City of Centralia City Council Met Jan. 11.
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 Smith, Councilman Sauer, & Councilman Marshall (Mayor Williams was present at City Hall and all others attended remotely)
Absent: None
Staff Members Participating Physically at City Hall: Lowell Crow, City Manager, and Kim Enke, 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
Mayor Williams welcomed the City Clerk back.
Comments were submitted prior to the meeting by Steve Brink.
City Clerk Enke shared the letter with the City Council from Mr. Brink concerning a request for a variance for a fence setback. He had previously sent this letter to Gayla Harting and is now requesting the Council’s consideration for a variance for the fence.
CONSENT AGENDA
A Motion was made by Councilman Jones and seconded by Councilman Sauer to Approve Items 1-2 of the Consent Agenda.
1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The December 21, 2020 City Council Meeting
2. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $972,764.12
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
City Manager Crow stated that the bid for a police vehicle is for a crew cab pick up truck that will allow them to carry other equipment and barricades to respond. He stated that it also still gives them the ability to transport prisoners. He stated that the trucks are also less expensive than the SUV vehicles. He stated that there were two bids and Monken’s bid was less. A motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Sauer to Approve The Bid Received For The Purchase Of One Police Vehicle From Monken For A Total Amount Of $29,040.00. Mayor Williams expressed that he was glad to see a local business was awarded the bid.
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
City Manager Crow stated that this was the local cure program approving an intergovernmental agreement for the reimbursable grant to provide funding to businesses. Councilman Smith stated that there are certain criteria that the applicants have to meet, and he asked for clarification concerning nonprofits eligibility. City Manager Crow stated that just as the BIG grant allowed nonprofits to apply, the nonprofits are also eligible for this grant in addition to businesses. He added that they were not eligible if they received the state awarded BIG grant and he also stated that any tavern with revenue over 35% in gaming were also not eligible. A motion was made by Councilman Sauer and seconded by Councilman Smith to Approve A Resolution Approving An Inter-Governmental Agreement Between The City Of Centralia And The Department Of Commerce And Economic Opportunity For The Local Cure Economic Support Payments Grant 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.
City Manager Crow stated that 13 businesses and 2 nonprofits submitted applications for this grant. He explained that there were disqualifications for Hollywood Hair, Rail Coffee Room, and Crooked Creek due to receiving BIG grant funding.Little A’s was disqualified by the State due to them being a tavern with a higher percentage of revenue from gaming. He stated that the amounts awarded were based on the number of employees. Businesses were eligible for $10,000 or $25,000 depending on the number of employees. He stated that Pancake House has applied for a state grant and it is still being reviewed but they do qualify for this grant. He reviewed the 10 businesses that will be receiving grant for a total of $130,000. Mayor Williams asked what the deadline was for this grant. City Manager Crow stated that the deadline was December 30th. He also noted that the awards need approved by the 15th of January and the funds need distributed by February 2nd. Councilman Marshall asked if it was too late for another business to apply and City Manager Crow confirmed that it was. City Manager Crow noted that they contacted several businesses that had previously applied for other grants or reached out to the City. He stated that there were approximately 35 businesses that were contacted directly and the Chamber of Commerce also shared the information with their members. He stated that they were aggressive in reaching out to the businesses and also thanked the Chamber for sharing the information as well. He stated that the City also specifically reached out to some of the minority owned businesses. He stated that 15 applications were submitted. Councilman Sauer stated that in the materials provided by the State, a number of priorities are listed such as restaurants and bars, businesses with tourism, spas and salons and retail stores. He stated that it doesn’t exclude non- profits. He noted that if the City had 50 applicants, they would need to rank the applicants to determine who was awarded the grants, but in this case there is more money than applicants. He stated that he understands why if they qualify they should be awarded. He stated that he agreed with some of the Council that it is questionable that churches should be receiving taxpayers money but it is permissible and money that is available. He noted that if it is not approved the money is given to other communities so it might as well come to Centralia. Councilman Smith stated that he agreed with Councilman Sauer. A motion was made by Councilman Sauer and seconded by Councilman Smith to Approve A Resolution Approving The Local Cure Economic Support Payments Grant Program Award Recommendations And Distributions.
