City of Centralia City Council met Sept. 14.
Here is the agenda provided by the council:
Per Senate Bill 2135, the City Council for Centralia, Illinois met on Monday, September 14, 2020, 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 (Mayor Williams was physically present at City Hall and the other members attended electronically via teleconference) Absent: None
Staff Members Participating Physically at City Hall: Lowell Crow, City Manager; Bill Agee, City Treasurer, and Kim Enke, City Clerk
Staff Members Participating Electronically: Doug Gruenke, City Attorney; Katie Plutz, Assistant City Manager and Economic Development Director; Gayla Harting, Community Development Director; Chief Lynch, Fire Department; and Chief Greg Dodson, Police Department
PRAYER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Williams led the Pledge of Allegiance.
AMENDMENTS AND/OR ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
None
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Submissions for public participation were submitted prior to the meeting to the City Clerk. The submissions were also shared with the City Council by the City Clerk.
Steve Coleman stated that the trees along the road at 2nd Baptist Church need to be trimmed due to not being able to see. He also stated that the lot behind Lincoln School, the wooded area also needs to be trimmed or cut down as well.
Vernell Burris requested that Mayor Williams please allow people into the Council Chambers during meetings. He stated that the Governor is allowing 25% capacity at funerals and 10 people should be allowed in the Council Chambers.
Employee Service Awards were presented recognizing Firefighter James Andrew Sneddon for 20 years; Wastewater Treatment Plant Operating Engineer John Buchholz for 10 years; Public Property Foreman Pat Stedelin for 35 years; Telecommunicator Scott Towler for 5 years of service.
The General Aviation Appreciation Month Proclamation was read.
CONSENT AGENDA
A Motion was made by Councilman Sauer and seconded by Councilman Smith to Approve Items 1-8 of the Consent Agenda.
1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The August 24, 2020 City Council Meeting
2. Approval Of The Minutes Of The August 24, 2020 Public Hearing
3. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $ 906,543.33
4. An Ordinance Waiving The Application Of Chapter 12, Section 12-6 Of The Centralia Municipal Code For 102 E. Broadway (Crooked Creek Winery Downtown) On Multiple Dates
5. A Resolution Approving A Landlord’s Estoppel Certificate For A Mortgage In Reference To Lake Lease Site L-4
6. A Resolution Approving The Recommendation Of The Community Development Department And The Centralia Code Enforcement Department Directing The Demolition Or Repair Of Certain Dangerous And Dilapidated Buildings
7. A Resolution Confirming Appointments Of Certain Individuals To Various Board And Commissions Of The City Of Centralia
8. Request To Use City Property By The Centralia Moose Lodge For The Children’s Halloween Parade
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
City Manager Crow introduced the independent auditor, Kevin Batteau from Kujawa & Batteau, to brief the Council about the audit. He thanked the City Council for allowing the firm to provide the audit and the city staff that assisted with the audit. He provided a report of the 2019 Audited Financial Statement. He stated that management is responsible for the preparations of the statements. He stated that the responsibility of the auditors is to express the opinion of the financial statements based on the audit. He stated that the audit is conducted in accordance to the accounting standards generally accepted in the United States and the standards and principles of financial statements contained in the government auditing standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. He stated that the audit is performed to obtain assurance that the financial statements are free from material mistakes. He referenced the opinion letter stating that a modified opinion was issued except for the overall government activities. He stated that the reason for this is that the city had not calculated a liability for post-employment benefits under GASB 75. He stated that it is his understanding that the City is in the process of addressing this and an actuarial determined liability amount will be provided next year. He stated that the summary of the financial statements can be found on page 7 through 15. He noted that on page 11, the total net assets are $13,037,072 which is up slightly from the previous year. He stated that the unrestricted net assets had a deficit of $511,934. He stated that it was due to the expense was greater than the capitalized assets. He reviewed the water and sewer fund that had a total net asset of $20,686,158. He stated that the increase on page 12 reflects the increase in net assets of $1,058,881 and added that $934,554 was related to the business activity fund in water and sewer. He noted the net outstanding debt in the amount of $1,309,941 for governmental activity and $1,975,984 for business type activity. He noted on page 121 of the report, based on the EAV, the statutory debt limit was $9,505,487 with the City currently having $2,017,043 in debt applicable to the limit. He stated that if need be the city has the debt margin available $7,488,454. He stated that there were no transactions noted that were not authorized or approved. He stated that there were only a few funds that spent over their budgeted expense amounts and the amount was approximately $7,100 which he noted was not material due to the size of the city’s budget. He noted that the economic factor of the city will be the impact of COVID- 19 on various tax revenues and the key will be constant monitoring of the revenues and expense to determine if there are any shortfalls.
