to come and kind of give us a report on all the wonderful things, so please.

Yes, thank you very much for having me. I pass around a printed report. Hope Week has been going on for 11 years, not only in LaSalle County, but now into Bureau and Putnam Counties. And it is a group of Christians from multiple churches, including the one next door, who come together every year and do improvement projects within communities, and Oglesby has been a cornerstone community for us. My husband and I moved to this area three years ago. We are just west of town. We have a Peru address, but I identify as an Oglesbyanian. So we love the town of Oglesby and so it's my personal pleasure to be involved with your parks district folks and working through what we can do to help improve the quality of the community largely through improvement projects in the parks. This year Hope Week was the first full week of June and if you recall the first full week of June it was not a lot of fun. It rained every day. and we were in Oglesby on June 10th and had a major storm roll in that evening. So we did accomplish the painting of 16 picnic tables from a variety of different park facilities, but we were unable to get back to McFedren Park, which we've done in the past. going to do the dock out there but we had to postpone that so that'll be on our list for next year but one of the things that i wanted to say is just a big thank you to the town the city the city has been very supportive of our efforts and willing to work with us as we're wanting to just cooperate and and make the communities better make the illinois valley a place that people not only want to come to but they want to live and raise their families we believe it all makes a difference And so I would also say that while we have McPhedron on the docket for next year to go back to, I would challenge you to think about any other improvement projects that might be of interest to you. We can muster up to 100 people on an evening or a morning for a physical labor project that could be anything from painting to landscaping. We also have a variety of folks that are very skilled laborers. And so if there's something that's coming down the path that you might know of, we would love to start having that conversation early. Hope Week in 2027 will be June six through 12. And we are targeting that first day, the sixth, which is a Sunday to really do our big projects both in LaSalle, Peru and Oglesby. We consider that the cornerstone of what we're working on. So if there's something that might be coming down the path that we can help with, we're here to do it. So thank you.

Ann, I can't thank you enough. I do have one thing I just want to ask. So I did not participate this year, but last year I was there. I remember last year. And Cameron wanted to point out something. He said Oglesby is really known for the amount of staples we like to put into our picnic tables.

You're like four times the number of staples that we find in any other.

Has that gotten any better?

No.

We will, ma'am, we will struggle to see if we can improve that because we do appreciate the work.

Well, so as you know, as you know, firsthand, when we paint picnic tables, it doesn't just mean slap on a coat of paint. It means pull all those staples, sand them down and do it right. We're thrilled to do that. But again, anything that else that might be coming down the path, we would love to engage with you on going forward.

Thank you so much. It's such a wonderful program to get people engaged throughout the community and the region. I think it's fantastic.

It was 5,400 hours of service that was put in in seven days, all volunteer labor. Fantastic. Thank you so much.

Awesome. Thank you.

Ma'am, ma'am, will you spell your last name for me?

Anybody else have any other comments on anything?

Okay, thank you. Okay.

all right b discussion and possible action on fy 2027 b appropriation ordinance number one three one four dash zero seven two zero two six covenant okay so uh there's two appropriations things listed or uh in front of you there's the actual an actual copy of the ordinance itself with the accompanying addendum And then there is the actual like worksheet that lists all of the revenues and all of the expenditures so I I believe that there were some requests for modifications to the appropriation amounts at the last meeting Jen to my knowledge has included those in this appropriations and and so that's reflected in there this probably this is not the exact same thing as you would have in your drive the appropriated amounts for fiscal year 27 are but there were just a few formatting things that Jen and I today worked up on cleaning up cleaning up with last year's fiscal year amounts which aren't listed in the actual appropriations ordinance but I'm talking about the worksheet here we cleaned up a few things there we clean up a few things on the cover page and so those numbers might look different there but you do have the appropriations in front of you with the appropriations I guess there's some rep like I was looking through here and there's some revenues in here but you said that we don't have to list the revenues in here we just have to list the appropriated amounts

No, revenue should all be in there, too.

I don't think all the revenues are in there.

No.

Okay. Yeah. Okay. Yeah. So, okay. Yeah, the expenditures are all in here. So the only thing that I did before the meeting, I got a text message from Becky. I did have Becky review it. And she did say something to the effect of the transfers, every transfer that we're making, you have to list the transfer, the account it's going out of as an expenditure. But she advised us not to list the transfer in as revenue. And so the transfers in are listed as revenue. And so I don't know if that's a legal thing or an accounting thing or whatever, but, I mean, if –

you know I guess that's something I suppose could be and so I mean I suppose we could probably make a motion to accept it with a condition that that be separated There's a few yeah so It would be

So debt service has a transfer of $170,000 coming in from the electric department. Let's see what else we got. Sewer has a transfer in of $600,000. I think there might have been one or two more. I don't remember off the top of my head.

I would suggest you, are they not listed in the appropriation ordinance? no they well so if they're listed as an expenditure they'd be listed in the appropriations ordinance but I don't believe all the revenues are included in here we're only focusing on expenditures in the appropriation ordinance if there you could make a motion to approve the appropriation ordinance

just divorce them yeah okay yeah that was the the big thing that she had noted was a was a concern of mine and then also just on the this is just again one of the things that we ended up fixing today on the sheet itself the front page of the appropriations ordinance the appropriations summary it says eight point five million dollars to the wastewater treatment plant it's actually seven point five million dollars so I don't think that I think we didn't update this here yeah so I think that's the issue so those would be the two things the two modifications that I would ask to make on it otherwise I think we're fine

everything in my department i've worked closely with jen to get updated and everything looks right to me and for my departments well um i would suggest before we approve something that we update it and get everything kosher before we actually approve it because so many times we approve something and never does get updated or back

The only comment I would have to that, Matt, is this has to be approved by the end of this month. So if you don't approve it at tonight's meeting, you're going to have to have a special meeting between now and the end of the month to approve it with the changes. Austin pointed out one change on... yes the the fund breakdown has it a 7.5 so just to match that those would be the two concerns that I would have Rich do you have anything

What's what section are you talking about Yeah

um okay the only comments I have on it obviously the numbers look significantly larger because we have wastewater treatment things being in here which is kind of throws things off it makes us look way larger than we really are um I do want to appreciate the uh the updates that we got in there with uh summer fun test I know that's been an area of contention of discussion uh for the city so I granted I do think that there's probably more work that can be done in that area breaking them out even to even more uh More events, but I think at least getting the fun fest one in there. That was the big concern I think this is a great starting point and you know fun fest is doing well for the last 30 years in the city This is the first time we've actually ever put it into the appropriations ordinance specifically. So I think it's a great thing going forward Okay, I guess open discussion. Is there anything else you want to need to make a modification for for anything? Those are the two concerns I would have so I I was going to say, Pat, just to kind of pay respect to what McDermott has concerns about, do you have any concerns about us making an approval with those changes on hand, or do you believe this warrants anything with a special meeting?

No.

The only other suggestion was that we was that we just list the change in balance on each of the accounts which were on last year's but I don't know if that's a strictly necessary thing for us to do. You wanted to list the change in balance from She said.

We're talking about how the information is presented.

No, no, a change in net position was the other suggestion, but I don't know if that's a strictly necessary thing either. It is not necessary. Yeah, okay.

It might be handy, but it's not necessary.

So I think those two things would be. Well, we've talked about in the past that, you know, having a working budget that we go off of so that way everybody just like what rich says you know even though what we're appropriated for that doesn't mean what we're going to spend necessarily i think those are all important things but for today i think it's about finding out what we legally are required to to not miss any steps dot rts across our eyes all that kind of stuff like that i say that t's across eyes wow okay anybody have anything else to add there's a thing in here for building maintenance contractual services for thirty thousand dollars I've got page numbers on my version, unless you're talking in actual ordinance.

It's the third page. Yeah, it's the one, two, three, four.

I think it's also an administration too is that just like for example if we have a plumbing issue we call John's what did we have appropriated and what we actually spent last year $5,000 I'm surprised I didn't flag that one then I looked for things that were big spikes.

Oh, I see what you're saying.

Okay. That's what we spent? We spent a little over $5,000. We appropriated $5,000. We spent $5,079.

And we appropriated $30,000.

appropriated 30 for this year but again i don't know i don't know why that number was appropriate but you don't have to spend it so was something moved from another one i know that the laws of the bottom line doesn't necessarily change steve wrote things down on the worksheet that there would be some improvements that need to be made to the outdoor that he's anticipating yeah yeah that's what i'm saying that's probably why it's higher i think that's absolutely reasonable okay that's a good question there had to be some reason to jump from five to three yeah

Right. I'm glad we got that question answered. Then any, any other things like that? Any other concerns that need to be addressed or if not, if somebody wants to make the motion with whatever modifications?

I'll make a motion that we approve ordinance number 1314-072026, an appropriation ordinance for the city of Oglesby for the fiscal year beginning May 1st, 2026 and ending April 30th, 2027, contingent on a separation of transfer ends from revenue and also modifying the wastewater treatment plant item on the summary page to $7.5 million.

I'll second that I don't want to interrupt him while he's writing it out I would never have the memory hey good thing it's recorded yeah I would never you couldn't read a 20-word sentence to me and then me try to write that down I don't think I've ever seen you write one that long before. Any concerns with that? No. Does that seem clean enough? Okay, perfect. Roll call, please.

Baldrige?

Aye.

Cullinan?

Aye.

McDermott? Aye. Moyle? Aye. Curran?