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 several communities are working on polices for vaccinations and masks. He reported that 18 firemen including part-time firefighters, 7 police officers and 3 public works employees have been vaccinated. He stated that the IML sent out sample policies and guides. He stated that there is one union that has some objections and wants to meet concerning these policies. He stated that the state has advised that vaccinations can be mandated, but other recommendations from the IML and labor attorney suggests that the vaccinations are not mandated by the City but the masks are. He stated that this is the policy that is being presented as it was endorsed by the Council to mandate masks. Councilman Marshall asked what the consequences are for not wearing a mask if they do not want to. City Manager Crow stated that the policy states that they would be subject to discipline. He also added that while discussing this with the labor attorney, other communities are making suspensions. He stated that there is a paragraph in the policy that in some circumstances such as Firefighters fighting a fire, the department head can make a judgement that the safety involved in their work would not require them to wear a mask during certain duties. Councilman Sauer stated that they are not requiring a vaccine, but even if it were permissible, he wouldn’t be in favor of requiring it since it is more of a personal decision. He stated that this virus has been dealt with since last March and now new strains are being found which appear to be more contagious. He stated that those that want the vaccine will be able to get it in approximately 90 days and he doesn’t feel bad requiring that everyone wear a mask. He confirmed that this would be reviewed again in 90 days and stated that he wanted this policy to be minimally intrusive in people’s lives, but feels that there is a light at this tunnel now and expressed the need for the employees to wear masks when they have so much contact with members of the public. Councilman Smith asked about the requirement of the police department to wear a mask with suspects or when interacting with the public. City Manager Crow stated that there may be occasions for safety reasons where they don’t have to wear them based upon what they are doing. He stated that as an example public works that are working within confined spaces with breathing apparatuses which is why it is a decision the department heads can make based on safety of work. Councilman Jones asked about masks in offices. City Manager Crow stated that if the employees are in their office alone they do not have to wear it, but if someone comes into their office they will need to wear a mask. A motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Marshall to Approve A Resolution Adopting Policies According To State And Federal Guidelines For COVID Vaccinations And Masks For Employees.
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 there was discussion at the last council meeting and everyone that was in attendance were in favor of this agreement with Torricelli Lobbying. He stated that the only change to the contract was the addition of tasks. Councilman Smith stated that he was not able to attend the last meeting. He stated that he understood the validity of the situation but has concerns about the finances and cut positions. He noted his concerns that included the Foundation being paid an enormous amount of money, the IT and Building Inspector positions not being filled, the amount of payments needed for the fire trucks depending what happens with the sales tax increase, and staff gave raises back. He stated that he understands the importance of getting the word out and messages but it raises concerns about approving the contract at this time. City Manager Crow stated that he spoke with the Terry Bruckert, the attorney that does the TIF reviews for the City, and a portion of this contract is able to be paid for out of the TIFs and money budgeted in the special project fund. He stated that the feedback he received from DCEO is that they are having trouble sending out funds at this time. He stated that he contacted other communities to see how they are getting their funds and Jeff Torricelli’s name came up in many of the conversations such as Effingham, Trenton, and New Baden. Councilman Smith stated that he was aware of the benefits of what Jeff Torricelli did with DCEO, but due to the timing more than anything and finances, he just has concerns. Councilman Sauer stated that he agrees but the difference is that Torricelli was being paid and recalls that when the contract was terminated, they hoped he could be brought back before long. Councilman Sauer asked what Jeff Torricelli’s position was at DCEO and City Manager Crow stated that he was a deputy at DCEO. Councilman Sauer noted that he had helped the City get $1M grant previously and he is consulting but also lobbies to get things done. He confirmed that the agreement was for $40,000 and the City has a large amount of funds in the operating budget and would hate the City Manager not to have someone that is not an insider in Springfield. Councilman Smith stated that he understand that there is nothing more important than having someone to lobby and throw out the city’s name. He reiterated that it is the timing and red flags that makes him question it right now. City Manager Crow stated that it is easier to pay a consultant out of TIF funds than it is to pay a staff member due to the staff member being required to show the amount of time they are working specifically on the TIFs. He added that TIF money can only be used for certain things and consulting is one of them. A motion was made by Councilman Sauer and seconded by Councilman Jones toApprove A Resolution Approving A Consulting Services Agreement With Torricelli Lobbying & Consulting.
Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall, and Mayor Williams
Nays: Councilman Smith
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
REPORTS
City Treasurer Agee reported that the audit process for the 2020 audit has begun.
City Manager Crow stated that the remainder of the CURES act money has been approved for the airport which is another $15,000 and will help pay for the fuel system. He also commented on the public participation comments and letter received from Steve Brink. He stated that Gayla Harting has been handling this and he has already appeared before the zoning board of appeals and they have also told him that he needed to make the changes to the fence. He stated that Gayla Harting gave him 90 days to fix the fence and delayed the court appearance. Gayla Harting stated that there were complaints received from neighboring properties about the fence so Bobby Patton and herself drove to the location to inspect the fence. She stated that they told Mr. Brink that he had an illegal fence due to not receiving a permit from the City. She stated that on that day they told him that they would not be giving a ticket for it at that time, but they would give him time to complete the permit request. She stated that she also let him know that the 6’ fence would need to be 4’ and he told them that he would not comply to that. She stated that the permit that he requested was denied based on the 6’fence so he then requested to be heard by the Zoning Board of Appeals. She stated that he had built the fence in the neighbor’s yard by about 10-15 ft. City Manager Crow also reported that he had received a letter from Jennifer Price thanking the Police Department for responding to a call where someone had drove thru her fence. She thanked all of the officers that responded to that. He also reported that Sgt. Ramsey, who is the supervisor of a Police Officer that is deploying, was identified by the National Guard as a patriotic employer.
Councilman Smith welcomed back the City Clerk and hoped everyone had nice holidays. He commented in regard to Mr.Brink’s letter during public participation stating that it has been ongoing. He stated that he thought the City Manager had met with him previously and thought it was going to be fine which threw a wrench in it. He commended Gayla and Bobby for their work. He also added that he hoped it could be taken care of and noted that the fence looks good adding that Mr. Brink works hard on his property and is the type of person you would want in the neighborhood.
Councilman Marshall stated that he also took a drive to look at Mr. Brink’s fence. He stated that it is a nice looking fence and he is also hoping that this could be resolved. He stated that he was unaware that the fence was on the neighbor’s property. He also stated that the he was happy with the consulting service being approved by vote. He stated that he feels that it will save the City $40,000 elsewhere numerous times a year.
Mayor Williams stated that he also drove to look at Mr. Brink’s fence and talked to him. He stated that he made some suggestions to him to resolve the situation in the hopes to get it resolved. Mayor Williams also shared a letter from a resident, Mr. Lane that commended the Police Department for going above and beyond in the line of duty and followed up with him on multiple occasions. He stated that Mr. Lane moved to Centralia from Springfield and doesn’t think he would have got that kind of service there.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Sauer To Adjourn The Meeting To Closed Session Under 5ILCS 120/2(C)(1) The Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance, Or Dismissal Of Specific Employees, Specific Individuals Who Serve As Independent Contractors In A Park, Recreational, Or Educational Setting, Or Specific Volunteers Of The Public Body Or Legal Counsel For The Public Body, Including Hearing Testimony On A Complaint Lodged Against An Employee, A Specific Individual Who Serves As An Independent Contractor In A Park, Recreational, Or Educational Setting, Or A Volunteer Of The Public Body Or Against Legal Counsel For The Public Body To Determine Its Validity.
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 6:52 p.m.
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