BIDS
None
ORDINANCES
Councilman Jones asked what determines the minimum bid amount set on the properties. City Manager Crow stated that he looks at the assessed value of the property, if it had been bid previously, and compares it to other surrounding properties. He stated that he takes several different things into consideration. He stated that the last property on the agenda has a structure on the property that will be discussed further. A motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Jones to Approve An Ordinance Declaring Certain Real Estate As Surplus Property And Authorizing The City Manager To Solicit Bids For The Sale Of Surplus Real Estate – 416 N. Maple.
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 An Ordinance Declaring Certain Real Estate As Surplus Property And Authorizing The City Manager To Solicit Bids For The Sale Of Surplus Real Estate – 426 S. Pine.
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 Smith and seconded by Councilman Sauer to Approve An Ordinance Declaring Certain Real Estate As Surplus Property And Authorizing The City Manager To Solicit Bids For The Sale Of Surplus Real Estate – 815 Arbor Ln.
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 what type of structure is on this particular property. City Manager Crow stated that it is a home that will either need to be demolished or refurbished. He stated that two of the surplus properties are lake properties and this is one of them. A motion was made Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Sauer to Approve An Ordinance Declaring Certain Real Estate As Surplus Property And Authorizing The City Manager To Solicit Bids For The Sale Of Surplus Real Estate – 1834 Duck Ln.
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 Crow explained that this ordinance was a discussion that came out of the court case. Gayla Harting stated that this ordinance was broken down to give specific options for the abatements or tickets and it will help the City by being more specific in court. Councilman Jones asked how this compared to other communities’ ordinances. He stated that he didn’t want to be too lenient or too strong. Gayla Harting explained what the ordinance allows for and discussed the State of Illinois extension of registration stickers during COVID. City Manager Crow stated that this gives more power to the city when they go into court. He explained that one issue that they had in court was due to the broad nature of the ordinance, it was dismissed. He stated that this brings the city in line with what other communities are doing. Councilman Jones inquired about the car on its side recently in a yard and City Manager Crow stated that the ordinance was discussed prior to the issue with the car on its side and he stated that the car has also been addressed and moved. Council Jones noted that the car he referenced appeared to have been turned on it’s side to work on it. A motion was made Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Jones to Approve An Ordinance Amending The Definition Of Inoperable Motor Vehicles.