Aye. C, discussion and possible action on zoning administrator, Curran. Okay. I can tell that this might be a contentious topic, so I'll just remind everybody let's try to be as respectful as we can. um i'll start off uh i need to explain why this item is before us tonight and how we got here for those that don't know we've operated without a permanent zoning administrator for approximately 10 months during that time we've been fortunate jim kleinert generously shared his professional expertise to help us through the transition patty uppercrout and aaron quick part of our staff here also took on responsibilities that were never intended to become permanent parts of their jobs. But with Jim's assistance and the building inspector kind of expanding his role, they've been able to kind of limp along the last 10 months. I'd like to publicly thank all of them. Their willingness to step up allowed city business to continue. We have been talking about this zoning administrator thing for months now. And at the last meeting, it came to a head. Unfortunately, the audio wasn't working after closed session, so most of the public isn't aware of what transpired. So I will elaborate on what got us there and what occurred. In our discussions the past few months on zoning administrator, we looked at several options and two people that could perform the duties. The council didn't like the cost of one of the options, which I concurred was a concern compared to our costs in the past. The other option was the one I thought we should have taken all along. The individual I nominated helped draft our land development code, previously served the city in a professional engineering capacity for decades, was willing to assist at a rate significantly below his normal professional billing rate, and quite frankly, there is no one else on the planet that has more knowledge about our zoning, land development, and building codes. I think everyone would agree that this is one heck of a good fiscally responsible option for such a skill set to have access to. However, the council majority rejected that option. The next option I put forth is that we could advertise for the position out in the open with a salary or rate of pay that we need to determine right now. The option was rejected by the majority as well. I then asked, okay, well, if neither of those options are acceptable, I need a recommendation of another option as we can't leave this position vacant continuously. There was no further suggestions, comments, or questions. It'll be important to get back to you in a minute. We then came out into open session and I made the nomination for the position as required by our ordinances for Jim Kleinert to be our next zoning administrator. The vote was three to two with the majority voting it down. I will say two things. One, that is their absolute right to vote that way. And two, Commissioner McDermott took a very long time to cast his vote as if perhaps he was thinking about it deeply before casting the vote. It was only after the meeting concluded that we realized no audio was broadcast. Our apologies. Next day fallout. Jim stated that he was no longer going to be doing favors of helping resolve our zoning issues. I cannot blame him. This then triggered our clerk's office to recognize that without the assistance, it simply won't be possible for them to continue working these many items, which I'll get into in a minute. I'll attach the emails from both of our assistant clerks, which will clearly point out how zoning administration simply takes so much time.

Could you put that up there if you get a chance, please, sir?

um i'll attach the emails from both of our assistant clerks which clearly point out our zoning administration simply takes so much time of the day for those that can't see it i won't read off everything just a few highlights but first so you have an idea of what has ground to a halt right now hopefully

for that to work I'd have to be like I think plugged in I'm honestly not entirely sure how that works no I you just push it I did push it again because why couldn't I have gotten this like three meetings ago when I asked talk about that because we we did talk about this but you're good in that a minute okay so

if you can't read it.

So just a couple things. What do we got going on here? So economic development, we have a KEI training center project. There's a proposed restaurant at the former Two Brothers, two downtown building improvement grant applications, one for a new business, one for an expanding business. the new liquor store, which is working through some issues, other economic opportunities that we can hopefully talk about very soon. Residents, we have numerous building permits going on right now. There's probably more than a dozen plus. There is two short-term rental applications out there. There's property subdivision requests, I believe three of them, and numerous zoning interpretation requests that the zoning administrator usually handles. Every item on the screen is a function of the zoning administrator. So these are not hypothetical situations. These are residents trying to improve their property. These are businesses looking to invest in Oglesby. These are development projects that contribute to our tax base and strengthen our community. Every one of these items requires zoning administration before it can move forward. Why action is needed.

So I'm gonna, should we go to the next one, please?

So this is the email that Patty sent after she realized she just cannot do it anymore. I won't read the whole thing. I was hoping that people would be able to see it. That's unfortunate. So I'll just read a snippet. I cannot dedicate my focus on zoning administration matters without neglecting my primary job duties. Next slide. And the next day, Aaron Quick sent a very similar email. I'll summarize. I was willing to help bridge the gap between administrators, but because it seems as though this job is not important enough to fill, I cannot continue to push my other job duties off and dig myself into a deeper hole by putting things to the side. Okay, I then sent out emails to the council clarifying that this problem cannot go unanswered. And I asked the council members who didn't have a counter suggestion to offer me a viable one by the end of the week. The first email went unanswered. The second email I reemphasized the concern and added extra info about a maintenance person of which we will get into a little later tonight. The second email did receive a response. Rather than characterize that response myself, I'd rather simply read the relevant portion and then show you the emails and its wording. I think it's important that everyone have the opportunity to judge it based on the actual words rather than my opinion. If you could put the next one up. This is what Hillary sent out as a response. It says this, remove me from this thread. I am setting a boundary, and I do not know where you think you can order me to do anything, nor do I know where you get permission to speak to me in this way. So I thought it would be important to show my actual emails that I sent. And I'll even read, I know it's long, but I read it because I didn't want someone to think that I was trying to take out any negative language I might have had. So I'll read that highlight. The majority did not like my solution, which is your right. But when asked about an alternate solution, had there was no interest in that either also none were offered back that is not acceptable I find it completely unacceptable to not select the viable cost-effective solution that was presented but have zero other plan to execute or at least offer it when the absolute need for the prosperity of the city so I tasked each of you to come up with you three to come up with a solution that is viable that you would entertain in pursuing I am willing to accept alternative methods and But having processes grind to a halt in the city that further develops Oglesby is unacceptable. Also, sticking your head in the sand is unacceptable. This will be the highest level of open discussion at our next council meeting if I don't hear an offered suggestion. Please make some time and offer me a solution you would be willing to entertain by the end of the week. actually scratch out the please this has gone too long the connecting point fiasco last night was an embarrassment and a travesty jim is no longer willing to do favors for the clerk's office of which that has limped us along for a while now to get things done there are residents that have requests that require a zoning administrator via processes in our land development code and those residents are going to be hurting if they can't get expectations met i remind you that you have an obligation to them to resolve these kinds of things as an elected official

So the strongest words I had there is when I said probably scratch out the please. Next one, please.

This is the second one I filled out because I found out there was something with the maintenance one as well. I won't go into that detail, but this should be the highest priority for the council, outside of whatever departmental duties you are doing, of course. But as are council duties, it is a pressing need to be resolved. I don't have a good answer to give her. This is in referring to... Erin asking what she's supposed to do with these things to process, because they simply could not get a majority to decide on the first suggested option, the second suggested option, or even offer a third option. There are an incredible number of things happening in the city that are piling up, in addition to all the residential building permits. a little bit later so same as before if you have a suggested means to resolve these situations please send them to me by the end of the week otherwise we are going to have to discuss all these items in the public to get a resolution on them i will no longer stand by and allow city services to continue to deteriorate due to lack of council action because i know it's not for lack of people making the attempt so um where'd i put my stuff at okay so i'm not going to try to put words in people's mouths You can read what they said. Believe me, I have to read from a script, because otherwise my background, my military background, will get too angry and say some crazy stuff. So I'll just simply make these three observations. First, commissioners are independently elected officials, and they absolutely make their own decision. Nothing in my emails directed anyone how to vote or what position to take. Second, asking elected officials to help identify a workable solution after a proposal has been rejected is not an order. I believe it's a reasonable expectation of any governing body. And I would challenge any council in America for a mayor not to engage this council that way. Third, as an elected official, you have no right to demand how people speak to you. I'd encourage everyone to compare the email I sent with the response that was received. I don't think it was disrespectful in any way. They just didn't want to hear it. I'll let each person decide for themselves whether that request was unreasonable and what they think is really going on with a response like that claiming that they were spoken to poorly. Also, last thing I will say, and perhaps this can be a good thing, that we can get a resolution tonight. After the blowback from all of this, I was told Commissioner McDermott was approached about not voting to appoint Jim Kleinert. Now, because I don't know if he said this or not, and it's only secondhand, I can't really say that somebody's fibbing. but i had heard this response was that he didn't vote no he just didn't vote yes because he had some unanswered questions as i stated earlier there was no outstanding questions on anything there was no other recommendations or further actions even put forth and three when i heard this i had reached out to commissioner mcdermott twice to see if i could follow up on anything that he may have had question or concern on i have not received that return call yet Granted, you did say something to me. In all fairness, I typed this before. You said something to me right before the meeting today. I also sent you an email. So as I said earlier.

When you make a statement like that, you need to let the person reply. You will have your opportunity. I better have it. Great. You've been talking for how long?

So I said earlier, maybe this is a good thing. And he had some questions if he is still seeking answers on. And since two weeks have gone by, maybe he has answered those questions by now and is ready to actually cast a vote, especially since no one had a chance to hear the last meeting. And I'd be happy to put the nomination again. Lastly, and this is what he was talking about, I have seen some correspondence that they believe a few items should be modified in the zoning administrator ordinance that limits the person's authority to enter properties and on other things. I will say I have absolutely no problem revisiting that conversation if there is a way that we can adjust that going forward. In fact, I think that is a good topic for a future working meeting. but we simply can't leave the position vacant in the meantime. My two cents, fill it now, keep city services moving, modify any existing problems with it going forward. That is all I have.

Austin, will I move again?

It won't get done.

Yeah, so I also believe the candidate that was nominated at the last meeting, Jim Kleinert, is is overqualified for the position and would be a major asset to the city. And I thank Jim for the work that he's done in an unofficial capacity to this point. And frankly, I don't blame him with the vote going the way that it did if he no longer wants to assist us. But it does put us in a very kind of precarious situation. I will put up on the screen for everybody the language of the zoning administrator ordinance, which I want to note was voted on by this council, which I was not yet a member. It was actually, I think, the meeting that the council voted to add me to the council. I was not yet a member, but everybody else up here was. And so here is a job description, or I guess it's the ordinance that lays out the zoning administrator's job. So it says designation, the zoning administrator shall be designated by the mayor subject to approval of the city council. B, powers and duties. The zoning administrator shall have the following powers and duties. One, to have the initial responsibility and authority for the interpretation and enforcement of the city's land development code and all other applicable ordinances, regulations, and codes. For those of you that are not familiar, I encourage you to go online, type in Oglesby Municode, and go search through our land development ordinances. They are extensive. And they're not necessarily very easy to understand as kind of an amateur. Basically, what we're doing by leaving the position empty is we're effectively pushing off that responsibility to the people who work in the office. And they do a very good job with what they do, but that is asking way too much of them. That is not a simple thing to read. It's not a simple thing to just know off the top of your head, which is why they put in so many calls to Jim. Two, to enter and inspect any premises as needed in the performance of these duties. So this was one of the issues that Commissioner McDermott has voiced some concern about with the ordinance. However, there is a point that I'd like to make here. which is if you go back to the minutes for the meeting where this ordinance was approved, a motion was made by Stefanelli seconded by McDermott to approve ordinance number 1280-021825, which adds the position of zoning administrator to Chapter 2 of the Municipal Code. Stefanelli said this was the final cleanup item for the city's building department, leaving his successor with a clean slate. Ha, ha, ha, ha. Eyes, Baldrige, Moyle, McDermott, Stefanelli, Curran. So what I will do, I don't yield. I'm not done, but I will yield to Commissioner McDermott. My question for Commissioner McDermott is, Commissioner McDermott, if you have a problem with this, why do you vote for it in the first place?

