City Council Meeting February 28, 2011

City of Rochelle Council Chambers
420 North 6th Street, Rochelle, IL 61068

I. CALL TO ORDER:

  • Pledge to the Flag
  • Prayer

II. ROLL CALL:

III. PROCLAMATIONS, COMMENDATIONS, ETC:

IV. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS:

V. PUBLIC COMMENTARY:

VI. BUSINESS ITEMS:

  • 1) CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS BY OMNIBUS VOTE with Recommendations:

I. DISCUSSION ITEMS:

II. EXECUTIVE SESSION

III. ADJOURNMENT

BUSINESS ITEMS: DETAIL

Agenda Item #2 - Ordinance Amending Municipal Code - Authorize Regulation of Vicious Animals

References:

default Attached Memo from Police Cheif Eric Higby

default Attached Ordinance Amending Municipal Code

Recommend Action:

Consider an Ordinance Amending Chapter 14 of the Municipal Code to Authorize the Regulation of Vicious Animals

History & Fact:

The Rochelle Police Department is periodically called upon to respond to situations which involve injuries resulting from an animal attacking a person or another animal. The Rochelle Municipal Code does not currently define vicious animals and lacks regulation and prohibition of these animals within the City limits. The Illinois Animal Control Act allows local units of government to impose restrictions which further control and regulate animals providing they are not specific to breed.

Discussion:

Following a situation last year, which resulted in an injured dog being euthanized, Detective Terry Inman recommended an amendment to the Rochelle Municipal Code to address vicious animals. Several ordinances from other communities were reviewed and Police Chief Higby and Attorney Cooper have worked together to finalize the proposed amendment. The modifications will provide police officers with clear definitions and the authority to declare an animal vicious. The amendment also allows for the impoundment and eventual extermination of the animal should it be deemed necessary at the owner's expense.

Recommendation:

Approve an Ordinance Amending Chapter 14 of the Municipal Code to Authorize the Regulation of Vicious Animals

Agenda Item #3 - Illinois Commerce Commission Petition - Industrial Rail Crossing on Steward Road

References:

default Attached Memo from Jason Anderson, Economic Development Director

default Attached Map

Recommend Action:

Consider authorizing the City Manager to file a petition before the Illinois Commerce Commission for an extension of the City Lead Track across Steward Road

History & Fact:

The Economic Development Department has been in contact with three industries that are interested in locating facilities on Steward Road, east of Illinois River Energy. All three projects will require rail served sites. Two of the industries are currently negotiating the terms for acquisition of the land and the assurance of rail to the site is crucial in moving forward.

Discussion:

In order to provide rail access to these sites, the City would need to extend the City Industrial Rail system across Steward Road. The first step in extending the rail would be for the City to file a petition with the Illinois Commerce Commission requesting permission. The proposed rail extension would provide several benefits to the City including: increased capacity for rail car storage, increased safety by separating rail cars containing hazardous materials and increased rail revenues which could be used to fund future rail improvements.

Recommendation:

Authorize the City Manager to file a petition before the Illinois Commerce Commission for an extension of the City Lead Track across Steward Road near the Illinois River Energy property

Discussion Item #1 - Route 251 Overpass Closure and Detour

As reported last fall, the Illinois Route 251 overpass through Rochelle will require some extensive rehabilitation in 2011 due to structural deterioration. The Mayor and Council approved a Letter of Understanding on September 13, 2010 related to a 90 day closure of the overpass and an associated detour route. The project is expected to begin in late March or early April and the Illinois Department of Transportation will install detour signage and barricades approximately one week prior to commencement

of the project. City Staff have developed a plan to proactively communicate this information to the public which includes: radio, newspaper, the City's website, and personal contact with local industries and organizations. Interim City Manager, Meggon McKinley will provide additional information on these plans and respond to questions from the Mayor and City Council.