City of Centralia City Council met March 8.
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; Bill Agee, City Treasurer; Gayla Harting, Community Development Director; Derek Sherman, Economic Development Director/Assistant City Manager; and Kim Enke, City Clerk
Staff Members Participating Electronically: Luke Behme, City Attorney; Terry Bruckert, City Attorney; 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. Steve Coleman asked if there are or will be plans for new businesses to enter into the old Family Dollar and the old IGA.
Vernell Burris stated that Salem has in person meetings now and the positive COVID rate is down in the state as well as Marion County. He feels that the council needs to consider going back to in person meetings, and that the council is trying to hide something from the public by not trying to open the meetings.
Bruce Kropp stated that he was concerned about the lack of information released to the public on what led to the decision to seek the removal of Lowell Crow as city manager and the eventual separation agreement. He added that while some of the discussion may fall under the personnel exemption to the open meetings law, this seems on the surface more like a desire to change the direction of city government which should be something discussed in open if the city is going to be transparent in its operation. He explained that he says appears on the surface because the public doesn't know due to lack of open discussion. He stated that he is hoping each councilmen and Mayor will explain their position on this issue to allow Centralia residents to have some understanding of the situation or explain why they wish to remain quiet on the subject.
The Mayor and City Council recognized Telecommunicator Chris Wolenhaupt For 20 years Of Service, Fire Lt. Cary Altadonna For 25 Years Of Service, And Fire Captain Jeffery Day For 25 Years Of Service.
CONSENT AGENDA
A Motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Jones to Approve Items 1- 4 of the Consent Agenda.
1. Approval Of The Minutes Of The February 22, 2021 City Council Meeting
2. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $772,134.33
3. A Resolution Regarding Closed Session Minutes
4. 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 Building
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 there were multiple bids received for each property. The opening of bids was held by City Clerk Enke.
Bids were received for 815 Arbor Lane in the amount of $7,256.00 from Gary Peoples and a bid in the amount of $7,001.00 from Paul Szatkowski.
Bids were received for 1834 Duck Lane in the amount of $7,001.00 from Paul Szatkowski, a bid in the amount of $7,750.00 from Kristen Queen and Ryan McGuire, and a bid in the amount of $8,500 from April Smith. A bid was received from Kelly Alexander in the amount of $951.00 for 426 S. Pine.
A bid was received from Shawn Claybourn in the amount of $900.00 for 416 N. Maple.
The Clerk noted that all bids will be reviewed and presented at a later council meeting for approval.
City Manager Crow discussed the MFT bid and the withdrawal of bid from Mike A. Maedge Trucking. It was noted that they did not provide a bid that included the delivery and application. Director Schwartz stated that they had only bid the oil and which was approximately half of the other bid amounts. A motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Jones to Approve The Bids From Don Anderson Company, Inc. For Bituminous Materials And From Beelman Logistics For Seal Coat Aggregate For The 2021 MFT Oil And Chip Rehabilitation And Resealing Program Contingent Upon IDOT Approval.
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 explained that Melissa Gebke and her husband had approached the City about purchasing Quality Sports Nets. He stated that they were considering moving it to Carlyle but would like to keep it in Centralia and grow the business. He stated that this is a 5 year forgivable mortgage. He stated that it is $100,000 and there is an offset of $20,000 per year to guarantee that they will stay here. He noted that if they leave, the City has the first right on the mortgage. He stated that another attorney was used for the City since Terry Bruckert was hired by the Gebkes as their attorney before approaching the City. He stated that they were considering moving their location outside of Centralia. He stated that their business provides dividing nets for gyms, the Macy Day parade float nets as well other types of nets. He stated that they expect to grow the business and increase the number of employees from 8 to15 people over the next 3 years. He stated that it is from TIF #6 and there are funds available. Councilman Sauer stated that Dan Koller, the previous owner, had provided a tour to him in the past. He stated that provide nets to major league stadiums and all around the country. He stated that it would be a shame to lose them and it is a good use of TIF money to keep them. Councilman Smith stated that he knew the previous owner and his family. He stated that the business is a great asset and important to keep it here. Mayor Williams stated that he agreed and looks forward to their continued growth. A motion was made by Councilman Smith and seconded by Councilman Sauer to Approve An Ordinance Approving A Redevelopment Agreement By And Between The City Of Centralia And Gebke, LLC.
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 explained that BNSF has identified the railroad maintenance needed as an emergent repair which provides the main shipping for Graphic Packaging. He stated that the area is washed out and photos were provided of the area. Director Schwartz stated that each year they do perform maintenance on the track. He stated that there is about 350’ that has sunk, and BNSF called him and stated that they will no longer be able to put cars on the track. He stated that it will include replacement of between 60-100 ties and raise the track. He reported that they are the only contractor within 100 miles of Centralia. Councilman Jones asked if this will be able to be completed soon and Director Schwartz confirmed that they would. He stated that they are a very large company and this is a small project for them. Councilman Sauer asked if this was going to fix the problems. Director Schwartz stated that it will help the drainage and will fix the issues. He stated that this is really the only bad section since a lot of work has been done over the last several years. A motion was made by Councilman Sauer and seconded by Councilman Smith to Approve A Resolution Waiving The Bidding Requirements And Accepting A Proposal From Hulcher Services Inc. For Railroad Maintenance In The Amount Of $46,250.00.
Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Smith, Councilman Sauer, Councilman Marshall, and Mayor Williams
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
Director Schwartz discussed the proposed contract with Metro-Ag stating that there was an approximate 1 cent increase per gallon for the year with an estimate million gallons of sludge. He stated that it is based off the gallons of sludge that they remove when cleaning the sludge basins. He stated that they have been doing this for 7-8 years and take care of the EPA reporting and all paperwork. Councilman Jones inquired if it was a two year agreement and Director Schwartz confirmed that it was with the same pricing for each year. A motion was made by Councilman Jones and seconded by Councilman Smith to Approve A Resolution A Resolution Approving An Agreement With Metro-Ag Inc. For Removal And Transportation Of Wastewater/Water Treatment Plant Residuals.
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 discussed the separation agreement between Lowell Crow and the City. He explained that there is more to the separation agreement than appears and new documents that have been made public. He stated that he is unhappy with the result but also the process that has been used to bring this about. He stated that he will be voting no.
Councilman Marshall stated that his vote is in regard to personnel issues and other concerns that he has. He stated that he is transparent with everyone and has been vocal. He stated that personnel issues are personnel issues and they have never had to discuss those publicly. A motion was made by Councilman Jones and seconded by Councilman Marshall to Approve A Resolution Authorizing And Approving A Separation Agreement For City Manager Lowell Crow.
Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Marshall, and Mayor Williams
Nays: Councilman Smith and Councilman Sauer
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
Councilman Sauer stated that he thinks very highly of Mr. Langenfeld and his comments regarding what he dislikes about the employment agreement doesn’t have anything to do with him. He noted that this agreement doesn’t include what was proposed when he first heard about it but this has not more than a 150 day life. He explained that he was unsure how the search for the city manager will go or if those that voted for the separation have thought about this, but there will be 2 or possibly 3 new council members in May. He added that if they don’t start the search until May then they will lose two months and if they start the search now, they are going to be using Council Members that may not be here in three months. He stated that the search can’t become serious until May which is two months into the five month agreement with Mr. Langenfeld. He stated other than this, the agreement is fine. Councilman Marshall stated that he has no concerns with employing a life long Centralian. He stated that some of the concerns will work themselves out in the future if they decide to make a decision in the future and comfortable leaving that in their hands and is comfortable bringing Mr. Langenfeld on. Councilman Jones stated that he concurred with Councilman Marshall. A motion was made by Councilman Marshall and seconded by Councilman Jones to Approve A Resolution Approving An Employment Agreement With Forrest Langenfeld As Interim City Manager.
Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Smith, Councilman Marshall, and Mayor Williams
Nays: Councilman Sauer
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
REPORTS
City Clerk Enke reported that the spring leaf vacuuming will begin on March 15th and the burn weekends for April will be the 1st and 3rd weekends. She noted that the leaf vacuum routes and burn calendar is on the city website. She also stated that City Wide clean-up will be mid- April and more details will be released about that as it gets closer. She wished Lowell Crow the best.
City Treasurer Agee wished Lowell a long and blessed retirement.
Councilman Sauer asked Gayla Harting for an update on the dumpsters that are creating issues on city right of ways. Director Harting stated that she had contacted Republic Services about them being on right of ways that are causing hazards and being unsightly. She stated that they would be removed by March 9th and there was no question that they are to be removed since they are on city property where they should have never been placed.
Councilman Marshall stated that he wished Mr. Crow a happy retirement and it was a pleasure meeting and working with him. He also stated that in regard to Mr. Coleman’s public participation comment, he is not aware of what is happening at the former IGA location but he did see a lot of cars there one night and thought maybe it would be opened as a warehouse. He noted that he was also curious. He also stated that in regard to Mr. Kropp’s public participation comment, he tried to justify his vote with his comments and feels that they are a great station for the area. Gayla Harting stated that she has had several call about the cars on the IGA parking lot and One Hope had water main issues under their parking lot so they temporarily were using their lot.
Mayor Williams congratulated and recognized the recent accomplishments of Centralian Latavia Maines at the University of Tennessee for the second state title in women’s shot put in the Southeastern Conference. He also congratulated Malaya Downey, the new Assistant Director of the Chamber of Commerce. He stated that it is important to get the young people involved and congratulated them both. Mayor Williams also congratulated the employees that received the service awards. He stated that in regard to Mr. Crow there are things that were discussed in closed session that could not be discussed publicly but wished him the best and thinks that he did some great things while he was here.
Councilman Smith stated that he also wanted to congratulate and thank the employees that have received service awards. He also wished Lowell and his wife the best retirement and God speed.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Councilman Jones and seconded by Councilman Smith 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 6:35 p.m.
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