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 Crow stated that in reviewing the code he was used to the municipalities aligning with the state statute and having a $25,000 limit when dealing with public works bids. He stated that he spoke to the City Attorney and other communities have adopted this limit. He stated that currently the code states $10,000 for public works and infrastructure. He stated that the revision will put the city in line with the state statute by adopting the state standard. Councilman Smith asked for clarification stating that he believed it was up to $25,000 right now and if he read it correctly, anything over $10,000 has to be bid out. City Manager Crow stated that anything over $10,000 would have to go before the Council and this change would allow up to $25,000. Attorney Gruenke reported that for many years the state statue stated that anything over $10,000 was required to be bid, but you could bid for anything less than that if you wanted to. He stated that the state statute was increased from $10,000 to $25,000 and virtually every city has an ordinance that mirrors the state statute. He noted that Centralia had not increased theirs to correspond with the state statute. Councilman Smith questioned and stated that his concern is that with it staying at $10,000, it would level the playing field because if it were to increase it to $25,000, it would look like they are hand picking to do certain projects. Attorney Gruenke stated that it would not be handpicking it because it still would allow for them to seek quotes but not go through the formal process of putting bid specs out and receiving formal bids or super majority votes to waive bidding. He also added that it was increased due to it being difficult to do most projects for $10,000 or less. Councilman Smith stated that he is fine with $10,000 and under but over $10,000 he would like to have the bid process to give everyone a fair shot to place a bid especially if they are local. He stated that he is not crazy about extending it to $25,000 for certain projects. Attorney Gruenke noted that it doesn’t have to be published but there can still be a bidding process that would be limited. He added that it doesn’t level the playing field and the reason to have a bidding is to make sure to keep everyone honest and make sure they are bidding the same item. Councilman Jones asked for an example of when it would be approved without the City Council approval. Attorney Gruenke explained that this is not approving spending without Council approval, this is only whether a particular contract that is approved requires the bidding process first. This is not circumventing the approval of the Council. Attorney Gruenke provided the example of if a project needed to be completed under $25,000 the City Manager could go to a couple businesses and ask for quotes without going through the formal bid process. Councilman Sauer stated that the bid process is very cumbersome due to preparing and putting together specs, putting together the bids, and receiving the bids which slows down the process. He added that the $10,000 limit was good 20 years ago and if there isn’t trust in the City Manager and department heads to do some shopping, they can ask questions. He stated that it’s a question on bidding, not on looking at it to reject the purchase. He stated that it’s a question if something has to be bid out up to $25,000 and he thinks it’s a good idea. Councilman Smith stated that his concern was about being transparent, consistent, and making sure that there was some sort of a bidding process so it doesn’t appear that certain contractors or vendors are being used under a certain amount. He stated that he does have confidence in the department heads and City Manager. Councilman Sauer stated that he agreed with him and if the Council does their job and asks questions, $25,000 is a fair limit. Councilman Smith stated that he agreed but just wanted to dialogue it recalling when the $10,000 limit was changed and he understands that with everything increasing in price you have to keep up with the times. He stated that he is good with it as long as that criteria is met and they do their due diligence. A motion was made Councilman Jones and seconded by Councilman Sauer to Approve An Ordinance Amending Chapter 2, Article 5 Of The Centralia Municipal Code In Regard To Maintenance Of Public 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
City Manager Crow stated that the IML came out with a model ordinance approximately 10 days ago for the CURES program. DCEO stated that it wasn’t needed, and the Mayor signed it. He explained that the CURES program is the program that is funding to reimburse municipalities during COVID. He also explained that DCEO is now requiring the ordinance. He stated that the ordinance being considered is the IML model ordinance for non-home rule communities. A motion was made Councilman Sauer and seconded by Councilman Jones to Approve An Ordinance Pertaining To The Local Cure Program.
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
Councilman Jones asked for explanation of the resolution being considered. City Manager Crow stated that this is to support the block grant in relation to the public hearing that was held prior to the council meeting. He stated that it for Biocenosis for $125,000. He stated that the City is required to lead the grant and it will be administered through the regional economic organization. He also noted that the match for Biocenosis is also $125,000. He stated that they will generate 5 new jobs and update their facility. Councilman Sauer stated that the bottom line is that this is federal money that is benefiting a local business and the city has to support it. A motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Sauer to Approve A Resolution Of Support For Biocenosis Solutions Inc. For A State Of Illinois Community Development Block 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 Councilman Marshall had any comments in regard to the audit since he is an accountant. Councilman Marshall stated that Centralia, like any city, is going to be facing a the COVID crisis and he is interested to see how it will effect the future financial statements. He asked the City Manager what his thoughts were in regards to how much COIVD will effect the statements and future. City Manager Crow stated that sales tax is currently above what was projected with the revised budget but below the original budget. He stated that various retail sales and hardware stores are having increased sales. He stated that the city is seeing lower hotel motel tax and gaming revenue. He noted that gaming revenue is at about $78,000 compared to $180,000 last year at this time. He stated that oil revenue is also down significantly but he was unsure if it was COVID related or the ongoing oil war between Russia and Saudi Arabia. Councilman Marshall noted that there is not a way to foresee what closures may result from COVID. City Manager Crow stated that the AMC Theatre is a concern of his due to them not having any revenue at this time. A motion was made by Councilman Sauer and seconded by Councilman Jones to Approve A Resolution Accepting The Audited Financial Statements For The Year Ended December 31, 2019.
