City of Centralia Council met April 8.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Mayor Pro Tem Jones called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Pro Tem Jones, Councilman Smith, Councilman Sauer and Councilman Marshall
Absent: Mayor Ashby
Staff Members Present: Dan Ramey, City Manager; Doug Gruenke, City Attorney; Michelle Liggett, Finance Director; Bobby Patton, Code Enforcement Officer; Chief Brian Atchison, Police Department; Kala Lambert, Executive Assistant to the City Manager; Jeff Schwartz, Public Works Director; Rose Aldag- McVey, Economic Development Director; Bill Agee, City Treasurer; and Kim Enke, City Clerk
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Pro Tem Jones led the Pledge of Allegiance
AMENDMENTS AND/OR ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
None
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
John Henry Paskavich addressed the City Council in regards to Mayor-Elect Kuder’s qualifications for Mayor due to his residency. He requested that the City review and verify his residency during the 30 days prior to the election. He stated that he had spoken to Vernell Burris and Mr. Burris also agrees with him. He stated that Mr. Kuder has purchased an expensive new home outside of the city and is requesting the Council to consider and question his residency.
CONSENT AGENDA
A Motion was made by Councilman Sauer and seconded by Councilman Smith to Approve Items 1-3 of the Consent Agenda.
1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The March 25, 2019 City Council Meeting
2. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $ 740,085.69
3. A Resolution Authorizing The Use Of A City-Owned Parking Lot For A Farmers' Market And Authorizing Terry Herrell As Market Master
Ayes: Councilman Smith, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall, and Mayor Pro Tem Jones
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
City Manager, Dan Ramey, provided a memo with an explanation of the pending Ameren Street Light Project that included a map of the 219 lights to be replaced in the NE part of town. City Manager Ramey explained that currently the City pays Ameren, the owner of the poles and lights, a monthly cost for each light. The lights currently are mercury or sodium vapor lights. Ameren’s policy is to replace the vapor lights with LED lights as they burn out due to improved lighting and efficiency of the LED lights. He stated that the City has submitted a street light application to request replacement of 219 lights. He stated that there have been residents that are concerned with the amount of lighting in some areas. He stated that he suggested starting the replacement in the Northeast part of the city as crime deterrent in addition to the cameras that have already been placed in that area. He stated that typically the cost of these lights are $250.00 each but with this application incentive, it will only be $75.00 per light for a savings between $35,000.00-$40,000.00 and the City’s cost would be approximately $16,000.00. He also stated that he had discussed the addition of brighter street lights on Pleasant St. from the hospital to the Cultural Society on Rexford with the hospital due to that area being extremely dark. Councilman Sauer asked if the lights marked yellow on the map was the higher wattage lights. City Manager Ramey stated that was correct. Councilman Marshall stated that he was happy that this brighter lighting was being added. He referred to Ms. Thomas that addressed the City Council previously in regards to her concern of lighting and how he expects her to appreciate this improvement and the deterrent to crime. City Manager Ramey stated that the higher wattage lights will be placed all the way to McCord St from Rexford. He also added that the price is the same for the LED lights that will be in the residential area and the higher wattage lights along Pleasant St. He stated that he has met with Pat Murphy multiple times in regard to this project and the monthly cost will be a $1.50 - $2.00 per month difference. He stated that there is a possibility that the lights on Pleasant St. may not cost anything due to the work already being done in that area and the hospital expansion. Councilman Sauer asked if the higher wattage lighting should also be considered around Laura Leake Park. City Manager Ramey explained that by changing to the LED it will be much brighter than it currently is and he does not recommend the highest wattage bulbs be used like on Pleasant St. in the residential area due to them possible being too bright.
BIDS
A Motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Marshall for the Approval of Bid
Received for Aggregate Materials for 2019 Public Works Maintenance From Beelman Logistics.
Ayes: Councilman Smith, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall, and Mayor Pro Tem Jones
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
A Motion was made by Councilman Sauer and seconded by Councilman Smith for the Approval of Bid For Seasonal Abatement Lawn Mowing Services For The Community Development Department By Rapid Response Lawn Care. City Manager Ramey stated that this company has provided mowing services during previous years with no issues. He stated that they were the low bidder and approval was recommended.