Once again, Austin, we were explained that any modifications would be done at a later date after it was approved. There you go. You understand what I'm just saying? And it never was done.

Regarding this ordinance that you voted on?

Yeah.

I don't think, when you vote on an ordinance, the language is final. That's right. Unless there's a contingent thing like there wasn't the appropriations. Just a little bit before. One at a time. Oh, I like it.

He's not letting me talk. So I'll tell you what. You go ahead.

No, you can finish.

No, you finish.

I did want to yield this time. You did? No, you did yield.

But now you go ahead, because you interrupted. Go ahead.

Okay. Apparently, once again. That's my question. Please, one at a time. Okay, so there's been a number of instances since I've been on the city council where, and this is one of the reasons why people probably think we get nothing done, which is Actually, kind of true. It's because we keep reopening old issues, and we voted on the same ordinances since I've been on the council. There's probably five or so ordinances that we voted on multiple times to change, and it doesn't make any sense. If you don't like it, Don't vote to approve it. And so, especially if it's going to cause issues down the road. Three, going back to the zoning administrator position, to attend all meetings of the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals if requested for the purpose of providing technical assistance when requested by the Commissioner Board. Again, the people in City Hall do a very good job at what they do, clerical duties, but do they have the technical expertise necessary to provide guidance to the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals? No. Four, to review and issue building permits, sign permits and letters of occupancy. This is actually something, as far as the actual processing of paperwork, that at least Patty, I don't remember if it was in Aaron's email, but they said that they will still process stuff, but as far as actually doing the research and stuff like that, it's not happening, and I totally agree with that. Number five, to hear and decide applications for interpretation of the use classifications land development regulations, the land development code, and zoning district boundaries. Again, interpretation of use classifications, land development regulations, and zoning district boundaries. Again, not necessarily something that I think people who are largely doing clerical duties would be super skilled at. And the last thing here, to serve as a member of and call meetings of the development review committee as needed. We're missing, I guess, a member of the Development Review Committee in that case. I don't understand the issue with appointing somebody to the position of zoning administrator, especially when everybody on this council, minus myself, everybody on this council voted to codify the position in city ordinance. And frankly, even if you have some, Even if you have some issues with the verbiage of the ordinance, anybody on this city council, and this is something that, this is actually something, this was a change that was made. Anybody on the city council can direct the city attorney to draft, they can put something on the, they can't direct the attorney, but they can put something on the agenda.

Can ask questions to direct the city.

Ask questions to direct the city attorney to draft an ordinance to change the ordinances. So if Commissioner McDermott has such a problem with this, at any point he could have placed an item on the agenda to modify this language. So there's just really, from what I see, and I will give some credit to Commissioner Moyle here, She did tell me that when we talked the other day about this issue and others, that there were some other people who, I don't know if they approached you or you approached them, who might be interested in the position. And that's fine. I would love to hear their names. But the position at the end of the day It needs to be filled. It is completely unacceptable. It is pure obstruction to leave this position unfilled, especially if you care, well, I mean, I would say if you care about economic development, but I would ultimately say if you care about having a functioning city, it is unacceptable to leave this position unfilled. Now I will say I am done and pass it to Commissioner Weill. Mr.

So do you want me to go to your, I don't know if you want me to jump over because I know, Mac, you wanted to.

Ms.

I'd like to use my chance.

Like I said, well, first of all, to say that I was uncooperative in providing solutions, I'm the one that provided the other solution to your candidate. that you had selected. That was me because I researched what other towns are doing. So it was very insulting to say that I haven't done anything. I've had two people approach me. I encouraged them to reach out to you or write a letter of intent to do. I don't know if they did because you're the person that makes this appointment. It is your responsibility to bring the name up, not mine. And lastly, this continues to happen, and you threaten it in an email all the time. I really dislike this leadership style that you have where you use it to try and shame us publicly because you didn't like the outcome of the vote. It's not fair.

I think that's accurate, but that's okay.

I'm sure there's more. I'm sure we're going to continue to discuss, but that was my initial.

Matt, go ahead, please.

Am I allowed to talk now? It's your time. I'm asking. Is it okay with you, Kurt? It's your time, sir. Austin, is it okay with you? I would love it. Oh, you would? Well, just so you're aware, when we vote on things and we get told that amendments will be applied and they're not, that's what happens. And everybody knew before even Jim's name was brought up why. You all knew it. And it was discussed in the executive session, which brings up a question. We're not supposed to bring up things that are brought up in the executive sessions now, are we? I just feel that it needs to be clarified first, and then we get the person. And don't think that I voted against the person. It was the zoning administration ordinance And I'm sure everybody on this table is aware of that. Thanks a lot, Austin. Go ahead, speak again. Go ahead. You've got all control of this whole board, don't you? Apparently not.

I wish.

Yeah. I'm glad you don't.

In fact, do you have anything else?

I'm done, sir. Thank you. OK, thank you.

Rich.

As Commissioner Moyle stated, I believe it was your duty to bring more names, not passing us with that. You claimed, again, falsely, that nobody gave you any of those. Commissioner Moyle did, for instance, the one that she gave to you, and I also said Brandy Day to which you had not accepted. I didn't even hear it, even though you made the face of it.

okay um all right a couple things i took notes on so taking names um i i don't that was never the issue i don't know anything about taking names i will say there was one more response i didn't mention it uh because it didn't make sense uh commissioner baldridge did do a response on one of the emails where all it said was brandy day in all caps But it was also the same email where I asked about the maintenance person. So I'm looking at this going, well, I know she is painting for a thing. Is he talking about for maintenance? I don't understand. Which made no sense because I'm like, this is what he controls. He'd be able to point that person. So that didn't make sense. But then I'm thinking, Was he referring? Because there was no discussion. Was he referring to? Hold on. This is what I'm talking. You have an opportunity. I'm not lying.

Yeah, you are.

I'm not lying. Yeah, you are. So when you said Brandy Day, I kind of wanted to, because believe me, you didn't mention that name as a person to be, but I kind of wanted to say, can anybody give me one? And again, might be a great person, but can anybody give me one? Normally you'd say, give me three items that make this person better, but give me one thing that would make that person remotely more qualified than Jim Kleiner. It doesn't exist. It doesn't exist. Then I'll respond to shaming because of a vote no. That is not correct. That is not what I'm doing. I'm doing it because there's been plenty of votes that have not gone my way. I'm not been happy about it. It's what it is. That's our form of government. The problem was there is zero follow up and no other option for action. I've offered other solutions. Nobody wanted to do that. Matter of fact,

Because it was my solution.

The solution I offered in there, and I believe we probably have it in the minutes, we'll find out, where I said, OK, if you don't want Jim, then I guess another option would be that we could go out for this position. We'd have to come up with a rate of pay and all that stuff like that. Does anybody want to do that? We'll list something up. We'll put it out for a job application for people. Nothing. I said, okay, well then if nobody wants one of those options, then I need another option. And if you're voting against it, I need an option. This is something that can't not go. That is exactly how that conversation went. And I mean, am I wrong about that? If you're saying I'm wrong, we'll find a way to release these minutes then.

I think you did bring it up. I didn't really take it as you were pulling the council because at this time it was 9 o'clock at night and I'm ready to go home.

It was mighty late. And then the other thing, you make a mention of threat. I don't want to put people's business up there, but this is the second time where you've thrown somebody, tried to throw somebody on the bus that somebody's treated you poorly or something like that. And I'm not going to try to victim shame or whatever, but... I put that up there because I don't think I was threatening in any way, shape, or form. I didn't say anything inappropriate.

I didn't say you were threatening, but you can't order me to do something. You said I take the please off.

I do take the please off because I was mad. But that's what I said. That's why I read that because that was the meanest thing I said. The meanest thing I said was I'm taking out the please.

Give me a break. I think you had it highlighted in green.

Well, that wasn't on the email. I just did that for now.

The guy that wrote the book on leadership . No, he co-wrote it. Thank you, sir.

Can I ask a question? three meetings, what are things that are outstanding? Can someone give us an idea of what they did? Why could we have not received that information?

So the last big question I remember that was asked was they wanted the clerk's office to come up with what are all the functions and the amount of time that it takes? And they put some comprehensive thing together. I thought it ended up being longer than what it really needs to be, but maybe, because somebody like Jim probably doesn't take that amount of time. This guy... knows all the things but with everybody else it takes an incredible amount of time to do stuff so that information came out we did talk about everything that was going on as far as that other list i asked on friday i said hey i need to know the active list of everything that we have going on that is ground to a halt right now because we're going to talk about this so that's where that list came from that was the list we were asking for no you're you're yes you're asking for that and we most 90 of that was probably told to the group no it was not

When I asked you, Jason, do you remember the big fight that was going on about economic development? Is this where you were nose to nose? No, that wasn't nose to nose. You got me at the door there. When I got you at the door. Is that what you're talking about? I got you at the door. Yeah. Okay. Keep running it.

Okay. All right. What's your question?

My question was, you were talking about economic development.

right we don't get to know because it's you I didn't say that I said you don't have you don't necessarily have a right to control that yeah and everybody so and we talk and unfortunately I really do want to talk about economic development at some point that is not what this topic one is believe me I want to talk about that there's an item that is not finished due diligence yet the moment that finishes due diligence believe me I'm putting it on the agenda so we can talk about it um but so when it comes to economic development the people that are in the need to know so generally and that's one of the things that i i responded to hillary on because she says she's usually one of the least actually letters of occupancy state statute says the fire department signs off on that never have been told anything there you go usually it's handled by the zoning administrator so but as far as economic development there's usually that's that's usually the one office that probably has the least to do with uh getting a service in there unlike water sewer electric or zoning codes or something like that that's why some of the other individuals might be brought into certain meetings i can't have a meeting where I have three or four commissioners in a meeting. I can't do this.