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 Crow stated that this is an agreement with the F.O.P. that includes changes to 12 hours shifts in accordance with the MOU that was established for COVID relief. He stated that it does give the city a 60 day notice period to make changes. He stated that it changes the officer’s vacation from 8 hours to 4 hour increments. He stated that currently the contract has all shift bidding based upon seniority and it does give more flexibility to the Chief to assign the junior person across all shifts. He noted that it also adds the language to control secondary employment and removes all liability if they were to be injured in secondary employment which will not allow them to get workers compensation or disability through the city. He stated that it changes upgrade compensation if they are covering a Sgt. He stated that the wage increases include 1% for the next two years. Councilman Jones questioned waiving workers compensation and asked what the Illinois law was concerning that. City Manager Crow stated that PSEBA details when the officers can get workers compensation and this requires them to sign off on this and the secondary employer would be responsible for the workers compensation and not the city. He stated that this is new for Centralia, but this this language has been upheld in other contracts. Councilman Sauer stated that he has concerns about section 14.1. He stated that he understood that it was going to be subject to change with a 60 day notice, but he stated that it is a management right to determine hours and shifts and this would make it subject to arbitration. He noted that ordinarily changing of shifts would not be subject to arbitration. He stated that they have discussed the 10 hour and 12 hour shifts and he is concerned about fatigue. He stated that the 12 hour shifts are also making it possible for the F.O.P. to have second jobs. He stated that not having the ability to shift back from 12 hours shifts, he would hate to give up that management right and make it subject to arbitration. Councilman Marshall stated that the 12 hours shifts have been discussed many times over the last three to four years so it is a big topic. He stated that previous Chiefs declined working 12 hour shifts and it needs to be looked at a little closer. City Manager Crow stated that he has come from units that work 8 hour and 12 hour shifts. He stated that more people can be on during 12 hour shifts, it raises morale, it is better for retention, and the surrounding units are on 12 hour shifts. He stated that the it states that they have the right to bargain but it does not necessarily give them the right to arbitration. Councilman Sauer asked for clarification of the language concerning bargaining and arbitration. City Manager Crow stated that he would discuss it further with the labor attorney on the particular language. Councilman Sauer stated that he would vote yes if someone would tell him that they don’t have to go to arbitration to modify the schedules. Attorney Gruenke stated that the shifts can’t be changed unless there is mutual agreement so the City could not unilaterally change it. He stated that he was unsure what would happen if there was an impasse, adding that there could be a demand for arbitration or an unfair labor practice filed. He stated that this language is sometimes seen concerning insurance changes in contracts but he had not seen this language in the reference to shifts that can be bargained over. Councilman Sauer asked if Attorney Gruenke would give an opinion about if they didn’t stop with bargaining, could they go to arbitration on the subject. Attorney Gruenke stated that he would have to do some research and could not give an opinion at this time. Councilman Jones stated that he agrees with Councilman Sauer on this issue and also with Councilman Marshall to look at it closer. He stated that he recommended tabling the resolution for approval. A motion was made by Councilman Jones and seconded by Councilman Marshall to Table A Resolution To Accept The Collective Bargaining Agreement With The Illinois FOP Labor Council For Patrol Officers F.O.P Union #229.
