City of Centralia City Council met May 11.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Per the Covid-19 Executive Orders, the City Council for Centralia, Illinois met via teleconference. 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 (all members attended electronically via teleconference)
Absent: None
Staff Members Participating: Lowell Crow, City Manager; Doug Gruenke; City Attorney; Rose Aldag-McVey, Economic Development Director; Gayla Harting, Community Development Director; Chief John Lynch, Fire Department; 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
Mayor Williams requested that the City Clerk read the Centralia Rotary Club Day Proclamation in honor of their Centennial. They were congratulated for their recognition and thanked for their many contributions to the community.
Mayor Williams recognized and congratulated the seniors that are graduating from Centralia High School. He asked that Gayla Harting also recognize the 5 seniors that serve on the Centralia Youth Commission which included Alexis Enke, Jackson Moore, Emma Sursa, Andrew Johnson, and Jared Brothers who served as the President of the Commission. She stated that four of the graduates will be attending Kaskaskia College and one will be attending the University of Illinois. Mayor Williams requested that the City Clerk read the Centralia High School Senior Recognition Day Proclamation.
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 in regards to the Fire Department Equipment. He would like the Council to consider issuing bonds as done in the past and asks that the Council consider updating the Fire Department trucks with the bonds.
Steve Coleman asked the Mayor, City Council, and also the new City Manager about putting new businesses in two vacant stores including the old IGA and Family Dollar buildings and others in the Fairview Park shopping center.
CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Williams asked for Item 4 to be pulled from the consent agenda to allow for further discussion. A Motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Jones to Approve Items 1-3 of the Consent Agenda. Councilman Sauer stated that he abstained due to not receiving a complete packet.
1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The April 27, 2020 City Council Meeting
2. Approval Of The Minutes Of The May 6, 2020 Public Hearing
3. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $ 922,108.44
Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Smith, Councilman Marshall, and Mayor Williams
Nays: None
Abstain: Councilman Sauer
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
Mayor Williams questioned if the Council should postpone approving the requested fishing tournament due to not knowing the status of the pandemic and what the situation will be at the time of the tournament. Councilman Smith stated that the lakes are open and boating is allowed. He also noted that they are also possibly already marketing their tournament. Councilman Jones stated that the fishing tournament should follow the Governor’s plan. The City Clerk stated that the tournament has been approved by the DNR as required. Councilman Jones explained that there was a requirement that no more than two could be allowed in a boat as well. Councilman Sauer stated that with DNR supervision it should be approved so the group can make their plans. A Motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Jones to Approve Item 4 of the Consent Agenda for the Approval Of Request To Allow Use Of Lake Centralia By The Clay City Bass Club For A Tournament On July 12, 2020.
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
Chief Lynch stated that the entire report concerning the fire department equipment was submitted in the meeting packets. He stated that the department is in an emergency situation due to being down to two pumpers. He stated that he doesn’t feel that it is worth spending money on the 1998 ladder truck #9222 to repair. He added that it may take $70,000- $80,000 to repair it and it will still be a 22 year old truck. He stated that the snorkel truck is 49 years old. He stated that Pearce will not repair or refurbish the truck due to not being able to find the parts. He stated that a formal letter is expected to be sent from Pearce concerning their opinion about the apparatus as well. He stated that these issues have put the department in a difficult position. He stated that a 27 year old pumper has been moved to the front line. He stated that he is having trouble with the brakes on another ladder truck adding that it has been down for a week or so after UL had failed it. He also stated that some welding has had to be completed by Tony’s welding and then the brake issues developed. He stated that the city’s mechanic is working on it and they are hoping to have it running within the next two weeks so there are 3 trucks in operation. He stated that they are not in good shape and the City needs to consider doing something rather quickly or have a plan. He stated that he would answer any questions that the Council has. Mayor Williams stated that he would like all of the Council to review the letter and table the discussion. Councilman Sauer stated that he didn’t want to hold up the discussion due to not having his packet, but stated that depending on what the City Manager’s opinion is, a work session needs to be held to review it since it appears to be very important. He stated that he is aware of anticipating trouble during the summer and lack of revenue from last year, but this is a problem that needs addressed and suggested a work session. Attorney Gruenke noted that this is only a report that is on the agenda with nothing to be approved or tabled. City Manager Crow noted that he agreed and stated that he has plans and proposals that need to be discussed in more detail to determine how to approach this. He suggested a work session and wanted to ensure everyone had a copy of the report. City Clerk Enke stated that she would email a copy of the report to Councilman Sauer. Mayor Williams stated that he wanted all of the Council to be informed and more discussion between them at a work session and encouraged City Manager Crow to organize the work session. Councilman Sauer stated that he would like the City Manager to determine when a work session can be held. Councilman Smith stated that he agreed and stated that the City Manager and Chief can work together. He thanked Chief Lynch for the detailed report. City Manager Crow stated that he has all of the information from the Chief and also has already looked at the trucks with him during the week. He stated that financial decisions will need to be made and a work session will be planned.