Ayes: Councilman Smith, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall, and Mayor Pro Tem Jones
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
ORDINANCES
None
RESOLUTIONS
A motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Marshall to Approve A Resolution Approving Release of Mortgages Pertaining To Certain Real Estate Located In The City of Centralia In An Effort To Collect Municipal Debt.
Ayes: Councilman Smith, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall and Mayor Pro Tem Jones
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried
Councilman Sauer requested further explanation of the actions and debt being collected with the resolution that was passed. City Manager Ramey discussed the Roundhouse Winery loan history. He explained that in 2010, the CDC, Community Development Corporation, loaned Roundhouse $242,000.00 and the City loaned $165,000.00 as a second mortgage. There has been numerous attempts to help the business by lowering interest rates and having forbearance agreements executed, etc. and unfortunately they could not make it work. The CDC was going to foreclose a couple years ago and the City would have not received any funds due to having the second mortgage. The City has worked with the CDC and they have come to an agreement where the City will be receiving 38% of what is brought in after all costs. The property is being taken back by a Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure. The CDC will take ownership of the property and the City will receive 38% after all costs. Councilman Sauer clarified that it would not be 38 cents for every dollar but 38%, which is the City’s proportion of the debt.
OTHER BUSINESS
None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
REPORTS
City Clerk Enke congratulated Mayor-Elect Kuder, Councilman-Elect Spanky Smith and Councilman Sauer on their election. The swearing in is tentatively scheduled for the May 13th council meeting after the canvass is received from the County.
City Clerk Enke reminded residents that the Spring Leaf Vacuuming services provided by Republic Services have begun and will continue for 4 weeks thru May 3rd. The routes are available on the City of Centralia website.
City Treasurer Agree stated that 2018 audit is progressing. The auditors have picked up information already and plan to be here in the next couple weeks to finish their field work.
City Manager Ramey asked Jeff Schwartz to report about the City Wide Clean Up. He stated that they have collected 36 dumpsters and are still finishing due to the amount of participation. He stated that there was few complaints and residents have learned where to place the items during clean up week.
City Manager Ramey discussed his opposition of House Bill 2206. He stated that they are preparing for the 3rd reading. He stated that the synopsis of the bill limits what housing inspections can be done. He stated that unless it is police, medical, or fire investigation, a unit of local government may not inspect a property without the voluntary consent or without warrant. City Manager Ramey stated that it could affect demolitions and the vacant house ordinance. He stated that unless there was objection he would be sending notice to the IML and other local representatives the City’s opposition to House Bill 2206.
Councilman Sauer noted that on May 18th at 7 p.m., a Mo-Town performance will be held at the Cultural Society in conjunction with the Youth Center and a limited amount of tickets are still available.
Mayor Pro Tem Jones congratulated Bryan Kuder, Spanky Smith and David Sauer on their election.
Mayor Pro Tem Jones commended the Public Works Department for their work during the city wide cleanup. He also thanked the City Manager for working on improving the lighting in the city.
Concerning the request during public participation, Mayor Pro Tem Jones asked the City Attorney what the process was and if the residency could be looked into for Mr. Paskavich as he requested. City Attorney Gruenke stated that it involves a political issue and he represents the City and does not get involved with a political decision. Attorney Gruenke stated that there are multiple things that could be done, one being that residents can investigate the issue on their own and bring their own action. Mayor Pro Tem Jones stated that he wanted to be sure that the City was following the law.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Councilman Sauer and seconded by Councilman Smith to Adjourn the meeting to Closed session under 5ILCS/120/2(C)(1), The appointment, employment, compensation. Discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee of the public body or against any legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity and under 5ILCS/120/2(C)(11), Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent.
Ayes: Councilman Smith, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall and Mayor Tem Jones
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried, and the meeting was adjourned at 6:23 p.m.
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