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 Crow stated that this resolution is for solar power at the wastewater treatment facility and it allows for a contract to be negotiated with Keystone to install a solar array. He stated that this would allow for a guaranteed savings over the next 10 years. He stated that they could install the solar panels free of cost to the city and then they would sell the power to the City. He stated that this is strictly to allow for negotiation of the contract. Councilman Jones asked if the contract would come back to the Council for approval and City Manager Crow confirmed that it would. Councilman Jones stated that he would like to see a workshop for more explanation to review the details prior to approval of the contract. He also asked if a Request For Proposal was necessary. City Manager Crow stated that AGE has reviewed this and they have done proposals before for other communities. He stated that Keystone specializes in wastewater treatment facilities. He stated that if they wanted to go out for proposals this could be pushed off and he could work further with AGE. Councilman Sauer stated that this is a letter of intent so the City can get into further discussions. He stated that the shop around doesn’t really begin till the contract is negotiated. City Manager Crow pointed out the language that references the negotiation period. Attorney Gruenke confirmed that they have 180 days to negotiate exclusively with them. Councilman Sauer asked if there were any other companies requesting to provide this. Councilman Jones stated that there are several companies that provide this service and this company seems to be a good company due to the research he has done. He stated that he suggested that AGE assist with proposal if possible. Councilman Sauer and Councilman Jones discussed the possible request for proposals and what could be offered and negotiated including the panels and power. Attorney Gruenke explained that the letter of intent includes the option to purchase and further explained that for every 5 year period, the City could purchase the system if they wanted to at an appraised value. Councilman Sauer stated that he is not as familiar with this as he should be but this is the reason that they have hired a City Manager and he asks for his judgement on this. City Manager Crow stated that he had AGE look at this and they will come in and work with the City on this and the negotiation as they go forward. He stated that it will also allow Keystone to do the laydowns. He stated that they approached the City and have approached others in the area and feel based upon the energy usage they can save the city money. He stated that there are other companies that provide this service, but Keystone is typically the company that is used for wastewater treatment facilities due to the wastewater treatment facilities being what they specialize in. Mayor Williams asked if any other companies have been considered and City Manager stated that there has not been a RFP due to Keystone approaching the city. He further explained that the city was not looking at doing this until Keystone approached them and that is why he brought AGE in to look at it. Councilman Smith asked if AGE was in approval of it and City Manager Crow stated that they want to get involved in the negotiation of it. He stated that they felt that Keystones graphs are a little aggressive and they want to have more discussion with the energy usage. Councilman Jones clarified that the letter of intent that they are agreeing to, may not be what the final contract could be and it could even be better. City Manager Crow confirmed that Councilman Jones was correct. He also stated that they did an initial assessment of the amount of power usage over the last 3 years, the existing square footage, and the acreage around the wastewater treatment facility to determine approximately how many panels could be laid. He stated that the final numbers are typically different for the facilities. Councilman Jones confirmed with the City Manager that a final contract would be reviewed by the Council after the City Manager works with AGE to make sure the city gets the best deal. City Manager Crow stated that he was correct and Councilman Jones stated that he would be okay with that. Councilman Smith asked if Councilman Jones was in approval and if not he suggested it being tabled till the next meeting. Councilman Jones stated that if there was a bid, the bid would still result in negotiations that they will be doing with this company anyway to get the best deal for the city. Mayor Williams asked for confirmation that the City would be locked in for 180 days and City Manager Crow stated that they would be. Councilman Jones asked if the escalation fee could be negotiated and City Manager Crow stated that it would be negotiable. A motion was made by Councilman Sauer and seconded by Councilman Jones to Approve A Resolution For A Letter Of Intent With Keystone Power Holdings, LLC. For A Solar Power Purchase Agreement.
