City of Centralia City Council met April 27.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Williams, Councilman Jones, Councilman Smith, Councilman Sauer, and Councilman Marshall (all members attended electronically via teleconference) Absent: None
Staff Members Participating: Bill Agee, Acting City Manager; Doug Gruenke; City Attorney; Rose Aldag-McVey, Economic Development Director; Gayla Harting, Community Development Director; and Kim Enke, City Clerk (all members attended electronically)
PRAYER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Williams led the Pledge of Allegiance and an opening prayer was also offered by Mayor Williams.
AMENDMENTS AND/OR ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
None
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Submissions for public participation were submitted prior to the meeting electronically to the City Clerk. The submissions were also shared with the City Council by the City Clerk.
Vernell Burris addressed the Council stating that the replacement of fire trucks should be financed by issuing bonds. He stated that new firetrucks will provide effective protection and reduce home insurance rates.
Bruce Loyd addressed the Council asking if the amount of the winning lawn bid will be announced during the council meeting.
CONSENT AGENDA
A Motion was made by Councilman Sauer and seconded by Councilman Smith to Approve Items 1-4 of the Consent Agenda.
1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The April 13, 2020 City Council Meeting
2. Approval Of The Minutes Of The April 21, 2020 Public Hearing
3. Approval Of The Minutes Of The April 22, 2020 Special Meeting
4. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $773,057.17
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
Mayor Williams asked Gayla Harting to discuss the bids received for lawn mowing services. Gayla Harting stated that there were 4 bidders. She stated that she followed up with the bidders to ask them questions about their business. She noted that the first two bidders on the bid tabulation sheet, Pro Lawn Service and Rapid Response Lawn Care both were considered to have an adequate amount of equipment and number of employees. She discussed the amount of the bids stating that comparing and calculating the number and size of lots mowed last year. She noted that approximately 170 lots were mowed last year and over half were the medium lot size. She stated that considering those factors, Pro Lawn Services was submitted for approval. Councilman Smith asked what months they would be providing services. Gayla explained that it would begin May 1st and last until July 31st but could be lengthened due to weather as stated in the bid notice. He asked if Gayla recommended this and she confirmed. A motion was made Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Sauer to Approve A Bid For Seasonal Abatement Lawn Mowing Services For The Community Development Department By Pro Lawn Services.
Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Smith, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall, and Mayor Williams Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
ORDINANCES
None
RESOLUTIONS
Mayor Williams asked Economic Development Director, Rose Aldag- McVey, to review the resolutions for the Downstate Small Business Stabilization Program Grant. Rose explained that this grant is different than some of the other small business financial support being offered such as paycheck protection or SBA loans. She explained that this grant must be applied for through the municipality. She noted many other programs offered by the state have had the funds depleted rather quickly. She reported that there was $20 Million set aside by the state for this grant program, so these grants are being submitted in cycles in order to get them in as soon as possible to DCEO. She stated that the first round of businesses that were able to submit their information and met the eligibility criteria for the grant had to hold a public hearing. She noted that hearing was on April 21st and the minutes were provided to the Council. She stated that the next cycle will have a public hearing on May 6th for other businesses. She stated that if there are still funds available they will have a 3rd cycle with applications. She stated that all of these businesses appear to have met all of the requirements of the grant and have shown that they will hire all of their employees back within 6 months. She noted that there could be an extension of another 6 months, but if within a year if they have not met that requirement, they would be required to pay back the grant. Councilman Marshall asked if those that have not already submitted an application can still apply. Rose explained that the public hearing notice has to be 7 days between the public hearing date and the notice date. She explained that the second round will be published on the 28th of April for the public hearing on May 6th. She also noted that the next due date for the third round would be May 4th. Councilman Marshall noted that he understands that many businesses are not participating due to having to provide a lot of information and it being time consuming. Rose explained that the state guidelines restrict the businesses that have 33% of their business in what they are calling “sin” businesses such as gaming, marijuana, or strip clubs. She stated that in addition to the 33% gaming restriction, the requirement of 1- 50 employees is a fall back for some of the businesses that were interested. She explained that in order to qualify there must be at least one other employee other than the owner. She further explained that even if it is a corporation or sole proprietorship, they must have at least one other employee. She added that another fall back