City of Centralia City Council met Dec. 23.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
The City Council for Centralia, Illinois met on Monday, December 23, 2019, in the Council Chambers at Centralia City Hall. Mayor Williams called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Williams, Councilman Jones, Councilman Smith, Councilman Sauer, and Councilman Marshall
Absent: None
Staff Members Present: Dan Ramey, City Manager; Doug Gruenke; City Attorney; Chief Greg Dodson, Police Department; Rose Aldag-McVey, Economic Development Director; Kala Lambert, Assistant City Manager; Chief John Lynch, Fire Department; 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 Vernell Burris.
AMENDMENTS AND/OR ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
None
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Steve Coleman addressed the City Council concerning the replacement of the City Manager. He also questioned if the Council could do something with the former Regions Bank building located downtown due to the business relocating to another location in Centralia. He suggested it be used as a hotel to benefit the community. He also asked if the former laundry mat on West Broadway is going to be demolished.
Vernell Burris shared the salaries of the Salem Mayor and Council comparing them to the salaries of the Centralia Mayor and City Council stating that a raise should be considered since there has not been one since 1979.
Mayor Williams reflected on the work of City Manager Ramey and his work and progress made over the past 8 years. Mayor Williams asked former Centralia Mayor, Tom Ashby, to further recognize Mr. Ramey’s service as City Manager. Former Mayor Ashby reflected on the accomplishments of the past 8 1/2 years. He noted that the City was not able to make payroll, had a $13M in bond debt, an inflated $37M budget, and insurance costs that were out of control. He stated that the City also inherited a $28M mandatory compliance from the EPA noting that the City no longer has the compliance requirement and now has money set aside for the water plant and received a $1M grant. He stated that the City has improved the roads each year at no cost to the taxpayers. Mr. Ashby stated that he was fortunate to serve on the Southern Illinois Mayors Association and the IML Board noting that 8 1⁄2 yrs. ago the City did not have the reputation that it has today. He stated that the demolition program has been successful along with the road and chip program. He stated that many other communities are noticing what Centralia is doing. He also noted that Dan and his staff are making Centralia a better place and putting Centralia on the map as a hub for entertainment and shopping. He noted the increase in sales tax due to the City Manager and the leadership with his staff. He stated that City Manager Ramey had to make many tough decisions and tough comments were made about him but he feels that from a state wide perspective, he deserves the praise as one of the best City Managers that Centralia has had.
City Manager Dan Ramey was presented with a plaque from the Mayor and City Council. He recalled accepting the position as City Manager and expressed his appreciation for the support and confidence from the Mayor and City Council. He recalled the appointment and hiring of the past and current staff members over the many years thanking them for their dedication. He stated that his opportunity to serve has been an honor and he strived to always do the right thing.
CONSENT AGENDA
A Motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Marshall to Approve Items 1 – 3 of the Consent Agenda.
1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The December 9, 2019 Public Hearing
2. Approval Of The Minutes Of The December 9, 2019 Council Meeting
3. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $ 983,072.66
Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Smith, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall, and Mayor Williams Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
None
BIDS
The bid opening was held for the.048 acres of property located adjacent to 326 S. Locust. There was one bid received in the amount of $1,001.00 from Jim Rockett with the intended use of the property to be for storage units. City Clerk Enke stated that the approval of the sale will be on the next agenda.
ORDINANCES
City Manager Ramey explained that a drawing was provided in the packet concerning vacating Fowler Alley that separates Carillon Park. He stated that members of the Foundation have asked that the alley be incorporated into the park. He stated that they don’t want to disturb the current businesses, but the goal is to have the entire block for the park. City Manager Ramey stated that he was concerned about the businesses and met with them to discuss the portion of the alley that is proposed to be vacated. He reviewed the additional 9-10 parking spaces that will be added to the left side of the alley as well. He stated that the development agreement with the Foundation is also part of the agreement to vacate the portion of the alley. He also noted that the parking lot that was added earlier this year on the opposite side of Broadway by the Foundation has seen increased use. Councilman Jones stated that it will be safer and it will further clean up the area even more as well as add additional parking. Councilman Sauer noted that the Foundation has been putting forth a lot of effort over the last 15 years and the City is lucky to have them. A motion was made by Councilman Sauer and seconded by Councilman Jones to Approve An Ordinance Vacating a Portion of an Alley In Block 18 of Original Town.
Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Smith, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall, and Mayor Williams Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
RESOLUTIONS
City Manager Ramey noted that this development agreement goes along with the ordinance to vacate the alley in order to add the parking area. A motion was made by Councilman Jones and seconded by Councilman Smith to Approve A Resolution Approving a Development Agreement Between Centralia Foundation and the City of Centralia.
Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Smith, 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 final estimates have changed for the project and the Council will need to rescind the first resolution and then will be increasing the amount in the second resolution. A motion was made by Councilman Jones and seconded by Councilman Sauer to Approve A Resolution Rescinding Resolution R19-57, A Resolution For Improvement Under The Illinois Highway Code.
Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Smith, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall, and Mayor Williams Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
A motion was made by Councilman Jones and seconded by Councilman Smith to Approve A Supplemental Resolution
For Improvement Under The Illinois Highway Code.
Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Smith, 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 contract with Chief Lynch was set to expire in January but City Manager Ramey had his agreement prepared and they have already met to review it. He commended Chief Lynch for his hard work and dedication and his work to live within his budget. He recalled that the department at one time had 21 fire fighters. They were requesting 24 during negotiations at one time and now have 15 fulltime with 3 part time fire fighters. He stated that the department is running efficiently and noted that many communities don’t have full time departments. He stated that currently he is making a little over $81,000 and City Manager Ramey is recommending a two year extension thru December 31, 2021 at a rate of $85,000. Councilman Jones commended John Lynch for his work as the Chief. Councilman Smith thanked Chief Lynch. A motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Sauer to Approve A Resolution Approving the Extension of An Agreement with John Lynch Regarding His Employment as Fire Chief.
Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Smith, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall, and Mayor Williams Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
City Manager Ramey thanked Economic Development Director Aldag-McVey for her work in this agreement with the hospital. City Manager Ramey discussed the importance of having a partnership with the hospital for further growth and employment. He stated that the sign will located along 161 and Pleasant St. where it will be noticeable. He stated that the recent road improvements in front of the hospital and the lighting that will extend to the end of Pleasant, where it ties into Rexford, will benefit the entire area including the Cultural Society and Youth Center. He noted the additional brighter LED lighting that has been added in the area as well. He stated that the hospital is finalizing the sign plans and it shows how they are working together for the betterment of the City. He explained that the lease includes an easement on the northwest corner of the intersection of McCord and Pleasant, a small 10 x 20 ft. area for the placement of the sign. He stated that the City will keep the easements on the property. He stated that he spoke to the City Attorney and he suggested the lease be approved instead of an easement on the Right of Way. He stated that the fees are being waived on the 20 year lease agreement and it would be null and void if they ceased using the sign. A motion was made by Councilman Marshall and seconded by Councilman Sauer to Approve An Ordinance Approving A Lease Agreement with SSM Health For Sign Placement On City Owned Property.
Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Smith, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall, and Mayor Williams Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
REPORTS
City Clerk Enke reported that the City Hall offices will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day with trash collection services running one day behind during the two weeks of the holidays.
City Treasurer Agee thanked City Manager Ramey for his 8 1/2 years of service and he wished him the best with his future endeavors.