I don't want to be in the meeting. Just tell me what's going on in the city.

And you have been getting confidential information as things, for example, there's one in particular that you all know about that as that due diligence completes, I've been telling you what it is. Matter of fact, I didn't say this publicly. They put on there a couple weeks ago economic development. They wanted to talk about it. I asked them kindly to not put that on there because we have to have this other due diligence finished. And they did delay that to take it off. So I do appreciate that. But you're well aware of all those things that are happening with that.

I had never heard of KEI until I brought it up in that room there when you flipped out.

KEI? Yeah. You don't know what K.E. had in Nobilder?

The only thing I did hear about was that we did. That didn't include anyone from the council.

Mack and I were invited. Yeah.

Mack wasn't really invited, no.

He was invited.

We only found out about it. I was found out about it, and I asked if I could be present.

Mack, you're saying you weren't invited when I called you in the morning and asked if you were going to be able to be there at the meeting, and you said, sorry, I can't make it.

Well, beforehand, I was asked if I couldn't go. Then I had an appointment.

Yeah. You were invited. Yeah. Anyways, we're getting off time. Zoning administration. Let's bring her back. So the question is, I stand by with what I said. I still think the right thing to do is we appoint somebody to the position. I have zero problem with modifying. If there's a concern with one of those lines about somebody having access to property, I have no problem with directing Pat to make some modifications, maybe change something that maybe another city has that they think is too open-ended or something like that. There's no problem with that. But what we can't have is services not happening.

because that is what our land development code has in it really confused me was the email that i received that when i went back through there a little bit more i seen that you took credit for being the zoning administrator at that time and said bam yeah approved so what happened was what he's talking about is there in fact we still haven't got an answer on this what pat's what he's referring to is

There is a thing in state statute that says if there is ever an office that's vacant or vacated, that the mayor fills that officer position. So I assumed that that meant I'd have the authority of the zoning administrator if we needed to keep the city moving forward on certain things. That email was before when Pat came out and says, Jason, I don't think that's what that means. Just so you know, I still really want to know what that state statute thing means exactly.

Well, I think it means that you should fill in for the maintenance position and fix the toilet.

I asked for that state statute in executive session. Did I not? And I know I absolutely did. You asked for a state statute?

Oh, yeah, I asked for the one you're talking about.

Okay.

And I never did get it. I asked if I could see it.

All right, so here's what I recommend. We have an option right now to appoint somebody to the position, and then you can make modifications to the code if we need to, but as long as city services continue to move forward. If you don't wanna do that, this is why I'm saying, what is the alternative? And because I have three people here that did not wanna do that, I'm tasking you

however you want to look at that i look at that as an obligation you have as your executive authority what would you like to do because it needs to be resolved i i think jason uh that we've been arguing uh quite a bit back and forth uh for no good purpose here because commissioner mcdermott said he did not vote against the person he uh merely has a concern with the language of the zoning administration and i'd like it clarified before so commissioner mcdermott uh if If we strike number two, which is, I believe, what you had the objection to, to enter and inspect any premises as needed in the performance of these duties, if we strike that from the zoning administrator position, will you vote for Jim Kleiner as zoning administrator? That's a very good one.

Hold on, before we pass that, Pat, can we strike that if it's something that needs to be solved in a thing?

I think you can strike it, but I think there's a way to fix it, which is to say, as authorized by law, they can enter a bill any number of other things so in that case Commissioner McDermott if we did that would you vote for Jim Klein or zoning administrator I've already stated that I feel the

Ordinance needs to be clarified first.

Okay, so if we do that, what Jim just suggested, will you vote yes? Here we go again. It's a yes or no question.

Just like the executive session. I've asked for that state statute. I haven't received it.

First of all, that state statute is completely separate, and our attorney said that he believes it does not give me that authority to take over the zoning administrator. So he's already given me his response.

But I asked for it because in the executive session that was brought up.

That's totally unrelated. I'm asking a yes or no.

It's not totally unrelated.

I just want a yes or no answer to my question. If we were to modify it in that form, yes or no, would you vote for Jim Kleinert as zoning administrator?

I won't vote for anybody for zoning administrator until it's done.

Okay, so you will vote for Jim Kleinert if it's changed.

What does that just say?

Is that yes or no?

I said I will not vote for anybody until the order.

So if it's changed, well, guess what we have on here. We have it as possible action. So I think somebody could make a motion to make that that change. I think technically, we're supposed to have it typed out first, though, and stuff like that.

Well, I have been told I can't do anything for this council without them directing me to do that. Matt keeps talking about

Okay, so how about this what if there's a motion to direct Pat to make the modification to that so it's on the next agenda to approve Right make that motion. That's done Can we then appoint somebody to the position so we don't have all these services ground to a halt? I think that's great That's the question to the council is what i'm saying you cannot stick your i'm i refuse to let people just stick their stick their head in the sand and pretend i'm still saying that we have a capable employees that are going to able i don't feel like we need to keep hiring and hiring and hiring can we renegotiate with burton and offer a stipend instead of an hourly wage see now we're discussing things he came back and encountered what what what he wanted to offer and it's up to us to say i mean you can say encounter again i mean if you want to counter again you could you could do that Okay.

I think there was a significant discrepancy, though.

There was a large difference between what that cost was going to be and what we had you put me in a position where i'm just more than qualified to do the position he's more than qualified super great qualified there's just nobody that's as qualified as another individual and that person's offering to do it faster and cheaper to me that should be the first priority i don't know why anybody would be against that that i really wish somebody would explain that i don't think we need any more employees i think i've made that very clear

I mean, you're still going to be paying Burton more, so.

Do you realize that we paid, like, what was the difference between our current clerk's salary and the past clerk's salary was like $40,000 different. So that's what caused.

She's also had the experience.

You don't think the other individual does?

No. I'm not saying that, but, well, there's. I don't want to say it out loud. Okay.

I'm looking to find a way to resolve this is what I'm looking to do. I'm literally trying to find a way to negotiate. I've tried to do it in closed session for the last six months, and nobody wants to do anything. They just want to let everything rot. So that's why I'm doing it here. We are going to get a solution for this. I feel like I wish we could do a lock-in. Like we're not leaving until this is getting done, but it doesn't work out. Fire Emotion Club probably has something against that. Let's do it.

Well, so Pat, if we did what you were, we did what you, the possibility you raised, where we changed the ordinance to appease Commissioner McDermott, and we vote to appoint Jim Kleiner to the position of zoning administrator, those would have to be two separate motions? We couldn't just put them together as one motion? No, they would need to be two separate motions.

So, Matt, the only thing I've heard you complain about is, number two, to enter and inspect any premises as needed in the performance of these duties. In my mind, it's implied that she can't or he can't enter a premise without some legal authority to be there. But if you want to clarify that, my suggestion would be to just add to the end of that as authorized by law. Okay. If somebody wants to make a motion to make that change, I can draft an ordinance to change that section of the code.

I would very happily do it if there is a guarantee that Commissioner McDermott will vote for Jim Kleiner because otherwise I think it's kind of a waste of paying an attorney to do something like that.

If that is what somebody is saying is holding them up for approving something, I don't think it's necessary and it's been this way since the history we've had.

But I just want to know before we vote on it because otherwise we're blowing money for no good reason. Well, we've To add three words.

What did we do in the last hour or two here? So I would recommend making, my recommendation is to make that motion to get it resolved. So that way you've taken out one more barrier of us getting services things completed.

Pat, I've got a number of things I brought in.

That's what it takes. Does anybody else have anything else to talk about that before somebody makes a motion on that? Please go ahead.

I'm trying to find them. I had quite a few, Pat. I apologize, sir.

I haven't heard any more.

I will make a motion that we add as authorized by law to the zoning administrator ordinance under B two following in the performance of these duties. Okay, is there a second?

Okay.

I never had an objection to it. I never had an objection to the language in there. I didn't. Okay, fair enough. You know I didn't.

Fair enough. Well, are you okay with that change? Do you think that change makes it better? I think it's irrelevant. I absolutely agree. I completely concur that I think it's irrelevant. I don't think that's stopping somebody from whatever needs to be done. But if that's going to get us over the hump for somebody on this council, that's my thought process to fix forward.

Well, then he should be the one to second it, in my opinion.

Okay. All right. Is there a second? Last time I waited, I said something, and I didn't give me enough time. So I don't know what the appropriate amount of time is.

I'm looking up for the whole thing I wrote.

All right, I think that I do a second. Okay, so we're not fixing that ordinance then. Matt, my question is to you. You said you wanted to fix that ordinance before you could appoint somebody.

Well, I'm actually trying to find what I wrote and sent out to everybody, sir.

You're trying to find the ordinance? I have it right here if you want.

No, not the ordinance. But thanks for talking once again, Colin. You're such an expert on everything, right?

Can you focus on what it is you want to say? I am.

I get interrupted all the time, don't I? It's what people like.

While he's looking for that, does anybody have an alternative suggestion that they would like to look? I'm willing to entertain other ideas and avenues. i would like to see if there's any negotiation on the building inspector to assume these responsibilities because that is what other communities do who have more development than we do so his his concern was that the amount he was concerned the amount of time it would take um so if he was going to which he agreed that he would do this but it would he was concerned that if it took so much time he would have to compensate what his salary loss would be for his other things that he does for compensation does he have a business He farms. He farms, and he does some electric work.

I think whatever the number is going to be, it's going to be substantially more than what Jim was requesting.

Mac, did you find what you're looking for yet? No, I haven't found it. Are you talking about that email that you sent that was?

It was long.

That's not what I was going to say. I know. Well, we're kind of at a standstill here. Do we need to table this for later in the same meeting? This needs to be resolved. But we have other items to do.

I need to focus on the other items as well.

