South Central Reporter

City of Centralia Council met March 25.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor Ashby called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL

Present: Mayor Ashby, Councilman Jones, Councilman Smith, Councilman Sauer and Councilman Marshall

Absent: None

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; Chief John Lynch, Fire 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 Ashby led the Pledge of Allegiance

AMENDMENTS AND/OR ADDITIONS TO AGENDA

None

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Mayor Ashby and the City Council presented a proclamation in honor of Equal Pay Day to the many BPW members in attendance. Carrie Perkins-Schnicker, representing Centralia BPW, explained what Equal Pay Day is. She explained that April 2nd is the day that symbolizes how far into the year women must work to earn the same as men the previous year. BPW is sponsoring an Equal Pay Day Rally at the Library Band Shell on March 30th. There will be guest speakers along with essay writers that will be reading their essays. Following the Rally there will be a march to City Hall. Mayor Ashby stated that the City will be represented by the City Clerk and other staff at the Rally. He thanked the women of BPW for their efforts and wished them a successful Equal Pay Rally.

Spring Thomas brought a concern to the Mayor and City Council in regards to a concern she has about lighting in the 600 block of Jackson. Her neighbor and herself are both concerned about the dim lighting and concerned that once the trees bloom they will block even more light from the street lights. She showed photos to the Mayor and Council from her phone and asked how the concern could be resolved.

Jennifer Price discussed her concern about the amount of tree cutting being done in the City. She stated that she felt that it was due to the gall on the oak trees. She asked if the Tree Board has funds in order to treat the trees. She stated that she disagrees with the way the trees are being treated in the city. She stated that if funds are available they should be used to preserve the specimen oaks noting a diseased tree in the middle of Circle Drive. She would like money spent to preserve and treat the diseased trees instead of cutting them down. Mayor Ashby commented that there is an active Tree Board and this information will be directed to the appropriate department.

CONSENT AGENDA

Councilman Sauer requested to pull item number six of the consent agenda for further discussion and review. With no objection to the request to pull the Ordinance Amending the Centralia Municipal Code To Add Additional Duties To The Position Of City Manager, a Motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Marshall to Approve Items 1-5 of the Consent Agenda.

1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The March 11, 2019 City Council Meeting

2. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $ 441,492.18

3. Approval Of Request To Place Decorations Upon City Owned Property In The Downtown Area For Relay For Life

4. A Resolution Approving The Temporary Closure Of Various City Streets For The 4th Of July Parade Hosted By The Centralia Veterans Affairs Committee

5. Approval Of Request To Allow Use Of Lake Centralia By The Clay City Bass Club For Tournaments On April 14th And September 29th, 2019

Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Smith, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall, and Mayor Ashby

Nays: None

A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

None

BIDS

None

ORDINANCES

Councilman Sauer stated that he would like to amend the ordinance presented amending the Centralia Municipal Code To Add Additional Duties To The Position Of City Manager by changing the expiration date in the ordinance to include the date of June 25, 2019. He stated that he had discussion with the City Manager concerning this prior to the meeting. City Manager Ramey stated that this ordinance has been passed in prior years. He stated that there are older loans that involve collection and a settlement trying to be reached in order to collect the most funds possible. The ordinance would allow him the authority to do so and he will keep the Council updated. The City had a second mortgage on the property but anticipates that the sale of the property may not pay off the first mortgage. The negotiation will allow the City to receive approximately 38 percent of any profit. He agreed that the June 25th date as suggested was acceptable by him as well. City Clerk Enke recited section six of the ordinance that included the date amendment to the sunset provision that was being referred to. A motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Marshall to Approve An Ordinance Amending The Centralia Municipal Code To Add Additional General Duties To The Position of City Manager.

Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Smith, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall and Mayor Ashby 

Nays: None

A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried

Councilman Sauer discussed that in the past the city has not approved licenses for the purpose of gaming. He stated that the two applications accepted are from two individuals making a substantial investments in the community and both investments involve the sale of alcohol. The developments include Rosati’s restaurant and Meadow Woods development project. Mayor Ashby stated that the business plan was shared with the City Council. These requests differ from the many other requests received for the purpose of gaming. He noted other communities have allowed gaming in pawn shops and liquor stores. He stated this is the purpose of liquor licensing, in order to further establish businesses in the community. A motion was made by Councilman Jones and seconded by Councilman Smith to Approve An Ordinance Amending The Centralia Municipal Code Regarding An Increase In The Number of Class A Liquor Licenses.

Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Smith, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall and Mayor Ashby 

Nays: None

A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried

A motion was made by Councilman Sauer and seconded by Councilman Marshall to Approve An Ordinance

Amending The Administrative Procedure For Assessing And Determining Claims Under PSEBA. 

Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Smith, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall and Mayor Ashby

Nays: None

A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried RESOLUTIONS

Mayor Ashby commended the City Manager and staff for making use of available funding by getting 80% of the funding for the 16th St. & S. Hickory St. project without loans or the issuance of bonds. A motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Jones to Approve A Resolution Approving An Agreement With The State Of Illinois Department Of Transportation For The Resurfacing Of A Portion Of 16th Street And A Portion Of S. Hickory.

Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Smith, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall and Mayor Ashby 

Nays: None

A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried

City Manager Ramey stated that Sandoval has approved the contract contingent on the City approving it, due to their last contract expiring. He reviewed the contract stating that this contract is for twenty years and the Village of Sandoval agrees to buy all of their water, as long it can be supplied by the City, without another outside source. Also stated in the agreement, if the meter is working correctly, the city will read the meter at their request electronically. Also if the city would decide not to make improvements to the water plant using WTP replacement funds, then the city will give them the fifty cent surcharge minus any pro ration back. He noted that currently the City has over $3 Million in that fund and he anticipates future water plant improvements. Mayor Ashby clarified and confirmed with the City Manager that Sandoval is contributing to the WTP replacement fund currently and will be buying their water exclusively from the City of Centralia. He stated that as long there is not a major water break the water will be supplied to them as needed. He stated all of the contracts are coming due and it will help to know who will be supplied and determine the appropriate size of the new plant. Councilman Sauer noted that water is an inexpensive commodity for the city due to the purchase, twenty years ago, of the Texico water line. A motion was made by Councilman Marshall and seconded by Councilman Smith to Approve A Resolution Approving a Water Sales Agreement between the City of Centralia and the Village of Sandoval.

Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Smith, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall and Mayor Ashby 

Nays: None

A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried

OTHER BUSINESS

The Public Works Director, Jeff Schwartz, provided a report concerning his department. He stated that there are three projects planned this year including the Hickory Street road project. Some building demolitions and removal of some trees are planned as well to improve the area. Frazier St. is another road project that will be completed this year as well. He noted that Broadway is the 3rd project that will be completed, utilizing MFT funds. He stated that once the last section is completed this year, the overlay will cover Broadway from McCord St. all the way to Fairview Park. He added that MFT funds will also be used for the oil and chip of various roadways totaling 14 miles. He stated that the northeast section of the City will be the primary area to get oil and chipped, some of the lake roads along with the cemetery and parks including Rotary Park. Jeff stated that currently the city crews are working to replace the light globes on the downtown light poles and switching the bulbs over to new LED bulbs. He stated that his department has completed eight demos this year to date and there are 35 properties that have been approved and inspected for demolition that are now ready for demolition. He reported that, in the past 7-8 years, 1,600 of the 30 yard size dumpsters have been used to haul off trash and debris from city wide clean ups and demolitions. He stated that the new sewer pipes that were installed have resulted in a lot less sewer backup issues for residents. He reported that all of the water meter registers have been replaced. He stated that the 10 year warranty on the original meters covered the change out of all of the registers. He added that approximately $500,000.00 in registers were provided at no additional cost. Noting that the new registers will not be under warranty though. He stated that the planned upcoming park projects include a handicap swing and eventually a splash pad.

Jeff Schwartz discussed the recent fire at the building that was previously the location of the business known as Plastiflex. He stated that all of the departments worked together under the direction of Fire Chief John Lynch to control and put the fire out. City Manager requested that Jeff discuss the pipe purchased 10-11 years ago by the City that was stored in the building. Jeff explained that when he started with the City in 2010, Grant Kleinhenz was the City Manager and Mike Fritch was the Public Works Director at that time. They were planning a sewer project, which has since been completed. They purchased the storm sewer pipe for the project and it was still sitting at Karchmer Supply. Karchmer Supply made the City move the pipe after it had stayed there for 6-8 months after it was purchased. It was then moved to the City yards, then it was moved to the sewer plant. He stated that Grant Kleinhenz turned down the offer to send back the unused storm sewer pipe for $30,000.00 including the transportation of it. He stated that the pipe cost almost $300,000.00. He stated that the pipe was unusable, due to it being the wrong size and it had sat out in the weather. Some was sold over the years as surplus but with the warranty expired, no one would take it. It then was moved to the old Plastiflex building and has been there about 5 years. He stated there was nothing else in the building that burnt and nothing left but ash.

Mayor Ashby asked Jeff to clarify the number of miles in the City. Jeff stated that there are 205 miles of roadway in the City of Centralia. Mayor Ashby stated that they are doing 12-14 miles of roadway each year and in previous years, only 5-6 miles had been completed. He also added that even though there are 12 less employees now, there are more improvements taking place. Mayor Ashby commended the efficiency and hard work of the department that is making it possible to complete these projects. Mayor Ashby asked for any other questions from the Council. In regards to the water meter register changes, Councilman Smith asked if there were extra meters or different meters that could be utilized. Jeff Schwartz explained that the system only allows for that particular meter in order to operate the system. Jeff stated that eventually the system could be switched over to something else, but noted that the meter is the most inexpensive part of the system. He added that the register/computer is the most expensive part of the system, which is what was changed recently when several of them had battery issues. City Manager Ramey noted that when the registers go bad on the meter, the meter is still operating correctly and reading the usage. A bad register just does not allow for the transfer of the usage data electronically. Jeff Schwartz referred to Jennifer Price’s concern of cutting down trees. He stated that he doesn’t want to cut the trees down either but the diseased trees are causing issues and dangers such as limbs falling from the trees onto sidewalks and vehicles. Mrs. Price stated that there are treatments available and asked if the Tree Board has resources in order to treat the trees instead. Jeff Schwartz stated that they had looked at treatment options previously but have determined there the treatment was not effective in stopping the disease.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None

