Byron City Council To Meet Wednesday, May 15th at 6:30pm

Byron City Council summer works plan working
By Chris Johnson
REPORTER
The Byron City Council will meet on Wednesday, May 15 at 6:30 p.m. in open session and among its duties, will work to assure that the summer plan for improvement is progressing. There are always other projects that get in the way, but at this time, things appear to be moving along as hoped and planning for better-weather improvements is moving forward.
To assure everyone is “on the same page” multiple meetings are held monthly and attended by Mayor John Rickard and his elected body of Council Members. The city’s top executive initially found himself in charge of operations on Sept. 5, 2018. Citizens voted in majority during the April 2 Special Election to keep him working.
John Rickard was an acting Alderman since 2009 and chaired the Community Services Committee, which is responsible for Public Works and Planning and Development. His job was to make sure improvements were made. Topics of improvement came up during the April Meeting of the Byron City Council.
A bill in the amount of $4,742.89, presented by Public Works Director Aaron Vincer, was questioned by Alderman Todd Isaacs. It was explained that the expense corresponded with a charge for fire hydrant paint, as the City of Byron is working with the Byron High School Art Club to paint the city’s first line of fire defense. Payment of the bill was approved by the entire City Council.
City Engineer Jason Stoll issued his report explaining that the 2019 Street Projects are underway and site surveys are being done. Stoll said his hopes to have plans finalized by early May were on target.
It was explained that William Charles had resumed work on Third Street as patching, paving and yard work was to be managed by Memorial Day.
The City’s engineering firm Fehr Graham said it was willing to use some of the tools at its fingertips in an effort to help give city administrators a better picture of how things looked in downtown Byron. Stoll said that resources were available to assist with putting together design guidelines.
“We have the capability of doing a flyover of the downtown area with drones and making a computer rendering of the area to let you see exactly what you have and can do.”
The use of drone technology would allow the use of a digital tapestry and allow use of application programs to add and take away planters, lighting, benches and others. Stoll said it was a good way to incorporate helpful technology.
“It gives us a realistic look at how the items would fit into the landscape. How things look.” Stoll said an example of the flyover technology used in Durand is viewable online at You Tube, under Durand Streetscape.
Economic Development Director Larry Hewitt reported to the Byron City Council at there was some work that needed to be done in front of local business Reruns. The hope to pursue TIF dollars for the improvement was presented. It was additionally noted that some ownership changes wouldn’t impact service, as least as far as the understanding would allow. “The Cub Cadet Store changed its ownership,” Hewitt said. Other improvements were noted. “There are some new awnings being put up downtown at the Edward Jones office, the Cornerstone Embroidery building and the Curves building.”
The Byron City Council meets twice a month in regular session, Wednesday at 6:30pm. The next meeting of the full board will be held on Wednesday, May 15. The Public Safety Meeting will be held at 6pm, prior to next week’s City Council gathering. The Community Services Committee will not meet again until Wednesday, June 5 at 5:30 p.m.
Additional meeting information is available on the City of Byron’s administrative site, cityofbyron.com.