BIDS
Councilman Sauer stated that this MFT bid is contingent upon IDOT approval of the use of Motor Fuel Tax funds to improve the roads. A motion was made Councilman Sauer and seconded by Councilman Smith to Approve The Bids from Don Anderson Company Inc. for Bituminous Materials and from Beelman Logistics for Seal Coat Aggregate for the 2020 MFT Oil and Chip Rehabilitation and Resealing Program Contingent upon IDOT Approval.
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
City Manager Crow explained that the removal of signs were presented to the City by residents that wanted the no parking signs removed. He stated that there was only one rejection to the removal of the signs which are located and installed on the streets that are near the old high school field. He noted that the installation of the signs were originally done in order not to impact the residents during the use of the field. He also noted that the enforcement of the signs are not being done. He stated that it was discussed at the department head level and the Chief of Police and the Clerk have communicated with the residents. He stated that the recommendation is to move forward with the removal of the signs. A motion was made Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Jones to Approve An Ordinance Removing No Parking Zones On Orchard Drive & Evergreen Drive.
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
Mayor Williams requested that Rose Aldag-McVey comment on the proposed resolutions of support. Ms. Aldag-McVey stated that a public hearing was held for these grant applicants with positive input. She stated that she hoped that the City would move forward with the submission of the grant for $25,000.00. A motion was made Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Marshall to Approve A Resolution Of Support For The Rail Coffee Room, LLC 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 Jones to Approve A Resolution Of Support For The Salon Thairapy Inc. 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.
Councilman Sauer asked if City Manager Crow was familiar with the estoppel certificates. City Manager Crow explained that the Clerk reviewed it with him and he understands it. He stated that it is the first time he has dealt with this particular type of agreement. He stated that he also talked to former City Manager Ramey about these estoppels. He stated that he actually toured the sites with the Public Works Director, Jeff Schwartz, as well. Councilman Sauer stated that it is understandable to not be familiar with these due to the estoppels being specific to lake leases that allow major improvements on the lease sites. He noted that the City has been doing it for years. A motion was made Councilman Sauer and seconded by Councilman Smith to Approve A Resolution Approving A Landlord’s Estoppel Certificate For A Mortgage In Reference To Lake Lease Site O-4.
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 City Hall offices will be closed in observance of the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, May 25th. She also noted that the trash collection will run one day behind during the week. She added that the next Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 26th due to the holiday.
City Manager Crow stated thanked the Council and stated that his first week has been extremely busy. He added that he has a full schedule planned for the next week as well and has hit the ground running. He reported that he has informed the department heads that he has frozen all major purchases and hires until the city knows the full impact of the COVID- 19 pandemic. He stated that he is also reviewing contracts and also reviewing some of them with the attorney. He stated that one of the contracts, that the attorney had not seen previously, is the contract with the lobbyist. City Manager Crow stated that he anticipates making the recommendation to cancel the contract. He stated that there are other contracts that he is also reviewing. He also reported that the recommendation from the IML is that the City should use the 2019 numbers with an anticipated cut between $1.2M and $1.8M. He stated that he also has the department heads making recommendations and having more discussion as they move forward. He stated that he has reviewed the MFT budget and the recommendations is to cut 30% from the anticipated revenue. He stated that with the amount of reserve in the MFT fund, he will be recommending at the next meeting to move forward with the Locust St. project even though that estimate came in significantly higher by approximately $133,000. He stated that he anticipates moving into the next phase of the reopening plan after May 28th which will allow for the gathering of up to 10 people. He stated that the IML has petitioned in conjunction with the minority leader of the House and Senate to not put a 28 day separation between phase 3 and phase 4 and instead reduced that separation of the phases to only 14 days. He stated that they have also requested that the regions be changed from 4 to 11 which would separate Centralia away from the metro east area and be part of a region that is closer to Indiana if approved. He stated that there will not be a move to phase 5 until there is a vaccine according to the Governor’s plan. He stated that the city is also looking at opening City Hall for the receipt of bills in phase 3 and he will also be talking to the department heads more about opening City Hall. He stated that he has also talked to other communities with 5 member boards, including the City Manager’s in Trenton and Mascoutah, about their plans to hold public meetings. He stated that he will also further discuss it with the Clerk and anticipates more plans to be shared with the Council in the next 10 days or so.
