City of Centralia City Council met March 9.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
The City Council for Centralia, Illinois met 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 Smith, Councilman Sauer, and Councilman Marshall
Absent: Councilman Jones
Staff Members Present: Bill Agee, Acting City Manager; Doug Gruenke; City Attorney; Chief Greg Dodson, Police Department; Rose Aldag-McVey, Economic Development Director; Michelle Liggett; Finance Director; Gayla Harting, Community Development Director; Jeff Schwartz, Public Works Director; Kala Lambert, Assistant City Manager; Chief John Lynch, Fire Department; 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
Superintendent Chuck Lane addressed the City Council in regards to the 1% sales tax item that will appear on the upcoming primary ballot. He explained that the last time this item was voted on, 53% of the votes in the County were against it and 47% were in favor of it. He explained that when the votes were looked at even closer, the precincts located in Centralia were 55% in favor of it and 45% against it. He stated that due to the successful votes in Centralia, that is part of the reason why it was brought back again for a vote in addition to it being due to changes in the law. He reported that the law now allows school resource officers and mental health officials to be hired which was not part of the benefits before. He stated that this is not only for Centralia High School but all schools throughout Marion County. He stated that the high school and city schools currently have access to a school resource officer, but there is not enough time or resources. He added that a full time officer would be much more beneficial. He stated that the main benefit of having a full time officer in the building would be if there was a major event. He also noted that an officer’s presence will prevent and reduce violence and allow for more positive contact between the officer and students on a more regular basis. He stated that the 1% sales tax will allow the City of Centralia to hire 2 new full time officers that would be school resource officers during the school year but would be available June, July, and half of August for the city to use when the students are out of school. He stated that if the 1% passes, the school will pay for the cost of the officers and the school will incur the entire cost. He stated that there are many questions that people have concerning what is and isn’t taxed the extra 1%. He explained that groceries, drugs, titled vehicles, and farm equipment are among the things that are not taxed. He stated that the funds can be used not only for school resource officers. He explained that the funds could also be used for new facilities, technology, land acquisition, and a variety of other things but it can’t be for operating costs, salaries or benefits of staff other than the school resource officer or mental health officials. He stated that this will be on the ballot on March 17th.
Centralia Elks Lodge #493 & Lady of the Elks presented a check in the amount of $2,616.00 to the City. They held a pancake breakfast on February 22nd and the Lady of the Elks held a bake sale. The bake sale made $700 and the breakfast cleared approximately $1,900. He stated that the funds are being donated to purchase flags for the City to display. Mayor Williams stated that so many people comment about the beauty of the flag lined streets each year and he appreciated the hard work and time dedicated by the Elks and Lady of the Elks to make Centralia a better place. Butch Mathus stated that the breakfast was wonderful and recognized the Veterans Committee who displays the flags year after year and they hear a lot of positive comments about them. He thanked the Elks for their donation that keeps the flags flying. Ann Chappell expressed her appreciation and stated that the Prairie Chapter of the DAR began the flag displays years ago and the Elks were the first ones to give a donation for the flags. She also noted that anyone that would like to donate and have a name added to a flag to honor someone can contact the Veterans Committee. Bill Smith introduced the Veterans Committee Members in attendance and thanked Rose Aldag McVey for leading the group. He also thanked the various other individuals and organizations that have given donations over the years. Butch Mathus reminded residents that if they see any flags on the ground to bring them to Centralia City Hall or Wamac City Hall.
Kim Smith addressed the City Council in regards to the 2020 Census. Mayor Williams noted the importance of the taking the 2020 Census seriously for funding. She stated that she is working with BCMW through a grant to reach the hard to count population noting that there is a hugely undercounted population. She stated that the ages missed typically includes those that are youth, seniors, and veterans. She stated that these are the same that use the programs that BCMW, Marion County Housing, and Marion County Health Department provides assistance to. She stated that the funding goes to hospitals, senior services, roads, children, infrastructure, and programs such as WIC that helps the public. She reported that undercounting in the 2010 Census resulted in a loss of $952 per person. She also stated that the state could lose a seat in the House of Representatives if the population is lower due to it being based on the population. She stated that she has attended the Chamber Home Expo and has been educating residents about the funding, the importance of being counted, and what the funding goes towards. She stated that that she is working with various agencies that provide outreach in order to provide computers to those that don’t have access at home or need assistance getting online. She reported that handouts will be sent out March 12th-20th. She explained that it will be a letter with a 12 digit code that will allow residents to go online or complete it by phone. She noted that it is 10 simple questions and takes less than 10 minutes. She stated that some of the questions include name, address, telephone number, date of birth, and age. She stated that residents would only be called if there is a need to verify information provided. She stated that they will attempt 5 correspondences before they begin going door to door beginning in May and continuing in June & July if the Census is not completed by that time. She noted that the Census takers going door to door will have identification badges with their information on it and they will not ask any questions except those on the Census form. They will not ask personal questions such as social security numbers or for money or donations. She shared the website which is 2020census.gov that will allow residents to complete the Census form. She also added that there is a text message service at 987-987 where questions can be asked about the Census.
CONSENT AGENDA
A Motion was made by Councilman Marshall and seconded by Councilman Smith to Approve Items 1-4 of the Consent Agenda.
1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The February 24, 2020 City Council Meeting
2. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $ 719,629.21
3. A Resolution Regarding Closed Session Minutes
4. Request To Use Fairview Park By Bayer Crop Sciences For The Progressive Agriculture Safety Day on September 17th, 2020
Ayes: 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
Councilman Sauer noted that the funds for this project is money that was returned back to the state and would have been lost. Acting City Manager Agee stated that the City had to apply for the two projects in order to get the funds back. He noted that the bid came in lower than expected. A motion was made Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Sauer to Approve A Bid From G & L Tank Sandblasting and Coating For The Exterior Restoration Of Elevated Water Storage Reservoir In The Amount Of $309,000.00.