I don't want to table this, Pat, because it's another two weeks then.

Can you bring up that thing that's all the stuff that's not happening right now?

You already had that on the board. So the Kei Training Center project is very complex for what they're looking to do. Right. And there's I mean, Jim has been kind of a central point trying to go back and forth, trying to help with that process for them. The proposed restaurant for the former two brothers, they're looking to build some stuff for like a patio thing, too.

We have two businesses that place sold again.

What's that?

The two brothers place.

to yeah whoever the new one that's coming in i thought oh i haven't heard that i heard something that another restaurant was coming in but then again i don't know the details but i had heard that the owners of the restaurant is going to be one or the owners of the restaurants would be one thing but it'd be another company coming in to do the food or something i don't know the details of that um two downtown building improvement grant applications one is for a brand new business in town and one is for an expanding business so i mean do we want to really hold them up the new liquor store granted i can't say that that's a speed thing because that's been going on for almost a year but the other economic opportunities i want to be able to talk about soon they're going to need some help with that we have an incredible number of building permits

That shouldn't be stocked by a zoning administrator.

Some of them, I don't have all the details, but some of them are relatively, most of them do not. So, yeah, when I say dozen plus, I guess that's kind of, I'm cheating a little bit by saying that all of that is that. Not all of those are zoning administrators. Some of them are relatively complex and do require that. Short-term rental applications, property subdivision, I don't have the details of what those are right now. There's a couple of emails on it, but... There's a lot of requests going out there. Residents are very busy this summer in town. And these are just what I know about. Here it is. Go ahead.

May I? I apologize. I'm interrupting, but I found it. No, go ahead, please. Pat, you received it on Wednesday, 7-15. I'm sorry. If you didn't receive it, I'll have to send it to you.

No, I have it here, man. So it appears as if he was also objecting to the language in 5. It appears?

Yeah.

Glad June.

So I would I'd also be very happy to modify the language to five for to include the written statement. Why or why not? Like, that's fine with me to what you have here.

This is what you're recommending. Isn't that less than what Pat even gave to enter and inspect any preferences needed in the performance of their duties?

Also, I put on there first, right off the bat, sole authority. Somebody explained to me in executive session that sole authority meant that the individual as a zoning administrator would have the final word. I believe that was said.

There are probably certain aspects. I mean, you go throughout the land development code, there are things in there that says the

zoning administrator has the authority to approve or do or take authority to approve authority but then they go to the council it doesn't mean the council can't cancel disagrees the language sole authority is not in the ordinance though it is does not exist okay so what's the concern i want to make sure that that wasn't in there at all there you go not in there so if we change two and five what was number what do you want with number five he wants like a written explanation why the zoning administrator decides to do something

I feel a written statement explaining why or why not should be proposed as a record of notification to the head of the planning commission, the mayor, and the council.

Hold on. We might have an expert in the audience that might be able to explain something to us. Sir, if you could, that'd be great.

We all know who it is. It's Jim. Come on.

Underqualified. There you go. opinion to the zoning board of appeals or to the planning commission. That's number one. And I told you on July 9th that section 1411.110 addresses the zoning bill's decision. The appeal is made to the zoning board for their opinion. And then the council votes that both of them can agree with or overrule the zoning bill. So there's no sole Well, it says it in there too.

i believe i can't find it okay well as i said what happened in that room there the case said that they didn't have the authorization and they were told to go back and that was wrong times and the council has still not heard anything about what's going on out there so it doesn't ring true that it comes to the council because we've still not heard and they're being they've been told numerous times talking about kei ke it's noble dwarf enterprise yeah

that they can make requests to get a change in the language to allow what they want to do as a special use in that district. They have one district. They haven't responded. I haven't said they can't do it. I don't have the authority to say they can't do it. But I've given my interpretation of the code. They haven't objected to it. They haven't done anything.

And my understanding is The reason the council hasn't taken an action on it is because there's been no variance to come forth to us. There's been nothing that's been.

There's been no petition. There's been no petition. The council certainly could.

What do you mean?

Well, we would have the ability. Oh, yeah. If it went through the plan commission or whatever and they voted it down, we could ultimately override whatever. So we do ultimately have final authority.

But it hasn't come to us yet. Exactly. Exactly.

But to Rich's point, we do possess final authority. So, I mean, I think just this example here, I think, you know, Jim's encyclopedic knowledge of that stuff, I think he just today made the case for why he'd be overqualified to be zoning administrator. Okay.

Okay. the pat what's your thoughts on the number five thing there to add something to that is that a concern or is it just i don't have any concern with it okay it hasn't been a problem in the use of this ordinance for over a year okay in that case uh mac you have two things that you sent in that you'd like to get modified um if would you like to make a motion to to make those modifications to that zoning uh administrator ordinance

Well, I'd like to make a motion to make those modifications to the ordinance.

I need to hear a man. The administrator.

My question before we vote on anything.

Oh, okay. Go ahead. Make your motion. Go ahead. I'm done. He's going to run for mayor again.

Please.

No. Yes.

Go ahead. My question is before we vote on spending attorney fees on drafting, again, another revision of our ordinances. You're going to say, but if you do this, am I going to vote yes or no? Yes. I want to know whether you're going to vote yes or no.

Well, I'll probably vote yes or no, but I don't know for you. How's that?

hold on you made a motion so one of my jobs as the chair is if the motion is unclear you're supposed to restate the motion so your motion was is it correct that your motion was to modify ordinance number one two eight zero dash zero two one eight two five number two to read, to enter and inspect any premises needed in the performance of their duties, and to number five, to hear and decide applications for interpretation of the use of the classifications, land development regulations of the Land Development Code and zoning district boundaries. Is that what your motion was?

Hold on.

I would implore the citizens of Oglesby to reach out to your elected officials. I think they need to hear from constituents

I would second that, Jason. I encourage it.

I encourage it highly.

I don't know what else I can do here at this point. I would encourage the council to do something here within a little time. We've been an hour and a half on this. Mac, you made a motion.

You made a motion. I restated what I believe your motion to be. Is that accurate?

That's a problem. It's a belief. Okay? So hold on. You're right, Alice.

I read from your email that you sent Pat, if that's your wording.

That is my wording. That's not, what did you call it, GPT? That's dumb. Why would I use artificial intelligence?

Mac, is that your motion?

My motion is with questions that I've asked in here. Say again? The questions that I asked Pat and addressed to everyone. That will be my motion.

Have in front of you, man. Yes, I want to restate your motion, please, because I'm completely lost as to what it is you want these things to say. They've been working fine for a year the way they are. If you want to change them, I need to hear specifics.

Well, the first one was sole authority, which was said in executive session.

So what would you like it to say at first?

No one should have sole authority. It doesn't say that. You're right. Somebody was saying that in executive session, correct?

I don't know.

to enter and inspect any premises in the performance of their duties. With this, I understand that sometimes that may be a need, but I feel this should be no different than given to an officer of the law as we are a commission of form of government. I feel that someone outside the council should be addressed to give approval, making a check and balance. I believe And I was requesting going to the head of the Plan Commission Board, where Jim would ask and was assigned by the mayor and council. Also, a notification should be given to all parties involved before action is taken. Number five, to hear and decide applications. interpretations of use and classification land development regulations, the land development codes and zoning district boundaries. I feel a written statement explaining why or why not should be provided as a record of notification to the head of the plan commission, the mayor, and the council once again, ensuring a mutual understanding and trust.

okay in these areas I have brought forth as of now I've seen nothing else okay everything you just said at the end there it sounds to me like you read the the ordinance that you want to put and then you included your narrative in there because you talk about I feel the council should do that that okay that's not part of the without without that part that's why I'm asking you if your motion is this Ordinance number 1280-021825 to now read section two to enter and inspect any premises needed in the performance of their duties. And for number five to now read to hear and decide applications for interpretation of the use and classifications, land development regulations of the land development code and zoning district boundaries.

Okay, that did I put underneath two? That needs to be in there.

The parts where you say, I feel the- As we are a commissioner form of government-

that someone outside the council should be addressed to give approval, making a check and balance system.

He needs to add at the end the motion to change the ordinance in section 2 to add As is lawful and in section 5 to add after giving written statements to the mayor and council and any boards applicable Is that that's what you need right for section 5?

Thanks

Yep, and we have a first from Mac. I just need a second.

Before I ask for a second, does that make sense to you, Pat?

Thank you for the clarification, Jen. Thank you for understanding. I can take care of number two, but number five you wanted me to add after giving written statements to?

The mayor, council, and? Plan commission. Plan commission. Yeah. Yep.

there. Thanks, Jen. Oh, go ahead. Second, I appreciate it. There's a first and a second.

Okay, to modify that language tied the zoning minister's hands that you'd have to give a written document on every building permit. Because that's what they want. Right. So every building permit that I would issue, yeah, I'd have to pull all you that given this guy a building permit for this. You guys really want that kind of detail? You want to handcuff your person? No. Why would you do that? You're going to want written opinions on really the stuff where the zoning administrator would disallow use, right? Or something you want in writing what he's presenting to the zoning board of appeals and what he's presenting to the plaintiffs. That's in the code. That's in Chapter 14. You don't need to handcuff him with something else.

I agree, Jim. I agree as well.

On Section 2...

in and see what's going on right you have to make sure that it's an allowed use that somebody didn't move in and start doing something right so you need to knock on the door and say hey and they can tell you no you can't come in and i've been involved in cases where the city attorney goes to court and gets an order from a judge that says you have to let these people in to investigate these things and that would be resolved as the applicable by law right so And the zoning administrator has to ascertain how damaged was that house. Can it be rebuilt? Because it was grandfathered in in a certain area, but it was a non-conforming use. He has to be able to get in to make those kind of determinations. And you shouldn't handcuff him with having to go to the judge, mother may I. You guys need to read Chapter 14. The term zoning administrator is mentioned 35 times. It gives its duties and responsibilities. And a lot of these questions would be answered if you would read Chapter 14, and you would do a search for zoning administrator. Max questions, he asked me, and in 10 minutes, I put away the idea of the sole authority. And I told you that it's mentioned 35 times in the book. So if you have any other questions about what the zoning administrator will do, you can look in that book.