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
Mayor Williams discussed the need to continue with remote meetings and how it will allow other people to participate in the meetings. City Manager Crow stated that the Chromebooks were received, and the Zoom package was purchased. He stated that Michelle Liggett has three of the Chromebooks done and when they are all completed, they will be distributed to the Council. He stated that the department heads also have cameras for access. He stated that they can use WIFI and it also has cellular capability. He stated that the Clerk will be able to have panelists and other attendees can watch it. He stated that the video will be saved and there have been discussions about posting the videos as well. Councilman Jones asked if they will be seeing each other or if the public will be seen. City Manager Crow stated that the public will not be panelists so they will be able to watch it. He stated that people can also still submit comments prior to the meeting and will also allow for presenters at meetings to also be a panelist. He stated that other communities have had issues and reminded councilmembers that they will be live and to be mindful of their backgrounds. Councilman Jones asked if this will give them the ability to have a paperless agenda. City Manager Crow stated that they will receive the packet via the Chromebooks and once they are having meetings in the Council Chambers they will be able to bring the Chromebooks with them. He stated that some communities are using YouTube or Facebook live and the participation has increased due to people viewing the meetings without attending in person. Mayor Williams stated that he uses Zoom personally and it works very well. He stated that he is in favor of it and they are moving in the right direction. He added that those that want to see the council in action will be able to do this.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
City Manager Crow stated that there are two requests for new liquor licenses as Class E establishments. He stated that one of the questions that came from the last meeting was how much gaming the city receives. He stated that last year the city received $235,000 and currently this year $78,000. He stated that the other question was how Centralia compares to the other similar sized communities with the number of gaming machines. He stated that compared to other communities Centralia is very similar. He stated that Mt. Vernon has 149 machines and Centralia has 98. He stated that once a liquor license is issued, they can get gaming machines. He stated that Chelbran’s is not requesting the gaming at this time, but Lucky Dog’s is. He stated that both are applying for the Class E license which requires them to have at least 50% of their sales to be food and they will only be serving beer and wine. City Manager Crow asked for confirmation from the Clerk if both of the applicants have their paperwork complete. City Clerk Enke stated that Chelbran’s is a complete application but Lucky Dog’s is missing a few small items on their application. Councilman Sauer stated that this is a concern of his, if someone came in with a complete application and was qualified, they could obtain the license. He stated that he doesn’t want to approve the increase and act on it if their application is not complete and not ready for approval. Councilman Smith stated that he agreed with Councilman Sauer. Councilman Sauer stated that it is a different situation for Chelbran’s due to them being able to get their license immediately. He stated that this restaurant is a small venue and there will not be a bar so the server will provide the drinks requested and there will not be any carryout alcohol. He stated that the building has been vacant for several years and he feels that they are offering Centralia something. He stated that by not having gaming and only having on premise consumption he is in favor of that. Attorney Gruenke stated that the ordinance presented is to increase the number of licenses by two but if they are ready to open up only one license and not the other, they could amend the ordinance to increase it to 6 instead of 7. Councilman Smith stated that he was in favor of making the amendment to the ordinance since he still had concerns as well. Councilman Jones clarified that the Council is only increasing the number of licenses and it is still up to the discretion of the Mayor to approve any of the licenses even if both were increased. Attorney stated that certain requirements are required to be met and for the most part if they meet the requirements, they would get the license. The suggestion for an amendment to the ordinance was made by Councilman Smith and Councilman Sauer. Attorney Gruenke explained that the amendment would be increasing the number of licenses to 6 instead of 7. Councilman Marshall asked what would happen to Lucky Dog’s application. Mayor Williams stated that they would not be issued a license at this time. and on hold due to anyone being able to come in and get the license. He stated that the license for the Chinese/Mexican restaurant would be approved since they have everything in place. City Manager Crow noted that Chelbran’s would like to open soon and will still need to obtain his state license which could take 30 days to obtain. A motion was made Councilman Sauer and seconded by Councilman Jones to Approve An Ordinance Amending The Centralia Municipal Code Regarding An Increase In The Number of Class E Liquor Licenses with an amendment to increase the number of licenses from 5 to 6.
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 Treasurer Agee stated that the sales tax revenue is coming in above last year. He stated that the sales tax was received for June sales in the amount of approximately $214,000 which was $28,000 over the same month a year ago. He stated that it brings the year to date number to approximately $1,744,000 which is $51,000 over last year to date and 78% of the revised estimate and 67% of the original estimate. He stated that the City also received the income tax distribution of approximately $150,000 which is $38,000 over September of last year bringing the year to date number to $1,479,000 which is approximately $88,000 over the year to date in 2019 and 85.8% of the revised revenue projection or 81.6% of the original income tax projection. He stated that he hopes this continues.