Ayes: Councilman Smith, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall, and Mayor Williams
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
ORDINANCES
Acting City Manager Agee stated that the City purchased the land that is part of the lease agreement several years ago. He stated that once the City purchased the property, they have just continued to let Mr. Brink lease and farm the land per an agreement. A motion was made Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Marshall to Approve An Ordinance Approving A Crop Share Lease Agreement Between The City Of Centralia And Gregg Brink.
Ayes: Councilman Smith, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall, and Mayor Williams
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
RESOLUTIONS
Mayor Williams stated that this closure to be approved is for a community event hosted by area churches. He stated that it won’t affect the main roadways. A motion was made Councilman Sauer and seconded by Councilman Smith to Approve A Resolution Approving The Temporary Closure Of N. Pine For A Community Event On May 30, 2020.
Ayes: Councilman Smith, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall, and Mayor Williams
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
Acting City Manager Agee stated that this Inter-Governmental agreement is another project that is being paid for by the Revolving Loan funds. A motion was made Councilman Sauer and seconded by Councilman Smith to Approve A Resolution Approving An Inter-Governmental Agreement Between The City Of Centralia And The Department Of Commerce And Economic Opportunity Accepting Grant Funds To Construct Street Improvements To Oak Park Drive East And West, Middle Street, 4th Street, And Randolph Drive.
Ayes: 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
None
REPORTS
City Clerk Enke reported that the boat permits were available for purchase for the year and reminded residents that they can be fined if they don’t have a permit. She reported that approximately 100 have already been issued for 2020 with an estimated 550-600 typically issued per year. City Clerk Enke also shared the dates of the spring leaf vacuuming which is March 16th thru April 10th and the city wide curbside cleanup which is April 6th – April 10th.
Acting City Manager Agee stated that the 2019 financials have been closed out for the annual audit and he is hopeful for a quick turnaround with the auditors.
Acting City Manager Agee updated the council in regards to the recent Conagra traffic crossing concerns. He stated that the police department placed their radar trailer on W. Calumet and left there for a full week. He stated that this past Saturday they reversed it to get a traffic count from the other direction. He stated that they are reviewing options for painting the crosswalk as well as the size of the crosswalks. He also noted that Jeff Schwartz has spoken to Rhutasel & Associates concerning the area and they are reviewing it and will be providing a report to determine how to proceed.
Acting City Manager Agee stated that he was approached by an individual that was interested in leasing the old Little Fuse property parking lots from the City. He stated that another individual also contacted him about leasing the large parking lot that is north of the building. He asked if the City Council would be interested in leasing it. Mayor Williams stated that the building is empty and not being used now but his concern would be if they intend to maintain it. Acting City Manager Agee stated that the individual interested in the small lot stated that he would seal and maintain it but the first person that inquired had not discussed any specifics but it would be used to store vehicles. Councilman Sauer stated that he was in favor of making use of the lot. City Manager Agee stated that he will discuss it further with those that are interested and report back to the Mayor and Council.
Councilman Smith thanked the Elk’s for everything that they continue to do for the community.
Councilman Smith asked Public Works Director Schwartz what the process was for taking care of potholes. He stated that he has been contacted recently and had complaints of it not being followed up on. Director Schwartz stated that when residents call in, their request goes on a call log. He stated that the timing of the work depends on the weather, but some of the work was just completed today. He stated that he has reviewed the log and currently there is nothing on the log that had not been taken care of.
Councilman Smith thanked Kim Smith for the providing the Census information and noted that it is vital for residents to do and not put off.
Councilman Marshall thanked Kim Smith for the Census presentation and also thanked the Elks for their donation and presentation of the check to the City.
Councilman Marshall noted that while the Coronavirus is not effecting Centralia the residents should take precautions and be aware of what is going on, especially the elderly.
Councilman Sauer thanked Kim Smith for the Census information and the outreach being provided. He stressed the importance of getting those that are hard to count to be counted and suggested that everyone reach out to neighbors or friends that may not take part in order to get an accurate Census count.
Mayor Williams thanked the Elks for continuing to support and be active in the community and thanked Kim Smith for the 2020 Census information.
Mayor Williams thanked the Acting City Manager for the audit update and stated that it is good to see everyone getting ready for the audit and hopes it goes quickly.
Mayor Williams thanked the Acting City Manager for continuing to work with Conagra to make progress and for keeping each other informed. He noted that this type of communication is good for all businesses.
Mayor Williams stated that he had also had complaints about the alleys and water moving off the alleys. He noted that Jeff has taken care of it and appreciates him doing everything that is asked of him and understands that some of that type of work is weather permitting. He stated that he would like to the see the crews repairing more potholes as they have time throughout the city.
Mayor Williams also stated that he hopes to see the parking lot lease be able to be agreed upon.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Councilman Smith 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, Specific Individuals Who Serve As Independent Contractors In A Park, Recreational, Or Educational Setting, Or Specific Volunteers Of The Public Body Or Legal Counsel For The Public Body, Including Hearing Testimony On A Complaint Lodged Against An Employee , A Specific Individual Who Serves As An Independent Contractor In A Park, Recreational, Or Educational Setting, Or A Volunteer Of The Public Body Or Against Legal Counsel For The Public Body To Determine Its Validity.
Ayes: 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 6:43 p.m.
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