Thank you. Sorry. I would also add, reading Chapter 14, it actually does say, speaking, you said something about how you were being kind of... selfish or whatever you said you were whatever you were embellishing whatever with a dozen building permits because it's not really all a dozen yeah um if you do read chapter 14 um 14.11.190 the section on building permits it does say The zoning administrator will grant or deny the building permit within 30 days of application Any building permit issued is subject to inspection by the zoning administrator to ensure compliance with the plan submitted to the city of Oglesby So it does sound like the building subject to it, but not yeah, not everyone simple ones don't have to They don't require but it also does say all applications for building permits for planned unit developments multifamily dwellings or commercial or industrial improvements must be reviewed and approved by the zoning administrator city engineer and and or a licensed independent engineer or inspector retained. So I guess you could have the building inspector.

We're getting off track here. I just wanted to. So we have a motion, a first, and a second. Is there any other discussion before I call roll call? Roll call, please.

Baldrige. Aye. Cullinan. Abstain. McDermott. Aye. Moyle.

Aye.

Ann Curran.

Aye. Okay. So now.

So now I'll make the changes to these two, as Jennifer was kind enough to throw out.

Yep. And we will approve that at the very next meeting. Okay. Perfect. That will be on the agenda.

Hopefully you will.

Hopefully we will. Okay. So now that that's been resolved and we have those concerns answered, can – Can we now appoint a zoning administrator so we can get things moving again so I don't have to worry about these things falling and not happening any further? If we need to modify anything further, we can do that. As a matter of fact, we are gonna have to create the rate of pay thing that he talked about because it wasn't in there before. It was always used to be part of somebody's salary already on the city. So that would have to be done anyways, but I would rather get somebody in the seat so we are not spinning our wheels like we have for the last two weeks. Because again, as I said, we've limped along for 10 months, but the last two weeks, things have ground to a halt.

May I ask something? You may, sir. Thank you, sir. What did we do before two years that Becky took that over?

who did it who did the zoning administration then a lot of times it was between amy and the uh the engineers and uh and the city attorney so why isn't that reasonable any longer because it's it costs even more at that point because chamelons we pay at a rate of 185 an hour

And I spent a half hour looking at a zoning administration issue this afternoon. I understand that.

So when Becky was clerk, she would send zoning administrator stuff to Chamberlain's where her husband worked?

Can we ask? You asked two different things. You asked what we did when Amy was here. Well, he did. So when Amy was here, we did not have a zoning administrator. So it was kind of like we had here, but we would use people like Jim from Chamberlain's. And our city attorney to do all those things. When Becky was here, Becky was capable of that. But if you know, her base salary was similar to what our clerk's is now, but she got paid an overtime amount, and she put an incredible amount of hours in, and she got paid at her rate with overtime, and that's why she had over $100,000 salary. So that's... the differences. This is why I don't even know what we're talking about this. To me, this is the simplest fiduciary responsible decision that could be possibly made. I don't even know why this is an argument. I really don't.

I would also add to Rich's point what he said about, well, Mac brought up the thing about it being a team of the former city clerk, well, not the former city clerk, but the city clerk before her, the city engineer, and the attorney. If you guys... want answers to what's being decided and why it's being decided, it's a lot easier to get that from one person than it is from a team of three people. So, just throw that out there.

Yeah. Okay, so now that we've got that resolved, Mac, I don't know if that's answered your question because you said you didn't vote no on the individual. You were concerned about the position. Now that... taking your motion specifically, does anybody have any concerns about Jim Kleinert as a zoning administrator? If he is kind enough to still do it, because my fear is now I'll nominate him, he'll get voted in, he'll come to me tomorrow and say, I don't know what you're thinking, man, there's no way I'm doing this. I fear that.

I've got to be honest, and I'll start off, that's okay. I ain't got nothing against Jim. I think we need to do that zoning administrator, get it all printed out first.

Why first?

It seems as if you're acting like the sky is falling.

But this was taken care of prior to Jim being around here and there being an actual zoning administrator. Why is the sky falling all of a sudden right now? And these things right here are so critical to the city.

Because we received resignations again to be forcing our hand. That's why.

They can't do it. They are so far behind in the other things they do. And the only reason they're able to do it is because Jim was helping them with answering questions quickly and keep things moving. And now that no longer exists. So that's why.

Can I make a motion that we do the appointment of zoning administrator to move it to after closed session?

You can do that, unfortunately. Does anybody want to move this? Or do we want to take an action on it now? Because I'm ready to make a nomination. If we think there's a better thing that it's going to happen at the end of the meeting somehow, we can do that too. I'm good with either one. What's the majority want to do?

I don't think we need to spend any more time in closed session than we already do.

Okay. Well, there is a motion on the floor to move it to after closed session. I think we have one that doesn't want to do that, but is there a second for that? There's not a second. I will do a nomination. I would like to nominate Jim Kleinert as zoning administrator. There's any other discussion on that? If not, please call the roll.

Baldrige. No. Cullinan.

Aye.

McDermott.

Too many times, this board has not gotten things completed and not gone through with things.

I can assure you. I sustain. I can assure you it's getting on the agenda. Abstain.

OK. And Moyle.

No. Aye. So the rules are that if there is an abstain and it's a split vote, it's supposed to acquiesce to the majority. Unfortunately, there is no majority in this case. So therefore, it does not pass. What about when you've already voted this once? Multiple times, hasn't it? Pat, do you have any legal recommendations of how to move forward on this? Because I don't know what.

I do not.

You just keep doing it until you get your way. I don't know what else to do. I don't know what else to do. I thought we resolved everything we can. But all right, so that's the discussion. Is there any other further discussion on this? Because I think the actions are all done. OK, my only two cents is I highly recommend constituents talk to your elected officials. I don't know what else to say. All right, number 10, new business. A discussion and passable action on building maintenance position current.

Here we go again. Okay, this one's shorter. Can you bring up the last item? The very last one.

like to transition into another staffing issue in my opinion reflects the exact same challenge we've just discussed with zoning administrator this discussion really isn't about one repair it's about whether the city has enough maintenance capacity to properly support the facilities our employees residents and partner agencies rely on every day one recent example that has that to me has broke the camel's back is that Trident had a bathroom outage at their headquarters for days, and I'm told the problem persisted for even longer. But honestly, the timeline really isn't that important. The point is that Trident shouldn't be waiting on basic maintenance at all. Trident doesn't have to be headquartered in Oglesby. We are fortunate they are. They protect not only our city, but communities throughout this region. Having them located here is a tremendous asset to Oglesby, and I think it's our responsibility to provide them with facilities that are properly maintained. This also isn't just about Trident. Every time we don't have the personnel to perform routine maintenance ourselves, we're forced to rely more heavily on outside contractors. Like I think there's numerous times this last week even, something went down so we had to call other people to come in. There are certainly jobs that could be contracted out, but there are also many routine repairs that become more expensive simply because we don't have the staffing to address them promptly. It also affects something every resident sees, our public buildings, our parks, our city facilities, and the overall appearance of our community. Cleanliness and routine maintenance don't happen by themselves. They require someone whose responsibility it is to stay ahead of those issues instead of constantly reacting to them oddly enough i think we wanted a maintenance log for the new end loader we purchased but we can't get a maintenance person for all city related items that maintenance guy never would do that just add whatever i believe the last one did that's not an issue no i was told not to hold on by them hold on are you telling me that the last one we had did not do hydraulic repairs on He did none?

Not that I'm aware of. I thought it went right to the dealer or whoever up here. I believe he looked at... Stevenson's. Well, you should have your facts straight, Jason, before you go making these accusations.

Well, I don't want to call on my street superintendent, but he's in the room.

Well, you don't have to, but you should have it ready before that.

Well, my understanding is that... You're making the accusations. It's not an accusation. My understanding is we had a very talented maintenance person who did do some hydraulic-related things on some of the equipment we had.

You're probably not going to find one that good again. I told you that. Okay. I wish I could.

They require someone's... Where am I at here? um the position is more than just another employee it's about protecting city property supporting organizations like trident controlled long-term costs and maintaining the level of service our residents deserve i believe filling this position now is simply the responsible thing to do and so i just put up a couple things that are things that the position does and it's been also vacant for i think not maybe not quite 10 months but i think it's been about nine City Hall, police facilities, Trident offices, parks, public buildings, public bathrooms, cleanliness of our public facilities, daily operations. So that's my only two cents on it. Don't get me wrong, zoning administrator is way more important, but this is also causing other problems that we're having in the city, and it's time to address them. I think we talked about this. Since it's my department, I beg to differ.

for Jason, and the Trident example you gave was a lie. That was false. That is not how that happened. In fact, I was told that John Stills and Service were called, and it took too long, and that's why Trident went and worked on their toilet. We are not hiring a plumber. We are trying to hire a maintenance man, and as I stated before, I didn't feel it was the exact time to hire him. So I don't know how this came out of closed session and you have the sky is falling thing again because the bathroom women's sink supposedly was clogged up and we were calling John's anyway. So that's another situation where it was not going to be this so-called maintenance man. He did not work on hydraulics down there. This guy is here to clean basically.

so with the part i don't think it was a lie initially i was told it was six weeks they were i told you initially well somebody told me it was it was me and it was and i sent an email on that and then i found out that is not correct it was really only more like four days and i sent an email updating that saying i apologize my information was wrong it's four days that's why i said the timeline is not really that important it's still the fact that there's an issue i think the fact that the communication is at a loss here because commissioner moyle who is in charge of the police department completely

had no no indication of that until after the fact i've not been told anything and this is supposedly the guy that i'm in charge of so why are we not being told anything but yet you have examples of how they're ready to move out of town and everything else i didn't say that if it was that bad why on earth would we not have been told something that was going on here until you come and blast us in an email and then in the meeting here now come from now who's lying i never said those words that they were looking to leave i said we need to support those kind of facilities that's what i said so we'll go around the room uh do you have anything

Well, I mean, I would say if you weren't informed about it, you should be asking your department heads why you weren't informed about it.

And I sent an email.

