City of Centralia City Council met Dec. 21.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Per Senate Bill 2135, the City Council for Centralia, Illinois met via video conference. Mayor Williams called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Williams, Councilman Jones, Councilman Sauer, & Councilman Marshall (Mayor Williams was present at City Hall and all others attended remotely)
Absent: Councilman Smith
Staff Members Participating Physically at City Hall: Lowell Crow, City Manager, Katie Plutz, Assistant City Manager and Economic Development Director; and Tara Ramey, Deputy City Clerk
Staff Members Participating Electronically: Luke Behme, City Attorney; Gayla Harting, Community Development Director; Michelle Liggett, Finance Director; Jeff Schwartz, Public Works Director; and Chief Dodson, Police Department
PRAYER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Williams led the Pledge of Allegiance.
AMENDMENTS AND/OR ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
None
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Comments were submitted prior to the meeting by Vernell Burris and Steve Coleman.
Deputy Clerk Tara Ramey shared the following comments from Mr. Burris during the meeting. Vernell Burris stated that he would like the city to pay close attention to the state’s financial condition, the governor is going to cut back on the budget and employees.
Deputy Clerk Tara Ramey shared the following comments from Mr. Coleman. The Fairview Park Shopping Center is becoming empty with Gordmans just closing, is the city looking into getting a new retail business?
CONSENT AGENDA
A Motion was made by Councilman Sauer and seconded by Councilman Jones to Approve Items 1-4 of the Consent Agenda.
1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The December 7, 2020 City Council Meeting
2. Approval Of The Minutes Of The December 7, 2020 Public Hearing
3. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $ 1,040,692.96
4. Receive And Place On File The Monthly Treasurer’s Report As Of October 30, 2020
5. A Resolution To Declare Certain Water and Sewer Accounts Owed To The City As Uncollectable Accounts And To Authorize Closure Of The Accounts
6. An Ordinance Waiving The Payment Of Demolition Permit Fees For Calendar Year 2021
Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall, and Mayor Williams
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Mayor Herb Williams asked Gayla Harting to report on the Illinois Housing Department Authority acceptance of the Strong Community Program grant acceptance in the amount of $125,000 for demolition and clean-up of properties.
BIDS
None
ORDINANCES
None
RESOLUTIONS
City Manager Crow stated that this adjustment to the MFT was requested by both the contractor for the project and IDOT for the sidewalk construction in order to close out the year. Councilman Sauer mentioned that this is MFT funds that would be used in this manner. A motion was made by Councilman Sauer and seconded by Councilman Jones to Approve A Resolution Approving Improvement Under The Illinois Highway Code For Portions of Frazier Avenue And East Broadway.
Ayes: Councilman Jones, 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 contracting service is for design work for the force main replacement in the amount of $9,800.00 with additional services and hourly rates as required. Jeff Schwartz mentioned that this is for the force main from Greenview lift station. Mr. Schwartz stated that this force main has been causing leaks. Councilman Sauer questioned the need for approval with the contract under the $10,000 cap. City Manager Crow mentioned that there will be additional costs. A motion was made by Councilman Jones and seconded by Councilman Sauer to Approve A Resolution Approving A Professional Services Agreement With Gonzalez Companies, LLC For Greenview Road Force Main Replacement.
Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall, and Mayor Williams
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
City Manager Crow stated Katie Plutz has already gathered the necessary documentation from Marilyn’s Downtown Lounge to submit for the $25,000 grant. Katie Plutz stated the grant application would be submitted the next day. Councilman Jones questioned the time frame of the turnaround of the grant. City Manager Crow stated that with the previous grants the turnaround has been ten days, but it may take longer to process due to other grants the state is working on. A motion was made by Councilman Jones and seconded by Councilman Marshall 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 For Marilyn’s Downtown Lounge, Inc..
Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall, and Mayor Williams
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
Discussion began concerning a consulting services agreement that was proposed by Torricelli Lobbying & Consulting. City Manager Crow mentioned that this is the same company that the city discontinued services with due to the financial crunches during 2020. Mr. Crow stated that he reached out to the City of Effingham as well as New Baden, they both contract with Torricelli for assistance with grants. This would be a $40,000 contract.
Mayor Williams, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall, as well as Councilman Jones all expressed their agreement to pursue an agreement for contract with Torricelli Lobbying & Consulting.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
REPORTS
City Manager Crow stated four applications were submitted for the small business stabilization grants. Mr. Crow stated that Katie Plutz called businesses around town encouraging them to participate. City Manager Crow also provided specific due dates for the grants.
City Manager Crow commented on the public participation mentioning that IML’s is concern about state and local funds. Mr. Crow discussed the closure of business in the shopping center and mentioned that a business had shown interest in the location of the old Gordman’s, but they have not committed.
Councilman Jones wished everyone Merry Christmas and congratulated Gayla Harting on the grant received.
Councilman Sauer asked Luke Behme, City Attorney about the ballot language concerning the sales tax. Mr. Behme responded that he has reviewed it and the language may not be changed. Councilman Sauer also gave thanks to Mr. Agee for the monthly treasurer’s report as well as to Gayla Harting for the grant that was received.
Councilman Marshall wished everyone a Merry Christmas, congratulated Gayla Harting on her work towards the grant received, and encouraged everyone to view the Jupiter and Venus occurrence.
Mayor Williams congratulated Mrs. Gayla Harting on her hard work put in to obtaining the grant, wished City Clerk Kim Enke the best in recovery, and congratulated Marilyn’s Downtown Lounge. Mayor Williams also reiterated the need for everyone to continue to wear masks and stay safe. Mayor Williams wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Councilman Jones and seconded by Councilman Marshall To Adjourn The Meeting.
Ayes: Councilman Jones, 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 6:30 p.m.
https://cityofcentralia.org/vertical/sites/%7BFC680FE7-BE5C-4903-A103-67AF5EF51655%7D/uploads/12_-_December_21_2020.pdf
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