City of Centralia City Council Met March 22.
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 (Mayor Williams was present at City Hall and all others attended remotely)
Absent: Councilman Smith & Councilman Marshall
Staff Members Participating Physically at City Hall: Forrest Langenfeld, Interim 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; 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 expressed that he would like the City Council meetings to be in person. He stated that Salem is holding meetings open to the public and feels that Centralia should be too. Mr. Burris also requested that Roland Burris be recognized by the City Council for being a U.S. Senator. He would like Maple St. from Broadway to Rexford be named Roland Burris Way. Mr. Burris also requested that more lighting be placed on Brookside due to the streets being very dark.
Steve Coleman asked if there are more stores that are going to be opening in the Fairview Shopping Center.
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 March 8, 2021 City Council Meeting
2. Approval Of Payrolls And Vouchers In The Amount Of $899,064.94
3. Receive And Place On File The Monthly Treasurer’s Report As Of February 28, 2021
4. Approval Of Request By SAFE To Place Decorations Upon City Owned Property In The Downtown Area For Sexual Assault Awareness
Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Sauer, and Mayor Williams
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
None
BIDS
None
ORDINANCES
A motion was made by Councilman Jones and seconded by Councilman Sauer to Approve An Ordinance Accepting The Bid And Approving An Agreement For The Sale Of Certain Real Estate By The City And Authorizing Said Sale- 416 N Maple St.
Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Sauer, and Mayor Williams
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
Mayor Williams noted that these properties were the bids opened at the last Council Meeting. A motion was made by Councilman Sauer and seconded by Councilman Jones to Approve An Ordinance Accepting The Bid And Approving An Agreement For The Sale Of Certain Real Estate By The City And Authorizing Said Sale- 426 S Pine
Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Sauer, 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 Sauer to Approve An Ordinance Accepting The Bid And Approving An Agreement For The Sale Of Certain Real Estate By The City And Authorizing Said Sale- 815 Arbor Ln.
Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Sauer, and Mayor Williams
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
A motion was made by Councilman Sauer and seconded by Councilman Jones to Approve An Ordinance Accepting The Bid And Approving An Agreement For The Sale Of Certain Real Estate By The City And Authorizing Said Sale- 1834 Duck Ln.
Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Sauer, and Mayor Williams
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
RESOLUTIONS
Interim City Manager Langenfeld stated that these two proposals are tied into two existing projects and fills in gaps between them. He stated that funds were set aside in the TIF funds and were budgeted in the 2021 budget. Councilman Jones asked if the prices are comparable to the rest of the projects. Interim City Manager Langenfeld stated that he thought that it looked okay but deferred to Director Schwartz. Director Schwartz stated that it is the same price that they were doing Locust St. for. He stated that it is a proposal with bid quantity so if it is less asphalt it would be a lesser price. A motion was made by Councilman Jones and seconded by Councilman Sauer to Approve A Resolution Waiving The Bidding Requirements And Accepting A Proposal From Howell Paving For Calumet Street In The Amount Of $70,250.62.
Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Sauer, and Mayor Williams
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
Councilman Sauer stated that the prior comments made by the City Manager and Director Schwartz apply to this proposal as well. A motion was made by Councilman Sauer and seconded by Councilman Jones to Approve A Resolution Waiving The Bidding Requirements And Accepting A Proposal From Howell Paving For Calumet Street In The Amount Of $53,935.14.
Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Sauer, and Mayor Williams
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried.