But with that being said, I mean, here's the fact of the matter. I mean, you don't hire this position again. This is a position, you know, we're not creating new positions. These are existing positions that we just don't want to fill for whatever reason. But when you don't fill the position, there's two possibilities that happen. One, the work that they did doesn't get done, or two, the work that they did has to be done by somebody else, and that's either gonna take away from their job responsibilities, or you're gonna be paying that person overtime to do the work of that person. I again I think this is another situation I don't think it's as egregious as the zoning administrator thing but I do think nonetheless it is a situation that I mean it should have been rectified at a commissioner individual commissioner level but now is in front of the City Council so I I don't know why we choose not to fill this position. You could have asked. Well, actually, I do know one of the reasons why. I don't know if, Rich, you want to share it, but I think we discussed it in closed session, I believe. Bring it in and do everything else. uh i we discussed it in closed session and i don't necessarily think uh perhaps uh it's the most ethical reason to not fill it um but that's your choice so um i will leave it there so i thought the reason it wasn't being filled is because we have an open collective bargaining agreement and to hire someone and say when today you're being hired under these terms but these are things that we're trying to negotiate and change

It would create a disgruntled employee if we do win in that arbitration, and I prefer not to cause. On top of that, I did have a discussion, and I really don't know why this is on the agenda. I had a discussion with John Kelly today, and under commissioner form of government, there's no action to be taken. It's not our department. It goes down to the sole authority of the commissioner. So there's no action to be taken. We're just kind of wasting our time. My suggestion, if we're really concerned about the cleanliness, why don't we hire a cleaning lady?

Hillary, to your point, if I can. I guess person, yes.

To your point, if I can.

I don't want to interrupt. But I do know that we had also said, though, I mean, it is standard practice. I mean, arbitration, you know, that complicates things. However, with that being said, though, With that being said, what I will say, though, is public bodies consistently, public bodies that have collective bargaining agreements, they consistently hire employees with open collective bargaining agreements. I think my first teaching job I applied to, and I didn't know what I was going to be making until the contract was settled. And so I think that's fairly standard practice. Obviously, our situation is a bit more unique.

If wages were the only thing, but we're also looking at benefits.

Yeah. I still think you could hire somebody, though.

We could, but if it does change, do you want to have a disgruntled employee?

I think if you explain that to them up front, they're not going to be disgruntled.

It's not our responsibility. Our labor attorney told us that.

It's not our responsibility, but if you don't want to be disgruntled, I would explain it to them up front.

Well, I had discussion. Did you call the labor attorney? Because I did.

I don't think I had to call the labor attorney. No, but I asked these questions.

No, you have that vast experience. Okay. Do you have anything else?

Actually, if I agree, Hillary, that's a good idea. I don't know why we couldn't do that. At least until contract is settled and you're able to get get ahold of somebody.

What do you think, Rich?

You could do like, however, months to anything else, Mac.

That's it, Rich. No. Okay, so a couple things. Yes, this was something that was talked about in closed session. Closed session is the advantage of us to try to deliberate and talk about things that fall under those categories. That does not necessarily mean they have to be. And I believe what happened in there last time was that I had everybody on this council agreeing, we need to hire a maintenance person, except one person.

You took a vote and it was no.

The majority was against you. So then you brought it out here again. Hold on. This is what I'm talking about. I don't interrupt you. You do. You interrupt everybody. So what I'm trying to say is, so when we were in there, I had agreeance. Yeah, we absolutely should. And I said, okay, well, here's the thing. We are a commissioned form of government, so what that means is one person has the sole control over that unless the majority of a council wants to step in and say what we should do.

Show me that statute. Thank you.

Because John said that doesn't exist.

That doesn't exist, that we can decide what we want to do? I was on the council when Commissioner Collin at the time did something that was against the council's actions, and the council took action on it.

Ironically, it was Mr. Cullinan's father.

yeah that's what he wants he's got his own set of rules he makes up his own definitions yep okay so my two senses and at the time I believe I asked well I just need to know from the majority because what I have the right to do I do have the right to do this is if there's inaction by a commissioner I can take over and I can take I can take that action so I asked

Are you done, sir? Are you done lying? You're wrong. And those are not the truthful things you're saying, Jason. Okay. Show us where. Okay. It's in the ordinance. It's in state statute. You tried that when I first got on, Jason, and it was a lie then and it's a lie now. Show it to us.

I'm so tired of all this stuff. I'm tired of you lying.

It is written right there. It is written. It's written right on the thing.

The commissioner shall be vested with the right power and authority to appoint all employees subordinate to his department, unless otherwise provided by law or order.

Go up to the mayor's position. You go up to the mayor's position. front of me it says the mayor acts can act on behalf of any commissioner in the absence of them or their inability to act i don't have an inability to act okay well that's what i'm saying if the council were to determine that and i asked and and the vote i got hold on I had one commissioner hung his head down, didn't want to say anything, and another one said, I'm not stepping into it. That's exactly what you said. That is not a positive. I should have not let that, you said, you made a joke and said, I'm not stepping into that one.

And I'm glad I didn't because I called the labor attorney. It's not in the authority of the commission.

All I can do is put it out there. We don't have services for that. I don't care if anybody wants to get a cleaning person or what they need to do to limp that along. I don't think there's any reason to say that because we're in contract negotiation, you don't hire people, you hire them based on your current contract then. And then they would get adjusted for whatever the new contract would be if they wanted to take the job or not. It's irrelevant.

I will say we did. The council can reassign oversight. So they already tried that one. We sure can, Austin. You should know. Your dad got it from this guy. Well, yeah. I should know, too, because you tried to do it to me earlier in this council. You tried to take over control of the building and electric inspector.

I tried to take your duties? Yeah, you did.

Oh, you are a joker. It's true. All right. Okay. Is there any other time? I want to focus this.

why now is there any other discussion on the building maintenance position if there's no other discussion for it then it there's nothing what I will say is as far as it pertains to cleaning if we need to hire a cleaning lady sure but I'm sure that we have employees probably especially in the parks department that are working overtime and they hire a cleaning lady to go and do the stuff that they're doing so our former employee didn't clean either Well, okay, but I'm saying that there's other stuff. He chose not to. I'm saying that there's other. Didn't he clean the carpets in here?

No.

No. He didn't, he.

I mean, what am I seeing? Am I seeing things that don't happen?

Did you not hear that, I guess we can talk specifics in closed session, but our park employee was always doing that.

Are you telling me that I did not see our maintenance person coming in here and steam cleaning carpets in the morning when we had carpets? We don't have carpets. I'm saying that didn't happen.

No, I'm not saying that was years ago. I'm not saying our last maintenance guy did not.

don't know that okay I'm telling you that what I've seen in the past and what happens so okay I do know that there are people in the parks department that are working overtime and you're probably not gonna hire a cleaning lady to come in and do their job so I don't think that's sufficient but it is what it is okay well is there any other discussion on this topic are we ready to move on okay B discussion and possible action on young variants denied by committee Cullinan

So the Zone Board of Appeals met on July 16 to consider an application for variance filed by Catherine Young for a setback reduction from 5 feet to 4 feet at her property located at 141 East 2nd Street in Oglesby. After thorough discussion, Catherine was present. and the board asked her questions. The board unanimously voted to deny her request for a variance, citing the fact that the shed had been started to be erected two years ago. There's a foundation board and the walls are framed up. No building permit was ever requested for that project. And in the course of the conversation, it became evident that the property was going to be used So for all of those reasons, the zoning board of appeals unanimously denied the request for variance.

No comment.

I don't have comment on the specifics, but how does one get notified of these meetings? Because on Friday, I was coming home from work. I checked my drive, and it said posted on the 14th. So I'm like, was there a meeting today? It's Friday. I went to the city website, and there was a zoning administrator agenda posted, which linked to our current this. So unless I walk by the door, I have no idea that there's a meeting.

Was it linked properly?

I don't know about that. But Jen did add it to the calendar. I don't know what day she added it to the calendar. I checked Friday. I know it was on the calendar.

On Monday when I did the agenda. Last Monday it was added to the calendar.

I don't know what you're talking about when you say calendar.

We're in your email. That's for us, though.

Oh, on that calendar? I'm talking about the city website.

I checked the city website calendar.

I don't know what it was supposed to be. I assume that she's referring to where can the public be aware. Hillary, is that kind of what you're doing? Yeah. Yes, I would think that.

It was also in the paper.

we have to we have to put him so it was a newspaper okay is is there a because i know we talked about this in the past is there a way that we can put something out there so that way there is a notification somewhere on our website that says hey we got a park board meeting we got a zoning board meeting we got a planned commission meeting just for the next one that's on there is that yes or no that we i apologize if we already have that i'm asking a really stupid question isn't that on the calendar

Well, yeah, that was what we wanted to use the calendar for. But it's our calendars, right?

It's our Outlook calendar?

Well, actually, no. Anybody can access the Outlook calendar. So the Outlook calendar is public, so any meetings or whatever that are added there, anybody can access. Is there a link to that? Yeah, it's on the city website. Okay. So...

I'll have to have somebody click on that that doesn't already have, like, my city access, because I want to...

make sure that when somebody clicks on that they have access to whatever so we'll check that okay pretty sure it is but I think actually just a good practice yeah so it's under it's under lifestyle city calendar so but I think a good practice honestly I know it's something that I've seen done before I'd like to maybe see it done moving forward is if we have any sort of meeting city council meeting any public meeting I think putting it on Facebook as well is probably a good idea so okay Mack, anything?

Not at this time. Rich?

Okay. The only thing I can say is I know sometimes we talk about this a lot. I know it's very frustrating, and sometimes I'm embarrassed that we talk about it because we talk about, hey, how we've made more transparent with information. I know transparency is a huge buzzword and everything like that. But I will say that... All our faults and flaws that we have done in this administration, we really have stepped up the amount of opportunities to be able to put information out there. Granted, they're all not working as perfectly as they should, but I think we've been better when it comes to our finances, our bills, what we're approving in our ordinances and stuff like that. So I think we should continue to do that and continue to struggle to make it better and better. Okay, so the question we have here is we got a recommendation to deny uh the variance request what i did hear one thing i had a concern of mine they already had the foundation and the things poured was there any discussion of how that's going to get handled moving forward or no okay yeah okay all right well does anybody has any other discussion if not uh if we can get a i don't know if you want to go with the recommendation but can we get a recommendation to a motion to a motion motion to deny the variance i suppose

I'll make a motion to deny the young variance.