is that if the business owners don’t want to share the required financial information. Councilman Smith asked if she found the application cumbersome due to it not being as easy as some of the other small business support being offered. Rose explained that it is how the program was set up by the state, but if the business owners will communicate with her she is trying to make it as easy as possible for them. She also stated that she had a couple businesses that thought that it seemed too cumbersome and now are deciding that it seems to be a good program and want to take part. She stated that some of those will be in the next cycle at the next Council meeting. Councilman Smith stated that he has shared the information and hopes that they will be able to benefit from it. Rose explained how she has reached to all businesses that she had contact information for, shared it with the media, and has been following up with them to ensure that as many businesses as possible can be aware of it. Councilman Smith questioned if they have to be a member of the Chamber of Commerce to participate. She stated that they do not need to, but she has asked that the Chamber also send anyone to her that maybe interested. She stated that it is a grant that the municipality must apply for, not something the Chamber can do. Councilman Smith clarified that some people had asked and were concerned if they were not members of the Chamber that they could not apply. She stated that it may be confusing because the information was also sent out by the Chamber to their members letting them know of this program in addition to the payroll protection program and SBA disaster loan program. She stated that it is not a requirement to be a member of the Chamber. Councilman Sauer clarified as well that they do not need to be a Chamber member. A motion was made Councilman Jones and seconded by Councilman Sauer to Approve A Resolution Of Support For Advantage Door, Inc’s Application For A State Of Illinois Community Development Block Grant For A Downstate Small Business Stabilization Program Grant.
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 Councilman Sauer and seconded by Councilman Smith to Approve A Resolution Of Support For Crooked Creek Winery Downtown’s Application For A State Of Illinois Community Development Block Grant For A Downstate Small Business Stabilization Program Grant.
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 Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Marshall to Approve A Resolution Of Support For Hollywood Hair’s Application For A State Of Illinois Community Development Block Grant For A Downstate Small Business Stabilization Program Grant.
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
None
REPORTS
City Clerk Enke reported that the bid opening for the MFT 2020 maintenance will be on April 28th and she expects the approval of the bid to be on the next agenda. She noted that bid openings are being held by conference call as well. She also noted that as the Economic Development Director discussed, the next Public Hearing for the Downstate Stabilization Grant is scheduled for May 6th at 3 p.m. for the next round of businesses that are participating. She stated that their resolutions of support will also be on the next agenda as well. She also stated that the swearing in will be on May 4th at 10 A.M. via live video and more information regarding how to access the video will be sent out to the public before the end of the week.
Acting City Manager Agee provided an update on the many projects that are taking place. He reported that the Meadow Lane road project is approximately 95% complete. He stated that the curb work on S. Hickory is almost complete as well. He noted that they are milling and patching with the asphalt being laid next week. He reported that the E. Broadway and Frazier St. project currently has the contractor working on the sidewalks, curb, and guttering with it being expected to have the asphalt applied next week. He stated that all of these will be complete in the next three weeks. He also reported that the water tower project will be starting, the Oak Park Project bid packet will be sent out, and the Locust St. project will be an IDOT bid letting this summer.
Councilman Jones welcomed Lowell Crow and thanked Rose on her work with the Small Business Stabilization Grant. He reiterated the need for the public to know that they do not have to be Chamber Members to take advantage of the grant program and hopes that more will reach out to the City and participate.
Councilman Smith stated that he is excited for Mr. Crow to get started and start moving the City forward. He also reiterated the importance of businesses contacting the City to take advantage of the grant and thanked Rose for her work. He also commended the first responders and health care workers that are fighting the pandemic. He expressed that he hopes everyone stays safe and continues to follow the guidelines. Councilman Smith acknowledged the concern of the fire trucks. He stated that it is his understanding that there was resistance in the past to repair the fire trucks and he is aware of the situation with one being down, so he is hopeful that Mr. Crow will be able to take a look at this situation to see what needs to be done. Councilman Smith stated that his other concern involves the consulting agreement due to the language of the contract with an automatic 90 day renewal. He stated that he has fiscal concerns and is concerned about who should have been watching the contract terms and feels responsible in a way due to now paying the consultant for 6 months vs. a 3 month payment due to how it was written. He thanked the City Clerk for her work to organize the meetings and encouraged residents to the complete their census.