Councilman Jones stated that he wanted to thank Chief Lynch for the detailed report and history to review. He also thanked City Manager Crow for his report that helps the Council understand more prior to the meeting and anticipates it reducing the number of extra phone calls that need to be made to follow up.
Councilman Smith also thanked City Manager Crow for his detailed report and Chief Lynch for his report to help understand some of the issues that they have been fighting. He stated that he looked forward to having everyone meet to get a response for the Chief to do whatever needs to be done to get them up and running. He also welcomed City Manager Crow and stated that he appreciates everything he has done, brought forward to the council, and especially the communication he has provided. He stated that he has went above and beyond and it is nice to see. He welcomed him to the City and stated that it is unfortunate that everyone is going thru the pandemic. Councilman Smith also thanked the Clerk and staff for getting the Census information out to the residents with the utility billing. He stressed the importance of getting everyone counted in the census. He also wished everyone a Happy Mother’s Day.
Councilman Sauer offered a sincere welcome City Manager Crow. He stated that he is very optimistic about him and he stated that he agrees with Councilman Smith that he has provided great communication. He stated that if things go on schedule with the opening plan, on June 26th, restaurants and bars that have been closed due to the pandemic will be reopening under certain restrictions. He noted that they have been closed for 3-4 months and it will be difficult for them financially. He stated that there should be a modification to some ordinances at least through next September. He stated that one states that things can’t be put on the sidewalk and the other is that alcohol can’t be consumed on the sidewalks. He stated that the restaurants will have distancing requirements and will also not be able to allow many people inside their businesses. He would like them to be able to use the sidewalk not only to be safer, but also for the businesses to be able to provide service to more customers. He stated that it is not only an essential health benefit, but also it may help the businesses get a start during the summer. He stated that City Manager Crow sent some ordinances to him to review that included outdoor cafes. He stated that he wasn’t sure if he wanted to go there yet, but he may discuss it further with the City Attorney to allow a temporary change that would allow for the outdoor service of food and beverage that would include allowing it during certain hours and while being roped off at certain distances. He noted that this would be an effort to keep the citizens stay healthy and get extra tables set up for the businesses when they do reopen. He stated that he wanted to move forward with this with the City Attorney and with the City Manager’s approval. Councilman Smith stated that he was also in favor of Councilman Sauer’s idea. Mayor Williams stated that he also agreed and it show the businesses that the City is in their corner. Councilman Jones stated that he would like to see this come before the Council as well for review and approval. City Manager Crow stated that he will work with the attorney to prepare the ordinances.
Councilman Marshall congratulated the seniors that are graduating and wished them the best. He also congratulated City Manager Crow. Councilman Marshall stated that his Mother passed away recently. He recalled her excitement when he became a Councilman noting that the goals have been to make things better for those that live in Centralia and he also expressed his love for her.
Mayor Williams offered his condolences to Councilman Marshall during his time of loss. He congratulated City Manager Crow and he stated that they have met a few times. He stated that City Manager Crow is moving in the right direction and he appreciates the communication. He thanked Chief Lynch for the equipment report and stated that he will try to move in a swift manner to eliminate the problems that they have. He stated that there may need to be cuts in various areas of the budget and they may need to make cuts in certain areas due to the loss of revenue. He stated that he agrees with Councilman Sauer about the temporary change and hopes that the Council can get some things done. Mayor Williams stated that something came to his attention a week or so ago that he thinks that the Council should be more aware of. He stated that there was a situation where a property owner outside the city limits tore down some property and created a fire. He stated that everything was flowing back into the properties within the city limits. He stated that under further investigation there are several properties that are surrounded by the City, but not in the city limits of the City. He stated that they are county property owners but get the benefits and services of the city without paying taxes. He stated that the residents in the city are paying for things that the people in the county are using. He asked for clarification from Gayla Harting, Bobby Patton, and City Manager Crow stating that he would like to look into how many properties are on the edge of city. Gayla stated that she has a folder to review with City Manager Crow. Mayor Williams stressed that it puts our residents at a disadvantage when they are paying for things and those in the county are getting the services without paying city taxes. He stated that he feels that they should be charged more for the city utilities or incorporate them into the city so they pay taxes. He said that he feels it is a problem that could become a bigger problem, especially due to what he saw a week ago with the fire that the Centralia Fire Department responded to. He stated that he doesn’t think the City should be responding to any that they are not responsible for, unless it is an emergency situation. Mayor Williams congratulated the graduating seniors.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Councilman Jones and seconded by Councilman Smith to Adjourn The Meeting.
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 6:50 p.m.
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