OTHER BUSINESS
The discussion of in person meetings began with questions from Councilman Sauer to Attorney Behme. He asked if when they return to meetings in person will they be able to restrict numbers in the Council Chambers and require masks for entry. Attorney Behme stated that the City would have to comply with states directives for capacity and social distancing. He stated that they can require masks. He stated that they would still have to allow for the ability for people to observe or listen if capacity was reached. He asked if the recordings Gayla does would be sufficient. Gayla stated that what she does is recording, it is not live streamed. Michelle suggested setting it up as a Zoom so they could still meet in person or online the same as they are now. Councilman Sauer stated that if the number allowed in attendance was 20 and 40 showed up, he would be concerned that it would cause more consternation. Councilman Jones stated that he agrees with Councilman Sauer that with the election coming up, he wants to make sure that they are doing everything the right way. He noted that new guidelines came out but was not sure how it effected the City and questioned the Clerk. Clerk Enke stated that the new guidelines also require social distancing, and the space allows for the same number as estimated before. Councilman Jones stated that he agreed with Councilman Sauer and he feels that limiting attendance will upset people and at least by holding it electronically everyone can listen in. Councilman Jones asked Attorney Behme if they reach maximum capacity, are they still upholding the open meetings act if they turn someone away. Attorney Behme stated that there are always problems that come when you are turning people away. He stated that if you can allow 20 and 21 show up, there could be an issue. Councilman Jones stated that he feels that they should wait to return to open meetings and have the entire Council make that decision together. Councilman Sauer stated that they are closer to returning to in person meetings and it is better to hold the meetings in person. He stated that he didn’t want to make any decisions without the input of the absent Councilmen. He suggested it be placed on the next agenda to work in the direction of returning to in person meetings. Councilman Jones stated that he agreed. Mayor Williams asked the Fire Chief what would happen if they met capacity limits since he knows that this has happened in the past where additional seating was added. Fire Chief Lynch stated that they would not hit the maximum capacity as far as fire code because the amount allowed is already reduced. Councilman Sauer asked what the risk or remedy is for an open meeting act violation if someone is turned away even though they are live streaming. Attorney Behme stated that if they are live streaming we would just provide the link to watch online. He stated that if the city is not live streaming and turns someone away then they are likely to file a complaint. He stated that the first time it happens they would probably be told to not let it happen again, but if it keeps happening then there is a risk of fine or other issues. Councilman Sauer clarified that live streaming would be sufficient if there was a need to turn someone away especially during these times. He stated that they should
consider this seriously next meeting. Attorney Behme stated that there are several communities that have went to a hybrid meeting where most of the council is live and others Zoom along with department heads and members of the public can watch. Councilman Jones and Sauer stated that they both recommend it being discussed further at the next Council meeting. Interim City Manager Langenfeld stated that it is a decision for the entire Council and getting back to live meetings would be the way to go. He stated that the bridge and stage 5 are close to being met to return. He stated that even with the distancing of the staff and council there is a bit of an issue in the chamber but feels that they are close. He also concurred with the Attorney that they would not want people to feel that City business is being handled unfairly so the live streaming can be done efficiently. Mayor Williams agreed that all Councilmen should be able to provide feedback and asked that it be placed on the next agenda.
Next discussion concerning the water treatment plant began. Interim City Manager Langenfeld stated that the plans were provided by Curry and Associates, who has done a lot of engineering work at the water plant. He stated that they have thought this through very thoroughly. He stated that he wanted to get it to the Council and under consideration. He stated that it is not ready for any action tonight but will be one of the largest expenses the City has had to make. He stated that the origins of the plant are approaching 100 years old. He stated that there are good opportunities for grant money that will help provide funds for a lot of the expense. He explained that there are low bond rates and longer-term loan programs as well. He added that all he is wanting at this point is to get the discussion started because they will need to be ready in the very near future to take advantage of the opportunity of funding to solve a problem that will not go away. Mike Curry from Curry and Associates discussed the plans submitted. He stated that the existing water plant is functioning satisfactorily according to himself and the EPA. He stated that Centralia has excellent water quality. He stated that this is due to Watwood & Pyle that had the foresight to install granular activated carbon filter media many years ago. He stated that Centralia was one of the first in Illinois to do this. He stated that the physical condition of the plant is deteriorating due to age. He noted that the interior portions of the three clarifiers are all carbon steel and they were painted over 20 years ago and if drained down he would expect to see rust corrosion which can lead to unit failures which does scare him. He recalled the recent Rend Lake situation and noted that there was discussion, many years prior to the incident, about what pipe was to be used coming out of the plant. He stated that the engineers said that there