City Manager Crow reported that the end of the census period is approaching, and he knows they have been going door to door to put notices on doors. He stated that Centralia currently only has 64% participation and stressed the importance of participating for federal and state funding and explained how it impacts the ability obtain funding based upon the census numbers. He stated that the Recreation Center has volunteers that would like to turn one of the tennis courts into pickle ball courts. He stated that he will be bringing it to the Council for approval at the next council meeting. He stated that it is being done free of cost by a group of players that play. He added that it is a growing sport in Centralia. He stated that they will do the painting and provide the equipment to do it free of cost to the City. He stated that with discussion with the Attorney, council approval is necessary.
Councilman Jones stated that in reference to the service awards presented, the city employees are the biggest assets of the city and he congratulated the employees that were recognized for over 70 combined years of service.
Councilman Smith stated that he echoed what City Manager Crow stated about the census and it is shocking that roughly 40% are not participating. He stated that the message needs to get out to participate and to reach out to anyone that has not participated. He noted the deadline is at the end of the month. He also congratulated and thanked the employees that have received the service awards. Councilman Smith asked for clarification about one issue with the former Roundhouse property. He stated that he thought Katie Plutz was going to be the liaison for the City with the CDC meetings and he asked for an update and information about the pending sale and if there is a buyer or buyers. He stated that he would like to know where the City is in respect to that. City Manager Crow stated that he is the representative for the City on the
CDC. Councilman Smith stated that he was mistaken and asked for the City Manager to provide an update concerning that. Councilman Smith asked if the website work that is being discussed would be done by bid or in house. He stated that he thought that it would be done in house but he would also like an update concerning that.
Councilman Sauer stressed the importance of the residents completing the census. He suggested talking to neighbors and others and stated that it could be catastrophic if only 67% is done. Councilman Sauer also noted that he had learned of a family that was staying on Centralia Lake and lost their pet dog and believed it was a result of pond scum toxicity. He stated that some have looked into this and it is a phenomenon when there is warm weather, sunny days and not a lot of rain. He stated that a toxic bacteria grows when the water is stagnant. He stated that he wanted people to be aware to not let pets in when they see the green water. He stated that it is typically only for a few weeks during the year and wanted to warn pet owners.
Councilman Marshall also congratulated and recognized the employees receiving service awards.
Mayor Williams also recognized and thanked the employees for their service and commitment. He also asked for further updates regarding the former Roundhouse Winery property due to also receiving phone calls concerning it. City Manager Crow stated that there is an offer on the table for the location. He explained that after the offer was accepted, there were other offers on it. He stated that the ruling from the CDC attorney was because they accepted the additional offers, and stated that if they go thru the due diligence the offer needs to be accepted. He stated that there were offers but it was done after the CDC voted to accept the initial offer. Mayor Williams stated that he will forward calls to the City Manager with any questions. Attorney Gruenke clarified that he is not the attorney representing the CDC. Mayor Williams also stressed the importance to have full participation in the census in order to received funding for many things in the community. He also discussed how he is happy to see that people are willing to invest in the parks by providing a pickleball court. He stated that it would be a good addition and it can still be used for tennis. Mayor Williams responded to Mr. Coleman’s concerns and he stated that those areas are not city property so the city can’t just start cutting trees and trimming. He stated that it is up to the property owners and the city has ordinances in place to get the growth cut down if it is not maintained. Mayor Williams stated that businesses are pressed for revenue. He noted that Centralia is in a unique situation since Clinton County is within the community as well as other counties and Clinton County is in the metro area with a higher positivity rate. He is asking for the businesses to work together to follow the guidelines to help get the positivity rates down which will get the business reopened fully to allow seating and dining indoors in Clinton County. He stressed the need to wear masks and noted that this is the reason to hold meetings by phone in order to eradicate the virus as soon as possible so everyone can get back to a normal lifestyle.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Sauer 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 7:45 p.m.
https://cityofcentralia.org/vertical/sites/%7BFC680FE7-BE5C-4903-A103-67AF5EF51655%7D/uploads/09_-_September_14_2020.pdf
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