City Manager Ramey explained that he has discussed the cannabis act with the City Attorney and the City Council will be receiving a packet of information to make a decision in the future. He stated that recreational marijuana becomes legal on January 1st. He stated that it is similar to the same rules as liquor purchases and use. He stated that there are many different feelings concerning the law and the Council is going to have to decide to allow or deny retail sales of cannabis. He stated that it would have a 7% tax with the City getting 1% of the tax which is the same as any retail sales. He stated that the City could also impose an additional 3% tax locally for a total of 4%. He provided the scenario that if $1M of sales were made in Centralia, the City would get $40,000. He stated that an additional percentage of tax will be imposed by the state depending on the strength of the cannabis in addition to the city taxes by utilizing the LGDF fund. He noted that it would provide state collected taxes at the rate of 8%. He stated that he estimates that the city would get 1/10 of 1% of the tax being paid in the state. He stated that many communities including Marion and Effingham have approved the sales in their cities. He stated that he personally doesn’t like it or the perception of it. He stated that his biggest concern is the perception and encourages the Council to wait for at least a short period of time. He stated that sometimes it is good to be aggressive and sometimes it is not. He stated that he won’t be here but he wanted to share his thoughts with the Council. He stated that the IML documents will be provided in order to decide if they will approve or deny the sales but he recommends moving forward slowly and not making political decisions.
Councilman Jones echoed Former Mayor Ashby’s comments. He also added that well over 400 buildings have been demolished and prior to Dan they only did about 1 a year. He also mentioned how much the City Manager has saved the City with union negotiations. He thanked City Manager Ramey for his service noting that he will continue to be a member of the community.
Councilman Smith wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Councilman Marshall discussed the sales of cannabis noting that many cities to the west of Centralia have not allowed the sales and if passed by Centralia, it could be more revenue and it is difficult to add to the revenue structure. He stated that the Council should keep an open mind. He commended City Manager Ramey for doing an outstanding job. He also stated that in a recent newspaper article, a former councilman in Mt. Vernon suggested that they look at how Centralia is doing things. Councilman Marshall stated that he feels that City Manager Ramey thinks 3-5 years ahead, with the pension situation being an example of that due to him not suggesting a tax raise to compensate for the pension cost increase. He noted that Mt. Vernon did have to increase the sales tax while Centralia didn’t pass the burden onto the taxpayers and other cities have also recognized this. He stated that he feels that City Manager Ramey is the best City Manager that Centralia has had and he recommends keeping Dan Ramey in some capacity as a consultant.
Councilman Sauer wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. He referred to the movie It’s A Wonderful Life and how one person can effect a community. He stated that he was not an enthusiastic supporter of Dan Ramey when he first became City Manager. He noted that he had municipal experience but was involved in many things including being a business owner and contractor. He stated that City Manager Ramey used those skills with a high level of ethics and he has been impressed. He thanked City Manager Ramey.
Mayor Williams wished everyone a Merry Christmas and announced that on January 6th there will be an open house from 2-4 at the City Hall Council Chambers for City Manager Ramey.
Mayor Williams congratulated Fire Chief Lynch. He also expressed that he is appreciative of the work of Chief Dodson and the many positive messages he is seeing on Facebook. Mayor Williams also congratulated resident Vernell Burris on his marriage.
Mayor Williams recalled what City Manager Ramey told him when he became the Mayor. He stated that he told him to not worry about what he does as long as he does what he thinks is the right thing to do. He also stated that he told him to look to help people and not hurt people. Mayor Williams noted that City Manager Ramey has continued to the do these things himself. Mayor Williams discussed the search to find the next City Manager. He stated that the City Council has spent many hours looking for a City Manager that will fit and also take Centralia to the next level. He stated that many have been interviewed but they were not suitable for Centralia or the salary negotiations were not able to be met and agreed upon. He stated that he will not allow someone to come in with an exuberant demand of salary and perks that are not beneficial to the City. He stated that the Council continues to look for a capable City Manager and continues to look for the individual that will fit the needs and also take Centralia to the next level.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Councilman Jones and seconded by Councilman Sauer 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 Smith, 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 7:09 p.m.
https://cityofcentralia.org/vertical/sites/%7BFC680FE7-BE5C-4903-A103-67AF5EF51655%7D/uploads/12-_December_23_2019(1).pdf
Alerts Sign-up