should be prestressed concrete, and someone suggested that steel was cheaper. He said it was cheaper, but Rend Lake was without water for a long time when there eventually was a failure. He stated that Centralia still has approximately 12,000 ft of steel line still coming from the pump station at Boulder and he would recommend replacing that with PVC line. He stated that as Forrest eluded if there are any programs, he thinks that the government will be looking for shovel ready projects the same as they did in 2008 when additional funding was provided. He stated that the City also would not want to rush into any sudden decision which will leave it up to the Mayor and Council. Councilman Sauer stated that there were some talks of additional infrastructure money and some of the approximate costs of the plan into the budget for this fiscal year. He also asked if this would be a 5-year project from beginning planning to operation. Mike Curry stated that it could be 5 years. Councilman Sauer stated that reading the conceptual plan was enlightening and he understood it. He summed up his level of concern about failure. He stated that the comments included if the main largest component broke down and fell below 80% capacity, the City would go on a restricted list. He asked from what Mr. Curry has observed and is familiar with is the city really looking at a risk in the next 5 years. Mr. Curry stated that there are routine failures of engine pumps which is common for a piece of electrical equipment submerged in water and the city could handle that. He stated that problems are that some of the operators have expressed concerns to him about the corrosion of the clarifier mechanisms that are submerged and not able to be seen unless they are drawn down. He stated that he feels that it could be drained down in order to look at it and the operators would like to have some input. Councilman Sauer asked if they would like to have input into the design of the system or input into whether the City has Curry and Associates do the conceptual plan. Mr. Curry stated that he felt that they would like to have input concerning if it is going to move forward. He stated that over the last few years they have asked when the City is going to get a new plant and he feels that they are concerned about the duration of operation without any massive failure. He stated that he asked the City Manager to meet with Curry and Associates and those that work at the facility to have a work session that would include the media. He stated many people are not going to read the plan presented and understand it so if there is a question-and-answer session it may help. Mr. Curry stated that it is important to have the EPA on board up front as well. It was suggested that an open meeting be held as a walk thru at the facility and Councilman Sauer asked the attorney about the process. Attorney Behme stated that they would just be required to post the agenda ahead of time with the location. He expressed concern about public attendance off site due to restrictions though. Councilman Sauer then suggested having a meeting in the Council Chambers and then another time later at the site if necessary. He reiterated that this would be the biggest undertaking of the Council and he thinks it needs to be open to the public and the reasons why they are looking at it this way needs explained. Councilman Sauer stated that the first work session should be informational in the Council Chambers. Interim City Manager Langenfeld stated that they could possibly do a video tour of the plant that could be shown at the meeting in the Council Chambers. He stated citizen participation and getting the information out is critical. He noted that there are existing funding vehicles that would make it much more suitable for Centralia. He stated that it is important to keep the rates as low as possible for the citizens. He stated that getting started on this now is important to be ready when the time comes. Councilman Jones stated that he agreed with Councilman Sauer and thanked Mr. Curry for the report. He questioned where the water line discussed would start from. Mr. Curry explained that most of the water line was replaced in phases with PVC, but the section of the line that remains steel that needs replaced starts at the Boulder pump station and runs approximately 12,000 feet down Shattuc Rd. Councilman Jones stated that a generator for back up power did not appear to be included. Mr. Curry stated that it will need to be included and the pumps at Carlyle would have to be increased in capacity and they will have to replace the generator there too. He agreed that backup power would be an integral part of the plan. He stated that he agreed with Councilman Sauer that a work session needs planned to discuss the plan since it involves such a large amount of money. Councilman Sauer questioned the date on the plan that included December 2020. Mr. Curry stated that the previous City Manager had asked for it. Councilman Sauer stated that the candidates that are running for office should also have copies of this plan right away. Interim City Manager Langenfeld stated that if that is what they would like it can be shared. Mayor Williams stated that he would like to get started as soon as possible with a work session and noted that he was disappointed that it was first provided in December and the Council is just now getting it. He stated that it is important to get started as quickly as possible cause the system is not going to get better, it will get worse. He asked Interim City Manager Langenfeld if it would happen within the next couple weeks and asked the Clerk if it was possible. The Clerk stated that there would need to be a two day notice with the agenda and meeting information provided. Mr. Curry thanked the Council for the opportunity to participate in the meeting. Councilman Jones thanked him again for the report and the history of where the plant was at and where it is now. Mayor Williams again reiterated his disappointment of just receiving the information.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
REPORTS
City Clerk Enke stated that this was the last meeting prior to the election and she encouraged residents to vote on April 6th.