REPORTS

City Clerk Enke reminded residents of the Spring City Wide Clean Up that will be taking place April 1st – 5th, with items to be picked up curbside on normal trash pick-up days. City Clerk Enke also reported that the annual drinking water quality report (CCR) is available on line on the City’s website. Printed copies are available in the Clerk’s office and also the link will be printed on the water bills in March and April for residents to be able to access it online. Copies were also available at the meeting for anyone interested in taking one.

City Treasurer Agee stated that the 2018 Audit process has started and sampling is expected to being shortly by the auditors. He reported that he expects the audit to be completed sooner this year than in years past. City Manager Ramey asked if any findings have been discussed by the auditors this year or if there were findings last year and Treasurer Agee stated that he has not heard of any this year as they are progressing through the process and there were no findings last year.

City Manager Ramey spoke in regards to the lighting concern that was brought up by Ms.Thomas. He stated that Ameren owns the lights throughout the City. He stated that Ameren is working to change out the lights throughout the City to the newer LED lights that produce more light. He stated that Ameren is changing them as the older lights go out. He stated that he will be checking into her specific request though.

City Manager Ramey stated that one other road project which is to finish 4th St. from Oak Park to Randolph and Randolph from 4th St. to Hwy. 161. He noted that there are major issues with the ditches as well that need improved. If the overlay is approved, it will result in the roadway looking similar to Country Club Road.

City Manager Ramey responded to Mrs. Price concerning the diseased trees. He stated that he was shown the extent of damage the gall disease does to the trees by Jeff Schwartz in addition to the damage to the Ash trees due to the Emerald Ash Bore. He stated that the Tree Board had discussed the cost of the treatment which can be the same as the cost to cut the diseased trees down. The concern was that treatment does not guarantee that it will work to treat the trees or if the tree will survive. He sated the utility companies are also concerned about the falling limbs and the effects that the storms have on the trees. He recalled the death in Central City years ago from falling limbs. He noted that Tree Board is an advisory board and does not have a budget. The tree cutting is an expense of the Public Works Department. He did add that approximately 400 new trees are going to be planted in multiple locations this coming year. He stated that they will continue to work on this the best they can.

Councilman Marshall stated that in regards to Ms. Thomas’ concern. He encouraged more lighting in that area in order to deter illegal activity.

Councilman Sauer agreed with Councilman Marshall noting that the new LED lights do require less energy adding that he feels some areas do need more lighting.

Councilman Smith also agreed with Councilman Sauer and Councilman Marshall in regards to the lighting.

Councilman Smith stated that he was happy to see the number of people in attendance at the meeting and hoped that those in attendance do attend the meetings more often.

Councilman Jones asked that the City Manager check with Ameren to see if they have a long range plan to upgrade the lighting instead of only changing out the ones that go out.

He commended Jeff Schwartz for the work of his departments and the projects that they have accomplished. He also thanked the Fire Department, the other departments, and staff that were involved in tending to the recent fires in a safe manner. He stated that he will be at the BPW Equal Pay Day Rally on March 30th and reminded residents of the city wide clean up. Also he stated that an Arbor Day and City Wide Clean Up Day hosted by Centralia Clean and Green will take place on April 27th. He commended Jeff Schwartz for the numerous improvement projects that are planned in the city to be completed by the city staff and crews.

Mayor Ashby asked that Gayla discuss the recent food drive that the Youth Commission participated in that was organized by Centralia High School. She stated that the Youth Commission members collected donations and she especially thanked the Centralia Police Department for their $500 donation towards the purchase of canned goods. The food donations were given to the CCBA Food Pantry and the Salvation Army.

Mayor Ashby thanked the BPW once again for attending the meeting and their continued involvement in the community.

Mayor Ashby stated that the Elks will be hanging a banner on their building in regards to their community efforts. He stated that when the banner is hung he would like to present the Elks with a proclamation and would like the City Council to take part in it as well. He noted their numerous contributions and efforts to support the community.

Mayor Ashby also thanked the Fire Department, the other city departments, as well as the mutual aid received during the recent fire. He commended them for containing and successfully combating the fire in an orderly manner.

Mayor Ashby encouraged all residents to vote on April 2nd. He stated that in order to make a change they need to exercise their right to vote.

Mayor Ashby announced that he will not be present at the next meeting on April 8th, due to family obligations.

Mayor Ashby also asked that the City Attorney provide him with the home inspection ordinances as discussed previously due to the Mayor wanting to make progress concerning it.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Jones to Adjourn the meeting.

Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Smith, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall and Mayor Ashby

Nays: None

A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried, and the meeting was adjourned at 6:48 p.m.

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