I'll second. We'll call, please.

Baldrige.

Abstain.

Cullinan.

Aye.

McDermott.

Aye.

Moyle. Aye. Ann Curran.

Aye. C, discussion and possible action on issuing city credit card to Fire Chief Moyle.

This is just to put something on record so we can issue a credit card to Chief Malthus. Currently, the way things have been operating, he's been purchasing things with his own money and then asking reimbursement. So this will simplify it. Does anyone have any recommendation on a credit limit if we do? In your discussion, think of a credit limit as well instead of just yes or no.

Okay, go around the room. we have a well question we have a standard limit for our departments right um i i can't i'm not 100 sure i think it's like five thousand dollars for the department it's five thousand for everybody except the city clerk's credit card which is it's either 20 or 25 000 in case there happened to be a really large purchase that had to be made right

Rich? While we're at it, can we change that over to her name instead of Becky's, what, almost a year later? That's perfect.

I think we talked about all that. We can talk about that in a sec. Go ahead, Austin, if you have anything.

Yeah, I don't care. 5,000 is fine if that works.

Okay. Okay. I wasn't aware that he didn't have one already issued. Our ambulance director has one, though, right?

Yes.

I don't know how we skipped the fire chief on that. That seems like an oversight. So, yeah, that makes sense to me. And, Rich, your question, follow-up, I know it's not related to this, though, but I thought we looked into that, and wasn't it something like it had to wait for it to expire? Is there a way that we can...

I think it has expired. I mean, we can do it, but... we there's a there's a reason we haven't done it but we I mean we can do it if that's the desire of the council so I mean it's not a not a big issue I want to say like the first four months in our administration my card still said mayor on it yeah it's what it is granted it's been long enough though yeah I think the reason really isn't super substantial anyway so yeah we can change this fine okay all right um any other discussion on the fire chief

get a credit card. All right.

Get a motion or I'll make a motion to issue a city credit card to chief. motion with a $5,000 limit.

Roll call please.

Baldrige. Colin. McDermott.

Aye.

Moyle. Aye. Curran.

Aye. Number 11. Public comment on any topic.

I can talk to you privately one on one afterwards but my question is I don't know what the next step is here if you're going to bring it up at the next council meeting to discuss it again However, I will recruit residents from this area, from Oglesby, and make sure that they fill this room and make this happen because this is our city. This is taking care of the buildings and the yards and that, and you're gonna let that go? I mean, I pay taxes and my neighbors, if they're gonna have a pile of tires in their yard or a building comes in and they have fluorescent lights and hula dancers in the window, you gonna let that stuff go because we have no zoning? It doesn't make sense to me. And congratulations, you'll probably be on the news again as a comedy show. Rob Larson will have a ball with this.

Thank you. Okay. Thank you. Any other public comment on any topic? Seeing none, we will move on. Number 12, Commissioner Reports. Commissioner Cullinan. Um...

nothing tonight other than we're that we've narrowed down vendors for the codification of our old ordinance books in the back and we'll be looking to get those done and taken care of so they don't have to sift through mountains and mountains of paper but other than that I don't think there's anything big so that's it Commissioner Moore

I wanted to thank Cortellinos for hosting the golf outing that raised $9,715 to benefit the Oglesby Fire Department. And I'm also pleased to inform that the members of the Oglesby Firefighters Association purchased a light tower for the department. and they're going to paint it red to match the trucks, which is curious because I was going through the bills today, and we just recently rented a light tower from United Rentals, and the fire department is generously going to allow other departments to use this as long as they agree to fill it back up with gas.

That's great news.

Yes.

Commissioner McDermott.

The wastewater treatment plant is going good. Thank you for visiting. You guys are doing great work. Deconstruction is finishing up a few items on the Safe Route to Schools. When they do, Troy, Ross, and I will be walking the sidewalks, and if anybody has any issues, let me know, and I'll make sure that we talk to you directly. Also, we are replacing valves and hydrants on East Florence Street. in North Spring Avenue and replacing valve on East Florence Street and Field Avenue tomorrow, July 21st. Residents on East Florence Street from Field Avenue and North Spring Avenue from East Walnut to East Florence Street, including Highland Apartments, will have no water from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and a boil order will follow for 24 hours. Residents were notified with door tags, code red, and it's on Facebook. Let's see. That's all I have for right now.

Thank you. Appreciate it. Commissioner Baldrige.

Yeah, the Parks and Rec Department would like to report, following the lead of most local cities, Oglesby's Park and Recreation is having another party in the park night on August 7th from 7 to 10 p.m. One of the very best local bands, 303, will be playing from 7 to 10 at the beautiful Lehigh Park stage on Friday, August 7th. Tony's Tacos will be the food vendor. Follow Oglesby's Park and Rec Facebook page to keep up to date on this and many other offerings to benefit the great citizens of Oglesby. Junior League State Tournament has started at Gandolfi Field at the Dickinson Field Complex. Best of luck to the IVBL team. Major League State Tournament starts this weekend at Sonny Jim Bottomley Diamond with five games Saturday and three on Sunday. Special thanks to the guys keeping our fields in tip-top shape, known for being some of the best in the area. thank you to cordolinos for donating pizzas this past friday to our fun and fitness campers the kids enjoyed it very much and we appreciate the kind gesture also the last day of the 2026 pool season is august 8th thank you to everyone for a great pool year the electric department submitted we have been working on installing the underground conduits at malloc road new 345 kv feed for the city and trimming trees out of the medium voltage lines and that's all i have

Thank you. Since we've been in here so long, does anybody know how the game went? Does anybody got anything on their phones? Did they win? Because I'm sure the game's probably over by now.

It's raining.

Oh, it's raining outside? Okay. All right. Number 13, executive session for the purpose of the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the Open Meeting Acts, collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or the representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for more than one class of employees, and the purchase and lease of real property for the use of the public body, including meetings held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired pursuant to the authority granted by five ILCS 120 slash 2, C1, 15, 6, and 6. 15, 2, and 6, respectively. Can I get a motion to go into executive session?

I will make a motion that we enter executive session per the aforementioned exemptions to the Open Meetings Act. Enter executive session. Okay. Yeah.

I don't have any reason. Does anybody?

Well, this is also the one, the second one of July. To be honest, I don't think, I mean, it's a possible action after the release executive session minutes. However, I seriously doubt we'll have any to release because I think everyone probably touches on something that has not been resolved yet. But we're supposed to do it. We have to do it twice a year.

Well, I'll second that motion. Oh, come on. You just said it doesn't make a difference. None of it's going to get released.

So I've got a good point. I think we have to review it. Yep. Okay. Roll call, please.

Baldrige?

Aye.

Cullinan? Aye. McDermott?

Aye.

Moyle? Aye. And Curran?

Aye. The only possible action after executive session would be if we release any executive session minutes, but as of right now, I don't think that will probably happen. So other than that, everybody have a wonderful evening. Thank you.

I'm going to go get my .

I called them.

It didn't go, it was not there, but I've sent them in now again because I don't know what happened the first time. But yeah, so it should be working. I mean, it'll take a little bit for them to upload it, but I don't know what happened the first time and why it's not, yeah. Yep, so you're all taking care of it. Oh, I know, yeah, I'm sure.

And don't doubt that you're capable. You are incredibly capable.

you

We are co-workers that I'd be happy to help you with whatever you need. I'll say it like that. The chairs are nice.

Should have done what Stefanelli wanted to do.

I came in and it was all over the chair.

They had to keep the chair. That's interesting. I don't know why I want to keep a chair.

but more importantly we've had more than half the council leave you'd have to replace all the chairs i i think when i'm done i don't want any member uh memories of uh council so uh okay everybody's seated okay um we're back in open session roll call please baldrich here cullinan uh here mcdermott here moyle here and current here uh a discussion and possible action on releasing executive session minutes i don't believe we are having anything uh but

Make a motion, please. Okay. I will make a motion that we keep closed the minutes from the April 1st, 2024 meeting, the May 4th, 2024 meeting, the September 16th, 2024 meeting, July 5th, 2023 meeting, the January 21st, 2025 meeting, the April 21st, 2025 meeting, the May 5th, 2025 meeting, the May 19th, 2025 meeting, the June 2nd, 2025 meeting, the June 23rd, 2025 meeting, the July 7th, 2025 meeting, the July 21st, 2025 meeting, the August 4th, 2025 meeting, the October 6th, 2025 meeting, the October 20th, 2025 meeting, the November 17th, 2025 meeting, the December 1st, 2025 meeting, the December 15th, 2025 meeting, the January 5th, 2026 meeting, the February 2nd, 2026 meeting, the February 17th, 2026 meeting, the March 17th, 2026 meeting, the April 6th, 2026 meeting, and the June 1st, 2026 meeting.

Second. Roll call, please.

Baldrige. Aye. Cullinan. Aye. McDermott.

Aye.

Moyle. Aye. And Curran.

Aye. Number 14, adjournment. Can we get a motion to adjourn? Motion to adjourn. Second. Roll call, please.

uh holdrich hi clinton hi mcdermott all right moyle aye and curran all right we are adjourned at one point say that you guys had four closed session meetings you thought in your last why didn't you say that you thought you guys had four combined because there's something about going downstairs you said i think we went down here no no that was when she broke her leg remember she broke

back there and then there was a lot of yelling and you could hear it pretty easily back there i think there was like four of those that one they're gonna be about two or three weeks out yeah

night one quick story so we closed it before thursday morning at 6 00 a.m like

Luckily, the lady stuck around. I don't know if she did it because it was the right thing to do or if it was a moment.

But her insurance is totally covered. But what next? Oh, my God. I think I'll see you on Friday. All the numbers are balanced for Friday. Yes, that's what I heard. Yep, 3 o'clock. Very good. We'll see you then. All right. You should buy a house.

I bought a house, and now I'm trying to sell a house.