Councilman Sauer asked that Chief Lynch provide an update concerning the status of the snorkel and repairs on the ladder truck at the next council meeting. We questioned if it was an emergency situation and if mutual aid will be able to be used for a while. He stated that it needs to be addressed as soon as possible and be looking for any funds that are available.
Councilman Marshall reiterated that the Downtown Small Business Stabilization Grant program is great for the small businesses that qualify and appreciated the update from Rose Aldag-McVey and encouraged all businesses to take advantage of the program and apply. He also asked the residents to be safe during the COVID-19 pandemic and monitor the activity in Britain and Italy since it is transpiring there.
Mayor Williams welcomed Mr. Lowell Crow and noted that his swearing in will be on May 4th at 10 AM. He stated that in the next week, he would like the City Manager to set up meetings with the City Council and department heads. He also asked that he set up meetings with business leaders, the Chamber of Commerce, and others in the community as it is possible in order to learn more about Centralia.
Mayor Williams also thanked Rose Aldag-McVey for her work with the business grant and hopes more businesses will take part. He noted that many businesses have contacted him about their concerns of lost revenue and noted that the golf courses will be able to open under the executive order.
Mayor Williams echoed Councilman Sauer’s request for Chief Lynch to provide a report concerning the fire equipment and also asked that he provide estimated costs.
Mayor Williams discussed the contract with Tri- County Corporation and Consulting. He asked if the City Attorney could say anything more about it. He noted that it is an ongoing situation where the consultant is still doing some work with the labor unions. He asked for any update and how long it should continue. Attorney Gruenke stated that as he mentioned at the last meeting there is an initial term of 90 days and an automatic renewal in 90 day increments unless the City or Consultant notifies termination at least 30 days prior to the existing term. He added that the date has passed so it will renew for another 90 days. He explained that if the City wants to terminate the agreement at the end of the next 90 days, the notice will need to be given 30 days prior to the end of that term. He stated that when this was discussed by the Council previously it was due to projects taking place that they didn’t want to throw a new city manager into including union contracts, EPA issues, and road improvement projects. He stated that it automatically renews so the Council doesn’t have to go thru the process and it was a shorter term instead of 6 months or a year so it could be terminated once the projects were done.
Councilman Smith stated that he didn’t understand why it wasn’t only written for 90 days and renew monthly since now it is locked in at 6 months. He stated that he appreciates what Tri-County Consulting has done, but now there is a viable City Manager that can move the city forward. He stated that he didn’t know why that language would be allowed and questioned who the caretaker is that should have overseen this contract. Mayor Williams stated that it is the entire Council’s responsibility. Councilman Sauer stated that he does take responsibility himself too but doesn’t remember that being said. He reiterated that it is now locked in for 6 months and with the situation the city is in financially, the situation is going to be compounded. He stated that he could see 3 months or an extra 2 months maybe, but the cost adds up. He stated that he is concerned that they are making everyone else watch their spending. Councilman Sauer stated that there is more than just union negotiations, including a $22M requirement to build a new plant which would be worth a lot of money. He stated these issues are why if it is 3 more months or 6 more months, it is not significant due to what is at stake. Mayor Williams explained that concerning the negotiations, a point was made that he wanted the new City Manager to be well informed and they hoped that the negotiations would be done but evidently haven’t been. He stated that it would be up to Mr. Crow and the consultant to get together to see what direction they are going at this time. He stated that it was his understanding that the Assistant City Manager & Acting City Manager have been in some of those meetings. Attorney Gruenke recommended not discussing the specifics of the negotiations that are going on. Acting City Manager
Agee stated that he has not sat in on the meetings and has not heard anything since the last Council Meeting either. Mayor Williams stated that Mr. Crow and the consultant can take a look at this and see where they are. Councilman Jones stated that the majority of the council knew from the start that the payback would be paid back tenfold by having someone familiar with the unions. He stated that one negotiation could go the other way and pay a lot of consultant fees in addition to the work with the roadway projects due to his experience. He stated that a majority of the council doesn’t have an issue with this contract rolling over for another 3 months. He stated that he also personally feels that they wouldn’t have a problem with is continuing again either if needed.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Councilman Marshall and seconded by Councilman Smith to Adjourn The Meeting.
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