Interim City Manager Langenfeld stated that it is a pleasure to be attending the meeting with the Council and has enjoyed working with the city staff. He stated that the Mayor, Derek Sherman and Gayla Harting along with Greg Sutton and lobbyist, Jeff Torricelli participated in a conference call with IHDA. He stated that Greg Sutton has expressed a lot of interest in housing programs. He stated that the meeting was to position the City to formally participate in a comprehensive housing plan at no cost to the City that will prepare the City to apply for grants with IHDA. He added that the developers can gain points and status on tax credits on projects though the housing tax credit administered by the State. He stated that this will also help the City this summer when applying for DCEO housing rehabilitation grant funds. He stated that it went positively. He stated that IHDA will assign four full time staff members and all of their data bases while working with City staff to put together a comprehensive housing improvement program that will be beneficial to the community. He thanked Mr. Torricelli and everyone else that participated. He stated that this study would typically cost around $75,000 to $100,000 that the City will get at no charge from the State and will move the city forward to get grants to improve the lives of the residents. Mayor Williams asked Mr.Torricelli to comment on the significance. Mr. Torricelli stated that Mr, Langenfeld summed it up very well but he added that this will make up almost every component for the comprehensive plan because it is a true partnership with the State. He noted that there will be a small expenditure to complete the comprehensive plan but it will be a cost savings and approved by the State of Illinois. He stated that this is a great opportunity. He thanked the staff at IHDA as well. Mayor Williams thanked Mr. Torricelli and stated this is another example of moving the City forward. Interim City Manager Langenfeld stated that Mr. Torricelli is a tremendous asset in Springfield and Chicago. He stated that everyone is requesting help in some form or another and having his skill set and experience is an asset for the City. He stated that they intend to work him hard the next few months to improve revenues to the City without putting the burden on the taxpayers.
Councilman Jones stated that he agreed with Councilman Sauer and Mayor Williams about wanting the water plant information sooner. He wished all of the candidates running in the election good luck and encouraged everyone to get out and vote for their candidate of choice.
Councilman Sauer thanked Jeff Torricelli and the Interim City Manager Langenfeld. He stated that as they have learned that when the State pays for the plan it makes more likely that the State is going to help pay to achieve some of the things in the plan as well. He stated that he agreed with Councilman Jones and encouraged everyone to get out and vote in all of the elections.
Mayor Williams thanked Mr. Torricelli for his time and stated that the City will be putting some challenges before him in the next few months to keep the City moving forward. He reminded residents that April 1st is opening day of baseball season and April 1st is also Gary Gaetti Day. He stated that it will be celebrated at the sports academy on April 1st. He replied to the public participation comment concerning honoring Roland Burris. He stated that he had talked to Mr. Torricelli about what the City could do to honor him and also to honor James Brady. He also noted that the City is moving forward with the housing, comprehensive plan, and water plant which are good steps and positive for the City and he is excited to see what will happen.
ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Councilman Jones and seconded by Councilman Sauer To Adjourn The Meeting.
Ayes: Councilman Jones, Councilman Sauer, and Mayor Williams
Nays: None
A majority of the Council voting aye, the motion carried, and the meeting was adjourned at 6:48 p.m.
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