South Central Reporter

City of Assumption City Council Met Nov. 4.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Roger Cox who led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll call was answered by Aldermen Sue Burgess, Barb Coughlin, Derek Page, Selena Reed, Kandy Smith and Melody Stuart. Also present were Attorney Jack Kiley, Police Chief Brian Wade, Treasurer Debbie Damery and City Clerk Janet Waller.

Present in the audience is Mark Bingham from Chastain and Associates, Rick Bradshaw, Marty Hall and Aubree Guillo.

Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Coughlin, made a motion to approve the minutes of the October 7, 2020 Council Meeting. Motion carried with Alderman Stuart, Smith, Reed, Page, Coughlin and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays.

Council Member Burgess, seconded by Council Member Stuart, made a motion to approve the Special Meeting minutes of October 13, 2020. Motion carried with Alderman Coughlin, Burgess, Page, Reed, Stuart and Smith voting aye and 0 nays.

Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to approve payment of bills as they appear on Warrant Sheets. Motion carried with  Alderman Reed, Stuart, Page, Smith, Coughlin and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays.

Treasurer’s Report:

CD # Invested at Term_____

General 1212724 $20,173.52 FNB Pana 3 month

16464 $200,000.00 FNB Assumption 6 month

RHG 1203217 $15,000.00 FNB Pana 6 month

Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Page, made a motion to renew General CD 1212724, General CD 16464 and RHG CD $15,000.00 at Treasurer’s discretion at best possible rate. No discussion. Motion carried with Alderman Page, Stuart, Coughlin, Reed, Burgess and Smith voting aye and 0 nays.

Mayor’s Comments:

Mayor Cox thanked everyone involved in Trunk or Treat.

City Attorney:

Attorney Jack Kiley discussed a tax levy ordinance would need to passed at the December council meeting and filed by the last Tuesday in December.

The City has received a court order to demolish 315 N St John Street. Sealed bids will be opened on December 2, 2020.

Attorney Jack Kiley noted they are getting information 712 E Illinois Street and are continuing to move forward.

Under New Business:

The council discussed possibly blocking off Chestnut Street for the Christmas Lighting on November 28, 2020.

Mayor Cox noted the new owner of Bond School was ill and could not make the meeting.

The agreement for Stacey and Larry Waddington was presented at the meeting. Council discussed whether there is any confirmation on a new business yet. Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Coughlin, made a motion to approve the mutual agreement with Larry and Stacey Waddington and Wadd’s Restaurant not to pursue legal action and resolve the dispute over the outstanding water bill. Motion carried with Mayor Cox voting aye to break the tie as Alderman Coughlin, Reed, and Smith voting aye and Alderman Burgess, Page and Stuart voting nay.

Council discussed an ordinance for downtown apartments on the first floor. Attorney Kiley noted no ordinance needed but after further checking the ordinance book it was in agreement that an amended ordinance is needed. Ordinance will be voted on in December council meeting.

The yearly Risk Management insurance bill is $44,045.62. Council Member Smith, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to approve payment on the IMLRA bill of $44,045.62. Motion carried with Alderman Stuart, Smith, Reed, Page, Coughlin and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays.

The Sanitary Sewer Phase 1 Sewer disbursement for Petersburg Plumbing is $107,373.50 and Chastain Engineering is $28,100.41 for a total of $135,473.91. Council Member Page, seconded by Council Member Burgess, made a motion to approve the payment of the Sanitary Sewer Disbursement for Petersburg Plumbing is $107,373.50 and Chastain Engineering is $28,100.41 for a total of $135,473.91. Motion carried with Alderman Smith, Reed, Page, Stuart, Coughlin and Burgess voting aye and 0 nays.

The Water Project Phase 1 disbursement for Burdick Heating and Plumbing is $32,400.00 and $67,018.60 for Chastain and Associates for a total of $99,418.00. 

Council Member Burgess, seconded by Council Member Page, made a motion to approve the payment of the Water Project disbursement Burdick Heating and Plumbing is $32,400.00 and $67,018.60 for Chastain and Associates for a total of $99,418.60. 

Motion carried with Alderman Reed, Page, Coughlin, Smith, Burgess and Stuart voting aye and 0 nays.

Mark Bingham from Chastain and Associates noted there will be an additional fee for the Water Project for the water fliers to notify residents of the Water Project. This will be added to the December agenda.

Mark Bingham discussed the water softeners will be taken out of the water project due to the possibility of a new water plant. The change order will be on the December agenda.

Sanitary Sewer Phase 1 is currently working behind Casey’s. They will also work on temporary fixing roads until a permanent fix next year.

Water Phase 1 will be installing water meters in the next 3-4 weeks. The notification flier has been sent out to residents. They will be working on watermains thru the winter.

Water Project Phase 2 is working on responding to the EPA questions regarding the plans.

Sanitary Sewer Phase 2 is working with the Water Superintendent looking over plans.

The council discussed a possible solution with Leafland Street and County 6 and is working with the county on possibly a flashing sign. The estimated cost of the sign is $1,500.00 but the county will need a formal request from the City. A temporary sign has been placed at the area of concern.

https://cityofassumption.weebly.com/nov-2020-minutes.html