City of Centralia City Council Met Jan. 25.
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, Luke Behme, City Attorney; and Kim Enke, City Clerk
Staff Members Participating Electronically: Gayla Harting, Community Development Director; Michelle Liggett, Finance Director; Jeff Schwartz, Public Works Director; Chief Lynch, Fire Department 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 and were read and shared by the City Clerk.
Vernell Burris stated that He heard on the news that 402 E. Rexford was one of the demolition properties being considered and it should have been 402 W. Rexford. He added that the property at 709 E. Cormick that is being considered for demolition does not have anything wrong with it and it should not be condemned. He also stated that he is aware that Steve Coleman was not appointed to the Elmwood Cemetery Board but asks that he be considered to serve again.
Steve Brink submitted a letter for public participation discussing the previous meeting where his first letter in regard to his fence was submitted. He explained that his neighbor is satisfied with the fence and felt that the Council was led to believe that she was not. A letter from the neighbor, Lynnette Miller, expressing her approval of the fence was also shared.
Steve Coleman would like the potholes on Hassler by Second Baptist Church fixed. He said that they are in bad shape and need to be taken care of.
Deborah Johnson stated that she has an issue with the stop lights at the intersections of N. Lincoln Blvd & E. McCord St. as well as the next light at N. Lincoln Blvd & E. Noleman St. The lights do not stay green very long when traveling either direction on Lincoln Blvd; maybe 5-10 seconds. She doesn't think it's right that you can be the first vehicle to cross the light at Lincoln/Noleman and not make the light at Lincoln/McCord which is 1 block away. She added that she feels that the wait time at these lights should have the same timing just as the other traffic lights in the City of Centralia. She asked if the issue could be corrected.
Bunny Garrett submitted a letter discussing the mayoral candidates and a inquiring about a letter from Annette Chapman concerning residency. She also stated that she recommended an increase to the salaries of the Council and asked for the status of the inquiries. She also noted that two positions will be coming open in the City and would like recruitment of persons of color, blacks, and women to these positions with the fulfillment of qualifications being a priority and advocates a local candidate.
Three City employees were recognized for their years of service including Fire Lieutenant Garrick Parson For 20 Years Of Service, Telecommunicator Codie Melton For 5 Years Of Service and Police Officer Andrew Harvard For 5 Years Of Service
CONSENT AGENDA
A Motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Sauer to Approve Items 1- 5 of the Consent Agenda.
1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The January 11, 2021 City Council Meeting
2. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $918,418.92
3. Receive And Place On File The Monthly Treasurer’s Report As Of December 31, 2020
4. Approval of Request to Allow Use of Lake Centralia by the Hollywood Heights Bass Club for a Tournament on July 11, 2021
5. 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
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 explained the need for the replacement of outdated office equipment and noted that 3 quotes were obtained by Finance Director Liggett for the items. Councilman Jones requested clarification concerning what is included in the lease terms. Finance Director Liggett noted that the meter rental is included in the lease but not the purchase. City Clerk Enke noted that the quotes to be approved included both a postage meter and a stuffer from Southern Business Machines. A motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Sauer to Approve The Quotes For The Lease Of Replacement Office Equipment From Southern Business Machines.
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 stated that this increase in the number of liquor licenses is for Yamato’s. He noted that they are an operating business and have been in operation at their location for approximately 6 months. Councilman Sauer stated that he has seemed to be the most negative about adding liquor licenses due to concerns about signage, gaming and less savory things that come with that. He expressed that this particular business is nice looking business that has been in the city for a while and in the strip mall that operates with significant signage restrictions placed on the tenants of the mall by the owner so he feels this is a great economic use of a liquor license. Councilman Smith and Councilman Jones stated that they agreed. Mayor Williams stated that he agreed and noted that they had worked with the business closely to get this done. A motion was made by Councilman Sauer and seconded by Councilman Smith to Approve An Ordinance Amending The Centralia Municipal Code Regarding An Increase In The Number Of Class E Liquor Licenses.
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 agreement is to utilize the water tower at Murray Center for 911 and communication equipment for the Police Department. Chief Dodson explained that the equipment on the Murray Center tower, the tower on Rexford and the radio tower at the Fire Protection District allow for the police and emergency radios to communicate effectively in the area. He stated that the equipment is already in place, this is just a renewal/update of the lease agreement. City Manager Crow stated that the tower belongs to the State so this is an intergovernmental agreement between the State and the City to allow use of the tower to place the equipment. A motion was made by Councilman Jones and seconded by Councilman Smith to Approve An Ordinance Approving An Agreement With The State Of Illinois For The City To Utilize Space On State Of Illinois 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 these surplus properties being considered were put up for bid last year and after the bid period there were inquiries about the properties. He stated that he felt that there were interested individuals, but the minimum prices were too high. The properties were discussed and with City Manager stating that two of the properties are small strips of land and two are Raccoon Lake properties.
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 – 416 N Maple St.
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 St.
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.
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 – 1834 Duck Lane.
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
City Manager Crow stated that it was realized that the way the previous resolutions were written the appointment of the individuals would have been at the same time so the revisions were made to stagger them and have the appointments made by the Mayor. He explained that some of the members will be for 2 years and some will be for 4 years. Councilman Marshall stated that he had concerns about one of the individuals that has continued to be appointed to the boards that he feels is bad for the City. He stated that he will oppose it. City Manager Crow explained that the first two resolutions allow for the staggering of terms and the third one is for the appointment of the individuals. A motion was made by Councilman Jones and seconded by Councilman Smith to Approve A Resolution Amending Resolution R20-91 Concerning The Appointment Of The Members Of The Cemetery Advisory Commission.
Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Smith, Councilman Sauer, and Mayor Williams
Nays: Councilman Marshall
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
A motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Sauer to Approve A Resolution Amending Resolution R20-92 Concerning The Appointment Of The Members Of The Advisory Committee On Parks And Recreation.
Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Smith, Councilman Sauer, and Mayor Williams
Nays: Councilman Marshall
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
City Manager Crow stated that Mimi Hawkins worked with the Mayor to get the appointments made to the boards by contacting each of the members. Councilman Smith thanked Mimi for her assistance. Mayor Williams asked that the names of the appointed members of the board be read. Mayor Williams stated that he would look at the possibility of honoring Steve Coleman’s request. He added that he had served for a long time and he would look to see if one more person could be added as a member. He stated that these are hardworking individuals that put in a lot of time to make these boards work. A motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Sauer to Approve A Resolution Confirming Appointments Of Certain Individuals To Various Board And Commissions Of The City Of Centralia.
Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Smith, Councilman Sauer, and Mayor Williams
Nays: Councilman Marshall
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
Councilman Sauer stated that the City has done several things differently to adapt during COVID. He stated that the City began using Zoom, administered the BIG grant which brought $250,000 into the community, and the City Manager obtained another grant for $130,000. He stated that there was an article in the newspaper it was suggested that the money could have gone to better purposes because they didn’t like who it went to. He explained that it could not have, and fortunately the money was able to be made available to Centralia. He stated that he feels that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and the citizens lived thru a dark time in history. He stated that the proposed resolution will not cost the City money and it is something that is humane. He stated that the City should not be shutting off small water bills for residents when the COVID problem is coming to an end. He explained that it is not a forgiveness of the balances due, only a temporary suspension of being shut off so it cannot be used as a collection tool on small accounts. He stated that the suspension would be through March and it could be renewed if they wanted to look at it again. Councilman Jones both stated that they agreed. Mayor Williams stated that he had one resident explain that they were able to pay their bill but had to borrow money to do so. He added that it is good for the residents and the City. A motion was made by Councilman Jones and seconded by Councilman Smith to Approve A Resolution For Temporary Suspension Of Water Disconnection Due To Covid-19.
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
There was discussion among the City Manager and Council concerning returning to in person Council meetings. City Manager Crow stated that the tiers have changed quickly just in the last 24 hours and the emergency orders are still in place until the end of the month. City Manager Crow stated that if they chose to go to in person, they would still have to allow for 6 feet and would also require masks. He stated that he wanted to give the Council an opportunity to discuss this. Councilman Smith stated that they are moving in the right direction but he still continues to have concerns. He stated that there will continue to be some that are not able to come in and attend the meeting which will be a disservice to those people. He speculated that there is also a mutant strain that may be coming and there is a possibility that in February or March the City will be back in the same situation but he hopes not. He also added that the vaccines are getting distributed but not as they should be. He stated that as much as he would like to meet in person, he feels that it is better to continue remotely and err on the side of safety. City Manager Crow stated that he had received a press release from the Governor that reported a new variant in Illinois. Councilman Sauer stated that he agreed with Councilman Smith. He noted that a meeting in person is definitely better and hoped that in 60 days they may actually be in a position to hold in
person meetings. He stated that he had concerns that those attending the in person meetings would not follow the precautions and not keep a social distance or wear a mask. He stated that it would be a disservice to the citizens to have an event that would spread the virus. He stated that he recommended keeping the topic on the agenda each month to discuss it further. City Manager Crow stated that as long as the City remained in Phase 4 he would keep it on the agenda monthly for discussion.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
REPORTS
City Treasurer Agee reported that the CARES act funds for the Airport were received. He also reported that the Correctional Center’s water bills are paid up through November and at this point only owe for December. He also noted that the state shared revenues are current.
City Manager Crow stated that approximately $550,000 of the CURES Act funds were received and the City has submitted for the reimbursement of the funds for the $130,000 in local grants that were disbursed. He stated that he personally delivered those checks to the business. He stated that the Downtown Lounge also received their funds from the State for their grant. He stated that these grants will help many of the area businesses to pay bills and keep their equipment operating.
Councilman Sauer thanked the three employees that were recognized for their years of service. He stated that when there is significant longevity in the staff, things are being well ran. He stated that it is good to have employees with experience and that have found an employment home. Councilman Jones and Councilman Smith also thanked and congratulated the employees.
Councilman Marshall stated that the Mayor mentioned the possible appointment of Steve Coleman and he stated that he felt it would be a good appointment. He stated that he has been involved for a long time. Councilman Marshall stated that his earlier comments were related to a false statement that was given approximately one year ago. He also congratulated the law enforcement departments for arrests made involving child pornography in the county. He added that arrests like that to keep the children safe is very good.
Mayor Williams congratulated Downtown Lounge for receiving their well-deserved grant to assist their business. He requested that City Manager Crow review the intersection lights that were a concern noted during public participation asking for clarification that the lights that were noted are on a state highway which is maintained by the state. City Manager Crow explained that the State does set the timing on the lights on the state roadways. Also in regard to the fence concern with Steve Brink, Mayor Williams requested that Gayla Harting and the City Manager try to resolve the issues with Mr. Brink and come to a civil agreement concerning the fence. He stated that he agreed that the discussion of in person meetings should be on the agenda to continue to assess the COVID situation. Mayor Williams stated that in response to Ms. Garrett’s concern about open positions in the City, he stated that they will be going into closed session to discuss employment matters for certain positions.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Jones 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 6:47 p.m.
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