South Central Reporter

City of Centralia City Council met Sept. 23.

Here is the agenda provided by the council:

The City Council for Centralia, Illinois met on Monday, September 23, 2019, in the Council Chambers at Centralia City Hall. Mayor Williams called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.

ROLL CALL

Present: Mayor Williams, Councilman Jones, Councilman Sauer, and Councilman Marshall

Absent: Councilman Smith

Staff Members Present: Dan Ramey, City Manager; Doug Gruenke, City Attorney; Chief Brian Atchison, Police Department; Rose Aldag- McVey, Economic Development Director; Kala Lambert, Assistant City Manager; Gayla Harting, Community Development Director; Jeff Schwartz, Public Works Director; Bill Agee, City Treasurer; and Kim Enke, City Clerk

PRAYER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor Williams led the Pledge of Allegiance and an opening prayer was offered by Pastor Nancy Peebles.

AMENDMENTS AND/OR ADDITIONS TO AGENDA

None

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Mayor Williams noted that due to the large amount of requests to address the Council, he encouraged everyone to be mindful of the individual time limit of 5 minutes and the overall time of 45 minutes that is allowed for public participation. He encouraged those that were in attendance concerning the same topic to have a spokesperson address the City Council.

Vernell Burris addressed the Mayor and City Council recognizing the service of fellow Vietnam Veteran, Walter Bryant, who recently passed away. Mr. Burris also asked the Council to consider an increase in sewer rates. Also pertaining to item 9-1, Mr. Burris requested how much revenue will be generated and if it will be sufficient income.

Diane Higgins, addressed the City Council in regards to a tree on Noleman next to her home that is on the corner of Pine and Noleman. She stated that in the past the City trimmed branches along Noleman, but a bulk of the weight of the tree remains on the side over her home and property. She noted that power and cable lines are around it and she is concerned about it falling on her house or her neighbors. She was also concerned about the dead wood and debris that is around tree on the ground and sidewalks. She noted that a couple years ago someone looked at it, but it was not cut.

Steve Coleman addressed the City Council in regards to high grass and weeds in the wooded area near the former Lincoln School. He stated that he is concerned about any criminal activity that may be taking place in that area. He also noted that the area near Elmwood Cemetery on the north end of Lincoln has some high grass and weeds that he was concerned with.

Rae Ann Quidgeon, stated that she would speak for herself and the 4 others that were also in attendance in support of the road closure for the Rail Coffee Room event. Those individuals included Renee Luttrell Huge, Sherry Roberts, Darren Dunahee, and Mary Ellen Peper. She stated that she originally requested closure of the street directly in front of Rail and the Sentinel to allow more space for their event including space for the placement of tables, chairs, and music. She stated that she has been thinking more about the request due to safety concerns and would like to change the closure request to include the full block of Broadway from Poplar to Locust. She stated that there were 200 attendees last year and expects more this year. She stated that she wanted to continue to hold this event, but they do need more room. She stated that she is asking for no more than what is allowed for events such as Celebrate Centralia or the Locust Street Fair. She noted that she is aware and intends to hire Police or security and is aware that they will need a local liquor license.

Mayor Williams thanked those that addressed the City Council for their participation and stated that the Council will be reviewing and acting on some of the items.

CONSENT AGENDA

Mayor Williams stated that he wanted to pull two of the Resolutions from the consent agenda for comments and further discussion which were items numbered as 6 and 7.

A Motion was made by Councilman Sauer and seconded by Councilman Marshall to Approve Items 1-5 and 8 of the Consent Agenda.

1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The September 9, 2019 Council Meeting

2. Approval Of The Minutes Of The September 10, 2019 Special Meeting

3. Approval Of The Minutes Of The September 17, 2019 Special Meeting

4. Approval Of The Minutes Of The September 18, 2019 Special Meeting

5. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $ 944,129.32

8. Approval Of Request To Place Decorations Upon City Owned Property In The Downtown Area For A Rail Coffee Room Event

Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall, and Mayor Williams 

Nays: None

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

Mayor Williams recognized and expressed his appreciation of Cathy Stuehmeier for providing her time and the effort that she has put forth while serving on the Tourism Commission. A Motion was made by Councilman Jones and seconded by Councilman Sauer to Approve A Resolution Confirming Appointments Of Certain Individuals To Various Board And Commissions Of The City Of Centralia.

Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall, and Mayor Williams 

Nays: None

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

Mayor Williams discussed the request of the Rail Coffee Room. He stated that it is an important event for the City of Centralia but he also has concerns. He stated that he spoke to the City Manager and he has the same concern which is a safety issue. He stated that if a half of the block is closed off, cars will be able to travel through the alley and he is concerned with that. City Manager Ramey stated that it was brought up to him approximately 6 weeks ago. He stated that his initial concern was the traffic due to the road closure to Tate’s Alley which would create more safety issues than closing off to Locust St. He stated that he appreciated what they do at Rail and had no issues with the light pole decorations for the community. He stated that he countered back with an offer to allow the use of the City parking lot. He stated that he had not heard back from them after he offered the parking lot. He noted that their event is much different than Celebrate Centralia due to it being a private event for a business that is requesting to block off streets. He stated that he sees the good parts of the event but was against it due to the concerns with the traffic and the cost of the City to provide the Police and ESDA. He stated that the comment made by Ms. Quidgeon suggesting that she would pay for the Police was not told to him. Rae Ann stated that there was a list in some of the communication concerning the event sent to her. He stated that he was not aware that she was willing to do that. He stated that he is not completely against it but 50/50 on the issue. He stated that this approval opens it up to other businesses that may want to also close off the street for their events. He stated that he sees the positive side of it, but feels that the City should not incur any costs for the event. He stated that he doesn’t want a car to travel through the street while not paying attention to the closure. He noted that at Celebrate Centralia there are major things blocking the ends of the street. He stated that this will set a precedence and this is why the Council makes decisions like this. Councilman Sauer inquired if Rae Ann Quidgeon was furnishing security. She explained that she had received the list of items required for the event. City Clerk Enke explained that the list being referred to accompanied the liquor license application for a Class G event that will need to be submitted to the Mayor for liquor license approval. It was noted by the City Clerk that the topic being discussed was for a later item on the agenda. Councilman Sauer noted that he suggested that he recommended an amendment to the Ordinance noting that it was in regards to item 8-2 on the agenda and held the motion for later in the meeting.

A Motion was made by Councilman Marshall and seconded by Councilman Jones to Approve A Resolution Approving the Temporary Closure Of N. Maple For A Family Event At Laura Leake Park On October 24th.

Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall, and Mayor Williams 

Nays: None

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

REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

None

BIDS

None

ORDINANCES

Mayor Williams requested to continue the discussion concerning the road closure and to place item 8-2 before item 8-1. With no objections, Mayor Williams stated that he understands what Rail is trying to do but his concern is the safety factor involving the traffic as well. He asked if the Council and the City Manager would agree to closing off the street from Locust to Poplar so no cars would come down the street with Rail providing the proper protection or patrol. City Manager Ramey stated that the Council also needed to consider that Tate Alley heading North from 2nd St. are going to come to a dead end. He stated that something need to be placed to let cars access it as needed but to direct traffic from 2nd St. as to not cause them to come to a dead end on the alley. He stated that it isn’t an issue on the North side of Broadway due to Tate Alley being a one way on the North Side. Councilman Sauer suggested a barricade at the City parking lot would allow them to access the lot and turn around if needed. City Manager Ramey stated that he expects the parking lot to be full, so he suggested a barricade just past the city parking lot. Mayor Williams stated that he agreed that a barricade was needed there. Councilman Marshall stated that he expects the event to grow and recognized the efforts of Rail. He stated that he was in favor of extending the closure from Poplar to Locust. Councilman Sauer stated that in section one of the ordinance he would like to strike the portion of the last sentence that states East side of the alley adjacent to 216 E. Broadway and insert East side of Locust Street. The Clerk clarified if he would like the alley to be included in the amendment for closure from 2nd to Noleman. City Manager Ramey stated that the North Side of the alley is a one way so the barricade should be placed on the north side of the municipal parking lot. Councilman Jones stated that someone could then pull in and turn around if necessary. Councilman Sauer noted that the businesses could possibly need access to the alley but the event will be from 4 p.m -10 p.m. so there was no need to close the entire alley as long as it is closed on the north side of the City parking lot. The Mayor was in agreement and Councilman Sauer stated that they will close the street from Poplar to Locust. Councilman Sauer stated that the Council has the right to exercise discretion to do certain things that occasionally involves private businesses. He stated that he has been on certain committees and is aware of Rail’s effort to revitalize downtown. He stated that there are other businesses that are not doing the same. A motion was made by Councilman Sauer and seconded by Councilman Jones to Approve An Ordinance Approving The Closure And Use Of Streets And Sidewalks For A Rail Coffee Room Event On October 19, 2019 As Amended To Close The Street To The East Side Of Locust St.

Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall, and Mayor Williams 

Nays: None

A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried

Rae Ann Quidgeon thanked the Council and stated that she didn’t have an issue with Mr. Ramey’s offer to use the parking lot at City Hall as suggested except for continuity of those with wine or beer that would be walking from Rail to the parking lot.

City Manager Ramey stated that the Municipal Code was reviewed in order to update it to include the current rates and leaf vacuuming as previously discussed. He stated that CWI was going to be charging $4.75 per household for leaf vacuuming and with the City providing the service, the cost came to $3.14 which resulted in $100,000 in savings to the residents. He stated that if the City provided trash collection it would cost $200,000 - $250,000 and it doesn’t make sense for the City to do that. He stated that the monthly rate would be $3.14 in addition to the approximate $15 for garbage collection. He stated that the ordinance will allow for the approval of the charges. He stated that this is approximately a 5% increase vs. the initial 16% increase proposed by CWI to continue to handle the leaf collection. Councilman Sauer stated that this has been discussed at previous meetings in depth and this will save approximately $100,000/year by not contracting leaf collection services. He noted that the equipment was a bargain and the City will have greater flexibility with the timing of collection. He stated that in years past there was only one bid and in the future he expects to have more bids due to not including leaf vacuuming in the contract.

City Manager Ramey stated that that the 5 year contract guarantees that the increase per year can only be 3% for it’s duration. He stated that he doesn’t expect it to be perfect the first year but he applauds the Council for agreeing to allow the City to begin handling the vacuuming of leaves when it would have been easier to agree to the increase and continue with CWI. He noted that the amount that the residents pay is the same amount that CWI charges for services, there is no markup. He noted that the City was previously under a court order to collect leaves years ago. He stated that many towns don’t have collection but they have not had a court order. Councilman Marshall stated that he is appreciative that the City is continuing to provide the service at a lesser rate. Councilman Jones stated that he appreciated having the control and flexibility of the collection. Councilman Sauer and Mayor Williams pointed out that this also provides a job in the City. Mayor Williams stated that the City needs jobs and people to fill them so this is a win-win for the City. A motion was made by Councilman Marshall and seconded by Councilman Sauer to Approve An Ordinance Amending Chapter 21, Article 3, Of The Centralia Municipal Code For Municipal Collection And Disposal Services.

Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall, and Mayor Williams 

Nays: None

A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried

RESOLUTIONS

City Manager Ramey stated that the barbershop that is making the request was formerly Sledge’s Barbershop and the new owner, Vern Mordini, who leases the building is wanting to add an awning to the building. He stated that the awning is estimated at $1,800 and the forgivable loan amount is $1,285 based on the estimate. A motion was made by Councilman Jones and seconded by Councilman Marshall to Approve A Resolution Approving a Forgivable Loan Agreement from TIF #3 to Vern’s Barber Shop for Façade and Awning Improvements at 215 E 2nd Street.

Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall, and Mayor Williams 

Nays: None

A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried

City Manager Ramey stated that the resolution concerning the loan and improvements is for the old Plastiflex building which had a fire a few months ago on Aaron Parkway. He stated that Ronnie Donoho, who purchased the building from the Geary Trust is requesting the loan. City Manager Ramey explained that the clay buildings that are on the SW corner of the main building will be torn down. He stated that the new façade will be added along with doors. He stated that the estimated cost for just that portion of the project is $30,000. The maximum of $12,000 would be allowed based on the estimate for the work that meets the criteria. He also noted that he will be putting much more into the building besides just these improvements. He stated that Depew & Owen, the company that Ronnie Donoho is principal owner of, provided the bid but it was reviewed by the City Manager and he feels like the cost is going to much more than that. He stated that he recommended the approval with the bid that has been submitted. He stated it will make a big difference in the appearance of it. He stated that as far as Economic Development, Kala, Rose, and him have discussed the need for more warehousing space and buildings. He stated that the Industrial Commission has even discussed building another building to draw more business to town. He stated that he loves it when these projects are done in the private sector. A motion was made by Councilman Sauer and seconded by Councilman Jones to Approve A Resolution Approving a Forgivable Loan Agreement from TIF #5 to AED & GBD LLC for Façade and Awning Improvements at 823 Aaron Parkway.

Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall, and Mayor Williams 

Nays: None

A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried

OTHER BUSINESS

None

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None

REPORTS

City Clerk Enke reported that her office has received several phone calls concerning the new trash rates as well as questions concerning burning leaves. She stated that there have been no changes to the allowable burn dates and made burn calendars available to those attending.

City Treasurer Agee reported that since the last Council meeting, the City has received another tax distribution from Marion County. The total collection currently is approximately 53% of the tax levy. He also noted that the 2nd installment of Marion County taxes are due. He stated that the Clinton County final installment date has passed so the City should be receiving those funds as well. He stated the State is still current on the state shared revenue but the correctional center is one month past due. He stated that Murray Center is current.

City Manager stated that he was very pleased with the IML conference and the vendors present. He thanked the Council members that attended as well as the City Attorney. He reported that it allows them to stay ahead of the curve and provides networking opportunities. He stated that he was shocked to see one watchdog group that was invited to speak by the IML. He stated that many criticize them for FOIA requests and causing problems but the majority of the time they do it rightly. He stated that during their speech they commented that many times they have told cities that they are running it the way it should be ran. He stated that they have come out with their publication with a picture of the City of Centralia saying that this is how a city should be ran.

City Manager Ramey stated that the State has opened the bids for the Hickory Street project and the bids were significantly higher than the engineer’s estimate for the project. He stated that he will be speaking with the State more on the project. A $600,000 grant was received from IDOT for the project with the City putting only 20% toward it along with any extra funding needed. He stated that he has been discussing it with Jeff Schwartz and will continue to discuss it further. He stated that they will get it worked out, but were surprised with the bids. City Manager Ramey stated that also the State bid opening will be held for Broadway from Lincoln to McCord as well as Frazier from Perrine to Pleasant soon.

Councilman Marshall stated that he enjoyed several things at the IML conference including the topics of legalization of marijuana and sports betting that the Council will need to address in the near future. Councilman Marshall stated that the watchdog group was enjoyable and there was a large crowd that attended.

City Manager Ramey stated that there were press releases sent concerning Chief Atchison’s retirement that will be effective October 18th but he also wanted to recognize him for the 30 plus years of service while working his way up through the ranks. He stated that it has been enjoyable working with the Chief, he is an honorable individual. He reported that job advertisements are being made at this time and he expects to get a few applications.

Councilman Sauer stated that the City Council has met several times to hold telephone interviews with potential City Manager candidates. He stated that this has been completed and this Wednesday a special meeting has been noticed for the City Council to finalize those that they want to bring to Centralia to interview personally and visit. He stated that things are moving along nicely but he could not give any timelines due to the schedules of the candidates.

Mayor Williams recognized Chief Atchison, commending him for the number of cases that have been solved and wished him well.

Mayor Williams welcomed Jessiycka Coleman to the Tourism Commission and thanked her for being involved in the community. He encouraged more people to get involved in the community as well.

Mayor Williams offered condolences to the family of Walter Bryant.

Mayor Williams asked Jeff Schwartz and Gayla Harting to review the concerns of the trees and high grass that were discussed by the residents during public participation.

Mayor Williams wished Shirlena Barnes the best of luck during the Trunk or Treat at Laura Leake Park.

Mayor Williams also stated that he learned a lot while attending the IML Conference.

Mayor Williams thanked those for the calls and messages while he was ill.

Mayor Williams stated that he is pleased with the Council Meetings and the way the City is moving closer together and moving forward. He stressed the need to continue to pray and move forward.

ADJOURNMENT

A motion was made by Councilman Sauer and seconded by Councilman Marshall 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 legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity.

Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall, and Mayor Williams

Nays: None

A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:07 p.m.

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